As I mentioned earlier today (in this post), I’ve spent the last few days in Melbourne where I attended Problogger Event. Not sure what ProBlogger Event is? Get all the details here.

I learnt so much and wanted to share my notes with you, maybe you’re a fellow blogger and didn’t attend ProBlogger or maybe you’ve been thinking about starting a blog.

If you’re not a blogger then check out some of my new friends below and their fantastic blogs.

 

From little things big things grow!

 

Our first session was with the ProBlogger himself, Darren Rowse. Darren kicked us off by reminding us that from little things big things grow! This was a reminder I needed; sometimes I think too much about where I want to be without realising and appreciating how far I have actually come since the beginning.

Be Active

<     Determine yourself to be someone who is active. It is the action takers who move forward.

<     If you want your blog to be a business then you need to start treating it like one.

<      15 minute challenge:  Everyday you should ask yourself – what action will I take today that will grow the blog? Darren suggests spending 15 minutes per  day on an activity that would help you monetize your blog. I’m going to the listen to the guy because he did this and after two and a half months he had created and released an e-book. A very successful one.

 

Other ways to monetize your blog

<      Contact potential advertisers

<      Create a media kit

<      Create a page for potential advertisers

<      Write affiliate reviews

<      Write emails for your auto-responder

<      Create videos

<      Develop an affiliate network to promote your existing product

<      Plan an event

<      Take a look at what other bloggers are doing (particularly bloggers in your niche)

 

Look for sparks 

When working on your blog you should always look for ‘sparks’ of energy. ‘Sparks’ maybe an idea, a post that gets you excited or it might be what your readers are responding to. Try fanning these sparks into a growing fire.

 

SESSION 1 – BRANDING YOUR BLOG

Host: Stan Johnson, Brand DNA

‘Stan’s blog Brand DNA derives its name from his belief that a brand thrives and succeeds by staying true to the principles and beliefs at the core of its DNA.’

Stan reminded us that you should be concentrating on building your brand as much as building your blog. Sometimes we need to take a step back and reevaluate our blog and brand by asking ourselves a few important questions.

<      What does my blog stand for?

<      What is my unique voice?

<      What do I need to do to get people to add my blog to their bookmarks?

 

 

SESSION 2 – HOW TO GET BRANDS KNOCKING ON YOUR BLOG DOOR

Host: Nikki Parkinson, Styling You

Panel Guests: Eden Riley from Edenland, Mrs Woog from Woogsworld, Lorraine Murphy from The Remarkables Group

Your blog is your real estate

Every blog has a value and your readers can help you set your value.

Google Analytics is the universal stats tool and should be installed on your blog, if not already. If you’re hoping to work with brands or agents then the stats that count are reach, engagement and comments.

If you are looking to monetize your blog then there are a number of options available, not just advertising. Options include:

<      Banner advertising

<      Sponsored posts

<      EDM (email newsletters)

<      Ambassadorships

<      Event sponsorship

<      Social media placement

<      Television commercials

<      Print advertising campaigns

<      Point of sales images

<      Appearance fees

<      Writing on a brand’s website or blog

<      Television

<      Keynote speaking

Nikki, Eden, Mrs Woog and Lorraine were all very vocal about bloggers not working for free. Remember, you a real person and accessible to your readers and that is why brands want you.

 

The difference between PR and Marketing

PR agencies are contracted by brands to garner FREE editorial coverage and can be the conduit to working with their client.

They don’t usually have a budget and aren’t typically the people to contact about advertising opportunities / sponsored posts. However, if the PR rep is based in-house then they may have more scope to source a budget or sponsorship.

The digital marketing budgets for most large brands can be found with external media agencies. These agencies are starting to realise the power of bloggers and therefore are starting to get a slice of that budget.

 

Get you brand noticed! 

<      Get to know brands and PRs via their social media network

<      Attend events hosted by brands and PRs

<      Attend blogging conferences and meet ups

<      Monitor Source Bottle, an online site that connects journalists with credible sources for their stories.

<      Enter credible industry-based blog competitions like Sydney Writers Centre (not the comps run by brands, they’re just trying to capture your readers).

 

Tips from the panel

Lorraine Murphy – Sit down and list all the brands you love. See if they are active on social media and then contact their agencies about working together.

Mrs Woog – Flirt with brands! Flirting with brands on twitter can really create opportunities. Make your presence felt across all the different medias you’re on.

Eden Riley – Think about approaching brands and agencies as a team. Twice as many numbers, twice as much branding, half the work for you and your team member.

 

Kit out your media kit

The key business tool for your blog is your media kit and a good media kit is short and succinct.

See here for Nikki’s notes on what to include in your media kit.

 

and don’t forget… 

<      Be confident in your pricing and don’t sell yourself short.

<      Have value around your blog and don’t negotiate.

<      Don’t forget about the nitty-gritty – Get advice from an accountant, register your blog’s name and get an ABN.

<      Build your blogs profile outside of your blog

<      Choose to work with brands that are a right fit for you and your readers.

<      Have fun!

 

Sending love to some fab blogging friends

Kesh from the Bold and the Blunt, Rach from In Spaces Between, Sarah from A Beach Cottage, Christina (and Jim) from Hair Romance, Andrea from Fox in Flats, Caz and Craig from YTravel Blog and Mojito Mother, Serena from Pretty Fluffy, Zhoe from Food For You Reviews, Cara from Ultra Inspired, Suze from Stylise, Rose from Stylista Mama, Nicole Avery from Planning Queen, the lovely Sorella & Me girls.

 

Stay tuned for Part 2 which will include

<      How to monetize your blog with Nicole Avery

<      Lubricating your mind with James Tuckerman

<      How to turn visitors into raving fans with Darren Rowse and Chris Guillebeau

<      The Media and Blogging with Nikki Parkinson and Sarah Wilson

<      Social Media and Community with Chantelle Ellem, Christina Butcher and Caz Makepeace