1. What originally attracted you to the IZEA/SocialSpark community and how did you find out about it?
I first found out about SocialSpark via a post from another DIY blogger. When I looked into it, I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring advertising income from the blog without sacrificing quality content that my readers expect, and it has proven to be just that.
2. Describe your blog…
The main goal I have always had with my blog is to connect with my readers on a personal level and hopefully inspire them in a positive way, not just through DIY projects and decorating, but in their faith and families. As my blog title says, my life is less-than-perfect, yet I strive to live it to the fullest and make the most of every opportunity. And this feeling is reflected in my writings, whether I’m doing a furniture makeover or giving tips on raising kids.
3. What inspires you to blog?
My inspiration for blogging comes from the fact that my readers keep coming back for more. I’m always humbled to think that I have been able to inspire other people through my writing.
4. Do you ever get stumped for what to write? How do you overcome this?
I can honestly say that, in over 3 years of blogging, so far I’ve never been completely stumped on what to write! Some posts may not be as fabulous or “Pin-worthy” as others, but somehow it comes together. Ideas come to me consistently and I just write about what’s happening in my life, so if I make a great pot of soup one night for dinner, it may be on the blog a few days later!
5. If you were President for a day what would be your first order of business?
Hmmm. If I were President for a day… this is definitely a tough one. But, considering it would take more than a day to accomplish major changes in the country, I think I would make the most of the moment and use my influence to share my faith. Thankfully, we have Freedom of Religion in this country and have the right to do this because of the wisdom of our forefathers. And just like I do on my blog, I would like to use my influence to share with people that we have a God whom we can know on a personal basis who will guide us through life and help us through any situation, no matter the circumstance. He’s more powerful than any world leader, and yet He cares about what’s happening in each of our lives.
6. What do you love about IZEA/SocialSpark?
The thing I love most about IZEA/SocialSpark is the flexibility given the blogger. Since I’ve been in the program, I’ve received numerous leads and offers, and I love that I get to choose which ones are most fitting to my blog content. I only choose to write about products or services that I truly love or those that I feel would be relevant to my readers. And the advertising income makes it possible for me to continue to spend the time necessary to publish what the readers enjoy.
7. What has been your favorite SocialSpark campaign?
I’ve had a lot of fun with almost every campaign, but I think my favorite campaign was the one I wrote for Fossil. I had a great time putting together outfits to go with the handbags and I loved being able to give my one of my readers a beautiful leather handbag compliments of Fossil.
8. How do you actively stay engaged with your audience?
I stay engaged with my readers by communicating via their comments, emails, and Facebook. I try to answer specific questions they have and visit their blogs if they have one. I love hearing from each of them who take the time to contact me.
9. What tips can you give other bloggers that can help set them apart and stand out?
I feel a little silly giving advice to other bloggers when there are so many other successful and creative bloggers out there, but the one tip I might suggest is to be the same person on the blog that you are in real life. I feel that I connect best with my readers when they realize I’m just like them. I have laundry piling up in the laundry room and kids fighting in the living room just like most of the women reading my blog. And when they read about what I’m going through, they realize it’s okay to be less-than-perfect.
10. Complete this thought: If I could, I would…
If I could, I would… Hmmm. If I could I would like to fly to someplace warm and sunny instead of being iced in today! But seriously, if I could, I’d like to meet each of my readers in person. I never cease to be amazed that technology allows for one woman writing one little blog to reach readers all over the world at the click of a key. I’d love to have the opportunity to see these people face to face and just say “Thanks! I’m glad we’re friends.”
Congratulations, Julie! Read her blog Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss.
