I don’t tend to write about blogging but I am always asked about it and I know that I have inspired a number of family and friends to blog. A few have got sucked in and are on their way to building successful blogs themselves. I feel qualified to advise and support others as I have been blogging for over seven years now. I started a blog on a whim and I had no idea about the wave I was about to ride.
So what is it about blogging that draws many in?
Blogging gives many the opportunity to be creative, to make money online and for some a full time job. It is not easy and shouldn’t be underestimated (which it still is by many). Maternity leave can be an isolating time for many women especially for women who worked in a busy environment and are used to being out of the house. Having an online presence can provide friendships and an outlet away from the baby. We use the internet to to research and more often than not we can find the answers on other blogs. This is why blogging has grown so much in the past eight years and why many blogs are started after the birth of a baby.
Why Blog
To promote a campaign and tell a story is a popular reason to blog. My blog found a new purpose when Erin was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. I wanted answers and wanted to share my story through treatment. It changed the direction of the blog and gave me confidence in my blog. I still had no idea at that point that it would become my job and replace teaching. There are many now starting a blog with the purpose to monetise and make money. This can be achieved but it is not easy and people need to build their blogs organically first.
Can blogging be a full time job?
For some it is – if you add up the hours I spend on the blog it is certainly full time hours. I often share that I earn very well from my new career but I wanted to clarify and dispel a few myths. When I was speaking about money at the recent UK money bloggers conference they was much said about rates and earning potentials.
The income I now earn in real value is equal to what I was earning as a Head of Sociology at a comprehensive school. I worked three days a week plus all the usual planning and marking associated with teaching. I was also paying for childcare for two children including nursery fees and after school care. Now I have no childcare costs bar a few hours if I go to london for meetings and events. This has had a good positive outcome on my income.
The second big saving I have now compared with teaching is that I don’t drive nearly as much. I was paying £50 a week in diesel and now I only fill up every few weeks. This has also saved me at least £100 per month.
However I now have no employee benefits, no sick pay no holiday pay. It means that I don’t take much time off and juggling work over the summer was fun! I am also not building up my pension. I will need to provide for myself and this does concern me – we all know the state pension is not enough and will be reducing.
Blogging can make money but it is not easy and I think we need to be more honest about what people are earning and how many hours they spend on their blogs. It is not a quick fix.
To build a successful blog takes time and patience. You need to become confident with tech and maintaining and building your website although there is plenty of support from experts like JPG Designs
There is much more to it than just creating the content. Once it has been written then it needs to be shared on social media and promoted. Many bloggers engage with comments and in their quiet moments they update old content and spend time on the technical side of blogging. One way that you can save time though, is by using GMass for targeted email campaigns.
Most successful bloggers also diversify and make their money from a number of different revenues. It may have started from the blogging platform but earning good money requires more than one income stream. Many do social media management, freelance writing for others and use affiliate marketing if they have big traffic.
Blogging can be a full time job but don’t expect riches without lots of effort.
5 Responses
Great post Emma, you certainly were my inspiration! Blogging has already opened up so many avenues I didn’t know existed.
Oh well said my lovely yes lots and lots of time investment
Thanks for this post Emma! Wow I had no idea that you had been blogging for 7 years, fair play to you for keeping it going that long, so impressive 🙂 I think that’s a really great point about letting the blog grow organically. I see some people being so aggressive with their new blog and I just don’t want to do that myself!
Some great points Emma.
As a part time blogger, I have he luxury of being able to say no more and have days where I don’t do a thing but I know if I was to go full time that would change and I don’t think I’m ready for that x x
Thank you for your advice and expertise i always wanted to blog correct if you want to see change you must put in effort!