When I started Dad Logic, I had no idea it would become something bigger than an outlet for my dad jokes and stories about our family adventures. I didn’t anticipate that one day it would involve late-night writing sessions, content calendars, or the dance between creativity and monetization that often comes when a site grows. What began 16 years ago as a creative writing outlet to document the joys, frustrations, and absurdities of parenthood has evolved into a small business of sorts.
There is, of course, an element of personal satisfaction when you create something out of nothing. But here’s the thing: writing is work. It’s about juggling content creation, SEO (yes, the unglamorous reality of growing an audience), balancing family life, and staying true to yourself in the process. So let’s take a peek behind the curtain and talk about what it really means to run a family blog like a small business.
Why I Started a Family Blog (and Why You Might Start Your Own)
Let’s start at the beginning. Dad Logic didn’t start as a grand plan to become an influencer or make a living through writing. In fact, it began for a far simpler reason: I wanted to document my life as a dad. There was something appealing about capturing the little moments—my son’s first steps, family trips, and the general day-to-day chaos that defines parenthood.
And in a world where being a dad sometimes feels like you’re an afterthought in the parenting discussion, I wanted to create a space that gave a voice to the dad experience. My voice. I also hoped to connect with other parents, especially dads, who were going through the same things I was. Sleepless nights? Check. Toddler tantrums? Absolutely. The triumph of finally getting a moment to yourself? You know it.
But here’s the thing: as the blog grew, so did my realization that this could be more than just a hobby. I wasn’t just sharing my life; I was building something. The shift from personal project to small business didn’t happen overnight, but it came when I realized that the content I was creating—my voice, my stories—could resonate with others on a larger scale. And if we’re being honest, blogging can be one of the best lead generation tools out there—though instead of generating sales leads, it generates connection, community, and loyal followers who value your perspective.
Balancing Content Creation with Real Life (Spoiler: It’s Hard)
I’m going to be honest: balancing the demands of a family blog with, you know, actually living your life, is not a walk in the park. You don’t always have the luxury of a quiet moment to sit down and write—or take photos, or edit videos, or schedule social media posts. Parenting is relentless, and anyone who tells you otherwise is either lying or somehow has 30 hours in their day.
In the early days of Dad Logic, I used to sit down and write whatever came to mind, whenever inspiration struck. Maybe it was about the joy of discovering a new family hiking trail, or the very specific frustration of stepping on LEGO pieces (if you know, you know). But as the blog grew, I quickly realized that if I wanted to keep up, I needed a plan.
Enter the content calendar. This little tool saved me. Now, I plan posts weeks in advance, balancing lighter, quick-read posts with more thoughtful, in-depth pieces. Some weeks, it’s about getting a simple photo essay up—showing off a weekend trip or a family moment that feels worth sharing. Other weeks, I dedicate time to writing more detailed guides, like “How to Survive a Road Trip with a Toddler (Without Losing Your Mind).”
Of course, balance is key. I’ve learned to cut myself some slack when life gets hectic, and I miss a post or two. Because, let’s be real, sometimes parenting (and life) wins out over the blog. And that’s okay.
Developing a Content Strategy That Works for You
Here’s where the “business” part of blogging really kicks in: the content strategy. I didn’t realize this at first, but if you want your blog to grow, you can’t just write whatever strikes your fancy (as fun as that might be). There’s a reason why professional writers talk about “content pillars”—those core themes or topics that define your blog’s identity.
For me, the pillars of Dad Logic are pretty clear: parenting, family adventures, and the everyday experience of being a dad. I try to make sure that every post fits into one of these categories, and I’m always thinking about the audience—what do they want to read about? What are their struggles, joys, and questions? At the same time, I balance that with staying true to my own voice. After all, the readers who come to Dad Logic are here for my take on things, not just generic parenting advice.
This is where providing valuable content comes in. Sure, I could churn out posts made from ChatGPT in minutes (and to be fair, some AI-generated content can be shockingly good), but I know that what really resonates is when I write from my personal experience. You can build trust with your audience when you share the real highs and lows of parenthood—things that an algorithm can’t quite capture.
Planning content isn’t just about brainstorming ideas and hoping for the best. It’s about understanding what your readers connect with and consistently delivering that. Sometimes that means diving into the nitty-gritty of fatherhood. Other times, it’s writing about family travel tips or sharing a funny anecdote from the weekend. The trick is to mix it up while staying within your core themes. That way, you keep readers coming back, but you also keep things fresh for yourself.
The Necessary Evil: SEO and Growth
Now, let’s talk about something less glamorous: SEO. I know, I know. Search engine optimization sounds like the most boring thing in the world. But trust me, if you want people to find your blog, it’s important. It’s the unsung hero of blogging—what helps people stumble upon your posts when they Google “best family hiking trails” or “how to entertain a child on a rainy day.”
I won’t bore you with the technicalities, but here’s the gist: SEO is about making sure your content is searchable. That means using keywords that people are likely to type into search engines. It means writing posts that solve problems or answer questions. It’s not about cramming your writing with clunky phrases—it’s about naturally incorporating terms that help Google understand what your post is about.
It took me a while to get the hang of it, but now SEO is part of my process. I don’t obsess over it, but I make sure every post is structured in a way that will make it discoverable. And guess what? It works. My blog traffic grew significantly when I started paying attention to the keywords my readers were searching for. More readers meant more engagement, which meant more opportunities to turn Dad Logic into a viable business.
Turning Your Passion into a Business (Without Losing Your Soul)
Let’s get to the question I get asked a lot: “How do you make money from blogging?” The short answer? It’s a combination of things, none of which happened overnight.
First, there’s affiliate marketing—where I link to products we actually use as a family, and if readers buy through those links, I earn a small commission. I also work with brands through sponsored posts. But here’s the thing: I’m picky. I only partner with brands I genuinely believe in. There’s nothing worse than seeing a blogger shill for products that feel totally off-brand. So if I’m talking about a product, it’s because I actually use it with my family.
But beyond the technicalities of monetization, here’s the real deal: blogging as a business is about staying true to your voice while finding ways to make it sustainable. If you start chasing dollars and page views without staying grounded in your original mission, it’s easy to lose the joy that made you start in the first place.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
Blogging is hard work. But more than that, it’s a labor of love. I’ve learned to embrace the ups and downs, the ebbs and flows of creativity, and the challenges of turning a hobby into a small business. I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight, and that it’s okay to take a break when life gets in the way.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that blogging is about connection. It’s about sharing your voice with the world and building relationships with the readers who resonate with your story. Whether Dad Logic grows into something even bigger, or whether it stays the size it is, I’m grateful for the journey—and for the opportunity to share my stories.
If you’ve ever thought about starting a blog, my advice is simple: do it. Find your voice, carve out your space, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Yes, it’s hard work. But it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Whether you’re documenting family life, sharing parenting tips, or just trying to figure it all out—there’s room for your voice. The world needs more stories, more perspectives, and more honesty. So go ahead, start that blog. You never know where it might lead.
