Has the thought of becoming a blogger ever crossed your mind? I’ve been doing this for three years now, (well, technically two if you count the year I took off for maternity leave). Even with that gap, my passion for blogging never wavered. I still love sharing my thoughts with you, my readers. The question I get asked the most is, “how do I start blogging?” Trust me, it’s not as simple as just starting a blog, despite what some might tell you. So, today, I’m going to share some insights on how you can start your own blog and join the fun.

Tip 1: Identify Your Blogging Purpose

First things first, why do you want to blog? Is it to share your life experiences, your fashion and beauty tips, or your craft ideas? Whatever your reason, make sure you have one! Without a clear purpose, you’re likely to burn out and run out of ideas.

Tip 2: Choose a Catchy Name

Your blog’s name should be unique and related to your blog’s topic. It should tell your potential readers who you are and what they can expect from your blog. For instance, I started my blog to share my life as a mom of three boys. Over time, my blog has grown to cover much more than that.

Tip 3: Select Your Blogging Platform

The next step is to choose your blogging platform. Blogger or WordPress? I started with Blogger, but most professional bloggers use WordPress because it offers a more professional platform. There are two types of WordPress platforms: WordPress.com and WordPress.org. I recommend reading up on the differences before making your choice.

Tip 4: Design Your Blog

When creating your blog, select a design that reflects your personality. Avoid copying other blogs, but do take inspiration from them. Remember, a clean, professional design is more likely to attract readers and load faster.

Tip 5: Begin Writing

Now that you have a purpose, a name, and a blog design, it’s time to start writing. Write about your passion, introduce yourself to the world, and most importantly, let your heart guide your keyboard.

Tip 6: Engage in Blogging Communities

Joining blogging communities can give you a sense of belonging and support. You can ask questions, leave comments, and make new friends. Some of the popular ones include Mom Bloggers Club, Bloggy Moms, Mom Dot, and Pitch It To Me.

Tip 7: Set Up Social Media Accounts for Your Blog

If you’re serious about blogging, setting up social media accounts for your blog is crucial. This includes Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, and even YouTube. Make sure your social media handles match your blog’s name to maintain brand consistency.

Tip 8: Create a Media Kit

If you’re planning to work with brands for reviews, giveaways, or sponsored posts, you’ll need a media kit. This document tells brands who you are, what your blog is about, how many followers you have, and your rates for various services.

Tip 9: Network with Brands

Once your media kit is ready and your social media accounts are set up, start following and engaging with the brands you’re interested in. But remember, don’t be overwhelming; subtly let them know you’re there.

Tip 10: Craft the Perfect Pitch Letter

To work with brands, you’ll need to pitch them via email. Make it short and to the point, including information about who you are, your blog, and why you’re contacting them. Remember to include your blog’s stats as well.

Tip 11: Be Professional

Finally, once you’ve got clients and products to review, remember to maintain professionalism. Ensure your posts are well-written and delivered in a timely manner.

So, there you have it! These 11 tips should help you get started on your blogging journey. If you already have a blog, feel free to share your link in the comments. Happy blogging!

| Steps to Start Blogging | Description |
| — | — |
| 1. Find your reason to blog | To prevent burnout and running out of ideas, have a clear purpose for your blog |
| 2. Choose a unique and relevant name | Your blog’s name should reflect your personality and the content you intend to share |
| 3. Pick a platform | Blogger and WordPress are popular choices. WordPress is more professional, but Blogger is simpler for beginners |
| 4. Select a design for your blog | Check other blogs for inspiration but be sure to make your blog unique. A clean and professional design will attract more readers |
| 5. Start writing | Write about your passions and introduce yourself to the world |
| 6. Join blog communities | Engage with other bloggers, ask questions, comment and make friends. Some examples: Mom Bloggers Club, Bloggy Moms, Mom Dot, Pitch It To Me |
| 7. Set up blog social accounts | Create accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube. Try to keep your branding consistent across all platforms |
| 8. Create a media kit | If you plan to collaborate with brands, a media kit is essential. It should detail who you are, what your blog is about, how many followers you have, your rates for sponsored posts, ads etc. |
| 9. Start following and interacting with brands | If you’re interested in working with certain brands, start following them and interacting with their content |
| 10. Craft a pitch letter | If you want to work with companies, you’ll need to pitch them in an email. Be concise and include your stats |
| 11. Be professional | Once you’ve secured clients and products, ensure your posts are professional and well-written |

Digging Deeper into the Blogging World

Now that we’ve covered the basic tips to get you started on your blogging journey, let’s delve deeper into each topic. Blogging is a vast universe with many facets to explore. So, buckle up and get ready to dive into the world of blogging!

