This is the first in a series of posts I’ll be featuring about blogging and social media here on TheMommyInsider.com. Follow me on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to my RSS feed to be notified when the next post in the series is added.
I have been working online for over 10 years. I started AtlantaMoms.com in 2001 and TheMommyInsider.com in 2005. I have earned a full time income from home for 10 years. I never thought I’d be able to say that. The kids and my husband love that I work from home as do I. I am the first to admit that, working from home is a huge challenge and can be frustrating for the entire family since they sometimes don’t understand what I am doing (blogging, tweeting, marketing, talking to advertisers, brand ambassadorships – what the heck is all of that, they ask?). I am proud that I am a small business owner and blogger and have been since 2001. I couldn’t have done it without having a supportive husband, kids, family, and friends.
At first glance blogging may seem intimidating or complicated, but it is actually quite easy. Hera a few things to think about and keep in mind, especially as a mom blogger.
Writing
Anyone can be a writer. You don’t have to be a professional writer to blog. I am not a professional writer. All you need are the language skills to convey your ideas. Avoid poor grammar and spelling.
- Don’t worry about not having anything interesting to say.
- The antics of children, a new recipe, a craft project you’ve been working on — all of these are common topics and excellent choices for blog posts.
Social Media (Twitter and Facebook)
Don’t discount the importance of social media when you’re establishing a blog. Twitter and Facebook can be excellent means of sharing your updates, advertising and gaining new readers.
- There’s no cost to using either of them, and they can have a huge impact on your blog traffic.
- You can even interact more directly with your readers and take ideas for future blog posts by being active on Twitter and Facebook.
- You can follow me on Twitter here and Facebook here.
Time Management
Time management is important, especially if you’re a mom with kids. Writing a blog takes a time commitment just like any other hobby. Regular updates are an important sign that you’re taking your blog seriously. There are tons of distractions to keep you from writing.
- Keep a list of topics near your computer.
- Schedule writing time during your child’s nap or school hours.
- If your child *needs* your attention, give it to her. It’s not worth trying to write with a whining child in your lap.
Photography
Nearly every blog is covered in photography created by the blog owner. If you’re writing about daily events, carry a camera. Pictures can go a long way towards bringing and keeping readers.
- You can upload and edit photographs for free online at a site like picnik.com
- If you don’t have the right kind of pictures for a particular blog post you’re working on you can find free stock photos from stock photo websites.
Hosting
Setting up a blog is a job of its own, but is well worth the effort. If you’re into web development you can purchase hosting for yourself, but that takes significant time and effort.
- Consider using a free resource such as WordPress.org or WordPress.com, which is a simple and easy to set up blog software.
- Register a domain name for your blog at a registrar such as Godaddy.com.
Making and updating a blog is a fun and potentially profitable activity, and it costs nothing to set up and start. If you’re interested, give it a shot! There’s nothing to lose.
Please share your favorite blogging tips and resources in the comments below. Let’s make this is a great resource for beginning and seasoned bloggers!
As I embark on this series about blogging, please feel free to ask me any questions you might have from the most basic to more complex questions in the comments below.
