So you'd like to start a blog? Awesome. Starting a blog is much more than writing a post and hitting the "Publish" button. You've got a lot to think about: What kind of blog are you going to do? How often will you post? How are you going to brand your blog? How are you going to optimize your content? What social media will you use?
So much to think about, right? This post is here to help you. Here, I've gathered some of the best blogging-related resources I've found. Each of these items has helped me in my blogging in some way, so I thought they'd be useful to someone else, too.
20+ Social Media Tips for Bloggers // An awesome collection of information and tips for every social network you'd ever think of using as a blogger. If this list doesn't have it, it doesn't exist.
50+ Essential Blogging Tutorials // Are you DIYing your entire blog? Here's a collection of tutorials that will guide you in pretty much every step along the way, from clicking "Create Blog" to finalizing your social media and content strategy.
11 Tips to Increase Your Blog's Traffic // Everyone wants more traffic and page views, right? All of these tips are great and I definitely suggest at least giving them a try.
5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Blogging // Hindsight is 20/20 in the blogging world, too. Looking back can teach you a lot about your blogging habits and show you some changes that worked and others that maybe didn't work so well. This is wisdom all new bloggers can appreciate!
10 Ways to Boost SEO for Bloggers // SEO is extremely important in running a successful blog. You want people to find your blog and content, so you've got to make your blog and content SEO-friendly. These are 10 awesome tips and easy changes you can make to do that today.
WordPress Most Popular Plugins // I personally do not use Wordpress for my blog, but I've worked with it before. Plugins can be very helpful for certain features, and Wordpress has a TON of plugins to explore and play with. You'll definitely find something that works best for your blog.
The Psychology of Color in Branding // Picking colors is way more important than it may seem. When you brand your blog, you have to brand it in a way that you like, and will be favorable to your goals. Here's a great guide into what emotions and feelings certain colors can elicit so you can pick what will work best for you.
12 Things to Do After You've Written a Blog Post // You just wrote a blog post...now what? Now you have to promote and share it! There are so many ways you can do this, and this graphic has 12 of the best ways to do so.
Of course, there's so much more out there for new bloggers. If you want it, you can probably find it. But these are my favorites and most often-referenced posts.
What resources would you add to this list?
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Customer Service Goes to Social Media
What's the worst part about something breaking and having it fixed? Getting on the phone and waiting...and waiting...and waiting for customer service and the possibility of getting a live voice. Everyone hates that.
Depending on how serious your issue is, you may not have to pick up the phone. In fact, you may just be a few tweets or comments away from a solution. That's right, customer service is now on social media (to some degree).
If a company or brand is really on top of the social monitoring and listening, then they should be good at answering questions that come their ways. As much as I rag on Time Warner Cable, they have a TWC Help Twitter account for quick-fix customer service, and tweeting to that has actually helped me fix a couple of issues I had with my cable box. The first time, I didn't even mention TWC directly in my tweet, and the TWC Help account found me and reached out to help. The second time, I did mention TWC, and the Help account was right there ready to help.
I also had a quick exchange with a LinkedIn Help account, even though it wasn't a service issue, just a suggestion I had.
Social media is a great way to extend customer service beyond the phone. If the business is fast enough, it can eliminate the long wait on hold and possibly resolve the issue faster. Also, some issues aren't worth waiting on the phone if they can be resolved through some online chatting. Sometimes all it takes is a tweet or a comment on a Facebook post to get the ball rolling.
Another great aspect of incorporating customer service on social media is the exposure and transparency. If others see how the company or brand responds to its customers, and admires how the issue is handled and resolved, then that's good for the company. It's essentially a PR move: they're showing how they listen to their customers and are willing to improve.
A word to the wise, though: don't post or tweet something about a company or brand's service if you aren't ready to talk about it with them. They will find you and they will ask about it.
What do you think about customer service on social media? Have you had a good experience with it?
Depending on how serious your issue is, you may not have to pick up the phone. In fact, you may just be a few tweets or comments away from a solution. That's right, customer service is now on social media (to some degree).
If a company or brand is really on top of the social monitoring and listening, then they should be good at answering questions that come their ways. As much as I rag on Time Warner Cable, they have a TWC Help Twitter account for quick-fix customer service, and tweeting to that has actually helped me fix a couple of issues I had with my cable box. The first time, I didn't even mention TWC directly in my tweet, and the TWC Help account found me and reached out to help. The second time, I did mention TWC, and the Help account was right there ready to help.
I also had a quick exchange with a LinkedIn Help account, even though it wasn't a service issue, just a suggestion I had.
