What are Hilary Erickson's strategies for increasing blog traffic and engagement?

Hi, I’m Hilary Erickson from The Pregnancy Nurse and Pulling Curls.

Based on what I share publicly, my traffic and engagement strategies really boil down to a few key things:

• Consistency over time – I’ve been blogging since 2005 and podcasting for years. The “slow, slow game” is showing up daily, improving posts, and being patient instead of chasing shortcuts.
• Strong SEO focus – I invest in SEO tools (like RankIQ) and pay VAs to help optimize old posts so they actually answer what people search for, which grows organic traffic.
• Clear niche and voice – I center content on simplifying pregnancy, parenting, home, and travel. My own voice (not guest posts, no pre-written content) builds trust and keeps people engaging and returning.
• Diversified channels – I use Pinterest, Instagram, email, podcasting, and courses. My newsletter (18k+ subscribers) is huge for engagement because it’s regular, personal, and value-focused, not just salesy.
• Ethical monetization and transparency – I’m open about affiliates and sponsored work and follow FTC disclosure rules. Trust is a massive driver of long‑term engagement.

If you tell me where you’re at with your own blog (brand new vs. established), I can suggest a more specific step-by-step plan.

Where is your biggest struggle right now: getting traffic, keeping readers on the page, or getting them to subscribe/buy?