Podcast

The Blogging Room Podcast

Business, Marketing

Welcome to The Blogging Room Podcast. I'm Anjali Kay, a New Zealand blogger and blog coach, and this is where we talk all things blogging, the fun stuff, the hard stuff, and everything in between. Expect what I've learned from over 16 years of blogging, including blogging tips, honest chats about blogging motivation, and how to write great posts. We'll also dive into SEO, Pinterest, emails, plus how to grow your blogging community along the way ... and so much more! Pour a drink, pull up a chair, get cosy, and let's chat.

Marketing chart
#104
Episodes
15
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
10 min
On air since
2026
Latest episode
1 day ago

Episodes

15 episodes, newest first

  1. 014 | How Much Content Can You Really Make From One Blog Post?

    Show notes

    Repurposing your blog posts is a game-changer - and once you start, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.

    One 1,500-word blog post can become an Instagram carousel, Pinterest Pins, a podcast episode, a YouTube video, an eBook, email content, and more.

    In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to repurpose blog content for social media (and others!), so you're not constantly creating from scratch.

    I share a bunch of different ways you can repurpose to reach different audiences, and why this content repurposing strategy is your biggest time-saver as a blogger.

    Related Blog posts:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/how-to-repurpose-blog-content/

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    9 min
  2. 013 | How to Stay Motivated as a Blogger

    Show notes

    Staying motivated as a blogger is one of the biggest challenges you'll face – and if you're struggling, you're not alone.

    In this episode, we're tackling why blogging motivation stalls and how to bring it back. You'll get concrete tactics to help your momentum, from rediscovering your 'why' to building genuine blogging community around your work.

    Whether you're just starting or hitting a wall after months of showing up, these things that have helped me over the years … will hopefully also help you stay motivated as a blogger.

    Related Blog posts:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-how-to-stay-motivated-as-a-blogger/

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    7 min
  3. 012 | Build Blog Topical Authority With Content Clusters

    Show notes

    Is SEO dead now that everyone's talking about content clusters?

    Short answer: no, and keywords aren't dead either.

    If you keep hearing about content clusters and aren't sure what the deal is, this episode clears it up.

    I walk through a solo travel example with Jane and her London posts, plus six reasons content clusters are worth your time, from building topical authority to making it easier for you to create blog content going forward.

    I also share some quick blogging SEO tips on how people search these days too, so it's useful for blogging for beginners and established bloggers alike.

    Related Blog post:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/the-importance-of-content-clusters-for-your-blog/

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership: http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching: http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips: https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website: http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles & http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    10 min
  4. 011 | Should You Start a Substack or a Blog?

    Show notes

    Is Substack about to replace blogging, or is that just the loudest voice online at the moment?

    Substack vs blogging is the debate everyone's having at the moment, and it's easy to see why it's confusing when a Substack post is part newsletter and part blog post.

    In this episode, I run through where your content lives, how readers find you, who owns what, and how each one handles blog monetisation.

    I also share the questions I'd ask myself before deciding whether to start a Substack or a blog (or both), plus why I still think blogging in 2026 is one of the best long-term tools a writer can have.

    Spoiler: my short answer to the question ‘should I start a blog or a Substack’ is a bit annoying 🙈 But hopefully it gets you thinking!

    Related Blog posts:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/substack-vs-blogging/

    Links I mentioned:

    https://hub.lyricalhost.com/aff.php?id=1560&home=1 (aff)

    (Lyrical Host discount code 10%: SPLENDIDSHAMBLES)

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    14 min
  5. 010 | How to Choose the Best Blogging Platform for You

    Show notes

    Choosing a blogging platform feels like it should be simple, but with self-hosted vs hosted blog options everywhere, it's easy to get stuck before you've even written a word.

    This week I'm walking through the questions you need to ask yourself before picking one, plus a rundown of seven platforms so you can figure out what actually fits your goals, budget and technical comfort.

    I'm covering everything from starting a blog on something beginner-friendly right through to going self-hosted for serious blog monetisation, including my honest takes on WordPress, Wix, Squarespace and more.

    Whichever best blogging platform you land on, remember you can always change your mind later. It's your content, and you can take it with you.

    Related Blog posts:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/what-blogging-platform-should-i-use/

    Links I mentioned:

    Lyrical Host (aff - use TBRPOD for 10% off your first month): https://hub.lyricalhost.com/aff.php?id=1560&home=1

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambleshttp://threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    10 min
  6. 009 | Is Blogging Worth It If You Never Go Viral?

