Blogger 101: Blog Linkups - Are They Worth Your Time?

Blogging can take on different values in a blogger's life. Some consider it as a hobby while others make a living from blogging. Whatever your long term goal might be, we all strive for a common thing: to get readers! Blogging has evolved into not just a one-way form of communication; it is more interactive now with readers sharing their thoughts on blogs they read through comments. And social media has opened up more possibilities for making blogging a shared experienced between the blogger and the readers. 

Based on my own experience, joining linkups or blog hops has helped me grow my readers. It has also enabled me to tap into a reader base that I normally would not have had access to. If you have not heard of linkups before, it is basically a venue wherein bloggers can share links to their posts for other bloggers to see. You can therefore get exposure for your blog posts and see posts from others as well. All bloggers who join linkups are encouraged to visit other blogs and interact. That's what linkups are for. 

Participating in linkups might seem like a lot of work (and time-consuming as well); for the most part it is! But if you want to reap the benefits, then you have to make that investment of time. It has personally helped me grow my blog. To be honest, I don't think I would be able to have a steady stream of readers if not for these linkups. As I've mentioned above, it allows you to reach out to readers that might not even know your blog exists. At the same time, it helps you to find new blogs to read to connect with or get inspiration from. 

You can maximize linkups by sharing posts that you think others will be interested in. Or, if you find posts from others that will pique your interest, go ahead and visit their blog. Leave a comment if you're compelled to. Let them know that you enjoyed reading their post and you can even invite them to your blog. Just be polite in doing so. The worst thing that you can do is to leave your links and not interact. It dilutes the essence of the linkup. 

The more you join these linkups, the more interesting and fun you will find it to be! Go ahead and give it a shot. You might even be rewarded with new readers or blogger friends. It's a win-win situation! 

To see which blogs I am linking up to, visit this page. Have you joined any linkups before?

Blogger 101: How I Used Twitter to Grow My Blog

Source

Twitter is one of my favorite places to "hang out" when I am not working on my blog. It is also the best place to promote my new or old posts due to the interactive nature of the website. Aside from being able to share your links or posts, you can discuss trending topics using hashtags, and also reach out to a wider audience that you probably haven't connected to before. The concept of using hashtags, specifically, started off on Twitter that makes it easier to interact with other users around the same topic. The use of hashtag became so popular that it has now been adapted by other social media sites including Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. 

I do not have a major following on Twitter, although I have come a long way with almost 900 followers. If you want to follow me there, you can check it here. 

Here are some of the strategies I've used for growing my blog following with the help of Twitter:

I use hashtags when updating my tweets. This is important. Unless you have a huge Twitter following, you have to leverage hashtags for other Twitter users to see the content you're sharing. 

Research on the most relevant hashtags. The tip above will provide futile if you do not use the right hashtags. It is best to look around the website in search of the top hashtags that authority accounts are using. That way, you can use the same hashtags for when you update your tweets. 

Time your posts well. Just like any other social media sites, you need to know the best times to update your tweets. There are certain times within the day wherein people tend to check their social media accounts or are active on these sites. 

Introduce variety in your posts. When you keep tweeting posts with blog links, people will become disinterested in your feed. Try to vary it up by posting images or retweeting other interesting content you find on your own feed. The more varied your posts are, the more interested others will become because they do not know what to expect from you.

Connect with tweet sharing accounts. There are several Twitter accounts created mainly for sharing tweets focused on a particular niche. Make sure to connect with these accounts and mention them on your posts so you can get retweeted. The more retweets you can get, the higher the possibility of your posts gaining exposure on the site. 

Have you used Twitter for promoting your blog? You can find out other Blogging 101 posts here. 

 

Blogger 101: Dealing with Haters

Source

Disclaimer: Before I start, let me make this clear: I don't have as many haters or online bullies (luckily) as others do. But I do have fair share of it and I think many of my fellow blogger friends and readers do as well. Hence, I decided to come up with this post as part of my Blogging 101 series to address the issue and for others to gain some perspective about it, especially those who are getting a great deal of hate and/or criticism online.

No matter what you do or how successful you are, there will always be people who will try to dis-credit you. In general, I am a fun-loving person (except for when my PMS strikes and I have major mood swings). I like to talk about things I love with people I equally love. This is the same reason why I think I have thrived in the blogging industry - I get a lot of support from fellow bloggers in the community and I try my best to share the same kind of love and support. You do not know the impact that a simple encouraging message can do to others - it can turn a bad day around!

