As I worked to match bloggers with a Splash Creative Media campaign recently, I found myself rolling my eyes with frustration at some blogs I found that were unattractive, not user friendly or provided poor navigation all the while having excellent content. Rather than venting to my husband who absolutely couldn’t care less, I began making a list. Then I chatted it up with a few successful bloggers and marketers and asked them to participate and add to the list. What followed was an excellent list of suggestions for bloggers who want to be read, enjoyed, considered professional and work with marketers.
Dear Blogger, Please don’t beg for sponsorships or spam a conference hashtag begging sponsors to notice you.
Why? Because that’s a bit pushy and desperate. Potential sponsors are looking to work with people that are respected in the community. If you’re hogging a hashtag (which is something that the conference uses for announcements) it’s distracting to potential sponsors and attendees and insulting to those who put their blood, sweat and tears into planning a conference. Think of it as this: would you rather be considered the girl at the prom who people respect because she shows a little skin, smiles at everyone and is all around friendly or the girl who gets attention for wearing a skimply little nothing to the prom and flaunts it?
Additionally, reach out to potential sponsors that already know you. As a marketer, I’m far more likely to invest in someone I have a relationship with than someone I found screaming on twitter that she needs money.
Finally, consider what you’re willing to do for a sponsorship. There’s a phrase “whore yourself out” for a sponsor. Sure, sponsors will love you for tattooing their logo on your forehead, but everyone else will think you strange. And, really, you won’t be influential because of that.
Dear Blogger, Please do not leave a comment on another blog that says anything along the lines of, “I found you at the such-and-such. Please follow me back at ijustwantafollowbackandalinkbacktomysitefromthiscomment.com.”
Why? Because that’s not a comment to a post. Comments to posts should generate conversation, not advertise for yourself. If you’re going to take the time to comment on a blog post, make it relevant. The same goes for Facebook comments.
Dear Blogger, Please share a tight, concise bio (think elevator pitch), great head-shot and key vitals in easy to find /edit format…
Why? Julia Beck of the marketing firm Forty Weeks shared that she needs you to “make it easy for me to sell you through (assume I will need to cut and paste a bit!!!)” to the client. The more information you share that’s simple for her to convey, the easier it is for her to share you. Which also means, the less work the marketer has to do, the better for you, the blogger.
Dear Blogger, Please don’t put automatically playing music on your site.
Why? Have you ever held your itty new baby in your arms while she slept and turned to your laptop to do a little surfing, only to find you accidentally left your speakers on loud? Girl. You just woke a sleeping baby.
Dear Blogger, Please don’t bash a well known PR firm publicly on your facebook timeline.
Why? This goes back to the whole think first before you say it. Long ago, a very wise man told me to write my feelings and then put them under my pillow for the night. By morning, you’ll have a fresh perspective and will have an opportunity to think about the potential fall out. Even if you have a timeline set to private, there’s still the chance, a very good chance, that someone you don’t want to see it will see it and that when that PR firm offers a promotion that you so desperately want they’ll look right past you for someone else.
Dear Blogger, Please don’t use center alignment for the content of your posts. Even more so, please don’t switch between center and left and right from one post to another.
Why? It’s unprofessional. Center is cute. It’s great for a title. It’s attention getting. But when you’re writing content you want to be taken seriously. Have you ever read a novel that’s written with the body centered? Neither have I.
Dear blogger, Please don’t invert the type.
Why? I find it hard enough reading paragraph after paragraph online but when it’s white type on a black background, I start feeling a bit seasick. –Becca from the Picaboo blog
Dear Blogger, Please, no animated gifs.
Why? They’re annoying and distracting and slow down your load time.
Dear Blogger, Please stop focusing on cheap tricks to build followers and instead focus on good content that will bring not only followers, but engaged ones. –Melissa at Momcomm
Why? Cheap tactics are just that, cheap. Consider how many followers you have in direct proportion to those that understsand, know and engage with you. Sure, marketers are looking for numbers, but good marketers are looking for respectable numbers. There’s a difference.
Dear Blogger, Please put your full name on your blogs, right on your contact page if not on the home page.
Why? I can’t tell you how many times I have decided not to contact a blogger because I didn’t want to write Dear “Name of Your Blog”. –Carol Schiller, Social Media director at Cozi
Dear Blogger, Please stop pretending you don’t know about Facebook’s rules for giveaways and promotions. Be a rule follower like the rest of us that are trying to do things right. –Elena at Ciao Mom
Why? There are two very distinctive reasons for this:
- Facebook creates it’s Terms of Service (TOS) for a reason. And, because you are using Facebook’s bandwidth and amazing marketing services to blog, you have to follow their rules. Plain and simple. Don’t believe me, check out Melanie’s post which explains the Facebook TOS and shares what happened to a company that didn’t follow Facebook’s TOS.
