Here at BlogOn we like nothing more than showcasing different bloggers and their wonderful blogs. This weeks blogger is Donna from What the Redhead Said. If you fancy being featured on Meet the blogger then please email laura@blogonconference.com
What the Redhead Said
Name – Donna Wishart
Blog – What the Redhead Said
Blog Url: https://whattheredheadsaid.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WTredheadsaid/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/genuineplacebo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genuineplacebo84/
How long have you been blogging and what made you start?
I have been blogging nearly six years now and I started when I was on maternity leave with my first child. I really started to document our weaning journey and I soon wrote about every milestone and event and things just snowballed from there.
What do you wish you had known before you started?
Oh so much! Before I started blogging I had no idea that there was so much more to it than just writing and pressing publish. There’s admin, promotion, photos… Plus, there’s a whole blogging community and work opportunities that I had no idea about. I wish I’d known what blogging could turn into for me and how much of my time it would take.
What one tip would you give to a new blogger?
I would tell them to think about why they are blogging and never lose focus of that. Are you blogging to record memories? If so, make sure you always record those memories no matter what else you get asked to write about. Are you blogging to get an income? Then make sure you focus on that and dedicate enough time to your blog as it will take to make that a reality. With blogging you only ever get out what you are prepared to put in.
What is the most surprising thing you have learned since you started blogging?
For me the biggest surprise was finding the blogging community. I had no idea there were so many other people with their own little spaces online, all doing the same thing as me. When I found those other people and joined Facebook groups to talk about blogging it opened up a whole new world for me – and it really was the nicest surprise.
What is the best thing about blogging?
The best thing is that blogging has allowed me to work from home, around the children which is something I never expected to be able to do. It’s given me a whole new career that I love and it has given me a work/life balance that I could only dream of in my previous work role.
What new skills have you learned since you started blogging?
Oh so many. I knew my way around a computer before I started blogging – I am a child of the internet and social media generation. But, I have had to learn WordPress, HTML code, how to take better photos and actually edit them, how to edit videos and how to sell myself. Blogging has been just the steepest learning curve.
What is the most unusual thing you have done/received because of blogging?
Last year I was part of the SlimFast Choir singing with Alexandra Burke which was pretty surreal and probably the most unusual thing I have ever done!
What has been your proudest blogging achievement so far?
I think being able to give up my day job to blog full time has been my biggest achievement as far as blogging is concerned. Building my blog up over the last few years to be a platform that I can get a sustainable income from is something I am so proud of.
What is your blogging goal for the next year?
I don’t have any big goals or blogging ambitions at the moment. I’d like to just carry on as I am and keep enjoying blogging. But, I would like to make more videos and improve my engagement on Instagram too.
What will you be doing in 5 years time?
I hope I’m doing the same thing – working around the children, documenting them growing and seeing as much of the country, maybe even the world, through blogging as possible.
Will we see you at a BlogOn event this year?
YES! BlogOn is my favourite conference and I am sure I will be at both again this year – I wouldn’t miss it.
If Yes, What do you hope to learn more about at BlogOn?
I would love to just come away feeling inspired again. I don’t really have any learning aims but I always find that I do learn something and always come away feeling more positive and keen to get on and achieve more.
If you enjoyed this why not check out last weeks Meet the Blogger Dear Bear and Beany