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What I Learned at BlogHer

To be brutally honest while there is a lot to learn about blogging, there really isn’t…if that makes any sense. Generally I feel if you have been on any Twitter chat or browsed the Internet you don’t need a conference to tell you what to do to create a successful blog.

Content.Engage.Promote

In a nut shell these are the cornerstones of blogging in my opinion. These concepts are quite easy to understand but implementation is the hard part. This is where conferences come in handy. Nothing like being in a room with people making upwards of $50K blogging while your struggle over ditching reality television to blog is sooooo real. <<< *looking straight ahead*

The keynote speakers that were in attendance really had some true insight on where blogging is going and it was very inspiring. Martha Stewart even had something dynamic to say about valuing your work as a blogger and charging appropriately if paid opportunities is the route you are looking to take.

[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/glossymimi/status/231429264434671616″]

Here are a few other invaluable key tips to take on your blog journey if you so choose:

  • Find a network of bloggers that are blogging on your level and create an informal support network
  • Don’t be afraid to lose followers if you decide to take your blog in a different direction. You’ll lose readers but you will also gain some
  • Maintain a clean and professional appearance on your blog….even if you are just starting out. First impressions are lasting ones
  • It will take time to build brand relationships. Be resilient and diligent
  • When approaching brands spell out how you can benefit their brand and how their brand can benefit you. You are looking to create a partnership not a I want free stuff relationship

The sessions I attended were: The Brand Blogger Connection, Strategic Content Development Across Multiple Media: Onstage, Onscreen and Online, and Pro Tips: Branding and Blogging Professionally.

There was also a vlogging bootcamp but the session was too full and I wasn’t able to get in. If you want to hear these sessions first hand, BlogHer has been so kind as to link transcripts to the sessions. Please check out Virtual Conference if you would like to see details about the information that was exchanged during conference sessions.

If you are a blogger do you find these tips helpful in deciding what direction to take your blog in? If you aren’t a blogger did you have any idea the game was this serious?!!

 

17 Comments

  • Reply
    Tia
    August 13, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    As a new blogger I find this info to be very reaffirming. It takes time for things to happen and I have to remind myself of that daily it seems. I’m going to check out the transcripts when I get a chance, thanks for sharing!

  • Reply
    Kita
    August 13, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    Thanks for sharing. Blogging is cut throat some people succeed and others don’t. I think it depends on the person behind the blog.

  • Reply
    Winnie
    August 13, 2012 at 5:20 pm

    Enjoyed reading your post. I loved the conference and your list was great. I love my small blog, and am new to blogging. I think people sometimes forget that not everyone is at the same level, and some are not competitive. I hope everyone gets out of their blog what they are looking for.

  • Reply
    Krystel Spell
    August 13, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    Thanks for posting this. I went to the conference but missed out on alot of the sessions because they were full. I agree I struggle too with both my blogs whether to blog or watch a show lol! Martha Stewart did hit the nail on the head with that comment.

  • Reply
    Cam | Bibs & Baubles
    August 13, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    Yessir. This blogging thing is a beast. It can be a full time job but it’s one I like so I don’t mind. I like being able to have an outlet to create on my own terms. I do not have that freedom at work. Not totally anyway.

  • Reply
    Mrs. Pancakes
    August 13, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    Yes this has been helpful!

  • Reply
    Jessica
    August 13, 2012 at 9:02 pm

    Thank you for sharing this! I feel like I’m learning so much from reading these kinds of posts so please do keep them coming!

  • Reply
    Stesha
    August 13, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    Reading your BlogHer posts and others like it keep me motivated to keep going in the direction I’m going. I’m making small subtle changes on my blog, and realize as you’ve stated, all readers won’t go with me. Eventually my hardwork will pay off.

    Huge and Mocha,
    Stesha

  • Reply
    chasing joy
    August 13, 2012 at 11:10 pm

    I like the tip on having an informal group of similar sized bloggers. we learn so much from each other when we work together. Thanks for sharing your blog her experience.

  • Reply
    Rhonda
    August 13, 2012 at 11:12 pm

    Thanks for sharing these! I am happy I got a chance to see Martha too! I hate that the vlogging was so full because I wanted to go to that one too! Chi-Town next year! We will hit up some of my favorite spots if you are down! Great meeting you and I hope to see you again soon!

  • Reply
    Jenni
    August 14, 2012 at 9:30 am

    Thanks for sharing what you learned. I use my blog as an outlet, but I’m well aware of that it’s serious business. I don’t think many people outside of blogging understand out serious it can be.

  • Reply
    Jenni
    August 14, 2012 at 9:30 am

    Thanks for sharing what you learned. I use my blog as an outlet, but I’m well aware of that it’s serious business. I don’t think many people outside of blogging understand how serious it can be.

  • Reply
    KalleyC
    August 14, 2012 at 10:20 am

    Thanks for these tips! Reading about all the women who attended and the lessons that they learned has really helped me make plans for my blog and what direction I really want to take it.

  • Reply
    Baby Shopaholic
    August 14, 2012 at 10:58 am

    Yes, the blogging game is real! Best thing to do is Do You! Great tips you shared!

  • Reply
    Rose's Daughter
    August 14, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    I don’t think I really “got” how serious this blogging game is until I went to BlogHer. I was like WOW. Sooo, it’s looks like this is going to be my other job too! Because I’m serious!!!

  • Reply
    Tiffany
    August 14, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    I agree w/ you Mimi – implementation is the hardest part. I work in social media full-time, so it’s extremely difficult to come home and maintain my own blog and social networks.

  • Reply
    miss donna
    August 19, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    in my opinion, when you see people like Martha Stewart participating in blogging conferences, it speaks volumes about the industry. i know one thing – i definitely want to be at BlogHer ’13. thanks for sharing and looks like you had a great time!

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