I’m answering your most common email questions today regarding anything and everything from blogging to living vegan to how much coffee I really drink and more. They are random but I get them often! Be sure to read my FAQ for Starting a Vegan Lifestyle post too.
Let’s get to it!
1) Is blogging your full-time job? How do you make money?
Blogging is my full time job and it took about a year to get to that point. I make money from my two ebooks (the Vegan Starter Guide and 5-Day Cleanse (with another ebook on the way!) and from advertising through The Blogger Network – they handle all my ad-related stuff for me and are amazing. Occasionally I take on sponsored posts through Pollinate Media and Clever Girls Collective to name a few and recently took on a couple monthly social media opportunities posting on a companies behalf.
I highly recommend creating some sort of product, guide or ebook to take your blog to the next level!
2) Do you schedule your blog posts a week ahead of time?
I wish I was that organized! Usually I’m working on a few posts at a time and publish them when they’re ready. Sometimes if I’m really inspired I create a recipe, photograph it, edit it and write a post all in the same day which doesn’t always happen but I sure love when it does 🙂 I can’t force myself to write or get creative in the kitchen. I need to be in the right mindset and headspace so scheduling them ahead of time would be more difficult. Maybe someday!
Other bloggers: how do you guys do it?!
3) Do you have advice for anyone thinking about starting a blog?
Make sure to pick a topic that you can write endlessly about. You want to have at least 100 ideas for content that you can feel confident about before you start blogging. Pick a blog name that isn’t too specific because your ideas may evolve and your blog focus may shift as time goes on so be sure the name can follow and represent you on a variety of your interests. While I love ‘The Glowing Fridge’ name, looking back, I should have listened to my gut feeling and chosen a different name that wasn’t solely focused on food because I love writing about all kinds of health-specific things but wasn’t sure I wanted to write about them at the time.
4) There are so many blogs out there now – what about advice for new bloggers?
I believe everyone has a chance, even with all of the blogs out there! I started way late as well and was nervous I wouldn’t stand out from the rest but as long as you stay true to yourself and share your unique ideas rather than copy what other blogs are doing then you will do well. Posting content consistently (at least 3x per week) was something I was adamant about for the entire first year. You want to build up lots of content so new readers can browse. Those special readers who have been with you from the start can then count on new posts from you too. I have a few blogs I check almost everyday!!
Social media is a large part of blogging too so be sure to post consistently on those, especially Pinterest if you’re a food blogger. Respond to as many comments and emails as you can.
Start building your email list from the start. Offer an incentive for signing up, like a free recipe ebook or guide that they can get excited about. Have you subscribed to TGF yet?! You’ll get amazing No-Bake Vegan Desserts straight to your inbox. Look for opportunities to grow your blog and don’t wait until they come to you meaning reach out to companies and other bloggers. You don’t know until you ask and you’d be surprised how helpful people can be!
5) How do you find inspiration for recipes?
I find inspiration everywhere! Magazines, instagram, recipes from the newspaper that my lovely Grandma often sends me 😉 and Pinterest is a MAJOR source of inspo for me. Sometimes I see a recipe I’d like to try but put my own spin on it or turn it vegan if it’s not. Inspiration can come from anywhere – walking through Whole Foods, perusing FoodGawker or other blogs and even by using what’s already in your fridge! Inspiration is everywhere if you look for it 🙂
6) Do you wear all vegan-friendly clothing?
I don’t wear all vegan friendly clothing but I no longer purchase anything made with animal products like leather, silk, wool etc. So I try my best! I still have an old pair of uggs that I can’t part with and a couple leather purses from before I went vegan… seems silly to throw them out… but buying only cruelty-free items now makes a difference in my book.
7) What kind of blender do you use and why?
I use the Blendtec Blender. I recently bought a refurbished blender from their website and I’m in LOVE with it. This option was more affordable and still comes with a 7-year warranty. The Blendtec changed my life and is ABSOLUTELY worth the investment. It’s powerful and commercial quality – many juice shops and restaurants use it! You can make anything and everything from ice cream to hot soup to pancakes to super smooth smoothies to whole food juices, even homemade nut butter. I highly recommend the Blendtec. The reviews are amazing.
The Vitamix is another popular option but it sits so tall on the counter and I just prefer the Blendtec, but many bloggers prefer the Vitamix so it’s a toss up between the two! I’ve heard great things about the Ninja blender as well.
8) How much coffee do you drink per day?
I drink two cups, max. Just bought this adorable pale pink 4-cup coffee pot
9) What is your day to day breakfast like?
Keeping it simple is best. Even fresh fruit with toast and almond butter is a quick and healthy option.
10) What tips do you have for eating vegan at restaurants?
I shared my tips for eating out in my FAQ for Starting a Vegan Lifestyle post but always mention that you eat a vegan diet first. Sometimes the server will go back and talk to the chef to see if they can come up with something for you. If not, I often make up my own meal or choose something that can be made without cheese/cream. Usually they can leave out the chicken or cheese and swap it for tofu, beans, avocado etc. If I have to make up my own meal, I just choose vegetables I like from any one of the dishes on the menu and ask for brown rice/potatoes/quinoa. I guess it all depends what kind of restaurant you’re at but don’t be afraid to ask! With all the dietary restrictions nowadays, restaurants are used to special orders.
That’s it for now! Ask me any other questions in the comments 🙂
Happy weekend!!!! ?
loved this post Shannon! thank you SO much for answering my question 😉 I have tried the whole “scheduling” thing for the past 2 months, because I hear a bunch of bloggers do that to be more organized but I found it to be really draining mentally and it made me feel rushed all the time, so I’m glad to hear that you don’t schedule either lol 😉 it’s much more enjoyable when you feel inspired and in a good mind set! plus I was happy to hear that you do well with your ebooks because that’s another thing I hear mixed opinions about I have gone back and forth about making one so many times ! I have a rough draft written of what I want included but haven’t taken the leap yet to actually make it! thanks again for this post, I really enjoyed it I always wonder about other bloggers LOL ! hope you have an awesome weekend girl!!!
Scheduling posts can be so draining for sure. I know it works for some bloggers but everyone has their own way! I would much rather write amazing posts and put out quality content than post 3x per week just for the sake of it ya know?!
You should definitely try to make an ebook! They took forever for me to put together.. like many months.. I think it depends on what kind of ebook you want to put out there but it’s so worth it once it’s finished.
Are you still going to do YouTube videos ? I really like them
Thanks Barb! I am still doing YouTube and will put out a new video next week 🙂