Three years ago, I did something that changed the course of my life. It may sound trivial, but I enrolled in a very special course. I enrolled in Elite Blog Academy, to be specific. I knew I wanted to make a go at this “blogging thing,” but I needed help. And I got it.
Here’s my story (I recorded this two years ago, on my first anniversary, just so you have some context as to the dates and other references I make):
The thing is, Elite Blog Academy only opens for enrollment once a year — this year that was March 2-6, 2020 — and it will open again in March 2021. Enrolling, studying, and implementing what I learned in the course made all the difference for me and my blog. ALL THE DIFFERENCE, friends. So I can’t in good conscious let their enrollment period go by without telling pretty much everyone I know about it. Even if only one of you enrolls and really makes the most of the course is enough reason for me to talk about it.
I believe in Elite Blog Academy so much I’m going to give away a full scholarship to it. I want to be absolutely sure at least one of you has the opportunity to take it this year. I know it’s pricey (I had to put it on a credit card last year, but it was the best money I spent in all of 2017). And thanks to Elite Blog Academy, I can afford to be generous this year and help someone else. (I wish I could help you all, but I’ll have to settle for one.)
Why I Love Elite Blog Academy
When I enrolled in Elite Blog Academy, I was pretty sure the course was going to help based on the reviews I read. But I wasn’t prepared for HOW MUCH it would help.
As it turned out, EBA offered the structure and guidance I really needed. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed when you’re looking for help and running across independent advice and differing opinions on everything from picking out a name to driving traffic. In EBA, Ruth leads you through all of the important aspects of creating a genuinely profitable blog. And I loved that Ruth told me to finish each unit before completing the next one … which is exactly what I did. I worked through the course meticulously, doing everything Ruth said — even when it normally would have been outside my comfort zone — because the structure made me feel so secure. Knowing that I was using proven techniques was so tremendously helpful for building and growing my blog.
The course is broken down into four modules, each with three units. And each unit has its own video, workbook, transcript, and multiple assignments. It’s a VERY comprehensive course.
In module 1, called Refine Your Message, I learned how to create a really strong foundation for my blog! During this unit, I found my niche (I moved from a general mom blog to DIY projects & crafts), picked a better blog name that properly reflected my focus (JenuineMom to JenniferMaker), and figured out how to structure my blog so visitors could actually FIND my content.
In module 2, called Grow Your Traffic, I learned how to truly grow my blog and audience. I came into EBA with about 10,000 pageviews per month, which were hard-won during the months on my own. I’m currently at a quarter of a TWO million pageviews a month because of EBA!
In module 3, called Monetize Your Platform, I found out about ad networks (which I didn’t even know existed before EBA) and joined one, skyrocketing my little blog’s ad revenue into something substantial. The moment I saw that first month’s ad revenue was the moment I knew I was going to make a profitable blog. But then something more amazing happened — I launched my first product during this module. To my utter astonishment, my first blog product (my design course) made $15,000 in five days. I never would have made this product, nor launched it the way I did, without EBA.
In module 4, called Build Your Business, I began to think big. I learned that the bigger my goal, the bigger my results. I was no longer afraid to just go for it (well, maybe just a little… but it was no longer stopping me). I believed in myself and my money making crafts blog. And I learned how to overcome my limiting beliefs about what I could do as a blogger. I now set big goals that make me feel scared. My last product launch was intense and pushed me in directions I hadn’t gone before, and most of the time I was pretty scared — but I STILL did it. And it was super successful! I now regularly set big goals I never would have done before, and I’m getting big rewards in return.
EBA pushed me beyond just building a blog into really creating a sustainable business … all based on my crafts.
How Much of a Difference Did EBA Make For Me?
The month I began EBA (February 2017), I made $89.08. One year later (February 2018), well… you can add two zeros to the end of that number, and then some (If you want specifics, get on my blogger mailing list — I share my income reports there.) Three years later and I’m well into the six figures.
But it’s more than just the money. I connect with so many more amazing people now that I have a strong blog. I touch their lives and inspire them to do more and be more.
Every morning I wake up and I’m SO grateful.
How to Get a Free Scholarship to Elite Blog Academy
January 2021 Update: This is now closed! And I do not plan to offer a free scholarship this year (2021) because the program has changed a LOT. But watch for news from me about my own programs coming in the future.
Previous Elite Blog Academy Scholarship Winners
- 2020 – Jennifer Hamby and Ally Trujillo
- 2019 – Peggy Breeland
- 2018 – Liz Giberson
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How awesome! And so very generous. I have wanted to do EBA for a couple of years now but have never had enough money to do so. So I am hoping that this year will be the one. Thank you so much for hosting the giveaway
Ruth molenaar
THanks so much for the chance to do this – I have been involved with crafts and teaching for a very long time – work hard as a Nurse but plan on starting my own you tube and blog soon – I think I have some great ideas just need the right knowledge and a kick to get going on it
This is what I’d like to do! I have crafted for years and would like to go back into selling Products That I Love. Thannks for sharing.
This is wonderful Jennifer! Thank you for doing this. I have no doubt that besides all of your hard work, part of your success is attributed to how generous you are. The universe brings it all back to you and more!
So funny – I run a Disney food blog and knew you from Passporter there. I started a craft blog and found your site by accident and remember thinking, man… that name looks familiar…. Small world! This is a great blog, and I’ve found the 30 day craft organization challenge to be very helpful!! Thanks for the opportunity you’re providing here!
Oh, how awesome is that, Vanessa — what a small world, indeed!!
