I thought it might be fun to share the inner-workings of my blogging life to let you know some of what goes on beyond the words you see on the screen when you pull up HeavenlyHomemakers.com or receive my newsletter.
My blogging life
First, let me tell you how much I enjoy the community here. As in – put a hundred exclamation marks behind that sentence because I really, really enjoy this community. (!!!!!) You all are sweet, smart, funny, well c’mon. You put up with me and you say nice things like “thank you” and “I love your recipes.” On days when my kids are like, “You’re making that again?” and you know, just in general when I get grunts for answers because sometimes boys just don’t have any words – hearing your words is musical-icious. (Also, you are so supportive when I make up words.)
Are you ever curious about the back-end of this blog and about what it’s like to be a full time blogger? This post will attempt to answer that in about 1,800 words. For the record, this one took me about 3 1/2 hours to write (not all in one sitting).
Here’s a picture of the screen I look at while I’m working. Yes, I always have forty-million or twenty windows open at one time. That’s because I’m doing research on different websites, editing pictures in PicMonkey, clicking over to check/answer email, clicking over to Facebook to post something, and etc, etc. I need a lot of windows open at once.
So there’s that. That’s what a post looks like while I am writing it. I write, edit, upload pictures, categorize posts, update my sidebar, and do dozens of other blogging tasks in software called “WordPress.” When I hit that blue button on the right which says “Publish,” that’s when you see my post on the front end of HeavenlyHomemakers.com.
How long does it take to write a blog post?
Well, that just depends. I would say it takes anywhere from 1 to 4 hours of writing/editing time to complete a post, but usually somewhere in the middle. Some posts take longer to word correctly and I change gears several times, praying throughout. Some posts flow easily. Sometimes I encounter 18 interruptions while I’m trying to write three sentences. This makes me so happy that I yell, “Please family, keep coming into my office to ask me questions while I’m writing because I love it so much!”
When do I write and work on all the other blogging stuff?
I’m trying to practice a better “wear one hat at a time” system this year. If I try to hop back and forth between homemaking and homeschooling and writing and emailing and phone calls and cooking and running the kids to piano lessons – I kind of get overwhelmed (read: grouchy and unproductive, but mostly grouchy). This school year I am being intentional about leaving blog work for the afternoons on weekdays, if possible. This means that most of the morning, I only wear my mom/homemaker/homeschool teacher hat, leaving my blogger hat to rest in my office chair until after lunch. This is working soooo much better than my past “just grab a hat and put it on top of your other hat and hope you complete a sentence and put lunch on the table” system.
Now I will say that part of my homemaking tasks in the morning do often include trying new recipes and taking pictures to use in my writing work later. That’s a huge perk to what I do here – I get to feed my family as part of my work. That’s about the only kind of work-overlap that works well. Trying to write and parent or answer emails and homeschool is just too difficult for me.
Right after lunch, I hit my office. I have accomplished much (hopefully) in my home all morning, so now I can focus on writing and all the other blog stuff.
Saturday I am in my office as much as possible between family life and ball games – trying to catch up on blog work I got behind on during the weekdays. If I can, while my kids are chilling on Sunday afternoons, I can usually get some solid writing time in. This is my favorite time to write – on a quiet Sunday afternoon.
One weekday each week (usually Tuesdays) I am practicing a Sabbath rest. That’s the day I take a break from almost all of my work, from cooking to blogging. This is so necessary and good.
What else is there to do for the blog besides write?
Beyond writing during my work time, I spend time editing pictures and creating “Pinterest friendly” images on PicMonkey. I upload those into my blog posts as I write. I also spend quite a bit of time emailing readers, answering questions, and trouble shooting eBook purchases. I email other bloggers I’m working with on projects. I reply to potential advertisers letting them know of my review/giveaway policies.
I do paperwork and accounting to keep track of my income and expenses for tax purposes. I jot down new post ideas. I organize and schedule posts in a way I feel will be most interesting to you. I correspond with my tech guy if there’s anything I need him to do or fix on my site or newsletter. I work on eBook projects. I have a weekly column in our local paper, so I tweak something I’ve written on my blog to make it work for a newspaper. All together, my work usually takes 30-40 hours each week.