Hence, I am still surprised when even major bloggers (I prefer not to disclose their names here) have their fair share of haters or trolls online. I know that there are also people who feel that way towards me. I won't deny it. And I acknowledge it! But when people go out of their way to ridicule or send hate messages, my initial reaction is "why?". Is the hate too big of a burden to bear that you really had to take time off of your day to say negative things about another? And if I may insist, negative things toward somebody you barely or have not even spoken a word to? What basis do they get their negative feelings from?

It's a sad fact, I know. But for us on the receiving end of these hateful acts, it is important to change our perspective. Instead of moping around and doubting yourself, why not think of these instead:

Blogger 101: What You Did Not Know About Fashion Bloggers

It's no secret that a lot has been said about bloggers. Fashion bloggers, in particular, are at the receiving end of the worst of that. For one, we do showcase our bodies and outfits to the whole world. It takes a lot of guts and confidence to be able to do that... sadly, some people make light of it. After all, fashion blogging showcases two areas that a lot of people relegate as trivial and shallow pursuits: fashion and shopping. 

Source

However, not all fashion bloggers are the same. We are not walking billboards drumming up publicity for certain brands. There is a lot more to fashion blogging than meets the eye. 

We do have other careers aside from blogging!

This is probably the most common misconception that people have of fashion bloggers - women who freeload off of others and get items from various brands or sponsors. Sorry to break your bubble, but we're not. I do have a full time job and several contributing stints in some of the top beauty magazines online. I blog out of hobby... anything else that comes with it is a bonus!

We buy our own clothes!

Getting free items or samples for review is nice. But majority of the outfits and articles of clothing that I feature on the blog are purchased by me. I believe the same applies with most other fashion bloggers, too. 

We do have other interests aside from shopping and fashion!

Just because you see us talking about shopping and fashion all the time, that does not mean we don't have other interests. I like to share a bit of my personal life in the blog. However, that is not even close to 10% of what is really going on in my life. 

We don't always monetize our blogs!

Yes, there are a few sponsorship opportunities that come my way through this blog. But if there aren't any, it's not like I am going to stop blogging.

We're not models!

Sorry for the awkward photos and poses... I'm still working on it. 

We don't shoot like fashion magazines do!

In order to distinguish myself as a fashion blogger, I try to focus on styles that reflect my everyday wear - things that I would actually wear in real life. Hence, I don't have a slipper or rubber shoes hidden somewhere that I quickly slip into once I finish shooting in high heels. What you see is what you get!

What are your thoughts on how fashion bloggers are perceived?

 

Blogger 101: How to Use Social Media

Source

Any fashion blogger would tell you that your blog would be basically non-existent if you do not know how to utilize the power of social media. In this day and age, social media is utilized for a number of reasons - getting connected with your loved ones and sharing common interests. Thus, you can leverage these tools to let more people know about your blog. In fact, the top fashion bloggers in the world have built up a huge following on their blog by staying active on social media. You can therefore take these cues to promote your own blog and tap into that connection.

However, your social media accounts are only as powerful as you take advantage of them. Make sure you know how to promote your blog through social media: 

Build Your Profile

I've been to a lot of Twitter accounts or other similar social media accounts wherein the profile is left empty. I believe this is one of the major no-nos to social media marketing, especially if you want to leverage traffic. Make sure you provide basic information about yourself and provide a link to your blog on your profile. This is also an essential step in branding yourself, alongside your blog. No need to recreate your About Us page here. A brief and concise description about you or your blog will do.

Update Often

Another important tip to remember if you want to use social media for blog promotion - update often. How do you suppose your followers/friends know you updated your site with a new post if you do not share it? Even if you're not sharing links to your blog, update your page often. Build connections with fellow bloggers, readers and brands. Socialize! Interact!

Automate Content Sharing

There are websites like Networked Blogs that allow you to syndicate new content on your blog so they will automatically update your profile. Social media marketing could easily drain up your time. Hence, automating some aspects of your promotion will save you a great deal of time.

Source (sic - Audience)

Add Social Buttons

While you're promoting your blog on your social media profiles, you should also do the same on your blog. Add social media buttons on your website so it is easier for readers to know where to find you on social media.

Monitor Your Traffic

It is important to trace back which of your social media sites are generating the most traffic to your website/blog. This will enable you to focus your time and effort on social media sites that bring most traffic. 

Use Hashtags

Remember when hashtags were unique to Twitter only? Today, things are far different. Almost every social media site has their own hashtag algorithm. Take advantage of it! Most importantly, do a research on the top hashtags for your industry so you can maximize them for following or interaction.

How do you use social media to promote your blog?

 

Statement Tees

T-shirts are the most basic article of clothing in the fashion industry. And while some have relegated basic tees for everyday wear, aka non-fashionable, I'd like to think otherwise. I've seen several celebrities and fashion icons that wear basic tees and turn them into fashionable looks with the right pair of pants or skirts, or accessories. But one of the best things about wearing tees is the ability to customize its design or text. It's fun, quirky, and will surely grab attention!

