19 responses to “Nowhere to go from here…”

1. 

   Kellyansapansa

   April 17, 2011 at 12:32 am

   Fascinating post! I often feel like I'm in some sort of weird blog limbo – as a Stepmum I don't quite fit in with the Mums or the non-Mums. I don't blog about my stepkids because I don't feel I have the right to. My blogroll has a reasonable proportion of Mummy Blogs, but I do tend to seek out those that aren't *all* about the kids. I really hope you're not considering giving up blogging – yours is one of my favourites!

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2. 

   Toni

   April 17, 2011 at 1:17 am

   I am a mum but I don't think of myself as a mummy blogger because I don't blog about parenting. Also, I'm not 'successful' — but I did a course on 31 Days To Build a Better Blog and it may have some tips and tricks you'd be interested in. Your blog has real style, Melissa; whatever you decide to do to build it, make sure you hang on to that uniqueness.

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3. 

   E.

   April 17, 2011 at 2:11 am

   I think that Marketing and PR execs are cutting there noses off if they only want to use Mummy Bloggers. I don't consider myself a Mummy blogger I figure I'm more an electic or gneral blogger. If I was in PR / Marketing I'd be looking at blogs which have a good following, post often (more than I do at the moment) and get responses to the posts.The Tron DVD, the shopping bags, the Vodka O, even the washing powder that I have seen around lately could be on any blog (except maybe the Vodka on someone who doesn't drink).So Marketing people – think outside the box – we bloggers and reasders do!Oh and Melissa – Hi!

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4. 

   stink-bomb

   April 17, 2011 at 3:04 am

   picking up on what E said about the Tron DVD and washing powder – i've seen them on ALOT of blogs lately, mostly Mummy Blogs and to be honest if i was in pr for any of those companies, i would want my product to be reviewed and offered as a giveaway to a wide varied audience. nearly all the blogs are aiming at the same audience, so their products are not getting the wide audience coverage they would get it if they included some personal blogs into the review mix.it always amazes me how Mummy bloggers seem to get most of the reviews, giveaways because they are essentially just blogging to the same audience over and over again, especially in australia – not great for varied audience exposure.as for where we fit, be it in general or to make money – i don't know and i've gotten to the point where i've given up trying to work it out. i don't think i will ever make money from my blog and you know what that's fine, it's more for me than anything else anyway and i'm not a fan of advertising on my blog so i was never going to make money that way.my attitude now is, what will be will be – if something is meant to come out of my blogging and writing then so be it, if not, well that's fine too.~x~

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5. 

   Lady Fabulous

   April 17, 2011 at 4:05 am

   I've been surprised at how many I've been offered, being a Non Mummy Blogger. Although I think a lot of that has to do with PR people not actually looking into my blog, and therefore not realising, LOL! I understand what you mean though, there seems to be a bigger market directed at parents and children. If I get offered stuff like that, I try and see if I can shamelessly use my nephews, which has the added bonus of me being able to see them an extra time and take copious pics of them. I think it's probably just a case of PR firms for products other than parenting stuff haven't caught on to our awesomness yet. No doubt a new frontier could be forged by a Life/Eclectic blogger, by going out there and showing them just how beneficial blogging can be for their products, just the same way Mummy Bloggers have had to do.Very interesting topic!

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6. 

   Cate

   April 17, 2011 at 4:21 am

   maybe you could turn it into a crafting blog (feeling crafty??). What about a cooking blog (feeling Poh-ish??). I think the key though to court advertising is to have a niche message for a niche audience. But I like your blog…so I'm sure you could convince someone to give you stuff?!!xxxCate

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7. 

   {leila}

   April 17, 2011 at 4:32 am

   I completely understand where you are coming from and is something I think about on a regular basis. I think in Australia the mummy blogger thing is at major levels right now but that also has a lot to do with blogging in general also reaching a high status as well. In America I've found that whilst mommy blogging is quite popular/successful there are also many other genres with equally the same success. For examples I recommend http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/, http://www.kylaroma.com/ & http://srslyliz.com/, some of my favs right now. If you want to attract niche marketing, maybe you could add some features about a particular craft/cooking/jewelry/gardening etc subject?Either way, I think your blog is fabulous the way it is. Don't change yourself because thats what people come to see. xx

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8. 

