Why I Began Blogging (and what it costs)

Never in a million years would I have guessed that one day, I’d become a blogger! In fact (a little confession) I didn’t even know what blog was until I started my own, 4 years ago. Even then it took me about 1 year of writing to really understand how things worked.

The fact that I have an online blog is ironic. I’ve always been terrible with computers and screens! But by sticking with it, I’ve managed to learn, create a beautiful space and build a modest following online.

People often ask me why I began blogging and also, how much it costs to run a blog. So finally, I decided it was time to publicly answer both these questions! Here’s my answer in written form!

 

Why I Decided to Start A Blog

My decision to start a blog was an act of desperation. I know that sounds dramatic (something I am not), so let me explain. I grew up in the country with a very active lifestyle. Farming and outdoor activities were something I loved, something I got immense satisfaction from.

But after 5+ years of battling Lyme disease in my early adult life, I was forced to recognize that if I wanted to live well, I couldn’t carry on with the intense physical activities I loved. They left me feeling so exhausted, I couldn’t function for days afterward. Slowly (and painfully) I came to the realization that I needed to develop more low-key hobbies and interest.

I chose blogging because it was a quiet, creative activity that didn’t require loads of energy. Besides, I’d get to use my camera in the process and photography is something I’ve always loved!

Just to test the waters, I began writing on a free wordpress blog. Naturally having an artistic bent in me, I soon discovered that I did enjoy it and yes, there were aspects of it that did fill me.

 

How I Got the Money to Start Blogging

Once I realized blogging was a good fit, I did more research and discovered that I didn’t actually own my work if I was using a free blog and platform. Which meant I needed some money to buy a website where I had control over my work.

This proved to be a real problem. My man and I were saving our pennies for a move to the countryside and every cent counted. There wasn’t space for blogging fees in our budget.

So I did a childlike thing.

I prayed.

I asked God to send me the money not for just one blog, but two. I wanted to share about my current journey, but I also wanted a website where I could share my Lyme disease story as well.

Perhaps it was silly of me, but when I was sickly and struggling to make ends meet, He had provided finances for me more than once. And He could do it again.

So I asked Him to make it clear. If blogging was a good choice, would He please move someone to send me the money?

The next day I opened my email and discovered that a friend had sent me a significant sum of money (to quote part of the message) “for whatever God has been laying on your heart.”

And that? That’s how I began blogging for real!

 

The Cost of Blogging

Suddenly, I had the money to set up both of my blogs! Even though I was clueless, one of my local friends helped me get things going, and I’ve been blogging ever since!

Yes, there are yearly fees I have to pay to protect my information and make sure my readers have a good experience on my site. Here’s a breakdown in CAD.

1. Hosting Plan: $160.63-a company that stores my content and keeps things running smoothly
2. Domain name: $21.37-gives me ownership of the URL atraditionallife.com
3. Domain ID protection: $32.16-protects my personal information
4. Site Scanner: 26.53-scam and malware protection that keeps me and my readers safe
   
5. Total: $240.69 CAD

When I began, I also had other 1x purchases like blog themes (they range from $65-$100 CAD) and other small courses or e-books (ranging from $26-$100) that helped me get started.

Lucky for me, none of these fees were very big!

 

How I’ve Sustained the Blog

I relied on that money to get me started and was very careful in how I used it! You see, both my man and I agreed that his pay cheque shouldn’t be used to support my blogging efforts. When the gifted money was used up, I would have to find other ways to keep things afloat.

So when the money started running low, I began saving every penny I made from occasional babysitting, housekeeping and gardening jobs. Even the “fun spending money” that I had from our budget plan ($10 a month) was often saved to put toward blogging expenses.

And with this, I managed to keep things afloat!

 

My Goal for the Blog

My goal is to (one day) have all my blogging costs covered and also make some money on the side to help supplement my man’s income. We chose to live in an area where the wage is low and the people/community is amazing.

But sometimes, it can be difficult living on one wage, particularly with all my health expenses.

Instead of pinching and scrimping for the rest of our lives, I aim to make this blog work for us by creating and selling e-books, courses and through readers using my affiliate links. And one day, we’ll have a bit of breathing room in our financial situation!

So I keep learning, creating and working. One day, I’ll make it.

 

That’s How It All Happened

I never would have dreamed that I’d one day have a blog. In college, my friends would have told you I had no interest in computers or the craze around the newest thing called “facebook.”

If you’d told me I would one day be here, I would have told you that something drastic would have to take place in my life to bring about that kind of change.

So it has.

Some days, it still feels strange and so unlike me. And other days, I feel privileged to be able to create a beautiful place in the online world where others can escape to and learn.

If you have any questions or comments regarding anything I just shared about, drop them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you.

All the best,

Autumn