I often get the email asking, “How do I grow my blog?” There is no exact recipe or answer. That really is a tough question. My friend Danni and I talk about that all the time. I think you can’t go into blogging thinking you are going to be making a ton of money from it. You don’t. Unless you are the lady from Dooce that you may hear about, but well, she is in a whole other league. I say if money is your goal, you aren’t going to last very long. I remember reading a while back from a very seasoned blog that the appropriate number to start asking for sponsors was when your daily readers were over 4,000. Now, you ask, “So how do I get there?” and I still don’t have a real answer for you. The main thing is don’t make money or your amount of subscribers your goal. That will make blogging an obsessive chore and it takes the fun out of it.

The biggest thing I say is make friends! That has been the most wonderful part of this journey! Seriously. I can still remember the first friends I made in this space and they have seen my family grow from 4 to 6 and I have seen theirs grow as well. The friends you make online make everything worth while. The blogosphere is a place full of kindred spirits. People who may get your love for a sewing machine, knitting needles, or polaroids just as much as you do. Friendship has been the most amazing part of this journey. Use blogging to help you find your kindred spirit.

Second, be real. Don’t do things just to please others, but do what you feels right for you. I love sharing the crafting, the shopping, my love for vintage, and all the happy moments. But sometimes what people need to hear about the hard moments too. They want to know that they aren’t alone in the craziness of their day to day lives. That people behind the pretty pictures have messes just like them. For me, I want everyone to know that I am just as messy as the next. I have good days, but I have plenty of bad days too.

Lastly, take good pictures. Pictures make all the difference in the world! The first thing that pops out to someone when they visit a blog are the pictures. While most of us probably love reading, in blog world, pictures are usually what captivates people’s interest first. Try not to use the flash, make sure they are clear, and use the rule of thirds sometimes!

Again, I am no pro, but these are just the tips that I have found to be most helpful. Blogging is so much fun, so if it ever starts feeling like a chore, take a break and re-evaluate why you do what you do. So friends, find your kindred spirits, keep it real, and take lots of pretty pictures! Happy blogging friends!!!

Thank you Casey for letting me share my little tidbits! And I hope you all will come say hello over here sometime!!! xoxo