- It’s about respect. Bloggers, the good ones, are very careful about following Facebook’s TOS. We recognize the value of respecting a giant that allows us so much influence. So, not only are you losing our respect, by being a rule breaker, you’re encouraging others to break the rules to get ahead. It might be fun to have numbers that wow marketers, but keep in mind that you’re numbers are also bringing a good deal of disrespect. Bottom line, do it right to remain a respectable blogger.
Dear Blogger, Please don’t make your header take up the entire screen when I first load your blog. –Annie at MamaDweeb
Why? First, we’re back to a slower load time. Second, it takes up valuable real estate where you can include vital information. See Erica’s post, Changes in WordPress Blogs for more information and inspiration. (great tips regardless of whether you’re blog is a wordpress blog.)
Dear Blogger, Please be wary of using a cartoon-y image of yourself. –Jill at Musings from Me
Why? Jill shares that “someone else might be using the same image or it may look nothing like you. If you want to use images, invest a few $ in an istock photo or two.” And she’s completely right. I’ll never forget meeting someone that looked nothing like her cartoon character. Several people commented on how artificial it seemed.
Dear Blogger, Please include a link to your blog on your Facebook account information (unless you’re anonymous).
Why? With Facebook groups being more and more common ways to communicate throughout our community, but only accessible through our personal pages and not fan pages, when someone is inspired by something you say, they’ll want to learn more. Not having your link in your about page is a deadend.
Dear Blogger, Please, please please include your email somewhere on your site. Please.
Why? Look, I get that you’re leery of spam and stuff that doesn’t apply to you. But in many cases it’s worth it to have your email address on your site all the same. Scenario: a promising start-up knows you’re the perfect fit for their product and wants to hire you to a. write a post, b. manage their twitter, c. invite you to an event…, d. something else that will make you happy. But without a contact email on your website, they can’t. So sad… too bad. In fact, Carol Schiller shared with me that “when confronted with a contact form, I often decide to just move along.”
Dear Blogger, Please include how old your kids are and where you live.
Why? If I don’t know that, how can I know if my event or product is right for your household? Stephanie Schwab, Crackerjack Marketing
Dear Blogger, Please be you on your personal facebook page.
Why? @CarissaRogers shares blogging tips which includes …”on facebook go with the naked you. (Not literally.) But be yourself. I likely will not follow you if your facebook username is: Susie SkippyBritches. Even though I’m sure you are nice and all.” (and I agree. Plus, it’s against Facebook TOS to not be a real person on a real person page. And if you’re a serious blogger you don’t want to lose your Facebook account.
Carissa also wrote a great post about participating in social media with your real name.
Of course, this is just an introduction of tips. But if you want to take a good, hard look at your blog, I highly recommend Melissa’s DIY Blog Critique. It’s a quick, honest, workbook style ebook that spells out exactly what will make your blog shine… and work well with readers and marketers alike. Also consider her Content Brew course (next offering will be in the fall.) I’ve heard nothing but raves about the course that Melissa ran this spring (both courses sold out quickly and I’m sure her future courses will as well.) From Momcomm:
In Content Brew, you’ll learn how to plan & create fresh content ideas for your blog, Facebook and Twitter. You’ll also learn ways to find content to share and tools to make doing all of this easier. At the end of this course, you’ll have anywhere from a month to a quarter’s worth of content planned out for your blog, Facebook page and Twitter (to a more-limited degree), not to mention a process that you’ll use over and over again.
(This is an affiliate link for Content Brew and DIY Blog Critique.)
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
© 2012, Julie Meyers Pron. All rights reserved.
Twitter: nunzio_bruno
says:
I honestly giggled making my way through this post. Giggled at the fact that you see soo many bloggers guilty of some of your “Dear Blogger”‘s. If new bloggers make their way through this post they will be equipped with more information on making their web presence stronger then some “veterans” out there. While your blog can be personal and an extension of you it also has to be readable and professional and if that’s not what you are into then I guess there’s always space left on MySpace to get creative with your typeset and all the widgets that people really hate
Nunzio Bruno´s last [type] ..Financial Tune-Up!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
LOL Nunzio!! Does MySpace still exist?!?!
I do think that a lot of veterans are in the space who don’t do all that I listed (goodness. I’ve been at this since 2004!) But with the numbers of people who turn to blogging every day, who are just getting started or who want to make that big jump to the “next level”, it’s important to play by the rules. Be yourself, but follow suit. Because if you don’t, then marketers will turn to the 10,000 other bloggers who do instead of you, right?
(and by “you” I’m talking the blogger, not YOU, Nunzio.)
