This post is sponsored by Squarespace
It’s hard for me to believe I’ve been blogging for nearly a decade. That’s 10 years of my life devoted to this space and sharing my life with you guys. So much has changed since my first few posts! I was one of the pioneer healthy living bloggers, and when I started blogging I had no idea what it would become. I’ve been wanting to write down a bit of my history, as so many of you are new and probably didn’t know Kath Eats when I had a blurry photo of raspberries as my header : )
(KERF Version 1.0)
I started my blog as a free site on Blogger, then moved to a free site at WordPress.com, and now I am self hosted on server #5 (I think?). KERF’s database is huge because in the early days I didn’t know how to resize my photos, so each move takes for.ev.er. I hope to never move again, but I am sure I will! Squarespace is now on my radar for possible moves in the future.
(KERF 2.0. – I guess I really liked close up photos of fruit in the early days!)
I’ve gone through four cameras (many more if you count all my cell phones throughout the years), and I am still tweaking my workflow to get from camera to internet. Originally, I didn’t edit my photos one bit, and then used Picasa, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and then Lightroom throughout the years. Each one has been better than the last! I used to spend hours trying to make a logo or icon in Photoshop, but these days sites like Picmonkey and Canva make basic graphic design so simple. Similarly, marketplaces like Etsy and Fiverr make getting a set of graphics, social media icons, or even a jingle for a podcast or video so much easier. If I could bottle all of the hours I’ve spent Googling things like “how to make a favicon” and fiddling with programs I didn’t fully understand, I would be rich with time. And I used to spend days troubleshooting Windows Live Writer….ack!
(Old headers!)
Not only have the technology and tools for blogging changed so much, but the entire internet has changed. In 2007, Twitter was still a baby bird, Pinterest had yet to be imagined, and Facebook was still a place for college kids to post photos of parties. I taught myself how to do things step by step, from learning to use a DSLR (still working on that one!) to figuring out how to put social media icons on my sidebar using HTML code to asking friends to help me move from one host to another when my site had outgrown its servers.
Squarespace makes it easy for anyone to build a beautiful home online without touching a line of code. As an all-in-one platform, you can choose from any one of their 45+ fresh and modern design templates. Each template has elements like social media icons built in, so there’s no need to try to create your own. As the internet changes and new social platforms come out, Squarespace continuously updates its themes to reflect those changes for you. Even if you pay a team to design a template theme for you, it will eventually become out of date. Things like security patches need updating over time, so it’s smart to use either a theme that keeps up with these with updates (which you still need to figure out how to install on your own once a year or so…) or a site like Squarespace that does this behind the scenes for you.
Advertising has changed a lot too. When I first put ads on KERF (about six months after I began blogging) that was the only stream of income I had. For a long time, CPM rates were high and sidebar ads were king. During 2012, CPM rates began to drop as companies realized the creative potential that sponsored posts unlocked. These days advertising rates are back up (thank you AdThrive!) and sponsored posts are a great way for bloggers to create content and introduce interesting brands (like Squarespace! Ba-da-boom.) We’ve settled into the best of both worlds.
(Speaking of worlds…remember that time I was on the cover of Woman’s World – eekk!)
Those of you who start blogs and websites today are lucky. The tools available are lightyears better than they were when I started, and therefore you are able to hit the ground running. Take Squarespace, for example, which is this post’s sponsor. Squarespace is an all-in-one service for bloggers where you can build a beautiful blog or website without spending a fortune hiring a team to design the site for you. You can buy a domain, host your content, design your site, and create posts all in one spot. If I were starting a blog from scratch today, I would head straight to Squarespace.
Squarespace gave me access to the design tools behind the scenes, and the theme choices are beautiful. There are tons of options that you can tweak to your liking. Folks from artists to bloggers to entrepreneurs use the platform to share their stories.
