(If you are having problems viewing the video click here)
Times are changing….
So as some of you may already know especially if you follow Jessica’s Coupons on Twitter, I was in Nashville this past weekend for Blissdom (a Conference for Bloggers). I will share more on that wonderful experience later this week….but I wanted to share this with you first.
A Little History
Here is a little history….I started Jessica’s Coupons back in November 2010. It was a great time in my life…but really wasn’t a great time in my life to begin a new project…but that didn’t stop me…. (I had just had my second child about 2 months prior) but I had a new found passion for couponing and just discovered blogs myself and I loved them! So I went outside of my comfort zone and started my own blog. It was fun and exciting and it grew quickly….(for standards in those days)
Even just Two and a half years ago blogging was VERY different….it was BEFORE that crazy couponing show (the show that shall not be named) and BEFORE anyone (pretty much anyone anyway) was using FACEBOOK or TWITTER to promote their blogs. I ran my blog for several months before I ever created a Facebook or Twitter page…these days it seems blogs care more about their facebook page than their actual site….
NOW….thanks to THAT show, the ever increasing popularity of blogging (especially Frugal blogging.) and the Social Media explosion…the Frugal Blog World is so very different.
For example- Many bloggers do crazy promotions like give away an gift card with other 50 other bloggers to just to grow their facebook numbers…these aren’t blogs they know or are personally invested with…these promotions are quick and easy (and inexpensive) ways to increase facebook numbers by up to as much as 10,000 per promotion. And though it may sound like I am judging…and sure maybe I am a little….I get it….everyone wants more fans…me included….but is that the fan I want? Someone who just clicks the “Like” on my site because they feel they have to….and I have decided it isn’t..so I don’t take part in those promotions….I want my fans to be fans because they are fans.
I have also changed personally during this time….I have myself hit MANY a coupon burnout and wanted to throw the old binder to the dog and tell him to bury it in the backyard were no one can find it. I have found the transition form one child to two children VERY hard…and it has been difficult to shop in-stores with 2 small children and moved to more shopping online myself to save what was left of my sanity…OK and I get Mom burnout (Dang, it is hard to raise children…these little ones are demanding and ALL consuming….good thing they are so darn cute)….and have been OVERWHELMED with the time commitment a Small blog like Jessica’s Coupons can require at times. I am also a person who has an extremely hard time with BALANCE. I am an all or nothing type personality…sometimes that is good…but most the time it is not….
I haven’t shared ANY of this on my blog before now…why? Because I didn’t think you cared…it felt almost unprofessional to me…I assumed you were only here for the deals…and maybe some of you are…and I get that…but I think maybe some of you can relate to the fact a real person runs this site…and she has real highs and lows….just like her readers….and she….being me…well I feel like something has to give…something MUST Change….
Go Big or Go Home
It seems there are 2 things happening in the Blog-O-Sphere….(Frugal) Blogs are going MEGA-MART or they are staying MOM & POP Shops….
Let me explain….many frugal blogs are investing lots of money in advertising and hiring staff. Many of these Blogs are more Corporation than Mom with a computer. These blogs do a really great job of keeping their readers up to date on all the coupons and deals daily….They have the means and they have the team and they are rocking it. Some- NOT ALL of THESE BIG Blogs are VERY competitive and many of the bloggers are VERY cut throat ( I will not name names 
) THAT ISN’T ME!
I want to be successful…but I am NOT cut throat…I am NOT a mean girl, I don’t begrudge others success…and I DO NOT make fun of other people, bloggers or their websites….I am NOT Nasty and want NO PART OF THAT NONSENSE.
ALSO I Do NOT want to neglect my family or my life to post a deal….I have….and it has to stop.
So who are the other bloggers?… they are like me…real women, a lot of them moms…who do this full time frugal-blog job in the gaps of the day while raising their kids and juggling other commitments all by THEMSELVES…Yep! One Woman Shows…with a very limited advertising budget. In other words…us Mom & Pop Blogs are having a hard time competing with these MEGA MART BLOGS…because we can’t post 30 deals a day by ourselves and take care of our families….But just because we can’t compete, does that then mean we are without value? That is the question I have asked for 6 months….
I have been killing myself to keep up with the Big Box Blogs and it just isn’t working…I am not happy…I know my family isn’t….I am never really present in my own life because of a blog…I rarely stop to have fun…..should it be this way? No. I want to enjoy my life and my website…
Also, this “Keeping up with the Jones’” mentality is NOT good for my readers….my site has become very cold…it still reflects mostly deals I personally like (because I DO LOVE to Shop and I like Nice things at a great price)…but it lacks my personality and passion for the things I enjoy…. I go through the motions…and you have my sincere apology and this practice of posting filler content to “keep up” it is going to stop.
I have been doing a lot of soul searching in regards to my site and well just life in general….even before Blissdom….and I still want to blog for Jessica’s Coupons…but I want to take it a different direction….though I am not completely sure what that means….but this is what I thinking…
I want more tips, tutorials, reviews and even some instructional video posts….
