My Blog My Brand
I had to address this issue because as I get new people coming into my different social channels and especially my blog, I wanted to remind people how important blogging is to your personal brand online!
Here is a typical day on my blog:
200 spams
10 comments pending approval
Moderating comments to check for authenticity and to filter spam back links
Tip 1. Your Picture as your Gravatar
Why such a fuss? Because you must be a gravatar accompanying your comments! In fact, your picture NEEDS to be on everything you send out. Without it, you’ll likely end up in someone’s spam box. Now, don’t be camera shy! Get over it! This is your business and if you want to conduct it well, vanity shouldn’t stop you.
We all learn, when we first start blogging, that we need to be open and honest. This is the key to marketing. So why are you hiding? If you are, you are breaking trust issues. People don’t trust you if they cannot see who you are.
I had a problem with this, myself, a long time ago. But when I thought “Hey, this is my business, this is me…” I decided to change my mindset and put my picture up there anyway.
Tip 2. Your Niche
Have a clear idea of what your niche is. Write what moves you. Things that keep you going. Whatever you have learned, you can write about. This pertains to all niches. Know your specialty and find different ways to get your message out. But keep on point.
If you are not into technology, don’t write about it. Try to keep focused. If you get stuck, as we all do sometimes, read some articles or the latest news stories in your niche. Write about what you have just learned. This will keep people following you as a specialist in your niche.
Tip 3. Please don’t Sell
The biggest turn off is when I read a blog and it is always about sales. You can pitch something once in a while, but If your blog is nothing but “Join Me” “Buy Me” you will probably find that you get very few comments and next to no engagement.
People won’t syndicate you because you lack credibility as a leader and authority. Not to mention, that you won’t get any sales that way!
Here you will be associated as the guy/gal who is always looking to sell something. That is how you will brand yourself and you don’t want to do that.
Tip 4. Social Platforms
One of the most important aspects of blogging is to co-ordinate your message and your brand with your social media sites.
Make sure that your picture is on every social platform you are on. Be social! To brand yourself, you have to get out there and make some friends.
When commenting on their blog, READ IT, and give a good comment about the blog, not about you! Of course you can put in your 2 cents, but acknowledge that person and the value of their content.
On your social platforms, give good content just as you would on your blog. You can post your most recent blog posts through your social streams. You can also post an article you just read that is in your niche and put it on your Facebook Page, or tweet about it. and link your updates back to your blog.
You will be surprised how many people find it beneficial. They become your friends in the social media, and regular visitors to your blog because you’ve branded yourself as a “leader” in your niche. If you keep passing on the latest and greatest tips and info in your niche, they will appreciate it.
Tip 5. Sharing Who You Are!
This doesn’t mean that you need to spill your guts out about your entire life, but people like to know who you are and what you are up to. Lets face it folks, we all are a bit nosey aren’t we? Tell the truth now…. If you are following someone your mind might wander and ask yourself is he/she married? What kind of home do they live in? Do they have pets?
Give insight about yourself on your About Me page on your blog, then reinforce that story in your social media. Remember, you always want to reinforce your blogging information and branding with what you do in your social media streams.
Your “About Me” blog story contains the things you want to share to make people get a better glimpse into your life. So on your social sites you may want to put up pictures of your pet, share a movie you just saw, take your readers in your own back yard and do a video. Things like this help people get to know you better. They see that you are real, with a real pet, a real back yard, etc.
I wouldn’t spend too much time on this, because it can be annoying to folks, but take them into your life as much as you are comfortable with. It is a Social Platform, and we need to be Social.
So, are you ready for more exposure? Ready to Brand YOU? Let me know your thoughts on this. How do you effectively brand yourself in your blogging?
Twitter: coachgladyd
February 28, 2013 at 2:58 pm #
Hi again Donna
Boy I am enjoying your articles. I am thrilled I found you.
Now to your article… I realize now how basic these points are but so necessary.
I have a friend name Adrienne and she has been helping with my blog and she said “Now Gladys you need a Gravtar… Now I have one..
