During my campus days, I discovered my passion for technology and decided to channel it into something productive. Inspired by my love for gadgets and gaming, I started a tech blog, “Digital Street”, as a hobby, documenting my experiences and insights in the ever-evolving world of technology. Initially, my blog had a modest following, mostly comprised of fellow students and tech enthusiasts.
As I delved deeper into my niche, I realised the importance of consistent and quality content. I covered emerging tech trends, reviewed gadgets, and shared coding tutorials that resonated with my audience. To stand out in the crowded tech space, I engaged with my readers through comments, social media, and forums, building a community around my blog. This not only strengthened my connection with my audience but also helped in understanding their preferences and interests.
As my blog gained traction, I leveraged different platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter), to diversify my content and reach a broader audience. Collaborating with other tech influencers and attending industry events further expanded my network and credibility.
Over time, my tech blog eventually grew, attracting sponsorships, partnerships, and invitations to major tech events. The journey from “Digital Street” starting off as a university hobby to becoming a recognised brand, taught me the importance of authenticity, continuous learning, and adapting to the dynamic tech landscape.
Here are some of the key take-aways I’ve gathered over the last 12 years, as well as pointers you could use in your journey to becoming a tech-influencer:
Authenticity is key
This is important when its content that you are creating. Be genuine and share your honest opinions. Your audience will always appreciate authenticity, and it helps build trust in the long run.
Being consistent matters more than you think!
Regularly publish high-quality content to keep your audience engaged.
Don’t ignore your audience.
Try your best to respond to comments, participate in discussions, and listen to your audience’s feedback. Building a community around your content strengthens your influence.
Networking is a crucial aspect.
Try to connect and collaborate with other tech-influencers, attend industry events, and participate in online forums. Networking opens doors to collaborations, partnerships, and new opportunities.
Now you’re probably thinking: “How can a blog be turned into a side-hustle?”. Well, monetising a blog brand requires a combination of strategic planning, quality content, audience engagement as well as diversification of revenue streams. Here are some of the methods which I’ve managed to use to monetise my tech blog/brand so far:
Affiliate Marketing
This is the process of promoting relevant products or services to earn a commission for each sale or lead generated through your affiliate links.
Advertising
This requires, amongst other things, using an ad network like Google AdSense.
Sponsored Content
Collaborate with tech companies for sponsored content or product reviews. However, ensure that you are transparent by clearly disclosing sponsored content to your audience.
SEO Optimisation
This is optimising your content for search engines to attract organic traffic. Keep in mind that higher traffic can lead to increased monetisation opportunities. Stay informed about SEO best practices and algorithm changes.
Analytics/Data
Use analytics tools to track user behaviour, trending/popular content, and demographics. This data will assist you in refining your content and monetisation strategy.
Lastly, regularly analyse your blog/brand performance and adjust your approach based on the insights gathered. I hope these insights have helped you, and that you are now on your way to becoming Africa’s next big tech-influencer.