What is this income and expenses stuff of which you speak?
When I first started this blog, it was basically free to run. This site has grown in every way (yay, Heavenly Homemakers community!) so that it now takes several hundred dollars every month to keep it up and running. My monthly costs include paying for a dedicated server to house this website (it’s kind of like paying rent for cyberspace), paying for my subscriber newsletter service that gets sent out every day, paying paypal fees for every eBook transaction, and paying for internet (gotta love that tax write off). I pay someone to help answer emails (because I can’t keep up by myself) and someone to help with Pinterest and Facebook marketing. Those are my regular monthly payments. Every few months I pay my tech support guy to do all the stuff that makes my eyes cross. There are some yearly subscription payments also, like for PicMonkey and GraphicStock.
Thankfully, this site also makes an income to cover these expenses. The ads on my sidebar accrue income each time someone visits my site. I did the math, and the amount-per-reader is so tiny it made me wish I’d never opened my calculator. But you know what – it does add up, so advertising money is a huge help with my site expenses and to help pay for the time I put into this work.
Obviously, I make money when I sell my own products in my shop. I also share deals I come across online – which is a win-win because we all get a good deal if it’s something we need, and I make a small cut on the purchase amount.
To be honest (which is a phrase I never say because I’m always honest so why would I say that?). But the truth is, even though I really love what I do here, I couldn’t/wouldn’t do it if I didn’t make some money while I was at it. Fun as it is, this can be hard work and it is time consuming. It would be like working a full time job for free. No one can keep that up for long.
How do you support the work here at Heavenly Homemakers?
1. You show support just by being here.
It never costs you anything to visit my site. I love this. My blog and newsletter are free to you – all the time. When you come, my advertising software sees you (not with eyes, just with cookies…um, it just means my site gets a hit and my advertiser pays me a percentage of a penny for your visit). So keep visiting! That benefits my work here! And…without you, there would be no Heavenly Homemakers community. That is worth so much to me.
2. When you share our posts and recipes on Facebook, Pinterest, etc.
When you share or pin posts, that means other people have a chance to click over and join this community. Thank you for doing this!
3. When you buy my eBooks or click through my links to make a purchase anytime I share something you need/want/like.
If it’s something I love and use, I will share it with you. I typically wait until that particular something is on sale. Then it’s even better because we can buy what we need and save a buck or twelve, all without leaving the house. For no extra cost to you, but simply because you clicked and purchased something you need/want/like through my special heavenlyhomemaker link – I’ll get a little cut from the purchase. It’s how some companies market and advertise, so it’s a win/win/win.
A note about the deals or posts I share that don’t interest you
There are a lot of you – and while we are a fantabulous community, we are all unique. Some of you are retired, some of you are teenagers, and the rest of you are somewhere in between. I am not going to hit a home-run with all of you each time I share a recipe or a deal or a spiritual reflection. It’s like walking into a store (except not really, but just work with me here) and picking and choosing what you need and what you like and what works for you.
Do you go through coconut oil like water? You love the deals I share for that. Allergic to coconuts? Well, shucks. Love whole wheat recipes? I’ve got ’em. Have to eat gluten free? Eh well, the whole wheat recipes aren’t helpful to you at all. Love what works for you (and maybe give it a Facebook or Pinterest share!) and skip what doesn’t work for you. We can all still be friends.
So how about you?
Have you ever written or do you currently write and maintain a blog? How much time have you found that it takes to do it well? Do you love it?
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This posts includes affiliate links. (I’ll always disclose that on posts so you know if I’m making a potential commission on anything mentioned.)
Mary P says
I admire all you bloggers who write as a business, and I particularly like your blog (I read it every day). I write a blog with my daughter and a friend, just for fun and not for money, and I know how time consuming it can be and what pressure it can be (just mental, for us) to come up with ideas for new posts. I have the advantage of being retired, so I do most of the writing. My daughter and friend are both mothers with young children, working and in graduate school, so they have much less time. We started the blog as a simple way to share recipes and articles that we all find interesting, and much to our surprise, quite a few other people are finding it interesting, too.
Laura says
I just took a peek – your blog looks like a great resource of recipes! :)
Molly says
I made the pancake muffins yesterday – they were a hit! I put a bunch in the freezer for a change of pace in breakfasts. Strawberries were added for extra deliciousness.