    Show notes

    Ever watched a reel hit half a million likes while your blog post sat at 47 views and wondered what the point even was?

    This week I'm digging into is blogging still worth it when virality was never built for bloggers in the first place, and why comparing your blog to social media is like measuring how fast you can walk against how fast a car can drive.

    I get into why social media metrics and blogging metrics differ, why a blog post you wrote in 2015 can still be driving traffic today while a viral TikTok dies in 72 hours, and what "worth it" actually looks like when you're playing a blogging long game instead of chasing a scroll-stopping moment. If you've ever felt like your blog was losing to social media, this one's for you.

    Related Blog posts:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/is-blogging-worth-it-if-you-never-go-viral/

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambleshttp://threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    7 min
  7. 008 | Blogging Tips You Actually Need Before You Start a Blog

    Show notes

    In this episode on The Blogging Room Podcast, I'm breaking down 31 of my best blogging tips, everything I've learned from starting a blog in 2009 through to running it today.

    Whether you're on the edge of launching your first post or you're six months in and wondering if you're doing this right, you'll find exactly what you need to build a blog that sticks.

    These blog tips for beginners cover the foundations, but also tips for when you’re ready to go all-in on your blog, when you’re thinking about marketing and promotion.

    And as always, you can find a full breakdown of these tips on my blog.

    Related Blog posts:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/best-tips-for-starting-a-blog/

    Links I mentioned:

    Blog Post Idea Vault: https://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/blog-post-idea-vault/

    Lyrical Host (aff - use TBRPOD for 10% off your first month): https://hub.lyricalhost.com/aff.php?id=1560&home=1

    The content planner I use every single day: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1035223118/2026-digital-blog-planner-blogging

    Beautiful stock images (aff): https://styledstocksociety.com/?aff=anjalikay

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    19 min
  8. 007 | How to Find Your Blog Niche (Without Overthinking It)

    Show notes

    Pick a niche. It's the most repeated piece of blogging advice out there, and if you're sick of hearing it, I get it.

    In this episode, I'm breaking down what a niche actually is, why it genuinely helps your blog grow, and what to do if you're multi-passionate and can't imagine narrowing down to just one thing.

    I'll walk you through the umbrella niche trick, what to do if your topics genuinely don't connect, and a few honest signs your current niche might need a rethink.

    Whether you're starting a blog from scratch or you've been at it for years and something feels a bit scattered, this one's for you.

    Related Blog posts:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/what-is-a-blog-niche/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/how-to-use-the-japanese-concept-of-ikigai-to-find-your-blog-niche/

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    13 min
  9. 006 | 6 Questions to Ask Before You Start a Blog

    Show notes

    So you're thinking about starting a blog? You’re in the right place!

    In this episode, I'm walking you through six honest questions to ask yourself before you dive in, from your why, to your audience, to whether you've actually got the patience for the long game.

    I'm also sharing my real pros and cons of blogging, the ones I still think about today, even after doing this since 2009.

    This isn't about talking you into or out of it. It's about helping you get clear on your own answer, so by the end, you'll know exactly where you stand. Grab a notebook, because you'll want to write these down.

    Related Blog post:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    9 min
  10. 005 | Cons of Blogging Nobody Warns You About (and why I think it’s still worth it)

    Show notes

    Blogging isn't all cute cafes and perfectly organised planners, and pretending otherwise does you no favours.

    This week, I'm walking through nine real cons of blogging, from content burnout to comparison to that gut-punch feeling when you hit publish and hear crickets.

    I've been doing this since 2009, so these aren't theoretical; they're lived experience. If blogging burnout or isolation has been creeping in for you lately, you're not doing it wrong; this is just what blogging actually looks like sometimes.

    I'll also share why finding your people (through a blogging community, a Facebook group, or wherever works for you) genuinely changes the game, and why none of these cons needs to be a dealbreaker.

    Related Blog post:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/cons-of-blogging/

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    7 min
  11. 004 | Is Blogging Dead? A Look at Why People Think it’s no Longer a Thing and I Think it is

    Show notes

    Is blogging dead? Short answer: absolutely not.

    In this episode, I'm sorting through the noise and explaining why blogging has never actually left - it's just changed, and more people are finally remembering why it matters.

    I walk through the real reasons people think blogging is dead, from social media's explosion to the rise of short-form content, and then I tell you why they're missing the whole picture; because every time you search for something online (and you do this multiple times a day), you're probably landing on a blog post.

