Everyone wants to know exactly how much money I make online and I never really have one article stating this. If you are a real genius you could probably add up the income methods I have exposed but you would never get the true picture. How could you, as I have 20 websites? (I think?)

The other way you could add it up is to look at other people’s income statements that have similar blogs to me and times that by the number of websites I have.. Yeah right!

Anyway I have absolutely nothing against people showing their income statements but I have reasons why I will not show mine.

It took me years to get a good income going because I was too busy confirming that money could actually be made online and neglected my own actions. Checking out what other were earning and not how to earn the money held my success back.

What does it do for you? Well you can see how well a particular blogger is doing. “Oh that’s a nice income, wish I could do that!’ Looking at other peoples success is like wishing for millions of dollars to be dropped on your front door step. If that’s what you like doing then you are not an action taker and earning money online takes action.

How is knowing someone else’s earnings going to make you earn money? I think education is far more beneficial. After all, making money online involves a lot of strategy and psychology. Wouldn’t you rather learn how I make money so you can earn a great living online yourself?

I like it when people show their income statements and then tell you what they did to make this money. There is education in that! (exact examples are best!)

Yes I have seen some amazing mock ups of income statements and even website stats. Unfortunately in this day and age you cannot believe everything you see. Web masters are desperate to appear successful so you never know what they might say and do.

Hey I know how to use Photoshop to manipulate screen shots and I can make up great money making stories as well. With all this being possible, why would I bother?

Here is a comment someone left me on an article about building a million dollar business.

I believe it is bad manners to ask a person how much they earn. Do you walk up to a complete stranger in the street and ask them what their monthly income is? I guess your answer is NO!

OMG I do not know. Obviously I am only taking a guess here.

To prove something

I guess this is the main reason webmasters show their income statements? It could be to show their success, prove their authority, or even to simply boast a bit.

To sell something

They need to show that they make money online in order to sell their product. Also the sales list usually contains affiliate links.

To Increase Website Traffic

It is a well know fact that posting income statements attracts website traffic.

To be Part of the Pack

Everyone else is doing it so why not do the same? There are sheep everywhere so this is nothing new.

To Promote Affiliate Programs

Sometimes if you can say you are making money through a certain affiliate program and others want to join, you get a bonus for referring them.  For example, if I recommend Kontera to you and you start making money, I get 5% of your earnings as well as my own.

I know many millionaires, billionaires, and I know many poor people scratching for every last cent to buy their daily bread and milk.

The money is not going to rub off on you, but the techniques and strategies used to make that money might. Also the positive attitude, the confidence and determination might transfer to you if you let it. But please don’t focus on someone else’s money.

mitz – who has written 203 posts on Lets Build Websites.

I am addicted to internet marketing and making money online. Who wouldn’t want to live that life? I started out with one website as a hobby and now have over 20. Building websites and making money online is not that hard. You have to actually take action to make money…that is the biggest hurdle!

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