Introduction to mommy blogging:
Mommy blogging is one of the fastest-growing niches in the blogging world. It’s a platform where mothers share their experiences, tips, and advice on motherhood, parenting, and family life. It’s a place where moms can connect, support, and inspire each other. I started on it too late – I think around 2017, when all the cool ones are already forming their tribes and niches. And the reason I started on it is that I worked as a Virtual Assistant for SidetrackedSarah.com, a mommy blogger focusing on helping homeschooling moms with meal plans and crockpot recipes. You can clearly see her influence around my site as were sort of kindred spirits and I also homeschool and provide easy recipes for busy moms.
Benefits of mommy blogging:
Mommy blogging can be a great outlet for mothers to share their stories, connect with other moms, and a great way to make a little extra money. Since I started blogging, there’s been consistent earnings from Adsense and Affiliate Marketing. Not much but something to look forward to every quarter. But I think the benefits go beyond that. Mommy blogging can help mothers build their confidence, improve their writing skills, and even become a source of inspiration for other moms. When I started, I found this community of Filipino moms who blog, and these people became longtime friends. Apart from being online interactions, they became the people I see at events and you kind of get the feel for the community. I am really thankful to those who adopted me as their own and guided me to learning how to earn as a sort of “influencer or reviewer”. Lol. :D As they said, the quality of your output is comparable to those people you’re always interacting with and I truly believe that.
The dark side of mommy blogging
Unfortunately, for any given good, there’s some that are equally bad. When the term “mommy blogger” is mentioned, many people may conjure up images of a perfect mother, with a spotless home, impeccable fashion sense, and always well-behaved children. However, this stereotype is not only limiting and unrealistic, but it also ignores the diversity of experiences that mothers have.
The rise of Instagram, with carefully curated photos from lifestyle shoots and travels photos have given a certain image to mommy bloggers. One of the main criticisms of mommy blogging is the pressure to present a perfect image. Many bloggers feel that they must present an idealized version of motherhood, with spotless homes and well-behaved children. This can be incredibly damaging, as it can lead to feelings of inadequacy for both the blogger and their readers. It also ignores the fact that motherhood is messy, chaotic, and imperfect. By presenting a perfect image, bloggers are not only setting themselves up for failure but also perpetuating an unrealistic expectation for their readers. This can be damaging for both the bloggers and their readers, as it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of authenticity. While of course we are being paid to create the best image that we can for marketing purposes, it has become a disconnect.
Another issue with mommy blogging is the expectation of constant content creation. Many bloggers feel pressure to post regularly, in order to keep their readers engaged and maintain their audience. This can be incredibly time-consuming and can lead to burnout. It also ignores the fact that mothers have other responsibilities and that blogging should not take priority over their family.
So, there is that pressure to present a perfect image, the pressure to conform, and the expectation of constant content creation. The lack of authenticity became such a huge blocker for me that I removed myself from Mommy Blogger events. On hindsight, it was because at that time I didn’t know my own power of processing what is expected of me and outlining what I can and cannot provide.
Redefining what it means to be a mommy blogger
So, what does it mean to be a mommy blogger? For me it means being authentic and true to yourself, regardless of whether or not you fit the traditional stereotype. It means embracing the messiness and imperfections of motherhood, rather than trying to present a perfect image. It means recognizing that motherhood is a diverse experience and that there is no one right way to do it. Don’t get sucked into the popularity contest of pretty pictures and present your blog as you present your home, inviting readers into your experience and outlook,
By redefining what it means to be a mommy blogger, we can create a more inclusive and authentic online community for mothers. We can break down stereotypes and expectations, and create a space where mothers can support and empower each other.
Mommy blogging has its pros and cons, and we should acknowledge both. It’s true that pressure to present a perfect image and expectation of constant content creation can be damaging for both blogger and readers. Also, lack of diversity among bloggers could lead to lack of representation for mothers from different backgrounds. However, we can still find positive aspects of mommy blogging, such as providing a sense of community and support, and a platform to share information and advice. By embracing authenticity and individuality, and breaking down stereotypes, we can redefine what it means to be a mommy blogger and create a more inclusive and authentic online community for mothers.
Getting started with mommy blogging:
Not gonna lie, if you’re not from a bit of a techie background or you’re not the kind to poke and try things a few times, it can be hard to start. But fortunately, starting a blog now is not as hard as it used to be. There are platforms that you can ease onto and some of them are free as well. Starting a mommy blog is now easy and affordable. All you need is a website, a hosting service, and a content management system like WordPress. I have outlined this in an free Build Your Own Mommy Blog Course Challenge in case you’re interested to start your own. You can also use a free website builder like Wix or Blogger. Once you have your website up and running, you can start creating content.
Writing and SEO for mommy bloggers
Writing for a mommy blog is about sharing your personal experiences and tips, but it’s also about SEO. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and it’s the practice of making your website more visible to search engines like Google. To improve your SEO, you should focus on keyword research, meta descriptions, and backlinks. My advise is to watch a couple of how to videos on this but don’t get hung up on it. A functional understanding of how SEO works can help you plan out your content and processes but it shouldn’t define you as a mommy blogger.
Monetizing your mommy blog:
Once your mommy blog starts to gain traction, you may want to start monetizing it. There are many ways to make money from a mommy blog, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and advertising. However, it’s important to remember that monetizing your blog should never compromise the integrity of your content.
So there you go, mommy blogging is a great way for mothers to connect, share their experiences, and even make some extra money. With a little bit of effort and dedication, anyone can start a good mommy blog. So, if you’re a mom with a story to tell, why not start your own mommy blog today?
