“Blogging is an extension of you but it is not the whole you, have a life”
When one of the speakers said this I thought they were talking to me directly, though I try to have somewhat of a social life I am mostly indoors thinking of posts or ‘stalking’ other bloggers to see what they up to or getting ideas for my next posts. I seriously need a life even if it’s just with bloggy friends but at least it will be me outside the house (work and church don't count) socializing.
I learnt that as a blogger I need to be able to communicate my brand by:
· Knowing my audience and touching base
· Communicating consistently (not stalking your readers unless fellow bloggers – this is welcome)
· Embed your personal self into your brand
· Being authentic.
· Promote your best
All these are great points which I am working on; one point which captured me was ‘Authenticity’. What does it mean and how can one achieve this?
· Being an expert – surely there is something that you’re good at maybe DIY, maybe how-to videos etc. I am still working on this but I think doing relationship advice post is something I am told from feedback I am good at so working to improve on this.
· Genuine – Readers appreciate genuine bloggers because they can relate and mostly can tell when one is full of S***. I read about 20-30 blogs a day and there some that I can see there is so much bull but I don’t want to judge so I stay away and read the ones I think the blogger behind this is human like me.
· Have integrity in everything you do – what is integrity to you? I think having integrity is a personal choice; it’s about having strong morals and being the honest you that you can be.
· Be original, figure out which type of blogger you are. Are you a people pleaser or someone who pays too much attention to other bloggers? Personal branding needs to work for you and not focus on what works for others.
· Be Passionate –Your blog(s) is/are your baby, take care of it like an egg. Do I do this all the time; I would like to think so.
· Have a vision of where you want to take your blog – I know where I want to be with my blog but I also know the road to that point is not always bright and easy to navigate.
· Be honest to yourself and to your readers - As I have already alluded to, fellow bloggers and readers can see when some is full of it so being honest is important. I am not saying put your dirty laundry on line like me but just be true to yourself and your readers will see this and will come back for me. As one speaker said “People buy People”.
This is part one of this amazing workshop and hope to share more soon or in the New Year. What are your thoughts on the topics have touched on above? How important is branding to you?
As a new blogger, I feel like a new mother all over again! It IS my whole life at the moment! I had no idea so much work went into these blogs and I have so much respect for other bloggers now. This event looks like it was very informative, how do you find out about them to attend?! I would love to take part in something like this!
ReplyDeleteBlogging takes a lot of work and when we start that is not always clear, I join blogger networks and that's how I get invited to attend such events.
DeleteI didn't really think branding a blog was that important until this year. I thought it was a whole bunch of hoopla. I first started blogging almost 15 years ago, and back then it was literally just a journal one would write in. Now, there's different topics, genres, and what have you. It's like reading magazines now (for the most part). I love how much it's changed, and I didn't want to change MY blog because of it.
ReplyDeleteThough, this year I did - and I have been seeing much more positive feed back, and growth because of it.
I was the same until I implemented some branding and I have noticed growth and feedback improving dramatically
DeleteI don't really think of branding connected with my blog, it's more of a hobby to me thank anything and I'm really out of the loop with all of the branding talk. I need to familiarize myself with branding and what it could mean for me and my blog and what direction, if any, I should go.
ReplyDeleteI think the first step is always asking yourself where you want to take your blog and how much work you will to put into it
DeleteYou are SO right about the authenticity thing! I, too, read many, many blogs in a day, and there are some amazing ones out there, and then there are those who just look as if they're dialing it in. A blog is so deeply personal that I cannot imagine doing anything but exactly what you're passionate about. Great advice! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Natalie, blogs are personal and with everything personal I like to work on it passionately otherwise what's the point
DeleteI hope I am authentic and honest in my blog posts. I try to be that way! These are some great tips, so I appreciate the share. I'll have to think a bit more about branding. I wonder how I could enhance that for my own blog.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you're honest I think most of us aim to and don't want to be deceiving anyone. I too will be working more on my branding in the new year
DeleteI haven't paid much attention to branding as a whole, I gotta get more serious about this stuff in 2015. In my defense, it's been a really bad year personally and I have really taken it out on my blog. However, I've always wanted to go to meet other bloggers, I think that would be so awesome.
ReplyDeleteI think most of us didn't but when we did we saw positive impact so when ever you ready you should start on it. I hope next year will be better for you.
DeleteI teach branding for bloggers, and I find it SO fascinating to hear other perspectives on the industry. It's a hobby, sure, but it can be so much for some people. If you have the drive and dedication, it is a worthwhile way to do something great!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear it's worthwhile because before I was sceptical but recently started to implement and I am seeing positive feedback
DeleteYou know what stood out to me about your post, is that you said you read some post and you can tell which ones are bull and which ones are with a genuine human heart. To be honest the more business some of these bloggers become and they get all these sponsored post, they start to lose their voice (sometimes I fear that will happen to me). I love your post, I been blogging for years and now going on 2 years on this domain I have learn so much about the importance about branding and business. But always stay true to your voice...always dont forget why you started to blog so great post on this event too!
ReplyDeleteI too fear I might lose my voice with all these sponsored posts and I am not saying it's bad to have them it's just remembering why you started blogging and if you do that and manage to earn some money that's great.
DeleteI had to read "blogging is an extension of you but is not the whole you, have a life", lately I've been feeling that I HAVE to blog and to be honest I'm exhausted, I can't wait to have a break over Christmas and take a step back. I love going to blogger events, especially after hosting my own during the summer. I think being genuine is something which every blogger has to remember and be. I really hope I exude a genuine vibe through my blog, I can't stand fakeness - not sure if that's a word but you know what I mean :)
ReplyDeleteI think you're very genuine person I love reading your blog and love how you share your passion with us. Blogger events are great get to meet loads of people plus stepping away from blogging when it becomes a chore is the best way to go.
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