With this “Chill Chat With Cool Bloggers” series, I have featured only Indian Bloggers so far. For the first time, I feel extremely proud and happy to feature an international blogger who is a highly multi-talented and also my most loving blogger friend Ms. Arfa Nazeer of “SheMeansBlogging“. I got connected with Arfa through her Insta account. Followed by so many chats, comments, likes, and shares. Glad that I found such an honest blogger friend in this leg pulling blogging world.
Arfa blogs about Blogging, Business & Marketing that are most appreciated. Today I am very much delighted to feature Ms. Arfa to our readers. We had our chat to know more about her successful blogging journey and her fun side too. Carry on, to enjoy her words of blogging wisdom.
Chill Chat With Cool Blogger Ms. Arfa Nazeer
Hello, Arfa Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Ms. Arfa: I’m Arfa and I run shemeansblogging, a platform to help and educate individuals to launch and grow their online blogging business. My mission is to help thoughtful bloggers live a life at their own schedules with easy blogging and create profitable blogging businesses while doing what they love to do.
Q1. An ever since moment in your blogger life or your turning point in blogging.
Ms. Arfa: Vasantha, this is an interesting question. If I remember, there were so many small moments in my initial blogging journey that led me to continue it and grow. The day I started receiving emails and social media DMs on Instagram, or twitter made me realize that my blogging efforts are paying me back.
When you have an online presence, it’s not just about how much you make but it’s also about the online impact. The way my content, blogging lessons, and social media interactions helped others dream big about their small blogs was a kind of turning point for me. I realized how can I help others with my skills, experience, and knowledge.
I mapped out a plan for my blog and it started with a small rebranding in November 2018. And, I believe this was my decision.
Q2. Your definition of blog success.
Ms. Arfa: There’s no proper definition when it comes to success. It can be in any form. But, when it comes to blogging I would say ‘growing in the right direction with a strategy and plan’ is a success.
No matter how much time you dedicate to your blogging career but if your direction/purpose is unclear, you will never grow.
Q3. Your top 2 regular practices that have helped you in blogging.
Ms. Arfa: To be honest, I was never consistent with my blog in the starting years and I believe, it was a mistake. But, here are 2 things I did that have thoroughly helped me in blogging:
1- Reading blogs online.
No matter if I am feeling low, or inconsistent, I always make sure to read other blogs. Reading blogs has always inspired me. I have been subscribed to many email lists and I make sure to read 1-2 posts on a regular basis. It may take a couple of minutes but it helps me to stay motivated and inspired.
2- Learning new things.
Even though I’m guilty of not implementing what I learn, but I can’t tell you how much I have learned online. Even if it’s a course, an ebook or a case study, I take out my notebook to write. I understand that it eats up time but I have always found myself better when I learn new things related to my blog subject.
Call me a nerd but I love learning and it continuously helps with generating better content for my readers. Not to mention but I have around 4-5 notebooks with me. All about blogging stuff!
Q4. Your motivational factor for your best blog.
Ms. Arfa: I think my engaging blog posts! The amount of responses and collaboration opportunities I receive on my blog is just because of my content and how I write it. And, it motivates me every day to write more that helps other bloggers.
Q5. One relationship who contributed to making your blog.
Ms. Arfa: When you’re new, you are always afraid of making new relationships but there was this one friend who was there when I was completely new. And, I am so glad to found him as a blogging bestie. Even today, if I get stuck in anything, I just send him a message and seek his advice. Well, he is a blogging pro and a WordPress geek.
Other than that, my family has always been supportive. My parents and siblings were always there to support me when I was low. I think having strong family support is so important when you work from home.
Q6. One factor, out of your comfort zone in blogging.
Ms. Arfa: I think videos! I have never thought of doing videos but you never know. 🙂
Q7. A book / movie / person / blog that transformed you.
Ms. Arfa: Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso is a wonderful book for anyone who’s looking to start a business or jump into the entrepreneurial world. This book has so much to learn from.
Q8. Your strength and weakness as a blogger.
Ms. Arfa: I call my easily readable writing as my strength. I have always found my content engaging and helpful for my readers. I recognize it when I got emails from my readers who said that the reason we love reading your posts is your writing style and the value you offer.
My weakness would be time management. I don’t call it a weakness but I think I badly need to work on it. Investing your time in doing things that bring you results is an art and I want to learn it.
Q9. One principle you are proud of.
Ms. Arfa:
My honesty and simplicity. I have never been fond of click baits, 6-figures money-making plots or things like that. I don’t judge anyone but I like to be honest and transparent.
Q10. Blogging tips to share with your readers.
Ms. Arfa: You may have read everywhere but here are a couple of blogging tips that help in the long run;
- Enjoy blogging first
- Set smart goals and be strategic
- Connect with other bloggers and collaborate
- Write more
- Show up. Your online presence matters.
- Be honest and transparent
- Be creative
- Don’t be afraid to invest in learning. It’s an investment in your blog.
If you’re interested in growing your blog then you can enroll in my free blogging tips series where you get strategic bite-sized emails for 11 days. It’s a successful series that has helped hundreds of bloggers to maintain their focus and accelerate their blog growth.
Bullet Questions
Best Blog – EnchantingMarketing
Best Blogger Friend – I have many!
Best Dream – To see strong competitive women everywhere! Just want to contribute my small part
Best Food –Pasta in any form and yes, biryani!
Best Book – Girlboss, The Kite Runner, 4 Hour work week
Best TV Series –Haven’t watch any recently. Recommend one?
Best Life Motto – Never let other people’s opinion affect your life. It’s a blessing and you should live it
Thanks again Ms. Arfa for this open and resourceful interview sprinkled with a full dose of motivation and inspiration. You never failed to make me awe and this interview is the perfect highlight. We feel proud to have you as our Featured Cool Blogger.
Dear readers, please leave your queries, if any, in the comment section and we will try to get them answered by her.
Meet you at next chill chat with another cool blogger !!!
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Inspiring post for bloggers. Keep the series alive.
Thanks. Will reach you soon.
Hi Vasantha,
Thanks so much for inviting me on your blog series! I love answering all of the questions. I remember how we got connected on Instagram and that’s how connections are made 🙂
I’m sure your readers will find these helpful in growing their own blogs.
Keep up the awesome work you’re doing.
Arfa
Thank you so much, Arfa. You are so sweet. You made my day, dear!
Such an amazing interview Vasantha. I am reading it this morning and I am not just inspired by her, but she even educated me my flaw. Thanks for doing this. There’s sure lots to learn from everyone.
Glad you like the post, Jayanthy!