Meet Hilary:
parenting blogger, 13 years in, making 6 figures per year
Q: First, tell us a little about you and your blog income journey –
when did you start, what do you blog about, how much time do you put into it etc. I understand that you’re not blogging about blogging, so talking about your income in specific numbers is something you might not do – but IF you’re willing to share how much you earn on average in a month, we’d LOVE to know.
A: I’m Hilary from Pulling Curls. I’ve been blogging since 2005 about parenting. It was a total hobby until about 2014 when I kicked it up a notch. I now work at it 30’ish hours/week, plus still doing a 12 hour shift as a nurse. I earn a low 6 figure income (but still 6 figures) from it at this point — which is way more than I’d ever earn as a nurse.
Q: Why do you think your blog is able to make money when so many others aren’t? What have you done differently?
A: I think my blog is unique and I have a unique perspective as a nurse. I’ve also been willing to pivot and create courses that help our income. I also really enjoy almost all aspects of blogging. AND, if I’m not enjoying it (like hand-scheduling Facebook) I just drop it. I love writing and I love pin design. So, that really helps. 🙂
Q: What was your biggest hurdle to earning an income with your blog… and how did you overcome it?
A: Just thinking that I had nothing to say. That my posts were dumb, I still think my courses are nothing special but when I get surveys back, people LOVE them. The thing is, it is normal stuff to me (which is why I can write with authority), but other people LOVE the honest expert in me. Using surveys has helped me a lot.
Q: Can you share you best advice for how to make money with a blog?
A: My best advice is to do more of what you love. If you’re hating something, I think it comes through. I also recommend sticking with a schedule and REALLY doing it like a job. I find the people who aren’t making cash are just not sticking with it — day in and day out. It will be a slow build, but so worth it.
CLICK “NEXT PAGE” BELOW TO CONTINUE
Thank you so much for letting me share my story!
Hi Carly!
Thank you so much for this massive post! I’ve read (and re-read) many of the pages.
One thing real quick. I tried to pin from one of the pages (Paul’s page particularly) but an error occurred. It said it couldn’t find any pinnable images whatever that means. Would you like me to create pins for each page for you. I could use pins that already match your brand or you could check out my pin template designs (for free) and tell me if you like any of them.
I’ll ask again on the facebook group just to make sure. 🙂
ah, yes, i haven’t made images for all the pages yet… lol.
Time is a bear. (pinnable images are SUPER IMPORTANT, do as I say, not as I do 😛 )
This is such an encouraging post! I am an interiors blogger and have been at it for two years, and have made peanuts. I was beginning to think there is no way to monetize this blog niche, but I just need to tweak some things and keep looking for the right formula. Thanks!!!
There are LOADS of ways to monetize interior design!! It’s huge – don’t quit!
Yes! It always seems like those who make money blogging are blogging about blogging. It’s one of the reasons I really enjoy reading your income reports based off your mommy niche. You’re definitely a huge inspiration, and I can tell you’re extremely sincere and honest!
<3 Thank you!!! I REALLY do try to keep it real ;) lol
Hi there,
I really enjoyed and appreciated that you share your story in this article. There nothing like hearing people who are succeeding in there business venture.
So again thank you so much for sharing and all the best.
So glad you enjoyed it!!
This is just what I needed to read today. I honestly come back to your blog anytime I am going through a challenging task or having low page views. It’s so inspiring to see what a little creativity and tenacity is doing for other people’s lives. I hope one day I could be one someone’s list as a success story too. Thank you for writing this detailed post! It made a huge impact on me and is helping through a slower summer blogging month.
SO GLAD you enjoyed it Olivia!
Hi Carly, awesome to hear we can actually make a living from NOT blogging about blogging. Hoping to prove you right with my parenting blog. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you prove me right too – it absolutely IS possible girl!
Hello Carly, as always I love reading your posts. Its so true if you stay focused and dedicated making money in any niche is possible.
I am about to start blogging for profit. I have seen Bluehost and Siteground mentioned in a few blogs including yours. In your opinion which is a better host and why?
Hi Carly! I’m a new mom blogger and I have to tell you, your posts and resources have really given me the confidence (and more importantly the knowledge) to be a blogger. I have zero traffic yet, But I’m working hard on implementing, and I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do. <3
If you have a second to peek at my blog, I'd love your feedback, good or bad 🙂