Well, I think the most important question came from Nish of The Outdoor Wife, who asked, “WHY and HOW are you so smokin’ hot?!” & to that, I like to say Daddy’s money & The Momma’s good looks. I take no credit for it.
I had never really thought of doing a blog about…well, blogging. Basic blogging is just being an attention whore with either a) really crappy self-esteem or b) really high self-esteem (I fall into either category depending on the day). But emails started pouring in & I noticed that so many of y’all had the same questions. & maybe there were folks out there afraid of emailing? (oh gah, I hope not! I am really nice over email!) I’m going to do my best to answer ALL of your questions, I’ll probably misuse terms & misspell & pronounce things wrong, but whatevs. This will be a mix of blog & vlog, simply because there is SO MUCH TO SAY. I might go a little list-crazy because I like lists. & gahhhh, I hope this isn’t boring.
Starting a Blog
I am going to start with the best & most IMPORTANT piece of advice in the entire blogging universe – DO NOT BLOG WITH THE SOLE INTENTION OF MAKING MONEY. There is only one Dooce in this universe – I’m not her, & you are not her. She’s in Utah with a weird haircut, frolicking her smart ass around on HGTV with her cute kids. Do not begin blogging with dreams of being interviewed by Oprah for your refreshing outlook on life, or buying a mountain house in Aspen with the cash money it will roll in.
Now that the big thing is out of the way, we can begin!
Why did I start my blog? So that my friends & husband would be spared my ramblings about my cervical mucus. Complete truth. If you look back in August & September 2008, it’s pretty much a run-down of my bodily fluids & temperature & angst over whether or not to get knocked up. It’s boring stuff, really. I think I was the only one that read it. But we ALL start small.
So ask yourself – WHY do you want to start a blog? WHAT is it’s purpose & content? WHERE do you see it going? & HOW will you do it?
To the “how” – I’ve been on three different “platforms” – Blogger, WordPress.com, & WordPress.org. I don’t think that this is the only way to do it, but if you are just starting out, I would highly suggest Blogger. It’s super-easy to use, will walk you step-by-step through creating & beginning posting. It’s also an intro into design with lots of tutorials online about backgrounds, creating a badge, & all that “fluff.” Blogger is PERFECT for those that just want a blog to keep up with family, jot down thoughts, etc.
WordPress.com is fantastic, & Blogger vs. WordPress is kind of like a Mac versus a PC. Just very different, but both have their purpose. Switching to WordPress.com & becoming familiar with the setup was fantastic before switching to WordPress.org.
Are you lost right now? Then I suggest Blogger for you. Are you interested in WordPress.com versus WordPress.org? Click here!
Getting Traffic, readers, & having a blast while doing it
I would be nowhere without TheBump.com. Yep, I said it. NOWHERE. I used to chat on their boards…well, the word “regularly” does not quite describe my involvement in their message boards. Obsession sort of comes close, but still fails to meet the mark. Initially, my readers were “nesties” & “bumpies.” Hell, I’m sure most of my readers are still “bumpies!” I loved the boards, but left due to a) needing to take a break from everyone else’s business on Internet boards while I fight PPD and b) the blog needing more attention. Oh, & that little bit about me returning to work & now I have this kid on my hip.
Use blog lists. Use Twitter. Use Facebook.
& GUEST BLOG. Once again, I will say that I have zero shame in pimping myself out to be a guest blogger for everyone & their mom. Okay, not really. But blogging is about RELATIONSHIPS. It’s about connecting. Readership = connections. Read other people’s blogs. Comment. I TRY my best every week to “make the rounds” on McFatty Monday. Sometimes it’s Saturday night when I’m commenting. But I do try my very best.
Blog regularly. Nothing annoys me more than finding a blogger that I love – her style, her writing, her family – but she only updates once every few weeks. NOT ENOUGH. WE WANT TO LIVE YOUR LIVES VICARIOUSLY & CONNECT. I never really got into “Wordless Wednesday” or any other blogging traditions. Until I started McFatty Mondays, but y’all, that was so I could drop the extra FIFTH GRADER I was hauling around on my body.
But honestly, I think what makes me “popular” (your words, not mine) is how open & honest I am. (again, your words, not mine). One of y’all asked how I find the strength to be so personal. It’s a loaded question because honestly, I don’t feel strong. I feel vulnerable & like I’m crying for anyone in the universe to listen some days. That’s why I blog. aka refer to the first round of Q&A about starting a blog 
But I know that at the end of the day, if ONE person emails me to say “me, too” then it was worth it. One girl emailing me to say, “thank you for giving me hope” makes the gutteral blogging of losing Harpie so worth it. One mother emailing me to say she finally called her OB about depression made my confessions easier to swallow for myself. CONNECTIONS.