Point two: Still working on my branding, but it will come along
Point three.. So important not to sell who we are. Our writings will speak of who we are.
The social platforms, I too am learning… and I love it.
Your points are excellent and they are effective, with time.
I do want to get out there and continue to grow as a person.
Thank you Donna for your insight and making things clear.
Hi Donna,
thank you so much for sharing your great tips.
Your point 3 is so important. Blog posts that are full of ‘buy this’ etc are not conducive to wanting to comment or sharing.
I also like the way you elaborate on how to comment. Giving credit to the post you are commenting on seems to make sense.
When people comment to ‘elbow’ their way in with ‘advertising’ their expertise it makes me wonder about their motive for commenting.
Cheers,
Yorinda
Hi Yorinda,
Thanks for visiting this old post of mine! My pet peeve is when people do try to “elbow” their way in.
Donna
Writing for our niche is such a crucial point. It’s not all about us: it’s about “What’s In It For Me [the Reader]”. Once we’ve identified the type of person we’re targeting, it’s helpful to spend time thinking about the types of issues/problems and struggles that person is struggling with, and how our writing can help that person in her/his life.
Steve Borgman recently posted..Positive Self Talk: Key to Success
Hey Steve,
You hit the nail right on the head!
Thanks,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Google+ Hangout With Patricia Gozlan
Hey Donna,
How’s it going? Yes I can agree with you on those great tips. Nothing worse than a blog that is screaming “Buy this! Join that!”.
A blog should express the owner, show your personality and passion to your niche. The main thing I lack on my blogs is finding the time to consistently post every week.
Keep the tips coming!
Aidan 🙂
Aidan Gibson recently posted..Pinterest Is A Must For Internet Presence ***VIDEO***
Hi Aidan,
Thank you for visiting. Yes there is nothing worse than blogs that are pushing it. A blog must have value and good content.
I know people who are blogging every day, but I can only manage once a week.
Google likes consistency – so that is how I roll!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Law Of Attraction Part 2
I especially think your advice on “Read It” before commenting is very important. You would think this is common sense but I’ve had a couple of recent posts where the title was a little vague and a LOT of bloggers commented on what they thought the post was about and completely missed the actual topic. Many of these were from regular readers and somewhat popular bloggers so it was pretty eye opening for me.
Brian D. Hawkins recently posted..Take Your Blogging Skills To Town For Profit – Local Business
Hi Brian,
Those comments never get approved on my site. I can tell you that I get more people by engaging on a blog and leaving a good comment than anywhere else.
Reading the blog is important!!! You cannot skim it and leave an intelligent message. Sometimes I read a highly technical post. I’m honest and I will write in a comment that I read it twice but my brain doesn’t work that way….I will keep you bookmarked if I need to hire you for (whatever the subject is)
I know it can get frustrating at times when comments have nothing to do with your post.
Be Blessed,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The 80/20 Rule
Hey Donna, I recently made this change after realizing that my blog was more like an article directory than a blog; I wasn’t sharing much personal information just providing good value but no real connection to me or who I am. When you’re on someone’s blog you’re there expecting a blog, not an article directory, you want to know more about them and what makes them tick AND you want value. Great tips!
Hans Schoff recently posted..It’s Time To Get Real – Are You Prepared?
It is great to know that you got something out of this blog Hans!
I appreciate your comment. Yes, we do have to get a little personal with our blogs in order to engage people. Your blog is chock full of information and is great.
A little sharing wouldn’t hurt!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Hiding Under A “Blogging Umbrella?”
Know your niche. This is a big one for me. The better we can understand our target audience, respond to their needs and pains, the more successful we will be. Thanks for encouraging me to better understand this key point, Donna!
Steve-Personal Success Factors recently posted..Want Greatness? Write Your Personal Vision Statement
Yes, sometimes I get distracted from my niche also. Trying to juggle self help and newbies coming in can be a little confusing.
The thing is Steve is that we have to be more grounded lol
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Hiding Under A “Blogging Umbrella?”
Excellent post Donna as always. Agree with all the point.
