I am e-mailed, on a weekly basis, questions regarding blogging.
How to do it.. where to start.. etc. etc.
So I thought I should write a post sharing all the things
I’ve learned over the years of blogging.
There are a lot of ways to do it but these are the things
that I’ve done as a blogging mama!
I’ll try and touch on all the topics I’m usually asked about.
STEPS & TIPS TO
STARTING A BLOG
STARTING A BLOG
Decide what you want to write about on your blog:
Maybe motherhood.. DIY Projects.. Food.. Home Decor.
I knew that I wanted to write about all things related to being a wife and mother.
My blog kinda evolved and I fell into my niche.
I try to keep consistency to my blog posts but also aim
to keep it real & relevant and not too structured.
to keep it real & relevant and not too structured.
Decide WHY you want to write a blog.
Hobby? As a Creative Outlet? To promote your business? To help your family financially and bring in some money? I blog for all of these things. You don’t necessarily have to pick and choose..but if you WANT to make money on your blog.. you need to make a plan to do that! A little effort and focusing of your energy on certain tasks can make your blog benefit you more than you can imagine. (more about that below)
Choose a Blog Platform.
I use wordpress.
I’ve also recently dscovered Virb and it looks simple and very beautiful.
I’m planning on using that platform for a future project I’m working on.
Choose Hosting.
I use bluehost and love it.
BRAND yourself.
You want your readers and site visitors to come to your
site and get a feel of who YOU are. So come up with a blog title,
color scheme and design style to use throughout your blog/social media.
color scheme and design style to use throughout your blog/social media.
Have a Mission Statement…a Slogan.
I found that it was easier to describe my blog to people once I sat down
and really thought about what I want it to be!! How I want it to effect people.
and really thought about what I want it to be!! How I want it to effect people.
My “summary” is- The Busy Budgeting Mama.com is a blog where woman can go who want to live a creative, faith filled, family centered life. I share recipes, diy projects,
party ideas and our family life.. all in an approachable budget friendly way.” boom.
party ideas and our family life.. all in an approachable budget friendly way.” boom.
Having a clear idea of what your blog is helps you to explain it to
that random girl at the park who you give your business card too…
or a brand you want to work with!
that random girl at the park who you give your business card too…
or a brand you want to work with!
Make your Blog represent YOU.
You can either design your blog yourself or hire someone.
You can use the basic blog templates or google “free blog templates” and plug in a new one that looks more like your style. I used a free template for the basic structure, and then, because I know html, went in and edited it and added my own graphics I created in Photoshop to get the look I want. I taught myself html..
lots of googling “how do you ____” ;)
You tube is great to learn html and photoshop stuff too!
lots of googling “how do you ____” ;)
You tube is great to learn html and photoshop stuff too!
Track your stats.
why? because it’s FUN! And.. you can see where people
are finding your site from.. and what are our popular posts..etc..
I use statcounter.com and Google Analytics.
Quality of Posts over Quantity.
When I first started blogging I posted every day. (pretty much)
I was hardcore. but once I had baby #2..and then baby #3..
I learned that daily posts was just not realistic for me.
I chose to post quality posts over quantity and it has paid off for me.
I’ve also put out enough content that people can come to my blog and read lots of stuff!
So at the start you might need to create more content..but never feel like you just need to crank stuff out!
So at the start you might need to create more content..but never feel like you just need to crank stuff out!
PINTEREST YOUR HEART OUT.
Every time you write a post..create a graphic that is “pinnable!”
If you can add text to it..even better.
Pinterest took my blog to the next level.
Your traffic will sky rocket with repins.. so make them re-pinnable! ;)
Your traffic will sky rocket with repins.. so make them re-pinnable! ;)
Tweet and Facebook Brands.
Start up relationships with brands you love.
Brands love active and quality bloggers. Some of my
favorite collaborations came through tweets! Express interest..send them a
favorite collaborations came through tweets! Express interest..send them a
message saying you would love to collaborate. I remember the first time I proposed a brand with a collaboration idea… and they said yes…I was giddy for hours. ;)
If you want to work with brands…you are wanting them to take you professionally..
so you need to make sure you act professional!
