On the 1st of December 2023, ShoutMeLoud had its 15th anniversary, and I wanted to share my journey that could help you and others to take up niche blogging as a serious career choice. I’m revealing a lot of my secrets in this write-up.
This is going to be long, yet interesting…
So grab a cup of coffee ☕️ and join me for this ride…
In this story, you will learn how a back-bencher turned his fetal accident into the opportunity of a lifetime.
A Little About Me: Who is Harsh Agrawal?
The best place to learn about me is by reading ShoutMeLoud about page.
Many of you might not know me, I’m Harsh Agrawal, Founder of ShoutMeLoud.
This was me back in 2016 :
I’m an accidental blogger and an engineer by education.
15 years back, I never imagined that I would live a boss-free life and would be speaking at international conferences such as Las Vegas, Slovenia, Milan to name a few.
I have dedicated my good 15+ years to learning the nuances of Blogging and marketing, just because I find this industry to be very exciting. Helping others grow has always been my biggest driving force, and this story will tell you about the important time period of this remarkable blogging journey.
Getting back to my educational background, I completed engineering (Bachelor of Technology), and I was placed in one of the most reputed I.T. Companies: Accenture.
However, destiny had something else planned for me, and you will discover it in the upcoming part of this story…
My Blogging Journey: How it all started
The first three months of blogging:
I started blogging as a passion project in September 2008 and started writing about technology hacks. I began my blogging journey on the BlogSpot platform. I was very interested in gadgets and computer security, and my first blog was about technology.
I started with the domain name virgintech.blogspot, and at the end of three months I was getting appreciation from my readers and I thought of becoming more serious and investing more time in my blog. By that time, I was unaware of the money-making possibilities of a mere blog.
I bought Web-hosting and a domain name from Dreamhost hosting and migrated my BlogSpot blog to WordPress. As I was just passed out of college and had no access to a credit card for buying the domain name and hosting, I took the help of a friend and borrowed his credit card.
Moving to WordPress turned out to be a great decision, as it put ShoutMeLoud into the world map of bloggers who were blogging on the WordPress platform. At that time WordPress was not as popular as it is now, and since it was one of the fastest growing yet misunderstood blogging platforms, I took the opportunity to help other bloggers to learn and master WordPress.
How did an accident change my life?
On June 28th, 2009, I had a terrible accident that changed my life forever. The doctors told me I could never walk again, and I nearly lost all hope and faith for a good life.
It devastated me for days, but when I saw my parents crying, the strange realization of “Am I the only one with the problem?” changed the course of my life.
This is where I had a strange realization that I’m not the only one with the problem, and this is where I should focus on how I can make things better for me and for people around me.
I was only 22, but this powerful realization has given new strength and direction to my life which is continued until now.
Since I had nothing else to do in those bedridden months, I dedicated myself entirely to blogging and SEO. I spent almost 14 hours a day in front of my laptop, most of the time writing and learning new things.
Those seven months of being stuck in bed changed everything in my life and gave me a new direction. I read as much as I could and implemented them on my website. That non-stop incremental growth made me a learning machine. More on it later…
Anyhoo, a note of gratitude to the excellent surgeon, I ultimately could walk and run again after that life-changing accident.
Selecting a domain name + Hosting
By the end of three months, I was aware of the importance of branding. Initially, I was thinking of some domain name with a keyword containing ‘Tech” but chose “Shout-Me-Loud” for its uniqueness and for better branding.
For hosting, right now, ShoutMeLoud is hosted on Kinsta.
Here are tips for choosing a domain name:
How ShoutMeLoud discover its niche?
Initially, I wrote about the tech stuff I discovered because of my curious attutude. Later on, when I discovered that blogging could make money, I was blown away by this idea.
I was wondering why nobody told me that I could follow my passion and make money. That’s where I made a mission that I will let others know about blogging and how they can follow their passion and live a boss-free life.
Life has much more to offer than working for someone and living paycheck to paycheck.
This is where I started sharing everything I was learning about blogging and started sharing my experience of making money from blogging.
Since all content was based on my learning experience and experiments, soon ShoutMeLoud visitors started liking it, and that’s how ShoutMeLoud found its niche.
My First Income from blogging:
As I mentioned, I started blogging out of passion and love for writing.
I did not understand what AdSense was or what SEO was when I started. I was a hobby blogger, and with time I learned about AdSense and other advertising programs. Before that I learned SEO by reading many blogs and experimenting daily.
I still remember my first $10, which I earned by helping a 45-year-old Australian guy with his WordPress issue. That was my first online income, and that’s how I discovered PayPal, which enables anyone to receive payment globally. Later on, I added AdSense, and in the first month, I made $40, which I still consider a remarkable start.
