Let’s talk.
About Nate’s wardrobe. Wait. Let’s not. Okay, let’s talk about my lack of motivation to do anything other than sleep, work out and shop for summer clothes. Wait. Let’s not talk about that stuff either.
Let’s talk about blogging. Back when I discussed
hanging with my BFFs, there were some questions asked. I promised to answer. Here it goes. I’ve also decided to
host a party today. I’m spontaneous like that. (Anyone that knows me in real life is dying of laughter.)
First the questions.
How do you get invited to do a guest post/invite others to guest post?
I haven’t written a guest post for awhile but the ones I have done in the past were for people that I had established blog relationships with. Most of my guest posts were for other bloggers needing to take a break/vacation. It’s a great opportunity to reach another blog audience. I’ve invited guest bloggers before when I have been on vacation. It’s as simple as sending out an e-mail with the topic you’d like to have covered with specific deadlines, etc.
How do you connect with sponsors (like the Home Depot)?
I don’t actively seek sponsors. I’m lazy. I have a real job. Seeking sponsors seems like work to me and I try to keep the blog as a hobby. So how do I have sponsors/work with companies? I use BlogHer as an ad agency. They pay me to run ads on my blog. They also market my blog to companies for other sponsored opportunities. I’ve recently started using
SocialSpark also. The rest/majority is dumb luck (okay, probably my content). The companies contact me and I agree if I feel like it’s a good fit for our house/blog.
How long did it take for you to garner the following you have now?
I’ve been blogging for a little over 2 years. It takes time. Check out my early posts. Crickets, my mom and
Mindy. Blog “following” is interesting too. It’s really hard to tell how many people actually read your blog. You can also look at page views versus comments. My page views aren’t extremely high (in comparison to larger blogs) but I feel like I have very engaged blog readers. You all comment, question, e-mail, etc. We interact. It’s something that I would like to do more of. When I learn to manage my time better. Or sleep less. Or invent a time machine.
What would you recommend to others to get followers to their blog?
Be social. I’m not a super social person in real life but I totally get around in blogland. (Quote me on that.) Comment on other blogs. Get on social media. I’m on the
twitter,
facebook,
Google+,
Pinterest and
Instagram. I’m most active on Instagram and twitter. I’m working on the others. Make friends. Put yourself out there. It’s a scary thing to do. The nice thing about bloggers is that most of us are friendly. I generally am. Except when I’m hungry or tired. But seriously. Throw yourself out there!
I also find it helpful to have a close group of blog buddies (similar blog focus and blog size) that you work with. Use this group to promote each others work. Encourage. Support. Bounce ideas off one another.
There’s also the whole schpeel that you have probably heard before but it’s a schpeel for a reason. Quality content, post regularly, have pretty photos, be yourself, yadda, yadda.
How does one get featured on a big blog?
Quality content is probably one of the easiest ways to get featured. Write a post about an awesome project and spread the word about it to the best of your ability! If it’s awesome, it’ll get noticed. Big bloggers often ask for your projects. Submit them. I’ve been turned down probably as many times as I’ve successfully been featured on bigger sites.
Young House Love asks for before and afters.
Brooklyn Limestone often asks for certain projects. Don’t fear rejection. Just do it, man.
How does one host a Pinterest linky party with major bloggers?
Complete and total dumb luck. I’m still trying to figure that one out myself.
Any other questions? I’ll answer them in either the comments or a follow-up post!
Now it’s time for a party. Hopefully it will help us all get to know each other a little better. Find some new blog buddies. Spread the love. Ain’t no party like a Decor and the Dog party because a Decor and the Dog party is mandatory (name that show). I have 2.5 simple rules to join in on this party. (Of course my party would have rules.)
1. You must blog at least once a week. I want this to be a party for active bloggers looking to expand their blog network. It’s hard to do this if you only blog once a month.
2. You must visit AND comment on the 2 blogs in front of you. (If you are the first two, visit the ones that follow you.) We’re making friends remember. This isn’t a dump your blog link and run. I will have police at this party. Don’t doubt me..and my staff.
3. When it’s asks for your name, please list your blog name AND the state you live in. (For example: Decor and the Dog/Iowa). If you aren’t comfortable listing your state, I get it. I just think it’d be nice to see where everyone is from!
Party time. Excellent.
Let’s talk.
About Nate’s wardrobe. Wait. Let’s not. Okay, let’s talk about my lack of motivation to do anything other than sleep, work out and shop for summer clothes. Wait. Let’s not talk about that stuff either.