(make sure you LINK your blog/social media.. show stats..
follow through.. etc.) That topic could be it’s own post. ;)
(make sure you LINK your blog/social media.. show stats..
follow through.. etc.) That topic could be it’s own post. ;)
Also, choose to work with brands that you or your readers would be interested in.
I’m speaking on the Approachable Experts Panel on that topic at Influence Conference in September.
Maybe I’ll share some of the points covered at that event later on! ;)
Connect with other Bloggers.
We all want comment love.. But take the time to leave comments on other blogs!
Not just “Hi I love your blog check mine out here’s a link..” but real comments.
It’s really important to network with other bloggers to build community.
I think sometimes it’s more important to leave comments and respond to tweets
than to put up a post if you already put one up the day before!
Connecting with other blogs can lead to collaborations and promotions of your blog..
plus it’s nice. The blog community is amazing and you will find that by investing time in relationships (just like in real life) you can gain so much!
Not just “Hi I love your blog check mine out here’s a link..” but real comments.
It’s really important to network with other bloggers to build community.
I think sometimes it’s more important to leave comments and respond to tweets
than to put up a post if you already put one up the day before!
Connecting with other blogs can lead to collaborations and promotions of your blog..
plus it’s nice. The blog community is amazing and you will find that by investing time in relationships (just like in real life) you can gain so much!
PUT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA BUTTONS UP HIGH.
If you want people to connect with you on your social media…
you need to make it easy for them to find you!
PUT YOUR E-MAIL UP HIGH.
Again… if you want to be contacted.. you gotta make it easy to do so.
Or else the brand or reader will give up and go somewhere else.
Be Yourself.
I would like to think that I have let my personality shine through on my blog.
I try to post classy but honestly. The only thing I decided this past year, was to share more of my faith. It’s a part of me..so if I’m sharing ME..I need to share my faith!
During times when our nation is hit by tragedies..God is all over the blog world.. I want to have Him mentioned on my blog not only when I need Him. if that makes sense.
Some of my favorite bloggers are Mormon and very vocal about it.. so I said why not!
Some of my most popular posts, with the most comments, are ones where I share personal thoughts on motherhood and include my faith.
People like authentic relatable people.
Some of my most popular posts, with the most comments, are ones where I share personal thoughts on motherhood and include my faith.
People like authentic relatable people.
Ignore grouchy commenters
I’ve had a couple “anonymous” commenters who were
crabby pants as my girls would call them.
Most recently I was told I have a huge forehead and should get bangs. hahaha.
When you decide to blog, you are putting yourself out there for comments like that.
Sadly, it just comes with the territory. But try not to focus on that 1 ‘gretchen’ commenter and focus on the many more nice comments you get. The days that I get a mean comment..are usually AWESOME days stat wise..because it’s become a community here!
I love my readers. :)
Sadly, it just comes with the territory. But try not to focus on that 1 ‘gretchen’ commenter and focus on the many more nice comments you get. The days that I get a mean comment..are usually AWESOME days stat wise..because it’s become a community here!
I love my readers. :)
Know your Skills.
I will never be a food blogger.. I might blog about recipes.
But they are usually taken with my camera phone and posted because it’s a recipe my toddlers loved and I think your toddlers will love too!
I am seriously in awe of food bloggers. And I want to know how the baking ones don’t get ginormous. someone fill me in on how that works. ;)
Their blogs are SO yummy!
I am seriously in awe of food bloggers. And I want to know how the baking ones don’t get ginormous. someone fill me in on how that works. ;)
Their blogs are SO yummy!
But in all seriousness.. Know your skills! And focus on what you
are good at..while growing as a blogger. This is especially important
when you are working with brands.
Work that social media.
Tweet. Facebook. Instagram. Repeat.
Invest in a Good Camera.
I blogged for years without my Canon Rebel t1i.
But the day Ben got it for me for christmas I think it helped
make my blog so much more professional.
I’m currently investing in better video equipment. Pretty soon I’ll be doing more vlogs.
You won’t get me to stop talking! ;) And you’ll be able to see
my ‘talking with hands issue’ in action. be happy you’re at a safe distance. ;)
Can’t afford a good camera?
Use your iPhone Camera with editing apps.
I shared some of my favorite apps to take better iPhone photos here.
