Happy Saturday! I didn’t quite realize how many questions you all had about my job as a freelance graphic designer and blogger until my recent post about where my money comes from. You all are so insightful — I was really intrigued by the things you asked and the inferences you made!
I realized that, well, there are a lot of things you’re eager to know and understand, but no one really talks about them. I’d love to know what you’re curious about so that I can help you out! You can either share specific questions or just ask me to elaborate on any topics you’re interested in — I’m an open book! Feel free to leave a comment here or send me an email. 🙂
Have a great weekend, friends!
Thank you so much for asking this question. I’ve been consistently blogging since May, but only twice a week. I haven’t gotten that many views, less than 100 per month and I’m wondering. Should I post more days of the week? I know you started asking for sponsorships after two months. How many views did you have in order to make that leap? Did you do guest posts in order to get more exposure?
This is so cool of you to offer answers to everyone’s curiosities! I’m always interested in hearing how other bloggers go about making this their day job.
Can I ask how long you work on a computer daily? Including social media time, if it’s related to your blog in one way or another. 🙂
Hi Mel! Thank you for this opportunity for questions! By the way, I’m super inspired by your blog!
I guess I have a couple questions about blogging. I’m preparing to launch my newly branded blog on Monday (so soon!) and I’m still struggling with the balance between making it personal/professional. I’ve been blogging for the last year or so, but it’s been strictly professional — advice for PR students/PR professionals. However, I’m dying to have an outlet where I can share personal things about my life, too. What tips do you have for finding the perfect balance between personal/professional in your brand?
Also, down the road when my blog starts to take off, I’d really like to turn blogging into a side hustle. I really want to start doing freelance PR work/PR consulting/writing, but I’m not exactly sure how to get started with an online business. Do you have any pointers or words of wisdom?
Thank you again for this opportunity! I absolutely love your blog!
I would love to know more about how you handle social media as a whole. I see you doing an awesome job at it and it’s something I struggle with sometimes. Thank you so much for being willing to be an open book! Looking forward to everything you have to say!
I love your openness! I have one question – do you get wholly approached by businesses or do(did) you pursue those brands YOU loved and would love to work with?
Thanks, Bec x
Hey Mel! I’d love to get a little insight into how you plan your posts. Do you plan them weekly/monthly/etc? Do you have a board or a notebook?
Also, I feel like you might get me on this one – I often struggle with having too many ideas and I never know where to start! Do you ever struggle with this problem and how do you deal!
Thanks heaps!
xx Becky
love that you’re doing this!!
In your experience, what’s the best way to ‘build your readership’?
Also, who takes your pics?! I struggle with photography because i know I need better pics but my hubby isn’t camera-friendly. Any tips/suggestions?
I’ve always been interested in starting a graphic design business, it’s something I really enjoy doing and I was just wondering: what are your 3 most important tips or stepping stones to getting started?
Thank you!
Melyssa, this is amazing! I truly appreciate your openness, and the will to serve your readers! Your blog is seriously my favorite one, haha.
My questions would be: how did you get so many readers so quickly? I believe you studied graphic design, is that necessary to be savvy in the blog design department? How do you go on about asking for sponsorships? How do you know that you’re at a level where your blog is “popular enough” to ask for financial rewards? Lastly, how do you plan your posts? Do you normally post them the day you write them, or do you plan them ahead and simply have them visible until a set date?
I know that I am being super annoying with my questions, but your time is GREATLY appreciated.
Thank you 🙂
http://www.carolatic.com
Hi Mel:
Your last post of “where my money comes from” was so helpful to me that I’m going to use this opportunity and ask two questions that I’m curious about.
First one is something similar to a previous comment about “building your readership”. Last two months I began with networking; promoting my blog and creations in social media, replying Facebook or Instagram comments and likes, etc. but I still got almost zero comments at my blog, (last week I got one and it made me very happy :D). Do you have any tips or suggestions to motivate readers to leave comments in my blog?
Second question is about “selling products or services”. Some weeks ago I made new items and when I posted the info at my blog and Facebook page, it was very difficult to me to sell and promote them; I didn’t even know if I should said “Hey! I’m selling these~” to let them know, or if I should’ve shown the price of the items, so interested people could know. The city where I live isn’t very open to handmade items so maybe that’s making me scared of selling my creations, that maybe they’ll think is “too expensive”. I’m even thinking in changing my target market to online customers around the world that like handmade crafts. So I would like to ask if you have some advices for this topics of “dare to sell” and “changing the target market to international”. I would love to hear your advices.
Thank you so much ♥!
(sorry for my possible grammar mistakes and weird english :P)
I noticed you have a unique name – I am wondering if this makes a difference when it comes to making clients remember you and refer you. Also, I am curious about how often businesses should post a blog. Many bloggers say once a week is enough but I am doubtful. It seems blogs that post at least three times a week are more successful over time.
When did you feel ready to start freelancing/be self-employed? I only recently graduated from college, but I know that is my end goal. There is still a lot for me to learn as I start applying what I’ve learned in school to the real world, but that timeframe could be endless. What was it that pushed you to take that plunge?
Theresa
http://www.underhonesttrees.com
Good question, Theresa! I started my blog/freelancing while I was also working part-time. My freelance/blog income at the time was pretty small and mediocre, but I could tell I was passionate about it and would work well into the evenings. After a few months, I made a small, but meaningful freelance income during one month (I’ll tell you, it was somewhere between $1,500-$1,900) and thought to myself, “if I can make this much doing this in the evenings, maybe I could make more if I quit my job.” I was right! My income doubled right away and has grown ever since. So my advice? Start doing what you WANT to do on the side — learn some skills, take on some clients, get your footing — and when you barely make enough money to survive from your freelance income, plunge into it full force. 🙂
Hi, I know this is late in the game but I have a plug-in question. I downloaded the Pinterest Pin It Plug in on my wordpress template but doesn’t work with the current version. I need a “Pin It” button to appear on all my images. Any ideas? Much appreciated!