Social media is a great way to extend customer service beyond the phone. If the business is fast enough, it can eliminate the long wait on hold and possibly resolve the issue faster. Also, some issues aren't worth waiting on the phone if they can be resolved through some online chatting. Sometimes all it takes is a tweet or a comment on a Facebook post to get the ball rolling.
Another great aspect of incorporating customer service on social media is the exposure and transparency. If others see how the company or brand responds to its customers, and admires how the issue is handled and resolved, then that's good for the company. It's essentially a PR move: they're showing how they listen to their customers and are willing to improve.
A word to the wise, though: don't post or tweet something about a company or brand's service if you aren't ready to talk about it with them. They will find you and they will ask about it.
What do you think about customer service on social media? Have you had a good experience with it?
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
A Guide to Social Media for Bloggers
Social media is a blogger's best friend. It's the best way to increase traffic, and it makes sharing your content easy and convenient. It also gives your readers more ways to connect and interact with you. And of course, it's the best marketing and PR tool you can use.
Each social network has its advantages, and each one will be different for your particular blog. Let's look at some of the most popular (and most helpful) social media tools for your blogging needs.
Twitter is probably my favorite social network to use in connection with my blog. It's easy to pop a link into a tweet and give it a short little introduction as to why your followers should read it. Hashtags are key to getting your content seen and shared. Don't go overboard with the tags, but 2-3 per tweet can make a world of difference. Also, it's more acceptable to re-share the post throughout the day on Twitter than on Facebook. And retweets are easy.
Facebook is another great tool for blog promotion. It's better for facilitating comments and conversation with your audience and readers. However, posting more than once, or even twice, a day can be a little overkill. Sharing an image with your post increases the likelihood for engagement, because people like visuals.
Pinterest is good for certain types of blog posts, but it's not right for every blog (in my opinion). If you're a fashion blogger or a food blogger, Pinterest should be your #1. It's a great site on which to share your recipe and outfit photos. And since Pinterest is inherently visual, people will see a photo "teaser" and, in theory, be more interested in your post.
Instagram is hit or miss. If your blog is really mobile-friendly and loads well on mobile, then Instagram can be a great help if you include a link to your post with the photo. I don't get a ton of traffic through my Instagram, but for others it works magic!
What social media do you use to promote your blog?
Each social network has its advantages, and each one will be different for your particular blog. Let's look at some of the most popular (and most helpful) social media tools for your blogging needs.
Twitter is probably my favorite social network to use in connection with my blog. It's easy to pop a link into a tweet and give it a short little introduction as to why your followers should read it. Hashtags are key to getting your content seen and shared. Don't go overboard with the tags, but 2-3 per tweet can make a world of difference. Also, it's more acceptable to re-share the post throughout the day on Twitter than on Facebook. And retweets are easy.
Facebook is another great tool for blog promotion. It's better for facilitating comments and conversation with your audience and readers. However, posting more than once, or even twice, a day can be a little overkill. Sharing an image with your post increases the likelihood for engagement, because people like visuals.
Pinterest is good for certain types of blog posts, but it's not right for every blog (in my opinion). If you're a fashion blogger or a food blogger, Pinterest should be your #1. It's a great site on which to share your recipe and outfit photos. And since Pinterest is inherently visual, people will see a photo "teaser" and, in theory, be more interested in your post.
Instagram is hit or miss. If your blog is really mobile-friendly and loads well on mobile, then Instagram can be a great help if you include a link to your post with the photo. I don't get a ton of traffic through my Instagram, but for others it works magic!
What social media do you use to promote your blog?
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Why I Blog
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
The Do's and Don'ts of Social Media
Social media comes with its own set of "rules," just like anything else. There are some things that are encouraged and accepted in the social media world, and others that are more frowned upon and discouraged. Most of these are obvious, but I'm here to help sort those out. Following these guidelines will help your social media strategy (and general social media use) be successful, and make people want to follow you.
Here are my do's and don'ts for an effective social media strategy! These can be applied to blogging, too!
DO...
Be consistent in posting. You can't post for several days in a row, and then disappear for a week or two, and then start posting again, and then disappear...you get the idea. Posting fresh content on a consistent schedule is one of the hugest ways to build your audience. If you keep coming back, they will too.
Develop your voice and stick to it. Again with the consistency thing. Once you've got your voice down to a science (or an art), own it in your content.
Respond to readers who leave comments on your posts. It shows that you care about what they have to say. It's also a nice way to thank them for reading your content. Keep the conversation going, even after the post is finished. Two-way communication is where magic happens!