You can learn all about blogging with Squarespace on their extensive tutorial page. I love how simple everything is. They took something as complicated as internet coding and made it as beautiful behind the curtain as it is out front.
Other perks of Squarespace include:
- 24/7 customer care via email and chat (a huge plus!)
- Domain purchasing in house (I have to maintain mine through a separate site, which is a pain)
- The ability to create an online store (so key in today’s online marketplace!)
- Clear and honest pricing
- None of the headaches of installing software or applying security patches (this is where I get lost..)
If you’ve been wanting to start your own blog or online business, the first 50 readers who use offer code “KATHEATS” will receive 10% off their first website or domain purchase. Sign up here.
(KERF x.0?)
But I am glad I started my blog exactly when I did, because I was in the right place at the right time. KERF is what it is today because so many of you followed along when blogs were just emerging as the next big thing. All the learning curves and frustrations along the way made me a more resilient person and a good problem solver. And it’s cool to have so many years of my life digitally archived, even if all the photos were tiny and blurry : )
As bloggers and blog readers, I’m curious to know your thoughts on how blogging has changed over the past 10 years. What do you love? What do you miss? What do you hope will last forever?
Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring this post and teaching me that website design and creation doesn’t have to be stressful or DIY 🙂
Annie says
I have read your blog since you started and love what it’s become! I still enjoy reading daily. I just started my own blog a few months ago and wish I’d gone with Squarespace! It seems so user friendly!.
KathEats says
Thank you! And congrats on starting your own : )
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I’m a relatively new follower so I haven’t seen your blog’s beginning days. I remember when the majority of the websites on the internet looked like your first layout!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Jessica says
I have to admit the huge rise in sponsored content turns me off completely. I have stopped reading lots of blogs because of it and whilst I understand that they represent an important income-source for jobbing bloggers, it’s often painful content as a reader. Most of the time, I just visit blogs much less regularly and skip most ad-content when I do stop by, focusing on the normal posts. The ultimate turn-off is when blogs have the SAME sponsored product within a few days of each other. *eye roll* it’s one way to make you NOT buy the product – this is particularly prevalent in the beauty/life-style world.
I have read various types (healthy living, beauty) for YEARS – from 2008-09. I sort of nostalgically miss the rawer, less professional side blogging had then, you know back when people had main jobs and the blogging was a hobby. I think the professionalism of blogging now has made it feel less ‘real’.
KathEats says
Your comment about the professionalism v. a hobby makes a lot of sense. Something for us to strive for.
Veronica says
Well I think that’s kind of what Jessica is saying. It’s sort of a turn off to think of healthy lifestyle bloggers “striving” to seem more natural. When bloggers try too hard to seem like they’re hobbyists, when clearly they are in it for monetary gain, it strikes me as “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!”. I know it sounds critical, but I’ve always found it strange when you give us these detailed views behind the curtain. Either stop taking sponsored posts or stop telling us the complete details of how you get them. I mean no disrespect, as I’ve been reading since the beginning so clearly I keep coming back!
Sara says
Didn’t realize until now how long I’ve been reading your blog, and to be honest yours is the only blog I still read because you’ve always successfully balanced good content, mindful eating, exercise, and other real life stories alongside sponsored posts and ad content. I also know that because of how well-known your blog is that you’ve taken a lot of unfair crap and constant scrutiny over the years so I admire you for pushing past that.
HLBs mostly became painful to read, which is kind of fascinating to me considering how popular they once were. In my early days of blogging/reading blogs I was SO EXCITED to connect with so many women who had the same interests! But it became clear to me that 90% of them had serious food and body image issues, and the blogs mostly read like a really sad diary. Over exercising, under eating, extreme emphasis on “healthy” food. Some of the “big” bloggers I used to love I’ve had to stop reading because they’re clearly only in it for the money of sponsored posts now – how many posts can a food blogger have that’s constantly sponsored by Blue Apron or the other handful of common sponsors?? I don’t think people expect more in content than they used to because everyone has a tolerance of a certain level of advertising – I respect that bloggers need to make money. But no one likes to feel as if they’re only there to make someone else money, and I think it’s human nature to appreciate when someone is being genuine.
