Blogger Q&A with Diana Chastain of Nanny to Mommy

Dealspotr’s network of influencers includes notable bloggers and social media personalities across a wide range of topics and interests, but all with a focus on frugal living and saving money. In our weekly Influencer Spotlight, we invite one influencer to share their experiences and success stories with the rest of our community. If you’d like to be featured, send me a message via Dealspotr. 

Like many family bloggers today, Diana Chastain got her start writing on the web through an online journaling platform. She created her own site in 2010 to document her first pregnancy - and she's been blogging at that same site, Nanny to Mommy, since then. Now, two kids and 7 years later, she's here to share her well-seasoned blogging advice on building a loyal community and balancing mommy-hood with blogging in this week's Influencer Q&A. 

INTRODUCE YOURSELF! FIRST NAME, WHERE YOU'RE FROM, YOUR "DAY JOB," AND ANY OTHER FUN FACTS YOU'D LIKE US TO KNOW.

My name is Diana Chastain. I am from a little town called Ola Unincorporated, South of Atlanta, GA. My "day job" is a child care provider, chef, chauffeur, baby making machine, milk maker, couponer, and personal shopper... also known as a mom.

DESCRIBE YOUR BLOG. WHAT IS ITS MAIN FOCUS?

On Nanny to Mommy, I like to talk about all things parenting. I consider my blog a parenting lifestyle blog because I do talk about so much more than just kid stuff. I like to also talk about real ways families can save money.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO BLOGGING? WHEN DID YOU START?

I started my blog in 2010 to keep track of my first pregnancy. A friend introduced me to "blogging" back in 2003 on a platform called LiveJournal before I even knew that was what you called it!

What was your best-performing blog post TO DATE? What do you think made it successful?

My most successful post to date has been "How to Get Coupons for FREE without Dumpster Diving" and I think it is because it addresses a real life problem thoroughly in an authentic way.

What’s the one way your blog is unique or distinct from other blogs in your niche?

I like to write about real ways that families can save money while still having fun.

What's one thing you love about Dealspotr? Has Dealspotr helped your blog out in any way?

I love Dealspotr because I love earning gifts for doing something I love - which is sharing deals. Dealspotr has helped my blog out because it has made it easier to share deals and actually increased my traffic to some older posts that I inserted the widget in.

If you could identify the one thing (okay, or multiple things) responsible for your blog's success, what would that be?

Genuine readers and social engagement. I try to respond to every email, message, and comment so my readers know they are involved in my community and that I truly care about them.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LOOKING TO START A BLOG?

It is a LOT of work. If you are not someone who can drive yourself and meet deadlines, then this is not for you.

Is there a useful tool or resource you've used that you'd recommend to other bloggers? Maybe something other bloggers might not know about? 

Facebook Groups are the best resource for me and my blog. I have joined a few that focus on helping other bloggers increase their traffic and we have made our own community in a way - I have met some amazing people.

Tell us about the most exhilarating moment you've experienced as a blogger.

My most exhilarating moment to date is still when I attend media day events. Whatever they are for. Each one has been amazing and I have met wonderful people. I love being in this community.

Which major blogger or influencer do you most admire and why? 

ANightOwlBlog.com by Kimberly Sneed has been one of favorite reads since the very beginning. I love the beautiful posts she creates as well as the community she has created.

Have you ever experienced a moment when you wanted to quit blogging? How did you overcome it?

I wanted to quit many times especially during my son's first year of life. It was very hard, but for some reason my blog was doing the best it had ever done. Juggling a full time blog, a three year old, a newborn, a house, and everything else that comes along with day to day life was hard. I actually had to turn down work and sometimes didn't put my best foot forward which was really upsetting. But somehow I managed.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?

I am a member of the Netflix StreamTeam which is perfect for me because I love watching re-runs of my favorite TV shows "The Office" and "FRIENDS."

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SNACK?

 I'm not big on snack food. But favorite thing to consume is coffee. That can count, right?

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? 

My dad. He passed away when I was pregnant with my daughter and I miss him terribly.

Anything else you'd like to add? 

Make sure to follow me on Social Media! ;)

You can do just that on Diana's Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and Google+. Read Diana's blog at NannytoMommy.com. You can also follow her on Dealspotr. 

Are you a blogger or social media influencer who loves sharing advice on saving money? Dealspotr is a rapidly growing community of deal hunters and savvy shoppers - join our Influencer Network to gain visibility, earn perks, take on paid gigs, and help people save money.