Let’s talk about blogging. Back when I discussed
hanging with my BFFs, there were some questions asked. I promised to answer. Here it goes. I’ve also decided to
host a party today. I’m spontaneous like that. (Anyone that knows me in real life is dying of laughter.)
First the questions.
How do you get invited to do a guest post/invite others to guest post?
I haven’t written a guest post for awhile but the ones I have done in the past were for people that I had established blog relationships with. Most of my guest posts were for other bloggers needing to take a break/vacation. It’s a great opportunity to reach another blog audience. I’ve invited guest bloggers before when I have been on vacation. It’s as simple as sending out an e-mail with the topic you’d like to have covered with specific deadlines, etc.
How do you connect with sponsors (like the Home Depot)?
I don’t actively seek sponsors. I’m lazy. I have a real job. Seeking sponsors seems like work to me and I try to keep the blog as a hobby. So how do I have sponsors/work with companies? I use BlogHer as an ad agency. They pay me to run ads on my blog. They also market my blog to companies for other sponsored opportunities. I’ve recently started using
SocialSpark also. The rest/majority is dumb luck (okay, probably my content). The companies contact me and I agree if I feel like it’s a good fit for our house/blog.
How long did it take for you to garner the following you have now?
I’ve been blogging for a little over 2 years. It takes time. Check out my early posts. Crickets, my mom and
Mindy. Blog “following” is interesting too. It’s really hard to tell how many people actually read your blog. You can also look at page views versus comments. My page views aren’t extremely high (in comparison to larger blogs) but I feel like I have very engaged blog readers. You all comment, question, e-mail, etc. We interact. It’s something that I would like to do more of. When I learn to manage my time better. Or sleep less. Or invent a time machine.
What would you recommend to others to get followers to their blog?
Be social. I’m not a super social person in real life but I totally get around in blogland. (Quote me on that.) Comment on other blogs. Get on social media. I’m on the
twitter,
facebook,
Google+,
Pinterest and
Instagram. I’m most active on Instagram and twitter. I’m working on the others. Make friends. Put yourself out there. It’s a scary thing to do. The nice thing about bloggers is that most of us are friendly. I generally am. Except when I’m hungry or tired. But seriously. Throw yourself out there!
I also find it helpful to have a close group of blog buddies (similar blog focus and blog size) that you work with. Use this group to promote each others work. Encourage. Support. Bounce ideas off one another.
There’s also the whole schpeel that you have probably heard before but it’s a schpeel for a reason. Quality content, post regularly, have pretty photos, be yourself, yadda, yadda.
How does one get featured on a big blog?
Quality content is probably one of the easiest ways to get featured. Write a post about an awesome project and spread the word about it to the best of your ability! If it’s awesome, it’ll get noticed. Big bloggers often ask for your projects. Submit them. I’ve been turned down probably as many times as I’ve successfully been featured on bigger sites.
Young House Love asks for before and afters.
Brooklyn Limestone often asks for certain projects. Don’t fear rejection. Just do it, man.
How does one host a Pinterest linky party with major bloggers?
Complete and total dumb luck. I’m still trying to figure that one out myself.
Any other questions? I’ll answer them in either the comments or a follow-up post!
Now it’s time for a party. Hopefully it will help us all get to know each other a little better. Find some new blog buddies. Spread the love. Ain’t no party like a Decor and the Dog party because a Decor and the Dog party is mandatory (name that show). I have 2.5 simple rules to join in on this party. (Of course my party would have rules.)
1. You must blog at least once a week. I want this to be a party for active bloggers looking to expand their blog network. It’s hard to do this if you only blog once a month.
2. You must visit AND comment on the 2 blogs in front of you. (If you are the first two, visit the ones that follow you.) We’re making friends remember. This isn’t a dump your blog link and run. I will have police at this party. Don’t doubt me..and my staff.
3. When it’s asks for your name, please list your blog name AND the state you live in. (For example: Decor and the Dog/Iowa). If you aren’t comfortable listing your state, I get it. I just think it’d be nice to see where everyone is from!
Party time. Excellent.
What an awesome idea but I don't see anything to link up!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to the dentist now and check back later :)
Awesome idea, Michelle! Blog friends are one of the reasons I love blogging. And one of the reasons I stalk pictures of Ike. Me and Ike are friends. :) Also, I totally agree the blogging is supposed to be fun!