Understanding Your Blogging Purpose

As we’ve mentioned, having a clear purpose is crucial to the success of your blog. It’s the compass that guides your content creation and marketing strategies. Your purpose could be anything from sharing your love for cooking to providing valuable tips for new parents. The key is to find something you’re passionate about and can consistently produce content about. It’s also important to consider your target audience. Who are you writing for? What kind of content would they be interested in? This will help you align your blogging purpose with your audience’s needs and interests.

Choosing a Unique and Relatable Blog Name

When choosing a blog name, try to think outside the box. The name should be catchy, easy to remember, and reflect your blog’s content. You could use a play on words, incorporate your name, or use a phrase that’s relevant to your niche. Remember, this name will represent your brand, so take your time to come up with something that resonates with you and your audience.

Selecting the Right Blogging Platform

While there are many blogging platforms available, WordPress is highly recommended due to its user-friendly interface, customization options, and SEO-friendly features. However, it’s important to choose a platform that suits your needs and technical abilities. Research each platform’s pros and cons before making a decision. For example, Blogger is a good option for beginners due to its simplicity, but it may not offer as many customization options as WordPress.

Designing Your Blog with Personality

Your blog’s design should be a reflection of your personality and style. It should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and resonate with your target audience. Consider your color scheme, fonts, and layout. Remember, less is more. A cluttered design can be distracting and detract from your content. Also, ensure your design is mobile-friendly as most readers access blogs via their smartphones.

Writing Engaging Content

Content is king in the blogging world. Your posts should be informative, engaging, and well-written. Use a conversational tone, include personal anecdotes, and make your content relatable. Remember to break your content into smaller sections using subheadings for easier reading. Incorporating visuals like images, infographics, and videos can also enhance your content and keep your audience engaged.

Engaging with the Blogging Community

Networking is crucial in the blogging world. Join blogging communities to connect with other bloggers, share ideas, and gain exposure. Engage with their content by leaving thoughtful comments and sharing their posts on your social media platforms. This can help you build relationships, increase your visibility, and potentially lead to collaborations.

Using Social Media to Promote Your Blog

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your blog. Create accounts on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and use them to share your blog posts, interact with your audience, and attract new readers. Remember to stay consistent with your posting schedule and engage with your followers regularly. This can boost your blog’s traffic and increase your online presence.

Working with Brands

Collaborating with brands can be a great way to monetize your blog. However, it’s important to choose brands that align with your blog’s purpose and audience. Start by creating a compelling media kit that showcases your blog’s stats, audience demographics, and previous collaborations. When pitching to brands, be professional, concise, and highlight how the collaboration can benefit both parties.

Maintaining Professionalism

Professionalism is key in the blogging world. This includes delivering high-quality content, meeting deadlines, and maintaining good relationships with brands and other bloggers. Remember, your blog is your brand, so always put your best foot forward.

In conclusion, becoming a blogger involves more than just writing posts. It requires careful planning, consistent effort, and a passion for your chosen niche. But with these tips and a bit of determination, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful blogger. Good luck and happy blogging!

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a Blogger

1. How do I choose a blog topic?

Choosing a blog topic depends on your interests, expertise, and the audience you want to target. It’s best to choose a topic you’re passionate about as it will make your blogging journey more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.

2. How much does it cost to start a blog?

The cost of starting a blog can vary depending on many factors. If you choose a free blogging platform and do everything yourself (design, content creation), it can be very cheap. However, if you opt for a paid platform, a professional designer, and hiring writers, costs can increase significantly.

3. How often should I post on my blog?

The frequency of blog posts can depend on your content strategy and audience expectations. However, consistency is key. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, make sure you’re posting regularly to keep your audience engaged.

