Here you go! Im answering several of the questions you asked in the Inquiring Minds Want To Know post. {{Sorry for the wait.}} These are great questions and Im sure many of you have the same ones.
The main thing Id like to impress upon you is to develop and maintain organic relationships with like-minded women. I truly believe that if we unite together we will each succeed!
Q: Lynn – “Is there a way to make money with a blog (besides advertising my Etsy store)?”
A: Tip Junkie – You can put advertising on your blog. Charge for a sponsored ad positions and collect the money yourself or use an advertising company like: BlogHer, Glam Ads, Ads by Google, Juicebox Jungle Ads, and I’m sure there are many more.
If you’re wanting to sell more of your products using blogs; that’s an entire post in and of itself. Quickly here are some suggestions:
- Find high traffic blogs to host a giveaway for you. Make sure they get over 800 visitors a day and/or have a very loyal readership so it’s worth it. Also, I would keep the giveaway around $50 and let it run for 7 days to get a good reaction to your giveaway. To boost participants, ask the blogger to remind their readers of the giveaway with a link in a couple posts throughout the week. If you have someone host a giveaway for you, then be sure to link up to all the bloggers announcing giveaways like the TJ Giveaway Directory to drive in traffic from other blogs. Ask the blogger to allow a “follow on YOUR facebook fan page” for an extra entry.
- Send your products to high traffic blogs in exchange for reviews and exposure are great ways to get the word out. Only use bloggers who have a good reputation and develop a relationship with them. Follow up with them after they receive the product, if they don’t like it, then give them an opt out of doing the review.
- Lisa Leonard has done an amazing job at using blogs to market her products. I would suggest checking out her blog and follow what she is doing.
- You can also pay for a “sponsored ad” on high traffic blogs. Tip: I would make sure that the bloggers’ readership is your same customer demographic. For instance, if you sell major chunky bling then Simple Mom probably isn’t a good match even with her numbers. {{wink}}
Q: Lynn – “Also, how do I get buttons at the top of my blog (ones like home, projects, archives, etc.)”
A: Tip Junkie – Secretly I wish I was a graphics designer. Maybe that’s what I will be when I grow up! {{wink}} In the meantime, I actually outsource all my work to Shannon or my web guy. However, I have found several tutorials that can show you how to do it.
- Add Wibiya Toolbar To Your Blogger blog
- Add a navigation bar in header image
- How to add a navigation bar on your blog
- Blogger navigation bar – the simple way
If you’d rather hire a blog designer, you can check out the TJ Mom-preneur Shops under blog design to find a fabulous one.
Q: Nancy – “How do you stay organize with all that you do?”
A: Tip Junkie – HA! This is actually a question I get a lot and am in the middle of writing an eBook that will explain it all in detail. {{squeal in delight}} There’s not a simple answer to this but I’ll try.
- Basically I focus on making memories for myself and my family and everything else is centered around that.
- My home is organized almost everywhere using a dump method of cleaning (or bin method of organizing) making clean up a breeze.
- I’ve been doing Tip Junkie for almost 3 years now and therefore it’s a daily habit at this point. It’s pretty easy, I’m not curing cancer or anything. {{wink}}
- I thrive on routine:
- Monday – Laundry & Cleaning
- Tuesday – Volunteering at the Middle School and lunch with 2 boys
- Wednesday – Blog Stuff & Ongoing Problems
- Thursday – Lunch with a Friend & Errands
- Friday – Whatever I’m in the mood for; lately writing my eBook
- I outsource the things I don’t like to do around my home to my kids {{evil laugh}}
There will be a LOT more to come when I launch my eBook with the working title: “Moments that Endure are Memories that Matter”. Coming soon!
Q: TammyM – “How do I go back from a 3 column blog to a 2 column blog without loosing everything?”
A: Tip Junkie – Um, good question. I believe that you copy & paste all the code and the layout you want onto a “notepad” keeping all of your html and then upload a 2 column Blogger template. I’ve e-mailed my web designer and have asked him, but in the meantime here are some 3 column tutorial links:
- Three Column Blogger gives a lot of tutorials to add a 3 column to your blog. {{thanks Liz}}
- Change a Two Column Blog to Three Column: Dummies Style
Q: Angie – “I would LOVE to know how you manage your time.”
