Parent bloggers – how do you do it?

I have been writing this blog for nearly 11 months now and I still have a lot to learn and a lot to do before I am completely happy with it.

I mean, A LOT.

As we all know, blogging is not just about writing posts. I realised this very early on but I didn’t appreciate the sheer volume of other work that goes in to making a blog a success. As a blogger you have to read more blog posts than you write, run several social media accounts, take and edit photographs, keep on top of emails and there is always something on your blogs design that needs tweaking; all of this and you have to come up with and write interesting and engaging content.

The thing is, I don’t do all these things. I want to but I just don’t have the time. There have been occasions where the weight of all the work has left me feeling completely swamped and out of my depth. Blogging is not my job, yes it has brought in some money but not enough to class it as my career, not even close. For something that is supposed to be a hobby, sometimes blogging doesn’t feel much fun at all.

I want my blog to be a success, I really do. I want lots of people read and enjoy my posts. I want to grow my social media following so I won’t be embarrassed to tell brands my stats when they ask. I also have a little boy to look after though, a house to take care of and, well, an actual life to live.

At the beginning of the year I wrote my blogging goals for 2016, I still want to achieve all of these but I am struggling to see how it is going to be possible. How can I grow my blog when it demands so much from me? I could sit at the laptop all day, every day for a week and still everything wouldn’t be done. I know if you want to get far in life you have to work hard but surely putting my blog before my actual life isn’t the answer? Or is it?

So today, I am asking all my fellow parent bloggers out there, how do you do it? How do you have thousands of followers on Twitter and Facebook? Do you spend hours following people on Twitter hoping for a follow back? Do you join Facebook groups and spend even more time taking part in various threads? How do you find the time to blog every day when I struggle to get something published three times a week? Some of you even work full time jobs and manage to run a successful blog on the side, you my friends, are an inspiration.

I understand for parents who’s children are in school or at nursery then there is more opportunity for them to dedicate time to their blog. What about all you parents like me though, who’s little ones are with you all the time, how do you do it? Are you up until 1am writing posts and answering comments? Where do you find the time to schedule tweets, write newsletters and  take part in linky’s?Do your little ones tolerate you typing on the laptop? Mine sure doesn’t. If I so much as lift the lid of the laptop, my boy is over bashing on all the keys or trying to throw it on the floor.

Is sacrificing time from you actual, real life the only way to grow your online presence? Do other hobbies have to be neglected if you want to make your mark in the blogging community? Am I delusional to think I can have a happy family life yet also be proud of my blogs performance?

Is there something I am missing? A secret schedule that helps you have an enjoyable real life and soaring page views? I know what I need to be doing to grow my social media following and get more people to stop by my blog but I just can not find the time to do it. The hour or two I get to write this blog in the day is nowhere near as much time as I need. My husband works all day and our time together in the evening is so precious, I feel guilty spending it staring at the laptop, ignoring him. Is this the way things have to be if I want to get my blog to where I want it to be? Do I need to distract Leo more during the day and spend more time blogging in to the early hours?

It may not sound like it right now, but I do really love blogging. I love my little corner of the internet, my online family scrapbook, my place to vent and seek support. It is just frustrating that I can see potential in my blog, feel confident in my content but can’t find the time to really make it shine. I am reluctant to exchange family time for blogging time, I worry in years to come I might regret it. There might be a day where I wish I hadn’t spent all those hours staring at a screen instead of cherishing the moments with my family.  What if one day it makes me sad to think of all the evenings where Oli and I could have been enjoying time together but instead I was too engrossed in my smartphone to even notice him sat beside me? Will the rewards be worth the sacrifice though? I am not sure.

Finding a balance between all aspects in your life can be so difficult. Some of you bloggers out there have figured it out though. I read your posts about all your family days out, fun activities and baking masterpieces, your followers are through the roof and you are doing it all with your child (or 2..or 3!) in tow. How do you do it? Share your secrets with all us other bloggers out there who are just muddling through this busy world of blogging, trying to grow but not quite sure how, pretty please?

Do you struggle to find time to commit to your blog? Is your blogging to do list never ending too? Or maybe you have 1000’s of subscribers and stats us small time bloggers could only dream of, how do you find a family/blog balance? I would be really interested to hear your thoughts.

