Thank you so much to Crystal of Castle View Academy for taking the time to share her blogging tips with us. I’m so excited to be featuring several bloggers over the next few weeks – real-life successful bloggers – and hearing their thoughts and tips about blogging! So, pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and be inspired!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your blog:
My blog is a fun-filled and educational place where you’ll find lots of multicultural activities, fun ways to learn including curriculum reviews, recipes and homemaking tips; all done with frugality in mind. It started out as a childminding advertisement my husband set up for me; I had never intended to blog, but the ideas kept flowing out and an official blog was born. As an expat it also helps keep my family in the loop with how my children are doing and the adventures they have.
Crystal’s most popular post teaches all about the first letter sent to PenPals.
How do you make money through your blog?
I have made money mainly through sponsored posts and affiliate products. Having my blog has had the advantage of allowing me to gain the skills needed to become a virtual assistant for others as well.
What is ONE piece of advice you would give to a new blogger starting out in your niche?
My biggest piece of advice would be to be persistent and only blog if it’s something you love to do. If you don’t love it, it will show in your posts.
It’s funny, when I blogged as a hobby I had more time to spend on it. But now due to changing life circumstances and working as a virtual assistant, I can no longer spend my evenings blogging. However, my focus is now more concentrated on weekends to do as much as I can. In an average week I probably spend about 17-20 hours working on posts, scheduling social media, working on task threads with tribemates, emails, etc. If you add in the time spent using products we’re reviewing, this would go up significantly.
What is one of your favorite blogging tools/resources and why?
My favourite blogging resource is Facebook! The most important information I’ve learned and the best help I’ve had along the way have been through Facebook groups. Large groups of people blogging in the same niche, and small tribes of just a few people with more diverse interests; all are great for asking about things I don’t know, bouncing ideas around, and supporting each other. Lovely friendships have been started that go beyond the groups….and when I’m having a bad day, there’s bound to be an appropriate meme in my feed that will make me smile.
Leave them in the comments below – then be sure to head over to Crystal’s Blog!
