I think I should start a blog….heard me say that before? My very first post was titled I Should Start a Blog.…;) I then reflected and wrote about what I learned my first year of blogging. In there I spoke about my plan to write on the blog for a year and then see how I felt and if I thought I could turn it into something. So after a year of blogging, that’s where I’ve been for the past 4+ months…turning my blog into a business.

I figured the first step into turning my blog into a business, was that I needed to start treating it like one, which is exactly what I did. I dedicated a lot of time and focus on it and more importantly, made a decision to be consistent. I publish anywhere from 3-4 blog posts each week and have maintained a portion of my posts to highlighting local businesses and events, which are always well received. I’ve also become more clear on the focus and direction of Simple Local Life as time goes on, which is helpful. 🙂

Heidi Jirotka Photography

All this takes time, a lot of time in some cases. Blog posts generally take me hours to write, edit, take photo’s, etc. Then there’s social media, planning, responding to messages, and more. I’m a one woman show…with occasional beautiful photography provided by my sister-in-law Heidi Jirotka Photography. Even though it takes time and sometimes feels like a lot…I love it. It’s a positive outlet to share with people things I enjoy or that make life easier, or even where to meet for coffee.

Blogging has also lead to some neat connections and things I wouldn’t have anticipated. I was asked to speak at a wellness event earlier this year on the benefits of meal planning. I was interviewed by Sheldon Macleod on Radio 96.5 in December to talk about my Top 10 Go-To Holiday Recipes. I was asked to be a judge at the Living Energy Laboratory event which is part of Energize Bridgewater — a community-wide initiative to accelerate the transition of our community toward a “local energy economy”. I’m teaching a workshop this spring on blogging and using social media to a group of entrepreneurs. Blogging I can say, is pretty much the coolest job I’ve ever had. 🙂

Heidi Jirotka Photography

Then this week our local paper Lighthouse Now did a feature on Simple Local Life for their section entitled Rural Ink. I’ll be honest and say that I was surprised when they called and said they wanted to interview me…I couldn’t quite see how my little blog was worthy of a story, but I am thrilled that they wanted to talk to me about how I am turning my blog into a business and creating an income for myself. You can check out the article here…

Since ramping up her writing and networking with local businesses, such as grocers and real estate agents, she’s seeing “tremendous growth and a lot of interest.” “A lot of people seem to know the blog now … A lot of people have heard about it, or are following the meal plans or are seeing pictures or following it on Twitter.” “So that’s been great. I feel like it’s establishing itself now as a bit of a brand, which is really exciting,” said Naugler.

Source: LighthouseNow: Blog to business

So how exactly am I turning blogging into a business? In a lot of different ways actually. I am partnering with some local businesses to help promote their products or events. I’ve had some sponsored post where I work with a business or individual on featured content. I also sell ad space on my Simple Local Life, which currently receives between 5000-6000 page views/month. You can read more about how we can work together here.

I enjoy blogging immensely and hope to continue it for a long time to come. If you enjoy reading Simple Local Life, there are a few things you can do to help it continue. Read a post you liked? Share it and help get the word out. Read about the people and businesses who sponsor me and support them as well. If you have a business, consider taking out an ad or reaching out to partner together. Need some extra promotion for an event…let’s talk!

I so appreciate all the kind words and feedback since I started this little blog, and am working hard to keep it going. Blogging allows me to tell a story in a unique way and share why I love living a simple local life here on the South Shore. Thanks for being here…for sharing…and for your support. It means a lot. xo

Heidi Jirotka Photography