Making Cash Money
So it’s no surprise that the #1 question is about advertising. SHOCKER. Not & yes, to one question – I had an established, large following prior to selling advertising. It wasn’t necessarily planned that way, but it’s the natural order of things – I can bring in the numbers, they feel confident in paying me to represent their brand. Simple as that.
p.s. See that massive zit on my left cheek? I named him Henry.
- Knowing your statistics.
- Use Google Analytics! They can tell you how many unique hits versus page views you receive, & your loyalty of readership.
- I tend to be of the opinion that readership loyalty is FAR more important than unique hits.
- WordPress.com folks, you have built-in statistics!
- Use Google Analytics! They can tell you how many unique hits versus page views you receive, & your loyalty of readership.
- Know your demographic.
- Figure out what you are worth. These are EXCELLENT sites to explain how to do this:
- Make yourself a “marketing sheet” listing your credibility, demographics, statistics, testimonials. Ad your rates. THEN MAKE IT A PDF THAT CANNOT BE ALTERED.
- Stand behind your advertisers. Go with people you like, products you endorse, because it’s ETHICAL. & you want the trust of your advertisers & your readers.
Free stuff! aka Giveaways
I know. I giveaway a lot of stuff. Especially now. Because overall, I’m a really nice person that HATES saying no. To peanut butter cups, or making Thanksgiving dinner, or product reviews. But this may shock you…more times than not, I DO say “no.” It’s unfortunate. But I’m not into reviewing bug zappers & thankfully, nobody has contacted me about a penis pump.
As you can see, giveaways have been SUCH a learning process for me. I LOVE the people I have worked with so far, have made some true friends through them (::fist pump to maggie, tali, & kacia::) but there are lessons to be learned, like anything in life.
- Learn to say “no” quickly.
- Only review/giveaway products you adore & support.
- Make sure you’re not one of 352,302,385.138 bloggers doing the SAME review that week.
- Manage the holidays so you’re not bombarded.
- Don’t make people jump through a hoop while spinning a Yorkshire Terrier on their nose & singing The Impossible Dream to win your contest. That’s annoying.
& make sure the company is legit. Do your research. If it looks sketchy, SAY NO. If an “agency” contacts me for the company, I always want a specific name at the actual company that I can contact. FYI, some big companies do use third party agencies that are legit – just be careful.
Things I Cannot Live Without as a Blogger
- An amazing IT girl. I’m with twenty70 Hosting & it was the BEST DECISION I MADE as a blogger. She is worth her weight in gold, especially now that I am back at work & do not have time to blog AND run the IT side of things (she’s also WAY smarter than me).
- Design. I was so hesitant to jump out & outsource a designer. No really, ask Lisa if you can see the emails I sent her when I was all, “LISA, I don’t know about this. I FEEL LIKE EVE IN THE GARDEN.” But a good design is priceless.
- To answer questions, YES, I did my own design up until last week. In Blogger, I used Cutest Blog on the Block as a background & then Scrapblog for my header & badge. When I switched to WordPress.com, I used Vector Designer for Mac to make the cartoon you saw for months.
- If you don’t know how or have the time to make your own design, there are some talented girls out there with incredibly reasonable prices. I have two on my advertising slots, so check them out (& I know Jocelyn has a discount code for y’all). It may seem like a lot of money at first, but I promise you the time the designers put into your blog is well worth it.
- Applications – well, my email subscriptions once I get them up & running!! A spam blocker is a must-have.
- Girlfriends that back you up, encourage you, challenge you, & make you a better businesswomen. FIND A GURU. Gussy & her cute ruffles happen to be mine.
- A Mac. There, I said it. I’m a Mac girl. I feel lost without my precious Mac which allows me to edit, watermark, made vlogs, edit those, etc. all in one happy little world of smooth-sailing. Sometimes, I want to dry hump my Mac. But I won’t.
Brand
I talked about that yesterday. Be kind. Be sincere. Be compassionate. Be approachable. Be relatable. Don’t be a douche on Twitter. THAT is your “brand.” It also helps to have an avatar people recognize. Or something that reminds them of you (like birds & cupcakes!). Also, if you’re making cash money with your own domain, it doesn’t hurt to make yourself an LLC & get an attorney on your side. & then if anyone is an ass to you at your high school reunion, you can be all, “I OWN MY OWN COMPANY, RECOGNIZE.”
Randomness
Yes, my parents do read my blog now. & my brothers. Everyone wave hi!! What they don’t know is that they’re going to be interviewed on how to make marriage stay awesome for over 30 years. It became necessary to tell them when I started this whole…”brand”…thing. Like flying to New York City, conference calls, & oh yeah…Daddy is a CPA & does our taxes. So eventually, the truth would come out.
