When Murray revealed the conclusion for the 1k Challenge, wow, was it a kick in the rear! 
No, really there was a lot learned in participating in a constructive exercise in which the goal was to crank out as much articles as you can in 100 days.
I actually made money! Yay!
You see, the first month was only a taste and it showed me what I needed to do to earn more. And this is important in participating in something new. You have to give it your all!
Furthermore, this was evident in the number of posts that were written up-front, which means you were the first 5 to contribute to. Here’s proof of it.
Remember this was only within my first month with over 35 articles. Blogging already was a habit which helped transitioned the process of article writing into something easy. So as I looked around I noticed that there were contests. Thus, I found another stream which could boost the earnings up higher.
So there’s now two advantage to writing on Helium:
- up-front earnings
- potential winnings from contests
The contests alone already gave you up-front articles to contribute to so there you have it. And what’s better? This can help skyrocket your earnings to double or triple it. Hence, with some effort and time management, you can be making more than hundreds per month.
That’s not potential. It’s proof!
Check out Murray’s October earnings report. Not only did he rocked the challenge but he owned it as much as he proposed it. So he’s walking the talk!
What to Work On
The one thing which we all didn’t work on a lot of was the social marketing part of it. This would have pulled in more traffic and even turned the pennies into dollars which I’ve seen a couple of the articles convert to.
These were evident through stumbleupon, twitter, digg and even facebook. Other times, it’s a matter of the topic at hand because it takes off on it’s own. And these are normally subjects by popular demand like social media, gadgets, writing and technology.
There were also seasonal topics which brought in quite a stir when you can be the first to be seen. So it’s a matter of investing your time wisely to do the research and then getting it out there. When it’s published, once it reaches the front pages of the Helium, which I’ve noticed is random, all those cents can really add up.
That’s why, when Murray, proposed the challenge early on, it was to let you see the potential and for you to make it happen.
I saw potential and not only that, I saw optimization as well.
What’s exciting is there are more networks to combine with these efforts as we own the rights to the articles, so I do believe I’m in good hands here as not only is Murray a professional at what he does, he’s passing on the opportunity and sharing it with us who are hungry to try.
Will update you guys on those efforts as I branch more towards article marketing soon.
Group Effort and Respect
Surprisingly, I’ve met a few writers whom I’ve come to respect. It’s really about the collaborative effort and camaraderie in challenging one another to be all that we can be much like a mastermind group. And I have to say, hat’s off to Gene Patterson, which if you didn’t know it yet, is Steve Scott’s older brother.
Way to go my friend! You’ve really crush it as Murray has said. Not only does great writing runs in the family but together, you guys better watch out now, Gene’s going to be blogging soon. Can’t wait!
So be afraid, be very afraid. 
Now, when I got on the bandwagon, I was really on it. I’ve documented the challenge on my 1000 Articles page and I’m going to keep at it because it’s something I will continue. That’s the point of the challenge – to enable you to not stop.
Well, as time went on, especially for the month of October, I fell off the radar with more than I can handle and when you’re busy, that means good things are happening. And that’s why I found myself pausing. I didn’t stop.
With a new mailing list about to be launched soon, I’m focusing on giving you a kick-a@@ e-course on blogging. So I had to shut off the internet and limit my writing down to one focus – list writing.
But here is good news, look forward to a report in the coming new year about article marketing which I’ll release as well. Could be a collaborative. Who knows? So before it happens, let me walk the walk first.
Report and Earnings
So what happened throughout 100 days in this 1k challenge?
Contests won:
- 2nd place Show Me the Money – $30
- 2nd place SEO Tips – $30
Total articles:
- 72 with 68 in profitable categories
Total earnings:
- $126.93
So you can see that about half the earnings are from up-front payments and Adsense earnings from traffic. All in only two months time! The last month saw a lack in participation so that doesn’t really count. What does is what you see above.
It’s proof that you can make money online and without much effort but write!
Here are some screenshots from my account of the final earnings:
Final Thoughts
Article marketing definitely works. With a group collaborative you’ll get farther and be more motivated. Furthermore, challenges are happening left and right around you. Just grab a hold of it and participate! Because if you’re just reading this and are doubting yourself, you’ll never make money.
Just do it. The results are there. You just have to take action. Thanks to Murray, I did and now I can’t stop. It’s a process which once you understand, quitting just doesn’t make sense. It’s about hitting it out of the ballpark from thereon. So you have to work it.
If you’ll like to try your hand at Helium, comment below and I’ll send you an invite. Really, I want you to try for yourself and see the difference. The 1000 Articles page also has more walk-throughs and information on how to start plus more if you’re curious.
What are your thoughts on article marketing? Share your thoughts.
IMAGE: From Pair and Group Writing Activity
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Twitter: designer_digest
says:
wow, That is pretty good earnings. Why dont you try out Adsense. It really works. I have been using it for long time and it pays off well.
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Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hey Kevin,
Thanks! I want to focus on article marketing for the moment. And with the new mailing list launch soon, that along with blogging is kind of taking up more than I can handle. So as I get more time, I’ll test around Adsense, perhaps with building minisites later on, which I’m following closely some friends on what they’re doing.
Got any tips or best methods for implementing Adsense into my blog?
Hehe. Good earnings . I = 00.00$
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Twitter: gene_patterson
says:
Thu,
Thanks for the nice mention! I appreciate it!
I had a wonderful time in that contest. Even though I ended up 3rd to your 2nd place two contests in a row >.< .
LOL, those things aren't easy, i guess even third is decent.
I hope you keep at writing there, and join in on some of the other sites… I think Murray is coming up with some further ideas for other sites…I have an idea and have started doing some on my own…but I won't steal his thunder.