A: Tip Junkie – You can see the answer to Nancy’s question above. Also, I try to keep the daytime for regular mommy and homemaker stuff. I used to blog during the day but that left me feeling very depleted and over worked. Therefore my typical days are just like any other SAHM’s. I have rotating play dates on Mondays & Wednesdays. My youngest son is in school on Tuesdays & Thursdays, so I make sure I get out of the house on these days. Usually on Fridays I take several hours “off” and recharge my batteries, I’ll read a book, watch a movie, or take a nap.
I do my Tip Junkie and Executive Homemaker posts at night when my sweet boys are snoozing. Therefore, I work every night between 9 pm – Midnight. Sometimes later depending on how much Google searching I have to do or what file I’m creating for download. I’ll explain it all further in my eBook, I’m almost finished with it.
Q: Tracey – “What is the difference between followers and subscribers? Is one better than the other?”
A: Tip Junkie – Followers are for Facebook, Twitter, and Google Friend Connect (see sidebar in the subscribe box).
Subscribers are for E-mail feeds (latest post in your inbox) and Google Reader (or other RSS reader – which organizes all of your blogs newest posts). I use Feedburner to organize both and I’ve been very happy with them (it’s free).
In all honesty, I believe it’s better to have E-mail subscribers and Facebook Followers but that’s just my opinion. The reason is that if you use Google Reader (or other RSS reader) then your audience has to physically pull it up in order to read your blog. If it’s in their inbox then it comes to them. It’s the same philosophy with Facebook – your readers are already there chatting with friends and your blog post will pop up for them to see it.
Q: Kristl – “Im a newbie when it comes to blogging, and now that I have 40+ posts Im ready to spread the word! How do I make friends with other bloggers, so we can promote one another?”
A: Tip Junkie – This is another doozie of a question, one that should have it’s own post. But think of it this way and ask yourself the question: “Where do your readers hang out online?”
You basically need to go where the traffic is for your specific demographic and then start making a name for yourself there. Some examples are:
- MckLinky link ups for your target readership (I host one every Tuesday)
- BlogFrog where 26,000 women are waiting for you to announce your blog
- Mom Bloggers Club Ning (there are tons of Nings you can use to hang out with your potential readers)
- Leaving relevant comments on high traffic – low comment blogs (like Tip Junkie) within your niche. People see who you are and click over, even if they don’t leave a comment.
The key is not to self-promote and follow the “rules” or etiquette of the venue. Make sure you read the rules and follow the examples appropriately. The more you make true and real friendships, the more people will like what you do and follow you on your blog.
I created a 3 part post on developing your own community and your blog readership IS your community. That basically gives away all of my secrets and insider info for you to re-create what I’ve done here on Tip Junkie.
You can also do what the ProBlogger suggests:
1. Use social media like Twitter to increase your audience.
2. Post on forums and include your blog address at the bottom of each post.
3. Host a giveaway and submit it to more popular blogs to announce it. E-mail friends and family about your giveaway.
4. Interview other bloggers. You never know, they might announce your interview on their blog bringing you new readers.
5. Host a swap with a button people can put on their blogs to announce it. Also e-mail friends about it to help spread the word.
To Keep People Coming:
1. Good content.
2. Reply to comments.
3. E-mail a new reader, thank them for commenting and tell them youre looking forward to further interactions.
4. See whos linking to your blog by checking your Technorati page and then e-mail the blogger that linked to you and say thanks. Be genuine and keep in mind that this isnt a task, youre trying to build friendships and alliances that will help you both.
5. E-mail an old reader and thank them for sticking with you and for adding value to your blog.
Q: Maya – “My questions are regarding comments. Do you reciprocate every comment? Or do you visit bloggers (who comment) only occasionally?”