This post is linked to…
A Cornish Mum
My Random Musings

Cuddle Fairy

Mummuddlingthrough

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61 Comments

  1. Sarah Pool
    February 17, 2016 / 8:27 am

    I can't say I have the most 'successful' blog so I prob can't offer the best comment as I am very much in my early days, other than to say I very much agree with your post and would also be interested in the response. There is so much more to it and it requires so much time that I just don't always have free to give. I really enjoy blogging but sometimes fear I am spending too much time looking at the screen and not other important things…like my kiddies. So if my blog takes a little longer to grow then so be it. The main thing to do is enjoy it.

  2. Sarah Pool
    February 17, 2016 / 8:28 am

    Meant to say #bloggerclubuk

  3. February 17, 2016 / 8:37 am

    oh i have much the same questions – I only started 2 months ago and I just never seem to have enough time what with working and 3 children and 3 dogs oh and a husband to sit for a few hours and try and build up my blog. The easiest part i found is writing my blog – i'll tap away on the notes pages of my phone whilst anywhere waiting for children here there and everywhere – but the hardest part is the networking I find and having the time to get more twitter followers, link in with other parenting sites – huffiest, mums net, bloggymoms – there is so much on there i want to read, comment on and maybe even start blogging there but I have zero time for that and i find that frustrating – i can only imagine that all of us parenting bloggers are experiencing the same though – great post though and i'm off to follow your blog and your twitter – anything else??? IG?

  4. February 17, 2016 / 8:59 am

    So many questions in one post haha! I'm not saying im an expert but these are some things which I've noticed. I think every blogger in the entire world will have or has struggled with their blog through times and come to a stop because of lack of time or inspiration etc but if you like what you're doing you'll find a way to combat the issues to carry on writing. I don't have a lot of time to write posts/comment on others so I dedicate certain times of the week to do 'blog' things, whether it's an hours a night or just on a Sunday, it all matters. You're not the only one who wants their blog to succeed, everyone deep down does whether they like to admit it or not but it's just about time, devotion and dedication to your blog which will help you succeed. People will see that you've improved your photograph or wrote a really good review on something so they'll tell others, mention you, retweet your tweet on twitter, whatever it is and this will improve your range of viewers which seen your blog and posts. If you want any information feel free to email me as I'm happy to help!
    Charlotte // http://www.charlottespicks.com

  5. mummystodolist.com
    February 17, 2016 / 9:13 am

    I feel like I could have written this post myself! That probably isn't going to help you with answers – I'm desperate for them too – but you really are not alone. I've always struggled to carve out enough time for my blog – just the writing/picture editing alone – and it has been especially hard since baby number 2 came along 19 months ago. Like you, I only have so much time I can give to the virtual world, without my real life and relationships suffering. I know I'm not always the greatest at delegating and time management so perhaps there are things I can do there but I'll be really interested to see what other people think. There are so many fabulous blogs out there and lately I've felt quite disheartened that I haven't been able to match up. But equally it's making me stop and think about what I want from blogging and why I do it. For now, I only really have time to focus on the writing – the networking, promotion and all that other stuff in the main will have to wait. I love writing and creating, recording our family memories, so maybe I need to accept that as enough for now. After all, without the writing the blog won't exist anyway!

  6. Sarah CraftInvaders
    February 17, 2016 / 9:32 am

    I am in much the same position as you, so will check back often to see what pearls of wisdom people leave lol. It amazes me how much people achieve with their blogs, and how much they manage to publish. Good luck with all your goals this year 🙂

  7. Mrs G
    February 17, 2016 / 10:16 am

    I think the key to being a successful blogger has to be being fluid and retaining the fun! It's not work after all… For most of us anyway!
    I just do what I can, when I can. Share a lot on Twitter and use a lot of hashtags! And I don't bother with Facebook at all xxx
    #bloggerclubuk

  8. Katy Reeves
    February 17, 2016 / 11:48 am

    Like most of the other commenters here – I'd like to know the secret too! I post 2-3 times a week and I find that a slog at times (at other times the posts just roll out!) I find it's photos that hold me back from publishing the most – so often I've got posts written up that are good to go, apart from photos.

