Meet Ashlee of A Lifestyle Daily!

 in #TheBloggerBehindTheBlog
Your name: Ashlee Sides
Name of your blog: A Lifestyle Daily
Blog social media handles: 
Meet Ashlee
Let’s get to know YOU:
Tell us a little bit about yourself (mini bio):
 Hi there! My name is Ashlee and I am the creator of the lifestyle blog, A Lifestyle Daily. I started the blog about 2 years ago when I was working a very miserable job and wanted something I could enjoy doing and kind of use as an escape. I’m originally from San Diego and basically love anything beachy and bright and fun, and definitely wanted to bring that vibe to A Lifestyle Daily. I write about affordable fashion finds (Forever 21 and Target are my go-to shopping spots), cruelty-free beauty (obsessed with animals), easy recipes, and tons of blog/business tips. The goal behind the blog is to inspire others to find their passion or just use it as a place to daydream about something other than bills, work, or grocery lists.

 

What do you do outside of blogging (think school or work):
What do you like to do on your down time?

In my free time I love to read, hang out with my two rescue pups and my boyfriend, or watch Reality tv. There’s just something about the drama at Sur or in Beverly Hills that gets me!

Blog niche:  Lifestyle 
What’s the purpose of your blog?
The purpose of the blog to inspire other girls to discover what they want to do and to just have fun in life! Even if you live in the Midwest, when you come to the blog, you can get that beachy vibe, and hopefully let your mind wander. I also really wanted people to see the importance of using only animal friendly products and I hate when bloggers share the cutest sweater and I see that it’s $200. I try to really only share clothing pieces under $100 so even the girl on a budget can look cute. 
Who’s your target? My target audience is females between 20-35.
What’s the best way for your audience to contact you? Anywhere they want! Social media, Snapchat, commenting on the blog, emailing me! I’ll respond to wherever someone reaches out. 
How would you describe your blogging style?

My blogging style is a little edgy. I use language I probably shouldn’t and I’ll basically blog about anything. What you see on the blog, is exactly how I am in real life.

When did you start blogging? I started blogging in 2014, but seriously blogging last January. 
What inspired you to start blogging? I was working in a horrible environment, and stumbled across an amazing blog one night while I sat on my couch and cried about not wanting to go back to work. I remembered how much I love to write and share things with other people and the rest is history. It really just started as a way for me to have something to look forward to at night after working in a job I hated. 
What’s the biggest change in your life since you started blogging?

The biggest change would have to be finding myself. I’m usually a very introverted person, but the blog has been amazing for making me step out of my comfort zone and really just push myself. It wasn’t until about 6 months into blogging that I would even take pictures of myself to do fashion posts and now I’m begging my boyfriend to help me with photo shoots every weekend!

Blogging goals:
  • Short term: keep producing quality content and build an amazing community of girls all over the world. 
  • Long term: blog full time, be my own boss, create a product line that gives back, and write a book.
If you could start blogging all over again, what would you do differently?

I don’t think I would do anything differently.. everything I’ve done so far has gotten me where I am now and I think this is how it was meant to happen.

How do you motivate yourself to continue blogging?

I’m not gonna lie- finding motivation sometimes is very difficult. I work full-time and feel like I have nothing left to give when I get home, but reading books, reviewing my goals, brainstorming new ideas, and just forcing myself to do something has helped. I would never put a post out there I wasn’t 100% happy with, but usually once I force myself to start writing, something clicks and flows, and after a few edits, I’ve written 4 posts before I know it.

What attributes has helped you become successful blogger?

I definitely can’t say that I’m successful, yet, but I think that just trying to post consistently and really branding each post is helping me get noticed for sure.

How have you tried to increase your blog traffic? Which way has been the most successful?

I’m still relatively low in the traffic spectrum, but I do find that promotion is huge! Always promote your content across social medial several times a day. Facebook groups are a great way to “meet” new people and Introduce your content as well.

What’s your favourite social media platform and why?

Twitter! I feel like it’s the only platform that isn’t all about algorithms and strategy posting. I also just love how real and raw it is.

Most of your traffic comes from which social media platform?

I would have to say Twitter. I try to post a new blog post a few times throughout the day to make sure people are seeing it.

What’s your favourite blogging group on Facebook?

Fave would be Style Collective. It’s an amazing community of women and there’s a ton of real engagement and blogging tips. Use this link to sign up! Bit.ly/DailyxStyleCollective (it is an affiliate link, but this site is amazing!)

Do you have a freebie for your readers? If so, what is it? Do we need to subscribe to receive it? 
What’s your greatest win so far with blogging?

My greatest win was when a brand actually reached out to me to collab! It felt great to get noticed when I feel like I’m still such a small blogger.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve so far with blogging?
Patience is key!! Becoming a blogger with a 1 million follower community and 2 million pageviews doesn’t happen overnight. Just keep at it consistently and it’ll happen.
Has blogging surprised you in any way? If so, how?

I think the biggest surprise was that success doesn’t happen quickly. When I first started I think had a misconception that I would be big time in 2 years. I’ve quickly learned that patience is my best friend.

How often do you publish a post?

I try to post at least 4-6 times a week. Sometimes things are crazy at work and I can only post 2-3 times, but I would rather take a break and not post as often, than post something by readers are going to hate.

Have you had writer’s block? If so, how did you overcome it?
All the time!! I just allow myself to take a step back, not stress that I’m not posting, and let ideas come back to me when they’re ready. Reading has also been a huge help!
Do you have a blogging schedule? Daily theme? Please share!

I’m working on actually getting on a schedule and following a content calendar. But lately I’ve just been winging it and posting whatever pops into my head at the time. (that’s what I love about being a lifestyle blogger- my topics are endless)

Have you guest posted for someone?
For whom?
Blog URL:
Do you accept guest posts? If yes, tell us about it!

Absolutely! I love guest posts on whatever topic someone wants to write about!

Have you made money from blogging? If so, how?

Yes- through reaching out to brands or finding opportunities on a site called “Bloggers Required”.

How long had you been blogging before you made any money?

About 8 months. I think the important thing to remember is that your readers can sense when you’re only blogging to make money. Focus on posting quality content and taking amazing photos and the money will come organically.

Who’s your favourite blogger before you started blogging and why? (Name and blog URL)

My fave blogger was actually Lauren Conrad of LaurenConrad.com. I always loved her on Laguna Beach and The Hills, so I def followed her blog.

Who’s your favourite blogger now and why? (Name and blog URL)

Probably Stephanie of TheStyleBungalow.com. Her blog is super beachy and fun and she has an amazing sense of style!

What type of blogs are you interested in reading and why?

Lifestyle. I just love reading several topics as opposed to just one.

List the top 5 blogs you are reading currently: (Names and blog URLs)
Give advice to someone who wants to start blogging:

Find your niche, find your voice, and just launch! Don’t take months or years planning. Launch and just tweak things as you go along. There’s never going to a be right time to do something, you just have to do it.

Tell us one thing your readers don’t know about you: 

I am extremely shy!! I hate crowds and trying to converse with strangers. I get the worst anxiety.

Anything else you’d like to share with us? Go for it!!! 

My boyfriend and I are moving to Charleston this year, so if anyone has recommendations on where to move and what we need to be close to, let me know!! Also, be on the lookout, because I have a product line launching this Summer!

Leave a message for your readers:
Thank you to all who read the blog and have helped me to get to where I am today!! I am so thankful and appreciative and can’t even tell you how much you all mean to me!

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