Blogger Behind the Blog {Household Money Saving}

Here’s this week’s instalment of Blogger Behind the Blog where I interview a blogger all about their reasons for blogging and what it means to them. This week I’m joined by Pete from Household Money Saving.

Here’s Pete with more about his blogging life:

Where did your blog name come from?

I wanted something simple and self-explanatory. I did initially want to use family in the title but thought it might exclude people when I wanted to provide tips for anybody.

When did you start your blog and why?

October 2016. I was amazed by how many of my friends paid too much for their utilities and they weren’t always getting the best deals on their shopping. I took all this for granted and thought everybody knew, so decided to try and reach a wider audience.

What did you do before you blogged?

I spent most of my time earning extra money from various survey sites. Although I still spend time doing them, it’s nowhere near as much.

What was your first post?

My first post looked at Virgin Media offering broadband without the need for line rental. I thought it was a great idea because so many people never used their home phone for calls. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the best value.

What inspires you to blog?

The fact that people could save so much money with very little effort. I get a little fed up with companies taking customers for granted. You shouldn’t have to push them for their prices, but that’s what you need to do.

What post has had the best response, which post are you most proud of and which post did you enjoy writing the most?

Saving money on Sky TV has had the best response and the post I’m most proud of. I know people that have followed my advice and cut their bill in half. In some cases that’s over £400 a year from around an hours’ worth of effort. How to have a cheaper Center Parcs holiday was my favourite to write. It brings back memories of a great holiday, and it saved me a lot of money compared to staying in the UK.

Have any of your posts not had the response that you expected?

Not really. That is to say, I’ve not had any negative comments. My post selling your phone, I thought may have got more responses than it did though.

Where do you see your blog in a year’s time?

Just to still be going! As long as the number of readers increases, even only slightly, I’ll be happy.

What is your favourite thing about blogging?

You can write about whatever you like. It’s your blog, so you can take it in any direction you like. I do also enjoy researching some of the topics I write about.

…and your least favourite?

The pressure of posting. If I’ve been busy with work or my family, it can be difficult to find time to publish a new post. I try to write new material once a week – although that’s nothing compared to some other bloggers!

What’s the best blog post you have ever read?

Skint Dad – How To Start A Blog on WordPress with BlueHost. This is the post that finally convinced me to attempt to blog.

What blog do you love to read and why?

This may sound bad, but I don’t regularly read other blogs. This is mainly due to time constraints more than anything else though. In fact, until last year, I didn’t really know what a blog was.

Do you do anything differently now to when you started blogging?

I now focus a lot more on keywords. After talking to more experienced bloggers, I’ve realised that the majority of their visitors come from search engines. Having good keywords gives you a better chance of being found.

Is blogging what you expected it to be?

Pretty much. Sometimes it can be a little harder than I hoped. I am the least creative person you can meet, so I’m constantly messing with the design and layout of my blog with little success.

What’s been your favourite blog collaboration to date?

I haven’t collaborated much yet but enjoy Five Fabulously Frugal Things I’ve Done This Week. It allows you to link to other bloggers and share ideas.

Are there any brands you would love to work with, why?

Nest and Apple. I love technology and how these two particular brands function. I would be more than happy for them to send me some free stuff…

Have you had any blogging fails so far?

I spent months updating tables and comparing broadband prices for the major providers. I gave up in the end because it was receiving many views and it took up far too much of my time.

What is your biggest blogging hope, dream or ambition?

I hope to earn enough extra money each month so I can stop working nights. This is my 16th year of night shifts and I could have another 31 to go. They get harder every year.

What do you do when you’re not blogging?

Working, looking after my children, watching sport, studying for a CeMAP qualification and filling out surveys. And sometimes getting a bit of sleep!

and lastly, tell us all a random fact about yourself

Oh, the toughest question saved till last. Because of the job I do, I get to meet some famous people. I’ve boarded Sir Paul McCartney’s private plane, met System of a Down, Good Charlotte, Barry Manilow, Louis Saha, Jamie Murray and Rick Parfitt, plus I’ve seen many more. And I’m not allowed to ask for their autographs…

Now that you know all about Pete from Household Money Saving, make sure you go and read his blog. Make sure you follow him on Twitter and Facebook too. Thanks so much Pete for being involved!