Twitter: LVFamilyFunn
says:
Excellent Advice! I know I am guilty of a couple of the points you mentioned. But going forward, I will make more of effort to fix. Thank you for sharing such important info!
Amy Benninger´s last [type] ..Grand Opening of BounceU’s 3rd Location to Benefit Lehigh Valley Foster Children
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Sure, Amy! Glad you enjoyed it!
Great post and awesome tips!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Thanks Tina!
Twitter: AMomBlog
says:
I’ve got a question. Now on facebook yes I use my personal name but on twitter I use the name of my blog. What is the better way to go my blog name by which most people already associate me or with my name which I’m not sure many people know me by? Some know me with a shortened version of my name.
Twitter: EricaMueller
says:
Nanette,
On FB, are you using a personal profile, or a page? For the page which is associated with your blog, and is for your fans, I would use the blog name so it’s the same as the blog and twitter. That seems like good branding.
If you just have a personal profile, use your name.
I think you’re fine doing the way you currently do it.
KEEP your personal FB account with your name.
BUT your Twittter user is fine to be your business/blog. Be sure you use your real name on the account of your Twitter though, because if I DM you etc. it shows your real name when the DM comes to my email inbox etc.
Just keep using both and realizing YOU are your brand.. your name, your blog’s name etc..
I DO see a LOT of people right now changing to their Name+user… You could try NanetteAMomBlog ?? Too long?
Carissa´s last [type] ..California Dreamin’ Fun, Sun And Theme Parks!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
I just recently changed to @JulieMPron and I feel so much more realistic. It doesn’t change who I am or how I tweet. But I feel like people know they’re tweeting me, not someone who is justprecious, you know?
YES! What Carissa said! You are your brand!!!!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
agreed.
Some of these are good points like not using hashtags to beg for sponsorship. However, I completely understand bloggers who don’t put their full names on their blogs. You want to have some kind of security and protect your identity. And if a company really wants to work with/contact you they will.
Last time I checked, Dear Sir/Madam was still an appropriate way to open a letter to a person who’s name you don’t yet know.
YUMMommy´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday: Summer Reading
Twitter: juliempron
says:
to a point, I agree. Sir/Madam is appropriate. But in social media marketing, people are looking to make connections and a lot of bloggers don’t want to be addressed as such, which leaves marketers unsure what to do. Some bloggers openly complain about receiving emails addressed “Dear blogger” or “Dear Just Precious” or whatever.
I think a lot of what happens is that the social space is social and it’s personal and, therefore, people expect to know names. They’re reading into your lives. It’s a lot easier to read Julie’s life (and stories) than into “that girl who writes about marketing, education and parenting’s life.”
Additionally, consider the world around us. For years we’ve known author and journalists’ names (and pen names). You read Jodi Picoult or John Grisham (or even JK Rowling–who doesn’t use her full name.) Regardless, you feel connected because you know *that* much more when you read their stories.
That’s what marketers want, too.
Lots of good, honest constructive criticism in here… tough love is good.
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Thanks Susan!
Excellent post, Julie! I encounter these scenarios on a daily basis. That bit about where you live and your kids ages (and gender!) is definitely needed info to include. I’ve recently worked on projects where we were specifically looking for bloggers in certain areas of the U.S. and who had children of a specified gender and age range. It was very refreshing when I came across About Pages or Media Kits that listed that information!
Malia @ One2One Network´s last [type] ..Featured Member Interview: Paris Permenter
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Isn’t it. For the most part, I consider my self a nationwide blogger–everything I say (nearly) is relevant no matter where you live (unless I’m writing about wearing a swimsuit on the beach and you’re in Alaska.) It’s much easier for a marketer to scoop up that information rather than ask and wait for a reply.
A family picture usually works well, too, as long as it’s updated.
LOVE this…I completely agree with ALL of your advice and abide by most…I have to say though…when I gave it some thought, I have my full email etc BUT not my full name in contact info…What a missed opportunity for my business.
THANK YOU!
C
I totally find it strange when people don’t/won’t use their name of some sort in an about page… EVEN a pseudonym PLEASE BLOGGERS!!
Carissa´s last [type] ..California Dreamin’ Fun, Sun And Theme Parks!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
that’s what I’ve been responding tonight to people… a pen name would be totally fine. Just don’t make me call you “hey you” or “mommy blogger.”
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Awesome. And that’s an easy fix, right?
Twitter: kimulmanis
says:
This is a great post!
Behind the scenes my blog is still in the process of a new design so any faux pas I might be making now will hopefully be cleaned up and shipped out when the new design debuts.
I have to admit there are times I want to scream “Look at me! Look at me! Look at MEEE!!” when it comes to sponsorships, income earning opportunities, or events but I realize it doesn’t and will never establish me as a credible professional. I’m nowhere near that point yet but I aim to keep a professional presence (or as much of one as possible) at all times. Some things are a little less than professional because I can’t be stuffy and uptight (that’s just not me). I’m just a bit of a goofball with the sense of humor of 14 year old.