After reading this I am going to go back to my about me page and see what I am missing. Another blog read recently said that the most visited page in your blog is about me page.
You are so right your picture goes a long way. It amazes me to see people on Facebook and forums without their picture.
Thanks of sharing
Damayanthi
Hi Damayanthi,
Sorry for the delay in responding to you. I am happy that you will be working on your about me page.
I have lots of new friends that come to my blog and go directly to the “about me” then ask me to guest post.
It works!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Hiding Under A “Blogging Umbrella?”
This is a great post, Donna. Thank you. The bigger the web gets the more we search for the personal side of it. I like writing on my blogs, it is one of the high points of my day and my week. I especially like what you wrote about the About Me page. i did have a bit of difficulty changing mine around so that I felt it gave a good view of what I was doing, but once I did, it worked a lot better for me. 🙂
Michael recently posted..Start Right Now To Feel Better
Glad this was of help to you Michael.
That “about me” page is one of the most difficult things to do.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Stop Horsing Around On The Internet
Donna, speaks the truth.
When I visit a blog and begin to read.
I don’t want to be listening to a sales page.
I want a post that add value and informs.
One of first things I normally do is read the “about me” page to find out a little bit about the person. Is it nosey? I’m just trying to figure out if I can trust what you say.
Displaying an image of yourself really helps building trust and rapport.
Awesome post Donna. You have listed the things that really make the difference.
Simmeon recently posted..Case Study: Warrior Forum Increases Your Conversions and Sales!
Thank you Simmeon, It isn’t nosey to look at the about me section. I do that a lot too. We do need to know who we are connecting with.
Thanks for visiting and your kind words,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Why Is Building Relationships Super Important?
Twitter: Amis Interactive Communities
June 5, 2012 at 7:15 am #
Donna,
This was needed and still there will be the same 1k plus people visiting my site this week who refuse to get with the picture. You must allow people to see you. How else can we know if your a real person.
Also, please register with commentluv.com It is free and needed so we can share the love without searching. It only makes sense as Donna states, Gravatar is required and upload a real picture. Put you email in the profile also and you are on your way to being a house hold brand.
These are by no means the whole list. Yet, if you can also keep with that quality article written with connecting to our emotions, will only be a plus. Get creative and use your daily adventures as a story to relate to business and personal growth. You can never go wrong, after all life is a journey full of daily adventures. Write about it!
Thanks Donna, for just being you. I appreciate your coaching skills and winning attitude.
William Amis recently posted..Stop playing business owner and create a real lifestyle.
Awesome addition to my post William! Thanks so much ….Lovn’ your comment.
These suggestions also should be followed, especially for the new blogger.
I love your last line: “life is a journey full of daily adventures. Write about it!” Excellent.
Thank you,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
You are so on target here Donna! I liked what you said about the “About me”
Give insight about yourself on your About Me page on your blog, then reinforce that story in your social media. Remember, you always want to reinforce your blogging information and branding with what you do in your social media streams.
I think so much is left out not just on the blog but on social media sites when they neglect telling about themselves. I am so mystified when I go to a blog or a profile and I really can’t figure out what the person is all about!
I agree Lynda when you say that you get mystified going to a blog or profile and can’t figure out what that person is all about.
That is yet another one of my pet peeves!
Thanks for your input,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
I try to always use the same gravatar with every comment that I leave. This way people know who I am. I used to have a picture of myself but then I noticed that a competitor was using my photo to build links to their blog.
Adam
Adam Snyder recently posted..Begin Your Blogging Venture – Interview With Adrienne Smith
Hi Adam, I know how that is. I had a “competitor” do the same thing. But I did not view them as a “competitor” but rather a thief. I went through the necessary channels to try to report the sniper, but now I find that when I do videos, I watermark them. They cannot swipe that!
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
I so know what you mean about sharing yourself with your brand. Some people are so closed, they have nothing about themselves on their sites. Some people I’ve known online for years and I still don’t know what they look like.