ReplyDeletePS: Flight of the Conchords (Ain't no party like my grandma's tea party) That was really bothering me and I was singing it over and over again in my head until I could figure it out. Rhymenocerious out.
Deleteno! it's Liz Lemon! :)
Delete...but... I'm not crying... I'm just cutting onions... in the rain...
DAMN. SO CLOSE. (because obviously those crazy singers and Liz Lemon are besties)
DeleteI am glad you all cleared that up. It was really going to bother me all day.
DeleteThis is a great idea - I'm stoked to be a part of it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post and for the link party!! Looking forward to making some new friends!
ReplyDelete-katie
great idea!
ReplyDeletealso, I regularly tell my students "Ain't no party like a Speech class party, because a Speech class party is MANDATORY." it's so applicable in so many areas of life...
Yayyy for finding new blog friends!!! Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI love me an impromptu blog hop party.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! Excited to go exploring :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting Michelle -- I was just thinking I needed to poke around the interwebs a little more. I found your site via YHL and was interested to see a blog in good ol' Iowa as I have a lot of family up in those parts and then that Ike is so darn cute. It's so nice of you to spread the blog love around. Cheers - CT
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Thank you for hosting!
ReplyDeleteSo much fun. Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog! Do you have any tips and hints for
ReplyDeleteaspiring writers? I'm planning to start my own website soon but I'm
a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option?
There are so many choices out there that I'm totally confused .. Any suggestions? Bless you!
Review my site; Make money online and work from home
Yay! I love meeting new blogging buddies. Love this!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun idea for a linky party :). Found some new blogs!
ReplyDeleteMaking internet friends was the best thing I ever did. It only enables my laziness in getting ready and leaving the house.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. I don't know how many times I have been late because I couldn't drag myself away from a blog post!
DeleteThis is the coolest link party..wait for it...ever! Thanks for doing this! It's helpful to find local bloggie friends!
ReplyDeleteI love that we share a mutual obsession with all things Liz Lemon. And that's why I felt okay about joining your link party even though I am not even close to posting once a week. Please don't kick me out of your mandatory party :-(
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else this is a great idea. Seems like a lot of California girls are too cool for blogging. Hope some show up. It is all about Utah, Midwest and the south. You ladies have it going on.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, I`m excited to meet some new people!! I think I`m the only Canadian so far :-)
ReplyDeleteSome Snapshots Blog
Jess
Going to add to the Canadian count!
Deletewhat a great idea about adding where you live!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting. I have been to a few of the blogs and commented on the two before me. One of them was already my bbff - best blog friend forever :)
ReplyDeleteLove this party...what a great idea. Gosh, you are brilliant! :)
ReplyDelete1) Love this linky party and getting real blogging advice
ReplyDelete2) Love the idea of adding your state! I desperately want to meet local bloggers and have blog crafting/eating/laughing/shopping weekends, but Mrs. Limestone won't answer the door. (Kidding. But seriously, next Halloween I'm going to find her house in Park Slope).
3) Love your blog! I only started reading your blog in the past few months (either via Princess Woodward or the YHL/BP Pinterest Challenge) and love your style and sarcasm!
I'm crappy with routine on my blog so I'm obeying rule #1, but I def plan to check out the other blogs that linked up!
Hi, Michelle :) Great idea and I am a complete dork. I did an oops and am on here twice...I forgot to add my state so I linked again and then it won't let me delete my old link. Sorry about that! xo Kristin
ReplyDeleteYeah, so I somehow messed up my link in the linky party
ReplyDelete*sulks away from computer*
I tryped in my homepage and it reposted without me choosing a photo...TWICE lol! Sorry.
Every party has a pooper *points to self*
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea! Thanks so much for hosting this!
ReplyDeleteAwesome impromptu partay! I know I don't post quite often, but I do try (please don't kick me out either :} )I think the lousy weather is doing a number on me, all I want to do is nap all day long.
ReplyDeleteHi! I don't have a blog, but I wanted to let you know that I am an avid reader, never commenter!
ReplyDeleteooo i like the where everyone is from thing. I am always hoping someday there will be someone semi local to me and I can have a real life blog friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea Michelle! I really love this party! thank you for hosting! Ingrid
ReplyDeletesorry Michelle, I forgot to add my state (Montreal, Canada) and when I tried to delete it, I was not able to do it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the awesome tips! I started my blog 66 posts ago and I'm trying to spread the word about my newly domesticated life since getting married in November!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for a party, Michelle - and I loved reading the answers to your questions. As usual, you crack me up! Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDelete-Shelley
What a fun idea! I clearly lost track of what I was doing and didn't type my blog name or state...can I delete my link and redo it??? I'm number 66 (Liz).