I’ll be keeping several of these tips and ideas in mind when I update my blog. Thanks for the insight!
Kim @ Coffee Pot Chronicles´s last [type] ..Beyond the Strip: Documenting Vegas’ Past
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Sure thing! Happy to provide.
And I know quite a few goofballs who are making it. It’s all about what you put into it, just like life. I know the “notice me!” “pay attention to me!” feeling. Take steps to be noticed–attend local events, conferences and twitter parties. Converse with people you have things in common with in social media and be persistent in a way that lets you still be you. Remember, it’s not just about numbers, it’s a lot more about who you are and what you offer that will match you with a lot of the marketers clients. But they won’t notice you unless you put yourself out there.
Twitter: creativculinary
says:
I have owned a web business for 17 years and some of the items you cite above have been on my list of don’ts for YEARS. I thought excessive use of Flash had finally replaced excessive use of animated gifs?
The one thing I might add? Get your own domain name and start using domain related email. When I advise clients to do that (by the time I’m working with them, the domain thing is being done; I don’t work on Blogger blogs) most are resistant. What’s wrong with a Google or ISP (Comcast) domain name? Well, nothing I suppose but I know for myself and many others that seeing a business card or a website with one of those names sort of screams ‘Not ready for prime time.’
One thing I might recommend for those who do not want to put their own email on their website is to create an alias; an address that will come to your main email account but is a dummy of sorts. I think my site uses web-inquiry@ right now and that address forwards to my real email. Responding to those inquiries will be from my real email address but so no one ever connects me long term with the alias. When it becomes spammy I just have to create a new alias for the site.
Nice post; lots of great info!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Great advice, Barbara. I agree with you to a point on the emails. When I see “JoJosMommy@ gmail dot com” I get turned off… that person isn’t seriously in the business yet. But if someone is using their name @ gmail dot com I’m fine with that. They’re serious enough to use their name. I have julie@just-precious.com and info@just-precious.com both feed into my gmail account. But what I realized is that it all replies from @gmail, so I’d rather it just come and go from the same account.
Still. Teddybearsmom@yahoo? that’s gotta go.
Twitter: FashOrganized
says:
Julie,
Do you have it set in Gmail to automatically respond from your Gmail? I have it set to always respond from the e-mail address it was sent to. I can also choose to respond as a different e-mail address if I want.
I totally agree that me @ myblog dot com is MUCH more professional than myblog @ gmail dot com. If you have your own domain, there is no reason not to have that e-mail matching your domain.
Candice @ Fashionably Organized´s last [type] ..From The Cubicle To Cocktails
Twitter: juliempron
says:
hmmm. good to know, Candice. I should look into switching that.
Wait… even Comcast.net emails are bad??
I didn’t realize that. using my own domain name would be very long… julie@ayearwithmomanddad.com – isn’t that like a pain for people to remember? Just curious about your thoughts?
JulieK´s last [type] ..Pregnancy Journal – 34 Weeks
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Now, see, I don’t think Comcast emails are bad. I actually prefer to use my @gmail email more than my @just-precious because all my replies come through @gmail anyway. Additionally, my site is Julieverse at Just-Precious.com so I’d rather people know it as Julieverse, in the long run. (You’ll notice that julieverse.com leads to my site as well… longterm rebranding going on here.)
Twitter: yourdoctorswife
says:
Could you please add “Please disable CAPTCHA or Word Verification”?
Twitter: juliempron
says:
YES! Those drive me CRAZY. Easiest way to turn someone off from commenting, right? Also, (sorry blogger peeps) but the blogger login? That’s just annoying. I mean. I want to link to my URL and show my gravatar, don’t you!?
Yes, will definitely add this for the “sequel.”
Twitter: ashleybcoombe
says:
It is often so tempting to email someone well known in the industry and say “help make me well known too by just retweeting my post!”
It’s like staring at a two day old cupcake left over from your child’s birthday party. You know its a horrible idea, that it will only be satisfying for a second before you realize it tastes horrible, and the result will be even worse. You’ll have ingested those calories with no real satisfaction, no reward, afterwards.
But to see the cupcake just sitting there, taunting you, it is so darn tempting! As is begging for help getting followers. Thanks for the reminder not to try eating the cupcake!
Ashley´s last [type] ..How I earned money from home by learning WordPress
Twitter: juliempron
says:
OMG those darn 2-day-old cupcakes!! Drive me crazy!
All points Valid, You forgot “Contact Me page” you are missing it too.