Laura says
Mmm, I love the idea of adding strawberries. You know what’s more fun than interacting with my readers? Interacting with readers I’ve met in person. :) :) I always love hearing from you! :)
Stacey says
I was just thinking yesterday how your blog is one of the most fun to read, with the most practical recipes and ideas. You are so relatable and fun!
I do have to say that I have bought several of the healthy living and homemaking bundles and while they do have a lot of good books, I have hardly used them and I feel like I wasted my family’s money. So, as enticing as it is, I will back away slowly from this one!
Laura says
I definitely understand if you bow out of the bundle this time! I have quite a few too, of course, and many of the books are also still unopened in my computer. I guess what I feel is most worth it is some of the high dollar items I get at such a discount – like last time when there was a $99 Natural Remedies for Families eCourse included. That alone made it worth the cost, even if I never open the other stuff. Of course, I redeem most of the bonuses too, so that’s fun. Anyway!!! You absolutely do what you need to do. I’m glad your shared your thoughts on this! I’m planning on including plenty of regular content next week while I promote the bundle – so even if you don’t want the bundle, the posts will still benefit you! :)
Gallimaufry Grove says
I spend far too much time on my blog, which is sad, because I have not yet monetized it. I am actually paying for the opportunity to write (cue the melodramatic music). Granted, at this point, I am only paying a minimal monthly fee for photo storage. I have resisted the urge to expand until I decide if I want to monetize, but I really need to go ahead and expand the blog. (Let’s be transparent here. I think my main reasons for resisting blog expansion are the lack of extra time to dedicate and a severe case of IT intimidation…)
I really appreciate what you do. As a fellow blogger, I understand the dedication and time commitment it takes. So, thank you.
Laura says
If it makes you feel any better, it took me months and months of working for nothing before a tiny bit of income began to trickle in. I always recommend http://www.bloggingwithamy.com as a fantastic resource for figuring out a lot of the business side of blogging. She is great and speaks my language!
Gallimaufry Grove says
Thank you so much for the resource. I will definitely check it out. I have great readers and I know, for their sake, that I need to take it to the next level. Thank you for the encouragement!
Karen says
What a fun post to read from you! I’ve been blogging for almost two years, and can so identify with so much of what you’ve shared.
I must admit that it’s a little comforting to read that you are in the juggling act too. (Sorry to take comfort at your expense). But, really – there’s an incredible amount of work that goes into a single post – and I certainly didn’t realize that before I started.
Even so, I absolutely love it! I have a wonderful little community that encourages me much more than they probably realize.
While my blog doesn’t yet pay for itself, it does bring in a small income, and that certainly helps.
I began blogging with a long-term focus, knowing it may require untold hours and lots of hard work before it really paid off. That has certainly been the case for me, but if I can encourage or inspire just one person with each post, then I think I’ve been successful with that post – regardless of the numbers.
Thank you for sharing your behind-the-scenes peek!
Laura says
Yes to the untold hours before it pays off. It took months and months of hard work before I even saw a tiny bit of income. You are absolutely right about encouraging and inspiring others. That alone makes much of the work worth it!
Karen S says
I’m pleased to know you make a little money each time I log onto your website; I’ll try to do it more often! :)
Laura says
Hey, thanks. ;) I like knowing that about when I visit other sites too!
Yvonne Ostman says
Love your blog, and I have enjoyed lots of recipes from you over the past few years, although I´ve had to adapt measurements to swedish standards. :)
Your days seem a lot like mine, minus the homeschooling part and the fact that I write mostly christian inspirational things and gardening . Up ´til recently my blog has been in swedish, but since more and more people have asked me to make it bilingual swe/eng (google translate being – well – google translate…) that´s what I´m in the process of doing right now. This means I currently translate old posts to english as well as writing all the new stuff in both swedish and english. I´d gladly take a 48 h day anytime, but it seems I´ll get only the same 24 h as the rest of you. :)
Anyway, like Karen says, it´s comforting to read about others in a similar situation, so I really enjoyed this post.