How do I feel about people I know reading my blog? ehhh…they’re welcome to it. I’ve had several stumble across it, then email me saying “OH MY GOD, YOU’RE BLAIR?!?!” Here’s the thing – they’ve been warned that they may learn more about me than they ever wanted to know, that sometimes I use foul language, sometimes I get drunk & make vlogs, but if they’re okay with that, then I’m fine with them reading my blog. There are a lot of things in this world that I give two shits about, & those include my child not growing up to be a terrorist, PPD awareness, & shutting down puppy mills. Notice that list does not include what someone’s mother’s friend in her Sunday School class reads on my own personal website.
My favorite blog post?? Oh, Lord. I think the 38 Week Letter to Harrison. It just really sums up what I felt my entire pregnancy. Also, in a weird way, I love the post where I came 100% clean on my PPD. It was so…freeing.
How many readers do you have? I see between 7,000 and 11,000 visits per day It depends on if I write, what I write, etc. & to that, I must say THANK YOU. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Thank you for coming back. Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring & loving my little blonde kid. Thank you for being a part of making my dreams come true.
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I hope you take away from this some tips you can use, maybe a little bit of advice, & hope your not rolling your eyes calling me a pompous asshole (but it’s okay if you are).
At the end of the day, I’m lucky. Most of the time, I like to call it blessed because that sounds sweeter. I’m lucky to have people that care about me & my babies over the internet. I’m lucky to have found a creative outlet. But I also work my ass off for this passion, & I don’t want to discredit any of my hard work.
Essentially? Write your life. BE YOUR OWN PIMP. But do it with smile & class. ::curtsies:: & that’s Blogging 101 by Professor Blair.
Thank you for this post! As a new blogger, this is super-helpful and is going to be bookmarked for future (and repetitive) reference. Thanks again for all of the advice
What a wonderful post.
I'm bookmarking this for later – definitely a wonderful resource.
Thanks!
Whooo yay thanks, BA. Lots of great info. Totally appreciated by us little bloggy girls like me!
Great post!
Love this post! As soon as I finish grad school (2 weeks!) I plan on sinking a lot of time into growing my blog so this post is really helpful! Thanks Blair
Blair, you are the best!
You left out one important question – Who all do you read. Your blog is the only one that I read on a regular basis (everyday) and I know you have had guest bloggers, but do you read those on a regular basis? I enjoy reading yours and am looking for your recommendations to keep me busy while at work!
As someone who has recently just started blogging, this was extremely helpful and insightful. Thank you!
As a relatively new blogger, this was great info! Thank you!
Pretty much just a bit "Ditto" to what everyone else has said. I'm pretty new to blogging, and am trying to figure all of this stuff out. This post will be bookmarked for my future reference – thanks so much for all the helpful tips! Your blog is wonderful, and I always enjoy reading it.
7000-11,000?! Dayum.
::runs off to tell her friends about the famous blogger she's been reading since there were only a dozen followers reading about her CM::
In all seriousness, what you're doing is awesome. I know you've inspired so many others to 'talk' when they wouldn't have had an outlet otherwise. One of them happens to be me.
Keep on keepin' on and making us ex 'bumpies' proud.
yay! im so glad you did this since i have been harrassing you for a few weeks for help! thank you so much! your amazing! sending love and hugs your way! thanks again
Hi Blair, not new to blogging, but new to your blog. I love all of the blog information, I learned a lot and love your candid style. You are too cute!!!!
Super helpful! Great tips, thanks Blair!
Great post – very interesting stuff! Sounds like you're earning every bit of your success through a ton of hard work.
I like what you said about being open and honest. I love how you blog about your journey – ups and downs. Nobody wants to ready about how perfect somebody's life is (or how perfect they want everyone to THINK their life is.) Anybody can be "popular" on thebump and get a lot of followers but when your posts are just AW dribble there's no staying power. Blogging seems like an art. It should be entertaining but also help the viewer learn something about themselves. I think that's where you shine.
Thanks for all of the information! I started my blog mainly to entertain people with the crazy stories of my life, and I was shocked to get 70 followers within a month. I guess some of my weight loss stuff has to do with it (that, or my bodily function stories).
I also like what you said about being open and honest.
I think I'm going that route!
And to think I knew you when…. ::sniff sniff::
I think you have a lot of followers b/c you make people cry–wench. And because you have a great rack.
Seriously though, great blog. Good answers. Good info.
And btw, I'm a bumpie, too. I remember you from long, long, loooooong ago
I found you on the Bump. I was more of a lurker than a commenter on that site, but I got hooked on your story and then I was curious about how things would turn out for you and your family so I started reading your blog. Plus your easy to relate to about all kinds of stuff like trying to lose baby weight, PPD, adjusting to life as a working mom, etc.
Oh and the writing is good! That's what keeps me coming back. Your posts are entertaining, funny, touching.
Ugh.
To be totally honest, I used to love your writing a lot more. But personally, now that you're advertising and making money and doing all these giveaways, it makes me like you a lot less.