No clear picture of where you are based or how anyone can contact you like i just wanted. Thus missing a great marketing opportunity.
lets chat when you have the contact form somewhere VISIBLE
Twitter: juliempron
says:
wow, really? I have an envelope icon right in my header that gives you my email address, always have. Just hover over it and my personal email appears in the bottom left of your screen. Sorry you missed it. As for “contact me”, perhaps LET’S TALK doesn’t quite mean the same to you as it does to me, but that’s just my personality, which I think is very important in displaying in a webpage. Interesting to know this wasn’t clear to you. But, by all means, feel free to follow up and let me know what’s on your mind.
Twitter: centsiblelife
says:
I personally found two places I could find it easily from the homepage though it’s feasible if someone was really not looking and typed in just-precious.com/contact they wouldn’t see anything. Maybe you can make that page redirect to Let’s Talk for the very lazy.
Kelly {the Centsible Life}´s last [type] ..Week in Photos: Wordless Wednesday
Twitter: juliempron
says:
oooh. good thinking on the redirect, Kelly. That’s a great idea for Dear Bloggers, Vol 2
Twitter: angiewith3
says:
About the bashing thing. I agree totally. I actually found a PR marketer bashing bloggers at one point on their Google+ page. I swiftly removed them and made a note not to work with that particular PR person. There are excellent PR people out there. I’ve worked with many. The same rules could apply for PR reps.
Angie B.´s last [type] ..Dry Idea Advanced Dry Sweepstakes and giveaway!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
SO very true. It definitely works both ways.
Great post! I found you through such-and-such, want to follow back? Just kidding.
I think there is some really valuable points made, whether you are a newbie or established. I’m working on a page with kids ages/etc right now and this just gave me a kick in the pants!
Leanne´s last [type] ..A Special Delivery from JC Toys Dolls {Review & Giveaway}
Twitter: juliempron
says:
yay for kicks! I so need them. In fact, in writing this post I had to make a change to my site. Just 3 weeks ago I installed a “no copy” plugin (that is SO not what it’s called) but then Julia and Carol both pointed out that they need to be able to grab snippets to pass on to clients and it was like a lightbulb, you know? Duh! Turn that plugin off right now! Anything that makes something harder for a marketer isn’t good.
LOL. Glad that you found me through such-and-such!
Twitter: crunchybchmama
says:
Loved reading this. Thanks!
I am one guilty of centering my text. I’ve had readers tell me they really like it that way…hmmmm…something to think about!
Crunchy Beach Mama´s last [type] ..Godiva Chocolatier Ice Cream Parlor Truffles ~ 3 Winners!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
I think the big thing here is that it’s difficult to read. when you’re reading text in a book, newspaper, magazine, whatever, your eye is trained to read within a box. But centered throws that and doesn’t read quite as easily, or the reader starts expecting a rhyme.
Thank you Julie! There are so many new bloggers this year and these are all rookie mistakes. I remember making my header take up the entire screen. I didn’t know how to change the size. I soon learned that I suck at blog design and hiring someone else was a very worthwhile investment
And yes – the about page needs to help people learn about you and how to contact you. Great tips!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb´s last [type] ..My favorite recent Instagrams
Twitter: juliempron
says:
That was definitely a lesson learned for me. I’m stingy with money and my husband is always on my case to just hire someone to do something for me. But it always turns out SO much better. Thanks for participating, Annie!
I have a question too, re: Facebook contests … you aren’t supposed to HOST contests on FB, right? What if you are just putting a link on your own page (ie, my Yes/No Films page) to the contest on your own site? I always thought that was fine but perhaps it’s not. :-/
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Oh, you can definitely put a link to your own page talking about your giveaway/contest. What you can’t do is say “like” to enter or for entry or in anyway make a part of entry have to do with facebook. But “follow this link” is TOTALLY fine.
Great post!! Every one of those are key points to successful bloggers I know of.
Hanan´s last [type] ..How to automatically add in a caption for Pinterest Photos
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Thank you!
Twitter: induetime
says:
I agree with everything except the names. I’ve never used my real name on my blog. Ever. I’ve been blogging for seven years this year. Less than 10 people know my real name online. I have to keep it that way. My SO is adamant that I not use his name/picture because of schooling/professional life, and I respect that. We’ve been together awhile now and he’s still not comfortable with what I do share.
I have met some amazing people from the online communities, and they’ve all respected my privacy. As for companies knowing my name, I would share it with them, but I would not want it to be on the websites/posts, etc.
I’m not completely anonymous though, I do share pictures.
InDueTime´s last [type] ..Less Than 50
Twitter: juliempron
says:
That’s kind of one of those tricky things. I mean, if someone wants to know your name, they’re going to find out, right? But in the meantime I do understand not wanting to share too much. We all have our limitations.
