Blogger 101: Commenting Etiquette

Blog commenting is one of the most useful techniques available to bloggers to build readership and connection. I, too, depend on this method to get new and maintain readership on my website. It is also a good way to spread out word about your blog because social media promotion alone is insufficient.


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However, blog commenting has earned a bad rap, especially in the SEO world. It has been relegated as a spammy approach to promoting a website. But I refuse to believe so. I think blog commenting can be a very powerful tool when used correctly. 

Thus, in this edition of my blogging 101 series, I'd like to share my two cents on the proper way to leave and manage blog comments:

DO's

* Be sincere. Make sure you add something of value to the conversation by leaving an honest and insightful comment. This might even encourage other readers to add their comments. It is a good way to build a conversation within the blogging space.

* Leave your blog links. I personally appreciate it when others leave a link to their blogs on their comments. It makes it easier to reciprocate the act of commenting. 

* Stay on topic. 

* Keep it brief. It can be easy to be overwhelmed but be straightforward in sharing your thoughts. Do not leave your own personal blog post at the comments section.

* Check for responses. It can be frustrating when you start a discussion and then be gone forever. If you are expecting a reply, check back on your comment. Do not leave the other person hanging. 

DONT's


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* Do not spam! This is the number one rule in blog commenting. As I've said, it is completely okay to leave your blog link. But it is best to limit it to that. If I decide to visit your blog, I will find the links to your social media accounts. No need to leave a link to every social media link on your post.

* Do not be impolite. If you read something you do not agree on, be polite in sharing your disagreement. You have to respect the blog's space and that you are merely a guest on that space.

* Do not make it hard for others to leave their comment. If you are concerned about troll or spam comments, impose a filtering method so you can moderate comments before they are published.

* Do not make generic comments. Or else, you will be leaving out an impression that you did not read the blog at all. 

These are just some of the things that I would like to remind everyone when it comes to posting comments on other blogs. Do you have other tips you can add?



 

10 Prom Dresses You'll Covet Now!

Prom dress shopping is an exciting time for young girls. This event only takes place once a year so you have to make it worth the preparation! With that being said, it takes some skill and certain amount of planning to get your dream dress to wear for your prom event at school.  Before you embark on this shopping adventure, here are some tips you need to know: 

Research before you shop. Take time to learn about the latest trends and styles. That way, you will have an idea on what to look for. If you don't have a pre-conceived idea of what you want, you will be overwhelmed. Trust me. 

Bring someone to shop with you. It is important to have an objective point of view on the dresses you pick. You cannot trust a sales assistant's opinion - most of them are driven towards making sales. When shopping online, make sure to always consult someone else too.

Stick to your budget. There are literally thousands of dresses available online. Do not ever think you must be compelled to spend more than you're willing to for the "perfect" dress! In the end, it is all about how you wear it. For other styling tips, read this article.

Budget is not an excuse either. You can find dresses from the discount prom 2015 at WeddingShe. You can find over a hundred choices of dresses according to color, style or budget. The website also boasts off having unique prom dresses design to ensure that you will stand out. 

Ready to start shopping yet? Below are 10 prom dresses that you should definitely add to your shopping choices: 


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In addition to the ones listed above, you can get more discount finds at WeddingShe. You can visit this link to start browsing: http://www.weddingshe.com/list/Red-Prom-Dresses-15583/

How far in advance do you plan for prom dress shopping? 

Here is one wedding and dress store. I believe you will love it. Mermaid Prom Dresses


 



Disclaimer: I was compensated for writing this post; but as always, the opinion expressed are my own. 

Peach Sundress + Mint Julep Giveaway

The fact that we don't have winter here in the Philippines, I am lucky to be able to extend the use of my sundresses. Indeed, I can wear them all year round! Hence, I picked this American Eagle dress from ThredUP because I loved the color and it has a very nice detail on the back.


I styled the dress two ways: with a statement necklace and a scarf. I love how adding the statement necklace made this sundress look a bit glam. Meanwhile, adding the leopard scarf into the mix added a bit of sass to the dress. 

Which do you like better: the one with the scarf or with the statement necklace?

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By the way, I have some exciting news to share! I've partnered with The Mint Julep Boutique to offer an amazing giveaway to my readers! They were kind enough to offer $25 gift card which you can use at the website. This giveaway is open to US residents ONLY. 

To join, send in your entries below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

Valentine's Day Shoes + Sheinside Sale

"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world." 

Surely, Marilyn Monroe had something in mind when she said this now iconic quote. The right pair of shoes can alter anyone's mood (at least I do speak for myself) and give you more confidence. With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I am sure most of you are already planning out your outfits for your particular date. I have no plans as of the moment... maybe mine would consist in me staying in my pajamas and watching movies in bed with my man (which is just as perfect as a fancy date!). But you don't have to do it my way... if you plan on doing something fancy with your man, I've got some great news for you! Sheinside currently has an amazing sale with some gorgeous shoes included! 

Here is how the sale works: use the following coupon codes for the designated minimum order and you can get a corresponding discount! On orders over $55, use the code "blockbuster30" to get 30% off! Meanwhile, use the code "blockbuster38" to get 38% off on orders over $105!

As promised, here are my favorite shoes from the site that you can pick up along with this promo. These are the perfect shoes to make your Valentine's day outfit stand out!


Multicolor Sequined Sparkle Shoes // Red High Heel Point Toe Shoes
Navy High Heel Point Toe Shoes // Gold High Heel Sparkle Shoes
Black Zipper Point Toe High Heels // Black High Heel Zipper Lace Shoes
Black Sequined Sparkle Shoes // Apricot Lace High Heel Shoes
Are you ready to shop this sale? Check out below for more details about the codes you can use. By the way, the sale ends January 27th, Tuesday!


Have you tried shopping at Sheinside before?


 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links; however, the items featured are my own picks.