Hey everyone! :)
On Tuesday, I'm very honored to be hosting a workshop about blogging at a center downtown. This is my first time doing something like this and I'm not exactly a blogging "expert", so I would love your help!
The tagline is, "Do you dream of creating a blog about something you adore? Learn from a fellow teen, Sara Shalash, who has created a wonderful and successful blog (www.SarasBookJourney.blogspot.com). She’ll teach you how to get started and how to keep it going!"
Based on that, I'm thinking of sharing my own personal story of how and why I started my blog. I also had the idea of making a handout beforehand of tips and steps on keeping up/starting a blog. Any ideas on what to include?
Also, I'm thinking about discussing, layout/theme, content, advertising, and communication. Is there anything else I should add? Or any feedback or comments would help out a ton!
Thank you!
8 comments:
Congratulations! That sounds like a great event in the works. I think you're going to do fabulous. I think it's crucial, as you pointed out, to blog about something you are passionate about. Else, it's going to seem like work in the long run and you truly want to be able enjoy your blog. And, interact with others in your community! Whether that's knitting bloggers, YA bloggers, whatever, comment, discuss, and tweet to make yourself known and visible in the community and to build great connections.=
That. Is. So. Awesome.
Ohhh wow that is so awesome Sara you definitely have to update us on how it all goes.
You seem to have everything pretty much covered. Well the number one advice I would start of with is patience. When bloggers start blogging after a while comments and lack of followers start to be a concern. Since this is one of the first things that will stand out to them it's important to let them know that every blogger goes through this.
Let them know that patience is key, as well as connecting with bloggers that you instantly click with. Don't focus so much on the follower number or it can hinder you truly enjoying blogging. Other note worthy advice is having a layout which you feel represents "you" and is attractive and easy on the eyes.
Things not to do;
Don't follow every blog that follows you. It's unpractical and unrealistic. Follow blogs that you relate to and that appeal to you.
Don't link your blog and ask people to follow you, if anything they will do the exact opposite and be weary of you.
Do not hold a lot of contests just to gain followers. This is where quality and not quantity applies. You need dedicated genuine followers. Not those who have no interest in you or your blog.
Once you have chosen your layout..
Make sure once you have everything, you focus on organising and de-cluttering your blog to make it more easily accessible for your readers.
Add your; contact email, Book review policy, rating system(if you want one) and Book review tab as well as anything else that may need adding.
Add an About me section to give your readers more of an idea about the person behind the blog.
Note; Every blogger has a voice, one of the perks of blogging is that you are able to use it as you wish. You will notice that every blogger has a definitive voice that makes them stand out from others. Some bloggers are; Shy, loud, curious, opinionated, over the top and some who keep opinions to themselves. It will be up to you to decide what your voice will be like.
Right hope that helped out in some way or the other LOL. Good luck hun! :)
That's so cool, Sara! I think the main thing to get across is to make sure that the blogger has a clear idea of what they want to achieve from the blogosphere and blogging, in general. Also, make sure to find YOUR niche, rather than trying to fulfill a hole that's already been filled. Be yourself, and let your voice come through in your blog. After all, it should be a reflection of you :)
Yay! You're going to be awesome at this! I would emphasize that beginning bloggers shouldn't feel competitive; it takes a while to get followers, arc offers, etc... and that's ok! Good things take time.
Good luck!
Thank you guys SO much! I'll be sure to include everything mentioned. :)
Thanks for coming the other night, Sara! I talked to a few participants, and it sounds like it went wonderfully! You're an inspiration!
How did your session go?? FILL US IN!!! I'm actually speaking about blogging at a conference next Tuesday, so I would selfishly love to hear about your talk and get some tips :)
Post a Comment