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How To Start A Successful Blog (and make money doing it)

June 8, 2016

What makes a successful blog? And what do I know, after blogging for only a year?

Success in blogging means different things for everyone. To me, having a successful blog means that I have been able to cross some huge goals off my list in my first year of blogging:

  • Being published on Scary Mommy
  • Generating income
  • Being accepted into rewardStyle
  • Connecting with other mama bloggers
  • Participating in sponsored posts
  • 3.5k followers on Instagram

My goals for this next year are just as lofty, and I have high hopes that I’ll be able to cross them off my list, too.

Here’s what I’ve learned in my first year of blogging: 

HUSTLE If you’re a blogger, you’re in sales. You’re selling yourself and you’re selling the idea that you are the expert in a certain field. And as with all sales job, you have to hustle. You have to put in the time. You have to visit 20 other blogs a day to leave comments. Join blog engagement Facebook groups (my favorites are here and here) and participate in the threads. Use Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Stumbleupon to promote your blog and support other bloggers. Network. It’s the equivalent of going door-to-door or making cold calls. You’ve got to make connections. You have to put in the work.

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER  Ok, I’m not saying you won’t have to work hard (see above). Blogging is hard work and can be very time-consuming. So, you need to be smart about how you work. No one is going to visit your blog just because you spent hours trying to figure out how to install and activate all those plug-ins. They will visit your blog if you continually create compelling content (whoa, alliteration), and promote your stuff.  So if you can, hire someone to assist you with the mundane stuff (technology, I’m lookin’ at you). Spend your time doing what will keep your readers coming back.

ASK! You want to work with a particular brand? ASK. You love another blogger’s theme? ASK. You didn’t land a certain campaign and you’re wondering why? ASK. You need help with technology because it sucks and your brain just doesn’t work that way? ASK. Blogging is a business. You can make it an extremely successful business. But in order to do so, you need to start the conversation. ASK. And if you get turned down? Wait awhile, and ASK AGAIN.

DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT Let’s be clear: you can totally wear sweatpants and a messy bun. I mean figuratively dress for the job you want. ACT AS IF you already have that job. If your goal is to become a part of RewardStyle, find out their requirements and start fulfilling them. (I’m working on a post all about rewardStyle for all of you who have asked!) Want to get sponsored posts? Start posting similar content. Make yourself the obvious choice.

INVEST The first investment in blogging you will make is time. It will take up A LOT of your time. Especially in the beginning. Secondly, it will take some money. If you’re a style blogger, you will need clothes (think classics!). Invest in a pretty theme. When you start blogging, think of it as an investment. With some hard work, creativity and promotion, it will pay off.

So, there you have it. That’s what I’ve learned in my first year, and I know there is so much more to learn. I’d love to hear what you’ve learned about blogging. Let me know in the comments below! Share the wealth 😉

xo

How To Start A Successful

Here are 5 things I learned in two years of blogging!

blogging gaining an instagram following sponsored posts monetizing a blog successful blog
by suzanne 
33 Comments

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Comments

  1. Rachel Moore says: June 8, 2016 at 7:31 am

    You have rocked!!!! Impressive work – especially only a year in. Cheers yourself for all that hard work. Xx

    Reply
  2. Kim says: June 8, 2016 at 7:42 am

    This is so helpful. I have been in a blogging slump, and now you have encouraged me to hustle. I am so impressed by your first year. Way to go!

    Reply
  3. Kate says: June 8, 2016 at 8:03 am

    So much accomplished in a year! I remember when this was just a twinkle in your eye a few years ago ♥

    Reply
  4. Shay Scholtes says: June 8, 2016 at 8:29 am

    Wow! It’s amazing what a year can do! Look at all that you’ve accomplished! Amazing!!

    Reply
  5. Kelly Hoover says: June 8, 2016 at 8:52 am

    All of these tips are so good! Biggest thing: PERSISTENCE! And doing it for yourself and not for money!

    Reply
  6. Crystal Cara says: June 8, 2016 at 9:23 am

    I love this Suzanne, just what I needed to hear. It’s so easy to get lost in this blogging world. Thank you for giving more specific examples like the groups info.

    Reply
  7. Emily says: June 8, 2016 at 9:35 am

    I enjoyed reading this. I am so impressed with your Instagram numbers! Your pictures are great though…so I shouldn’t be surprised. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Gina Gelo says: June 8, 2016 at 9:53 am

    Love this! Great motivation! Keep it up, mama 🙂

    Reply
  9. kerona says: June 8, 2016 at 10:09 am

    Lovely tips, being consistent in blogging is what also helps you to be successful and also motivation

    Reply
  10. Rachel Golden says: June 8, 2016 at 11:30 am

    Such great tips! Working hard is probably the best overarching tip of all. Keep doing what you’re doing and work hard for what you love and the rest will fall into place 🙂

    Reply
  11. Christine Anne says: June 8, 2016 at 11:35 am

    Loved this post! I love the “Hustle” part. I never really thought of blogging as a sales position but you’re totally right! I’m about to kick my butt in gear.

