Hi Crystal! What’s the name of your blog?
The Holliday Collective.
Where are you from?
Houma, Louisiana.
Tell us a little bit more about you and your blog, The Holliday Collective.
My blog combines my love of content creation into useful home decor, DIY projects, and food/drink recipes. I’m passionate about blending my styling expertise, with writing and collaborations with brands. My favorite content involves including my family in my work. I also love working with trusted national brands that I already use in my home and life, then sharing with my audience. My favorite brand collaboration this year has been working with Mrs. Meyers and Betty Crocker.
How many years have you been blogging at The Holliday Collective?
8 years.
Give us your best tip to staying on top of the blog/work/life balance?
If you love what you do and the business you are building, you will setup systems to succeed. I’ll admit that I’m not great at the whole “balance” thing. I do what I have to do to get things done. Some days I work longer than others. I have Mom guilt just like other Moms. However, because I’m able to work on my terms and with my family by my side, I’ve learned that this is the life I wanted to create. I find solace knowing that. I’m able to homeschool my kids, work alongside my husband (he works from home too), and write/photograph content right from home. It really can’t get any better that.
Fill in the blank. What people don’t realize about blogging is…
It can take a while to build an authentic following and monetize in a way that fits your brand. It’s not an overnight success kind of business. You must be in it for the long run to see your work come to fruition. Basically, you have to love what you do.
What’s your favorite WordPress plugin?
What are three things you wish you knew about blogging before you started?
- How to monetize quicker.
- To be more consistent with content creation from the beginning.
- How to find trusted allies and ask more questions. I spent too much time figuring things out on my own.
What skills and qualities do you think are necessary for a successful and professional blogger?
You must learn to be a good photographer/videographer because images and video are the main ways to create content. Also, be a good story teller. Find ways to tell stories about products, people, and things. Make sure the story is authentic and relatable. Lastly, you must be a quick learner. Learn by buying courses, investing in technology, and asking questions.
What has blogging taught you that no other career or job has before?
The ability to create content that I love, on my own terms, and with my own brand.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in the blog world?
Get started today and don’t stop working! The work never ends with a blog and you must persevere to build a good business. Also build an authentic audience that will be your tribe. Give that audience amazing content so they keep coming back for more.
What makes your brand, The Holliday Collective, different than other bloggers?
The easy answer is no one is ME, Crystal Holliday. Even though I’ve never met most of my audience and they haven’t met me, we know each other. I’m honest and authentic even virtually, and I think it shows.
What topic do you most enjoy writing about?
I love writing general lifestyle content, especially if it involves tips/tricks. It’s one of my favorite types of content to read and create. I’m here for the tips because I know I can always pickup a gem from someone.
What would your dream partnership look like?
Dream Partnership is currently working with Lowe’s or Home Depot on several DIY home projects.
A current blogging goal you are working on?
I’ve been working on getting 10K followers on Instagram. I hope to reach it by the end of December.
What’s your most recent WIN with your blog?
Working with 2 new blog networks this year and working with several national brands.
How has your content changed since you first started blogging?
At first, I wrote more in a diary format but that’s wasn’t useful for my readers. Now I write with more direction, which in turn is useful and helpful content for my readers. My content is about my readers, their needs, and how I can reach them.
What’s your favorite guilty TV show?
This Is Us and Masked Singer with the family.
What’s your Starbucks order?
Tall Pumpkin Spice Latte.