I’ll be posting more step by step tutorials of how I edit my photos soon!
Can’t afford a good camera?
Use your iPhone Camera with editing apps.
I shared some of my favorite apps to take better iPhone photos here.
I’ll be posting more step by step tutorials of how I edit my photos soon!
Create a MEDIA Kit
Media Kit. Connect with brands and other bloggers!
If you want to have sponsors take you seriously..it’s important to make
it easy for a brand or fellow blogger to discover ALL ABOUT YOU!
I shared how I put mine together HERE.
POPULAR POSTS PAGE!
If you want to have sponsors take you seriously..it’s important to make
it easy for a brand or fellow blogger to discover ALL ABOUT YOU!
I shared how I put mine together HERE.
POPULAR POSTS PAGE!
Popular Posts Page. Help new readers discover posts they’ll love!
I occasionally search “the busy budgeting mama” on Pinterest to see what people are pinning from my site! I also use my analytics to see popular posts.
A Quality About me Page!
I occasionally search “the busy budgeting mama” on Pinterest to see what people are pinning from my site! I also use my analytics to see popular posts.
A Quality About me Page!
About me Page. Connect with your readers!
Majority of my e-mails start with “I know this might be really random,
but I feel like I know you and wanted to know ___fill in the blank___”
I love e-mails like that..because I want my readers to feel a connection with me.
It’s also nice for new readers to be able to catch up
on where you’re coming from and who you are as a blogger.
Link within your blog.
You want to help your readers discover more of your blog…
so link to previous posts of yours as often as you can.
without it getting weird. ;) You put time and effort into posts…
so keep sharing them!
Majority of my e-mails start with “I know this might be really random,
but I feel like I know you and wanted to know ___fill in the blank___”
I love e-mails like that..because I want my readers to feel a connection with me.
It’s also nice for new readers to be able to catch up
on where you’re coming from and who you are as a blogger.
Link within your blog.
You want to help your readers discover more of your blog…
so link to previous posts of yours as often as you can.
without it getting weird. ;) You put time and effort into posts…
so keep sharing them!
Hopefully you are feeling inspired…
and as confident as my girls did below. ;)
work it.
and as confident as my girls did below. ;)
work it.
Let me know if you have any questions!
I’ll do my best to answer them all. :)
If you are really wanting to dive into starting a blog…
Take my ‘At your own pace’ Blogging E-Course!
I poured my heart into it and shared everything I have done
to turn my blog into a main income for our family!
If you are really wanting to dive into starting a blog…
Take my ‘At your own pace’ Blogging E-Course!
I poured my heart into it and shared everything I have done
to turn my blog into a main income for our family!
Next week I’m teaming up with Mandy of House of Rose to share more on this topic!
We will be going more personal on the topic of Blogging..
and be sharing why we love blogging, our experiences and some
great resources for those of you wanting to jump into it!
Stop over monday to check it out!
and be sharing why we love blogging, our experiences and some
great resources for those of you wanting to jump into it!
Stop over monday to check it out!
Mary Leigh
July 3, 2013 at 2:25 pmThis comment has been removed by the author.
Mary Leigh
July 3, 2013 at 3:07 pmThanks for this post. My favorite tip is about being yourself. I love reading blogs of people who are keeping it real! I’m working on making some changes to my own site…i.e. adding “follow me” buttons to help readers stay connected, etc. Always love learning new tips!
thriftfortoday.blogspot.com
Kaila Rhoden
July 3, 2013 at 3:19 pmGood timing! I just reactivated my blog after not doing anything with it since 2010. I just want to document my family so mine is nothing fancy (maybe one day) but I will definitely be using some of your tips. I enjoy your posts about your kids (I have two little girls). Thank you, you are such an inspiration.
Miranda Evans
July 3, 2013 at 3:32 pmThis was great information! I started blogging back in Feb. and was thinking it was time to revamp and redefine my blog. I wasn’t sure how to go about doing that but I will be incorporating these tips as I figure it out. Thank you so much!
