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Janice and I have been blogging for over a decade.
We are both single mothers who support our families through our blogging business. We are so very grateful for the blogosphere, the business we’ve created and the friendships we’ve made. Many people wonder what life is like as a full-time blogger and so I want to share an honest look into the truth about mom blogging.
Mom blogging and blogging as a business in any niche is HARD.
But it is also the most unique and amazing way to design a completely customized lifestyle to match your family’s needs.
Running a business is never easy.
It’s completely different than having a job where someone else worries about the bottom line and you just put in your hours and get a pay check at the end of the month.
There is not enough time to do everything you want/need to do for your business, your family and yourself.
Sometimes the tasks you have to prioritize are the ones that pay the bills and have hard deadlines attached.
You may have seen the recent rant of a particular mom blogger who decided to quit blogging and, on her way out, bash the industry as a whole.
Similar to Dooce’s post about quitting blogging, she complained that sponsored posts can mean you have to write a blog post and take photos on days you don’t feel like smiling.
Personally, I remember having to smile at every other job I’ve had in the past even if I was in a bad mood.
By the way, the solution to that problem…
Only take on campaigns that fit your schedule and your family’s situation and then attempt your photoshoot ahead of the deadline so that if it’s not working out, you simply try again the next day.
If the photos are for an on-location event or vacation, chances are you’d be asking your kids to smile for the camera anyway.
If your kids are acting spoiled and complaining about photos, explain to them how taking photos and writing about your experience is part of the family business. But if they’d prefer to not be in the photos, they don’t have to be.
Then cut back on review samples you’re giving your kids and consider adjusting the campaigns you accept so that they don’t focus on children.
Remember, blogging as a woman with kids does NOT mean you have to write about or photograph your kids.
You can create the type of blog you want.
Janice’s son is now a 14 year old boy and, as a typical teenage boy, he doesn’t usually want to be in photographs or blog posts. We respect his wishes.
Our 3 girls LOVE to have photoshoots and create sponsored videos.
Are they always perfect during those photoshoots and videos?
NO!!!
Those photoshoots and video shoots can be tough and stressful. Just as anyone who has arranged a family photoshoot with a professional has likely experienced, trying to get more than one child to smile for a series of photographs is often difficult.
Janice actually wrote a post about how to manage unruly kids in a photoshoot.
But, even if there are bumps along the way getting the photos or videos we want, our girls are always excited to see their shots, read the blog posts and get ready for the next campaign.
The key is evolving your blog to match your situation, your passions and your goals.
We have an awesome group of long term “mom” blogging friends who have been in this industry with us for the last decade. All of our blogs have evolved into varied niches and are completely different from each other – but all are hugely successful.
Here are just 10 of our friends’ blogs that show the various niches of “mom blogs” and what successful bloggers are doing right now to build awesome businesses.
It’s always tough to list a selection of blogs because you’re leaving so many out… but I feel it’s important to show you the variety of niches within the wide net of “mom blogs”.
I’m cutting the list off at 10 but I could go on and on showing you fabulous “mom blogs” that represent all sorts of niches and bring in good incomes to support the hard working women behind them.
These are all bloggers who have been working hard for several years — most over a decade. The list is in alphabetical order.
- childmode.com
- dearcrissy.com
- extraordinarymommy.com
- jolynneshane.com
- ladyandtheblog.com
- momendeavors.com
- momgenerations.com
- momtrends.com
- teachmama.com
- themomcreative.com
As you can see from all of these blogs, the power to customize and create your own business and lifestyle is liberating.
It’s incredibly hard work and some days we feel like quitting.
Just like motherhood is both the greatest blessing and the hardest job, blogging as a business is phenomenally challenging but absolutely worth the work.
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Written by Susan Carraretto, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom
Talk with me: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
Pin with me at pinterest.com/5minutesformom
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Janice and I have been blogging and making our living online since 2006.
It’s not always easy, but we’ve learned tons over the years and we keep learning everyday.
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Very well stated. I have tried blogging and just did not have what it took. It was because of my not making the time that it took. It was not anyone else’s fault or issues. She needs to take responsibility for her own actions or lack of them. Successful blogging takes self discipline and time management,
Thank you!
I love your honesty and ability to objectively assess your situation. Blogging as a business takes an incredible amount of time.
Just like everything in life, we can’t blame other people when something doesn’t work for us.
From your user name, It sounds like you love to craft so I trust you excel in crafting and that’s where your passion lies.
Great post! This is so, so true! I’ve been blogging for nearly a decade and have made it into a family business. Running a business is hard, especially when you have a family to take care of. But, my blog has evolved over the years just like the other ones you listed and it has worked to bring in some extra income for my family. Have a great weekend!
Thanks Cascia!
Yes, I remember you starting blogging about the same time we did. It’s been fun to watch your success over the years.