The basics

What made you become a content creator?

Susan Palmquist of Budget Smart Girl: I’d been a freelance writer for many years basically writing for other people’s publications and mostly on topics of their choosing or in a direction of their choosing. While I loved my work, part of me wanted to break out and tackle topics that I felt passionate about. Blogging was just taking off and we were also at the tail end of a recession, combine the two and you get Budget Smart Girl,  my blog about all things saving money.

What are some of the challenges you face as a content creator?

Susan Palmquist: There’s a lot more competition than when I started out so my biggest challenge is standing out from the crowd. One thing I’ve always aimed for are blog posts that have a "me to you" feel.

What are some digital publications that you follow?

Susan Palmquist: I have two recent finds. One is the newsletter from the Craft Industry Alliance and Contrarian Thinking with Codie Sanchez. Both are packed with information.

Why did you decide to syndicate your content with Newstex?

Susan Palmquist: I wanted to reach a bigger audience and thought that maybe syndication was the next step and a fellow writer suggested Newstex.

What do you think are the benefits of syndicating your content through Newstex?

Susan Palmquist: I’d heard horror stories about syndicating but I’m so happy that I took a chance and picked Newstex. I felt like a newbie but everyone at Newstex was really helpful and welcoming so if anyone’s looking to syndicate their work, don’t panic, don’t worry because you’re in good hands at Newstex. And yes, the added bonus was I reached more people and even got contacted by members of the press who’d read my blog and wanted to interview me.

Pros and cons

What do you like most about creating digital content?

Susan Palmquist: Unlike books and magazine articles, you can write it and have anyone (and everyone) in the world read it within minutes.  

What do you dislike most about creating digital content?

Susan Palmquist: I love to write so I can’t think of anything in particular I dislike.

What inspires you to keep writing?

Susan Palmquist: I went through a ten-year writing dry spell after my father passed away and I never thought I’d write again. When I did finally get back on track, I told myself never again. I suppose I’ve always been trying to make up for those lost ten years.

What are the top 3 tips you can give to others wanting to develop successful digital publications?

Susan Palmquist: First tip is to pick a topic you enjoy. You don’t necessarily have to be an expert on it because part of the fun is learning along with your audience. But it’s not something you like, you’re going to give up when the going gets tough, and yes, sometimes it’s going to get tough.

Second tip would be to be authentic and honest with your audience. Write from the heart with that "me to you", angle.

My final tip is, never give up, even if your publication only gets a few views in the beginning, stay with it because success is around the corner.

Looking ahead

Where do you see your publication in 5 years?

Susan Palmquist: My goal is to double its current reach. I’d love to have someone in every country in the world read it.

What has been your proudest achievement as a content creator?

Susan Palmquist: When US News and World Report named Budget Smart Girl one of the top five up and coming money sites. I’m also proud that Budget Smart Girl has been around for close to 20 years.

Susan Palmquist wears many hats in the writing world. She’s both a freelance writer, blogger, author, and for the last fifteen years has been teaching aspiring authors and freelance writers. She also tutors for an online school and has her own coaching and mentoring service.