    Reply
  12. Ana De- Jesus says: June 8, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    I have just been accepted into Reward Style funnily enough but have not earnt money yet, do you have any tips to pull in sales?
    http://www.fadedspring.co.uk

    Reply
  13. Adree says: June 8, 2016 at 1:11 pm

    Awesome post! You accomplished a lot in your first year and have some really great points!

    Reply
  14. kari says: June 8, 2016 at 1:19 pm

    Such a great post! Congrats on your one year!

    Reply
  15. Nicole @ Work|Wear|Wander says: June 8, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    This is really great advice! I don’t think everyone realizes how much hustle is involved in growing a blog.

    Reply
  16. candy says: June 8, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    Very motivational and telling us how it is. Congratulations on your hard work paying off.

    Reply
  17. Cara says: June 8, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    Great post with wonderful tips! I completely agree with the one about asking. You’ll never get anything unless you ask for it! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Lauren says: June 8, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    I always love reading tips and tricks for blogging success and you are so spot on with these! And I’m looking forward to your RewardStyle post!

    http://www.myplotofsunshine.com

    Reply
  19. Sophia says: June 8, 2016 at 7:46 pm

    These are great tips and all of what you said is so true.

    Reply
  20. Tessa Kirby says: June 8, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    Yes, Yes, and YES to all of these! Great tips! Thank you for sharing pretty momma!

    Reply
  21. Jenny says: June 8, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    Great tips! They are all so true.

    xoxo, Jenny

    Reply
  22. The Home Loving Wife says: June 9, 2016 at 7:49 am

    These are all SO spot on!! And, can I just say how stinkin’ proud and amazed I am by you?! You’re a total babe and rockstar!! Can’t wait to see what this next year brings for you!!

    Reply
  23. Christie Lawrence says: June 9, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    Hi mama! I loved reading your tips. I’ve been blogging about a year and learning as I go. This read gives me more motivation though, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  24. Jen says: June 9, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    Great tips! You’re so right about asking… Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! You’ve accomplished so much in one short year – looking forward to seeing where the future takes you!

    Reply
  25. Bella B (xoxoBella) says: June 9, 2016 at 11:00 pm

    Great resource for a new blogger! I think new bloggers find there is so much more to it than they imagined.

    Reply
  26. Alison says: June 10, 2016 at 5:25 am

    Great advice! I’ve only been going a year as well but actually have recently started to feel successful (getting paid helps). And 3.5k instagram followers is amazing well done – I’m stuck at 2k!

    Reply
  27. Melissa Valmonte says: June 10, 2016 at 7:24 am

    Great tips! I think it’s important for new bloggers to understand that it’s hard work and requires hustle 🙂

    Reply
  28. Melissa says: June 10, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    Congrats on your first year! This blogging gig does take a lot of hard work and perseverance!

    Reply
  29. Nicole says: June 10, 2016 at 8:00 pm

    Yes I totally agree with you this is great advice! Thanks for sharing ?
    xo, Nicole

    Reply
  30. Jessica Bradshaw says: June 11, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    Love this! Thank you so much for all of the tips. Hustling has been my middle name since I started my blog.

    Reply
  31. Ava says: August 25, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    These are all great tips and insight. I have started blogging less and promoting more but I still sometimes feel overwhelmed with the hustle!

    Reply

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mykindofsweet

Style + sobriety. Fighting #mommywineculture while sharing casual cool style over 40 🖤 Also @thesobermomlife + @mykindofsweethome for home decor

suzanne | sobriety in style
Tomorrow I get to do something I’ve been wanting Tomorrow I get to do something I’ve been wanting to do for years. I will have a partial hysterectomy (leaving my ovaries). I’m 41 years old and it’s high time.  
 
I’ve lived with chronic uterine pain from fibroids for almost 20 years. It’s affected every part of my life, almost every single day. I’ve learned to deal with the pain and mitigate where I can. But still… 
 
We need to talk about fibroid pain. 
We need to talk about period pain.  
We need to talk about uterine pain. 
  
Most of all we need to listen to women when we say we’re in pain.  
 
Cramps HURT like hell. And while we’re strong enough to deal with the pain, maybe we’re just too damn tired to continue trying.  
 
And did you know? It’s called a “hysterectomy” because it was believed that women’s uteruses were making them hysterical.  
 
Let that sink in.  
 
I’m not hysterical.  
We’re not hysterical.  
We’re fucking warriors who have fought battles with our bodies.  
 