ReplyDelete30 Rock for the win! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting the party! I'm excited to check out the other blogs!
You are so cool. And I truly love that you are so real on the blog and in real life. What a lucky girl I am to call you a real friend.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for a party. You know I'm always up for a party. Unlike you, I get around in real life AND in blogland. Color me a party animal.
PS. I didn't list my state. Oops. I pressed enter too soon. SO I'M FROM ILLINOIS. Come visit me and Michelle anytime. Decor and the Dog loves when I make her get social in real life.
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea for a link party!
ReplyDeleteFun party idea! Also great tips. You really do get around in blog land. Everyone's been talking about it. EVERYONE. hahaha, okay not really. I need some wine. It's Friday night.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very good idea, I actually found some awesome blogs:-)
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, I posted my link and it didn't work right the first time so I had to do it again. When I tried to click on the little x to delete the first one, the Pinterest P kept popping up and it wouldn't let me. I didn't mean to have it up twice, I'm sorry but I every time I tried to click the x, the P would pop up faster and open up Pinterest instead.
ReplyDeleteEither way, great idea. Thanks for hosting this :)
I loved reading this post, and thanks for the fun link-up par-tay!
ReplyDeleteI'm late to the party! Thanks so much for answering these questions and hosting the Link Party! Awesomeness all around.
ReplyDeleteNice I also share with you something hope this helpful for you my friends. You will have many decisions to make and an infinite number of details to arrange. Tri-County Rental can help you create the wedding of your dreams. From table settings to tents, renting is easy and affordable. Check it out thanks.
ReplyDeleteParty Rentals Tampa
I love that you take this blogging thing so breezily (is that a word?). It's very refreshing and not something that I've been able to do. In fact, I stopped blogging because I was taking it so seriously and expected so much in the first year. Thanks for helping others bloggers. It means a lot to us.
ReplyDeleteI want a cheap birthday party venue recommendation in LA. Please help me.
ReplyDeleteBachelorette party LA
For newest information you have to pay a quick visit internet and on the web I found this web site as
ReplyDeletea best website for newest updates.
My homepage; Nike Air Jordan
It's really a great and useful piece of info. I'm satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with
ReplyDeleteus. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
my page; Gucci Borse
Thank you for every other magnificent post. Where
ReplyDeleteelse could anybody get that type of info in such an ideal way of
writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I'm at the search for such information.
Also visit my weblog ... Mario Lemieux Authentic Jersey
Very descriptive post, I enjoyed that bit. Will there
ReplyDeletebe a part 2?
my site - Cheap Nike Jerseys
continuously i used to read smaller posts that also clear their
ReplyDeletemotive, and that is also happening with this article which I am
reading at this time.
My blog nfl jerseys cheap
Thanks , I have recently been looking for information approximately this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have found out
ReplyDeleteso far. But, what in regards to the conclusion?
Are you positive about the supply?
Feel free to visit my web blog; cheap nfl jerseys
I love reading an article that can make people think.
ReplyDeleteAlso, many thanks for permitting me to comment!
Feel free to surf to my homepage :: cheapjerseys01
When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me
ReplyDeletewhen new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added
I get four emails with the same comment. Is there a means you
are able to remove me from that service? Cheers!
Review my website; Authentic Sidney Crosby Jersey
Great article. I will be experiencing many
ReplyDeleteof these issues as well..
Also visit my homepage :: Michael Kors
Every weekend i used to pay a visit this website, as i wish for enjoyment, for the reason that
ReplyDeletethis this web site conations in fact good funny information too.
Check out my blog post ... Wholesale Jerseys
Great blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring
ReplyDeletewriters? I'm hoping to start my own site soon but I'm a little lost on everything.
Would you suggest starting with a free platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option?
There are so many options out there that I'm totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Thank you!
Stop by my web blog; Cheap NFL Jerseys
Good article! We are linking to this great post on our site.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good writing.
My web page :: Louis Vuitton Handbags
Wow, that's what I was looking for, what a material! present here at this webpage, thanks admin of this web site.
ReplyDeletemy web site - Louis Vuitton Handbags
If you are going for best contents like me, simply visit this web page every day as it offers feature contents, thanks
ReplyDeletemy blog http://www.explorethecapabilities.com/michaelkors.html
Unquestionably believe that which you said.