A: Tip Junkie – You’ve heard the saying, “Do as I say not as I do.” Well, this most certainly comes into play here regarding comments. Yes, at one point I reciprocated every comment by leaving a relevant and kind one. However, I no longer am able to do that. It’s not because I get a lot of comments, it’s just that I only have a specific number of hours to blog.
I read every single comment and they make me smile every time. It’s most certainly a perk with my work. I usually do click over and find a fabulous post that I bookmark in my delicious file to feature later, but I rarely have time to leave a comment.
If you have been blogging for under a year (or get under 300 visitors a day) you should absolutely be reciprocating comments. This will help develop real relationships with readers and fellow bloggers. These are the women with whom you will be building your blogging alliance for future fun collaborations and to help promote each other. It’s really the best way to get to know like-minded women.
Q: Tracy – “I was wondering whats your favorite organization tip/trick that you use? Whats your favorite topic on TJ?”
A: Tip Junkie – Oooh, good question. My favorite orgainzation tip that I still use 2 years later that I featured on TJ, is the Pantry make over. I use the bin method of organizing for almost every room and closet in my home. Dude, it works.
My favorite topic to feature is birthday parties, hands down. I love a fabulous birthday party. However, I also love scrap crafts or paper crafting. But those are harder to find with Google searches. So usually I have to rely on my readers submitting them.
Q: Sharon – “I have been wondering why bloggers need to use Facebook and Twitter also? What are the differences and which do you prefer?”
A: Tip Junkie – It’s all social media which is getting other forms of traffic to your blog while making a name for yourself online. If that’s not your goal, then I wouldn’t worry about it. With that said, I would absolutely make your blog a Facebook Fan page. This takes minutes to set up and it’s the best way to promote fun events and things you’re doing on your blog, an easy way to talk to your readers (via your phone aps), and if your blog takes off unexpectedly (like Tip Junkie did) you’ve got a leg up.
Personally, I prefer Facebook to Twitter. If you’re wanting to learn how to Twitter and what the heck it’s all about, you can check out these posts:
- How To Twitter – Part 1
- How To Build Your Twitter Audience – Part 2
- Taking Twitter to the Next Level – Part 3
Q: Sarah – “I really want to know how I can get the word out about my blog so that we can continue to raise money for my family in Romania.”
A: Tip Junkie – See Kristl’s answer above.
I would also suggest that your blog not only be about your family in Romania, but incorporate your daily life as well. People give to those they feel connected with. Let your blog be organic to your every day life. The more connection people feel with you and the amazing service you are trying to provide, the more people will want to be apart of that as well. {{you may already do that}}
If you specifically want to keep it to this niche, then really own it and post at least 2-3 times a week about Romanian life, the families communications with you, the small things you are doing to bring awareness offline and online. People want to know more, not just that they need money. Maybe spotlighting each family member, especially on their birthdays, your goals and dreams for them, etc.
That’s just what I would do with it. I hope that helps.
Q: Katie – “Who can help create a fun blog to a new mom prenuer. I am debating on starting a blog or a website? Any info you can give would be wonderful?”
A: Tip Junkie – I would most definitely start a blog before a website. It’s cheaper and easier to update. Executive Homemaker was a website for 2 years and couldn’t get it off the ground, it’s been a blog for 14 months and it already has a loyal following.
Also, blogs are better indexed by search engines because they are updated daily. They also create relationships and most people buy from people they feel like they know.
You can start a blog with Blogger.com with out any help and it requires very little know-how. Or you can hire a blog designer from the TJ Mom-preneur Shops under blog design and they’ll do it all for you.
Q: Stephanie – “What are the best reasons and practices for using Facebook and Twitter? I have some friends Ive had to block because all they do is post about checking out their blog or have @somethingorother than makes no sense to anyone not on Twitter. Is it helpful or more annoying?”
A: Tip Junkie – Teehee. I’m quite sure that someone is drafting a “How to promote your blog via Facebook” as we speak. If it’s not already been written. I don’t have an outline for you, however I would advise you to just be yourself and let the conversations flow naturally. Friend a LOT of people you admire in the blogosphere and do what they do on their Facebook accounts. I think the key to Facebook is to jump on there a few times a day, only posting something at 10am everyday isn’t going to get you referral traffic to your blog that you’re looking for.
