Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Big & Little Network

Awhile back I signed up to link-up with bloggers that have been blogging for awhile and could give some sound advice to a new bloggers, like myself.

Basically I got paired up with a "Big" Erin @She's A Big Star (go check her out immediately, her blog is fantastic). As I touched on two days ago I was having a lot of beginner blogger concerns...like how to I stay interesting, how to I get people to want to follow me, how do I improve my blog since I am the least tech savy person on Earth, and blah blah blah.

Erin has been so wonderful sharing her insight on her blogging style and what works for her. I have already started making improvements to my blog, but her key advice was staying true to what I want my blog vibe to be. 

I thought I would take some of Erin's advice and add in some of what I noticed to help others who are just starting out as a blogger.

1. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF-
I have been given this advice over and over and over again. Some people may have started blogging as a source of income or to meet tons of new people. I, however, started blogging as a creative outlet. I talk none stop and I think the people around me appreciate me yapping at something other than them ha! I am 100% honest here and share only what I feel is relevant to what I am currently doing in my life. 

2. Share the love-
I have personally noticed that the more I venture on to others blogs and share how exciting their posts or blogs in general are they will return the favor. I am a daily reader of many, many, many blogs. I of course want to spread my thoughts to everyone, but I also love the community of being able to see others thoughts and ideas. Receiving sweet comments on my posts that I work hard to put together makes me feel good so I want to make sure I put time into the comments I leave for others as well.

3. Link-Up-
I have personally learned so much during this Big & Little link-up, that I highly suggest everyone join one! MANY bloggers do weekly link-ups that you can join just put adding your link to their page and placing a button on your post for that day. It is a great way to meet others who are also trying to find new blogs. If you are a Southern Blogger click my link-up button to the right and you will find endless bloggers in the Southern states that do link-ups in their areas!

4. Don't stress having the coolest blog-
This was my concern earlier in the week. I want EVERYONE to love my blog, well guess what that doesn't work that way. Going back to rule #1 be true to yourself and followers will come. And these followers will be genuine. Erin said something that really hit home with me, you want a relatable blog. Some people may have the perfect hair, friends, make-out, outfits, but they are the ones that are harder to be relatable too. Not that I and many others don't enjoy those types of blogs too, but that just isn't who I am and that is okay!

And the last piece of advice Erin gave, but it was my favorite...

5. Turn your captcha off! That is the annoying little thing that pops up when you are trying to read a comment that gives a series of letters and numbers to put in. I didn't even realize I had mine on. You can turn it off by going into your settings, clicking comments, and then switching the word verification button from yes to no. This one made me laugh, because it is so true, people hate commenting when they no someone has one of those!

I hope this helps new bloggers, like myself. I love blogging and really hope I can keep it as a creative outlet for a very long time to come. 


Any other suggestions for me/for other newer bloggers?
AND
Remember to check Erin out at www.Shesabigstar.com. Last, come back tomorrow because I finally carved/painted/drilled our pumpkins, made goodie bags, and will be working on our costumes, so get excited!



21 comments:

  1. You are too dang sweet, thank you for the kind words! I'm glad to help you in any way that I can so if things keep popping in your mind or you're having any troubles, ALWAYS feel free to e-mail me! I think you're doing a great job on your blog and I love that your personality shines through! xoxo

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  2. Aw I am so glad that you are enjoying this program! I along with the other ladies that host this program's mission is for bloggers to truly gain benefits from this program and it seems you have. Glad that you are loving your partner!

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    1. Thanks! I really have learned a thing or too. Definitely keep the program going!

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  3. That captcha tip is so funny! I personally hate when I go to a blog and it has a Disqus comment section and you have to have an account to comment. I don't mind when I can click "comment as guest" but i just do not want to create another account to another website if i dont have to!
    www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

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    1. It is just so true, sometimes I want to comment so bad, but it is just not worth it for all of that work!

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  4. I am part of the little/big network too! I got all of these recommendations, plus the advice to COMMENT, COMMENT, COMMENT and ALWAYS link back to anyone who might have inspired your post (so basically, share the love, lol) :)

    jess | Quaintrelle

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    1. Isn't it such a fun network? I love to comment on others blog posts! I spend a lot of my spare time browsing new and old blogs and probably spend more time on their sites than my own!

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  5. I did the bigs and Littles too! I also agree with number 5 - so annoying!

    agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com

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    1. I hope your experience went as well as mine! I didn't even realize I had the captcha on so hopefully this will spread the word to make sure you have it turned off!

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  6. Great tips! Starting out is very intimidating... and I'm seriously one of the least shy people you will ever meet! I'm like you though, I wanted a creative outlet... and this is such a FUN one! I'm guilty of the captcha. That's me being paranoid about viruses and whatnot. lol I will go take it off though, I was actually realizing how few people have it!!! lol

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    1. Oh no don't take it off if you don't want too! It is all personal preference! I will still comment on your wonderful blog with or without the captcha.

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  7. I just did the Big & Little Network this month as well and it was my first time. I love who I got paired with. She is so sweet and I love her blog. I hope the advice I have given to her helps out as much as yours has from your big.
    All those pointers are so good and even if you are new to blogging or more advanced, these are great to keep looking back on.
    And I'm excited to see your pumpkins as well! Can't wait!!! I love seeing how people are creative with pumpkins at Halloween

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    1. I'm sure you were an awesome big and had lots of great advice! That's awesome that you took the time to spread the love!

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  8. This is a very beautiful written post. Every blogger should read it! I have met in a short time so many lovely bloggers! And it looks like I just found one new one! XOXO, Sissi

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  9. Such good advice! Thanks for sharing!
    Ps. Your blog is darling! Xo xo

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    1. Aw well thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying it!

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  10. Loving these tips! Starting a blog is exciting but scary. You totally want everyone to love it... Happy to be a new follower here!

    Tatteredtotaylored.blogspot.com

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  11. My suggestion is for people to not care about numbers. They're misleading. I see many blogs that have 50+ GFC followers, but they always get comments from the same 20 people. There are also people who might be bookmarking your blog in their Internet browser, or following you on Twitter and seeing your new posts there. Numbers don't matter.

    You're right about being true to yourself. There has to be a "you" for the blog to be about! I hate blogs that are only give-aways and guest posts, with no original content from the actual blogger anymore.

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    1. It is so true. Their are some days no one visits my blog and that is okay! I enjoy blogging and that is all that matters.

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