Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your background, education and family
My name is Maria Velniceriu, the brains behind Missmv.com, a platform dedicated to fashion, lifestyle, and personalized styling tips. Besides curating content for my website, I also manage a boutique specializing in boho home accessories. When I can, I nurture my newest passion: photography. There’s immense joy for me in immortalizing moments with my camera.
What inspired you to start blogging and how long have you been blogging for?
I’ve been immersed in the blogging world for 5 years, with the last 3 years seeing a more dedicated focus. My inspiration to begin blogging stemmed from the desire to freely express myself and establish a genuine connection with my readers, without the constraints of algorithms. Before diving into blogging, I was creating outfit-related content on YouTube, and it seemed like a natural progression to integrate the two platforms. Embarking on this blogging journey was one of my best decisions, even if I was a bit unsure and inexperienced at the start.
Why should we read your blog?
On my blog, you’ll discover a variety of informative content ranging from DIY guides and home decoration insights to savvy financial advice. It’s your destination for ideas on sprucing up any space in your home, finding cost-effective décor items, or selecting the perfect present for someone special. However, at its heart, the blog is dedicated to fashion and beauty aficionados. So, if you’re seeking ways to elevate your jeans, dresses, or nail designs, my website is a must-visit.
What is the best thing about blogging and why?
Having the freedom and flexibility to pursue my passions is what I cherish most about blogging. It empowers me to determine my own schedule, work pace, and location. Blogging not only provides a platform to amplify one’s voice but also offers a unique opportunity to spotlight emerging brands in a saturated market. Additionally, blogging presents the potential for scalable growth in business.
How do you manage time to run your blog efficiently?
To work effectively and swiftly, I adhere to a daily routine. My mornings, spanning about four hours post-waking, are dedicated to emails and laying out the framework for a new blog entry. To break the monotony, I then invest three hours in outdoor activities or house chores if needed. By evening, I focus on finalizing and uploading a fresh post on my site, ensuring consistency in my schedule. If unforeseen challenges arise, I delegate some tasks to maintain my content output. Many accomplished bloggers resort to outsourcing or employing a virtual assistant to handle tasks, ensuring they remain productive without burning out.
What do you think is the best strategy that worked well for you to get more traffic to your blog?
Concentrating on SEO can be a game-changer for any website. By understanding and implementing the most effective SEO techniques for your specific niche, everything begins to fall into place, leading to increased traffic.
What’s the best opportunity your blog has given you?
The greatest gift my blog has given me is the extensive learning journey, covering everything from web design to content creation, marketing, SEO, and all the intricacies of blogging. Collaborating with renowned brands like Beko, London Pairfum, and Square meal, as well as receiving invitations to festivals and events, are just some of the doors it has opened for me. Furthermore, engaging with blogging communities and networking with skilled freelancers has provided inspiration and drive to set and reach my objectives.
How do you relax in your spare time?
I enjoy reading and capturing moments through photography, and I cherish my time outdoors. Taking long strolls is my way of unwinding and rejuvenating, especially after extended periods at the computer. Photography provides a similar relief. When inspiration hits, which isn’t always, I seize the moment and take as many shots as possible.
Would you encourage other people to start a blog?
Starting a blog requires genuine commitment, both in terms of time and finances. Contrary to popular belief, initiating a blog isn’t without costs. This begins with purchasing a domain name, securing hosting, and investing in plugins to optimize site speed. Moreover, even if one possesses strong writing skills, understanding and utilizing keyword research is essential to align with what audiences seek. To truly thrive and generate a significant income, bloggers must stay updated with trends and continuously educate them. Maria Velniceriu, a 35-year-old fashion enthusiast from the UK, emphasizes these points.
Maria Velniceriu, founder of Missmv.com https://missmv.com/