Megan Layton shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Megan, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
The most misunderstood thing about blogging? How much time it takes! Even before I began blogging I assumed I’d write and put some pictures up and be on my way! There is so much work that goes into writing a blog post, starting with how to target a post to be both helpful and SEEN. Then formatting everything from pictures to paragraphs to fonts. Then creating graphics for all the social outlets like pinterest or posts on Instagram. And in the end you hope that google likes it enough to rank it somewhere on the first page or two so people will actually find it.
I feel like that’s just part of the whole picture!
Blogging is definitely not a get-rich kind of business (well, for some I’m sure it is). But I just love sharing great ways to enjoy time with your family away, in nature, and learning about the world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Megan and I run Let’s Jet, Kids! which is a family travel blog. We are a family of 6, so traveling can get very expensive very quickly. Our family does a LOT of things to keep to a smaller budget so that we can have more opportunities to explore.
While I see a lot online or on Facebook groups of people taking big, nice vacations (which is awesome), I know that’s not what most of us can do. So I like to just write honestly about how we travel, which is simple and usually on a smaller budget.
My hope is to help other families, even big families, find a way to explore without having to save for years. You can have SO much fun without spending much, and I’ve learned almost everywhere you go has budget-friendly activities. You just have to look a little harder sometimes.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
100% the relationship with my husband. He is so on-board with any dream I have. I have mentioned a lot of things I’d really like to accomplish in my life and he’s always responded with “you should do that!” It’s like he doesn’t even think of the negatives, he’s just ready to help and support me in any endeavor.
Blogging seemed like a simple, and yet crazy thing when I started. He didn’t hesitate for a moment when I said I wanted to start a blog. He was just like “that would be awesome, and you’re such a good writer!”
He’s given me so much confidence over the years.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
All the time. Blogging is so hard sometimes. Like I already mentioned, it takes a LOT more time than I think people realize. And then if Google changes an algorithm, you can go from 0 to 60 or 60 to 0 really quickly. Almost overnight.
I definitely put my heart into it, but there are times I wonder if it’s worth it.
So during those times, I ask myself why I’m doing it. And the answer is always “because I enjoy it!” And I really do. I love writing about different places we’ve been and even going back to reminisce and remember moments I may have forgotten about otherwise.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I see SO many ads for courses, ebooks, retreats, etc. that are selling how to make a LOT of money right away blogging. This is very, very not true. I’m in a lot of blogging communities and I don’t know anyone that made it big in the first 6 months, or even first year. So the whole get-rich-quick thing with blogging? It’s a lie. We don’t just sit down, create a blog, and wake up the next day to a ton of money.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I think they would miss the advice, itineraries, ideas, and inspiration for traveling on a budget! I truly keep things affordable over on my blog and I think it speaks to a lot of people. There are a lot of great, posh places to go in the world, but most people can’t access that. But everyone can access a beautiful hike in the woods, a great waterfall, or even free events in a nearby town. I like to keep things simple and financially accessible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://letsjetkids.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsjetkids/
- Twitter: @letsjetkids
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsjetkids
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKGMKc8P_out2ENKQjXb2KQ
- Other: Free and Cheap resources for your family travels: https://payhip.com/LetsJetKids