This reminds me of something to add to the “sequel” Dear Blogger post–IF you give your name, make sure your page has a little bio on every page (sidebar, footer…) That’s most helpful when people are inspired by you and want to respond right away. (even if you don’t use your name, call yourself *something*.)
But I do think that a lot of marketers will take people more seriously in this business when they use a name. Pen name or real name, you have to be someone. If you look at successful journalists and authors, they all have names, not just “written by writer”, you know?
Twitter: jeneverafter
says:
Love it! Great info. If anything, it tells me I’m on the right track with what I’m already doing. What seems like common sense to me (hence, what I think everybody already does) is often not. Glad I’m already a bit ahead of the curve. Definitely plan to check out that blog critique you suggested! Thanks!
JenEverAfter´s last [type] ..The Unearthed Writer: Seeing Through Fear
Twitter: juliempron
says:
So glad you’re on the right track! Melissa’s blog critique definitely confirmed that for me, and assisted me in my redesign as well.
Twitter: YellowTennessee
says:
Well said. My biggest annoyance is the comment of I found you here, please follow me. If I wanted to follow your blog, I would!
Rachel´s last [type] ..Comfortable Contacts at the End of the Day? I’m Taking the #BiotrueChallenge
Twitter: juliempron
says:
isn’t that the truth, Rachel? I’d rather a genuine comment. That will leave me wanting to know more about someone’s blog!
Twitter: Livingthescream
says:
Such great advice! Loved the cartoon advice I have one on my blog that I paid someone to do because I saw thatso many people had the same one. I also love the no music on your blog advice, that drives me crazy every time!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
right? especially when it’s LOUD. Today I left my computer on to help my daughter and fell asleep next to her bed. Apparently, when I walked away from the computer, I was loading a page that had music. About 2 hours later I came down stairs and my mom was SO annoyed at all the sounds coming from here.
Twitter: DonnaReedSteph
says:
This advice is SO helpful! Thanks to Julie for writing and to all the Bloggers and Marketers for sharing!
Stephanie Anderson´s last [type] ..Increasing Interaction on your Facebook Page
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Glad you enjoyed it, Steph. Thanks for reading and sharing.
Twitter: Chasing_Joy
says:
Great tips. Thank you for sharing all of this knowledge
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Thanks!
I love all this advice, and was relieved to see I follow MOST of it. I need to make my Contact me more visible – right now I just have an envelope icon in my sidebar. I could do better!
Also hate the Captcha. And dislike when people post THEIR promos on my FB page… or any interaction that is promotional and not geniune.
JulieK´s last [type] ..Pregnancy Journal – 34 Weeks
Twitter: juliempron
says:
I know. Please don’t post a promo for you on my page. That’s for your page, right?
The “contact” issue has been a hot topic for me tonight. You’ll notice that I don’t have “Contact Me” on my page either. I have “Let’s Talk” because that’s WAY more my personality. I also have the icon (like you, Julie) and I think that’s enough. As I said to a friend a few minutes ago, if someone doesn’t get that that envelope means “email” I’m not so sure we’re a good fit to work together.
Twitter: centsiblelife
says:
Nodding my head in agreement! I think there needs to be a followup as well. I would definitely add that you don’t want your blog to feel like a giant billboard. If I scroll through a dozen (or more) posts and find nothing that’s personal I will keep moving.
Kelly {the Centsible Life}´s last [type] ..Week in Photos: Wordless Wednesday
Twitter: juliempron
says:
good one, Kelly.
Twitter: FashOrganized
says:
All of these points are so great. I think someone who reads this has to understand that your intention in writing this post is to illustrate what is industry standard. If anyone wants to be taken seriously in social media they have to follow industry standard. I just realized that I’m guilty of not having my full name on my site. I’ll have to go do some re-working on that.
If it wasn’t for posts like this I know I’d be guilty of all of these infractions. My biggest piece of advice to new bloggers is to approach their own blogs as a 3rd party coming to visit for the first time. If it’s hard for you to find the information you need on your own blog, then it will be hard for everyone else.
Candice @ Fashionably Organized´s last [type] ..From The Cubicle To Cocktails
Twitter: FashOrganized
says:
P.S. I keep wondeirn gif my changing from my given name to my blog name on Twitter was something I shouldn’t have done. Now do I switch back? decisions decisions…
Candice @ Fashionably Organized´s last [type] ..From The Cubicle To Cocktails
Twitter: juliempron
says:
“industry standard”–welll said. EXACTLY.
Definitely a trend I’m seeing lately is changing the twitter handle to the real name. It’s something that’s being discussed a lot this weekend at TypeA.
