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Friday, July 30th Spotlight - Centsational Girl

You have to meet Kate from Centsational Girl (if you haven't already)! Like many of us, she's a mom, she loves DIY, and she gets to blog about it on a daily basis! On her blog, Centsational Girl, Kate showcases many bloggers' home decor projects and loves the do-it-yourself slant. Please get to know our new friend, a really sensational girl herself....



Kate of Centsational Girl





BGB: How long have you been blogging?

Kate: I started this crazy journey in February of 2009. My life is forever altered, for better or worse.

BGB: What made you start?

Kate: I stumbled across John and Sherry back in November of 2008 when I Googled how to do something, and This Young House, now Young House Love came up on my screen. We had just survived our own huge remodel, and I simply couldn’t get enough of home improvement. That led to a few other blogs and all of a sudden it thought to myself, “I should start writing about decorating and home improvement!” And so here I am. To read more about my first year, check out this article I wrote on my one year anniversary.

BGB: Are there bloggers who inspire you?

Kate: Plenty! I have over 200 in my Reader, I am constantly inspired by them. I always say there is no monopoly on creativity. There is so much beauty in the world and so many people are gifted in the ways they express it. It would be unfair to name just a few who inspire, but you can catch my daily reads in my sidebar to see who are my top favorites. I love great design, DIY, home decorating, and home improvement bloggers, but I’m always looking for new inspiration.

BGB: Do you have any suggestions for new bloggers? Any tips on gaining followers/readers?

Kate: I think it’s important to have a unique voice and to show your personality. Great pictures always draw me in, and so does good writing. With all the blogs there are to read, I appreciate those who truly get to the point and use language well, whether formally or casually. I’m not a fan of blogs that play music when you click on their site, and one of my biggest pet peeves is partial feeds.

The best way to get followers in my opinion is to be social, invite those you admire to visit you, leave comments, and use social media strategically, like FB and Twitter. For example, I don’t need to know what you ate for breakfast, but please do share something funny, new, unique, lovely, or informative ~ that kind of linking draws me in.

BGB: Do you advertise your blog?

Kate: No, I don’t advertise my blog. My traffic is all word of mouth and mostly loyal readers who I truly appreciate more than anything. I write for them.

Sometimes I’ll get a flood of traffic from StumbleUpon or a feature on Apartment Therapy or CasaSugar, but I haven’t spent any money advertising my blog. Quite frankly, I don’t have time since I’m home with my two kids during the day. I know I should be better at self promotion, but I stick to my blog, FB and Twitter, I really can’t handle any more!

BGB: Who designed your blog?

Kate: A local friend designed my blog and helped me move over to WordPress. Next year, I’ll be upgrading the site even more, stay tuned !

BGB: Does your blog relate to your job at all, is it your job?

Kate: My number one job is Mom, the blog comes second. I gave up my law practice for the time being since I’m heavily invested time wise in the blog. I may reopen my practice when my children are both in full time school.

BGB: When and where do you write your posts?

Kate: I write most of my posts after my kids go to bed between 10 p.m and 12. a.m. ~ everything happens in my sanctuary, my home office.

BGB: Have you ever hosted a blog party or linky party?

Kate: I have hosted two linky holiday themed parties, they were a lot of fun. Hosting a linky party has its pros and cons. You gain a bump in traffic for the day, but then, to be gracious, you really must visit those who link up, and while that provides plenty of inspiration, and introduces you to new bloggers, it’s very time consuming. I do plan on hosting one more this year, an Ornament Party, just like last year.

BGB: Have you ever attended a just for bloggers event? If so, which one(s)?

Kate: I attended Blissdom in Nashville in February of this year. I really enjoyed meeting and connecting with inspirational bloggers in person, that alone was worth the trip across the country.

BGB: Are there any negatives to blogging you’re concerned about?

Kate: I never imagined how much time I’d spend in front of the computer just responding to email and managing the site. What started as a hobby has turned into a business, and as much as I love the creative side that involves all my projects, photographing them, and writing about them, it’s the business side that gets really tiresome. I wish I could just spend all my time being creative, interacting with my readers, and reading their blogs. Unfortunately, there are just not enough hours in the day !

BGB: Which blogs do you read often? Any favorites?

Kate: Check my sidebar darling, those are my peeps that I love.

BGB: What are you currently working on?

Kate: My boy’s room remodel is the one space that I’m hoping to finish this year. I’d like to contribute to some online magazines and websites later this fall, perhaps do more guest posting too!

BGB: Kate, we have enjoyed chatting with you and we're looking forward to your next DIY project!

Have a great weekend!

6 comments:

  1. Kate's blog is one of my favourite stops!

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  2. Thanks so much for the interview! I have been following Kate for some time now but just started blogging myself. I love her advice for new bloggers!

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  3. Kate, I can only begin to imagine the time that goes into managing a blog that's as popular as yours. I'm amazed you find any time for actual projects. But your fans certainly appreciate every posting!

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  4. I love her blog and check it everyday ....she shares sooo much for everyone to see. Also its great to see what blogs work and her blog certainly captures attention....she is simply the best!!!! great interview well done. And I like your blog as well....

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