    I make sure I eat my lunch with my little boy, then when he goes down for his nap I can focus on blog stuff. He's not a long napper though, so the timer is on! I find it too difficult to work on stuff in the evening -my mind doesn't function properly after dinner as it's just too tired!!
    #BloggerClubUK

  9. Suburban Mum
    February 17, 2016 / 12:35 pm

    I think this is a hard one to answer! I think we all have different reasons why we blog and different goals… for me I like to post about 4 times a week but if I don't manage it I try not to worry about it. I also work 4 days a week so I tend to blog on my phone when I commute and whenever I get time in the evenings after the children are in bed. I am on my computer maybe 3 evenings a week editing photos and putting the final touches to posts before setting them live or scheduling them. Fridays and weekends are generally blog free for me as I like to spend it with my family.

    I find its the promotion of posts and linky joining that takes time! I don't think there are any right ways of doing it but working out what is best for you to get a good balance between bloggging and family life #BloggerClubUK

  10. February 17, 2016 / 1:41 pm

    I definitely struggle to find a good balance, especially when something unexpected happens like illness, etc. I try to post every day but sometimes I just need to take a few out when it's feeling like a real slog – it's supposed to be fun, after all! x #bloggerclubuk

  11. February 17, 2016 / 2:02 pm

    This post is totally going viral, watch this space… 😉 and there's your answer I guess – get inside people's heads and it falls into place! =D

    Seriously though, I recently wrote a piece on huff titled 'Work at Home Parents Neglect Their Children' – and it was based on my life! I hate to say it, but I don't think there is an answer. If it helps though, I kind of think we'd be sacrificing our sanity if we stopped blogging. Or something else if we put our babies in nursery. The grass is always greener, and whatever our circumstances, it's a (nigh on impossible) balancing act. X
    #BloggerClubUK

  12. February 17, 2016 / 2:50 pm

    I definitely agree, if you are no longer enjoying blogging them something isn't quite working. I am such a worrier about screen time too but there's no other way to get everything done. Hopefully some pro blogger will find this and give us all the answers we need.Thanks for commenting xx

  13. February 17, 2016 / 2:53 pm

    Thank you for the follow! You sound very busy, 3 kids and 3 dogs?I don't think I could manage blogging on top of all of that. I agree that writing is the easiest bit, it is all the extra stuff that takes up most of my time. Ohh, I haven't even considered trying to blog for Mumsnet of any of those big sites, it would be amazing but yet another thing to add to the heavy workload. Thank you for commenting, hopefully someone will give us some great advice xx

  14. February 17, 2016 / 2:58 pm

    Thank you Charlotte for sharing your wisdom. I think it is really important to dedicate time to blog jobs, it can be difficult when you have a busy family life though. I know I need to put more work in if I want this little blog to grow, and I completely agree, most of us bloggers want our blog to do well. I am not out to make loads of money from my blog but I have worked with a few brands and it worries me others who may like my writing don't want to work with me as my reach is not that big. Thank you, I will definitely email you if I can think of any more questions (like you said though, there is already a lot of questions in this post!)xx

  15. February 17, 2016 / 3:07 pm

    That is so true, actually writing the blog is definitely the most important part. I agree that promoting and networking takes a lot of time and effort and editing photos take a long time too. I am glad to read that I am not the only blogger who feels this way, sometimes I feel as though I have bitten off more than I can chew. I can't even imagine how you have the time to blog at all with 2 kids, I really struggle and I only have one child. It is hard when there seemed to be so many other bloggers out there who are making a real success of it all, I am sure they must put in hours of hard work though. Thank you for your comment, fingers crossed we get some good advice xx

  16. February 17, 2016 / 3:09 pm

    Thanks for the advice! Definitely agree it needs to be fun, once it starts feeling like hard work then something has gone wrong! I need to start using relevant/more hashtags. Oh, no Facebook? I might get rid of mine you know, it only has 9likes after all! I much prefer Twitter.xx

  17. February 17, 2016 / 3:11 pm

    I am so happy to see that I am not the only feeling a bit lost in the blogging world, hopefully someone will come along and share all the hiddem pearls of wisdom with us all. It is good you make sure you always spend one on one time with little one other lunch. Nap time is also my blogging time, if the name of my blog hasn't already given that away! Ah, I can't work in the evening either, way too tired by that point in the day. Thanks for commenting xx

  18. February 17, 2016 / 3:15 pm

    It is a tricky one, isn't it? I think finding a balance is so important, perhaps I need to start writing and scheduling posts in advance, commit a couple evenings a week to that and then that frees up nap times for promotion and networking. It is difficult finding a blogging schedule that fits easily in to family life. I definitely agree that taking part in linky's takes up a lot of time, I love reading other blogs though and always end up reading and commenting on way more than I have too. Thanks for commenting xx

  19. February 17, 2016 / 3:16 pm

    Blogging is definitely supposed to be fun, I completely agree. It is a hobby so it shouldn't feel like work. Go you for being able to post everyday, wish I had the time for that xx

  20. February 17, 2016 / 3:18 pm

    Thank you for the good luck. Some bloggers really amaze me too, how can they do so much and have a happy family? I need to know their secrets! Will let you know if someone reveals all their secrets xx

  21. February 17, 2016 / 3:22 pm

    Haha, I am not sure if this will go viral but if it does hopefully I will get all the answers I am looking for :). Oh, I will have to read your post, sometimes I really do feel like I am neglecting my little boy but I am not on my phone/laptop anywhere near as much as I actually need to be. The balancing act does feel impossible a lot of the time but I am determined to find a way to manage everything. Yes, I don't think I could not be a blogger now, it has kind of become part of who I am. I have met so many lovely people too, I wouldn't want to miss out on that. I whole heartedly agree that the grass is always greener..oh well!xx

  22. February 17, 2016 / 8:40 pm

    It's hard to get the balance with blogging – it takes over your life so easily. I post pretty much every day and I have to admit that there are far too many nights when sleep is sacrificed to the blog. The hardest thing is keeping up with comments and social media – I have times when the backlog of comments is just too much and in order to maintain sanity, I end up resolving to let those go and start again with responding to those that arrive after a certain point. I try and plan my posts and schedule them which helps take the pressure off but I agree that if it's starting to feel like a slog, then it's a good idea to take a step back and have a little break if you can. I definitely also have days that I feel like I could have a week just sitting at the computer and doing nothing but blogging and still feel a bit overwhelmed by it all!

  23. mummydaddy mia
    February 18, 2016 / 3:18 pm

    Don't give up! I went through the exact same thing when I went self-hosted before Christmas. I had been happy with a blog post a month and slowly gaining twitter followers as I took the time to follow plenty of them. However once I went self-hosted I found that I needed to do more, I was spending hours a night sorting through posts, trying to write my own and keep with with social media! It was taking over so I sat back and set an achievable schedule which means I write a blog post fortnightly, have 6 linkys that I link to each week, tweets that I schedule in on hootsuite once a week and all this means that I stay on top of everything, keep up with everything and I'm still getting time to do everything else I need to as well as look after a 2yr old. It took me a bit of time but I got there eventually and my blog is slowly growing. Yours will to, so don't give up, keep going and most importantly, don't beat yourself up about it! 🙂

    #BloggerClubUK

  24. Janine Woods - Unhinged Mummy
    February 18, 2016 / 8:06 pm

    I have asked myself this question a lot. I write just one or two blog posts a week (after the kids have gone to bed) and I try to link up with linkies first thing in the morning g before they are awake. As for promoting my blog on twitter and other social networking sites the truth is I rarely do because I just don't have 4he time. I certainly don't have the time to start and run my own linky. I wish I did. I've been blogging for one year and I have about 1,400 people following my blog. Not a great deal at all I know but considering I've done hardly anything to promote my blog and that I just blog for myself more than anything, I'm pretty happy with that number. It's a hard balance and I just do what I can do.

    #BloggerClubUK

  25. February 19, 2016 / 7:41 am

    You have clearly touched a nerve here as like you and all the other commenters above, I also find it a struggle to fit everything in. I set myself a target of posting every other day, and on the days when I don't write, I take part in linkys and comment on other blogs. All my blogging is done in the evening after the little one has gone to bed. However, very often real life gets in the way as I am also a teacher and work full time, so there are days when I have work to do at home from my job as well, or I'm just too knackered to do anything-like yesterday after parents' evening when I did get home until 9-and I just fall asleep! The irony is, I was trying to write a blog post at the time about trying to have it all and failing!

  26. Admissions of a Working Mother
    February 19, 2016 / 1:24 pm

    I honestly believe in quality over quantity. One golden post that makes people laugh or cry – and comment and discuss a subject with you is worth more than a hundred nonsense posts that someone wrote under duress because they felt obligated to post X times a week. Like this post you've just done – its relatable – people want to have this conversation with you. I don't have any clue what I'm doing with my blog either but I know I enjoy it, I love writing. Just do that – oh and use Buffer to schedule tweets for old posts (thats the best tip I've picked up so far!) Sarah xx #PicknMix

  27. February 19, 2016 / 1:44 pm

    Yes, social media and commenting takes up so much time. I love my sleep too much to stay up all night blogging. I have had to accept the fact that there are some comments on my blog that I won't ever get around to replying to, it makes me feel bad though because people have taken the time to comment and day hi. It definitely does feel overwhelming sometimes xx

  28. February 19, 2016 / 1:49 pm

    Ohh I need to start using hootsuite, thank you for reminding me. Thank you, I will try not to beat myself up and just do what I can. I definitely agree that a schedule helps, since January I have been using a diary to organise my blog and I definitely feel a lot better for it. I am glad you are in a place now that you are happy with your blog, I hope things keep getting better for you xx

  29. February 19, 2016 / 1:51 pm

    You should definitely by happy with that number, mine is nowhere near that but like you, I don't do as much promotion as I should. Twitter takes up so much time, it can be really addictive as well. Ohh, I link up to linkies first thing in the morning too, if I didn't do it then I would struggle to find time to do it once the day gets into full swing. I think as long as you are doing as much or as little as you are happy with then you have probably got the balance sorted.xx

  30. February 19, 2016 / 1:54 pm

    That is very ironic, I would fall asleep to though if I was writing at that time of night. Yes, lots of people seem to be feeling this way, there is just so much to do and not enough time in the day. I really admire people who blog, work and have a family to look after, I really don't think I could do it. It must be a massive juggling act. I will be interested to read your post if you get around to finishing it 🙂 xx

  31. February 19, 2016 / 1:56 pm

    Thanks Sarah, I will be looking in to buffer. Yes, I agree that quality is much more important than quantity, it can just feel a bit scary not posting anything for a few days but I definitely prefer writing something that gets people talking (like this post). I think as long as we all enjoy it then we shouldn't worry too much, it just amazes me how some peoples blogs are so successful when it requires so much time and effort..they must never sleep.xx

  32. February 19, 2016 / 9:07 pm

    I totally understand how you feel. Trying to take my blog more seriously after writing it for friends and family for a couple of years but there are just not enough hours in the day. I feel guilty if I get my laptop out while my daughter is around but now she's dropped naps there's no time at all! Unless I start staying up late or waking up earlier to do it …

    If you find some answers let me know 😉 thanks for the great post. Hope you find it easier soon x

    #picknmix

  33. February 20, 2016 / 9:34 am

    Aww, I feel the same. Always feel guilty doing blog things while Leo is awake, I don't know what I'll do when he drops his nap. If I get some answers I'll let you know, lots of is feel this way though so not sure there is an answer xx

  34. February 20, 2016 / 2:41 pm

    It can feel like a full time job and can get discouraging when the numbers aren't growing as much as you would like. I don't have the numbers you are asking about, but I think its a very slow process. ( thats what I tell myself ) I think the most important thing is to enjoy writing. All the rest is just trying to get people to find you, and you'll get as much out of it as you put in. I concentrate on finding interesting things ( I hope ) to say first, and then any time I can spend getting it out there is a bonus. I learned early on that I wouldn't be making much money this way

  35. Natalie Mudd
    February 20, 2016 / 2:58 pm

    I ask these questions every day! I tend to spend about 2 hours a day on mine when Taylor's napping. I'm really not sure how bloggers post every day. Like you I feel guilty being on my laptop at night and could never blog when the little one's away – I just feel too bad and anyway, it's not what I'd want to be doing. However, I have found that joining in with a regular weekly series helps and I also try to post a couple of list type posts in between the ones that require a lot of time and thought. But I agree with most others in this thread about quality being better than quality every time. I don't think your blog should ever become a chore – remember why you started it in the first place. xx #picknmix

  36. Natalie Mudd
    February 20, 2016 / 2:59 pm

    little one's awake, quality being better than quantity. ha! x

  37. February 20, 2016 / 9:03 pm

    I have been blogging for almost 2 years and my biggest tip is to get into a routine, I have an hour in the morning and spend most nights between the blog and chatting on Facebook, I take Sundays off when I do not touch the laptop! If you head over to Oh So Amelia she has a great daily Check list, I have been using it for the last 3 weeks and have found it really useful 🙂 X

  38. February 20, 2016 / 10:10 pm

    It definitely does feel like a full time job sometimes. I am not all about making money it just hard not to feel discouraged when others seem to be doing so well. I agree that enjoying writing your blog is the most important thing xx

  39. February 20, 2016 / 10:13 pm

    I'm the same, only like to blog when Leo is asleep as don't want to be on the laptop when we could be doing other things together. I love list post too, always easy to write and are popular with readers too. That's great advice, it's important to remember why we wanted to blog to start with.xx

  40. February 20, 2016 / 10:15 pm

    Thank you! I am going to check out that check list tomorrow. Routine definition helps, I have been trying to stick to a schedule and it's definitely helping me organise my time better xx

  41. February 21, 2016 / 8:33 am

    Glad to hear from someone else who's wondering all the same things as me, and to read in all the comments that most of us are still trying to figure it out. I often think I want to work smarter (I surely couldn't work any harder most days!), but I just need to figure out what working smarter looks like… I hope you find your answer and maybe when you do, you can write an update post and share the secret with all of us 😉

  42. February 21, 2016 / 11:14 am

    Ohh yes, I thinking working smarter is definitely the key to a happy blog life, it's just knowing how. I have had quite a few useful tips in the comments, if I get a few more I will definitely write an update post and share them. It is good to know we're not the only ones feeling g thus way isn't it?xx

  43. Mudpie Fridays
    February 21, 2016 / 4:01 pm

    This is the first post in a long time where I have read all the comments as eagerly as the main post itself. I don't have the answer but have been feeling the same as you, I work 4 days a week (av 45 hours yes 11 hours days!), I have 3.5yr old and Im 30 weeks pregnant. Prior to the blog I would spend my time thinking of creative and learning activities for my toddler/preschooler. Now I am too involved in FB threads! I am having a wobble and just coming up to the blogs first anniversary. I have started writing to do lists so I don't get stuck doing something I didnt plan to. I also schedule five posts to go out during the week at the weekend, generally a day out, a review, something crafty, pregnancy update and weekly photo. The last is for me after all thats what I was meant to be doing it for the first place!! I try not to publish at weekends unless I have a deadline. I also try to catch up on FB threads at the weekend and prepare for the linky. I am going to reassess when I go onto maternity leave as there are things I want to do for my boys I am not because of the blog. Thank you for joining us at #BloggerClubUK hope to see you again next week x

  44. February 22, 2016 / 3:13 pm

    I think we all get discouraged sometimes. Its hard not to compare yourself, no matter how hard you try not to

  45. Mrs Tubbs
    February 23, 2016 / 12:46 pm

    The only tip I've got is that it's better focus on a few things and do them well than try and do it all. So maybe a if one or two posts a week and a few linkys works, then do that plus sharing posts on twitter. You can always add things later if you get more free time. Most importantly, have fun with it

  46. Mrs Mum NZ
    February 23, 2016 / 8:58 pm

    I am in the same boat as you. My little man is 17 months old and there's no way I can write posts whilst he's awake. I'm only 4 months into my blog so I don't give myself too much of a hard time. I'd love to make money from it one day but like you say you have to sacrifice something to spend the time the blog needs and I'm not ready to do that yet. Between my son, house work, catching up on sleep, being social and spending time with my husband there's not much time left to blog. I tend to write posts, organise my blog, schedule tweets, join linkys etc when he naps during the day. Then I add linkys and blogs to my reading list so that when I sit down to have a cup of tea in the morning, or when I climb into bed at night I can read a few blog posts and write comment. This is working really well because I can do that on my phone at anytime, anywhere. i find crowdfire to be great to schedule tweets. And a new plugin I've recently added 'revive old posts' saves me time there too. My posts, I aim for one a week. More is a bonus! I'm still learning heaps though. I'Ve almost given it up a couple of times too. Finding the balance is tough!!!

  47. Mrs Mum NZ
    February 23, 2016 / 8:59 pm

    #AnythingGoes…. Oops!

