Is Blogging the Newest Pyramid Scheme on the Block?
When I first dipped my toes into the world of blogging it felt pretty exciting. YouTube and Pinterest is rife with success story after success story, making the idea of sharing my thoughts and experiences while potentially earning some money incredibly appealing. But as I ventured further, I encountered an unexpected challenge that made me pause and reflect: could blogging be the new MLM (Multi-Level Marketing)? Let’s get into it.
What is an MLM?
Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) is a business model where individuals sell products and earn commissions not just from their sales but also from recruiting new members. These recruits, in turn, can recruit others, creating a pyramid-like structure. MLMs often promise high earnings, but many people find it challenging to achieve substantial income without significant recruiting efforts.
Key Characteristics of MLMs:
Recruitment Focus: Emphasis on recruiting new members over selling products.
Upfront Costs: New members often need to invest money to join.
Promised High Earnings: Claims of significant income potential, which can be unrealistic.
Pressure Tactics: Encouragement to recruit more members and invest more money.
Is Blogging Similar to MLM?
At first glance, blogging and MLMs might seem unrelated. However, some aspects of the blogging world can feel a bit like MLMs. Let’s explore why blogging might give off this impression and why it’s important to approach it with a discerning eye.
Gatekeeping and Information Withholding
One of the biggest hurdles new bloggers face is the sense of gatekeeping in the blogging community. It often seems like the secrets to success are just out of reach unless you pay for a course or membership. Much like MLMs, where valuable tips are often hidden behind a paywall, many successful bloggers appear to operate similarly.
Expensive Courses and Memberships
Courses and memberships promising to reveal the secrets to earning thousands of dollars in a short time are common. These often come with a hefty price tag, and the temptation to buy in can be strong, especially when you’re eager to succeed.
The Allure of Quick Success
Hearing claims like “Make $5000 in three months if you follow my steps!” can be incredibly enticing. When you’re new to blogging, these promises can feel like a golden ticket. However, it’s essential to be cautious and realistic about such claims.
Some Welcome Exceptions
When I was just exploring the concept of setting up my own blog I stumbled upon a YouTube channel run by a guy and his team who I can only describe as blogging mentors. They do offer premium packages for those who could afford them or want to fully commit to their program, but what stands out is their extensive free content and that they didn’t seem to be justs talking about selling his own courses every 3 minutes but was instead focussed on delivering excellent and actionable advice and goals for people wanting to replicate some of the successes he has had online.
Their detailed YouTube tutorials and responsive engagement in the comments section were incredibly helpful and they have (rightly) amassed a bit of a cult following.
The Unicorn Creators
This team of creators is rather a unicorn in the blogging world. Their transparency and generosity made a world of difference. They shared successes as well as failures, provided actionable advice, and genuinely seemed to want to help their audience succeed. This approach made investing in their premium content feel like a smart choice rather than a necessity.
I am in no way affiliated with these creators or channel, nor have I bought any of their paid content, but for the sake of not participating in gatekeeping and to celebrate and support those creators who act ethically and transparently HERE is the link to the channel.
Why Blogging is NOT an MLM
Despite some similarities, blogging is not an MLM. Here’s why:
Diverse Revenue Streams
Bloggers can monetize their platforms in various ways, including ads, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and selling products. Unlike MLMs, where income heavily depends on recruiting others, blogging offers multiple avenues for revenue.
Free Resources and Communities
There are plenty of free resources available if you know where to look. Facebook groups, Instagram communities, and generous YouTubers offer real, full tutorials and tips. The key is to search beyond the well-known creators and dig a little deeper.
No Mandatory Buy-In
Starting a blog doesn’t require an upfront investment in a course or membership. You can begin with a simple WordPress tutorial and access countless free resources to learn and grow your blog.
Navigating the Blogging World
The blogging community is vast and filled with opportunities. Here are some tips to help you navigate it successfully:
Seek Out Free Resources
There are countless free resources available online. From WordPress tutorials to Pinterest tips, you can find a wealth of information without spending a dime. Join Facebook groups or Instagram communities dedicated to blogging to connect with others and share knowledge.
Identifying Trustworthy Creators
Look for creators who:
– Provide detailed, actionable advice in their free content.
– Share their own experiences, including failures and lessons learned.
– Engage with their audience, answering questions and providing support.
These creators stand out by their willingness to help and their transparency. They build trust through their valuable free content, making it easier to decide if investing in their paid content is right for you. And easy to spot – their content does not feel like a repetitive sales pitch every time.
Just to be clear – there is absolutely nothing wrong with creators trying to make a living (I am one of them!) and sharing genuine links to products and courses they personally recommend or have created. It’s about the motivation and transparency behind how they do this that makes all the difference.
Invest Wisely
If you decide to purchase a course or membership, make sure it’s from a creator you trust. Look for detailed reviews and see if their free content has already provided you with value. Investing wisely can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and disappointment.
Again I am not affiliated in any way with this creator however, in the interest of avoiding gatekeeping, let me share that I did purchase one course from THIS content creator that I can highly recommend. Although she has a very large following she still manages to always share content ethically and without feeling like it’s a non-stop sales pitch.
The course was very reasonably priced, contained hours of detailed step by step guides on how to set up a website from scratch and came with a very large Facebook group that has continued to provide me invaluable support on the daily. You can still find some great resources out there people!
Build Your Own Community
If you can’t find the support you need, consider starting your own group or community. Share your journey, help others, and remember to stay grounded as you grow. Building a supportive network can be incredibly rewarding and surrounding yourself with other people who could share valuable insight about what investmentments have worked and which to avoid is a great way to avoid gatekeeping.
Creating a Supportive Network
Starting a Facebook group or online forum where bloggers can share their experiences and advice can help you and others. Not only does it create a sense of community, but it also provides a platform for sharing valuable insights and support.
Staying True to Your Values
Be the difference you want to see. As you grow and progress in your blogging career try to remember the frustration of gatekeeping and commit to being a resource for others. Share your knowledge freely and ethically, and build a reputation as a trustworthy and helpful creator. Simply put – do unto others as you would have them do to you.
Blogging is Not an MLM but there is Significant and Industry-wide Gatekeeping.
Blogging is a fantastic opportunity to share your passions and potentially earn an income with low essential start up costs. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the gatekeeping and unrealistic promises that can lure new bloggers into spending more than they can afford.
To all new bloggers out there, be careful, avoid the gatekeepers, and invest wisely. Not everything will give you the ROI you need as a newbie. Blogging is not an MLM, but navigating it requires patience, research, and a discerning eye for genuine advice.
Share Your Experience
Have you fallen victim to any of the issues mentioned in this article? Or do you have some advice for new bloggers wanting to avoid being scammed? Please leave any tips or suggestions in the comments below #nogatekeeping
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article/blog are those of the author and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is designed to raise awareness and is not intended to serve as product recommendations.