ReplyDeleteYour favorite justification appeared to be on the internet the easiest thing to be aware of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about
worries that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without
having side-effects , people could take a signal.
Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
My webpage ... Sac Louis Vuitton Pas Cher
Hello my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing,
ReplyDeletenice written and come with approximately all vital infos.
I'd like to see extra posts like this .
Also visit my blog post; Montre Guess
You've made some really good points there. I looked on the web to learn more about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
ReplyDeleteVisit my web-site - Michael Kors Outlet
Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you spending some
ReplyDeletetime and energy to put this information together. I once again find
myself spending a lot of time both reading and commenting.
But so what, it was still worth it!
Here is my web site ... Abercrombie Pas Cher
I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any
ReplyDeleteinteresting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me.
Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be much more useful than ever before.
Also visit my page; http://wealthwayonline.com/
Its such as you learn my mind! You seem to know so much
ReplyDeleteabout this, such as you wrote the book in it or something.
I believe that you could do with a few percent to force the
message home a little bit, however instead of that, this is great blog.
A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.
Also visit my page ... Air Jordan 2013
Wow, this piece of writing is good, my sister is analyzing
ReplyDeletethese kinds of things, thus I am going to
tell her.
Also visit my site ... NFL Jerseys Cheap
Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It's on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!
ReplyDeleteFeel free to visit my web page Chaussures De Football Pas Cher
Asking questions are truly fastidious thing if you
ReplyDeleteare not understanding something entirely, except
this piece of writing presents nice understanding yet.
Feel free to visit my weblog - Get the Facts
When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me
ReplyDeletewhen new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a
comment is added I get four emails with the exact
same comment. Is there an easy method you can remove me from that service?
Kudos!
my web page - Click This Link
Hello, after reading this amazing post i am
ReplyDeletetoo happy to share my experience here with colleagues.
my weblog ... Air Max
My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different website
ReplyDeleteand thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am
following you. Look forward to checking out your web page repeatedly.
My web blog :: Nike Air Max
Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a good article… but what can I say…
ReplyDeleteI procrastinate a lot and don't manage to get anything done.
Here is my web page ... Get the Facts
I was able to find good info from your content.
ReplyDeletemy web-site; Continue Reading
Heya are using Wordpress for your blog platform?
ReplyDeleteI'm new to the blog world but I'm trying to
get started and create my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Also visit my web blog http://cedricantonio.com/index.php?title=User:WilfordBr
I know thiѕ if off tοpic but I'm looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get setup? I'm asѕuming having
ReplyDeletea blog like yours would cost a ρrettу ρenny?
I'm not very internet smart so I'm not 100% ѕure.
Αnу recοmmendatiоnѕ or adѵice would be greatly aрprеciated.
Κuԁos
Alsо visit mу web page ... reputation management
This is a topic which is near to my heart.
ReplyDelete.. Many thanks! Exactly where are your contact details though?
my web page article source []
First of all I want to say great blog! I had a
ReplyDeletequick question which I'd like to ask if you don't
mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself
and clear your head prior to writing. I have had a tough time clearing my
thoughts in getting my ideas out there. I truly do enjoy writing but
it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted
just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
Thanks!
Feel free to visit my webpage ... Air Max
I leave a response each time I like a post on a site or if
ReplyDeleteI have something to valuable to contribute to the conversation.
Usually it's a result of the fire displayed in the article I browsed. And on this post "Blog Questions Answered + Link Party". I was actually moved enough to post a comment ;) I do have 2 questions for you if you don't
mind. Could it be just me or does it appear like a few
of the responses appear like they are left by brain dead individuals?
:-P And, if you are posting at additional online sites, I would
like to keep up with you. Could you list all of your social
sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?
Feel free to surf to my blog: Louis Vuitton Pas Cher
Yes! Finally something about wax for braces.
ReplyDeletemy weblog: Chaussures De Foot Pas Cher
Link exchange is nothing else except it is simply placing the other person's weblog link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar for you.
ReplyDeleteMy web blog: Air Jordan Pas Cher (http://overuc.com)
Totally bummed, the last one to arrive at the party! I'm new to the blogging community and totally love I'm not the only person in love with DIY, her hubs, and dogs! (not in that order of course) Anyway I am really excited to follow the blog and hope someday to collaborate. Nice to see a few familiar faces/blogs in the group of comments =)
ReplyDelete