Tips For Starting A Blog Or Improving An Existing One #SoFabUOTR #cbias

Disclosure:   I am writing this post in exchange for a discounted conference ticket; however, all opinions are mine.

Have you ever thought of starting your own blog? Maybe you already have a blog and want to take it to the next level?  In addition to the satisfaction of being able to communicate with adults while still being a stay-at-home mom, I’ve loved the unique experiences that blogging has afforded me.  I actually started this blog after being motivated at a blogging event to reach higher and expand.  Events are only one of the benefits, but they excite me because usually they are one-of-a-kind opportunities (meeting Cody Simpson).  Often they are things that I would otherwise probably never try (kayaking). And there is the practical side, I’m able to give our family extra income.  Often, but not always in the form of cash, I’m able to supplement our lifestyle and provide things that we would otherwise spend money on.

Here are a few tips if you are thinking about opening the door to a whole new world of blogging or you are ready to take your blog to a whole new level.

1.  Find your voice

Blogging is going to take up a significant amount of your time, effort, and life.  AND your family’s time, effort, and life.  You don’t set aside a few hours a day and that’s your blogging.  It’s 24/7.  It IS your life.  Your kids will learn not to start eating until you’ve taken a picture of their food.  Your husband will learn that just because you see the UPS man every day, doesn’t mean you’ve maxed out the credit card.  You will be checking social media often enough to drive your friends crazy.  SO, you want your blog to have a theme that is something genuine and something you enjoy talking about.  Experts say to find a niche – a specific area you focus on, ie fashion, beauty, home decor etc.  I’ve chosen to leave my theme more open and diverse – with the theme “things that make you feel lucky to have found them” – my niche is pretty much not-a-niche.

2.  Be unique and consistent

When you create a blog, you are creating a brand.  Blogs are not stand-alone entities, you have a facebook page, a twitter account, pinterest, instagram and more.  The blog is just one of your social media tools.  Before you start, research on each platform, the availability of your brand name because you want it to be consistent across all platforms.  It’s not absolutely necessary that you have the same name on every social media site, but it is much, much, much easier for people to find and remember you, if you do.  Using your first or last name is way to be unique, consistent and memorable.  It’s you, and you are unique.  Using your name, cements you to your brand and I’m a big fan of using a name in your blog title.

3.  Research, research, research

Learn as much as you can before you start, but it’s never too late..  There are a bazillion resources on blogging available – because you are not alone.  From Blogging for Dummies (I’m a big fan of the “Dummies” books) to live conferences, you can learn much from people who have already traveled the blogging road.  Much of my blogging income comes from sponsored posts and one of the social media companies I work most often with is Collective Bias.  They have a blogging community called Social Fabric where bloggers can interact, share information, and learn.  Social Fabric also has a learning center called SoFabU with incredible resources for members.  I’m excited that I will be attending their one-day conference called, SoFabU on the Road.  I’ll be attending in CHICAGO on July 11, 2015 but they are also offered at different times across the country.  Some of the session include video, sponsored posts, networking, and other learning opportunities.  National sponsors include  Müller, Kraft and iBlog.

About SoFabU on the Road

SoFabU on the Road is a unique event that allows influencers to take advantage of educational opportunities that will help set them a part from the rest.

SoFabU on the Road features hands-on, interactive sessions for influencers to implement what they’re learning on the spot. The sessions are paired with fun city-specific adventures where attendees get to practice their newly learned skills.

Events are open to all bloggers and influencers but attendance is limited so don’t wait to register for SoFabU on the Road!