I’ve recently been thinking a lot about my blog. Since the start of the year I’ve been wondering about the direction it is going in and how I can really make it work for me. The last four months of 2017 saw a turning a point in getting brands to notice me, I saw a steady increase in income, and I was loving writing and promoting my posts. However writing this blog is not just about the money it could bring in, there are so many other benefits and positives of why I write this blog of mine. So if anyone is wondering about why I bother to write daily, or how I still manage to write this blog after 2 years, here’s why:
It makes money
When I first started my blog in January 2016, it wasn’t started to make money. In fact at the time I didn’t realise you could make money from blogging. I started it as a hobby and to give me something to do whilst I was maternity leave. However as the months and years ticked by, and my social channels started increasing, and my blog posts were being read by more and more, and my DA grew, it started to be recognised by brands and PRs. At first I had no idea what to charge or to charge anything at all, and I initially turned to the trusty Facebook groups for advice. But now I have weekly emails landing in my inbox asking for my rates, and blog posts agreed for X amount of money. It’s taken time to get here, but the money is one of the reasons why I continue to work hard with this blog.
It’s a live CV
Having just graduated from the Digital Mums course and now seeking a job in social media management, my blog and social channels are my live CV. Any companies and brands wishing to work with me, can see that my stuff is constantly being updated, that I am sharing content, and I am engaging with people. This is ultimately what they want and need for their business. So it’s best that I continue to show them what I can do, and the blog and my social channels is just one way of doing that.
I love the creative output
I love being able to think daily about my posts, and what to write next. I love promoting my posts in different ways, and testing out different wordings, hashtags and times of posting, to see what works best. I also really enjoy working on my imagery and making assets for each blog post. Yes, my photography skills could do with improving, but I love that I have the reason to do that. Blogging can be creative as you wish, and I love that I have control over it.
It gives my something to do
This blog was set up when I was on maternity leave, when I was itching to be doing something else other than looking after a baby. In fact it was my husbands idea. He probably regrets it now when I’m glued to my laptop or phone. But it gave me something to do, and something to focus on. It allowed me to keep building my skills whilst being on maternity leave, and showed my current employer that I didn’t just sit at home with a baby for 12 months. Even now it fills my daughter’s nap time, and the days when she is in nursery. I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.
It offers me flexibility
My blog can be worked on from anywhere, and that’s not just anywhere in my home. I can work on it from the coffee shop down the road, on holiday, or even whilst tapping away in the middle of the night on my phone when an idea comes to mind. I really appreciate the flexibility it offers me and doesn’t mean that I’m chained to a desk working the 9 to 5. I can literally work on it where I want and when I want, and that is one of the lucrative things about blogging, and another one of the reasons why I do it.
It’s mine
Lastly it’s mine. For me this is really important and a huge reason why I blog. It’s my space on the Internet, and it’s my opportunity to get my voice heard. It’s my way to make money, and I’m really proud that my writing does actually make money. It’s my space that I have control and responsibility over, and one that I am not bound by anyone else. I call it my second, or third baby, and it’s my job to keep it ticking over. Without that, it would still be there, but it wouldn’t be bringing in the rewards that it does today.
I love writing this blog, and I really enjoy the promotion and communication that goes on around it. I know that it’s a vital pillar of my success in the next stage of my career, and I think without it I wouldn’t be where I was today. So that’s why I blog.
I hope you found this a really useful post to read, and I would love to know the reasons why you blog?
Claire x
I love the flexibility of blogging too, I’m gutted I wasn’t an early adopter. I used to have a Mumblr (mum Tumblr) when I was 22 and had just had my first but it was honestly a load of rubbish and I would never have made any money from it!
I know I’m gutted that I didn’t do it sooner x
It’s always fascinating to read about your blogging journey Claire. And the DM course intrigues me too. One day…!
Carol Cameleon recently posted…Costa Rica ~ the best ways to relax body and mind
Thank you for sharing, I need to remind myself a little more often – especially when I am feeling a bit stuck in a rut!
I love having my space to rant, share, inspire, and I am lost without writing, that’s why I do it #BigPinkLink
Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…if a flower can bloom in the desert, so can I #mg
I write my blog for all the same reasons Claire! I feel overwhelmed many times with the amount of work it takes but I wouldn’t be with out it x
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies recently posted…Flattering Jumpsuits for Spring 2018
I love my blog and couldn’t be without it, it just makes me so happy! #fortheloveofBLOG
Heather Keet recently posted…Poll Tuesday week 48…
Hi, its aazing what opportunities blogging can offer both financially and non financially. Mine is also a great creative outlet I think I would be lost without it now #FortheloveofBlog
Chloe recently posted…Review of Grizzly’s Adventure Blends Peppermint Forest Tea
I think for myself blogging has always been my little bit of therapy. It allows me to express my thoughts about a wide range of issues which is far healthier for me than keeping all that stuff locked up in my head. I did earn a small amount of money last year from my blog but it is not something I chase. #fortheloveofblog
Tracey Abrahams recently posted…It’s Okay To Be Sad
I love my little space on the Internet. It allows me to share my thoughts, experiences and chart our family’s journey into the teenage years. What I love about blogging is that you can do whatever you like. For some it’s going pro and working with brands whilst for others it’s more of a creative outlet. I did some brand work last year but didn’t really like it so have dialed it back this year to concentrate on improving my skills and content.
