Because I often have clients and readers asking some of the same questions, I decided to put together a FAQ page. It’s an easy way for me to answer some of the most commonly asked questions that I receive on a regular basis. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, contact me and I’ll be happy to help you out!
About Define Your Hustle
How long have you been blogging? How did you get to where you are now?
I started blogging back in 2009. Back then, I was a fashion blogger, which is quite different from the work I do currently. While I enjoyed being a fashion blogger, I ultimately decided I wanted to do something more. I frequently received emails from people asking how to get started with blogging and seeking my advice. As a result, the website you see today was born. Being able to help others build their blogs and create successful online businesses is such fulfilling work and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
How can you help me grow my blog and build an online business?
If you’re ready to turn your blog into a thriving online business, there are a few options you’ll find here at Define Your Hustle. Currently, I offer one-on-one coaching for anyone who would like to work with me privately. This gives you the chance to receive advice that’s tailor-made for you, plus you’ll have my support as you work on your blog. Alternatively, you can check out the content on the blog, as well as any available eBooks and e-courses.
What happened to The Haute Notes?
If you’ve been around for a while, then you’ll know my brand used to be called The Haute Notes. However, if you’re new and you landed here after seeing a graphic with that name or you followed a redirected link, you might be a little confused. It was a name I chose when I decided to build a lifestyle website and it no longer fit the mission I had when I changed my focus. I rebranded as Define Your Hustle in November of 2016. There’s a post on my blog where you can read all about that rebrand.
Getting Started Online
I need help creating my blog. How can I get started?
My recommendation is to build a blog on WordPress.org because you have more control over your site. WordPress.org (not the .com version) means you’ll need to purchase your own web hosting. Of course, this can seem quite intimidating at first, especially if you’ve never used WordPress before. However, I can assure you that it’s not as scary as it seems. With a little Googling, I was able to set up my very first WordPress site in 2013 and it was easier than I ever could have imagined.
To help you out, here are some recommendations that will help you build a great site:
- For web hosting, I adore DreamHost*. I’ve been with them since early 2013 and I’ve never had an issue or experienced unexpected down time. Whenever I’ve had questions about anything with my site, they’ve been very helpful. In fact, they quickly came to the rescue when a plugin crashed my site and I had no clue how to fix it. To be totally cheesy, using them for web hosting has been an absolute dream and I highly recommend them.
- If you want to keep your site running smoothly, I suggest investing in the Genesis Framework* from StudioPress. Your site will be fast and secure and you’ll be able to eliminate any worry about what’s going on in the back end of your site.
- And once you’re running Genesis, you’ll be in need of a great child theme to ensure your site looks gorgeous and is easy to use! My favorite ladies to purchase themes from are Restored 316 Designs* and Pretty Darn Cute*. They have great options to choose from that are simple to install yourself.
I want to get started with an email list. Which platform is best?
For many people who are just starting out, they’ll be fine using a platform like MailChimp. However, if you’re ready to get serious about email marketing, I’d recommend going with something more robust. Personally, I use ConvertKit* because their platform makes it so easy to segment subscribers and to deliver content upgrades. It’s more powerful than the cheaper email marketing options and they keep their prices affordable. If you know email marketing is going to be a huge part of your online presence, I think it’s best to do it right from the very start.
Miscellaneous
Where can I find your private Facebook group?
You can request to join the Define Your Hustle Facebook group . It’s a private group specifically for female entrepreneurs. It’s a safe place to connect with other business owners, seek feedback, and more. When you join, be sure to post an introduction and say hello!
What kind of camera do you use for photos and videos?
Currently, I use a *. It’s affordable when compared to other models, but still gets the job done. It’s great for taking photos and it’s what I use for the photos you see on my blog. This camera is also nice for filming videos because it has a flip-out screen, autofocus, and it records in 1080p.
Which tools do you rely on to run your business?
- I use Trello* to manage weekly tasks, as well as my content calendar. Their boards are visually appealing and everything is easy to use.
- SmarterQueue* is my go-to for scheduling social media content. It allows you to categorize, save, and repurpose content so your queue never empties.
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