Grow Your Blog ~ Kristen from We are THAT Family Shares Her Tips

Today I have an interview with Kristen from We are THAT Family. If you don’t read her blog you are missing out on great writing and hilarious stories. I asked Kristen if she wouldn’t mind sharing her tips for growing a successful blog. Kristen has only been blogging for a year and has quickly risen to be one of the most popular mom blogs on the web. Her latest endeavor is hosting the hugely popular Works for Me Wednesday.

Here are some of her thoughts on creating a successful blog.

How does your family feel about being the subjects of many of your posts? Have you ever not published something because
your family didn’t want that information revealed?

My immediate family fully supports my blogging venture. My hubby is my biggest fan and my sounding board. If I have any doubts about content or privacy, I read it to him first. My kids are still young, but I just recently made a commitment to my 9 year old daughter to talk with her if it involves her. I am actually very careful with my extended family and do not blog about them at all, unless I have their specific permission. In real life, I’m a private person (surprise!), so I want to respect the privacy of others.

Do you do your own site design or did someone design it for you?

I’ve had the same blog designer since I started a little more than a year ago. Shauna from See My Designs is so talented, helpful and affordable. She’s also a work at home mom and I love supporting her with my business. HTML and I do not get along. I’ve learned to stay away from it.

You started your blog about a year ago and have experienced a tremendous growth in readership and subscribers. Is there
anything you would recommend to someone who is just starting out, to help them grow their blog?

I think the most important thing is to find your voice. Just as every person is unique, so is their voice. Focusing in on who you are and what you want to say is important. My goal is to have every reader leave my blog with an emotion.

What do you think was the most important thing you did to help your blog grow?

I contribute my growth to participation in the blogging community. When I first started, I left a comment for every comment I received. I participated in every carnival I could find, I answer every email that comes my way.

What is your advice for a blogger who wants to start their own meme or carnival?

Go for it! It doesn’t hurt to try it. Don’t give up or be discouraged if it gets a slow start. I think it’s a good idea to poll your readers too. Ask them to participate.

Is there something you wish you would have known before you started blogging?

My blogging experience has enhanced my life. I love writing and it’s fulfilled something in me. But in the beginning the learning curve was so big, I think a manual would have been nice! It took me a long time to get a handle on all the pieces that make up this parallel world.

What is your favorite part about blogging?

That’s a tough question! But I have to say the people I’ve met. It was certainly the most unexpected part. And every day I meet more women and my world is enhanced.

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