On Becoming a Full Time Blogger
posted on April 16, 2015 | by Amanda Holstein
Before I get started, you should know that I’ve filled this post with tons of bloopers from my shoots to make the business talk less boring. I know, I’m so professional. Enjoy!
I never thought I’d say it, but I’ve finally made the commitment this year to become a full time blogger. Although I’ve worked in the industry since graduating college (I spent a few years at Federated Media managing lifestyle bloggers), and have been running my own site as well, I never truly thought I would attempt to make the transition. Being on the inside, I knew just how difficult it was to make a consistent income as a blogger.
And then something hit me. After leaving my job at Federated Media and making the big move to New York, I realized what was really stopping me from trying out this full-time blog thing was fear. Fear that I would fail. Fear that it would be too good to be true. Once I said this out loud, I knew I couldn’t let something as silly fear get in the way of my dream. So I decided to give it a real shot.
Since my redesign in February, I’ve really been refocusing my energy and truly treating my blog like a business. What does that mean? It means getting organized, making deadlines for myself, thinking about the big picture, and exploring new and authentic ways to earn revenue. Most importantly, I want my blog to be a truly helpful resource for all of you twenty somethings out there (or teens, or thirty somethings!). This space was created for you. Do you want to see specific content? Is there any content on here that’s not useful to you? Let me know!
And please, if my sponsored posts ever feel inauthentic, distracting, or irrelevant, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion. No, they won’t go away completely. I’ll be honest, they are a strong source of revenue for my business. But, I promise to only participate in opportunities that genuinely fit my content and that offer something useful to you. As an avid blog reader, I know how unappealing sponsored posts can be sometimes, but I will always make sure they are just as high-quality as the rest of my content, if not more.
So now that I’ve dragged on about my own experience, I want to hear from you. Would you be interested in a series on blogging advice? I’ve been thinking about starting one to share my tips on creating, managing, and building a blog, as a hobby or a business. If you guys are interested, let me know in your comments and I’ll get it goin’ ASAP! And of course, feel free to email me if you’re in need of some advice!
Kara Says
I’ve been thinking of starting a blog myself but don’t know where to go to learn about the creation and management of it, so a series dedicated to this would be awesome. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Alisha Says
I would absolutely love to hear more about what you have to say on blogging! You are def one of my fav inspirations in this industry!
Patricia Says
HI Amanda! Thank you so much for this post. I’m a third year college student studying Political Science but I have a lot of other interests (makeup, fashion, literature, food, etc, etc). I started my own blog sort of to write down the things I like and my thoughts–almost like a journal but I also wanted to provide content. However, college keeps me busy so I can’t dedicate it all the time that I would wish. I’d love to see a series, personally, because blogging is something that I really like doing and although I might study law in the next year or so, I don’t want to alienate that part of myself .So I guess a few of my questions are: how do you find your theme? Do you stick to one theme or do you express different interests? How do you monetize from it?
I’m sorry about my rambling post but I’ve been a follower for a while and I’ve never commented. I really love your blog!
Maria Says
I’ll love to see a series of blogging advise, I’m trying to start a blog so maybe your first post can be on that
Ali Says
I would LOVE blogging advice! Especially from someone with your experience!
Dariel | a daily dose of Vitamin D Says
yes! i’d love to hear your advice about the development process. figuring out how to balance a job with blogging is so tough, so i’d love your advice on how you slowly but surely made the transition!
Amy Says
I’m currently working on a blog with a friend and I would love to see anything about starting and maintaining a successful blog. Please do this series!
Keating Says
Awesome post! My husband and I are in the process of moving so I quit my job a few months ago and love having more time for my blog. We got a lot of bills paid off so that I wouldn’t feel pressured to jump back into a new full time job when we move. I’ve been wanting to turn my blog into its own little business and make it my full-time job, but I’ve noticed the one thing holding me back is fear. I’ve done great these past few months with getting my blog out there and making connections and have been approached by many different websites and individuals who want to work with me….but I just haven’t done it yet. I know these are amazing opportunities for me, but I’m so scared of failing! I’m hoping to get my butt back on track next week and officially make these leaps!
Style Bits & Bobs of M.E. Says
Congrats on becoming a full time blogger! I would like to read your blogger advice series!
andréa Says
i love the post and i would love to hear more tips and insights since making the move.
-Andréa
A.Viza Style
lauren Says
Yes please!
Tega Says
I would definitely love to see a series on building your blog. I’ve been blogging for a few years now, but just recently decided to get serious about it with the long term goal of eventually turning it into a source of income, so your tips would definitely be helpful!
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andreap Says
Yes please I’m from South Africa and I don’t think our ‘Blog World’ has grown alot!
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Tamara Dulansky Says
Yes on the blogging series!!