Call me jealous, maybe I am.
7,000-11,000 a day? Drool!!!
Maybe I should drop more cuss bombs on my blog
This is the first time I watched one of your vlogs and oh my God, you are adorable with your Southern accent! Keep up the great work, I love your blog!
I must be the only one who doesn't see this. People keep giving compliments for the new blog design. I think it looks the exact same as it did a week or two weeks ago. There is a baby and lady holding a martini at the top of the page. A tree with a little bird is next to the baby. Am I missing something?
hmmmm….I think you need to do a hard refresh! That's so odd that you can't see the new header!
Love Love Love love my mac. Will never go back. Never Ever. It has helped me so much and my blog is not nearly as fancy.
Yes I have dry humped mine…okay not really. But we may have kissed. Once. After a long night. It was good
Loved this! Thank you for sharing.
PS. Do you find it funny that you refer to Harrison "when he was little"? I catch myself doing that ALL THE TIME. I'll say when C was little or when C was a baby. Then I think, you dork, she is STILL little. It's just that she's double the size she was seven months ago.
This was fabulous. And I'm not talkin about the info darlin'. That cute little vlog accent – I don't even think I heard a darn word you said. I may have to come back later when I'm not blushing over how cute you are.
::hugs::
ps. yesterday was more like a smooth shot of pucker that left me laughing on the inside than the shot of vodka I had prepared myself for.
Also, when you say 7,000 – 11,000 do you mean visits, page views or visitors. Just curious cause I have no CLUE which one is more valuable on the darn google analytics thingy. LOL.
I love this post! It's so spot on and I hope it encourages everyone to start their own blog. I love mine and I'm so excited to share it with Jake oneday, I'm doing it all for him in the long run. I may not have many readers but blogging still makes me so fulfilled and happy that I'd encourage anyone to give it a try!
Love it! thanks bb!
Thanks so much for this post. Lots of good hints! Will be bookmarking for future reading as well.
this is really great. thanks for sharing. your passion for this really shows through and it's inspiring. maybe my blog won't end up being my dream job or my passion but every time I see someone who's found hers, I feel like it's just that much more possible. so thanks for making my day!!
btw. I've been reading since those early days pre-harpie when you just rambled about your CM. My son was conceived within a week of Harpie and I cried for your loss. I'm so glad you're getting well and staying strong. And helping so many other women in the process.
Thank you!! This is super informative, and even though I've been blogging for a couple months now, I'm still learning about how this whole thing works.
And if you're ever looking for a guest blogger, I'd be honored to!
I have really been rethinking my giveaways and how to enter them. You confirmed what I thought about really needing to enter 1 or 2 ways. Easier for everybody!
Boy you don't think highly of yourself do you?
Great advice about blogging…love the new look of your blog! Hope all is well!
I am not a blogger, except on Jaden's personal website, but the info was interesting to see JUST HOW MUCH goes into marketing a blog. I simply cannot believe that people make a living off of, basically, journaling. The times we live in.
That said, I enjoy reading your blog but sincerely miss your writing from the beginning. You attributed a lot of the good (and bad) things in your life to God and I almost feel like the world has gotten in the way of that. You rarely mention your faith anymore and I feel like you have a great opportunity to witness to a large audience. You're in a unique position to spread the Word and share what wonderful things God has done for you – helping you through PPD and giving you success in your passion for blogging for instance. Just something to think about. Either way, I'll keep reading.
Thank you for taking the time to answer questions – you have some great advice!
Awesome post!! Thanks for all the tips and sharing your wisdom
Woot! Thanks for the shout out!
Love this post! I've had you in my google reader forever, but I don't think I've commented before. I'm starting up my blog and trying to keep with it, so these are great tips for me. Thanks!
Firstly, I lover you. Secondly, as a newbie blogger, I loved this post. But I think one thing is missin' and that is the security / safety aspect of putting your life out there for the whole bliggity blog world to read. Not to pimp out someone else's blog on your site (and I hope you don't find that rude), but Theta Mom recently posted about this, and it might have some sort of relevance here too.
http://www.thetamom.com/2010/04/setting-some-blog…
Wow! Thank you so much for this post
I learned (and am still learning!) a TON from it!
Just started blogging again after a long hiatus, this is GREAT info, thanks
Awesome post, thanks for taking the time to answer questions and share some of your wisdom! I'm not new to blogging, but I am new to mom-blogging and in some ways it is COMPLETELY different from blogging on other subjects – so I'm willing to take all the help I can get!
And ditto the above commenter – if you're ever wanting to trade guest-blog posts, I'm happy to share!
so happy to have found your blog a few months ago. While I do not aspire to be anything close to a professional blogger, I will certainly support those who are. *wink*
Awesome post!
