The Business of Blogging
I receive many inquiries from people curious about starting a blog—either to promote their business or to share a passion for decorating. Blogging as a profession or as a marketing tool fascinates a lot of people. Over the years I’ve discussed the subject with readers online, with colleagues in my community, on airplanes, and at industry events. The conversations usually revolve around how to begin, what to expect, and whether blogging can actually grow a business.
I launched my decorating business before I launched a blog. The primary goal for creating a blog was to boost visibility and attract decorating clients. At the time I had only a vague sense of the influence blogging could have. I hoped it would bring in a few clients, but I didn’t fully understand how powerful a well-run blog could become. Over time I discovered how transformative a blog can be for connecting with an audience and building credibility.
Since those early days my business has expanded in ways I never imagined. Blogging helped me reach people I could not have reached otherwise, and it opened doors to unexpected opportunities. It has become much more than a marketing channel. Blogging is creative and enjoyable for me; it challenges me to learn and grow. It has made travel possible, introduced me to companies I admire, and connected me with friends and collaborators all over the world. The professional and personal rewards have been considerable and continually evolving.
There’s a lot to love about that journey. The combination of creative satisfaction and business growth makes blogging a uniquely rewarding endeavor for me. It has become both my livelihood and my platform for sharing design ideas, and for building relationships within the design community.
But is blogging the right path for everyone? While blogging has been an incredible asset for my business, it’s not automatically the best choice for every designer or entrepreneur. Blogging requires consistent effort, a willingness to learn content strategy, and the patience to build an audience over time. It’s important to weigh the time commitment and ongoing content needs against your goals and available resources.
Recently I was invited by Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Designer Marketplace to contribute a series of articles focused on the business aspects of design. My first piece for Williams-Sonoma tackles a question many designers ask: “Should I start a design blog?” In that article I cover practical considerations and strategic advice to help designers decide whether blogging aligns with their goals. The guidance is applicable to anyone considering a blog—whether you aim to grow a business, showcase your portfolio, or simply share your love of design.
I’m honored to have the opportunity to contribute to Williams-Sonoma’s Designer Marketplace and to share my perspective with their audience. If you’re thinking about starting a blog, or wondering how blogging might fit into your business plan, I encourage you to read the piece I wrote for them. My intention is to provide clear, practical advice so readers can make an informed decision about blogging.
Do you already have a blog? Are you considering starting one? What has your blogging experience been like so far?
Read the article and then come back to share your thoughts—I’d love to hear about your blogging experiences.
If you are launching a new blog, or adding a second or third one, there are helpful resources available that explain the process step by step. One well-known resource for beginners is an e-book from an established blogging expert that outlines practical actions for your first week of blogging. I found the guidance especially useful when I was getting started, and I believe it can help new bloggers avoid early mistakes and accelerate growth.
If I were starting over today, I would definitely use practical, step-by-step tips like those in that kind of guide to set up the blog correctly from the start. A targeted plan for the early days makes a meaningful difference in how quickly you gain traction and how sustainable your efforts become.