One major thing that’s changed is quality of the blog design & photos. Ten years ago it was simply cool to just read and look at dark blurry pictures because there were NO picture before. But now, if I see that the blogger has taken zero time to learn how to take an acceptable photo or pick out a decent design (like Squarespace templates), I X out of the browser immediately. There are too many other wonderful bloggers on the internet! Of course I’m biased because I’m a web designer … but still! It’s so easy if you can just be bothered to try.
One thing I thought would take off more quickly than it has is video in blogs (but I realize that’s a lot more work). I love seeing my favorite bloggers’ personalities come to life! I’ve actually met many in person, and it’s always a really fun experience.
Anyway, long response, but thank you for continuing to be a great blog to read!!
KathEats says
Thank you! And all good points. I have dabbled in video, but you’re right that it takes soooooo long to produce and edit unless you’re just going to sit in front of the camera and talk and then upload. I am not that eloquent in front of a camera (or in general really, haha) but I do like it when I get to “meet” other bloggers this way too. Another downside with video though is that you can’t skim it, so it is pretty time consuming to watch as a reader and I feel like a lot of people skip them for that reason. I think that might be why they haven’t taken off more.
Christina @ montessoriishmom.com says
I’ve been reading KERF almost since the beginning! I think it was the first blog I started reading :). It was fun to see your old headers. Square space looks great, I wish I had known about it a few months ago!
Alana says
I was blog reader for many years (yours and others). I started a travel blog in 2013 and then a niche food blog last year. The learning curve is huge (even for someone with an ecommerce background). You really can’t appreciate the time and effort a blogger puts in to their site until you try doing it yourself. So thanks for sharing almost a decade of your life with us and introducing me to things they make my life easier and healthier (*like kale chips and overnight oats*)!
KathEats says
Thanks for saying that!
Claire says
I started a blog a little while ago on Wix and its just terrible. They even want you to pay for a search box to work properly. I am currently looking at moving it to WordPress, but will definitely check out Squarespace. I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now and I only wish I’d discovered it sooner. My favourite posts are the adventures you get up to over the weekend!
KathEats says
Def check it out! And thanks! Those are my favorites to write : )
Jenny says
Hi Kath. I’ve been reading on and off for years and I’ve noticed that in the last few years (maybe since you’ve become a mom) you’ve sort of been less of an open book (I don’t mean that in any negative way). Do you find that as your blog has grown and your readership has grown along with it you’ve found yourself less inclined to share?
Congratulations on nearly 10 years of blogging!
KathEats says
I think that’s a combo of being harassed for a few years and the changes that were going on at home. Hopefully the clouds have parted 🙂
Jenny says
Fair enough! Thanks for replying.
Kate says
I literally just started a blog yesterday with Squarespace. It’s been 10 years in the making, but I just decided to take the jump and go for it. I won’t be ‘live’ for a couple of weeks. I can see how much work goes into blogging already, but what a great and creative way to archive our lives. I’ve been a blog reader for many years, so I’ve seen the evolution in sponsored posts(which don’t bother me at all as long as they are written honestly). You asked what do we hope will last forever in blogging? …KERF! 🙂
KathEats says
Awww thanks : ) And best of luck with your new Squarespace site!!
Kate says
thanks! just out of curiosity…what do you typically resize your images to? I’m a little stumped! 🙂
KathEats says
I shoot them either on my iPhone or DSLR at a high res – like 3000 x 4000 pixels and resize them to 500 x 800 (I think)
Amanda says
I’m another longtime KERF reader! I was “introduced” to you by Leslie Goldman, who met you at a Quaker Oats tour/event in 2008ish. I agree with the other loyal readers who express frustration about the increase in ads, as well as the type of ads. The pop-up ads at the bottom of the screen and the sidebar of revolving ads are really distracting to me. I understand and respect this is income for you, but it can be a deterrent as a reader who wants to know what’s going on with you — not an ad company. I recognize it’s a delicate balance.