It’s nice knowing a little about someone you’re in contact with. As you said, this is the difference between people caring about you and your brand or not. People must feel a certain affinity to you – as if they know you. How else are you going to touch them and their lives, right?
We’re more likely to take advice from someone we like.
Great post, Donna.
Anne recently posted..Change Your Life
Absolutely Anne!
There are some out there I know for years also but have no idea of who they really are…inside…their lives, etc.
We do not have to necessarily share everything, but a little bit is enough for people to understand who we are and then they can warm up to us.
Thanks for your great input,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Hi Donna,
Thanks for the great information! I’m fairly new to the blogging world having only been active since the end of October. It’s blogs like yours that make it easier for us newbies to learn and grow.
I actually think I’m off to a pretty good start, though, as I’ve made traction in all 5 of your tips. I need to update my About Me page a little bit, but overall I think I’ve got a decent foundation. That’s in no small part due to people such as yourself and Adrienne Smith who are willing to provide such quality information for those who are willing to seek it out and be coachable!
The one thing that amazes me is the commenting thing. From day one, I’ve always tried to add value to the conversation through my comments. But, the number of people who simply try to get link juice by leaving a one line comment is astounding. I usually simply delete the comment and move on. I think I’ve only approved one, who didn’t have a gravatar either, but I know them personally in real life. They don’t have a blog or anything to promote, and were being sincere in their showing their appreciation for the post. But, if I didn’t know them personally, I wouldn’t have let the comment through.
Thanks again for this very informative article. I hope you have an outstanding week!
~Barry
Barry Overstreet recently posted..Life Is Not A Competition With Others
Hi and Welcome to my blog Barry,
I appreciate your awesome comment. This is a fine example of engagement when it comes to commenting.
Being new to blogging does take time to build an audience. When I started, I joined a “Tribe” whereby we syndicate one another. There are plenty around and if you ever need help with that, contact me. It is a great way to start great syndication.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
I agree 100% about the photos! I mean, especially these days when getting rid of a wrinkle is only five minutes with Photoshop away, there’s no reason to be an egg or a snowflake or some other such nonsense.
These were all such important aspects of being a good blogger. And I also agree that blogs where people are always selling you on something are quite annoying. In fact, I don’t think those are blogs at all, just advertisements.
Donna, I think you’ve got this whole blogging thing nailed and you’re always so good at getting to the heart of the matter and making very clear and important points. I find the things you say to be helpful and inspirational. Thanks for sharing!
Carol Lynn recently posted..Build A Better Website: 8 Tips For A Contact Page That Converts
Thanks for your kind words Carol Lynn,
I have done some research on those ghosts and found that most of them were connected to sales sites, or even worse “bad neighborhood” sites. These sites are gambling, porn and health products according to the Great Google Oz! These are the blogs that we cannot bring into ours.
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Hi Donna,
All of those are important points! All of those points are important and I’m always surprised at the number of bloggers without a gravatar. When I go to a blog or sign up for a list I never stay for long when it becomes clear that the only thing I’m going to get is pitched at.
Stacy
Me Too Stacy! I think you speak for all of us!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Twitter: wonderoftech
June 1, 2012 at 3:08 pm #
Hi Donna, This is great advice for those who are starting out as well as some people who have been blogging for a while. Every so often I visit a blog and something about it bugs me but I can’t put my finger on it. I think that the reason is probably one of the five points you have listed here.
The next time I come across a blog violating these rules, I might just link to this excellent post in the comments section!
Carolyn recently posted..Nokia Lumia 710: A Smart Starter Smartphone
Thanks Carolyn!
I know how difficult it is when we come across a blog that “bugs” you. That’s one of the reasons why I wrote this post.
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
The Gravatar part is such a pet peeve for me. I still see people without one and think, really? It’s free already! You made some great points and the selling part is something that just turns me off real quick. I know people want to make money, heck, so do I, but I love it when people lead with people first and their product last.
The banner ads and other stuff listed tells me alot, but if I saw a post that helped solve my problem, I will take the post more seriously than I would if it was just a buy this or buy that. I never want to come off like that because people want to find value in what you write and help to solve a problem in their own life. Thanks Donna for putting out there..sometimes we need reminders like this.