Thanks for posting. I think a lot of this was helpful to many, but I also think that some of it is matter of opinion and pet peeves. Exactly who makes the rules of what bloggers can and can not do on their own blogs? The entire reason I like having a blog is I do not need to follow the crowd. I am free to do what I want on my blog as I want.
gingermommy´s last [type] ..Summer Cash Giveaway ($115) Worldwide
Twitter: juliempron
says:
These aren’t so much rules as they are what works best for working with marketers. See, marketers have a LOT of choices in the blogging world. And the easier bloggers make it to work with them, the better for the blogger to get further. It’s about complying with what marketers need to prove one’s worth with their client. It’s about providing an opportunity to make one’s blogger influence desirable. If a marketer can only recommend 2 people and has 3 potential super bloggers to recommend, she’s going to choose the 2 that are easiest for her.
That’s why I asked many marketers to contribute to this article. Not surprisingly, everyone was in agreement.
Twitter: suzannahpaul
says:
facebook’s promotion guidelines still confuse me. i’ve never asked for a “like,” but it seems like you can so long as you release fb and administer the giveaway through an app. am i reading their TOS wrong? https://www.facebook.com/page_guidelines.php#promotionsguidelines
thanks for compiling this:)
suzannah | the smitten word´s last [type] ..laughing at the days {guest post for imperfect prose}
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Definitely peruse Melanie’s Blogging101 site. She explores this answer often. She’s actually spoken with Facebook and has explained their explanation in her posts.
My advice? Better safe than sorry.
Twitter: kat1126
says:
Thank you Julie for this post. I will need to print this out and put it “side by side” as I take a serious look at my blog. Some things shown here as don’t do’s I am definitely guilty of. Some I’m not sure – but its definitely something I need to check into if I want to be taken “seriously” by both my readers/commenters and advertisers as well.
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Just taking the steps to consider it is a big thing. And there are a lot of things to consider. Thank you for reading and commenting!
All great advice! I’m still working on fixing a few of these. The one thing I am struggling with is the full name/location part. Perhaps I am just paranoid, but I feel like giving my full name and location on my blog is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from some crazy person knocking on my door. I am protective of my daughter’s privacy (I never show her face on my blog), and I do worry about that from a security standpoint. Has anyone else ever run into this or struggled with this?
Twitter: juliempron
says:
for me, it’s one of those “if someone wants to find me enough, they’ll find me no matter what.” I’m sure there are lots of bloggers that have had stalkers and such. I actually say “Philly area” but I’m in the suburbs.
It helps quite a bit if you will at least explain what state you are from. For this discussion, consider how many promotions are regional campaigns rather than national ones.
A geographic context also helps market your blog from a reader’s perspective, because they can quickly determine whether your information is relevant to their experience and needs; and also helps other bloggers in the area know that you exist.
This is a detail that newspaper columnists and broadcasters have long negotiated, by the way. You won’t find the home address for many of them (very easily) via a phone book or directory search, but you know from their public comments that they live in a particular community or metro area.
Twitter: SouthernSmdays
says:
Great article with some good (albiet makes me slightly uncomfy) tips that I need to use to re-evaluate my blog! Thanks for sharing your insight!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Thanks–glad you enjoyed it.
hey it was a good post thanks for posting, please keep posting
Twitter: juliempron
says:
sure thing! Thanks for reading and commenting
Thank you so much for your suggestions! Being a new blogger, there’s so much to learn. I’m going to work on making some changes now…
Twitter: juliempron
says:
awesome! And welcome to the space! Good luck and, more importantly, enjoy!
Found this post through pinterest… love the good feedback and information here! Thanks for posting about this topic… sometimes we need a checklist to take an honest look at our blog/facebook pages! Good stuff! Thanks!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
check lists are the best. If only everything could be a checklist. I often say “I live my life in bullets.”
Thank you so much for these! I think all bloggers need to read them. I had read a post very similar to this when I first started blogging and it really helped me better my blog. I didn’t think about centering my posts as unprofessional. I am going to go back to left alignment. Thanks so much for the tip. I agree, I only follow blogs that I genuinely enjoy and I want my followers to follow me because they enjoy it, not to just gain an entry for a giveaway.
Twitter: juliempron
says:
thank you for left-aligning, Carrie! and for your comment.
As a total newbie blogger I am extremely thankful for these tips. I am always afraid that I am doing something incorrectly, especially when it comes to blogging etiquette. So any info is much appreciated! Thanks.
Twitter: BoonieSooze
says:
Very good article.
Now, I need to go work on my about page/elevator pitch.
Thanks for that!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
admittedly, I need to work on mine again, too.
My cousin & I just started a blog together and are going to be putting these tips to good use. Thanks for being so candid & open with us bloggers.
Twitter: juliempron
says:
my pleasure! Good luck with your blog!
Twitter: tidbitsofexperi
says:
I am a rookie blogger, but found this article to be quite informative and helpful. I made some changes on my page right after reading this.