4. How do I attract readers to my blog?

Attracting readers to your blog involves a combination of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), social media marketing, and networking within your niche. Consistently creating high-quality, relevant content is also crucial.

5. How can I make money from my blog?

Monetizing your blog can be done in several ways, including advertising, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and selling products or services. Keep in mind that making money from blogging usually requires a substantial and engaged audience.

Table: Step by Step Guide to Start Blogging

Steps	Description
Identify Your Blogging Purpose	Decide why you want to blog and what topics you’ll cover
Choose a Catchy Name	Pick a unique, relevant name for your blog
Select Your Blogging Platform	Choose a platform that suits your needs and budget
Design Your Blog	Customize your blog’s appearance to reflect your personality and appeal to your target audience
Begin Writing	Create engaging, high-quality content for your blog

Table: Strategies for Growing Your Blog

Strategies	Description
Engage in Blogging Communities	Join communities to network, learn, and gain support
Set Up Social Media Accounts	Use social media to promote your blog and interact with your audience
Create a Media Kit	Prepare a document outlining your blog’s details and offerings for potential collaborators
Network with Brands	Connect with brands for collaborations and sponsorships
Be Professional	Maintain professionalism in all your dealings and communications

MySparklingLife

A Behind the Scenes look at Papa Murphy's #papamurphys #takeandbake

ByMySparklingLife July 11, 2015October 3, 2023

I was provided a behind the scenes look at Papa Murphy’s from BSMMedia & Papa Murphy’s, however all opinions are 100% my own!
Tuesday I had the opportunity to go to a local Papa Murphy’s Pizza and look behind the scenes! I really had fun and learned a lot! I would love to give you that behind the counter look too!
What is Papa Murphy’s Pizza? Papa Murphy’s is a Pizza restaurant, but different than other local pizza restaurants. At Papa Murphy’s you can call in or stop by and order your freshly made pizza. Then you “take” it home and “bake” it when you’re ready. This is perfect for busy families, just pick one up on your way home, pop it in the oven for 12min..you have dinner! First thing when I arrived they had orange juice and chocolate chip cookies (YUM) to fill my tummy! They also made a super delicious cinnamon wheel that I got to try…OMG! It’s like a slice of heaven! Since I had never even been to a Papa Murphy’s I had a lot to learn!
Next up, was a look at all their toppings, which are super fresh! Their fresh produce was delivered and right away washed and ready for prepping. They sliced and diced everything right there in store!
Ok, it’s not the fresh veggies, but it looked sooo good!
You know what else is fresh? Their pizza crust. They also make their crust in-house and let it rise for a day, and then it is made and served the next day! I got to watch the whole process that day and it was really neat to see.
Once the crust was ready, I got to create my own signature pizza! It was a so much fun, and I created a really delicious pizza!
I got to make the Family size…What size would you need?
I’m not to creative when it comes to pizza, so I just created a Family size meat pizza, something everyone would love!
Now here are some fun facts that I learned that day! And there was a lot to learn.
Papa Murphy’s loves helping out their community. They offer fundraising programs to local community groups, such as selling Peel-a-Deal cards to family, friends.
Papa Murphy’s offers five different combinations of pizzas and crusts:
Fresh Pan – thick, buttery crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Signature – their famous crusts on which their signature pizzas are made.
Delite – packed with flavor, thin on the crust. It has 25% less fat, and 35% fewer calories than their original crust.
Stuffed – loaded with two layers of fresh dough stuffed with fresh and yummy ingredients.
CYO (create your own) – make it your own and add your favorite items!
I also learned that you can call during the day to place your order and then pick your pizza up after work! How easy does that make meal planning for your family?
Coupons and Savings
The pizza was really good that night too!! We just threw it in the oven for 12 min and we had a delicious dinner! The family size was a lot bigger than I was thinking too…I thought we would need more to satisfy my boys, but everyone had 3-4 squares (yes I cut it in squares, it was that big) and seemed to be satisfied…I hope you give Papa Murphy’s a try if you haven’t already, I think you will love it as much as we do!
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links with fund the Mom of 4 Boys blog. All opinions seen in this publication are those of the writer and may differ from your own. Momof-3boys.com received compensation as a condition of this publication. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to have your product featured on Mom of 4 Boys, email Becky at fryrebecca3@gmail.com..

