Mom Bloggers Club is exactly what its name implies…it’s a group of moms who blog and who come together to form friendships and enjoy some social interaction. For some members, blogging is a fun hobby or something to do while the kids are napping. For others, it’s more of a business in which they get paid for advertising space or to do product reviews.
Recently Mom Bloggers Club recognized 10 Top Bloggers from their group who “successfully use the club to attract new blog readers, contribute to the community, and build their brand in the mom blogging community.” I was very pleased that Kailani from An Island Life agreed to answer some questions about her journey to becoming a blogger.
Q: How did you first discover blogging? Why did you want to try blogging yourself and when did you start?
A: I’ve been blogging since 2006. It all started when I wanted to get a free download of a smartphone application. All I had to do was review it on my blog. The problem was that I had no idea what a blog was. With the help of a friend, I set up my first blog on Blogger.com, posted my review, and got my free download. I thought that would be the end of that. However, one thing led to another and here I am today.
Q: Is this your original blog that you started with? If so, have you made any changes since you began? What types of changes?
A: I originally started with Blogger.com with a generic theme. Back then I thought my blog looked so cool with all the things I added to it. Now I kind of cringe at the thought of it.
Q: Do you consider blogging your hobby or a business? If it’s a hobby, do you ever think of ways to make money from your blog?
A: For me it’s a little of both. I don’t think blogging will ever allow me to retire from my day job but it does help to bring in a little extra income and some great products for my family! I’m always on the lookout for different ways to monetize my blog.
Q: How often do you blog? Do you ever experience writer’s block or take breaks from it?
A: I try to post every day. I do experience writer’s block occasionally and that’s why I’m so grateful for the reviews I’m able to do. They help to fill the space. I’ve never taken a blog break but I have a feeling that one may be coming up soon since my morning sickness is starting to kick in.
Q: How did you become active in the blogging community? How did people find you?
A: I’m still amazed at the thought of my very first visitor. I mean, how does someone stumble across my blog in a vast sea of millions? Eventually, I started a carnival called The Carnival of Family Life. It became a huge success and really helped to get my blog out there. Also, I tried to visit various blogs in my niche and eventually they returned the favor.
Q: Why do you think blogging communities or social networking communities are important for bloggers?
A: I think it’s a great way to find new blogs that you may not have come across elsewhere. It’s so much easier to go to one site and check out all the different members than just randomly searching the blogosphere. Plus, in these blogging communities you can easily find blogs in your area of interest.
Q: Does the term “mommy blogger” bother you? Why or why not?
A: No, it doesn’t bother me since that’s really what I am. Even though I do blog about other things, the majority of my posts have to do with family and family-related products.
Q: What’s your advice for someone who wants to learn more about blogging?
A: I think the best way is to join a blogging community. They have forums where you can get some valuable information on ways to build a successful network of blogging friends.
Q: Do you think there’s a special talent needed to become a blogger?
A: Being able to spell and use correct grammer. *wink*
Q: What types of blogs do you read regularly? What kind of information do you seek from bloggers?
A: The blogs that I subscribe to are mostly parenting blogs. They write about things I can relate to and make me feel like I’m not alone in my crazy world. If I need help or advice, they’re always there to help.
Q: Can we ever have too many “mom blogs”? What would you suggest to moms who want to blog but know there are millions of mom blogs already being published?
A: I don’t think so. If that’s what you want to write about, you should! I started blogging a little late in the game and have gotten a lot farther than I could have ever imagined. If you write from the heart, it will show through and others will be attracted to what you have to say. Just be yourself and don’t get discouraged. Successful blogging takes time, dedication, and effort. However, in return it can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll go through. Good luck!
Thank you, Kailani, for your words of blogging wisdom! Feel free to visit Kailani’s blogs…An Island Life, An Island Review, and Family Review Network… and discover why she’s one of Mom Blogger’s Club top bloggers!
For more information about becoming a successful mom blogger, visit the Profitable Mommy Blogging website and podcast.
