How Blogger Robert Schrader Makes $10k/Month Traveling in China

Introduction

In a recent episode of the Niche Pursuits Podcast, Robert Schrader, the founder of Leave Your Daily Hell and several other niche travel sites, shared his journey from an English teacher in China to a successful travel blogger and content creator. Robert discussed his approach to content creation, monetization strategies, productivity tips, and the rationale behind managing multiple niche travel sites. His insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring bloggers and content creators looking to diversify their income streams and adapt to changes in the industry.

Robert’s Background and Journey into Travel Blogging

Robert Schrader’s adventure began in 2009 when he moved to China to teach English after the Great Recession. His initial blog, Leave Your Daily Hell, started as a platform to document his daily life in Shanghai. Over time, as he gained more online writing gigs, Robert transitioned his blog into a travel website. A significant turning point came in 2010 when he attended a blogging contest in Thailand, which inspired him to pursue travel blogging as a full-time career.

Initial Monetization and Content Strategy

Robert’s monetization journey started with sponsored posts, a common practice among travel bloggers at the time. He also launched a travel planning service, leveraging his expertise to help clients plan trips, particularly to Japan. His content strategy focused on creating concise, approximately 1,000-word articles that offered overviews of destinations. This approach complemented his travel planning services by providing readers with quick, informative content rather than lengthy guides.

Current Status and Diversification

Today, Robert manages four travel websites: Leave Your Daily Hell, Japan Starts Here, Thailand Starts Here, and Taiwan Starts Here. Collectively, these sites receive around half a million page views per month. His income streams are diverse, including travel planning services, sponsored posts, affiliate links, and display advertising through Mediavine. This diversification has been crucial for Robert’s success, providing resilience against Google algorithm updates and other industry changes.

Content Approach and Productivity Tips

Robert’s content follows a structured format, typically featuring a three-paragraph introduction, a main section with five short paragraphs, an FAQ section, and a conclusion. He plans his travel based on seasons and personal interests rather than relying solely on keyword research. For productivity, Robert emphasizes the importance of scheduling, discipline, and maintaining a clear separation between work and personal time. Notably, he writes his articles himself, steering clear of AI tools to ensure authenticity and personal touch.

Handling Multiple Websites and Future Plans

Robert’s decision to launch Japan Starts Here was strategically timed to capitalize on the anticipated tourism boom for the 2020 Olympics. His other niche sites developed organically as he explored different countries. Managing multiple sites has diversified his creative output and mitigated the risks associated with Google algorithm updates. Looking ahead, Robert is committed to never returning to a traditional job and continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of travel blogging.

Actionable Takeaways

  1. Create a Schedule and Hold Yourself Accountable: Allocate specific time for work and personal activities to maintain productivity and balance.
  2. Diversify Income Streams and Creative Output: Mitigate risks and adapt to industry changes by having multiple revenue sources and creative outlets.
  3. Focus on Evergreen Content: Create concise, evergreen content based on personal experiences and expertise, rather than relying solely on keyword research.
  4. Leverage Personal Interests and Unique Perspectives: Plan travel and generate content ideas based on seasons, personal interests, and unique perspectives.
  5. Continuously Update Existing Content: Revisit destinations to provide fresh perspectives and better visuals, ensuring content remains relevant and engaging.

Conclusion

Robert Schrader’s journey from an English teacher in China to a successful travel blogger is a testament to the power of passion, discipline, and adaptability. By diversifying his income streams, focusing on evergreen content, and leveraging his personal experiences, Robert has built a resilient and thriving travel blogging business. His story offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to succeed in the ever-changing world of content creation and travel blogging.

You can watch “How This Blogger Makes $10k/month Traveling in China” on YouTube.

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