Here is one statement tee that I wore recently. Love the color - plus, it's the perfect excuse to dress down!

Are you a fan of statement tees?

Linking up with: 

Rolled Up Pretty
This Girl's Life Blog
Style Sessions
Because Shanna Said So
Get Your Pretty On
Tucker Up
Simply Clarke
Kiwi Women's Style
Fashion and Beauty Finds
Transatlantic Blonde
Mix Match Fashion
The Pleated Poppy
Fashion's Greatest Hits
Plane Pretty
My Thrifty Chic
Not Dead Yet Style
Bonbon Rose Girls
DC In Style
Simple Easy Style
Marion Berry Style
Lena B, Actually
Dysfunction Junction
Her and Nicole
Life with Twins and a Drama Queen
Penniless Socialite
Real Girl Glam 

 

Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | BlogLovin' | Bloggers

Liebster Award

I'm very excited that Jayne Wilson nominated me for this cute award! Check out her blog: http://www.somuchfashionsolittlespace.blogspot.com/ when you get a chance!

 

Here's How it Works: The Liebster award is given by bloggers to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

What is a Liebster?

The meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

1. Each person much post 11 things about themselves

2. Answer the questions the nominator made for you and also create 11 more questions for the blogs you nominate

3. Choose 11 people and link them to your post

4. Go to their page and tell them.

5. No tag backs!

11 facts about yours truly:

1)  I am a 25-year old Sagittarian.

2) I am a Creative Writing graduate from the University of the Philippines in Mindanao

3) Not too many people are aware, and those who hear it for the first time are shocked, I played varsity volleyball in grade school. I still play it as a hobby today.

4) I love watching (and occasionally playing) basketball

5) My favorite colors are baby blue, lilac, and olive or avocado green

6) Movies I can watch over and over again is The Dark Knight

7)  I am a pretty good cook. :D
8) Pet peeves: having my food stepped on and people who talk loudly on their phones while on a public place.
9) I am claustrophobic.
10) My favorite places to shop are For Me, Mango, Shapes, and Bayo. I want to buy every piece on the rack. Ha!
11) My favorite celebrity styles include Lauren Conrad, Miranda Kerr, and Cameron Diaz.
11 questions Jayne asked me:

1) What is your biggest dream?  
I have always wanted to write my own book, preferably a collection of vignettes and short stories. 

2) Where would you go on your dream vacation?

There's too many on my list: Santorini, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, and I want to go to Macchu Pichu in Peru. SOON!

3) What is the most important thing to you?

My family and loved one, of course. And their happiness. 

4) Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry?

Chocolate! Duh. Vanilla is a close second. 

5) What's your favorite accessory?

My Timex watch that was gifted to me by my boyf. I would NEVER go out of the house without it. 

6) If you could go back in time what time period would you go to?

The 90's! :)

7) What's your favorite time of the year?

Christmas :) Yes, I'm one of those who do the countdown thingy.

8) What's your favorite movie?

Story-wise, it's Big Fish, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and Inception.

9) What's your biggest fear?

Death by a loved one.

10) Would you change anything in your life right now?

Not one bit.

11) Can you speak more than one language?

Used to. Japanese, but only a little. 

Now for my nominees!

A Lady Like a Boss (http://aladylikeaboss.blogspot.com/)
Be Fashion Fit (http://befashionfit.blogspot.com/)
Chatter Busy (http://chatterbusy.blogspot.com/)
Five Minute Style (http://fiveminutestyle.blogspot.com/)
Fashion Swirls (http://fashionswirls.blogspot.com/)
From Paris to Pureza (http://www.fromparistopureza.com/)
Love Zahra (http://www.lovezahra.com/)
M Style (http://mstyleblogspot.blogspot.com/)
Miss Aimmey (http://missaimmey.blogspot.com/)
Me, Myself & The City (http://gorgeous-gorgeouslady.blogspot.com/)
My Fash Avenue (http://myfashavenue.blogspot.com/)

My questions for you:

1.) What is your dream job?
2.) How did you get started on fashion blogging?
3.) Where do you take your fashion inspirations from?
4.) Aside from fashion and shopping, what are your other guilty pleasures (if any)?
5.) Who do you want to get stranded with on a deserted island? Pick three max and explain why.
6.) Which of the four seasons do you look forward to most?
7.) Where do you frequently hang out in?
8.) What are your favorite book/s?
9.) Basketball, football, or baseball?
10.) What is one food you would NEVER eat?
11.) Do you have any hidden talents?