My first guest post for TMC Network is Katie Derman, a working mom who is the author of the blog Articles from Addington. Her main blogging goal is to inspire and encourage other moms. She shares her perspective on blogging, especially for those who are just starting out:
So who are you? What hats do you wear in life? Are you a new mom or an experienced mom to multiple children? Maybe you have twins; bless you. Each of us has a unique and unusual story. Many of us entered the blogosphere by reading the stories of others and feel moved and motivated to share our story with the world. Blogging can make each day brighter than the next and open up a whole new world you never knew existed!
I entered blogging when I found myself working full-time after having my son, with no time for the local neighborhood Stay At Home Moms. Although I didn’t mind working, I felt as though I was missing out on a community of moms who were either experiencing the same things as me or had more knowledge and could share advice. At first I wasn’t sure of my blog niche (that came later), but I did use my first post to define who I was and what I felt the purpose of my blog would be. Suddenly, I was amazed at the interest given back and like a kid at Christmas, I found myself peeking at the ticker to see how many more followers I had.
Enter a community of amazing people! I immediately appreciated the honesty of these new online friends; from ways to clean your house to the time saving tips necessary for survival as a working Mom.
So you’ve begun to write posts, now how do you get involved in the blogging community? First, as you read both new and favorite blogs, reflect and thoughtfully comment. Consider sending an email to either a reader or blogger with a more personal message or a question.
Join communities like TMC and be an active participant. Communities are a great place to learn, share, support, and meet fellow bloggers. You’ll discover others with similar interests and struggles to you; no, you are not the only one that only slept two hours last night and is trying to teach a school house full of kids going through puberty!
Once you become an active blogger, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The answer is keeping a grounded perspective and being organized. About one month in, I can remember wanting to be the newest superstar Mom Blogger. I also remember my husband asking if we needed a third pillow in our bed for the computer. Building a blog and community of readers takes time. Although difficult, it is important to remember the big picture and your purpose behind writing a blog.
It also helps to be organized. Do you keep a blogging calendar? It is so helpful to not return to your computer each day and have a blank screen staring at you. Plan your posts in advance, understanding that you can be flexible if something exciting comes up. Break blogging into smaller tasks spread throughout several sittings: brainstorm post topics, outline your posts, collect photographs, write, and revise. I have a folder on my desktop and weekly folders within it for my outlines, photographs and ideas.
At the end of the day, jump in with both feet, but don’t forget your life jacket. Blogging should be a fun way to share information or a story. If you find yourself worrying about your blog instead of cuddling with your little one while singing the theme from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for the 500th time, relax. It’s not a competition and your family still needs you. Remain true to who you are in what you write, review, and comment on.
Thank you to all of you who are brave enough to blog each day. Know that you help and enrich the lives of many people you may never meet.
Please send me an email if you are interested in guest posting at Theta Mom® for TMC Network. Full details can be found on the Network page.