Unrelated to the ads, I’m glad the ugly Internet trolls have moved onto other bloggers so that your beautiful, authentic, energetic voice can continue to shine. 🙂 Among many things I’ve learned or tried because of you, your banana bread has become my staple recipe; I bake it for myself so often that I have the ingredient list memorized.
Thanks for continuing to share snippets of your life with us!
KathEats says
Thank you 🙂 And gosh I don’t even remember that recipe! I will have to go find it : )
Stacy B. says
Do you listen to the Young House Love podcast? Their newest episode is also a look back at their 10 year history of blogging and the way both blogs and the internet have evolved over the last decade. It was interesting to hear how the evolution of Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, etc has changed the nature of blogging and the relationships many have with blogs.
I’ve been a reader since the KERF 2.0 days and I loved the look back at the history of the blog and a bit of a peek at the behind-the-scenes of how the blog stays up and running! Thanks!
KathEats says
Oh I had no idea they did that! I will listen for sure. LOVE them!
Ryane says
Whoa, what a blast from the past! It’s crazy to think that I’ve been following along since the early days… and seeing the blogging world evolve.
At times, it just seems routine to open up Feedly on my phone and catch up on a couple blog posts of yours (and a small handful of others – back when there was google reader, I think I subscribed to 30+) to see what’s shakin’. Admittedly, learning about your LIFE and how you’re adapting (and finding happiness!) has been the biggest draw lately. But something about your clean photos/aesthetic, straight-forward (and with the right amount of puns or whimsy) writing style and location (so fascinating learning about VA and seeing trips to the shore!!) – keeps me engaged and I thank you for sharing your life with the public STILL.
Really happy to see all that drama from a couple years ago has died down!! You did not deserve that.
Oh! and lately, I think what’s been one of the most helpful pieces is how much I learn from you regarding new apps, programs and other technical advice – because it’s coming from a more relatable place maybe? So thank you for that too!
KathEats says
Thank you for reading all of these years! And on the feedback of what you like most 🙂
Robin says
I, too, have followed along since the early days. I have to agree that ads drive me absolutely bonkers. I understand they’re a necessary source of income, but in general, the more ads a site has, the faster I close the page. Sometimes they’re just too frustrating to deal with. (I’m the same way with TV commercials, so I guess it’s not a blog-specific issue for me 🙂
Anne @ fANNEtasticfood says
Such a fun trip down memory lane, especially since I’ve been reading since way back in the 1.0 days! Thank you for being part of my inspiration to start my own blog – and to go back to school to become an RD! – so many years ago. Both things have certainly changed my life for the better! xo
KathEats says
Awww and you inspire me as well!
Anne says
I’ve been reading for 10 years now. Though I rarely comment, I feel like we’re friends. 🙂
KathEats says
We are! Because we’d have a million things to talk about in real life 🙂
Anne says
Yes, exactly! Maybe one day.
Amy says
I have been reading your blog for a long time (hanks to your cousin who told me about it). I am not a blogger but I am in nutrition so I enjoy seeing what others in the field are up to!
Jess says
This was fun to look back to the old”looks” of KERR. I remember when I atrted reading in 2008! I remember trying nut butter on my oatmeal a bunch of times but never liked it! Haha I’m still more of a milk and berries type of person, or eggs eggs eggs! But I loved those pretty ceramic condiment spoons from Crate and Barrel and I bought a set of yellow ones after seeing a yours. The green one is on one of the old headers. I still have one left, but the rest chipped. 🙂 here’s to 10 more years! I’d love to see more Home Neat Home and more recipe videos!
