Holy shit! I cannot believe today is my 100th blog post here on The Whitney Story! It has been about 10 months since I started this little baby of mine and so much has happened and changed along the way. I don’t want to say too much because everything I was about to say is in my answers below. But I do want to thank you babes for taking the time out of your day to read my stories and reviews. It means the world to me to have your support!
So, with this Q&A post I thought I wasn’t going to have enough questions, but yesterday I had so many people come and show me some love! I want to give a extra big thanks to the people who asked these wonderful questions. But since I ended up having so many I broke this post out into Part 1 & Part 2…it would have been a book! Today, I am starting with the blog related questions since it’s the 100th post day and all!
Why did you start a blog? This is the most popular question I received from almost everyone. Around this time last year was when I decided that blogging was really something I wanted to take up as a hobby because I needed something for ME again. As someone who has worked full time since the age of 18, my life was turned upside down when I became a stay at home Army wife. Since I exclusively pumped for Charlotte, I almost felt like all I was good for was making milk, taking care of her, and having dinner on the table at 6pm. Not that I didn’t love that, I just wanted something for me that wasn’t completely related to being a mom and wife. Samantha-The Samantha Show www.thesamanthashow.com
Why is your blog called The Whitney Story? It took me weeks to land on a name for this little space of mine. But, as always, my sweet momma bear helped me come up with this name. When I was little, she would tell me “Whitney Stories” before bed each night. So, here I am sharing my own Whitney Stories with you! Samantha-The Samantha Show www.thesamanthashow.com
Is there a way to make money blogging? Yes, you can make money blogging. Some bloggers make a full time income and even into the six figures! I am still new to the whole making money at blogging scene. I have only done two fully sponsored posts to date. Any of my other posts tagged with “product was provided by PR” means that the product was all I received for my review. When it comes to being a paid blogger, there are a few ways to focus on: joining Networks (most of these networks have page view requirements), and affiliate links/ad links are another option. When it comes to links, you are paid by clicks and commission. So, just by clicking the links on my page, you will be helping me make money! (please and thank you…) The Networks that pay well aren’t very easy to become a part of right off the bat. This discouraged me quite a bit in the beginning. But, if you are just starting out, I would say blog to make yourself happy and use it as a creative outlet. If it becomes popular and you are willing to take on more, then I would say go for it!
How often do you have to blog to be successful? This kind of goes with what I was just saying. Success is different for everyone. But, if you mean making loads of money then I would say 5-7 times a week. The more you post, the more page views you have = more companies want to collaborate with you & Networks will accept you. Also, be overly active on social media. Social media has become VERY big in the blogging world as opposed to just having one website. You have to keep flow between the blog, twitter, Instagram, facebook, etc… to maximize your exposure. It is how we connect with our readers.
What was your “WHY” when you started your blog? Is your original “WHY” still the same? My WHY, was I wanted something for myself, something that was just about me and the things I loved to talk about and do. And yes, It is still mostly the same, however, I am working in the direction of occasionally bringing in an income now! Robyn- http://www.pinklemonadediaries.com/
What do you enjoy about blogging?/What is your favorite part about blogging? Without a doubt it’s the photograph! I love taking photos and I adore editing them even more. But, also sharing my life and the products I love with my readers in hopes that it helps them make informed decisions and purchases.
I love reading your blog. Would you encourage others to blog? Yes most definitely! Blogging is such an amazing and creative way to get your voice out there! It doesn’t have to be about making money. It can be an empty space you come to pour you heart out, or a space that you come to share knowledge. You could post once a month or everyday, whatever fits your life. Blogging is about you and your voice.
So, that is it for the blogging questions! Tomorrow I will post the Part 2 with more personal questions.
Thank you again for coming back day after day and supporting me and my hobby/career! Stay tuned tomorrow for Part 2!
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Samantha says
I can remember Amy telling me that Elizabeth’s friend was interested in blogging and photography and we should all get together and talk. Who knew you would turn out to be my best friend and long lost twin!? So proud of you for how far you’ve come and just know I’ll always be in your corner 🙂 Love you!
Whitney says
Thank you so much for coaching me along the way!
Amy says
No way, 100 days already?? Yay!! Do you ever wish your blog was anonymous? You and Sam are so much braver than I. Sometimes I want to have somewhere to Rant/Rave without anyone’s opinion of me being jaded. I just want to speak my mind…too much sometimes.
Whitney says
Maybe we need to make you a secret then!
Jasmine says
I love your posts. Especially your pictures because they’re so fun and bright.