A month ago yesterday I launched scandimummy.com and took the first step on my road to becoming a pro-blogger. I had long contemplated the idea of starting a blog, and finally took the plunge and sent my very first post out there on the 5th of May 2015 at 5:15 PM. The story of how I became a mum on my birthday this year and received the best present ever – my son, Caspian, the inspiration for this blog.
I had loads of ideas about what I wanted my blog to look like, what type of posts I wanted to write, what readers I would ideally like to attract and the brands I would love to work with. But instead of spending months building it – which is probably what I would have done in the past being a bit of a perfectionist and questioning every single decision, I reveled in the spirit of being a new mum with all that entails of not always knowing what comes next and split second decisions, and made the blog a work-in-progress and simply went for it.
It has already changed massively since the launch. I’m so grateful for the kind responses I have received so far, proud of what I have achieved in a short period of time, and I can’t wait to see where all this takes me.
I was initially inspired by a number of mummy/daddy, fashion and lifestyle blogs that kept me entertained in the early hours of the morning when third trimester insomnia set in during my pregnancy. And these blogs later made sure I’d stay awake during those tiresome night feeds when Caspian arrived with a very healthy appetite.
Realising that baby brain was taking quite a hold of me I felt I needed some creative stimulation and a bit of a challenge (because caring for a newborn is clearly not challenge enough! Erm?!) I have achieved and done many things in my career up till now, but have in recent years searched for something that would push me, but at the same time give me a sense of joy and fun so that I would keep learning, explore and better myself. I have definitely found it with this blog. And most importantly it’s centered around the (tiny) person that means the most to me.
Not only does blogging combine my love for writing, photography, fashion, food, beauty and creativity in general, but I also get to use my negotiation, PR and marketing skills as well. And hopefully my love of being in front of the camera and producing will result in a leap into vlogging and a youtube channel in the near future.
But what I have truly appreciated so far is the immense sense of camaraderie and support that rules within the blogging community. I find it quite overwhelming, and I don’t think I have seen this kind of support and helpfulness in any other industry, and I have worked in a few. Not only do experienced bloggers happily share their tips and tricks trying to ensure that newbies like myself don’t fall into silly traps, make too many common and avoidable mistakes and quite simply help us to make the most of our blogs. I have learnt so much already and instead of wasting hours figuring out how to progress and solve something, all I have had to do is read posts by people I already follow, admire and look up to and then take the easy steps explained to enhance my blog.
There’s therefore a small handful of bloggers out there that I would like to take this opportunity to thank, because without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. There are loads of brilliant bloggers, I discover new sites every day, but these are the ones who have really help shape my blog from the beginning. And they probably don’t even know it, so I feel they deserve to be honoured here.
Firstly there is Vicki – the superwoman that is honestmum.com. Without her I’m not sure I would even be blogging. I have always enjoyed the Psychologies magasine and in the late summer last year I came across a small ad at the back for a new brand of changing bags from Australia. Being four months pregnant this naturally caught my eye and I looked them up online. It was luxury brand, Nova Harley, that seems to have (rightly!) taken the baby world by storm with their gorgeous handbags and been featured in Vogue since. I ordered my yellow Brisbane bag on New Year’s eve, while being heavily pregnant and tucked up in bed by 10 PM – it was my way of adding some much needed glamour to the night. I began following on facebook and via their page I was introduced to their brand ambassador, HonestMum! Vicki not only runs two beautiful blogs, with gorgeous photos courtesy of her husband, but provides super linkies – #tastytuesdays and #brilliantblogposts on honestmum.com that bring together lots of bloggers from around the world. A great mix – from those starting out to those with a massive following already. She is always on hand with support and kind words on social media, and has produced some great videos with loads of helpful tips too.
Secondly there is the ever hardworking Aby of youbabymemummy.com who’s easy-to-follow blogging tips have been a godsend. She has alerted me to several helpful plugins, online editorial programmes and given valuable advice on for example the importance of a disclaimer. But more than anything I’d like to commend her on her honesty – showing us all that being a full time blogger is hard work and despite the passion – which clearly shines through on Aby’s gorgeous blog – sometimes it’s important to take a (tiny) break, appreciate all the hours of hard work and realise that the support from your trusted readers will still be there even if you don’t reply to every single tweet or post comment. She definitely put things in perspective for me. And I can’t wait for the new bloggers’ magasine, Aby!