Tubbs recently posted…Buy Yourself Some Flowers
I’m new to blogging and I absolutely love it! I wish I had started it a long time ago. #fortheloveofblog
I’ve been pondering on this as well – I’m doing it because I always wanted a platform to share my opinions on subjects, to communicate and to share ideas. My blog is my footprint, it’s authentic and creative. Since blogging for over 8 months, I’ve grown so much as a person – and of course I’ve met so many wonderful people in the blogging world. I’ve only had 2 PR campaigns which paid but that doesn’t matter and I’m not going out there and looking for paid campaigns.#fortheloveofBLOG
Noleen Miller recently posted…Age in question! [It is literally just a number and you only as old as you feel]
Very thoughtful post about why you blog. I always like to see what motivates others on their posts. #fortheloveofBLOG
Jenny Curtis recently posted…Things to take when going out with a baby
It’s mine. That’s the biggest thing for me. You’ve explained it so well. Blogging is a lot of things but for me it’s am escape and has truly shaped me #fortheloveofBLOG
I am with you…..it is mine. I wrote for me! #fortheloveofblog
Tracy Albiero recently posted…3 hacks every parent needs to know
You’ve just outlined all the reasons I love blogging! I definitely think of it as my job now and I just love how varied it is, no two days are the same and that’s great for someone like me who bores very easily! Thanks for linking up to the #bigpinklink this week
Love this! I just started blogging in August because I have some random tips and tricks that my friends always call me to ask for and my husband suggested I put the information out there somewhere. With the great feedback, it is a wonderful place to get ideas out, interact with people, and be creative. I’m still new, so I’m not profitable yet, but I think I could be in the future!
Thanks for sharing!
#ForTheLoveofBlog
Really enjoyed reading this, reminds me why I blog and why I started blogging . #fortheloveofblog
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And you’re doing a great job! It’s wonderful to see a mum really enjoying her blog and making money from it. Well done for all you’ve achieved! #fortheloveofBLOG
great post. I’m considering writing something similar as I get asked too. the digital mums course sounds fantastic. I love my blog as my creative outlet and it’s what I enjoy doing in the evenings and nap times too. #ForTheLoveofBlog
I love mine too #fortheloveofBLOG
This is really insightful. I started my blog when I was on maternity leave to fill nap times and to give me something creative to do #fortheloveofBLOG
Amy – The Rolling Baby recently posted…Becoming A Freelance Writer
This is great – and whats important is that you do it for you and no one else. I have only started blogging and into my fourth week! So its all very new to me but i am so proud of what i have achieved so far! I just love the community feel of it and i love to write! Whats a bonus is that what it can offer #fortheloveofblog
Michelle – The Willow Tree recently posted…Prestige Flowers – My Review
I really love the idea of doing the digital mums course, but I cant warrant to cost!! Blogging is my hobby and soon to be my job and I’m super excited to be able to say I’m a full time blogger!
#fortheloveofBLOG
Firstly, well done you on blogging for two years. You’ve nailed a lot of the reasons why I blog too! I recently returned to a job in marketing and was able to use my blog as example of learning new skills and stretching myself. I really think it helped me get my job!
#fortheloveofblog
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I love blogging too. I lost my mojo for awhile whilst settling into a new job, but I’m back on the case. I don’t earn from my blog yet, but would love to write for someone else. I’m sure it will come. Great post.
#FortheLoveofBLOG
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This post really made me think which is always a very good thing. I blog for all sorts of reasons and these have changed over the years as I did not even know you could make money from blogging when I started or for many years after that. Although the nature of my blog has changed over the years, I do get what you mean about it being yours and for me mine will always be a bit of a sanctuary and certainly vital for somewhere to be creative. Have never thought of it has a live CV but do now I have read your post! #fortheloveofblog
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It’s lovely to read about what blogging has brought to you. #bigpinklink
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Returning via #fortheloveofBLOG
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Well done on completing your course! I’m pretty sure that no-one starts a parenting blog to make money – it takes too bloody long to get to that stage lol! You have to just enjoy it in order to stick with it for a long period of time #fortheloveofBLOG
Flexibility and way to say things you want to say are definitely at the top of my list. Haven’t thought about the money side yet #fortheloveofBLOG
I really love this post , especially about your blog being something that is yours. That’s what I love about blogging , with 4 kids there’s little in my life that’s just for me but my blog is! #fortheloveofBLOG
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