KathEats says
My green one shattered!! But I still have the orange one : )
Izzy | pinch of delight says
Love reading your blog – you inspired me to recently start my own blog! x
Izzy |https://pinchofdelight.com
KathEats says
Congrats and good luck!
Andrea on Vacation says
I have been reading since 2.0 and love how blogs can evolve as the blogger does. I’m thinking about switching up my own travel blog into something new and improved so I’ll check out Squarespace and see what it is all about. Learning new apps, plugins, SEO, coding (!) is so daunting- it is hard to keep up! Your pictures have always been some of my favorites in the blog world- keep it up! 🙂
Susan says
Kath, I have really enjoyed reading your blog for about the last four years. Thanks for sharing your life with your readers! That said, I am really having trouble reading between the ads that interrupt the flow of your blog and pop-ups that get in the way. I know you depend on ads to make your living, but is there any way to make this not so annoying?
Marianne says
I am probably one of your oldest readers in age and very rarely comment. I have been reading your blog off and on from the beginning. I must say all the sponsored posts get very tiresome and the ADS can be somewhat annoying. I really miss the old school type of blogging. On a positive note though I do like your photography.
Chelsea says
I’ve been reading since pre 1.0 ?. I remember when you told me to start one too. I’m awful at promoting myself so it’s probably better that I stayed in my career.
It’s been fun to watch you grow and to become friends IRL.
KathEats says
You’ve been reading since the -1.0 days!
Linda @ The Fitty says
WOW, what a HUGE improvement from version 1 to 2 to 3. I love 3!
I hope to become as successful of a blogger as you one day. How many hours a week do you dedicate to snapping photos and then uploading and posting a week?
KathEats says
I couldn’t even tell ya because it varies so much! Somewhere between part time and full time job hours : )
Abby says
I commented a bit ago that I missed the old KERF so it was fun to see the headers from the past. Have you considered a regular “what I ate Wednesday”? I’m here for the food, to see how an RD eats, so the personal life and sponsored stuff has had me checking back less and less. Still, I know a lot of people love that stuff so maybe this is a compromise? A once a week throwback to posting all your meals?
KathEats says
I do do that about once a week, but it doesn’t include EVerything. I could definitely start to work on that more
Melanie_F says
I’ve been reading since 2008 and you inspired me in many ways! Oh and I wasn’t eating Oatmeal before your blog and that inspired me to try different recipes! ? It’s now part of my breakfast routine. Congrats on 10 years.
KathEats says
Thank you! Yay for oatmeal!
Carrie says
Hi Kath, Long time reader. I can’t remember when I started but it was before you were pregnant with Mazen. I love how your blog has evolved. I really appreciate the gorgeous photos. I find that I won’t even read a blog if the photos are lacking. Thank you for doing what you do. By the way, I purchased one of your subscription boxes back when you did that through Quarterly. That was so fun. Ever consider doing that again?
KathEats says
Thank you Carrie! I loved doing that box, but I guess that was a one-time project, unfortunately
Diana says
Kath, you always have the best header graphics! I remember when you shot the one with the cutting board, oatmeal, and flowers. Still one of my faves! 🙂 Congrats on 10 years!
KathEats says
Awww thanks!!
Ann says
I’ve been reading ( more or less) since 2007, shortly after you began I believe! I remember I didn’t have to go back far to your first post! I very rarely ever comment but I pop in and binge read every other week or so.
Over time, I’ve stopped reading most of the blogs I once did since I no longer had much in common with them, but I’ve always come back to your blog to catch up. I started university for dietetics in 2008, became an RD in 2013, became a mom that year as well, and so our lives aligned much more than many others and it was easy to relate to your posts.
I’ve always enjoyed your relaxed style of writing and over the years, I’ve gone back to certain “eras” to see how things have changed and think of where I was in life when I read a particular post.
Anyway, it’s been great to see your evolution over time and I hope you choose to continue blogging for years to come.