Be proactive and explore your options. When/if you do join a new social network, promote it on your existing accounts so your audience (and competitors) will know where to find you. If it's something you're really excited about, promote it a lot.
DON'T...
Leave your readers/audience hanging. This is related to consistency and responding to comments on your posts. No one likes a one-sided conversation. Be an active part of the conversation YOU facilitated!
Be rude or short-tempered. Whether you're creating and posting content, or reading and commenting on someone else's content, be polite, and if you have to disagree, do so calmly. The kindergarten rule of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all," applies here, too.
Leave no way for your audience to connect with you. This is mainly for bloggers. One of my biggest pet peeves is when bloggers turn off their comments, or leave no way for me to contact them on social media or via email. What's the point of blogging if you can't connect with your readers?
Make obscure references that only a small portion of your audience will understand. Keep it simple and relevant to your audience's needs. If they feel alienated at any time, your chances of bringing them back go down significantly. Don't do that.
What would you add to these dos and don'ts of social media?
Here are my do's and don'ts for an effective social media strategy! These can be applied to blogging, too!
DO...
Be consistent in posting. You can't post for several days in a row, and then disappear for a week or two, and then start posting again, and then disappear...you get the idea. Posting fresh content on a consistent schedule is one of the hugest ways to build your audience. If you keep coming back, they will too.
Develop your voice and stick to it. Again with the consistency thing. Once you've got your voice down to a science (or an art), own it in your content.
Respond to readers who leave comments on your posts. It shows that you care about what they have to say. It's also a nice way to thank them for reading your content. Keep the conversation going, even after the post is finished. Two-way communication is where magic happens!
Be proactive and explore your options. When/if you do join a new social network, promote it on your existing accounts so your audience (and competitors) will know where to find you. If it's something you're really excited about, promote it a lot.
DON'T...
Leave your readers/audience hanging. This is related to consistency and responding to comments on your posts. No one likes a one-sided conversation. Be an active part of the conversation YOU facilitated!
Be rude or short-tempered. Whether you're creating and posting content, or reading and commenting on someone else's content, be polite, and if you have to disagree, do so calmly. The kindergarten rule of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all," applies here, too.
Leave no way for your audience to connect with you. This is mainly for bloggers. One of my biggest pet peeves is when bloggers turn off their comments, or leave no way for me to contact them on social media or via email. What's the point of blogging if you can't connect with your readers?
Make obscure references that only a small portion of your audience will understand. Keep it simple and relevant to your audience's needs. If they feel alienated at any time, your chances of bringing them back go down significantly. Don't do that.
What would you add to these dos and don'ts of social media?
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Finding Your Voice on Social Media
Just like people have their own voices, brands "talk" in a certain way, too. Brands develop their voices through their ads and content, and eventually become recognizable just by the words they choose. It's part of their marketing strategy (or if it isn't, it needs to be), and I think it's one of the most important parts of the strategy.
In the same way a person's tone of voice works, a brand's voice can attract more people, or turn them away. If a person is too sarcastic or too abrasive, are you more or less likely to talk to them? Brands' voices work the same way. Some people may like drier or more sarcastic voices, and in some cases, it may work. Ever seen the Friskies "Dear Kitten" video?
This is one example when I think a drier voice works and is actually entertaining. But I also believe there has to be a balance: a brand can't be too dry or sardonic, or else eventually it may turn some consumers or audiences away.
To me, the best brand voices are those that stand out. There are so many brands and voices out there that you've got to fight through the clutter somehow. So do something that makes you stand out. Employ a certain vernacular, a certain personality in the ad copy that makes your brand different from everyone else, but arguably more importantly, different from your competitors. That's the point of developing a strong voice, right? Stand out and be fabulous.
Another huge key to your brand's voice standing out is consistency. A brand must keep its voice tone, vocabulary and personality consistent if it wants to build recognition and audience support. If a brand sounds fun, youthful and exciting one day, and then sounds old, gritty and boring the next, then the audience will likely be confused. If they like something a brand does, then the brand should keep doing it. This generates recognition, which is also key to a brand's success.
And lastly, a brand has to own it. If the voice they've developed is what they want it to be, and what they think will be successful, owning it will show that they're confident in it and are proud to employ it. People like confident voices. Brands like confident voices. Find your voice and own it.
What are your keys to finding your voice on social media? What makes a brand's voice appealing and successful to you?
In the same way a person's tone of voice works, a brand's voice can attract more people, or turn them away. If a person is too sarcastic or too abrasive, are you more or less likely to talk to them? Brands' voices work the same way. Some people may like drier or more sarcastic voices, and in some cases, it may work. Ever seen the Friskies "Dear Kitten" video?