The thing took off when I learned about affiliate marketing and made my first $47 via affiliate marketing. That sale opened my eyes to the possibilities of earning money via blogging, and I realized that it is possible to live a dream life.
Hobby Blogger To Professional Blogging:
Back in March 2009, I left my full-time job for 6 months, and I took up professional blogging as my full-time career.
It was not a straightforward decision, and convincing my family was not easy, but I took my chance and selected what I liked.
By that time, I started making decent money that could take care of my daily needs.
I should let you know that I’m not a planned guy. Instead, I’m more of a go-with-the-flow kinda person.
Partnership with another Blogger:
Around January 2011, I partnered with Rahul Bansal, a Pune-based blogger, to take blogging to the next level. Since we both have a similar vision for empowering the youth with online money-making/Digital marketing, we thought of doing this together.
Later, things didn’t turn up as expected, so I shifted back to Delhi to start my venture. I learned a lot from Rahul, and I greatly admire this gentleman.
Here is a picture of my and Rahul taken at a WordCamp event in 2017.
ShoutMeet – Effort to Spread Professional Niche Blogging Idea
My dream and vision now are to make blogging a full-time business and help individuals around the globe to master the art of niche blogging.
I was quite open to helping others and met many of the pro-bloggers of India before they started their journey. Guided them with the right mindset, and I’m happy to see many of them growing to become their boss.
In 2015, ShoutMeLoud also organized a road show where me and my team (Sharat Nikhil and others), traveled across India (Delhi to Kanyakumari), and hosted multiple bloggers’ meet. The rationale behind this was to help bloggers and individuals around the small cities network with fellow bloggers and learn the possibilities of blogging and digital marketing. With the help of ambassadors, we hosted more than 14 bloggers’ meets (non-profit) in various cities.
More helpful resources for budding individuals:
By 2016, I was looking for something new. I was happy with how ShoutMeLoud was growing, but I wanted to do more and help more people. This is where I started creating info products. I realized that e-Books could be a great learning platform for many individuals.
In the span of the first 1-2 years, I published an eBook which is a condensed form of everything I know. At the time of updating this journey, some of the books that one can get from the ShoutMeLoud store are:
- The Handbook to Affiliate Marketing
- Million dollar niche blog business
- The Google AdSense Master Handbook
That was my first experience of launching my products, and my readers loved it. Many of them learned the art of making money from niche blogs using these books, and they demanded more. They wanted me to guide them more, and I was not shy about helping anyone who was willing to learn.
This is where the idea of ShoutUniversity came into my mind. I launched a video course where I started sharing everything I knew about affiliate marketing and blogging with the members of this online course. The format was to give instant access to the course + a monthly team call to help my students tackle the challenges of niche blogging + learn what’s working in today’s time.
As you read this in 2023, my team and I are doing everything to help ShoutUniversity members grow and excel in niche blogging.
Many people have asked me how I manage multiple high-quality niche blogs. Let me tell you, it’s not easy. However, I pick the topic of the blog based on my interest area, so it never gets boring. I don’t do it for money, I believe money is the by-poduct of your passion.
Whenever I hire someone (Editor, Writer, Designer), I ensure they are working because they are passionate about what they are doing.
Earning from Niche Blogging:
This is the most exciting part of my blogging life. If I had gone ahead with my 9-6 job, I would be making $40-50k per year.
With blogging and other online activities, I make the same or more amount within a month.
Moreover, by the end, I’m my boss and work as I wish. I hope you also end up living this kind of life one day. I never imagined blogging could offer so much, and I feel I’m just getting started.
My Awards: Dose of Inspiration
Being a backbencher, awards are not something I look forward to. TBH, I’m not an award kind of guy, but when ShoutMeLoud won the best blog awards numerous times, it definitely made me realize that I’m onto creating something big.
However, my most immense joy came after receiving the “entrepreneurship award” from the same college, “Hindustan College of Science and Technology,” where I have spent four years of my life.
However, my real gifts of life are emails from my readers –
The biggest challenge as a blogger:
The last 15 years have been incredible, but it also comes with a significant price. This section is more of a suggestion if you take a route as a blogger, freelancer, or someone working from home.
Our work style requires minimum social interaction, less physical movement, and no cheerleaders, and this has its advantages and significant disadvantages. So you need to find a balance to ensure you add enough social interaction in the form of YouTube interviews, Podcast interviews, social meet up in your community, and joining some interest groups like ToastMaster.
You must create a system that illuminates motivation and inspiration all the time to help you keep moving forward.
