Here at BlogOn we like nothing more than showcasing different bloggers and their wonderful blogs. This weeks blogger is Nicole from Tales from Mamaville. If you fancy being featured on Meet the blogger then please email laura@blogonconference.com
Tales from Mamaville
Name – Nicole Arsiwala
Blog URL – https://talesfrommamaville.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MamavilleTales/
Twitter – @MamavilleTales
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/talesfrommamaville/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-arsiwala-mamaville/
How long have you been blogging and what made you start?
I started my blog Tales from Mamaville in January 2016 (but went self-hosted a year later). Before I became a SAHM, I worked as a journalist, so writing has always been a passion. After my son started part-time nursery, and I got a few hours to myself, I decided to get back to doing what I loved – writing.
Blogging was something new to me, but it seemed a perfect option for a full-time mum, as it gave me the flexibility to write around my child’s schedule. And so I took the plunge…
What do you wish you had known before you started?
Oh, so much! As I mentioned blogging was new to me, so I learned everything on the job, so to speak, and with the help of good old Google!
But I wish I had known the importance of self-promotion from the start. It’s not enough to write a post and hit publish; unless you shout it out from the rooftops of social media, no-one will know your blog exists.
Also, I wish I had known the importance of SEO and keywords before – it’s so essential, especially if you plan to make your blog your business.
What one tip would you give to a new blogger?
Be yourself and let your personality and own writing style shine through your blog. Even if you are doing a sponsored post, let it be YOU. If we get too caught up with the technicalities and monetary aspect of blogging, we end up loosing that spark, that love for blogging. And what’s the point if we don’t enjoy our blog anymore?
What is the most surprising thing you have learned since you started blogging?
How lovely and supportive the blogging community is – everyone is so helpful. BlogOnX is my first blogging conference and I’m looking forward to meeting so many lovely bloggers I interact with online.
That, and the fact that blogging is so time-consuming! It’s not just about write and publish – bloggers have to edit, click pictures, optimise posts, promote their blogs and approach brands. We multi-task on a daily basis.
What is the best thing about blogging?
The fact that I can blog from home and around my child’s schedule. It gives me – and other mums – the flexibility to work from home.
I also love the fact that there is no dearth of creativity when it comes to blogging – be it with content, design or social media.
What new skills have you learned since you started blogging?
I now understand terms like SEO and DA; html and codes don’t scare me as much; and I’m getting my head around Pinterest at the moment!
What is the most unusual thing you have done/received because of blogging?
I wouldn’t say unusual but exciting – attending my first blogging conference – BlogOnX It’s going to be a new experience for me!
What has been your proudest blogging achievement so far?
The fact that I self-learnt everything about blogging, and have come so far with trial-and-error. It entails a lot of late nights and writing with a child jumping on me, but I’ve still got a decent blog to show
What is your blogging goal for the next year?
This year I am more on top of my blogging game with a schedule and a plan. I plan to work with more brands in the next year, and up my social media game.
What will you be doing in 5 years time?
I would love to still be blogging in 5 years time (I love what I do!); however, I hope to have branched out a lot more and be doing other interesting things related to blogging/ my blog too.
Will we see you at a BlogOn event this year?
YES! This is my first blogging conference and I’ve heard so many lovely things about it, I can’t wait!!!
If Yes, What do you hope to learn more about at BlogOn?
I will try and attend as many sessions as I can, because there are so many interesting ones. My focus will be on working with brands and improving my social media – as those are my immediate blogging goals.
But more than that, I am looking forward to finally meeting so many lovely bloggers who I know just by name/ blog name, but have become great blogging friends nonetheless.