Mandy Rose
July 3, 2013 at 3:33 pmGreat tips Natalie!! And love the sassy pants girls at the end! ;)
M. at Making Sense of Cents
July 3, 2013 at 3:51 pmGreat post! Having a blog is so much fun, so I definitely recommend it :)
Michaela
July 3, 2013 at 3:55 pmThank you for sharing all of these great tips. It helps to not have to “reinvent the wheel!” I love, love, love your blog and your sincerity in all of your posts and pictures.
Katie Vander Velde
July 3, 2013 at 4:04 pmThank you so much for this post! As a new blogger I am looking for all the tips I can find! I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge!
Liz Pulice
July 3, 2013 at 6:07 pmSuch great tips! Really love the topic on being yourself-definitely an important aspect to stay true too.
Kati
July 3, 2013 at 8:25 pmThanks for the tips !! :) love….
http://www.thevillalpandofamily.blogspot.com
Abby Lawson
July 3, 2013 at 11:15 pmThis is so helpful, Natalie! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom. I always feel like I have an overwhelming amount to learn when it comes to blogging {including html!}. Baby steps, right?! Also I think you have a gorgeous forehead. Don’t change a thing! ;) Have a wonderful 4th, friend!
~Abby =)
Sarah Hamlin
July 4, 2013 at 3:18 amThank you for this post. It is very helpful for me since I just started a new blog. I have our family one but felt I needed a blog for my ideas and tips as well as a place for sharing my recipes, photography, and frugalnes. With my first blog it has always been private so I never had visitors since I wanted it to be our family journey. But with my new blog I really want to get followers, just a few that could benefit from all that I am sharing. Your tips are very helpful for my new blog. I did have one question, how do you get people/followers to your blog, in the beginning? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks :)
Jonie Foster
July 4, 2013 at 3:36 amThank you for this post. It is very helpful, however, I am still a little confused on something. I have a few questions. I would like to contact you via email…or Facebook, which ever you check most frequently. The only problem is I don’t have your email address. lol Please let me know which way is best to get in touch with you. =)
evie1203
July 4, 2013 at 8:34 amHello Natalie:)
I am sorry I maybe shouldn’t say that but I look closely on your blog because….
I saw BEAUTIFUL,HAPPY MUM WITH HER SWEET CHILDREN!!! really,really pretty lady….
big forehead???please….:)
I really like your blog,
I check it often and must admit…its ‘my’ only one with out ‘sewing’:):)
but if you can answer my question…
I use blogger also
sweets4sofia.blogspot.co.uk/
… and its driving me crazy!!!
…where I can find -unfolding pages?
like you have -diy-tutorials
and then I can unfold them to-few chapters…is it any link to -how to??I cant find it…
Best wishes:) Evie
Arianna Frasca
July 4, 2013 at 9:37 amWow, a very helpful post! Thank you for sharing these skills with us ^^
My heart is here
July 4, 2013 at 2:09 pmThank you for this post! This is very helpful and I have to read this again and again :D
Emily Eisert
July 5, 2013 at 2:05 pmSuch great info! And, your girls are too darn cute! :) Have a great weekend!
britneydearest
July 8, 2013 at 12:19 amSeriously, this is the best advice I’ve read about starting a blog. Thank you!!
catching momemts
July 10, 2013 at 2:56 pmwonderful!!!! there so many good ideas! Thank you=)
Lane
July 10, 2013 at 4:07 pmThank you so much for this! This is an awesome post for beginner bloggers like myself!
Dotes e Rubis
July 15, 2013 at 6:36 pmI love your blog, I am amazed by all the design, and pictures in this blog, do you do all the design and layout, can you give some tips?
mygiftsfromabove.com
August 1, 2013 at 5:41 amHi Natalie – thank you so much for your vast experience and knowledge.It has helped me so much.I am really having a blast with my blog.
I follow your blog weekly….love it!
Thank you so much.
God Bless
Elsy Alvarado
August 2, 2013 at 1:58 pmhow can i make a pitcure pinnable?
thank you! :)
little-runner-girl.com
August 6, 2013 at 2:36 pmI loved your video…especially the out-takes! You two were hilarious.
I stumbled upon your blog through Pinterest, and fell in blog love. Thanks for crackin me up everyday on Instagram and in my newsfeed!