   Kakka

   April 17, 2011 at 5:18 am

   I tend to agree that Mommy bloggers are the target because they are easy to target. There is a strong network of bloggers who are Mums who visit each other regularly – not all advertise, but a lot do, and those that visit then see the ads. Personally I am over ads on blogs, not saying I won't visit if anyone has them, but it is not why I visit. I had a USA natural health company visit my blog and offer for me to review their products – aimed at menopausal women. I chose not to.I think a lot of people think you can make big money from ads on blogs – I think that in most people's cases that is a myth. There may be a select few who do, but I would truly be surprised if everyone does.I love your blog, just the way it is. Good luck if you choose to break into earning big bucks here, if anyone can – it is you.

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9. 

   The Distressed Mother

   April 17, 2011 at 6:11 am

   What is a mummy blog? I'm a mum with a new blog, but I don't especially write about my kids. I might mention them here and there. Personally, I couldn't think of anything more boring than reading about other people's kids. Although my blog is pretty boring – I just write about whatever random crap has happened. I use is more as a tool for me and because I felt like a stalker reading blogs but not having my own.I have actually stopped following a couple of blogs that were quite blatantly trying to grab sponsors etc. It was quite off-putting and I didn't feel like they were genuine.I enjoy reading your blog.TDM xx

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10. 

    MultipleMum

    April 17, 2011 at 7:47 am

    I have no interest in 'monetising' my blog so Mummy or not, I don't do PR. I would be shocked to pop over to yours and have you reviewing socks, washing powder or hot cross buns!?! What the????? Make money because of your blog, not on it. xx

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11. 

    Sydney Shop Girl

    April 17, 2011 at 8:58 am

    Great post, Melissa.I don't have anything constructive to add but I think you'll make a capital G Great Mummy Blogger. Hoping to be one myself one day…..SSG xxxSydney Shop Girl blog

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12. 

    River

    April 17, 2011 at 9:50 am

    I'm not sure I'm qualified to answer here since I don't have ads on my blog and I'm not looking to make money from it. (although extra money would be nice…)Like you said, that other blog exploded because she was suddenly a lot more relevant to advertisers.But does that mean you have to follow? Do you think that becoming a sponsored blog (mummy or not) is the way to go? I'd keep reading your blog either way, so if you want to put ads on here then go ahead, but please don't go to the extreme of writing nothing but sponsored posts.

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13. 

    Melissa *Suger Coat It*

    April 17, 2011 at 10:58 am

    I appreciate all of you taking the time to post your comments. It's given me a lot of angles and things to think about. Don't worry this blog is not going to turn into anything other than what it is. I have always had ads {first google then nuffnang}. Nor do I intend sponsored content to outweigh nor overshadow the RANDOM, badly spelt and clumsily put together content, that we all love so much. Ha. :oP

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14. 

    Danielle

    April 18, 2011 at 12:32 am

    I'll be back later to discuss.

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15. 

    Talia

    April 18, 2011 at 3:23 am

    Great post Melissa!I try to keep my blog craft-centred. I intend to keep it this way too when I have kids.I guess it's hard when you're a 'life' blogger, but maybe you could start by talking about a few things that you really like, mentioning them frequently and maybe they'll get picked up? For example, the lolly thing you've got going on- maybe contact some lolly companies to sponsor you?Or perhaps write some more of your 'blog' blog posts, and see if SEO companies, or people who make themes would like to advertise with Yopu?Just some ideas. :-)

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16. 

    Melissa *Suger Coat It*

    April 18, 2011 at 4:40 am

    Uh oh. I hope that's a good discuss, not like my Mum would say 'We'll talk about this LATER!' Usually closely followed by a YOUNG LADY. Haha. :o/

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17. 

    River

    April 18, 2011 at 8:58 am

    Now I'm a little hesitant about writing about the washing powder I got sent to try….

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18. 

    Melissa *Suger Coat It*

    April 18, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    Haha. No way River. Review away!!

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19. 

    Amy

    April 19, 2011 at 3:23 am

    It's interesting topic. One of the reasons I love your blog is because it's NOT a 'Mummy' blog- I've got enough of those on my feed already and I always feel so refreshed coming here.As far as making money from it, well, that I have no idea about. I keep a blog more as a personal diary and I can't see myself ever getting anywhere with that, so it's not something I've looked into very much! :)

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