Tips & Advice for Parents with Shy and Anxious Children | Raising The Shy Child ⋆ My Sparkling Life

ByMySparklingLife March 27, 2016October 11, 2023

5 Tips For Creating Safe Havens for Your Anxious Child
The school environment can pose unique problems for a child with anxiety, especially if the type of anxiety is social anxiety. Often considered a “performance-related” anxiety, children exhibiting social anxiety are often triggered by both the social demands of a school setting and the performance demands within the classroom. The five tips below can help you, and the school, create “safe havens” within the highly social school setting, supporting your child’s anxiety before it develops into school avoidance or worse:
Partner with the teacher and school at the first indication of concern. Don’t wait until the problem is significant to approach the teacher. As soon as your child begins to avoid school or indicate a problem, speak with the teacher to develop strategies early. Doing this can help you avoid the more serious cases of school avoidance.
Develop strategies with the teacher for use within the classroom environment. Many anxious children are triggered by the typical performance demands of a classroom. Work with the teacher to incorporate some of the strategies listed below to minimize the negative impact:
Seat the child next to helpful and calming peers
Work out non-verbal signals to use with the child to signal when the teacher is going to call on him or her.
Provide advanced warning to the child for changes in routine
Establish “safe zones” for the child to use during recess and/or lunch. It is easy for a child with anxiety to be triggered by the noise and energy of the other students during lunch and recess. If this is a trigger for your child, work with the school to establish alternative places for your child to go. Working in another classroom and using the library often work very well for children with anxiety.
Establish “safe” people on campus to function as coaches to your child. Although schools can be huge triggers for children with anxiety, they also provide great opportunities for children to learn and refine social skills and coping strategies. Enlist the help of someone on campus that your child trusts to help your child learn and use social competencies at school.
Make sure the home environment is safe and supportive. As important as it is to mitigate the possible negative impact of the school environment for children with anxiety, it is important to remember that everything starts at home. Making sure that home is a calm and secure environment can establish a foundation of safety that can support the anxious child.
Children who demonstrate extreme shyness and social anxiety-like behaviors can really struggle in school and during social events. Following these tips and adapting them to your specific situation can go a long way toward supporting these children and improving their outcomes. Social anxiety disorder doesn’t have to dominate a child’s life. Providing safe havens can help your child find the balance needed to manage his or her anxieties.
Raising the Shy Child
By Christine Fonseca
The fear of being judged by others in social activities is a common human experience, especially during childhood. But when the fear becomes all-consuming, it can disrupt daily functioning and the development of social competency. Raising the Shy Child: A Parent’s Guide to Social Anxiety takes a fresh look at social anxiety disorder, coupling the latest in research trends with evidence-based strategies and real-world stories to untangle the complexities of this disorder. Presented in an easy-to-read, conversational style, the book uses a combination of real-world examples and stories from adults and children with social anxiety disorder to show parents and educators how to help children find a path through their fear and into social competence. With specific strategies to address school refusal, bullying, and identity issues, Raising the Shy Child is a must-read resource for anyone dedicated to enhancing the lives of children.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christine Fonseca is a school psychologist and award-winning author of nonfiction and teen novels dedicated to helping children and adults find their unique voice in the world, including the books “Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students,” “The Girl Guide,” and “Quiet Kids.” When she isn’t crafting new stories or working with student groups, she can be found sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her local coffee house.
BUY IT
Prufrock Press
March 1, 2015
ISBN: 9781618213983
$16.95
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

Holiday Travel Made Easier With Kid-O-Bunk

ByMySparklingLife January 17, 2017October 6, 2023

Traveling with kids can be exhausting and sometimes a logistical nightmare, especially when you’re in need of extra sleeping arrangements. With 4 boys it’s always hard to find sleeping arrangements for everyone…they usually end up on a pile of blankets in the floor, which isn’t always fun for the older one. This holiday season, pack Kid-O-Bunk – a new travel sleep solution for kids.
Because it uses patented lock-in discs, there are no tools needed for assembly – just snap and lock in the discs to configure into a stackable bunk, two single cots or a bench. The hygienic, machine-washable polyester sleeping deck conforms to the child’s body shape for contoured comfort.
It packs down into its own zippered carrying bag for easy storage and transport and comes with matching side organizers. Available at Target.com and Cabela’s in lime green and teal.
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How To Conceive a Girl