Vayti
August 6, 2013 at 5:51 pmI just want to stay thank you! I have been looking into having a blog so that one day in the future I can look back and look at everything I’ve done when I can no longer remember anything :) but I never really knew how or was that inspired. You have inspired me to blog now. I don’t think my life is that interesting but I love taking pictures and I think blogging would be fun. So after reading this. I just want to say a huge thank you! & a huge computer/blog hug :)
My Cat Boys
August 29, 2013 at 12:35 amThanks for the tips! A friend of mine is starting a blog, and this article is perfect!
Victoria Ludy
September 19, 2013 at 5:30 amI just want to say how much I appreciate this post. I’m new to blogging and everything I’ve been reading about it so far has been really techy…in other words a foreign language. :-) Your post put it into words I can understand and made it not so overwhelming. You have inspired me!
P.S. I LOVED the post where the husbands talk about being married to a blogger…hysterical! I look forward to reading more from you in the future. :-)
Sarah N
October 1, 2013 at 4:48 pmThanks your all the tips, between your blog and house of rose it totally inspired me to start blogging, I love the idea of my kids looking back and seeing all those special moments, recipes and just the fun we had day to day!
Unknown
October 22, 2013 at 12:18 amNatalie, I’m launching my new blog soon and was encouraged to read this. And I just watched your iphone photography video. I had downloaded Snapseed but your post made me understand it better. Thanks, bloggy friend. :)
-Heather at MyLifeWellLoved.com (formerly SMLL) ;)
Megan
November 4, 2013 at 2:22 amI linked to this from a SIL pin. Thanks for taking the time to share your time-honed ideas and successes. It really is inspiring. Thanks!
Marisela
December 12, 2013 at 1:37 pmYou are so sweet and genuine, I’m so glad I found your blog. I am actually a little hooked because I want to learn from the best mommy bloggers how to take my blog to the next level. I have 2 questions. 1) How do you manage your time to execute all the steps listed above? That has been a big challenge for me. 2) Do you recommend any communities or conferences or such that teach the basics of mommy blogging? I noticed you were featured on BlogHer, would you recommend their conference? God bless!
Bridget
January 7, 2014 at 3:01 amI am wanting to start blogging and am really glad I found yours! You are a great inspiration! I look forward to reading your blog!
Anonymous
January 7, 2014 at 4:00 pmI love your blog! Thank you for all the great tips!
Kenzie
January 25, 2014 at 11:45 amThanks for the tips and helping it feel much more doable and realistic to create a blog.
Jenn Loyd
February 4, 2014 at 11:42 pmI love your blog! Thanks for helping the rest of us become successful with our blog and photos!
Ashraf Kamal
February 14, 2014 at 11:50 amVery Informative Tips for Bloggers, points are more important for bloggers like me, who have just started his blogging career. Thanks busy mama.
Jessica Millis
February 27, 2014 at 9:48 amThis is brilliant. I want to start a blog, and I think I have a great perspective, but I can’t seem to narrow my focus down to something as specific as yours. Thank you.
Just A Touch Of Crazy
March 19, 2014 at 1:18 amThanks for taking the time to share all you have learned from blogging. This has given me a lot to think about and work on, but has made me feel more hopeful!! Thanks again for sharing!
Wendy Brodecky
April 12, 2014 at 12:27 amThank you so much for these much needed tips! :)
[ Sarah ]
April 17, 2014 at 2:40 pmI heart this post. Thank you for sharing these amazing tips! I will apply them ALL – I mean look at you!! and Mommy of three! yay high five me!!
Imperfectly Wonderful
April 17, 2014 at 11:20 pmThanks for being such an inspiration! These tips are awesome, can’t wait to try some out!
http://www.imperfectlywonderful.com
Erica
August 31, 2014 at 10:39 pmThis is immensely helpful. I cannot even get all the way through it, because I am a little overwhelmed, (in a good way), with what I need to do to my blog. Thank you so much for posting this, my friend sent it to me and it is going to put my blog to another level. I have been blogging for a few years, but am just now trying to take it more seriously. Thanks again.
Brandy Oliver
August 12, 2015 at 2:21 pmThank you for this post!! I just recent,y decided blogging would be a great hobby and business for me!! I’m a full-time teacher and student in college! This have me the inspiration I needed! Thank you!