Also, interact with people on your Facebook fan pages. Did you know that you can record a video directly from Facebook. I’ve only done it twice but my readers loved it. I can’t get the darn thing to work again but when I do, I’ll be videoing once a week. People love to get cool info and updates on what you’re doing on your fan pages as well.
As far as Twitter goes, you can read the links that I left for Sharon above and you can check out Alli’s Smart Girls Guide to Twitter. It’s a cheap e-book that tells you all you want to know and more about Twitter strategies.
Q: Stephanie – “What are your favorite resources to recommend to a newbie just getting started? Blogger vs. WordPress, finding a theme, designing blog page, getting out there, etc.”
A: Tip Junkie – Hmmm… WordPress is the future, so if you are a little online savvy I would start with that. If you know nothing and aren’t familiar with blogs, then I would start with Blogger (‘cuz it’s seriously so easy). WordPress is better indexed on search engines, it’s better to “sell” products on, better for social media, it’s more flexible on almost everything. I use the “Thesis” WordPress theme but I leave all the design work to someone who knows what they are doing.
For brand new bloggers, you can check out all the Blogging Tips that I’ve collected for you to learn about blog etiquette and other fun tips for your blog. You can also check out:
Q: Stephanie – “Time management how much time do you invest in blogging and still manage to lead an active life away from the computer?”
A: Tip Junkie – When Tip Junkie was under a year old, it was a full time gig. I was spending 8-12 hours a day on it and commenting on 60 blogs a day (relevant comments not, “come visit Tip Junkie”). However, now that I’m almost in my 3rd year, I spend 3-5 hours on it daily, depending on what crazy idea I’ve come up with next. HA!
I also had to stop blogging during the day. This made it so that I can have the same schedule as my friends, get all my mommy & homemaking tasks done first, and have a typical rhythm to life. I do all of my regular daily posts at night, although I am on the computer on and off sometimes during the day – just not for posting.
Don’t Eat Barbie – easy game for preschoolers
Q: Brittaney – “I am another busy mom (& teacher) from Texas and would like to know how you create your cutesty, scrapbook-style pages/worksheets. Is it software that I can purchase? I would like to be able to create letters, worksheets, etc. for school & home and make it look as fabulous as you do!”
A: Tip Junkie – I’m very basic and old school when it comes to producing worksheets. I use Microsoft Publisher and random clip art that I find via Google. My goal this year is to finally learn Photoshop Elements and buy some digital scrapbooking embellishments. If you’re wanting to learn how to go digi, here’s a guest post from Ashley that gives you the 411:
That’s all the time I have for today. {{darn}} Sorry this post is so long, I wanted to answer all the questions in one place but this is getting really long and maybe a little overwhelming. I hope you’ve learned something new and I’ve helped out a bit. You know I aim to please. {{wink}}
I’ve answered most of the questions and will finish it up with a Part 2 later this week. Feel free to ask follow up questions if you’d like on this post. I’d be happy to elaborate or clarify something I’ve talked about today.
Hugs!
Laurie
Have more questions, you’ll love these previous posts:
- Blogging Questions & Answers
- Q&A – Part 1
- Your Questions Answered – Part 2
- I’ve collected hundreds of blogging tips in the Blogging Topics on TJ
Coming Up on TJ:
Also, be sure to enter the Spring Fling Grand Prize giveaways and the Premium BlogFrog Membership Giveaway (ends Friday). Special giveaways and bonus prizes will be given away for BlogFrog members – so sign in now! {{wink}}
You are serioulsy amazing…thanks for all the tips 🙂
Thank you for posting this! You answered questions I didn’t even know I had! I’m excited to give digital scrapbooking a try 🙂
Everything Laurie said, and let me add the same “old boring” mantra “CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT!”. You have to have something to read in order to keep your readers 🙂
Great tips! I’m impressed with your organization and might steal your schedule and modify it a bit for myself :).
Sarah
Fabulous tips, as always Laurie!