What originally attracted you to the IZEA/SocialSpark community and how did you find out about it?
I saw a SocialSpark badge on another blog that I love and decided to give it a try. I never looked back. I love it.
Describe your blog in 140 characters or less…
Crafting, cooking and creating with kids everyday….on a budget (with plenty of DIY and healthy living sprinkled in).
What inspires you to blog?
I started my blog as a place to document the things the kids and I do everyday – kind of a diary or online baby book. And it turned into sharing our ideas with others. It is so fun.
Do you ever get stumped for what to write? How do you overcome this?
I actually have plenty of things to write about. I have about 10 posts rolling around in my head at any given time. It’s the time to actually sit down and type them that eludes me! I need to be better about scheduling a little blog time.
What’s one word of advice you’d give to bloggers to increase the quality of their content?
Be real and honest and let your personality shine through in your writing. People follow blogs and bloggers because it feels like a conversation with you. So just be yourself.
What do you love about IZEA/SocialSpark?
I love how easy it is to say yes or no to leads. I probably turn down more than I accept just because I want the content to be relevant to my readers and my blog. I love the freedom of choosing what is a good fit for me. And once you say yes, it is so easy to write and publish.
What has been your favorite SocialSpark campaign?
Avocados from Mexico. I have enjoyed them a lot. We eat avocados every week around here. My kid’s first solid food was avocados, so it was a natural fit. We love ’em!
How do you actively stay engaged with your audience?
I use social media to have conversations with my readers. Social media, Facebook and Twitter are a lot to keep up with, but has really made a difference in feeling connected.
What tips can you give other bloggers that can help set them apart and stand out?
Schedule a time in your day and week to just sit in your place and blog. Be focused and inspired. I need time to edit photos and write content. Even if it’s an hour two times a week. It helps so much to have some scheduled time.
Complete this thought: If I could, I would…
Become a farmer and go off the grid (except I would obviously need Internet access)!
Congratulations, Erin! Read her blog, A Bird and a Bean.
