When I first started blogging I was a 30+ mom of three working in the corporate world with little to no time for personal hobbies, one of which was writing. Ever since I could remember I wanted to write and write and write and from the little girl that I was to the woman I am today I eventually made it a passion that I earn from. You might ask how did you do it? Well, it all came by accident really or maybe a fateful coincidence.

I had resigned from my nice, familiar, comfy job to work from home so I could be present in bringing up my youngest. It was a leap of faith and I jumped eyes closed with determination in one hand and faith in the other. It’s almost 10 years ago that I started blogging, I started by writing my thoughts on being a new mom again after having had my second child nine years earlier, struggles of being a work at home mom with a newborn and daily activities. I didn’t see it as anything but being an online diary and a way for me to develop my interest in writing and at the same time an outlet for the multitude of feelings I was going through at the time.

After about a year of personal blogging a PR agency reached out and was interested to collaborate. Flattered, flustered and intrigued I took the opportunity to find out what was being presented to me. It was a chance to blog about baby products that they would provide me free of charge! It was an exciting time because somehow there was personal gratification in the fact that my writing style was appreciated. After that first product review doors opened up for me everywhere. I’ve had so many opportunities since then and today blogging is a way for me to earn while trying out new products and services. It also gave me so many experiences I wouldn’t have otherwise had from events to trips to adventures that often took me out of my comfort zone. With all this, there were plenty of things I learned along the way. I can say that blogging has been a fulfilling, educational, and profitable journey.

One of the critical learnings I picked up was the difference from blogging for passion, blogging to earn and passionately blogging while earning. There were many road bumps, trial by fires and conflicts both internal and with fellow bloggers but at the end of it all I was able to find the path I wanted to take for my craft.

Be Real and Honest

This is first and foremost in my opinion. Every single person has a unique voice that resonates with at least one person out there. Be it a wide or small audience as long as you stay true to who you are and choose honesty when sharing your thoughts and opinions you will reach your target audience.

Don’t Compromise Your Values

It can be hard to stick to your guns when you become a successful blogger, especially one with paid projects and endorsements. The money and popularity can make you forget what your morals are and lose your authenticity. One example is when a brand comes to you with a proposal and another brand approaches you with the same exact line of product. If you’re not careful you become a blogger that takes every opportunity without a sincere interest in sharing what you truly value. Also, never think that you have to take every opportunity. Sometimes you have to decline a project if it doesn’t align with your personality, lifestyle or goals.

Be Satisfied

The blogging world can be competitive if you let it be. From pricing to engagement sometimes it seems like a fight to the top. You have to realize though you won’t get every project out there and some bloggers will have that while you have this. If you stay in your own lane and focus on your intention blogging will be a happier experience. One thing to keep in mind is to not compare rates. This is one of the issues I avoid because I personally didn’t go into blogging with the sole intention of earning. It just happened that I was given opportunities to earn from it. Review your work, your blog posts, the effort you put into your work and from there decide what you think your monetary value is. When approached by brands, agencies and PR companies present your rates. And once you’ve accepted a project be content with the rate you agreed on.

Align with your Life Purpose

There are only so many niches in blogging that you will always be similar to another blogger but it’s your intentions, sincerity and viewpoint that differentiates you from the rest. That being said everyone has their own unique experiences but as a blogger you have a voice that becomes a responsibility as well to those that choose to listen. Make sure you are sharing from the heart and have a genuine purpose. You make yourself valuable and this translates to trust. Once you gain trust let that be your focus and everything will follow. Be an inspiration to the audience you cultivate because it can be one of the most rewarding things. My blog started as a mommy blog but eventually evolved to include lifestyle and fitness and health. My weight loss journey was a strong point and became one of the prominent things about me.

Don’t Sacrifice your Principles 

Temptation can happen in blogging. You can be tempted to promote a product you don’t believe in or even use. You can be tempted to be dishonest just to turn a quick buck. If for every project you accept it because you don’t want to miss an opportunity you won’t have an honest voice and that results in you being unprincipled. Learn to choose, learn to prioritize and live a credible blogging life.

Aim to Inspire

My weight loss journey was a personal one but one that I shared because I knew how difficult it was and how many people were seeking the inspiration to try. What I learned from my blogging journey is that sometimes you’re unaware of just how much of an inspiration you can be. The things that seem everyday or simple to you can be a light at the end of the tunnel for someone else. Always keep that in mind when blogging. Your voice means something.

Do an Integrity check

Lastly, take time to review your work. Are you happy with how it paints you? Does it sincerely reflect the person you are, the values you hold and the opinions you have? If it does, great! Keep on doing you. If it doesn’t, re-evaluate and try to align yourself once again with your purpose.

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