Moms Who Blog : Zainab
As regular readers know 'Mom Blogger October' is when we meet Indian Mom Bloggers from across the world in an effort to understand their challenges and triumphs as they work on being themselves while juggling motherhood, as well. Today we meet Zainab, the Mom behind Slim Expectations. Zainab blogs on a variety of topics from parenting to fitness to travel. She is sincere and genuine and has a penchant for wanting to do whatever it takes to make her blog successful. Here she is talking about her journey as a blogger.
Could you tell us about your life before you became a blogger? My life before being a blogger, was almost the same, same. Just that, I had too much times on hand once the twins would leave for school. What was it that prompted you to create the blog and how did you come up with the name? I wanted to lose weight, came across a blog “runsforcookies.com” I loved her ideology and the way she lost half her weight without any fad diets. That is what led me to begin my own blog, to be accountable for my journey. What were the challenges you faced in setting yourself up as a blogger?
Initially, I used to write for just me. And, I got lots of audience, if I commented on other blogs. It was only challenging, when I realized that I have absolutely no clue about S.E.O, Google Analytics. So learning that, was a struggle. Cannot wait to ace it! Who was your biggest support while following your passion? I sarted blogging secretly. I did not even tell my spouse, as I was not sure about my writing abilities. But, once I started blogging professionally, then I must say my husband has been my biggest support. What has been the highest point/happiest moment in your journey as a Blogger? There are quite a few: -Getting more than 100 clicks on a post via Pinterest -Getting emails for sponsored posts, out of nowhere from good brands Also, when I got my visiting cards printed, that made me excited like a little girl. Do you think Indian Mom Bloggers are increasingly seen as a useful resource as opposed to just a group of hobbyists? I think we need to go a long way to be seen as “professionals” People think “blogging” means staying on the laptop, taking pictures, doing research. Editing articles etc. What could be “professional about it? I hope, that this changes soon. Which has been your most memorable post to date and why? Can I say, that this is yet to happen? But, I like this particular post a lot. It talks about apps which can help you lose weight. It’s useful, and that’s what I would like my posts to be. What has the most memorable comment on your blog been so far? I’m waiting for that too. I have been blogging since 2015, but professionally over a year. So waiting, to get that “one” comment keenly. Have you ever started to write a post and then abandoned it? Why? Yes. Because, my light bulb might have turned off. Or, I might have not “liked” what I wrote at all. It gets hard at times. Do you stick to a regular posting schedule or do you post whenever inspiration strikes? Do you have a writing routine? I’m thinking of making a writing routine, but as per now it’s all on when and how I feel. It’s not good though I feel. As, readers prefer to know when to expect a post. Even You tubers, specify a day. So, I think this is something I need to work on. Do you find it hard to get your voice heard in the crowded blogosphere? Absolutely. It’s easy to get lost in the crowd. But, thankfully we all have our individual voices. That, is a savior. We may read the same novel, yet write a totally different review. This is what is magical about blogging. Many say that blogging is dead thanks to other micro-blogging avenues like Instagram,Twitter and others. As the owner of a traditional blog, how would you respond to that?
It’s true. Many have moved over to micro-blogging. But, when we google, we need a video or a write up. Instagram and Twitter cannot give the whole picture. This is just my opinion. But, it’s true. Brands, prefer shimmery Instagram profiles over a blog with a good D.A. But I still feel blogging has more scope. Do you see your blog as a stepping stone to something else? Do you see yourself wearing the tag of 'blogger' five years down the line? As of now, I feel blogging has been my savior from a lot of things. Feeling bored, and gossiping. So, I hope I stick to it. I would like to pen a couple of e-books, that’s one wish. What tips do you have for other Indian Mom bloggers? My tips are for traditional mom bloggers: • Proofreading is important. Guilty, and many a times my husband (still) tells me about typos. • If you are looking for organic traffic, Pinterest is your key. It has really helped my blog grow. • Always try to add relevant images, to make the post pretty. • If you are serious about blogging, then please invest in a domain. The .com is just going to help you grow better. Trust me on that.
You can follow Zainab here. If you are an Indian Mom Who Blogs, follow the Times of Amma on Instagram and Facebook for more features with Indian Mom Bloggers and live interactive sessions for Aspiring Mom Bloggers.
If you are new to the world of Indian Mom Blogging, don't forget to get your copy of 'The Beginner's Guide to the Indian Mom Blogger Universe' here.
Click here for the 2016 and 2017 edition of the Mom Blogger October.