What’s Next for ShoutMeLoud?
We will keep evolving as a blog to teach blogging, SEO, and how you start, grow, and monetize your brand. I will keep you updated on what will happen or when that happens.
ShoutMeLoud is not just a blog for me; it is my home. I spend time here because I know people who visit ShoutMeLoud will add something meaningful to their lives.
How can you connect with me?
Many of you might now know this, but I’m an introvert. Because of ShoutMeLoud, I found my inner voice, and I can express myself with clear intent.
I’m not super active on social media, but I occasionally share some stuff. These are the platforms where you can connect with me:
- @denharsh on Linkedin (Mostly business stuff)
- @denharsh on Twitter (Mostly for chit-chat)
In 2024, I decided to spend most of my time and focus on meditation. So, I may not be active on social media for this year.
This post was written because many people wanted to know some background about ShoutMeLoud and me.
For further reading: After 2191 days of blogging, all I can say – Blogging is incredible ( Anniversary post)
![9 Years of Blogging – Evolution of The Biggest Blogging Community [ 🎉 Anniversary Post]](https://www.shoutmeloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/SML_Fb-01-1-431x230.jpg)
Hi, Harsh!
The Nice journey of your life. it’s very interesting your journey is inspiring me to look a future in blogging as m new in blogging but I have been following your blogs since1 month it’s wonderful and inspiring.
I am your big fan really your post motivates me to see future in blogging.
Thanks for sharing your life journey with us broda….
Hello Harsh,
Firstly, let me introduce myself
My name is Ventsislav, however, you can call me Venny as this is easier for the foreigners and this is what I even have planned to change my name to. [long and mysterious story behind My scenes :)]
I am coming from an average family and was born in Bulgaria (Eastern Europe).
I remember as a child I had that dream of becoming a Pilot of a fighter. Seems I had the burning desire to fly from a child. To fly is a symbol of a desire for prosperity and conquering. That’s how I looked at it.
I grew a bit more then life took most of these dreams away as I became a more grounded person. I started wishing for more realistic things within my capabilities.
I remember, I used to spend a lot of time in front of my computer playing around with different things, but again, life took all of my attention away as I became a bit more abstracted by different temptations in life, typical for a youngster.. :]
Nevertheless, I had remembered my first dream, to be able to “fly”, to have that freedom to do what I want, to get the chance to experience all of the life’s beauty, to feed my passions such as travelling, writing, socializing, meeting new people, to hear different inspirational stories and so many more… I realized the only way to achieve all this is to learn how to utilize the future and broke the things down according to the lifestyle I have wanted. That’s how the idea of becoming a free internet bird came to life. I realized I wanted to have my own online business and work whenever, from wherever I wanted just with a contemporary technological notebook gadget called “laptop”. So, I already had some clearer vision of what I wanted so it was a bit easier for me to see and seize the opportunity when it was about to come across and hit me like a drum.
For me, it turned out that this was the only way to my first stepping stones to success. Then I decided my country was not even close to providing for myself and my wishes so I can be able to achieve what I want and that’s how I got to seek my treasure abroad in England.
I spent 1 year there in a university which was a complete hardship as My family barely supported me at that time. After a lot of fluctuations in my 1st year in Coventry University in Marketing and Advertising due to psychological factors, financial struggles which turned me more into an escapist, I successfully graduated that first year.
Then other things occurred into my life and I was forced to stop my education. I don’t regret it, it was my life path. It was meant to be like that. In fact, I didn’t really wanted it so much, I was doing it for my parents, but since they weren’t able to support me throughout I decided that I can do without university and stopped completely in September in 2015 after my last attempt (a successful one though) to move from my previous university to London’s University in the same course.
Long story short, I am currently in the exact same place as you were back in march 2009, I am doing my 9-5 job until May this year, after which I am going back to my country and use the money I have saved (I am working at Pizza Dominos in London as a delivery) as a fuel to establish the foundations and start my online blogging career! Meanwhile, I do my research, I read, I improve, basically I have turned into a sponge which absorbs the knowledge that interests me the most.
I even have a domain and hosted website now and a mentor who taught me things and here is where I practice and gain some hands-on experience before I fully move online.
Much more to say… I really loved your story and I follow your blog daily and started sharing it on the social media. I will be more than happy to get in touch with you personally and get a chance to “steal” a bit from what you have up there. Pablo Picasso: “Good artists copy, great artists steal” Right!?
I would be pleased to share what I have in mind as well.
Looking forward to hearing from you
This is a post written 5 years back and still inspiring all of us :).