Laura says
Yes, the 48 hour days we sometimes long for. We’d be exhausted, though, so I guess we’ll stick with these 24 as always. ;) I can’t imagine taking the time to translate every post. Wowza!
Yvonne Ostman says
I frequently find myself writing the original in english and then translating it “back” to swedish. A bit weird for a native swede, maybe but then again, who wants to be normal? ;)
Laura says
Well, that, to me is so impressive. I admire anyone who can speak more than one language!
Mrs. Davis says
Thank you for the peek inside how you run your blog. I appreciate you even more!! I’m not in a position to blog even if I wanted but do read yours while I nurse my baby. Thanks for all you do! You are a blessing! And please find some reason to come to Louisiana so I can meet you!!
Laura says
I love thinking about mommies nursing their babies while reading my blog. That’s the sweetest. Oh, there are so many states I want to visit so I can meet readers. Louisiana is definitely one of them. Maybe everyone can just come hang out in Nebraska? We could have a huge Heavenly Homemakers Convention!
B. Winblad says
This was a fantastic post, thank you for sharing your process with us. I have been contemplating starting a blog for sometime now, I just haven’t sat down and fully committed to the time it takes.
I have setup the domain name, started the blog itself, came up with pages and pages of ideas so far. But, our son just started Kindergarten after being home with me all this time. I’m giving myself a bit of a break at the moment while we get ourselves into a new routine and way of life.
But, I hope in the next couple of weeks to really get going at it while he us in school. I would love to monetize it at some point, with the potential for it being a part time income for our family. But, this aspect alone is the most frightening to me. I am an accountant by trade, so the legalities that go with monetizing stress me out for some stupid reason. The IT aspect of it all would be no problem, as that is my husband’s fortay and I would not need to outsource that portion. I just really want to write and share my recipes, life, ideas with others. I want to help other Mom’s.
I simply love your blog, your authenticity, your love of us, and all that you do to make us feel special and welcome. You truly are an inspiration to me. I have a few other blogs that I have also been following for many years just like yours, but they have all gone so “corporate” that on a daily basis I consider deleting the bookmark and moving on to blogs that feel more sincere and home grown. Thank you for being you!
Laura says
I think taking some time to settle into your new routine is a great idea, before jumping into blogging. If you need it, http://www.bloggingwithamy.com is a fantastic resource to help with answering all the questions bloggers have about how to get started with monetizing and the legal stuff. :)
B. Winblad says
You are amazing yet again. Thank you so much for sharing that site with me/us. I have bookmarked it and will read through it all.
Melissa M. says
I echo the comments others have made! I try to support (in a very small way) the blogs that I read on a regular basis, if possible. I am grateful that you mentioned that a visit to a blog might help financially a bit.
Thank you for your work here.
Leigh says
Thanks for sharing your behind-the-scenes, Laura. This newbie appreciates your perspective so much. I only started blogging a couple of months ago. I didn’t mention you by name in my first post (linked through my “About” page), but in the third paragraph when I mention certain blogs I read (stalked?) on a near daily basis, there you are! Thank you for many lovely “chats” over the years.
LuAnn Braley says
I started my blog in July 2007. Back then it was a personal/mom blog. I’d write a few times a week for several months, then have great stretches of time where I didn’t post a thing. In 2014, I rediscovered reading for my own enjoyment and the reviewing of those books, and now I post regularly 5-7 days a week.
I don’t make money from my blog (yet), but am looking at ways to begin. Also, I’m working on a business plan to run virtual book tours, which is a more administrative side of what I’m already doing.
Looking through my email inbox, I see many, many notifications of new blog posts. A fair amount have the email subject of “guess what I’m doing today” or “see what’s new on my blog”. Usually I tune those out pretty quickly. Then I saw one (yours) which started out, “Why I Love My Readers … ” and that caught my eye. Well done.
Priscilla F. says
Thanks Laura for this interesting window into your hours of work. I sometimes think I ought to start a blog just to share info with family and friends (natural health remedies, recipes, etc.) that I use daily, as I enjoy writing greatly, but then the realistic side of me kicks in, and I KNOW with 4 boys under 7, another on the way, plus homeschooling, I likely couldn’t give any of it the time it needed. So much as I “think” I’d like to do it, I leave it up to the great women a bit farther down the road in life experiences, and trust if God wants me to do it someday, He’ll supply the time it takes. Thanks SO MUCH for all the time you put in to benefit so many. May God bless you richly – you truly honor Him!