Anyhow the upfronts get even better if you make sure that your articles have the highest possible writing stars right before the end of the month. (leapfrogs and making sure you have enough for the next "tier" if you are close.
It doesn't effect the residuals, but absolutely kills when it comes to upfronts. I actually did quite well..though I spent a significant amount of time writing, as I am sure you can image. Total earnings: $655.75.
Considering $430 of that was in the last month that is a nice trend up…a lot of that because I worked the upfronts in the last month.
Anyway I had a great time and look forward to seeing you there (and here) some more…
Gene
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hi Gene!
I know what you’re talking about when you say it’s not easy in the contests. On days, I’m ahead, the next I’m at the bottom. Really, I didn’t know you were part of the challenge too until we were going head to head and that Steve said you were his brother.
Doh! Well, I guess one thing I learned is it was nice competition. No overthrow intended.
Yes, I kind of slacked off on the writing stars and am aware of their potential. Haven’t really leapfrogged any posts but have had them deleted quite a few times. And that can get quite frustrating.
I definitely am going to continue. It’s not the end. As I said, it’s going to go out of the ballpark soon with round 2! I’m thinking of proposing another challenge after this. Right after I launch the mailing list though.
Man, I would kill to get what you’ve gotten. However, you deserve it. Like I said, you knocked the wind out of me but here comes Murray, LOL, I felt like there was a race going on between the both of you before the last week.
Overall, I had a lot of fun. Would like to collaborate again in the next efforts and as Murray said, with less so that it’s achievable.
Congrats Gene for getting yourself on the game! Looking forward to your blog soon too.
Talk later,
Thu
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hi Kpop!
I love the name and welcome to Blogging For.
Don’t worry, the first few months online. That’s what I got as well. However, I must say, a random earnings here and there do add up. The secret = stability. In time, my friend, in time.
Would love to see you around here often.
Talk soon!
Thu
Twitter: moon_hussain
says:
Thu,
That’s a job well done! Can I ask you: what topics did you focus on? Did you focus on blog-related or did you branch out for each article?
But what you Murray did: amazing!
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Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hey Moon,
I did a lot of articles on SEO, technology/services, employment, market trends and writing. So it was more technical than the blog writing. Thus, you can say more corporate.
It seems stumbleupon loves those writing articles though. As for SEO topics, they convert really well too in Helium. However, my favorites are being able to debate and chime in on certain topics which can be a bit arbitrary but nonetheless is your own voice, so that gives me a break from all the technical writing.
Hope that answers you question. Great one BTW.
Looking forward to your ebook soon, so I’ll talk to you later!
Thu
Congratulations Thu – you were a real trooper and I’m so glad that you joined in on the project – I’m glad that you saw through just the writing aspect of it and used it to boost your work in other areas such as your list
It’s always great when we know the projects we work on goes beyond just the monetary gain – I think this has really put everyone in the mindset to kick some major ass in the next project – with the free time that we have now away from the articles + that focus, we can really tackle anything now.
From here, I hope that we’ll make that transition as Moon, Alex, Pat and others have with niche websites and businesses (that’ll be main focus for a bit as well).
It’s one step at a time and we showed that we could do it – now it’s just keeping the pace
Murlu´s last [type] ..1K Articles In 100 Days- The Conclusion
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Definitely Murray.
It’s about taking action and that’s all it is really. You had an idea, it went down and here are the results. Simple as that. What’s more, I actually made money and as I said, that’s proof right there that works. No lies.
Thank you! Furthermore, you’re right, I have build an ethic that has helped me think about my time online in terms of a business to leverage as it can get busy, just like real life. That was a lot to write but even in trying, there’s benefits.
Much appreciate for everything you’ve done so far!
Talk soon,
Thu
Twitter: lavenderuses
says:
Hi Thu
I read Murray’s report and was duly impressed. Now you give the heads up to this too. Is this for all writers or only those who can write about your niche? I would be interested if the topics are varied. As you know Thu, if it’s technical I’m a goner lol
Sounds like you have found an income stream that will only grow as you do more of it. Well done gal; keep rocking
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia@lavenderuses´s last [type] ..Lavenders- Small Niche Big Ideas
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Hi Patricia!
Well, the topics are varied and not technical at all. In fact, I’m sure if you write a lot about lavender and even suggest lavender topics you would make quite lots. I’m sure of it too! Another thing is it isn’t niche focused as it’s basically writing on what you know but with quality.
I also have my notes and walk-throughs on the 1000 Articles page which you can find under the Challenges on the menu above. There’s no technical process to it like building a website, so don’t worry.
So if you’re interested, just go ahead and check out Helium.com. It’s FREE! Murray said that even though I can get you in as a referral, the earnings aren’t much. But if you’ll like to join under me, let me know and I’ll gladly send over an invitation.
Glad you’re asking the right questions and learning the way things are happening around here. Love that!
Cheers and talk soon,
Thu
Thu, 10 articles a day!!! You must be a great typewriter for sure. I didn’t understand “Adjustments” thing though. You make money and they deduct it via “Adjustments” LOL!
Twitter: thublogger
says:
Thanks Joel.
Yeah, I think Helium’s earning statement is kind of confusing, I probably should ask for more.
Nonetheless, the adjustment part is something from the previous month or add-on that is different from your current total. For example, the total came out to 127 but 103 was from the previous months and not the current. Confusing I know but I think they had nothing else to call it but that, an adjustment. Hehe.
Great to hear from you again.
Thu
Have you considered submitting all those articles to article directories with different backlinks added. You are sitting on a goldmine of potential backlinks.
Cool stuff! Well with
your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep
updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and
please keep up the gratifying work.