And speaking of this new online bloggers’ magasine leads me perfectly on to Katy of whatkatysaid.com. I love her energy and dedication. She has taught me about follow and no-follow links and alerted me to great tips on how to approach and work with brands. I loved following her love story about how she met her husband, which made for a great and entertaining read in those early hours when Caspian demanded milk. The fact that she is ever-present and has taken her blog so far in a relatively short period of time is both impressive and inspiring.
And then lastly there is Al from thedadnetwork.co.uk who quite simply rocks. He stated following me on Twitter – I felt very honoured. But not only that he took time to properly engage in conversation despite being the busiest dad on the blog. He runs another super linky #bigfatlinky. And he’s written some great posts on how to generate more traffic to your site and on the importance of Google Analytics and how to use it best – using the app has made it easier, thanks for the tip, Al! And the illustrations are always spot on and easy to follow.
So there you have it – my fab four! You are all amazing! Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge. I wish you all the happiness and success in the world and can’t wait to say hello to you in person at BritMums Live in a couple of weeks!
Nadia – ScandiMummy x
Naturally I have linked this up with:
I am so touched that you thought to mention me, especially along with the others you have included- such fab company! Your blog is great and I am so glad you love blogging as it is just the best world to be a part of! Hope to meet you at some point! Thank you for joining in with #HappyDaysLinky x
Thank you, Katy. And congratulation on the launch of http://www.liveloveblog.com! It looks great and very inspirational. Well done to all 3 of you.
Nadia – ScandiMummy x
The community is great just make sure you always shout out if you need anything. There’s so many good bloggers to help you out if you get stuck. And you clearly have a great list of people above. Thanks for linking up with us on the #bigfatlinky hope to see you there this week.
Thanks, Martyn. Will definitely let you know if I need help, that’s so kind. Have a great weekend!
Nadia – ScandiMummy x
Great getting to know a bit more about you through your post, I have only been blogging since March myself and have also been amazed by the community – look forward to connecting – good luck with your blog its fantastic #HappyDays 😀
Thank you so much for those kind words. Yes, let’s stay in touch and keep this great community going 🙂
Nadia – ScandiMummy x
Hi Nadia,
I have just discovered your blog today. I really like it. It looks really professional – well done!
I am also a new blogger – not as new as you though – I posted my first post on 8 April. You’ve picked out some good teachers – I read most of their ‘how to…’ blogging guides too.
Good luck with your blogging journey. I have no doubt our paths will cross again soon.
Hi Pen,
Thank you! I read you blog, and as mentioned on Twitter I’m in awe of your strength. I can see the blogging is helping you through a very difficult period of your life, but things will get better. You will love again – and you will be loved in the way you deserve. Keep enjoying your baby boy and keep writing!
Nadia – ScandiMummy x
Wow thank you so much! I am so pleased that you enjoy my blog and that it has helped you. Your blog is fantastic and I am sure you are destined for great things to come from it. Honoured to be included in your list xx
Thank you – or TAK as we say in Danish 🙂 – Aby. You and your blog truly is a wonderful inspiration!
Nadia – ScandiMummy x
Thank you so much and Thanks so much for linking up to #TheList x
What a lovely honest post. I hope you have lots of success and your blog looks fab x
Thank you so much, Sherry xx
What a lovely, supportive post. Congrats on starting your blog, it looks fantastic! There are so many wonderful blogs out there, it’s great you have found 4 of the best! #HappyDays x
Thanks, Becky! Yes, it just goes to show that there are so many talented people around and blogging has definitely created a platform for this talent to be shown off.
Nadia – ScandiMummy x
Glad you’re enjoying being a new blogger – it *is* a very supportive community, isn’t it? And definitely, jumping in feet first is the way to go – as you’re already discovering, your blog is bound to evolve over time, just as you and Caspian will change over time. Enjoy!
Thank you, Tim. Yes, I hope that it will keep evolving as I learn and discover more. Yours is another brilliant blog and great source of inspiration.
Nadia – ScandiMummy x
Aw, thank you, that so sweet of you.
They sure are – so the two of you suit each other and I completely understand they picked you to represent them! You’re doing a fab job!
Enjoy the weekend – Nadia x
What a lovely post, the community is so supportive isn’t it? And so true it really is like no other industry, hope you continue to enjoy it x
Thank you, Sarah Christine. Yes, I love it so far, and I’m sure that feeling will only grow with time.
Nadia – ScandiMummy x