Okay...this is the first forum i've ever been in that the admin kept me accountable!! LOL
I LOVE that! ;-)
Lynn...
The brainstorming went very well. Honestly I got a little distracted with 'the challenge' by Ed Dale because someone had recommended reviewing that on another blog. BUT...aside from that I've got lots of ideas. It was a good brain-storming session of likes and interests. Now I just need to pick one - which I'm going to do before I go to bed tonight!! ;-)
You can talk out your brainstorm here if you would like. Maybe that would help you choose the best one for you since we have all been there done that lol
thanks angie...
after brainstorming, these were the main topics that popped out to me that i enjoy, want to know more about or could easily write about:
organizing my life | kitchen organization | desktop organization
motivational movies | movie quotes
eating at home | easy recipes for the single mom | eating healthy | making food for kids
sketching barns | old barns | history of american barns
using technology to co-parent | co-parenting boys
vacationing with kids | fun family vacations for single parents
Why not mix it up with a fun personal blog? You could talk about organization, technology, co-parenting, vacations, meals, movies & quotes - and other things that interest you in day to day life. There are tons of successful "mom blogs" out there. And while I'm not putting you in that category, it doesn't hurt to remember that the TOP blog on the internet for many years (and an insanely high earner) was Heather Armstrong of Dooce.com (a personal blog).
Basically, make the blog about YOU instead of about a single topic. Throw your personality into it, and people will fall in love with you and will be reading along like a great novel they can't put down. ;-)
Lynn, if you don't mind I'd like to get your thoughts (and anyone else who knows anything about Heather Armstrong's blog).
Why do you think that blog has/had such a huge following? If YOU wanted to create something similar, what components would you include or how would you structure it, etc..
It's a model to study. But there are a couple of key factors: first, she started "way back when" before there were many personal blogs at all. And second, she was really "full on" with her topics and content. She ended up losing her job and becoming alienated from her family over it, even - so long time readers have watched all that unfold, including her meeting and marrying and divorcing her husband - having & raising her children, etc.
I've gotta admit...I'm a little stunned right now. I looked up "dooce.com" and I really can't believe that it's a top earning blog. I'm trying hard not to over-anaylize again, because I was going to pick "vacations with kids" and just run with it...but I'm thinking again. lol
I guess I've always looked at 'niches' as something I had to create a website around. (i.e. like what could I sell during Halloween...or what could I sell to people that like golf.) But now I'm thinking...just write about my life...and the 'niches' just fall into place. Make sense?!?
But what incentive is there for people to 'buy'?!? Sure...it may be interesting to read for some people...but I'm not really 'selling' anything?!? ...or I'm a missing a very important point to all of this?!? lol
Eileen,
I'm on the other side of the fence when it comes to personal blogs. I think it's better to have a niche blog like your vacation with kids idea. From what I have heard, it's so hard to make a personal/mom blog successful. I'm sure there are tons out there that are having success but I prefer to visit niche blogs myself (foodie, weight loss, travel, etc.).
Vacations with kids sounds like a ton of fun and you could start with your local area attractions and share travel tips, ideas, etc. Plus you have more potential with brands in the future.
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