Thanks for posting. If you have any other feedback for me, feel free to shoot me an email.
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Hi Crystal, Thanks for commenting and congrats on making the step into blogging! I’d love to offer you one-on-one advice via my consultancy — we offer 30 minute consulting calls at a great rate for bloggers. Feel free to send me an email and we can discuss.
Twitter: kjnsmom
says:
Love the automatic music one, it makes things load slow and it’s annoying as all get out. I have used several posts like this and redone several things on my own blog. While I’d love to be at the level some of you are at, I am content about writing and learning from others. My “about me” page was not PR friendly, and I’ve worked to solve that.
I love learning from others, because for me the relationships I’m building is so very important to me.
Twitter: juliempron
says:
Doesn’t the music drive you crazy?
I really believe everyone’s blog, even the most perfect ones, are works in progress and the best way to learn is from each other. Will you be at Blogher this week, Lori?
Twitter: AtlantasFrugalM
says:
Excellent points! Thank you for putting this out there. Much of it simply has to do with being professional, which is a concept lost on some bloggers with whom I’ve networked in recent months. (Of course, the absolute ONSLAUGHT of frugal mommy bloggers has over-saturated the market for this particular niche, allowing for anyone with a computer to jump on board. I digress…) Even some of my blogger pals who I consider pretty darn professional are guilty of some of these points, including center alignments (ack!). My rule of thumb is simple: think like you’re still in college. You wouldn’t dare turn in an essay printed in center alignment. (And if you do, how on earth did you get accepted to college??!) I would even take it a step further and add two points: (warning, grammar police coming through!)
1) Spell check and grammar check should be used at all times, even for Facebook and Twitter posts. This includes punctuation and capitalization. Again, think like you’re each item you post is going to be graded by your college professor.
2) Extending my previous point, text speak/spelling is not acceptable! Spell words out, don’t use “cute” abbreviations like “b4″ and “cuz” (ACK!!!). Okay, so this is more just a personal pet peeve, but it aligns back to my initial idea of treating your WORK like it’s going to be viewed by your dear ol’ professor.
Stepping softly off my soapbox now.
Twitter: juliempron
says:
I think I love you, Barbara. Your points are some of my biggest peeves in blogging. You are SO right in your advice “think like you’re still in college.” I may have to quote you for a future post. Thank you!
Twitter: AtlantasFrugalM
says:
Oh, but I must admit, I am guilty of not having my face anywhere on my blog. I just don’t like any of the pictures of myself… Perhaps it’s time to get some headshots.
)
Twitter: juliempron
says:
That’s a post in the making–love yourself. It’s like practicing speaking in the mirror. You have to find the right pose to make it work for you. (And sitting for a professional headshot very often helps. Lots of photographers will work with local bloggers on a barter for that.)
Twitter: juliempron
says:
whoops! that first sentence can be taken TOTALLY in the wrong way.
Twitter: Me_N_my_Monkeys
says:
Fantastic article.
Very helpful , Thank you!
Good post. I would add:
Using cutesy pseudonyms for your kids. I read a lot of homeschooling blogs, and I get immediately turned off by hearing about “Bumkins” and “Little Bit”, rather than just “Johnny” and “Sarah”. If you’re that nervous about their security, then you probably shouldn’t be blogging about your kids, and posting their pictures online (which IMO is much riskier than posting their real first names).
Also, stop repetitively bolding sentences for emphasis. A bolded sentence here & there is one thing and can be useful, but an entire post full of bolded sentences makes me feel like you think I’m an idiot and can’t grasp your points without you talking down to me like I’m a preschooler.
Twitter: whatkatiesbakin
says:
thank you so much… this is really helpful information!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
my pleasure!! Thanks for coming by, reading and commenting!
Julie, this is an excellent post. I don’t know how I missed it the first time around, but I’m glad it’s linked on Type-A today! You hit on so many excellent points. I’ve been in the position of vetting bloggers as well, and I agree with Carol and Stephanie that if bloggers don’t have their info front and center, they’re usually passed over. And, like it or lump it, looks matter. Spend the money on a great design!
Thanks for such a thorough article with advice for bloggers (whether beginners or not); I’ve shared this with my audience on FB.
PS: Thanks for including me!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
I had no idea you hadn’t seen it, Melanie. Totally thought you did!
This is very helpful to lots of bloggers. Thumbs up to this great post.
Twitter: juliempron
says:
thank you.
Twitter: LiisiCarr
says:
All I want to say is thank you for taking the time to write this, give us these great tips and to share your talents and skills and know how with those of us to don’t know any better, and really do want to learn and develop their blog/ website into something wonderful!
Twitter: juliempron
says:
thank YOU so much for taking the time to respond. Means a lot. Good luck to you, Elizabeth!