This was a very insightful and helpful post. So thanks! You are so right about just asking about giveaways. I have done 3: bibs, burpcloths, and jewelry. I contacted the first two and just asked. It wasn't that hard and they said yes
Right now, I am still trying to decide if I want to just document my pregnancy or ya know, write about other stuff and maybe get more into the business side of things. I have learned people love photos, they love embarrassing stories, they love feeling like they "know" you and have this little window into your life (I sure do to my fav readers- is that creepy?) Anyways, great post. Also, cows eating dandelions and talking about your vagina made me snort.
Oh, and PS: I use a mac too. Once you go Mac, you never go back!
That's the right phrase, right??? 
Totally the right phrase!
So …. peanut butter cups …. yea …. can you make some for me? Remember that it's hard to say no!
I don’t think you’re a pompous asshole! I always feel really happy for those who are able to figure out a way to make it doing something they are passionate about – it is one of the most important things in life, IMO. I myself have no aspirations to become a well-known/popular blogger, but writing is my first love and I will always find a way to honor that, whether it’s through blogging, journaling, or poetry.
I will admit to sometimes wondering why I don’t have a larger audience, but that has more to do with my own self-esteem/need to be an AW. At the end of the day, I am grateful for my small, loyal following. Anything more than that would probably be too overwhelming for me.
You CONTINUE to amaze me Blair!! … Thank you so much first of all, for saying that at first you were, "the only one reading your blog", thats me right now. Thank you also for the awesome tips. YOU ROCK!
Ummm if Meredith gets peanut butter cups, then I want some, too. The Easter Bunny didn't bring me any this year
I heart you and your writing style. Man, you make blogging look easy. I blog so I don't forget what my kids do each day and someday I'll print it into their baby books….. Love it, Blair! Glad I'm one of your 7k hits!
I print out the letters in his baby book! I love reading back over them.
and thank you!
I've been stalking….er….reading your blog since Harpie and I have to echo what some other people are saying in that I really feel like you're becoming too commercial. I get that you love blogging and wanna help the masses (7-10,000! Crazy… I remember when you would have like 1 comment on your posts, now it's hundreds…), I also get that you are creating a business and that you are excited. And I still love your blog, obviously. That being said, I'm really missing you writing about life instead of writing about businesses, giveaways, product reviews. I'm missing the sentimental stuff and the sex talk and general ramblings. It's still there, but not very often. I don't have kids yet and I liked reading this to get a glimpse into what it's like and I don't feel like I'm getting any more real talk. Just pretty pictures, vague updates and giveaways. I know it's exciting for you and you don't want to turn down advertisers, but remember why people are reading, k? We like your stories and sometimes it can feel like we're working for your business instead. I don't really like reading about your "brand". Sometimes a little smoke and mirrors is okay when it comes to that stuff, kwim?
Hope you aren't offended, it's constructive criticism from a long time reader out of love, Blair.
What Serena said is EXACTLY what I've been trying to say in my email, Blair!!! Here's exactly what I loved about what Serena said:
That being said, I’m really missing you writing about life instead of writing about businesses, giveaways, product reviews. I’m missing the sentimental stuff and the sex talk and general ramblings. It’s still there, but not very often. I don’t have kids yet and I liked reading this to get a glimpse into what it’s like and I don’t feel like I’m getting any more real talk. Just pretty pictures, vague updates and giveaways. I know it’s exciting for you and you don’t want to turn down advertisers, but remember why people are reading, k? We like your stories and sometimes it can feel like we’re working for your business instead. I don’t really like reading about your “brand”.
The other day, I had 103 hits on my blog and about shit my pants out of sheer joy.
And then you said you get 7000-11000/ day and I laughed. Laughed hard. Because I haven't even had that many since I started blogging 4 months ago. HAHAHA.
You're so badass.
Blair…no idea where else to write this. Just saw your vlog about PPD. It broke my heart…such utter rawness. You are so brave and awesome. <3 you!
Excellent post. I started my public blog because my private blog was being overcome with my talk about books. So I started a public blog where I could talk about books. The majority of my posts are allll about books, but sometimes I venture out into other topics. However, I don't want to let out too much info since people can easily figure out who I am and what not and I can't let out too much info cuz of my job. I have to resort to using my private Livejournal (which I have used for 10 plus years now!) to discuss babymaking stuff but I would sooo much rather post it public to get more feedback. I may have to start a completely annonymous baby making blog. Blah.
Anywhoo.. if you ever read a good book and want to do a guest blog review.. get a hold of me ..
Ditto those that say they miss your original writing style. Perhaps it's because of the PPD. You seemed to write a lot more about life and your pregnancy without all of this business getting in the way. Now every other day it's a giveaway or guest blogger or review for some product that even you have to admit you would have flamed on Bump (really, a clip on for toys…really?). I still follow your blog in hopes that I'll find the old "Blair" somewhere in there and when she does appear, it makes my heart flutter.
