Top 10 Misconceptions About Mommy Bloggers

http://mashable.com/2009/01/16/mom-blogger-misconceptions/

Jessica Smith is Chief Mom Advisor of MomForce.com and Chief Mom Officer for Wishpot.com. She chronicles her experiences as a mom and virtual executive at JessicaKnows.com. There’s no mistaking it.  Moms have an impact in the blogosphere. And a lucky few, like Dooce, are turning it into the main source of income for their family.But are these “Mommy Bloggers” who you think they are? You might be surprised to find out there’s more to being a Mommy Blogger than one might think.

Here are the top ten misconceptions about Mommy Bloggers and the truth behind them revealed.

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10.  Mommy Bloggers just write to get free stuff

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This is probably one of the most common misconceptions and unfortunately some of the biggest culprits of this are the PR people pitching the free stuff in question.  However, I think as both mommy bloggers and PR professionals start finding a common ground with one another, we’ll see smarter pitches to Moms.  The result?  Better return on investment for the companies that offer the free product.

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9.   Blogging is considered a hobby by most Mommy Bloggers

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For some, sure, this could be the case.  But there are many more reasons why Moms blog, including: offering support and creating support networks for those dealing with illnesses, tragedy, and strife;  to build a brand around a business they are launching; to offer product reviews to other parents looking for information; to educate others based on their own experience about adoption, autism, living simply, being more green, and a myriad of other topics.  The majority of Mommy Bloggers aren’t simply dabbling for fits and giggles.

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8.  Mommy Bloggers only write about baby-related topics of conversation

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If this was the case we’d see a turnover every year with lots of Moms dropping out of the blogosphere once their babies become kids.  Once a mom, you’re always a mom.  Some of my favorite Mommy blogs are written by Moms of teenagers.  Even though I have a three-year old I can still relate.

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7.  Mommy Bloggers make tons of cash

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Yes, there are a few Mommy bloggers that are raking in the dough as a result of their hard work on their blogs.  However, this is not the case for the vast majority.  Which brings me to the next common misconception about Mommy Bloggers…

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6. Mommy Bloggers don’t make any money at all

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While it is true that a lot of mommy bloggers aren’t profitable.  There are a significant number of Moms that blog that are turning it into a source of income.  My prediction is that more Moms will translate the skills honed and refined through their blogging into lucrative writing, marketing, and product spokesperson gigs.

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5.  Mommy Bloggers are uneducated, lack creativity, and don’t take writing seriously

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This misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. A lot of Mommy Bloggers are former professionals who have decided to spend more time with their kids and blog to keep those business, marketing, and writing skills sharp.  And those who don’t have a college degree or a professional background?  The creativity and writing chops some of them bring to the table would put some Ivy Leaguers to shame.

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4.  Mommy Bloggers only make headlines when they stir up drama

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This is one of my favorites.  Let’s face it…when you put a bunch of passionate, opinionated women in one room, drama is almost unavoidable.  Even more so when that “room” is the internet.  A lot of people think of the whole “Motrin Moms” debacle when they think about Mommy Bloggers making headlines.

However, Mommy Bloggers are also making headlines for their best-selling books (Alexis Martin Neely’s Wear Clean Underwear is one example), their charitable contributions (Blog Action Day),  and their accomplishments (@SoCalMom was featured in People magazine for the weight she lost using the Wii).  So yes, Mommy Bloggers can make waves but it’s not only when they’re witchin’ and moanin’ about an issue.

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3. Every Mom that blogs loves being referred to as a Mommy Blogger

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Actually, because of the misconceptions we talk about here, a lot of Moms that blog cringe when they are referred to as a Mommy Blogger.  There are quite a few moms that blog but really don’t touch on motherhood in their blogs at all.  Many blog about fitness, business, advertising, travel and while they are Moms…it’s not the focus.  Moms are women before they embark on motherhood and being a mom and having other interests aren’t mutually exclusive.

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2. Mommy Bloggers will do anything for free as long you promise traffic in return

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This is one misconception that continues to plague the blogosphere.  A lot of large companies sign on Mommy Bloggers to take on the role of publicist, evangelist, marketer, and video spokesperson with the huge promise of “tons of traffic and exposure” in return.  Sadly, in most cases, the Mommy Bloggers are actually sending more traffic the company’s way when it’s all said and done.

As Mommy Bloggers (and bloggers in general) become more savvy about the return on investment they offer I expect we’ll see more push back on this.  And we’ll also see those that offer a high level of influence equity vs. traffic equity being able to illustrate that return on investment that would make Nielsen ratings swoon.

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1.  Mommy Bloggers are frumpy women that hang out in their sweats all day

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Go visit Mom Generations, ChicShopperChick, or Fussypants and tell me you think that’s the case.  ‘Nuf said.