It’s time. 
♥️ 
 
#hystersister #hysterectomy #hysterectomyawareness #hysterectomysupport #womenshealthmatters #mentalhealth #fibroids #fibroidsawareness #healing #healingjourney #periodproblems #wombhealth #womenshealth
Hi, I’m Georgia☀️ (That last video though 🤍🐶) ⁣
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My first sober girls’ trip. Done.    It’s My first sober girls’ trip. Done.   
It’s the firsts, sweet friends. Get through the firsts.   
Sharing all about it today on mykindofsweet.com.  
 
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Merry Christmas, sweet friends… ✨    Sendi Merry Christmas, sweet friends… ✨ 
 
Sending you light and love on this day that may be difficult for some. It’s amazed me all day that a heart so full can also feel a little broken. Maybe that’s just how it goes. ❤️ 
 
Swipe to see our last three Christmas family photos. Sometimes we get it together. 😉 
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If anyone needs me after this highly emotional whi If anyone needs me after this highly emotional whirlwind weekend, I’ll be curled up, wearing this hooded blanket… 🖤 Shop it here —> https://liketk.it/3u7o7 ⁣
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Cozy, chic + on sale! 💥 My puffer is 20% off an Cozy, chic + on sale! 💥 My puffer is 20% off and I found my belt bag for less than $200, which is 🍌🍌 It’s all linked in today’s Daily Edit here —> https://mykindofsweet.com/mkos_daily_look/cozy-chic/ 🖤 ⁣
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Take me back! 😍 Are you guys shopping this cybe Take me back! 😍 Are you guys shopping this cyber insanity?? I’ll be sharing all the deals tomorrow, but now I’m breaking for #rhoslc. Obvs. 😉  
 
I stumbled on so many adorable mama + mini matching sweatshirts on sale that I had to share this moment from last year! I linked them all here —> http://liketk.it/3tagR 🖤📸 @ironandhoney 
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Let the sales begin! 💥 (Also let’s be honest Let the sales begin! 💥 (Also let’s be honest they began like a few days ago and Black Friday is now Cyber Week, but STILL!)  
 
Sharing a HUGE Black Friday sales round up on mykindofsweet.com 🙌🏻 Swipe for a few of my tried and trues that are included and should probs be on your list… 🎁🖤  
 
I’m sharing my home decor same faves on @mykindofsweethome so be sure to follow me over there, too! ✨ 
 
Also head to stories for some personal shopping and leave me a request if you have one! I’ll find it 😉😘  
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Phew! Time for more pie. 😉 
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#cyberweek #cyberweeksale #liketkit #ltkunder100 #ltkunder50 #ltkstyletip #affordablefashion #ltkshoecrush #liketoknowit #ltksalealert  
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So much to have and hold. And so thankful for it a So much to have and hold. And so thankful for it all. 🖤  
 
To this sweet community - thank you for your support and for allowing me to stumble and create and share and be vulnerable.  
 
And to anyone who is celebrating their first sober Thanksgiving, you’ve got this. The firsts are always the hardest. You will wake up tomorrow morning with a clear mind and you’ll realize that the magic was never the alcohol. It was you. Your family. And connection.  
 
Keep going. ❤️ 
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#boozefree #hangoverfreeclub #soberholiday #gratitude #soberfriday #soberwarrior #soberweekend #thanksgiving2021 #thanksgivingday #thanksgivingfun 📸 @jessiehearnphotography
I’m so excited to share our family photos + a fu I’m so excited to share our family photos + a fun gift idea with @minted! #ad 
I love to find luxe, custom gifts for our family and this heart snapshot print is just perfect. It’s a great keepsake gift grandparents who want to stay connected to the little ones. I have ours hanging in my girl’s room because she spotted it and claimed it and I just couldn’t say no. 😉 
Use code SUZANNEGIFTS to save 20% + Free Shipping until Dec 5th! 
Swipe to see a few of our family photos from this year and head to mykindofsweet.com for more unique gift ideas with Minted. 🖤 #mintedholiday #mymintedmoment
Happy Halloween from a Minion, Gru, Dr. Nefario + Happy Halloween from a Minion, Gru, Dr. Nefario + two witches (not pictured 😉)! 🎃 
  
(Also, my girls wanted me to be Lucy, but I think Dr. Nefario is way cooler. I mean, c’mon. Steampunk googles.)   
  
Hope your day was more treat than trick! 🖤 ⁣ 
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#familycostume #halloweencostume #halloweencostumes #halloweenfun #halloweenideas #halloweeniscoming #halloweenseason #halloweentime #happyhalloween
Book the flight.     Take the trip.     An Book the flight.  
 
Take the trip.  
 
And if you need to recharge, I can’t recommend @miravalresorts enough. #notanad Sharing all about our time there today on mykindofsweet.com. ✨ ⁣ 
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