Something that does catch my eye though. You said your therapist suggested you get away from the Bump. I'm only assuming it had to do with being obsessed with it (your words) and/or because of the drama that it always had (and you know there was always drama). I'm curious though if blogging has replaced bump and has become your new obsession? Yesterday's post, while highly entertaining, just made me feel like you moved on from the drama of Bumping to the drama of Blogging. Just a thought.
Holy crap!
Best post ever.
And now I whore myself out: http://www.adventuresinsuburbia.com
Hey Blair….this post was awesome. Sure makes a non-blogger want to become one. Just wanted to let you know that I love reading anything you write whether it's about your "brand" or your beautiful baby boy. Have you ever thought about offering to set up blogs for newbies for a fee? Like you need more on your platter, huh? Keep up the great work!
Oh and before I'm branded a hater, just a little shout out that I ordered a mommy necklace from vintage pearl because I saw it on here, loved it, AND told them I got it from your site
So I happend to stumble across your blog while doing random google searches while I was bored. : ) Your name made me click because hey what 16 year girl doesn't like gossip girl
Whoa did I find more than I expected but I'm happy I did even through I'm not going through anything you are (AKA baby) I love reading your posts because they always give me a laugh or a maybe I shouldn't do that for 30 years instead of 25 type of moment. I even was tempted to send your link to the pregnant 15 year old at my school who can't wait to be a mom because it's going to be so much "fun" her words. I had to stop myself, she wouldn't have read it anyways.
Thank you Professor B!!
Thank you for writing this & for showing how easy it is to become a blogger!! Great tips!! I´m getting started now on mine….!!
I don't mean to come off rude or anything, but lying to your audience isn't really a way of encouraging them. I worked in search engine marketing for awhile but that kind of knowledge isn't even necessary to look up your site stats. You MAYBE have 600 or so a day.
Tupac said it best: You ain't got to lie to kick it. People will read your blog regardless of the "stats."
I have been reading your blog since the early days, and I have to agree, this "brand' and business stuff is obnoxious, and completely turns me off which makes me sad since this has been my favorite blog. Lately, it has been all about giveaways and advertising and your 'brand'. This post is nothing but bragging, IMO. And it makes your readers feel like they are employees of your business.
Please go back to writing instead of advertising before your readership drops.
Thank you! This post was awesome and very helpful (I finally figured out how to make my own header… yes, I'm blog challenged but hey, I'm a beginner!).
I adore you and your blog. Yours is the first blog I ever read and it helped me through my first miscarriage, seriously. So thank you for that too
Yeah, I used to like you as well and you've just lost me. I still come to read, but more because it is such a trainwreck.
I agree with everything that Kelly said. The giveaways are so obnoxious and so is the guest posting.
Just write. Be a mom and a wife and a person and write. Stop trying to gain readers though giving stuff away.
There are 10 posts on page one, on my computer, ONE of those is a giveaway and this ONE is talking about her "brand." The REST are talking about her, her weight loss journey, her sister and family, her weekend with her family and her compassion for those who struggle to make a child of their own. Seriously, WTheck people. She doesn't write for you – she writes for her – and it just so happens she can make a litlte money while she's at it.
Am I missing something?
thanks for doing that, it was super informative! i blog for catharsis, but i'd love to make friends on the web. this post helped
Wonderful post! Glad you shared your knowledge to those of us who feel like we have no idea what we (we meaning me) are doing. Thanks so much!
Tiffany, not sure how long you've been a reader but I've read this blog since her pregnancy with Harrison. I was on 1st tri on the bump boards when she experienced her miscarriage. It broke my heart and when I found out she was pregnant again and saw the link to her blog, I started reading. Not everyday but when I did read, I'd go back to the last entry I read and caught up.
It was real. It was about her, her relationship, her pregnancy. It was raw. It was funny. It was beautiful. It was ugly. It was sad. It was happy. I related to her and our pregnancies were totally different.
This Blair is a smart Blair. I remember her posts on bump wanting so badly to convince her boss to let her work from home or part-time so that she can be with Harry. The fact that she has made this brand is fabulous because it gives her that opportunity to one day stay home. That makes me thrilled for her and her family.
BUT I miss the old style of writing. Even when there is an entry about family, it seems like it's thrown into the mix so that she isn't accused of just doing giveaways. Before she had a blog with a purpose. Now it's like any other blog. I find myself checking it out to catch new pics of H and to see what cute ads there are because she does have some cute stuff. But I hardly read it anymore (not that it matters with 7000 readers
)
Tiffany – how many over the top obnoxious advertisements did you have to look past to get to those posts? (I lost track at 18…19?)
You know the part of watching the Biggest Loser when you realize that the show is more about the advertising than it is about these people & their amazing weight loss journey?
Yea, that's sort of like this blog.