I want less quantity and more quality posts for my readers.
I want more exclusive coupons, coupon codes and giveaways for you.
I want my Facebook to be less of a rehash of my blog and more of a platform I can connect with you the reader!
I WANT Jessica’s Coupons to be a Fun experience for all of us!
I want to be honest and authentic and real and I want great content on my site! I want you to come to the site because you love it!
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I have come to this…
This is not profound- Change is HARD. Even if it is for the better…a good change….well…can even not feel all that “good” in the beginning….and sometimes you just have to admit this: just because something worked so well one way for a while….doesn’t mean it can continue to work well that way….we grow, we change, the world changes around us….so Jessica’s Coupons and Jessica needs a Change…and I REALLY hope YOU will be a part of that.
I know there are some of you have been with me for a while- THANK YOU. If you are new- THANK YOU as well. I would love any feedback you have…please just remember I can take criticism…but I am also a real person with real feelings…
I hope you will stick with me through this new direction….it is going to take time…and it may be awkward….BUT I really think it will be a good thing in the long run!
Thanks for reading and supporting….it really does mean a lot to me, Jessica.
Don’t ever miss a deal: Find Jessica’s Coupons on Facebook & Follow Jessica’s Coupons Tweets on Twitter. Disclosure Policy Photo Credit
You do what you have to do. I understand, and I am sure the true couponers like me that were doing it before that unnamed show started will understand too. I like your ideas. Quality for me is better than quantity. Praying for you during this time and your family.
N.L.
Thanks so much N.L. I really appreciate your feedback and support (& prayers…I’ll take as many of those as I can get always.
)
Have a great evening!
Jessica
Jessica,
It is so great to finally meet the mystery Jessica!! Can I just say that you are so sweet in “person” and I love your new ideas for your site. I always come to you for the best deals and reviews on beauty and fashion and would love to see more of those! Keep it up girl – you’re doing great!!
Thanks Katie. I try to be Sweet…most of the time.
- I do love fashion and beauty products….I will never deny that. Thanks for you feedback bud!
Jessica
Hi,
I personally run Coupons, Freebies and More. Just like you, it is a single woman show. I know how it is with two kids and household chores, it is very hard to balance life some times. I always think when other bloggers can do it all why can’t I do it and balance it all? I realized something, it’s not about them it’s how I want my life to be. I still run my blog, but it’s not at my family’s experience. I wish you all the best whatever you decide to do your blog.
I will totally have to check out your site! Balance is so hard…I really struggle with that….long before blog and kids….so you can image it has only gotten worse.
Thank you for taking the time to give me your feedback. I really appreciate it. Please keep in touch!
Jessica
I am looking forward to the changes.
Thanks Katie! I am so glad (& me too!)
Jessica
I’m so glad you put this video up. I so love the Southern accent! You are the first “real” Southerner that I’ve ever personally known! I think it’s great that your readers finally get to “meet” you! Can’t wait to see you, and Janae, and everyone else in August!
Thanks Bud! Ha! I don’t sound that Southern to me…which means everyone around me must sound really super Southern I guess- lol. I can’t wait to go to the Big City (lol) and see my pals…though I am scared to death…and will miss my taters…but it will be good for me.
Jessica, I thought your niche was a higher quality product, someimtes from Chadwicks, or 6 p.m., vendors your site has introduced me to. A lot of blogs do the coupons and lower end deals, but yours is creative, resourceful, and quality driven.
Bless you and your family whatever you decide.
Beth
Hi Beth,
You are correct. My site has even been referred to as “Prissy”….lol. Thank you for your kind words. I do like nice things…I just like those nice things at a nice price. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this new direction.
Bravo Jessica for your frankness. I too am a Jessica that loves a deal, with 2 little kids. I too am coming to the realization that I cannot do everything and still give my family 100%. I’m sure those of us that have followed you for years will continue to follow you & wish you well.
PS- I blame for getting me hooked on Smashbox makeup!!
Ha! Nice to meet another Jessica! And YES…I do love Smashbox…and well great beauty products in general…I find I require more and more these days.
- Yes, Motherhood is just plain hard…rewarding sure…but difficult…and I think we all find ourselves trying to have it all, do it all, be it all…and that is just too much pressure. Thank you for being a loyal reader and for your feedback and I really hope you enjoy this new direction!
Jessica
By reading this nice note, you have made me a fan and new reader. I just had you on facebook looking for deals. By this note, I can see you are real, and honest, and that makes me want you to help me on my frugal journey. Thank you so much!
Jenny,
Thank you. I am so glad to have you as a new reader. I appreciate your feedback so much.
Have a wonderful evening!!!
Jessica
Jessica – what an inspiring and brave video. I respect your choice to change and will continue to read and enjoy! Blogging is tough – I struggle with daily recipes, ideas, tips on frugal living too. I’ll be reading though – can’t wait to see the crafts!!!