Sonia recently posted..Blogger Spotlight: Nicole Moulton, herSocialNetwork.com
Thanks Sonia, It is my pet peeve too! I have seen so many sites with no gravatars that it gets me crazy. Some of the people I kinda know and I will send them a suggestion.
But others, go into the spam box. Lately there have been so many blogs being shut down for all the “buy me” features. Heck, this is Social Media, not Buy Me Media. So Google has a point.
OK I’ll end the rant! Thanks for coming by
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Well you are right Donna! Sharing our articles in social platforms is very important when we want exposure and traffic. This is one golden secret of getting success in the world of blogging. Thanks for sharing the article.
Sanjib Saha recently posted..Review of Nikon Coolpix P510
Thank you for stopping by and I appreciate your input Sanjib.
We do need to share our articles on all the social platforms….even the ones we don’t visit often.
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Are You Hiding Under A “Blogging Umbrella?”
Donna,
Awesomsauce! these back to basics posts will never go out of style. Since more and more people are looking for the right way to build their business online, more and more people need these straight forward easy to follow directions.
The step by step formula like you’ve laid out is great. Right now I’m gravitating to your fifth point. Your about me page is a must have and should probably be reviewed 1-2 times a year. Just to keep it fresh.
Beyond that people need to know how to be themselves online, but to not over do it when it comes to blasting out there “buy here” links. Some of the best posts and social media statuses have been the personal ones. Shares of positive struggles and triumphs. Leave the negative and the ego at the door.
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
Ken Pickard recently posted..Passion of an Entrepreneur
Thanks Ken for contributing such a great response.
I had to go back to basics because of the many newbies that are coming in to the Blogging World.
Oh that “About Me” page does ward attention at least two times a year. We grow so fast here that we sometimes forget how fast we are growing.
When reviewing mine a while ago, I was shocked that I wasn’t that person anymore he he. I had more to offer!
Thanks again Ken!
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Great advice about how to make a blog more effective. I agree that it should be personable, informative and useful. i feel that if you are good at what you are writing, then people can approach you and seek your products more effectively- great point! Thanks again
Hi Zena
Yes, it is a balance of sorts. We do need to first think of the problem people may have and then give an answer to it on our blog. This one took me back to the basics because of the many newbies coming in.
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Hi Donna, great tips for branding yourself, and especially about the gravatar. I would much prefer to look at someone’s face than their name and I like to see a clear picture – not one of those fuzzy ones that hides the face.
Regarding “sharing who you are”, I love it when people weave in a story that’s relevant to their brand, but they tell a little about themselves also. I think there’s an art to doing that, some do it well and others not so well, Maybe it takes some practice.
Regards from Julieanne
Julieanne van Zyl recently posted..Your MLM Marketing Blog and Choosing a Domain Name
I agree Julieanne it does take some practice to weave our personal lives with our blogs. We don’t want to over do it because it will become totally boring.
But I find it easy sharing a “problem” that I have overcome with others. That’s a start. Some people have such a great way of doing it. Whatever it is, we do need to put a little bit of ourselves to personalize our brand.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Thanks Donna!
Think this is a great list. However, tip #5 really hit home for me.
If someone I am following sends way too much personal info that is not pertinent to why I started following them in the first place, it usually means they will get unfollowed soon.
There certainly is a balance and one that can be beautifully integrated into your branding & marketing efforts. Appreciate you reminding us of that.
P.S. Something simple (I learned) for anyone having trouble with their Gravatar, your settings could be affecting why your image is not always showing up. Just an FYI… 😉
Oh Yes Vanessa, Balance is everything. You want to give information i.e. the Answer to someone’s problem or question. Always keep that in mind. But… We need to share a little of ourselves so people can get a more comfortable with us on a human basis. That’ where people sometimes get stuck. It is all about balance.