ByMySparklingLife August 27, 2018September 17, 2023

You may be wondering if there is anything you can do to increase your chances of conceiving a girl. You may have heard of the Shettles method for gender selection. According to Dr. Shettles’ book, if you follow the book’s rules correctly, you have a 75 to-80% chance of conceiving a girl. If you would like more information on the Shettles method you may want to read How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby by Dr. Landrum Shettles, M.D., Ph.D.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

ByMySparklingLife February 1, 2017October 6, 2023

Most people think of October as “Pinktober”, but did you know it’s also National Bullying Prevention Month? Bullying is a huge issue in the United States today. October is dedicated to uniting communities and bringing awareness to this problem & now is the perfect time to talk to your children about bullying. Gone are the days when bullying solely consisted of having your lunch money swiped, having a “kick me” sign taped to your back, and being tripped in the hallway. Bullying now goes beyond just school and now extends into the cyber world and even kids so brave as to attack others at their own home..their safe place. Parents, Teachers & Companies across the country are tired of it and are all coming together to stomp out bullying.
Mother Trucker & Co. donates 10% of all limited edition Anti-Bullying hat purchases (“Don’t Be a Richard” and #bekind) in October to Pacer.org
Move over boys! There’s finally a truckin’ hat with just the right cheeky attitude for those high-spirited women on your holiday list! Taking a totally new spin on trucker hats, the Mother Truckers (www.mothertruckerco.com) are cool must-have accessories with lively, sassy and fun-loving messages befitting any proud woman wearing them.
Baby’s Brilliant donates a portion of all in-app proceeds during the month of October to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center in honor of National Anti Bullying Month.
Their new book, It’s Alright to Look Different, is a perfect fit for helping your younger ones understand bullying. The Baby’s Brilliant App offers a variety of educational and entertaining videos and music for the parent on the go. Created by a busy mother of three, the app introduces babies to the world around them in an enriching and playful way, teaching them concepts like letters, numbers, colors and relaxing them at nap time and bedtime. Invest in your children and a good cause at the same time. Download the app for FREE here.
Related

Train's New Album Bulletproof Picasso Review #O2O #BulletproofPicasso

ByMySparklingLife March 13, 2015October 4, 2023

Our family loves their music…we have many many songs downloaded and many speakers to listen to them on. Train is one of those bands that we listen to often so you can imagine I was excited to hear about their seventh studio album, Bulletproof Picasso, released 9/16/14. I have listened to it for a few days now and I must say I LOVE this album. It fits right in to our collection nicely.
The album’s first single, “Angel In Blue Jeans,” has soared to the Top 15 of Triple A and Adult Top 40 radio in only a month, joining the band’s successful arsenal of other radio-embraced singles throughout their two-decade career. I have include the video below for your listening pleasure.
As soon as I start playing them my little one starts swaying and moving…you know its good! Bulletproof Picasso was produced by previous Train collaborator Butch Walker, and reflects frontman-singer/songwriter Pat Monahan’s penchant for distinctive musical stylings on this one. I loved all the songs & don’t nessesarly have a favorite because they are all great.
“I’ve always wanted to emotionally connect with people through the songs,” says Monahan. “But I also want to get into people’s lives with this album. We’re very excited about Bulletproof Picasso and we’re looking forward to performing some of the new songs for all our fans.”
If you rocked out to “Hey Soul, Sister” or swooned over “Drops Of Jupiter” and “Calling All Angels”, then you’re going love Bulletproof Picasso! You won’t be disappointed. Pick up your copy when it comes out tomorrow!
Track Listing:
1. Cadillac, Cadillac 2. Bulletproof Picasso 3. Angel In Blue Jeans 4. Give It All 5. Wonder What You’re Doing For The Rest Of Your Life 6. Son Of A Prison Guard 7. Just A Memory 8. I’m Drinkin’ Tonight 9. I Will Remember 10. The Bridge 11. Baby, Happy Birthday
12. Don’t Grow Up So Fast

So, You Want to Be a Blogger? Here are 11 Tips to Get You Going