Updated 2026: In 2009, I was nominated for a “Best Make Money Online Blog” contest and wrote a post that was part gratitude, part reflection on what made a good blog in the internet marketing space. Most of the blogs I mentioned are no longer active, and the contest itself is ancient history. But the principles I outlined for what makes a trustworthy internet marketing blog are more relevant than ever.
What I Was Trying to Build
When the nomination came through, my first reaction was surprise. There were bigger blogs with more traffic, more controversy, and more followers. But being on that list forced me to articulate what I was actually trying to do with my blog, and that exercise turned out to be more valuable than any contest result. Here is what I came up with:
- Transparency and honesty above everything. I wanted people to believe what they read on my site. In a space full of exaggerated income claims and fake testimonials, simply telling the truth was a differentiator. It still is.
- No hype. My tagline was “Down To Earth Internet Marketing” and I meant it. I tried to keep the excitement proportional to the actual value of whatever I was discussing. When something was genuinely great, I said so. When something was mediocre, I said that too.
- Focus on education, not just money. Making money online is a small part of internet marketing. I wanted the blog to teach people how to build real businesses, not just chase the next quick-money scheme.
- Professionalism. I approached my online business the same way I approached my day job: with integrity, respect for the audience, and a commitment to quality.
- The Zig Ziglar factor. I genuinely believe you can get everything you want by helping other people get what they want. That philosophy shaped every piece of content I created.
What Made the Best Blogs Stand Out
Looking back at the blogs that were on that list, and the ones that were conspicuously absent, the pattern is clear. The blogs that lasted and built real audiences shared a few characteristics:
- They told the truth about what worked and what did not. Honest failure reports were often more valuable than success stories because they saved readers from making the same mistakes.
- They had a clear point of view. The best blogs were not trying to be everything to everyone. They had a specific audience and a specific perspective.
- They built relationships. The bloggers who succeeded long-term engaged with their readers, answered comments, and treated their audience like people rather than page views.
- They practiced what they preached. The most credible voices in internet marketing were people who were actually building businesses, not just writing about how to build businesses.
Finding Trustworthy Internet Marketing Content in 2026
The make money online space has only gotten noisier since 2009. Social media has amplified both the genuinely helpful voices and the outright scammers. Here is how to find the good content:
- Look for specifics, not vague promises. Trustworthy content creators show their work. They explain exactly what they did, what it cost, and what the results were.
- Check for consistency over time. Anyone can write one impressive post. Look for creators who have been publishing consistently for years. Longevity is a credibility signal.
- Be skeptical of income screenshots. They can be real, they can be fake, and even the real ones rarely tell the full story. Focus on the strategies being taught, not the numbers being displayed.
- Look for people who recommend fewer products, not more. The most trustworthy voices promote a small number of products they genuinely use, not every launch that comes with an affiliate commission.
For honest, no-hype internet marketing advice, subscribe to the Late Night Internet Marketing podcast on Apple Podcasts.
Mark it has been a while! I have recently had a kidney transplant and was “out of the game a while.” I find the honesty in your blog refreshing. We strive for the same thing in our niche. I think you are doing a fantastic job and keep up the good work! I will vote for you.
I went over their via PotPieGirl’s suggestion and saw your blog (and voted for you!). I do agree that Josh’s was suspiciously missing though….
I think honesty goes a long way online, especially in Internet marketing. Here’s why I like reading your blog:
-You provide a lot of resources. You give…and that counts!
-You test things and provide case studies.
-You see this business as a business, and not just as a make money project.
Congrats!!
Mark,
My website above, is nearing completion, and is not published yet. I anticipate two more weeks should do it.
I did want to comment, by lending my name in support of “Masonworld”, in the voting. Thanks for your blog. As a “newbie”, I learn a lot by simply reading the amazing array of information that is presented.
Mark Mason is the MAN!!! lol
I was actually surprised to see my blog on there…I don’t really think I’m a “make money online” blog but I guess others do.
Ahh well…
You know I had to give you a vote man!
Hey I just voted for you an hour ago 🙂 lol
What’s up with all those ‘thumbs down’ everywhere? pfff…
I think it is because people are voting for their favorite and then voting thumbs down on everyone else.
Thanks for your vote!
Hmmm. While I can’t disagree with PotPieGirl getting the nod so far, I have to agree with you about Josh and Andrew’s blogs being missing from the list. That seems very, veeeery, strange to me. Of the blogs on the list I’m familiar with, yours plus the three I mention here are the only ones I regularly read.
Personally, I don’t read anybody’s blog. It saves me a lot of time. I do subscribe to a handful of letters, though.–on marketing, not on ” how to make money.” If the topics catch my interest, I may go to the blog to read the rest.
Congrats Mark – I voted early and often. 😉
I do like your blog, and quite a few that are listed. I gave thumbs up on the ones l liked and a thumbs down on those I didn’t. You deserve the mention.
You, Jennifer and Joe got my votes… I did do a thumb down or two though but won’t go into that!!!
Carloline and Gary have no idea what they are doing. Most of their traffic comes from social blogging. The three best guys who know how to make money from blogging are a)Griz b)Courtney Tuttle and c)Vick. Everyone else, including myself, are just elementary school kids. If you want to learn how to make some real money blogging go to them. And get your adsense themes from Mark 😉
Nicely done. I liked the info and liked the blurp about texas being hot, I used to live there and I totally agree!!!
There are always flaws with this type of thing and good blogs will always be missed. No big deal though and still kinda neat. Congrats on being one of the top blogs! At least they got a few right (You and PotPieGirl.)
I gave you both a thumbs up.
Mark, I gave you a thumbs up. You have a great site.
You have my vote as well 😉
Hi there Mark,
Congratulations! For being on top.
You have a great site, that is why you deserve my vote.
Cheers,
Patrice
i am new to this make money online programs. i used Adsense and Adbrite for making money online.
I make money online by monetinizing my blogs with Google Adsense. I am currently studying the tricks of trade on Affiliate Marketing.