  48. A Cornish Mum Blog
    February 24, 2016 / 6:46 am

    I'm one of the ones whose children are in full time school so it's a bit easier for me though still a balancing act at times. My blog turned 1 in January and I love blogging I think that's the main thing, I'm always busy but I love that and the fact it's now my 'job'. My follower numbers are high mostly, my main tip is follow other bloggers and interact when you can. In a fww minutes of running a bath or boiling the kettle etc etc you could retweet a few people, chat to a few people. It's about fitting it in around you not the other way around 🙂

    Thanks for linking up to #Picknmix
    Stevie x

  49. February 25, 2016 / 7:36 am

    Thank you!!! You have just written down all the words that are in my head! I don't know how people do it either? I would love my Blog to be a big hitter, but with two littlies, a part time job, weekly volunteer work and being a wife…. I'm torn to bits sometimes. It's a real passion for me, but I am really keen to dedicate as much time as I can to my little ones too. I'm like you – really concerned that one day I'll look back and worry that I wasted their wonder years doing what for me is a (fabulous) hobby? I'll be interested to read all the comments but I don't we're on our own.

    For me I just try to keep it realistic. I only generally post every 5 or 6 days. (Mine are rhymes so can take a few hours each), 6 Linkies a week so more or less just one a day, which leaves my Sundays totally free for a quality family day. I would love to do more but I think for me that won't happen until my tots are both in nursery. In the meantime I just keep muddling on *and try not to cry at my dodgy stats…

    Thanks for sharing such an honest post.

    #coolmumclub
    Dawn x

  50. February 25, 2016 / 10:10 am

    Finding a balance is really tough. I'm one of the lucky ones, my boys are at school every day so I blog during the day. I've been blogging for 4 years, the whole time I've struggled to work out how to fit it all in. For me it's taken time to build a following and I'm still building. I don't think you can ever really take a break from that. Like Stevie said, fit it in around your life. xxx

  51. February 25, 2016 / 11:52 am

    Wow, you are doing so much!I have no idea how you manage to work so much and write that many posts/host the linky. You must be super woman. Maybe a break would be a good idea for a bit when you go maternity leave? Give you time to make plans for the blog and spend time with the kids. I wish I had as much motivation as you to give to my blog xx

  52. February 25, 2016 / 11:55 am

    Great advice. There's no point doing it all if you don't have the time/energy to do it well. I've recently got rid of my Facebook page as it was taking up a lot of time and wasn't growing at all. I feel much better just sticking with Twitter. Thanks for the tip xx

  53. February 25, 2016 / 12:00 pm

    Ahh I don't think you're the only one who has thought about giving up, everytime I think it I get offered paid work or a post does really well and I change my mind. I think I'd really miss everyone if I stopped and I've put so many hours in it seems a shame to give up. Your schedule sounds like it is working really well for, I find the linky reading and commenting one of the hardest bits, I love reading blogs but it takes up a lot of time. I think you're doing really well for just 4 months in xx

  54. Tracey Abrahams
    February 25, 2016 / 12:08 pm

    I dont know how full time mums do it. I find it tough and my kods are grown. I think the trick is to not try to do everything at once. Start with one media platform and work on that until you have worked out a schedule thst fits you and then add another. Some platforms will not work for you as well as others, be selective in what you use xx #coolmumclub

  55. Eilidh Gallagher
    February 25, 2016 / 12:19 pm

    Sometimes I have no idea how I fit it all in. I work 2 1/2 days a week but they are long days and the rest of the time I have a maniac toddler who climbs on my laptop and two older boys. I try and catch bits of time here and there but tend to do most in the evenings. Thanks for linking to #PickNMix x

  56. Talya Stone
    February 25, 2016 / 1:47 pm

    I felt much the same way for the first year, but I think once you hit a level you are happy with, you start being less hard on yourself and letting the blog do it's thing more. I basically try to do everything on the blog as super quick as I can, to not let it interfere too much with general life but it is tough and is a real commitment! Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub lovely x

  57. February 25, 2016 / 8:37 pm

    I started writing because I had to and now I find it hard to stop. I'm not looking for the blog to become super successful as its a very niche topic but I do want to reach people who need to read it or those who might find it helpful. I work so have the luxury of a commute to doodle my ideas and sketch out posts and take part in linkies. I have a little pocket pad to scratch out posts when inspiration strikes and even when it doesn't.

    There are ways to increase your social media presence through automated tools like IFTT and paper.li. The former allows you to link various accounts together so when you post in one you can post in all. Paper.li can be a good source of interesting links in your area and a way to promote your material too.

    #BloggerClubUK
    #AnythingGoes