5 Facts about being a Full Time Blogger
It seems like it was only yesterday that Dustin and I sat down and had a heart to heart in which he encouraged me to let go of all the weight holding me down in my current job and work on my blog full time, but that was all the way back in June. I can’t believe I’ve been working on my blog full time for the last two months and that I’ve been able to call something I truly love a job and future career. In the last two months, I’ve been able to double my page views (and then some), finally get accepted to some bigger influencer networks and grow all of my social media followings. I’ve had new relationships with brands come about,
That being said, there is a lot that comes with blogging full time that I didn’t realize at first and I’ve hit a few road bumps along the way. For those of you who are considering blogging full time or are wondering what it all entails here are five facts I’ve learned since starting my full time blogging journey:
1. A lot of my friends and family don’t really understand the concept of being a full time blogger. It’s been kind of an uphill battle and a lot of doubt and confusion has been placed in my way. Don’t get me wrong, my family and friends are all supportive of me, but because blogging is such a new field and, in my humble opinion, very much up and coming, a lot of older folks don’t understand how 1. a blogging really works and 2. how blogs can make money. It takes a lot of patience to explain how it all works out and that yes, with time and effort and some investing of my own, I can make a part time income off of my blog!
2. It takes time and effort to monetize a blog in the right way. I mean, I haven’t been blogging for a full 6 months yet and the fact that I’m making pocket change off of a couple posts and that I haven’t had to pay for toys or treats for Rosie in about 4 months is pretty great to me! Although making money off of my blog is my ultimate goal, I know that my first priority is to stay true to myself and to only accept sponsored posts that stay true to my voice and beliefs. Another thing to understand is that in order to get to the point where sponsored/paid opportunities become available, a blog needs to have a decent social media following and page views. So, these next few months aren’t about me making money as it is me growing my blog, creating new content and trying to expand my reach across different social media platforms. I’m so, so grateful that I have a husband who can financially support us and help me invest in my blog while I work on growing it; there isn’t a rush or an insane amount of pressure to be making big bucks overnight.
3. A lot of people ask: what on Earth is there to do on a blog all day? Answer: There is ALWAYS something to be working on as a full time blogger. I’m either brainstorming, writing, photographing or editing a new post, researching new blogging resources, pitching ideas to companies and brands, collaborating with brands or other bloggers, networking, maintaining a presence on social media, going to Twitter chats, watching webinars, reading other blogs, working on my blog class, managing my Facebook blog community #passionproject, or even pinning on pinterest. I seriously can (and do) fill 5-8 hours a day working on some type of blog-related task. I’m still learning how to prioritize my time and figuring out which tasks need to be completed and when
4. My blog vision and ideas are changing and evolving. Those who have been reading for a while may notice that I’ve been doing a few more fashion/beauty driven posts and not so many editorial/emotional pieces. Although I still consider myself a lifestyle blogger, I’m learning more about myself and my interests now that I have more time to pursue them (and makeup is quickly becoming my jam). It’s been a rough transition as I’ve grappled with losing some of my readers over my content changing, trying to please everyone and trying to make my passion come across over in a subject matter that can be sometimes labeled vain or frivolous. However, after a bit of soul searching, I’ve realized that as long as I’m writing about what truly makes ME happy and as long as it aligns with my mission statement to encourage women to embrace their bodies, to take care of themselves and to try new things, then I have nothing to loose. When I write content that I truly believe in, whether it be my favorite summer lipsticks or awareness on handicapped parking, I do my best work and I can be truly proud of what I put out there.
5. Quitting working a day job and becoming a full time blogger is easily the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. I’m my own boss, I can only hold myself accountable for my work and I’m more motivated by this space then I have been by anything else I’ve done. I’m amazed by the community of bloggers I’m a part of, and the amazing friendships I’ve been able to make through LWR. I’m inspired daily to take better care of myself, to try new things, to create and to empower. I have found a new purpose to my life and being able to work on it every day is a blessing and a gift.
What types of lessons have you learned from blogging? Do you blog full time or do you want to? What do you love about blogging?
P.S. I’m joining up with a ton of great bloggers to giveaway a $45 dollar giftcard to Starbucks! I don’t drink coffee, but I could eat their lemon poundcake for days! We are all trying to grow our bloglovin’ followings, so in order to enter, you have to follow everyone! If you don’t have a bloglovin’ you can easily sign up for one (it’s like a facebook for blogs) or if you don’t want one, no worries. I’ve got a couple other great giveaways coming your way throughout the rest of this month!