Thank you for this opportunity. I appreciate it. I am having trouble showing that I have posted this to facebook and that I’ve shared it with friends. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.
Thank you Jennifer for the chance at winning a scholorship! I’m sort of in the same positition as you were and hope that EBA will help me make big changes!
Thank you so much for this giveaway and invest in one of us! This is so generous from you. Love hearing about your EVA journey, so inspiring! I’m a sahm with twins toddler and with my blog I want to help overwhelmed moms and create a positive space for moms with ADHD like me (condition not so known in France). EBA will be so useful for me to change my life and to all those busy moms! Love your blog btw!
You are so beautiful, Jennifer! You are such an inspiration to so many, including me! I didn’t win your scholarship to EBA, but I’m not terribly disappointed because I haven’t even started a blog… yet! I will be commenting on your other posts and social media sites in order to ask specific questions on the topics you presented there. I just wanted to take a quick minute to say hi and let you know I appreciate you. Take care!
Hi Jennifer I am a member of the 30 day Craft room organization group. I think you know who I am. I am the person that makes all my own storage and I also did the Inventory control sheet in the files for the group. Anyway I didn’t know you were connected to EBA. I know everything was in March but I have a problem. I wanted to start a blog and I got a lot of info.,but it overwhelmed me. I don’t know what info is good and what info is bad. I wanted to start a blog about how to live on less and other stuff skills. I have a domain name but no webpage yet. it is called lifesstuffskills.com I have been writing content but don’t know how it should be presented on the site. I have spent 40 years helping others get their life on track. I have never been scared before but I think my age has done a number on me. LOL Is there anything that doesn’t cost money because I can’t afford anything. You are so great helping the other crafters get stuff organized. I am stuck with my blog can you help me get the right info.
Hi, Judy! I have a free mini blogging course that is delivered via email. If you want to sign up for it, just go to this post — — and fill out the form at the bottom. Or email me at [email protected]
This is so kind and generous of you! 🙂
Hey Jennifer, thanks so much for running this giveaway! I’ve alllllways wanted to do EBA. Love your blog, I’m considering becoming a crafty person when my daughter is a little older and we can do stuff together! But I might have to try out your glitter tumbler tutorial sooner than that. 😀
I am FLOORED by your generosity! What an amazing way to give back and share what worked for you with so many others! I am grateful to have found you as a mentor for blogging AND my new cricut crafting obsession!
Oh, thank you, Sondra!!
I need all the help I can get! I have the blog but no following or email list yet or way to monetize. Really need to make an income so I can work from home which would help with my family and my arthritis. Thank you for this opportunity and for your generosity. Tara
oh man, winning this would be awesome. That’s all i need to say.
You’re an amazing woman with an awesome story! An inspiration ❤
Aw, thank you, Angela!
Wow! This is oh so generous of you! ?
Jennifer,
You are truly an inspiration and your story is so important in this era of seemingly self-centered meanness. If I were twenty years younger, I would be all over this opportunity to explore my creative and ambitious side. I am fortunate to have had a very successful and satisfying (if not artistically creative) career and can now just enjoy being motivated by your great projects which I am then able to gift to my family and friends.
Thank you for your wonderful work and know you are making the world a better place with your talent, grace and love!
Hi!, thanks again for your generosity!
So exciting and how very generous!! I love your blog 🙂
Awesome, generous and amazing opportunity! Love visiting your blog for inspiration and daily motivation to HUSTLE. I have so much to learn about creating a successful business that I have and hope to continue to learn from you. You are a fantastic mentor, teacher and blogger! Cheers to your continued success! Thank you again!
Thank you so much for doing this! You are very generous, not only with your time, but your heart! I have been learning from you for over a year and am looking forward to even more!
Hi, Jennifer!
I saw this wonderful gift, and I literally teared up! I’ve never been able to afford to do EBA, and I’ve had to keep putting it off (about 4-5 years)… hoping one day I’ll have an opportunity. So I am very grateful to you for the chance to win this scholarship. I know you will be blessed for your generosity, and so will the winner! I am so inspired by your story and your success! I feel like there’s still hope for me to achieve my dreams. Thank you so much!
What an awesome thing for you to do. I have learned so much from you in the short period of time I have owned my Cricut. You explain things in an easy to follow and understand manner and that makes all the difference in the world to me. Thanks! Also, GO BLUE!
Thank you very much Jennifer for this amazing opportunity to grow our blogs/businesses through the valuable information.
This is really kind of you! I have always heard of the phrase ‘paying it forward’ but never really saw it happen in real life till I have seen this blog-post.
I really hope I win this though.. Being a broke student, nothing would be great than getting elite blog academy for free!
Fingers crossed?
First of all I want to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. Blogging has always intimated me, soon I hope to be able to build a blog that I can share all kinds of things on. From cooking, gardening, sewing to crafts, and what ever else pops up. This would be a blessing. Keep up the good work Jennifer.
Thank you Jennifer for hosting this giveaway. I too like you in the being need extra income for my hubby and I. Love all the 5 star info you have graciously shared. I have wanted to do this for awhile but due to like of funds being on SS.I just haven’t been able too. I’m excited now for my future!!! I’m a sharing person too.
Thank you for the opportunity to get this scholarship. I am in awe of your blog and your story gives me motivation to finally break down and blog. My biggest fears have always been security and trolls, but you have overcome both. Thank you again for the generous opportunity and the continued inspiration.
Thank you so much for this incredibly generous gift! I’m holding everything that I get picked – you have been such an inspiration thank you !!! With love from Jenny in Sunny South Africa