So, you want to start a parenting blog.
Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr.
Do you have a unique perspective on parenting? Do you have plenty of “hacks” that could benefit other parents? Maybe you find comedy in daily life with your kids and you want to share it with the world. Whatever the case, starting a parenting blog can be a fun, exciting, and rewarding experience.
But, if you want to make a living running your blog — or even use it as a side hustle — there are some things to consider before putting it out into the world.
Starting a blog is easier than you might think, which might explain why there are hundreds of millions on the web. Standing out, however, can be a challenge. Here’s how you can create a perfect parenting blog, promote it the right way, and even earn some money writing about your favorite subject — your kids.
Creating a blog from the ground up
Being a great writer isn’t enough. There are so many factors that come into play when it comes to creating a blog that stands out, and that typically starts with an aesthetically pleasing website.
It can be easier to create a website once you’ve decided on your blogging niche. Yes, you’re going to talk about parenting, but which parts of it? Are you going to give advice, share personal stories, or link to products you’ve used and loved? People need to know what to expect when they visit your blog, and when you nail that down you can build your design around it. You don’t have to be a professional web designer to create a site that stands out, but keep some of the following tips in mind as you put your site together:
- Don’t be afraid to use bold colors and utilize whitespace;
- Create a simple but effective design;
- Create a strategic and accessible layout;
- Consider user experience;
- Choose quality content to publish consistently.
Creating an optimized website will also make it easier to attract influencers and advertisers, which can help when it comes to monetization and marketing.
Marketing techniques
Even the word “marketing” can feel a little overwhelming to a parent wanting to write about what they know. But in today’s tech-forward world, marketing your blog is easier than you might think.
If you’re just starting out, you also don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money on your efforts. Some of the best low-budget marketing techniques to get your blog noticed include:
- Leveraging social media;
- Using paid advertising;
- Connecting with influencers;
- Using location-based marketing.
As a first-time blogger, you might be nervous about putting yourself out there to work with advertisers and influencers. But the more you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and prove that your blog has value and should be noticed, the more likely it is that people will want to work with you. Eventually, you’ll need to start looking at your blog as a business and brand. When you do, it will be easier to monetize it without feeling so much personal weight.
Plus, remember that you’re in control of your marketing. You don’t have to work with every advertiser that makes an offer. You don’t have to work with influencers who might not reach your audience. Consider what your readers really want, and determine if certain ads have value. Your audience will recognize and appreciate that.
Living off your blog
If you’ve decided you want to earn money from blogging, you’ll have to focus on more than just monetizing. Obviously, money is important, and if your blog is your only source of income, using the monetization and marketing techniques above can make a big difference.
But, your biggest goal should be growth, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You can’t run a parenting blog if you’re too busy to parent. One of the easiest ways to run a blog and enjoy your life is to set a schedule. Choose to post on specific days, once or twice a week. Your followers will appreciate the consistency, and it lets you have more control over your life.
That doesn’t mean you won’t work every day. Engaging with readers on social media, working with advertisers, and answering emails and phone calls will all be a part of your daily routine if your blog takes off.
But, setting up a schedule for yourself and tackling specific tasks each day will make it easier to keep from feeling overwhelmed. You’ll get to enjoy the benefits of being your own boss, working remotely, and spending time with your family while writing about something you’re passionate about. You can even go so far as to turn your blog into a family business by getting your spouse or partner involved in the marketing efforts or letting them run the financial side of things so you can focus on writing.
Parenting blogs might seem like a dime a dozen. But, if you have a unique perspective or something to say that people need to hear, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Use these techniques to get noticed, and you might be surprised by how well your site performs.