And..thanks for the input on Gravatar settings 🙂
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Hi Donna appreciate you blog and the different tips that you gave out. They were very helpful for me. I am a newbie and is looking for good information to improve my blogging. Blogging is a brand new world for me and keeping reader interested in my niche was one of my concern. By reading one of your tips it has encouraged me with options on where information can be found. Thanks again
Hi Beverly!
So happy I could be of help. Hey, that is why I blog. Being a newbie is difficult that is what inspired me to write this. Sometimes I forget how many newbies are coming on line.
Getting to basics is also a great reminder for the seasoned blogger to.
Thanks for coming by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Hi Donna,
it amazes me how many people try to get their comments approved without an appropriate Gravatar picture. It’s not going to happen, at least not on most of the blogs I know. What is it ? Fear ? Or secrecy on purpose ? I don’t know.
Isn’t it ironic also that you sell the less the more you try to sell online ? And that you sell the more the less you try to sell ?
It doesn’t surprise me at all that some people can’t get their heads wrapped around that paradoxon.
Thanks again for sharing your insights.
Take care
Oliver
My feelings EXACTLY Oliver. It amazes me too!
Without an appropriate Gravatar picture, there is no trust-building.
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
These are some great tips for bloggers starting out.
Melodie Kantner recently posted..What is EFT and How Can It Help Your Network Marketing Business?
Thanks Melodie
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Hello Donna
Blogging is a great way to promote our brand. Each of the five tips you share are very instrumental in the process. One of Kevin Kelly’s 10 Radical Strategies for a Connected World in the new economy is “Feed the web first”. Tip #3, Please don’t sell is in line with the strategy for the new economy. Thanks for reminding us of this critical element. Sometimes it is so easy to want to sell instead of feed the internet.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Perry Davis recently posted..What is the next big thing in network marketing?
Hi Perry,
I like the quote “Feed the web first.” We must constantly deliver good quality. We can “pitch” once in a while, but don’t want people to brand us as a “pitch man” he he
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Twitter: Lisapatb
May 30, 2012 at 5:43 pm #
Donna, love this piece. Will share with some newbies. It took me a while to do #1, I was torn about having my face everywhere but quickly got over it. I still need to work on that about me page. Always hard to talk about myself. Thanks for sharing these very good tips.
Lisa recently posted..What Do You Tweet In 20,000 Tweets?
Hi Lisa! Yes, it is a good share for newbies. Because I am attracting more and more newbies, I decided to post this. I know how difficult it can be to put your face all over the place. It was difficult for me too.
But, we get over it and realize vanity is not as important as business!
(oh..I should have titled this post just that ha ha)
The “About Me” is so important. We need to keep tweeking it as we grow.
Thanks for visiting,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
May 30, 2012 at 5:31 pm #
Way to go Donna, you tell em!
I know there are people joining the online industry everyday that have yet to understand how this all works. I forget at times how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned.
I think that’s why I love catering to the newbie bloggers. Those who are just coming on and are getting bits and pieces of information along their journey.
It’s posts like this one that they can learn so much from. I’ve shared in my comment replies numerous times that they need to get their gravatar’s in place. A few of them responded that they either didn’t link their photos or they were commenting using the wrong email. Ah, I remember those days.
I hope as people continue building their business online that they will really implement what you share here. I know that when I started I found some of what they shared confusing. I was taught to sell sell sell which is so wrong. I’m sure for some people coming from a sales background, that’s all they know.
Hope they’ll take your advice and follow it closely. They’ll definitely be on the right road if they do.
Great info Donna and as always, you’re shared some gold here.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..A Day Of Celebration
Hi Adrienne…Sweet comment!!! I know, I feel the same way. Sometimes I need to go back to the basics because of so many newbies I work with. We do tend to take for granted all that we have learned since we have been on line.
But, it is a good refresher to those that are still “hiding” lol
Cheers,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Twitter: marquitaherald
May 30, 2012 at 3:42 pm #
Excellent points Donna. As basic as these principles sound once you’ve been blogging for awhile, every single day we come across people just starting out that are missing one or more of these important steps – mostly as a result of shear overwhelm. Funny how even when you accept that blogging is more than just thowing up a site, that understanding still comes no where near the reality of what it takes to build a platform online. Thanks for the refresher!
marquita herald recently posted..The Power of Humor to Beat Stress and Negativity
Hi Marquita,
Yes, this post is for the newbie as well as a refresher to remind people to have their face up rather than an avatar. We tend to recognize the face with what the person represents.
