Welcome to the Blog Marketing Academy.

I’m Here To Help You Build An Online Business You Truly Own.

I believe too many online businesses have gotten too impersonal. Treating customers like a number to be driven into a buy button and measured. My goal is to help solopreneurs and small businesses use their blog to scale their humanity. And to build a platform you truly own rather than rent from “big tech” companies.

Hi. I’m David Risley.

I’m a bit of an “old man”, in internet years. I founded a technology blog in 1998 and grew it into a six-figure, multi-author business which was found in publications like PC World, PC Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal. While it started as a college hobby, I turned that blog into a commercial success using a combination of advertising, affiliate revenue, online courses, writing and selling books and CDs, and even a membership site before it was cool.

In 2008, I founded the Blog Marketing Academy and launched my first training course for bloggers with an $80k launch. Since then, I have created multiple training programs, worked with thousands of students, spoken at conferences, and helped build a bunch of different websites. The Academy continues today in my quest to simplify online business and the tech that powers it.

I’m a big believer in keeping business human. In transparency and keeping things personal. I also believe in using modern tools to scale and serve better. 

We are based out of sunny Florida. One of my biggest passions is traveling in our RV with my wife and kids, living a balance of work and play. I’m a shorts-and-sandals guy, and I’m most at home sitting in a folding chair, in a campsite, smoking the occasional cigar.

To learn more about my background, smack the button…

More About David’s Story

Core Values

Be an owner, not a renter.

Keep it real, transparent, and personal.

Human to human business. Make business personal again.

Build a digitally sovereign business that doesn’t depend on “big tech”.

Power lies in simplicity. Complexity is a symptom of a system breakdown.

What You Will Find Here

What you will find here is a mix between business strategy and technical walk-throughs. I cover topics such as membership sites, site building, marketing automation, traffic, entrepreneurship, and more. Additionally, you’re going to see that I routinely provide tool and plug-in reviews so you can build the “plumbing” to make it all work.

The Blog Marketing Academy contains hundreds of articles, hundreds of hours of training videos over multiple courses and workshops, a document library, community forums, and much more.

For those who want more direct personal help, I offer technical services, coaching calls and even an ongoing membership where I will be your webmaster.

A Few Comments From Students & Clients

Getting into THE LAB I thought I was going to go through a training on how to build a business through blogging and found it far more. I’m more excited after this first training then I was in signing up in the beginning. I would say anyone that wants to bring balance while building their business seeing wins every step of the way needs to join BMA.
Roger House
Finding and trusting someone to help you with your business is not easy! I’m so incredibly happy that I decided to put my trust in David and the Platinum coaching program. This affordable coaching has enabled me to triple my monthly sales and keep a steady flow of earnings coming in. Working with David has truly allowed me to step up in the blogging world from a hobby blogger to a full fledged business owner. Thank you David!!
Holly Daniel
In getting coaching from David, I really appreciate how he is able to point out the simple action that I could do to move the ball forward. His knowledge of the tech and management of a membership website is invaluable in offering practical, immediately applicable tips to generating more revenue or simplifying the production process. Thanks, David, for your honesty and support!
Ranya Renee
You are the freaking man. Because of you, and your website, I made 20k in a year. And I didn’t do anything from the months August – November. I’m going to give you a HUGE high-five if we ever meet in real life.
Ron McKie
I’ve been blogging for almost 4 years now, and I can say that this course is, without a doubt, the best course for making money with a blog.
Joe Liverman
I’m dazzled by what David has created and I hope to do something similar within my specialty. I love the straight-forward instruction and practical way you show us what to do and how you teach from your experience. Even more impactful to me… I love how you and Malika are real, care about our experience with the Lab, and don’t leave me questioning your business motives, integrity, or sincerity. THANK YOU!!
Eddie S.