Just sayin'
Blair–this is my first comment (ok, maybe my second but it was probably more than a year ago). I love, love, love reading your blog–you've made me laugh and cry for nearly two years now and I just wanted to thank you. I started reading you when I became a "bumpie" and your due date was just days before mine. Every one of your letters to Harrison I truly felt for my own daughter. I wish I could have come up with the words but maybe I'll just print out yours and put them in her baby book (i'm only half joking). One of my first questions to my husband when we got home from the hospital was "I wonder if Blair had Harrison yet?" (You hadn't yet–you gave birth more than a week after I did). He's a fan of yours too and was keeping up while I recovered. And I swear my babe and your babe could have been twins in another life, because they went through the reflux and sleepless nights at the exact same time! I had my not-so-good days where I thought my head would explode and I didn't think I could handle one more day. But I would turn on the computer and there you were to help me remember that I could do it. Because we are a sisterhood and it gives me peace to know that I am no alone. SO thank you from the bottom of my heart and I couldn't be happier for your success. I'll write again next year for my annual comment, and in the mean time cheers to you for being the best mommy blogger ever.
Hi Ann. Yes, I've been reading since Harpie too. All the way back…
Perhaps we're just looking for something different, bc me personally, I have enjoyed the evolution of the blog…
I'm not trying to argue, I just think it's easy to ask someone to write the way you want them to write, when they are actually writing for own personal pleasure – even if it does bring in some money. And, writers, like any other artist, express what they are currently experiencing – and this happens to be what she is currently experiencing…PPD, anxiety and new business opportunities – so she does the only thing she knows how to do – writes about it. Sorry if that isn't enough for some readers – but that is the gist of this entire blogging hobby.
Thanks for all this info…very interesting. I keep a blog mainly as a personal family journal and to keep our family and friends updated on our baby and life, but it is great to see how it can be used as a business. I can't say that it would be for me, but props for those who pull it off. I love reading your blog and I really respect you for using it as a way to bring awareness to such a big issue (PPD). It is such a common illness and I think it still very much carries a stigma because people are scared to talk about it.
And you're pretty freakin' funny too!
I think Tiffany hit the nail on the head. First, she's not writing for YOU she's writing for HER.
Second no one is the same as they were two years ago. Especially not someone who has gone through serious things, I think it's insulting to expect her to write the same as she did before she got pregnant with Harpie considering how much has changed in life since then.
Everyone changes, everyone's writing style changes. You either roll with it…or you don't.
Shame on the person who used the word "trainwreck" to describe H2B.
Shame on the commenters who expect BA to write more sappy/entertaining pieces when she's been very open and has shared how difficult and heartbreaking her life is so often lately. Shame on you for expecting her to put on a mask and write like in the past when what you claim to enjoy is her honesty.
As for the comment above about the blog stats, I also know how to look up blog stats and yes, the 7k number is realistic. On average there are 3k unique hits and if those 3k visit more than once then yes, the views can be in the 7-11k range.
Yep
I was wondering where on earth she got the 600 as well. Around 3K uniques per day + loyalty = 7-11K views per day.
Thanks for doing this post! I am learning a lot of this on my own as I am starting more giveaways, ads, etc., but it is a lot easier just to learn from your experience! This was super helpful.
To think , I "knew" you way back when you were talking about your FF chart.
Thank you so much for posting this! I am a new blogger and have had a hard time getting more than 5 followers! I would love to share my experiences with more people. Congrats on the success of your blog!
I have to say this blog is going downhill fast. I agree with what Ann said:
"BUT I miss the old style of writing. Even when there is an entry about family, it seems like it’s thrown into the mix so that she isn’t accused of just doing giveaways. Before she had a blog with a purpose. Now it’s like any other blog."
It's now becoming a blog about business and less about family. I get that you want to make money thru the ads and stuff, but you really are getting away from what this blog originally was. You used to write from the heart and your posts had so much "substance" to them. Now it seems like you're just throwing together some quick paragraphs and calling it a day. I've been finding myself less and less interested in your blog over the past few weeks.
eh. i half agree. yes, your posts are more "prepared" feeling. but you've kinda got a lot on your plate and if (as you mentioned in an earlier post) you can use the 'save & publish later' option to help you out, sure. i still lurve you. and as much as i like those fuzzy old school posts, i was super curious about the business of blogging as well.
i figure, it's your blog. write whatever the f you wanna write. if i don't like it, i don't have to read it. end of story.
p.s. — i love your swimmy lessons posts. you both look so relaxed and happy.
It's like you wrote this for me! heh heh. But seriously, I just 'launched' my mompreneur site a few days ago, which features mah blog and coming across your post was just what I needed! I'm such a novice – and don't really care all that much that I am – but all your info! So fab! And chuckle inducing. Lovin' your styles over here in the TDot.
