What I learned from Blog Podium : Part Two

Oh hi there! Happy Wednesday to you all

Tonight I am excited to share the rest of my Blog Podium wrap up post! I am still getting back in to the swing of things and trying to get on top of this whole blogging thing again. Sometimes I cannot believe how quickly the weeks go by. Before I know it, the weekend is here again and there is tons going on! So bare with me, and I hope you enjoy part two of what I learned at Blog Podium!

Bloggers & Brands :

• Don't focus on numbers. Focus on content and building community
• After working with a brand, share positive feedback along with stats and media links
• Be professional, honest and enthusiastic!
• Treat your blog like a business, even if it's a hobby
• YOU are a business
• ALWAYS answer emails (within 48 hours if you can!) * I need to get better at this!
• Keep learning, creating and reading

Words of wisdom/Building Successes :

• Goal setting is a massive tool you need to use ; set goals for your blog
• Decide what your skill set is
• Treat everybody like their someone really important
• Don't count on instant gratification, good things take time
• Pick 3 things that you stand for
• Create a blog & brand that is purely yours
• Success is not only measured in money. You will lose the passion very quickly if you only care about money
• Become an inspiration. Re-inspire yourself on your passions on bringing in new elements
• Blogging helps make you find your voice
• Be confident about your information and opinions. Captivate your audience

Closing Notes/Take aways/ Things to remember :

• Become a digital influencer, focus on what you like best
• BE YOURSELF ; find your natural skills
• Celebrate your successes
• If you keep doing what you love, eventually someone will notice
• It's not all about metrics and numbers and fame, it's about make a difference, finding your voice and doing what you love
• Remember why you starting blogging, and focus on why you really love doing it

What I learned from Blog Podium : Part One

So like I mentioned before, this past weekend I got the chance to go to Blog Podium. I went two years ago, but missed last years. Blog Podium is a conference in Toronto for Design & Lifestyle Bloggers. Since I just launched my new blog and am getting back in to the groove, I thought the timing was perfect to get inspired! My babe bought me a ticket to the conference for my 30th birthday and I am so glad that I went!

I am still feeling so driven after Saturday, and I have so many ideas that my head my explode.  When we arrived at the conference we got a cute-as-can-be notebook from Minted for the day. I literally almost filled the whole book up!

I realized that since I have A LOT of notes,  I will make this in to a two part series to make sure I let you all know just how much awesome stuff I learned. Let's be blogger besties.

Making your blog reflect YOU! :

• Your blog is free branding. Make sure your blog symbolizes who you are!
• Utilize the things you love and marry that to your blog
• Ditch your pride / Take risks / Believe in yourself / Trust others / Become a better you
• Write a mantra for your blog! (I am so excited to do this)
• Use Facebook groups to connect and network and share
• "Focus on your content and the rest will take care of itself"
• You are what you blog!

When it comes to photography on your blog :

• If you take a photo of something that's pretty, you have way better chance of success (photograph it well and right!)
• Have a consistent style when it comes to photo taking
• Use props to tell your story
• Make sure the hero in the photo is obvious
• Define a colour palette and keep your colour consistent
• Natural light is always best
• Build your own brand
• Make a style guide for your blog ; create a mood board, make your look, decide on your colours and style, do search (whose work do you love?)
• Light can make or break your photo
• Choose small props
• Buy a ruler, and use it!

Bloggers & Brands :

• Keep your pitch short (about one page)
• Network with other bloggers
• Make a list of bloggers and brands you want to work with
• NBB - Never Be Boring
• Create a facebook page for your brand
• Use LinkedIn to connect with brands
• Make sure your pitch looks pretty
• Always leave a personal note when contacting a blogger or brand
• Think of yourself as the reader as well as the writer
• Always ask yourself "Would I read this?"
• No matter what, always hit "preview" and check for errors or typos before posting
• Create shareable, well written content
• Don't just tweet links - be active and build engagement

More bloggy goodness coming soon! Love ya all.