I sometimes marvel at where I would be if I hadn’t met Lisa Butler early in 2012. Dead in a proverbial web development ditch, probably. She has helped me with web development not only for this site, but also Vivaleur, The B Bar, and many client projects as well. And she has yet to NOT find a solution to any complex problem I’ve sent her way!
As a little extra to this morning’s post, I asked Lisa if I could run a column from her excellent blog series Blogkeeping while I’m away. In this series, she shares tips about blogging and gets tons of great insights from other bloggers as well via the comments. Here’s a recent post of hers on creating original content. I highly recommend you check out the rest of the Blogkeeping series!
On the Blogkeeping survey last year, by far the biggest struggle noted was growing your readership. I’m sure you’ve heard this a hundred times (and probably at least half of those in last week’s Alt recaps), but the key to growing your readership is focusing on creating original content. But what does that even mean? And how are you supposed to create original content with limited free time, when you’re earning a living elsewhere?
I think a lot of people think you have to take your own photos and create entirely new concepts to have original content — and yes, that would be truly original content. But that can take a lot of time and resources that many of us don’t have. However, I think you can still create original content by putting your own unique spin on things. Here are just a few ideas: Read more »
It’s here, it’s here! The B Bar is officially open for business. You can stop by for lots of great downloadable resources related to blogging and social media (or as we like to call them, ‘cocktails’) right over here.
Both Meg and I are so thankful for all your excitement and support of this new venture. We hope you love the cocktails as much as we do, and that you find them immensely valuable for your blog or business! To celebrate the grand opening of the bar, if you purchase any cocktail today through April 17, you’ll get the Ultimate Resources Guide for free with the promo code CHEERS. Just add in the Resources Guide cocktail to your shopping cart, type in the promo code when you checkout, and you’ll be good to go**.
If the launch of the bar wasn’t enough, a whole slew of bloggers have been kind of enough to offer their best insights, tips and advice for you to peruse. And get excited — these little ‘shots’ are on the house: Read more »
A little freebie to share with you guys today! I’ve gotten several emails asking me how to create hand drawn arrows in blog post collages. The truth is, for a long time, I used some arrows I had drawn on a piece of paper and scanned in at a super high resolution. It worked, but it was a bit laborious. Earlier this year I finally broke down and ordered a Wacom tablet, which is how most bloggers get the handwritten elements on to their posts, whether its an arrow or actual writing. (UPDATE: I should also mention that if you have an iPad, you can download the Paper app and use your finger or a stylus to get handwritten effects!)
But, if you’re not looking to purchase another blog accessory just to draw a few arrows or write a few words, I’ve got you covered. Below is a downloadable PNG file that contains forty different arrows, shapes and words that you can use in blog posts! Get the download after the jump, along with a quick Photoshop lesson on how to use them! Read more »
