Behind The Scenes: Menopause, Google & New Projects
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Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s have a little chat! One thing that hit me square in the face last week after I shared my behind the scenes blog post, you all want more of the day to day stuff going on behind the scenes so I plan to share more of these updates.
One behind-the-scenes challenge of blogging for a living these days is dealing with Google’s evolving algorithms.
Google and Blogging
Recently, Google seems to favor ad content and big sites like Reddit and Quora for its front page (have you noticed that when you google something, you are flooded with forum type sites and a zillion ads? It’s so frustrating!), which makes it tough for smaller players (like me and other niche sites) to get noticed.
In the past 3 years, those of us running smaller sites steered clear of “real life” posts.
Why?
Because veering off-topic could baffle Google about our expertise, making it tough to get our content seen.
Essentially, sticking to your niche was like playing nice with Google’s algorithm!
Honestly, I’m truly fed up with Google. The last six months have been a rollercoaster, with constant changes that have directly impacted many bloggers’ incomes, including mine.
As I mentioned last week, the landscape of blogging has shifted significantly. It’s clear that no matter what you do or where you work, you’re always subject to changes beyond your control.
So, for now, I’m planning to focus more on writing about what interests me and worry less about pleasing Google.
By the way, you might be curious about why Google is such a big deal for me and other website owners.
Well, it’s all about visibility.
The ads on our sites (I know, they can be a bit annoying!) are how we earn our keep.
If Google doesn’t rank our content on the first or second page, practically no one sees it.
That means fewer visitors, fewer ads displayed, and yep, less income for us.
So, getting on Google’s good side has been pretty essential….until now when they can’t seem to make up their mind! Hmmm, maybe Google has menopause too? 🤔
Menopause: You Want More!
Last week, I opened up about starting menopause a few years back, and wow, did your emails flood in!
It seems many of you are in the same boat, looking for camaraderie and information.
Just the other day, my mom, Leah (our new assistant who’s also my cousin’s wife), in discussion about it.
My mom reminisced about her times ‘suffering in silence’ because, back then, you just didn’t talk about these things.
Leah and I agreed it’s high time we changed that!
During a little getaway last week (Jim and I took a quick trip to Nashville for my Christmas present and went to the Tim Mcgraw concert), I was brainstorming with him how I could support women navigating menopause.
Sidenote: We had amazing floor seats at the concert and was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
Ok, back to my own journey through hormone replacement therapy and a hysterectomy, not to mention endless doctor visits, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of insights.
I have something new planned for this lovely topic and I’m curious, would you like a podcast or a website dedicated to this topic?You can email me or leave a comment below….I really would love to hear your thoughts!
New Renovation Projects
Switching gears to something a bit more tangible—our latest renovation project!
Now that the 1950s Cape Cod House has been sold, it’s time for the next fixer upper!
Next up is a charming little bungalow fixer-upper in Wrentham, Massachusetts.
It’s quaint, needing love after a stalled DIY project by the previous owner, and will be perfect for someone’s first home or a cozy downsize.
I am excited to share the current state of the house with you and the new remodeling plans. It’s going to be the cutest little house ever once it’s renovated.
We plan to have this house completed and on the market hopefully by Fall.
The Airbnb Hosting Craze
Speaking of rolling up our sleeves, the Airbnb bookings for May and June are through the roof! 🙏
The hosting craze is kicking off this week, and geared up with our Airbnb Starter Kit. If you have ever thought, “would Airbnb work for me?” Grab our starter kit, it’s got our entire process, tips/tricks and most of all, everything that you need to do in order to be successful.
If anything, you will know one way or another, if it would work for you. For under $100 bucks, it’s worth it!
It’s going to be a busy couple of months managing 10 weeks of back to back bookings but well worth it.
I’ll make sure to share tips and tricks for managing a successful Airbnb, whether you’re sprucing up your basement or managing multiple properties.
More Airbnb Home Posts You May Like
- Airbnb Starter Kit Guide (our step by step guide of everything we do to run a successful Airbnb)
- How to make money with Airbnb (how we make money with Airbnb)
- Best Airbnb checklist for hosting (a quick resource perfect to keep things organized)
- Airbnb smart lock system (the locks we use in our Airbnb)
- Best Airbnb home in New Hampshire (a full tour of our lake house)
Update on Our Personal Home Renovation
And over on Greenwich Bay in Rhode Island, our personal home renovation is finally nearing the finish line.
The view is spectacular!
After a lengthy dance with permits (we had no idea when we bought it last March that the getting permits would be such a PIA!), Jim has made significant progress, and we can almost see the end.
It’s been a journey filled with challenges but believe me, every hurdle has been worth it!
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen several REELS where I share glimpses of what’s happening inside the house.
I have a full blog post coming soon where I will share how we ended up with this house, the construction and design process.
Wrapping Up
There we have it—a little peek into this past week. From menopause chats to new renovations and diving into the busy season of Airbnb hosting, please tell me I’m not the only one with a strange chaotic life? Any new projects, personal journeys, or renovations of your own? Drop a comment below or shoot me a quick email, I love hearing from you!
Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
I can’t wait to see your latest home when ìts done. Such a unique house!