Jess
http://www.barefootbysea.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Jess. I REALLY appreciate your feedback and support.
Have a wonderful eveining!
Jessica
I LOVE this idea/change. Way to go Jessica!, I can totally relate with the craziness that is being mommy/wifey & in my case attempting the small business from home.. I think you have been doing a fantastic job of it, and i look forward to the new stuff!, with help from you & your site, we have been able to save hundreds (i know my hubs appreciates it too) Hope to see ya & those adorable boys again soon!!
Thanks Shannon! I am so glad you like the idea. It is hard being a “Work-at-home” Mom as you know….I tell my husband…imagine taking them to work with you….it is truly a 3 ring circus around here at times. You are so sweet…sometimes I really don’t feel like I do a “fantastic” job….so it really means a lot to me to “hear” that. I do love my boys- thanks…they are sweeties…and I am so glad I have been able to help your family save a little here and there….I know my husband likes when I save too.
Thanks for reading and I hope you will let me know what you think about the changes.
Have a great night!
Jessica
Jessica,
Thanks for all you do! I understand and appreciate your honesty and your site. First and foremost you must need to do what you have to for you and your family! I have enjoyed your site for most of the year and a half that you have been up and running! I still visit frequently because your posts are so unique and honest…and I feel like I have a lot in common with you;-) Best of luck in the path that Jessicas Coupons will take!
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you so much! It makes me feel good to hear that folks are connecting with and enjoying the site. You must love unique products then..I do…and jewelry, shoes, clothes, make-up…lol. I DO love to shop…good thing I like to save.
I hope you like the changes and thanks for your feedback and for being a loyal reader.
Have a Wonderful Evening!
Jessica
Wow, you have a lot of fellow “Jessica” readers. LOL
I personally think you offer something different that the mega mart bloggers. Your site has always been more personal and you featured niche websites long before others did – One Kings Lane, Bitsy Bug, Smashbox…
Over the past few months, I have stopped reading other thrifty blogs but remained a Jessica’s Coupons reader. I feel you are truly about finding awesome products at a bargain and have maintained your integrity throughout. I am sorry this journey has been challenging, but am looking forward to your positive changes!
Hi Jessica- ha! I think this is the biggest response I have ever received to any post.
Thank you. I really DO love the fun, quirky finds…I am the kind of person that has to go to every little boutique shop when I go on vacation….I just love neat things…I just like to get them on-sale-lol. Thank you for your support…I can not tell you how good it has felt to finally just come out and say how I feel and get so much support- it is just awesome. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great weekend!
Hi Jessica, I Love your site and will definitely keep reading! I know how hard blogging can be and balancing it with your life as a mom. I really admire the choices you are making. Way to go girl!
Thanks Kristin! You are too kind and I really appreciate your feedback and support. It is very hard to balance Motherhood and anything I think…blogging has proven to be no exception. I am excited about the new direction and I hope you enjoy the change as well. Have a great weekend!!!!
Jessica
Great post Jessica.
I receive your emails and I was wondering how the heck you always have so many posts a day. I always try to do one or two quality posts per day. I have joined (unknowingly) some of those giveaways where you have to LIKE billions of people. I hate to even promote them. It’s embarassing to ask my readers to do that. Every time (naively) I thought there would only be a few. I’ve learned my lesson to ask first. I do enjoy having giveaways as a way to thank readers for stopping by and for, I’ll admit, my freebie review! I’m like a child getting a present at Christmas when a review package arrives.
Anyway, I want to let you know that I support you and look forward to your new blogging style.
Have a wonderful weekend!
nancy
Thanks Nancy,
It has been very hard to keep up….and I totally understand why bloggers run those FB promos because they do give you a quick boost and they are very inexpensive to run…but in the end…well…they are just not for me or my site. BUT yes we all live and learn while blogging…I am constantly learning something new. Thanks for your support and feedback and I hope you have a great weekend as well!
Jessica
I watched the video and just wanted to say that I have always enjoyed the fact that your site was different. If I needed help or had a question, you have always been so very helpful. I always enjoyed that you infused your blog with your own individuality and have no qualms with there being a bit less deals for there to be more unique content.
There are many coupon sites that come and go and oodles that you can just check for the ‘daily deals’ but yours continues to be my favorite because it is so unique. Also, because you are so very nice. I started couponing at the age of 19 with help from you and your site and never once did I feel alienated or like I didn’t belong because I was of a younger crowd.
You should do what makes you happiest. Your blog is your personal canvas, paint on it in a way that brings you joy.
Thanks Zanna,
I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a kind comment. Everything I loved about blogs in the beginning- their uniqueness, creativity and authenticity…well….mine started getting away from that…let’s just say when you are trying to keep up with everyone else…you can’t always be the best “you”… I am more than happy to help folks…I think that is another cool things about small sites…they do have the ability to still connect with readers…and I like that.
Thanks so much for your support and I hope you enjoy the new direction.
Jessica
Thanks for sharing!