    A long-form blog post that's been working for its author for years.

    Plus, I'm sharing why owning your blog and email list is the competitive advantage you need in 2026, and why the blogging community is so much more than nostalgia - it's the future.

    If you've been wondering whether you should start a blog or whether yours is worth keeping, this episode is for you.

    Related Blog posts:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/https://thissplendidshambles.com/is-blogging-still-a-thing/

    https://thissplendidshambles.com/long-form-content-is-making-a-comeback/

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    12 min
  12. 003 | 5 Blogging Tips That Actually Move the Needle

    Show notes

    Feeling like you're doing everything right, but your blog still isn't moving the needle?

    In this episode, I'm sharing 5 blogging tips that actually work in 2026 - from the consistency most bloggers miss, to why blogging SEO tips still matter even with AI in the mix.

    I'll walk you through a real story from my coaching group: a member who went from struggling for readers to 36,000% traffic growth by nailing three specific things.

    Whether you're stuck in the noise or ready to refocus, you'll walk away knowing exactly where to direct your energy. And spoiler: it's not about doing more; it's about doing the right things.

    Plus, why building a blogging community around your work might be the secret weapon you're missing. This is how to grow blog traffic without sacrificing your sanity.

    Related Blog post:https://thissplendidshambles.com/blogging-tips-should-you-start-a-blog/https://thissplendidshambles.com/things-every-blogger-should-focus-on/

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    9 min
  13. 002 | Why Long-Form Content Like Blogging is Making a Comeback

    Show notes

    Is long-form content really making a comeback - or did it never actually leave?

    In this episode of The Blogging Room Podcast, we're getting into exactly why long-form content is having a moment right now, and why bloggers, writers, and content creators who stuck with it were right all along.

    We're talking about why search engines are rewarding depth and personal experience over quick, generic content, how AI summaries are actually creating more opportunity for long-form writers, and why people are genuinely craving slower, more meaningful content in a world full of 7-second videos.

    Whether you're wondering if blogging is still worth it in 2026, trying to understand the long-form content vs short-form content debate, or just looking for a reason to keep writing those longer posts, this episode is for you.

    Related blog post: https://thissplendidshambles.com/long-form-content-is-making-a-comeback/

    I mentioned:

    Brick (affiliate): https://www.getbrick.app/ANJALI46601

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching:http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips:https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website:http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram:https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles &http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads:https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    9 min
  14. 001 | My Blogging Journey from Newbie Blogger to Blog Coach

    Show notes

    This is my blogging journey, warts and all, from a doomed cupcake blog in 2009 to coaching hundreds of bloggers today.

    I'm pulling back the curtain on how I actually got here, because I think you deserve to know who's giving you blogging advice and why.

    I'll take you through ARC deals with HarperCollins, riding camels in Mongolia while my blog ticked along in the background, and the very real "should I quit blogging" spiral I hit more than once.

    I also get honest about blogging burnout, the quiet middle years where nothing seemed to be working, and what actually pulled me through it. By the end, you'll know exactly how a Philosophy graduate with no plan became a blog coach running The Blogging Room.

    More resources for you:

    The Blogging Room Membership: http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership

    1:1 Blog Coaching: http://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/services

    More blogging tips: https://thissplendidshambles.com/category/blogging/blogging-tips

    Come hang out:

    Website: http://thissplendidshambles.com

    Instagram: https://instagram.com/thissplendidshambles & http://instagram.com/thebloggingroom

    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@thissplendidshambles

    10 min
  15. Welcome to The Blogging Room Podcast Trailer

    Show notes

    Welcome to The Blogging Room, a Blogging Podcast for women.

    Hi! I'm Anjali, a blog coach from New Zealand, and I've been blogging since 2009, so whether your blog isn't getting traffic, you've lost your writing mojo, or you're just starting out, I've been exactly where you are.

    Pour a drink, pull up a chair, get cosy, and let's talk blogging.

    More from Anjali:

    🛋️ The Blogging Room Membership: https://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-blogging-room-membership/

    🎉 Blog Coaching: https://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/blog-coaching-service/

    💻 This Splendid Shambles blog: http://thissplendidshambles.com/

    📧 The Blogger's Dispatch Newsletter: https://learn.thissplendidshambles.com/the-bloggers-dispatch-newsletter/

    🤳🏻Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thissplendidshambles

    3 min