Blogger Interview Series #3 | Mattie Parker from Mattie’s Makings

Why Mattie’s Makings was started:

I had been going back and forth between starting my own blog&business & just focusing on my future in law school for some time before finally deciding to just take the plunge and see where blogging took me. After really reflecting on it, I realized that a large part of what was holding me back was fear – fear of people not liking my ideas, fear of not having enough to say or enough ideas. I think this is what holds a lot of people back! So I decided to not let fear stop me from at least trying! Designing, crafting, event planning, have always been things I’ve loved to do, so why not share it?

What is your favorite part of being a blogger?
It’s connecting with other bloggers!

What advice would you give to a fellow blogger who is just starting out?
Don’t get obsessed with numbers – focus on creating quality content and don’t be afraid to reach out to other bloggers. The blogging community is super welcoming and supportive.

What goals do you have for your blog this year?
I have a ton! I’m really focusing on creating engaging content and growing my social media presence.

What plug-ins and applications essential to running your blog?
1. Disqus Comment System – I love this comment system. It is so easy for me to reply to all my comments and I know that all my readers will be alerted that I replied – they don’t need to follow or subscribe to the post.
2. WP-Optimize & WP Smush – I was having problems with my site running slower than usual, and these two plug-ins help you optimize your site by getting rid of things that are taking up unnecessary space.
3. Yoast SEO – I’m not huge into SEO, but this plugin helps you with the basics of establishing a keyword and gives you suggestions for improvements.
4. Adobe Illustrator, PicMonkey & Canva – I use all of these three applications in various ways to create graphics for my blog!

What habits to you do daily to build readership?
I post on all social media outlets (Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter). I then post in my blogging Facebook groups. Most importantly, I read and comment on other people’s blogs. I will say, though, it is important actually to leave a quality comment, not just “great post!” tell them WHY.

What social media presence has had the most positive impact on your blog? How?
As of right now Twitter. I think it’s working well because a LOT of bloggers (if not all) have one and are pretty active on it. It is one of the only social media outlets that you can have a direct conversation with another blogger.

Do you participate in any Twitter Chats? If so, what are they?
I actually do not participate in any! I do know the Girl Gang has one pretty frequently, though! Just search the hashtag #TheGirlGang.

What is one thing you wish someone told you when you first started your blog?
How much time it would take!

What do you do to inspire blog topics to talk about?
When I’m driving or in the shower, I try and think about different DIY projects I can do or current events I can speak about. Blog in Between also just wrote a great post on 101 blog ideas!

What would you recommend for someone struggling to give their blog a name?
Don’t over think it! I think it’s more important to have a name that’s easy to remember than something super complicated. You want someone to be able to find your blog easily!

What websites and/or blogs do you visit almost daily?
Oh, a lot. haha – but I’ll try and narrow it down to 12.
1. Bourbon, Lipstick & Stilettos
2. Just Go Left
3. Venus Trapped In Mars
4. Helene in Between
5. The True Life of MKH
6. Miscellaneous
7. The Grits Blog
8. The Daily Tay
9. Anchored to Sunshine
10. Christine Everyday
11. Love the Here and Now
12. Designs by Miss Mandee

What is one of your favorite quotes?
“A woman’s place is in the House, Senate, and Oval Office.”

What is your favorite time of year and why?
Fall/Holiday Season. I love the feeling of the holidays (does that make sense?) & my birthday is in the fall!

If you knew, the world was ending at the end of 2016, what would you do differently?
What wouldn’t I do differently?! Haha – I would ditch law school and just travel the world to see as much as possible! Then, I would blog about my travels 😉

If you could meet any person, living or dead, who would you meet?
Ahh, only one?! Okay, I’d have to choose Susan B. Anthony. Not who you were expecting? Haha – I would just love to talk with her and see what her thought process was when she decided to campaign for women’s right to vote!

Describe yourself in four words.
Caring, creative, passionate and motivated

What celebrity do you get told you look like?
There’s a debate. I usually get Julia Roberts or Penelope Cruz. I’ve been told Anne Hathway and Natalie Portman a few times, though! Hey, I’ll take it 😉

What was the last movie, TV show, or book that made you cry or tear up?
I just cried in the episode of Project Runway Junior! These kids are super talented, and I get emotional when one has to leave! haha

What is the #1 most played song on your Ipod?
Anything by Taylor Swift #NoShame

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
Hands down – laundry!

What’s your favorite mode of transportation?
Driving! I don’t live in a place where walking or public transportation is convenient.

If you missed last week’s installment of our blogger interview series with Jessica English, owner of Apple Brides, Check it out!