I have been following SML for 6 months and learned so many things about blogging. You are always a inspiration for us Harsh!!
Harsh,
First of all I want to ask you one thing from where you think buddy??? please tell me your secret because I want to know…. just kidding… ; )
Harsh, I like blogging and I have good writing skills too but more than that I like to read others blog to gain some knowledge and I really like to appreciate their work. But, your blog visit was so costly to me. Don’t ask for Why?
Because First I was impressed on your domain name then your about me section and at last but not least your blog. So I have to spend so many time to your blog and for me time is more than money from my childhood days.
You know what I was searched for anything else on google and I came here and then….. Don’t ask ?
But, really I learn from you so many things so it’s ‘bole toh time wasool’… ; )
I am management student so I like to know about advertising and marketing but for that I visited so many blogs and collect knowledge but when I came here I got the mine of social advertising and internet marketing so I stopped here.
I read this blog and I really like your timeline and no doubt your future in this is already bright so there is no need to called astrologer for that. so many things that you written relates me somewhere because I also started my journey from BlogSpot as a hobby blogger now I started new blog on wordpress and I also think to purchase domain with same thinking, “NO FOR ONLY FOR PASSION” so I written here so much sorry for that.
Your domain name is different and so unique.
keep blogging and stayed connected… ; )
Your fan blogger friend,
Akki.
Thank you Harsh for sharing your story. It is too motivating. It is like a step by step process to get success in blogging. Need a lot of efforts and dedication to become a successful blogger. Now I will do blogging more passionately with my job. Please keep writing and motivate others for blogging. Thank you once again for sharing your story.
you have inspired me a lot, how much you have no idea. Thank you so much Harsh. Your journey is inspiring.
your are inspiration for all bloggers, especially for newbies like me, and i can one thing it’s not boring at all, it’s inspiring, and thank you so much for sharing your experience Harsh
hi harsh,
really great article your article always motivate to newbies I am not any super successful blogger but I have a dream to become like you really you are doing great job thanks for sharing it
Harsh Sir really m Inspired!
Thank You !
Hey Harsh,
I am regular reader of shoutmeloud all the articles are well written and upto the mark which encourage bloggers to learn about SEO,money making etc.
Apart from this journey of your blogging is really amazing.Keep up the good work bro.! 🙂
I have browsed your blog many times and got motivated. But really i read your journey todat and got inspired further. It is a great achievement at so young age.I also developed a blog and now your story has motivated me put great hard work further.
@Harsh
I don’t have words to express my gratitude towards you. You are my role model. After reading your blog, now every moment is a new learning of life. I promise you that after becoming successful I will be there on that stage sharing with those people who have the hunger to succeed. I want to do something and I will break all the walls to do it. All of us love you. Cheers!
hello Harsh ur blog is awasome Now I want to start My blog but i did not any ideas for that i also want to Buy ur Book but i did’nt get this
but like to start Bloging so pls suggesst me whast can i Do for starting the Blog
This is really so inspiring and inspire us to start blogging as carrer with the guidence of ShoutMeloud.
thanks a lot to sharing your story…..
Thanks @Somen.
Harsh this is excellent. I recently started my blog still not clear about it. Wish to later turn into a profession. Right now a passion to write. Reading your blog inspired and brought lot of clarity. One can easily relate to it. Thanks for sharing your journey. God Bless.
Harsh, Thank you so much for all of the good information. I started a blog about my weight loss journey and am including recipes and posting about how I am making changes in my life. I noticed that over 80 people liked and many commented on my Facebook account when I posted my recent picture and it got me thinking I could reach many other people. I’m very excited to share my story and hopefully even help others find their way to lose weight and be more healthy. Thank you again for the help in getting started!
6 Months of Passion, Dedication and commitment from my side …………….
At the end, it has finally started to pay off.
Thanks Harsh
I started my own blog after reading your posts. You always had a deep impression on me. Even today, when I have some WordPress Issues, I come directly to your website. Rarely do I have an issue that I couldn’t find on ShoutmeLoud
Not only have I Started my Blog, but also my gym. In short, follow your passion. Where your heart belongs, you can always excel.
Dear Harsh, your blogging journey so inspiring…
Hi Harsh,
I am new to blogging. At first i dreamed about making money from blogging. So i got a domain called tehiezcorner from godaddy and installed wordpress . I started taking care of my site by using webmasters tools to index my site. Then i had learnt what is SEO and what are the policies and strategies used for it. I also learnt many technicalities in blogging. Now after reading this article i was really admired and felt what is real blogging. Hats Off man. I had learnt many things from your site and you are my role model too. Thank you for being out a support to young passions. Keep Rocking.