What originally attracted you to the IZEA community and how did you find out about it?
I originally checked it out a few years ago when I was living and blogging from the UK. But since most of the opportunities are leaned more toward America, I kind of pushed it to the background. Then, a few months ago, as I was pondering the next steps for my blog, I heard about it again and checked it out. I started with a free account, and I bid on three interesting looking opportunities. I had so much fun doing them that I upgraded to a paid account and never looked back. I think IZEA works with the best clients, and I always find new and creative ways to make money.
Describe your blog in 140 characters…
My blog is like an explosion of my mind. It is kids, marriage, food, fun, and adventure. I write about our real life and real struggles.
What inspires you to blog?
My kids. I love chronicling our life as a family. We’ve done SO much in such a relatively short amount of time. I started my blog when I found out I was pregnant with my first son about five years ago. I’ve written and photographed all of these amazing experiences, and I write about the good stuff and the bad stuff. I love sharing our reality with people all over the world and hearing their supportive comments and interacting with them on a personal level. I hope my kids will read it all when they are older and be happy there’s such a great record of their childhoods.
Do you ever get stumped for what to write? How do you overome this?
I am never stumped. I have dozens of ideas at all times, and I only struggle with finding the time! I love writing, and I am lucky enough to be able to do it for a living.
What is the coolest thing your blog has helped you do?
A few years ago, when I was living in the UK, I wrote a post that got me invited to the Elle Style Awards in London. I spent an evening at the Savoy Hotel, hanging with models, actors, and celebrities, dancing and partying. I got an amazing swag bag, and I had so much fun. I got so many photos with so many amazing people, including Christina Hendricks, which was awesome. I have also been lucky enough to work with some really fantastic brands who have sent me to some amazing places. I am looking forward to a free trip to New York City later this year because of my blog.
What do you love about IZEA?
I love that IZEA allows me to connect with the brands I want to work with. I get some amazing opportunities that let me really stretch myself. So many times when you are working on a campaign, it can feel very much like a commercial. But I find with IZEA, I can keep it totally authentic to what I would already be writing about. I also love that the sponsors I find through IZEA are totally beneficial to my audience.
What has been your favorite IZEA campaign?
I loved working with Crayola on their awesome interactive coloring books. Any time I can get my children involved with something they love, I am a happy person. I also really loved with with Gulf Country Adventure Guide and See Puerto Rico because I LOVE to travel, and they both gave me fodder for my bucket list.
How do you actively stay engaged with your audience?
I am so grateful to everyone who reads my blog. I love the comments that I get there, and I love everyone who interacts with me through social media. I try to start a conversation with every post. I want to hear feedback. I want to know what they’re thinking. It can be hard to know exactly what people want to read, so I try and be sure to give as much great content as I can in hopes that it will keep the conversation going.
What tips can you give other bloggers that can help set them apart and stand out?
Be as authentic as possible. Write about what you know and what you are passionate about. Try to find your angle. As a mom, every post I do is from a mom’s perspective. If I do a beauty or fashion post, I write about t with the understanding that most of my readers are mothers who don’t have a lot of time or energy and need things to be simple an dquick. If it’s a food post, it has to be something that doesn’t take a lot of time or too may expensive ingredients. And if I write about a product, you’d better believe I want it to be something that will enhance her life in some way.
Complete this thought: If I could, I would…
Travel the world with my husband and kids, showing them how amazing a place it really is.
Congratulations to this month’s creator of the month! We are glad to have you back stateside, Katie! And look forward to reading more about you and your family’s adventures on A Mother Thing!