Kristy Howard says
Yes, I do blog! And you were one of the beautiful bloggers who helped me get started. So… thank you, Laura!
My blogging looks a lot like yours, except that I commit less time to it (about 10 hours a week), simply because my children are all young. I love to write and connect with and encourage other women, so blogging is a wonderful niche for me.
Thanks so much for the peek behind your screen… this was a fun read!
kentuckylady717 says
Love your blog Laura, and try to read it every day…..I would rather read it every day than once a week…sometimes I may read it more often and pass it on to my daughter and my sisters when you tell a cute story or have a great recipes….like the coconut flour muffin recipe..I passed those on to several and I will be making them also….
And hopefully I have helped you some also, as I have purchased coconut oil from a couple of places you referred….I think twice from Tropical Tradition, purchased coconut oil and coconut flour too. Did purchase coconut oil from another blog I think you mentioned…and did the Disney Video Movie you mentioned also on your blog…..never did use my credit…I guess it’s still there eh ?
I don’t do e-books and don’t buy recipes books as I have enough to start a store myself :) Ever think about doing a personal cook book with your recipes and pictures and stories of your childhood and growing up and your family like SOUTHERN PLATE ? And Pioneer Woman…..I know I made a comment and I think it was on your blog, about how you always tried to answer your bloggers comments or either your assistant would answer and how Pioneer Woman NEVER did answer a question any of her bloggers would ask !!! and I even emailed her about not answering, and all of a sudden she must have deleted me from her blog…guess she didn’t like what I said….but that’s ok, I still watch her occasionally on Food Network, but before that I would watch her every Sat. now I don’t, so she seems to be doing fine without any help from me….. I used to click on her blog and read about her family which was interesting , but I have moved on to other blogs….like SOUTHERN PLATE and she is down to earth and does reply to her bloggers also , so does Jocelyn who also has a blog and I love her blog too, name of her blog has escaped me at the moment….but you probably know who I am talking about….
So I do support you, by clicking on your blog ads and forwarding your blogs to friends and family and hope they will sign up too…..
So thank you for your great blog…..and sharing your wonderful family with all of us…..you have a very lovely family and seem to be w wonderful person….I don’t really see how you do as much as you do……so I will continue to read your blog every day, and support you when I can :)
kentuckylady717 says
Sorry see a couple misspelled words…..reread it after I posted….should have done it before I hit the button…think you could give us an EDIT button ? :)abut.Th….that way I could have corrected it…..I hate when that happens….sorry didn’t mean to write such a long email….it just happens sometimes…..
kentuckylady717 says
Oh my, so sorry again….now I see more….guess I need to reread before I click post comment….
Just want to say the name of Jocelyn Brubaker’s blog is “INSIDE BRU CREW LIFE.”….I love her blog too…
Kayla says
Your blog is by far my favorite. I love reading your daily posts and can’t imagine only seeing it once a week (no way)!!! I love your dedication to God and your family. I also enjoy all the yummy recipes. I have purchased a few of your e recipe books and can honestly say I use them often. Heavenly homemakers never let me down. Keep up the good work and I enjoy your transparency. I have no desire to have my own blog but reading how yours works is still super interesting and informative. God bless!!!
Lisa Sharp says
I loved the look at your blogging life. I’m also trying to do better at separating my blogging and homemaking work. It does get overwhelming to do it all at once!
Joy says
Thanks so much for the peek into your blogging life – what dedication and perseverance you’ve demonstrated over the years! I’ve been a regular reader for years, and I especially appreciate how you weave your faith into every bit of your life – you are an inspiration!
I, too, am a blogger – very part-time. Mine’s a life story/devotional kind of blog, so I only write when I have something to write about. It all started 5 years ago as a response to an invitation from God to take off my mask and reveal my shivering soul in the hopes that someone could relate and be encouraged. I’m also working on a book and am a singer/songwriter/worship leader, as well as a wife and mom, so my life is full, but in a good way :)
Bless you, Laura, as you continue to serve our great God in this unique and valuable way!