WHO CARES, y'all? If you don't like what she has to say, click the little red "X" on top of your browser. You do not pay her to write, so you have no room to tell her what to write. You don't KNOW her- even if you know her online you still don't see what happens to her when she gets up & off the computer. &As the mother of an 8 month old, I will tell you three things: I am NOT the same person I was when I conceived, gave birth, or even ate dinner yesterday. As a mother, you are gaining about a million life experiences a MINUTE- people evolve, It happens. You don't like it, go away. Secondly, ya think maybe she doesn't write as much cause she's actually out LIVING? When she was pregnant, TTC etc she only had to worry about herself & "Nate". Now she's got Harry & his needs come first- and it takes a LOT of work to write a post. &Third- no one's making you click on the advertisements. &Giveaways are fine; I don't think she's trying to gain readership- she doesn't exactly need it. Besides, quality over quantity still applies when it comes to readers- and at this point it looks like she'd be better off with less of y'all.
In the end- this is petty; I don't know any of you; you don't know me; NONE of us truly know Blair sans her family who now reads this, but NONE of it matters because it's a darn blog & all that matters is that she posts what she wants. The end.
Um, no. You average 6,355 unique visitors per MONTH. In January you did better: 11k. As for getting the magical 600 number you had approximately 19k (I rounded up) visitors. Yes, this includes your loyal readers. 19,000/30 is 600.
You can spin it whichever way you want. Having 19k visitors a month is nowhere near 7-11k visits per day. There's nothing wrong with having 19k visitors per month, so why bloat it?
honey, I'm not being rude either. But both me, my IT girl, & another person that has no affiliation are all saying something entirely different. Including Google Analytics.
Lord have mercy, will you sleep better at night if I email pictures of my stats to you?
No need to patronize. You're the one writing blogs on how to blog, remember? Maybe your IT girl should write a guest blog on how to accurately read your analytic data. Or maybe you got your daily numbers mixed up with your monthly total.
Just a thought.
You have an email from me. Or you can check Twitter.
Keep writing, keep sharing, I'll keep reading. You have had a rough few months and have shared it with the world in hopes of helping someone.
Bless you.
And P.S. Harrison will have a nice college fund huh?.. THAT'S awesome.
I'm not going to provide the sites I checked because it also has stats on the value of the blog and I won't share what should be B's news to share. But I stand by my comment that she gets 3k hits per day.
For the love of all things fuzzy. I get so effing SICK AND TIRED of people hating all over bloggers that do giveaways, ads, etc. When I see that snarky ass little owl button that says "Ad Free Blog!" I want to rant GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR PRETENTIOUS LITTLE SELF. If you can make money blogging, WHY THE HELL NOT? This, and hating all over us formula feeding moms, are two things that are a surefire way to make me want to RAGE AND HULK AND SMASH things.
Oh, and also? @MiraclePending? Worry about your own blog, and less about obessively checking BA's to make sure her hits are accurate and that she's not "lying to her readers". Jesus effing tapdancing Christ.
@Miracle Pending
Dude, chill. You can look at sites all day long, but unless you are looking at Google Analytics or Stat Counter – you aren't getting an accurate count. I just checked several sites I found via a Google search, and they all grossley underestimate my blog traffic.
I'm sorry. 90% of these comments are fucking idiotic.
Why do we give a shit how many hits anyone gets per day or how much fucking spare change they make doing so?
If you don't want blair to get any hits, or make any money, stop visiting her blog.
I hate perez hilton and what he represents, so I don't visit his blog anymore, no matter how curious I am if Lindsay Lohan killed herself yet.
Yes Blair, Beth Ann, etc.. you're writing style and content have changed. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worst.
If writing is cathartic for you and not just a money maker, then just take your own advice and stay true to you.
You changed. I changed. The weirdo that is studying your blog stats has changed at some point. It's called growing, maturing, evolving, aging, learning…. if you dont do those things you die.
So while some may not like the changes, they are what they are.
I still stop by. What the hell, why not? One day I might win some T shirt that is pre-scented like puke or a keychain for my tampons.
I had a thought when my kid was up screaming at 2 am.
One thing that would be insanely disappointing is if this whole Nutri-system diet is in hopes of becoming some small scale spokesperson or to get ad money from them.
That's all. I'd be bummed if one day I clicked on here and saw some nutri-system ad. Enough so that I undeniably would not visit again.
@bonzer-christina just FYI, I hate Perez Hilton too. When I want my celeb gossip, I visit Oh No They Didn't on LiveJournal. It's snarky, but it's not butthole Perez Hilton MEAN, draw inappropriate pictures on Miley Cyrus snarky. Just FYI!
You are good at what you do and generous as well. I remain grateful for the enormous support you threw behind me, and will never forget it. Expect some Stella & Dot gifts coming your way every now & then.