To blog or not to blog. That is the question that’s on the minds of many stay-at-home-moms. I share a little about my blogging journey to help you make a decision.
If you’ve landed on this post from the segment on KPRC, welcome! If you’ve landed on this post because you are a regular reader, I’m glad you decided to stop by. If you’ve landed on this post for any other reason, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy browsing through my quick and easy recipes, check out product reviews on some of the latest products for your family and enter to win some free prizes while you’re here.
If you’ve come because of the segment on Mom Bloggers, then I’m sure you’re probably wondering what this is all about, how you get started and where the heck do you sign up.
To Blog or Not to Blog
It’s true that any mom out there can start her own blog and have her own space online. In fact, I encourage you to do so. It’s a great way to update distant family about what’s going on and an easy way for them to see pictures of the family.
It’s also true that any mom out there can start her own blog and work with brands on product reviews. It’s also true that any mom out there can start her own blog and make money. It’s also true that any mom out there can start her own blog and make a substantial income to support her family.
But, please don’t think that you can start your blog today and be cashing checks tomorrow.
Unfortunately, it’s simply not like that.
My blog is almost three years old and I’ve worked incredibly hard, every single day, for the past three years to make it what it is today.
But the good news is, it can be done and if you have the hard work and determination to make it happen, chances are, it will.
Whatever reason you stopped by, I hope you subscribe to be updated on new content and jump into the conversations, follow me on Twitter and connect with me on Facebook.
Lisa says
I come across abandoned blogs all the time with a handful of posts. It’s clear the person started out with great intention. Often they’ve spent quite a bit of time designing and branding the site. But no one warned them that developing a readership and/or income requires persistence and time.
joanna says
your site is awesome. yes i came through the KPRC segment. its very inspiring and incouraging story. ive always wanted to blog but dont know how to start and were to go to start. I hope to learn more and gain more knowledge to prosper successfully for my family. thank you so much for being such an inspiration. 🙂
Virginia from That Bald Chick says
Great post, and so true that it doesn’t happen over night!
Brandy says
I agree! Well said girl. It takes a long time, sometimes many years to build up a brand loving blog. Those that get caught on fast are rare. Hard work and long hours pay in this business 😉 You rock and I saw the clip on FB. Sending you hugs!
Ana says
My MIL sent me a link to the news article. I am interested in becoming a mommy blogger but have no earthly idea on where to begin? Can I say that you are an inspiration? BTW, I will be subscribing to your blog too!
Canadian Mom Blogger says
Great post 🙂
Tammy says
Absolutely. You have to work hard, and it takes time.
Sara@MommaFindings says
Definitely encourage others to start their own blog. It’s given me such a creative outlet, but like you, it took YEARS for me to see changes in ad revenue and brand partnerships. So glad I can share this space with such an inspirational blogger like yourself Crystal.
Zippy Sandler says
Love the exposure you’ve been getting!!
Robin @ Blommi says
Blogging can be quite enjoyable, but it takes a lot of work, before you make any sort of notable income. Many look at reviews, recipes and articles, and don’t realize all the time it entails to produce and promote them, that being said, determination can pay off.
Nichol says
I get this all the time as well. Where do I sign up so I can make money! You definitely won’t make anything but like you I ALWAYS encourage everyone to start. If it’s not for them, then stop. You must be committed and you must enjoy it.
Great post Crystal and wonderful segment.
Angi says
I started my own craft blog and it is very successful. I hope you will come and check it out sometime. Now I just need to know how to get advertising and start making money at it. I do get free crafty products so I guess that’s a good thing. Love your site. 🙂 🙂
Angi
http://cokiepopaper.blogspot.com/
Hattie says
Hi! Just found you through the segment you did! I love blogging and decided to get serious about it this year . Happy I found yours. I just love reading blogs written by locals!!!!
Hattie
http://godlovehim-hattie.blogspot.com/
Tricia Nightowlmama says
Hard work is right. I don’t think there is a day where I don’t think about how I need to get up a post, answer an email or pitch a pr rep for promotion. It’s a over full time job and it’s note easy but very very rewarding especially with the friends you make .
😀 hugs
Lolo says
Blogging is awesome, buy you are right. It is a ton of work!
Jennifer Mercurio says
it’s so hard to explain to people that it doesn’t happen overnight. I come across abandoned blogs and I just imagine what those people probably wanted fast cash but didn’t get there after a couple months and left it. It’s so sad they just didn’t love their blog enough to keep it going – with or without income
Maureen @ Wisconsin Mommy says
Great words of advice for beginners!
Toni @ A Daily Dose says
This is a great post to let people know it’s not easy peasy. It defintely takes work. Heck I have been doing it years and am still not bringing in a steady income but i love doing it so I keep trucking along.
Penelope says
Great post, totally agree!
Theresa says
Great post and I completely agree! A blog just doesn’t happen, you have to work for it! 🙂
Karen says
Blogging is way more work, than an outsider could imagine. Great Post!
Melissa Au says
great post!
Cascia Talbert (The Healthy Moms Magazine) says
I think I found your blog from a link on another blog. Glad to get to know you!
Marcie W. says
LOVE this post! So very true that it takes work, determination and hustle 🙂
Louise says
Every single day is right!
Donna says
I hate that I’ve had to neglect my blog recently… but hopefully soon I can get back to it more.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
Wouldn’t it be interesting to know some numbers on how long people blog and some drop off rates and stuff?
Laurie says
You just have to keep up with it and its ok to take a break, sometimes I only get to my blog once a week. But it is work.
CRYSTAL HOOK says
Hey there! Great advice and I did see the segment and get tons of questions all the time about how I do things etc! Would love to have your following as well mommysavesall.blogspot.com! 🙂
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
It does take a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it!
nicole @WriteSpell says
Excellent post! I think people all to often think it will be fast and easy.
Courtney says
It definitely isn’t easy. I love your blog btw 🙂
Amy says
Well said. People have no idea just how much work it takes to create and maintain a successful blog.
Kelly @ Texas Type A Mom says
Blogging is definitely hard work and there are no guarantees for success with so much competition but there are successes and rewards to be had!
April Decheine says
My daughter who is 21 is starting her blog today! I know she will love it.
Lisa Motte says
Hi Crystal!
I just had a quick question, I am thinking of starting a blog site. More for different chat subjects for moms.
Any idea which is the best to go with? There are SO many different companies. I am not computer literate so I would like something simple to put together.
What would you suggest?
Thanks for your help!
Love your site!
Lisa
Meghan says
Great article. I recently started my blog as a way to detail what goes on in my life as a mother of 3. I never even thought that it was a way to make money. I am also in the Houston area – wish I would have seen your segment.
Colleen says
Good article, it is true that it takes time and work. It is not just starting a blog and the cash starts flowing. It was only after a year when I started making money my husband started to support the time I had been spending.