Speedy Spotlight: Lori Taylor Arnold’s Wild and Grizzly

Cision’s latest Top 10 Mummy Blog ranking will be published next week. But before we get to the experts, let’s look at what it takes for a new mummy blogger such as Lori Taylor Arnold, author of Wild and Grizzly, to make it on the popular yet highly competitive mummy blogosphere. 

Why should people read your blog?
When I became a mother I was thrust into a world of babies, where it was easy to lose your identity. So I started this blog, a place where I could write honest posts reflecting on the wilds of motherhood, including the grizzly bits without compromising on my love of style and design. It kept me sane through some of the harder days which I hope in turn has helped other mums.

What makes your blog different?
There are so many mummy blogs out there with blurry pictures of drooling babies, and that’s great, but it’s not me. As a lover of beautiful things, I wanted to create a space where readers don’t need to compromise on design and style just because they have kids. I wanted to create a place to reflect and provoke ideas about motherhood while staying cool. Focusing on beautiful things for your home, looking good, great places to take your kid, right down to the well-designed books you read at night. 

What’s your favourite blog and why?
I like to read blogs from different parts of the globe as it gives me a snapshot of a totally different way of life. At the moment I’m loving the balmy desert days from The Littlest Blog and the beautiful simple life from Practising Simplicity and the lovely Diaper & Skinny Jeans. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a blog?
Think about what interests you and just write. If you write what you’re passionate about then your voice will stand out from the crowd. Also aesthetics is a key feature for me as a badly designed blog distracts visitors to the site from the words. I would always think about the layout of a blog, what makes it easy to read and navigate, how can people follow you and how can people get in touch with you. 

How does a good PR work with you?
I think building a good relationship is key. When a PR person has taken the time to look at your blog and understand your ethos before getting in touch, you’re more likely to work with them again. It’s also nice to hear some kind words about your work and why they think their client would be a good match. 

 What do PRs do that’s bad?
When PR agencies get in touch with Dear Blogger and suggest you work with their client because it will fit in with the style and aesthetic of your blog without giving you much to go on, and you spend time replying to find it couldn’t be a worse match. It shows that they haven’t taken the time to look at your blog at all, and is probably a generic email that’s been sent out. It’s like giving a Big Mac to a vegetarian. So not cool.

What was your blogging highlight of 2013?
My blog is coming up to its first birthday, so there were many milestones and highlights in 2013. For me though, the biggest highlight was my first personal email from a reader saying thank you for my words and how it had helped them during a bad day. There’s nothing better than knowing you’ve reached out and made an impact on someone. It’s that warm fuzzy feeling right there. 

What will be big in your blogosphere in 2014?
I’m looking forward to Blogtacular in May, a conference for new bloggers in London and has some fantastic keynote speakers from the UK and the USA. A perfect chance to meet up with some great blogging friends too as well as receiving tips and ideas at the workshops. 

Editorial information on Lori Taylor Arnold and thousands of other media contacts and outlets, can be found in the CisionPoint Media Database.