Sadly, I think I’ve lost all photos from the conference except this one of the red and black Aldo wedge shoes. So content is key for this post.
The IFB Conference held at Milk Studios in September of 2011 was insightful and very informative as the past events. This seasons engagement for me was exciting because of the participation of Media experts providing insight on the brand acknowledgement of bloggers and how they review the content and seek bloggers or additional staff.
Games were played, prizes and treats were given out. I was the first “real winner” of the day for the Aldo Shoes Roulette Table #GetLucky and won a $50 gift card. Woo hoo! To have just walked in out of the rain, from turnpike traffic, expecting to be totally late for the first scheduled engagement, ” Bloggers Tool Kit”, I was pleasantly surprised to win a prize. I walked away with a lot of information to build my blogging skills with and cool gifts from the Milk Studios event.
Here are 10 things I learned to help improve my blogging techniques and hope you can build your blogging style and reader audience as well.
1. Do you need to be technical or an expert when you blog?
a. You should be somewhat technical to edit, update and use SEO for your post
b. You should have knowledge and experience in the subject you blog about to build a better experience for the reader
c. You should have knowledge and experience in the subject you blog about to build a better experience for the reader
d. However if you are not technical, build on how you communicate to your audience, because communication is also key
2. How do you analyze blog data to build a better blog?
a. If something is retweeted, commented or “liked” a lot, analyze what you did for those results and incorporate in future posts
3. Two ways to get people to share your posts
a. “The power of asking” for people to follow, retweet or like on Facebook
b. Use the share buttons of repost on your blog
4. What are key Blogger tips?
a. Give credit and comment on other bloggers
b. Use quality images
c. Take risks- playing it safe isn’t always the best thing
5. If you’re using your blog as a business, how should you post content?
a. You may need to be careful and cautious on the content you post to not be brutally offensive as you can loose followers
b. Professionalism is key, but don’t be afraid to stick up for yourself f you are passionate about a topic
c. These days, professionals check your blog, Facebook and MySpace for the type of content you’ve post as your online content is your reputation.
d. Keep personal and business separate if needed
6. If you’re just starting out with your blog, what should you keep in mind?
a. Don’t blog for money, blog because it’s your passion.
b. Don’t compare yourself to other blogs, you can loose focus on your content
c. If you’re going to make money it probably won’t be for a few years
d. Ask yourself if you can do it for 3 years; if the answer is yes, then keep going.
e. Build relationships and get back to people within 24-48 hours
7. What do you do to build your brand?
a. Write a brand book including a mission statement and vision statement
b. Brand and promote yourself on your blog
c. Explain who your are and what you are about
8. How do you figure out how to talk about yourself to people?
a. Sit with someone you trust and discuss what they think about you
b. Find a brand you look up to and investigate what they are about
c. Have your elevator pitch ready and be ready to talk about yourself
9. What is great data to build your following?
a. Twitter/Tweets
b. Facebook Fans
c. RSS Subscription
d. Blog followers
e. Comments
10. Joe Zee, Creative Director of ELLE Magazine made me feel best of all as he said, “ If you want to be a writer of interest; say it quick and concise.”
a. Fascinating that he believes that if you can’t say it in 140 characters or less you’ve probably lost his interest already.
I always question if my blog posts are possibly too short. I sometimes compare myself to other bloggers who seem to have plenty of words to fill a page, however I don’t know if it’s adult A.D.D. or the writer literally said so much that I lost the meaning or interpretation because they padded the topic so much. I’m intentionally short and sweet and I’m glad someone like Joe Zee can appreciate that.
Fun times during the conference included the delicious ice creams bars by Magnum Ice Cream, the fantastic manicuring by KMS California and the great conversations with the fashion bloggers that traveled from far and near to attend this fabulous event. Can’t wait until next season.
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