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Here’s interview with Emma:
Why have you decided to start blogging? What do you blog about? How have you decided on your blog’s name?
At the time I had graduated into the recession and couldn’t find a job, so I turned to making money online. I wanted to hold myself accountable by keeping an online journal, so I started my blog. I chose the name ‘From Aldi To Harrods’ which was to show my journey from rags to riches, but I didn’t think about the implications of using two trademarked names in my blog. I have since rebranded to my name, where I blog about ways to make money, save money and live the life you want.
What was your first blog post about?
My first blog post was introducing my blog and talking about how I had made money online that week.
How many blog posts a week do you post?
I am for two blog posts a week now, but I have tried everything from just publishing when I feel like it to publishing every week day. Two posts a week is manageable for me and gives me a chance to properly optimise them.
What is/was your job (or what was it before starting your blog)?
Before I left my full time job to run my blog I was working for a biotechnology start up. I had a long commute and although the job was great I haven’t looked back since. Being a full time blogger, employing my husband and a full time member of the team much better suits me.
How does your working week as a blogger look like? What jobs/tasks do you need to complete on regular basis?
Content is at the core of my business, whether it is blog posts, YouTube videos or social media updates including Instagram stories. It doesn’t always happen, but I try to stick to a schedule there. There are also a lot of behind the scenes things that happen that most people don’t think about. I have to research blog posts, improve SEO, answer emails and comments, engage with others and do so many admin tasks.
How do you find balance between honest blogging and not wanting to share too much of private life?
The great thing about blogging is that you can control what you share. I am a very open person – I have even shared my online income on my blog before, so I like to think that I am an open book. I am honest when I have bad mental health days and this really helps my audience to speak out about their struggles too.
What have you learned since starting your blog?
I have learned so much since I started blogging. It took me a good 5 years to start making decent money from my blog, which is why I have created courses to help bloggers to get there much quicker. I think the biggest lesson I have learned is to not worry about online trolls. Everyone has an opinion and I am not going to let that hold me back.
Lots of bloggers are able to earn a living from blogging. You’re are a very successful blogger. How did your blog income increase over the years and what influenced that change?
What has been your favourite blog collaboration to date?
Last year I worked with LloydsPharmacy on a 6 week video diary to help me to manage my diabetes. The campaign was great to help me to take charge of something I had struggled with. Being accountable to my audience was also really good for me.
What is your most popular blog post up to date?
Years ago I was desperate for money and stumbled across selling your old smelly shoes on eBay so I had to give it a try. It has become my most visited blog post for people either looking for advice on doing it themselves or people grossed out by it. https://emmadrew.info/your-smelly-shoes-ebay/