Thanks,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
May 30, 2012 at 3:31 pm #
I did it Donna… I did it… Tips 1, 4 and 5… I didn’t take ’em serious year ago when I start blogging. But I’m confident now and say “Now I’m not” 😉
Tip 1 ~ I’ve had no profile picture of myself but a cute cartoon characters or logo. I’ve gone through a blog post about why profile picture matters and from then I’m not shy to show off my real face.
Tip 4 ~ I read other blogs but didn’t take much time to comment. Just few words. But lately I’ve learnt the value of a good comment. So I’m becoming more annoying with long comments now. Isn’t it true? 😉
Tip 5 ~ I didn’t consider about “About Me” section earlier and it was a page with short description. However lately I’ve come across great tips by Carol about the importance about this specific page.
I’m glad I’ve learnt useful stuff in this short period of time of my blogging life. It took more time for me, but with your tips newbies will get more lucky than me 🙂 Thanks for your tips Donna…
Cheers…
Mayura recently posted..Transform Your Facebook Profile or Page into a Movie with Timeline Movie Maker
Hi Mayura,
So happy that you “Did It” I posted this as a reminder. I think we all learn as we grow, just as you had a cartoon character then changed it into your picture. All these things are so important.
Also, it is good to hear that you fixed your “about me” That does change sometimes as we grow in the marketplace, and we have to keep it updated.
Thanks for your awesome comment,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Hi Donna,
First I want to tell you that I came directly to your post, because for about the twelfth time in 2 weeks,I have been logged out of facebook.
Now, back to your post. I really like that you are reminding of what seems to be basis for most, but still is not for all of us.
I almost had to beg a few of my clients to whom I write articles to get an AVATAR. I don’t know what the problem is with this? I had to make them understand that if you don’t even want to show your face, who is going to trust you to do business with you? Doesn’t make any sense to me.
Now, comments! Boy, just yesterday I had to reply a guy on one of my blogs telling him openly that I know that he is looking for backlinks, but that I was getting tired of his obvious ridiculously short comments (one small sentence) telling me LOUD and CLEAR that he didn’t read a word of my post.
Those people don’t understand that you can NOT build an online business that way. I wish they’d give themselves a favor and get it already!
Thanks for this post,Donna, and see you around soon 🙂
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..How To Break The Victim Mentality
Absolutely Sylviane! If I get those one liners I have no trouble at all not to accept them. It shows that people aren’t reading your blog but are looking for back-links.
Also, these days with Google being more strict, I check the comment luv before I accept people, Or simply edit it to remove the comment luv if it is a spam site.
Thanks Sylviane for sharing your story,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
I think one factor that is really important is ‘Communicating with commentors’. After the recent updates the commentors have really become important, if you can engage them for a conversation, you are going to have an unending traffic to your blog and posts!
Debra, you are right on the money!
As Mari Smith says…and I quote: “Content Is King, But Engagement Is Queen, And She Rules The House!”
That’s my motto.
Thanks for coming by,
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Nice blogging tips. I glad you have you gravatar. It should represent you, since you are in business for you. I like how coordinate your blog with your social media and especially sharing who are and what you’re about. Great job.
Thanks Jacob.
It is important to have a gravatar, especially over the social media platforms so people can immediately connect you for who you are and what you do!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging
Thanks Donna For sharing this tips with us.
Agree with your all points. I am very sure that if we will follow this 5 tips then we can easily shift our blog from beginners to Pro.
Amit Shaw recently posted..Valuable Tips to Consider When Hosting International Conferences
Thanks Amit, Good to see you here. This is great for beginners as well as the seasoned blogger!
Donna Merrill recently posted.. 5 Ways Of Effective Blogging