This is one example when I think a drier voice works and is actually entertaining. But I also believe there has to be a balance: a brand can't be too dry or sardonic, or else eventually it may turn some consumers or audiences away.
To me, the best brand voices are those that stand out. There are so many brands and voices out there that you've got to fight through the clutter somehow. So do something that makes you stand out. Employ a certain vernacular, a certain personality in the ad copy that makes your brand different from everyone else, but arguably more importantly, different from your competitors. That's the point of developing a strong voice, right? Stand out and be fabulous.
Another huge key to your brand's voice standing out is consistency. A brand must keep its voice tone, vocabulary and personality consistent if it wants to build recognition and audience support. If a brand sounds fun, youthful and exciting one day, and then sounds old, gritty and boring the next, then the audience will likely be confused. If they like something a brand does, then the brand should keep doing it. This generates recognition, which is also key to a brand's success.
And lastly, a brand has to own it. If the voice they've developed is what they want it to be, and what they think will be successful, owning it will show that they're confident in it and are proud to employ it. People like confident voices. Brands like confident voices. Find your voice and own it.
What are your keys to finding your voice on social media? What makes a brand's voice appealing and successful to you?
Friday, April 3, 2015
Why I Love Twitter Chats
Confession: Twitter chats are my favorite nighttime activity. I have two that I participate in weekly (#createlounge and #fireworkpeople) and I'm always lurking around the Twittersphere to find more. I even host my own through my graduate program's Twitter accounts every now and then. It may be a little nerdy, but I really do love Twitter chats. They're just awesome.
If you ask me, there's really no reason anyone shouldn't participate in Twitter chats, at least a few times a month. Maybe I'm biased, but I believe there are so many benefits to getting involved in them.
Here's why I love Twitter chats so much:
1. You can meet so many new people from so many different walks of life. The opportunities for networking and making new connections in Twitter chats are just incredible.
2. I learn something new every time I'm in a Twitter chat. Whether it's networking or job search advice, something new to try on my blog, general life advice or anything in between, I come away from every chat with pages of my notebook filled with great insights that I want to embrace down the road.
3. Through Twitter chats, you can discover new resources for your blog, website or business. Whether it's an app, a new website, different software, or anything in between, someone in a Twitter chat knows about a resource that could change the way you run your blog, website or business. Ask! You never know what you'll learn about.
4. There hasn't been one Twitter chat I've done where I haven't found a new blog to add to my daily reading list. Most people who participate in or host chats have some kind of website or blog themselves (at least in the chats I've done). I will always at least check out someone's blog and see what it's all about.
5. There's literally a Twitter chat for everything. Buffer and Content Marketing Institute host their own weekly chats. A friend of mine from college does a #CampChat for outdoorsy people. Whatever community you're in, someone in there knows of a chat, or hosts one of their own.
I highly encourage you to participate in a Twitter chat if you've never done it before. They tend to move quickly and can be tough to follow, but once you get into the rhythm, they're so beneficial and great ways to spend your time.
Do you participate in or host a Twitter chat? Which one? Share it below!
If you ask me, there's really no reason anyone shouldn't participate in Twitter chats, at least a few times a month. Maybe I'm biased, but I believe there are so many benefits to getting involved in them.
Here's why I love Twitter chats so much:
1. You can meet so many new people from so many different walks of life. The opportunities for networking and making new connections in Twitter chats are just incredible.
2. I learn something new every time I'm in a Twitter chat. Whether it's networking or job search advice, something new to try on my blog, general life advice or anything in between, I come away from every chat with pages of my notebook filled with great insights that I want to embrace down the road.
3. Through Twitter chats, you can discover new resources for your blog, website or business. Whether it's an app, a new website, different software, or anything in between, someone in a Twitter chat knows about a resource that could change the way you run your blog, website or business. Ask! You never know what you'll learn about.
4. There hasn't been one Twitter chat I've done where I haven't found a new blog to add to my daily reading list. Most people who participate in or host chats have some kind of website or blog themselves (at least in the chats I've done). I will always at least check out someone's blog and see what it's all about.
5. There's literally a Twitter chat for everything. Buffer and Content Marketing Institute host their own weekly chats. A friend of mine from college does a #CampChat for outdoorsy people. Whatever community you're in, someone in there knows of a chat, or hosts one of their own.
I highly encourage you to participate in a Twitter chat if you've never done it before. They tend to move quickly and can be tough to follow, but once you get into the rhythm, they're so beneficial and great ways to spend your time.
Do you participate in or host a Twitter chat? Which one? Share it below!
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