I rarely blog about blogging, but I’m feeling this sense of urgency to be a better blogger, and what better way to express myself than blogging? I’m approaching the 4-year mark next month. I know that I am a significantly better blogger now than I was when I began…but I believe I have hit a roadblock. I’m stuck. If I totaled the value of both products and actual money made on my blog last year, I would say that I earned about $10,000. And considering I work on my blog maybe 10 – 12 hours a week from the comfort of my own home, that’s great. No complaints. But I know that I am ready for more. I’m ready to push myself further, expand my reach, earn more money, attend more events, give more of myself to blogging being my career.
*I must confess something* I’ve had blogger envy recently. And bad blogger envy at that. Everyone is readying themselves for post-holiday conferences and parties and all I can think is “What will give me that push to get invited to all of these awesome blogger events?”
I will be my push.
Starting today, I want to take 90 days to be a better blogger. This will prepare me for SoFab Con in May. I don’t have an exact plan yet, but I do have some ideas. Here goes:
1. Ask questions. And not just ask, but be sure to actually get answers. Instead of just sitting back admiring Instagram pics of swag bags and delicious catered brunches, I’ll ask the bloggers how they were invited, what they had to do, who sponsored these events, etc. I want answers!
2. Approach brands. When I first started blogging, I did this a lot. Over time, brands started approaching me, I joined more blogger networks, applied to work on campaigns, and did little-to-no marketing on my behalf. I need to feel confident approaching brands that align with my blog’s content.
3. Design a proper media kit. I have a bit of a ‘contact me’ page on my blog, but nothing that states what I am looking to do in terms of content or what I expect as compensation. I need a real editorial calendar and a stronger overview of my experiences and education to draw in brands looking to work with bloggers. If you own a small business as well, then also look into using a call answering service as this can save you so much time which means you can focus more on your business.
4. Make sure everyone knows Huppie Mama. I need to find a better way to make my brand known. One thing that was suggested to me that I like is to create more video tutorials. I also need new business cards to distribute at events. I always opt for Metal Business Cards because they instantly elevate my image. I will join more Facebook groups to share my posts and share multiple posts on my Facebook page (and personal page) each day.
5. Recognize my own value. I joked with friends recently about not wanting to pay for anything anymore… and not only do I not want to pay for things anymore, I want people to pay me more to use their things. What do I mean? I mean I want to get paid to get free stuff. This already happens often, when I write my sponsored posts, but I want to think up something that I believe fits my blog’s content, approach the owner/manager/marketing director of a particular business, and pitch my idea to them, price tag attached. I have a lot of education and experiences to validate what I write, and that gives my content value.
6. Identify role models. Instead of being envious…learn. Look at what others are doing, show support for their successes, comment on and share their blog posts. I will also read more blogs about blogging. I figure, if someone is able to legitimately write about blogging and gain an audience writing these posts, they most know a few things. So that’s my start!
If you have any ideas, please feel free to share them. When bloggers support other bloggers, we all benefit.
Carrie, thank you so much for sharing this! I haven’t been a blogger for as long as you but I am always looking to learn. Can’t wait to see what 90 days brings!
I do agree that number 6 has been so helpful. There are some people that are so willing to help others. I am so grateful for those individuals.
I’m really trying to get better at supporting other bloggers. I actually joined a commenting thing this week through one of my blogging groups. We were each assigned a list of bloggers whose posts we had to comment on daily. At the end of the week, each blogger should have 75 new comments on her blog. Great way to “meet” other bloggers and drive some traffic to our blogs.
These are great action steps. I’m still a pretty new blogger, and I am no where near this, though. So… in looking forward and while looking at others, make sure you take a minute to appreciate how far you have come already! $10,000 is amazing!
Great goals! I need to write down my own goals so I have something to focus on.
Great plan! It sound like your blog is doing awesome – and I know for myself, whenever I get really serious and set goals, that is when things really start to happen. And I understand that whole blogger envy thing. Whenever it starts to get me, I think of the quote “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Don’t want anything stealing my joy!
I like that quote – never heard it before!
These are great tips! Thanks so much for sharing them!
Working on my media kit is on my to-do list for this week… these are all great tips! $10,000 is crazy amazing.
Thanks, Brittany! I would love to eventually make blogging my primary source of income. We’ll see where it takes me!
Thanks for sharing these great goals. I am wanting to push my blog to the next level, and some of these apply to me as we’ll (though I’ve only been at it a year). Can’t wait to see how you start to apply these! #SITSBlogging
You sound like you have a come a long way with your blog! Even though I’m primarily a small creative business owner, I spend a lot of time on my blog and would like to therefore try to monetize it this year. I am going to try out some of your actions steps to see if I can get that going. Good luck on the next 90ish days!
Thank you!
This week has been quite an eye opener for me. This SITS challenge has caused us to look at numerous blogs, and after doing so I have to admit I’ve had the opposite reaction. 80-85% of the blogs I’ve visited are too overwhelming to look at. There is so much going on and the content is so difficult to migrate through that I am proud I keep it simple. My goal was never to make any money. Just to inspire people, and if they can come to my site and get a good read, I’m completely satisfied! You’re doing a great job! Keep it up. <3 http://www.sweetanddownlow.com #SITSblogging
I thought I was the only one to feel this way after the experience, Brandi! 4-5 posts a day?! I am lucky to squeeze out 2 or 3 a week. And I am good with that! Not knocking anyone else, just not sure it is the right fit for me. (and I LOVED the sleek easy to read design of your blog)
Thanks for writing this up and inspiring me! I have declared this the make it or break it year for my blog. I either need to decide it is just a hobby and stop stressing over it, or get serious and try to make some $$. I still haven’t decided how I feel about sponsored posts and the like yet. I’m not sure it feels “right” for me. M’eh. Lots to think about I guess.
It’s so difficult deciding which sponsored posts to apply for and which to decline. I still sometimes second-guess my decision. I want to maintain my blog’s integrity while earning some money to support my family. Take your time to decide what is right for you and your blog 🙂
Awesome tips!! Thanks so much! #sitsblogging