Welcome to Social Talks, our blog series where we introduce you to members of the Socialix community. Writers, photographers, artists, videographers and social media enthusiasts share their journeys as they transformed from social users to social influencers.
For our next Social Hour installment, we connected with Tracie Fobes, the family finance aficionado behind Penny Pinchin’ Mom. On her blog, Tracie offers lifestyle and budgeting expertise to help her readers balance their budgets — and lives.
Do you remember writing your first blog post?
I actually do! It was a very scary moment because it meant I was actually doing this. I was going to run a blog. And now, when I look back I shake my head — what I’ve learned since I started 7 years ago! With a staff of contract employees and a part-time employee, we have to use a schedule. It helps us know what we need to work on and what we will post at what time. We actually have a social media schedule we use as well (which differs from our posting schedule). We use a few scheduling apps such as Social Networks Auto Poster and also PostPlanner. We use those in conjunction with scheduling onto Facebook. Using all of these together helps us really maximize our exposure.
Do you have a set schedule for managing your blogs and social media feeds? Any social media productivity tips to share?
With a staff of contract employees and a part-time employee, we have to use a schedule. It helps us know what we need to work on and what we will post at what time. We actually have a social media schedule we use as well (which differs from our posting schedule). We use a few scheduling apps such as Social Networks Auto Poster and also PostPlanner. We use those in conjunction with scheduling onto Facebook. Using all of these together helps us really maximize our exposure.
What is the first social media network you check in the morning?
I am on Facebook first thing in the morning! I go to see what my readers had to say on the posts from the night before.
If you could only have one app on your phone, what would it be?
Honestly, I use Facebook the most on my phone, but I don’t really use it much. Funny thing is – I am not dependent upon my phone!
What are your three favorite blogs to read in your spare time?
Believe it or not, I don’t read any other blogs. Not because I don’t want to, but when I am not working, I avoid technology. I just like to do things around the house and only be plugged in for as little time a day as possible. Life is too short for me to get pulled into more technology than I need.
How do you interact with your readers?
First of all, I like or respond to comments they leave. If I get emails or wall posts, I personally respond to them. Every person who reaches out to me will hear from me. I feel that they took the time to contact me, the lease I can do is respond to them. It keeps me real. I’m not just a faceless person on the site.
What is your dream brand collaboration?
One that pays my mortgage! JUST KIDDING! Honestly, I don’t even know if I honestly have one. I think that collaborations can be great, but I really like just being able to do my own thing and not be tied into having to work with only one brand (and then not be able to mention others).
What is your favorite part of running Penny Pinchin’ Mom?
Hands down – helping my readers. I get emails all of the time on how we really helped them with their budget or getting out of debt. Know that you are truly making a difference in someone’s life is very humbling.
What is your least favorite part of running Penny Pinchin’ Mom?
Social media. It is always changing and it seems if you don’t give as much to one platform it can suffer — or you figure something out and they change it!
Is there one area of your blog or social media accounts that you’d really like to focus on this year?
I am really analyzing our income stream and what can be done to allow for more diversification, and options for relying upon myself for income streams.
Be sure to check out Penny Pinchin’ Mom and follow Tracie on Facebook, Twitter , Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube.