MORE Things Your Blog Needs But Doesn't Have + Google Reader Alternatives

Lately I'm working with clients on blogging/social media AND deep cleaning/organizing the house. What better way to kick start an organization series than to help you clear up and organize something you might not think about- your blog and web presence. Ready to get organized?! Here's some things you blog needs but doesn't have:

Me and the Yuko have been rearranging and organizing things as much as possible at the casa.

1.) Clear E-mail: I've gone to hundreds of blogs that don't have a clear way to send an e-mail! Bad bloggers! You never know when someone's going to contact you with an amazing offer, so get it up there! Now!

2.) No Social Media: Your blog should connect all of your shops and social networks for easy viewing and scanning.

3.) Streamlined Sidebar: Streamline everything on your side bar as much as possible! I work at this all the time, editing and streamlining the site for better aesthetics and easier browsing for the viewer.

4.) Above the Break: Try to have all of your most important information above the page break on your blog. (Or "margin", it's where the page stops before you have to scroll down.)

5.) Link Yourself: You don't have to go crazy with this, and I feel like authentic, organic writing is best for good SEO, but linking to previous posts and other pages on your blog will help you move up on the search engine rankings.

6.) Ditch Google Reader: If you're looking for alternative ways for bloggers to follow, direct them to follow you via e-mail, RSS, or networks like Blog Lovin'. If you're not already following me on Blog Lovin' or RSS!

7.) Sidebar Diet: The content on your sidebar shouldn't be longer than the content on your main page, edit and reduce when necessary.

8.) Need Moar PHOTOS: Unique photography is so important in blogging! The photos don't have to be perfect, in fact, it's awesome when bloggers mix it up and have some unprofessional photos mixed in, its makes a blog feel more human and less like a pure magazine. Just make sure each post has at least one!

9.) Socializing: Respond to comments, follow and chat with people who interest you via social media. Authentic communication is the best tool for helping your blog grow an audience!

10.) More YOU: A photo on the side bar really helps personalize your blog and helps us realize you're a real person and not a robot. Inserting yourself via a distinct voice and images is paramount in blogging. It's all about you and your story, don't be shy!

I love to help bloggers and newbie business owners set up their online world, send me an e-mail if you need help! Those were the top issues I've been seeing on hundreds of blogs these while working with clients. Tell me, what problems do you keep having with blogs? What do you like to see on blogs? Let's help each other improve! This week I'm going on a home and business organization theme, so come back tomorrow for more!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Blog Posts Behind-the-Scenes: The Pedantic Thrift Core Writing Process

I love the hell out of blogging, even when it's frustrating, it's my crack; truly addicting. I was a professional copywriter/blogger for three years and wrote for the web a decade before that. Over the years and with professional training I've developed a particular process and style. I love reading a look into anyone's creative process, here are the steps I take to arrive at a finished blog post!:

Step 1: Writing Down Any and Every Idea

I have notebooks full of ideas for blog posts, I'm never tapped for content. The well of ideas, she flows! By the way, Yuko photo-bombs constantly, I could do a whole post of Yuko-bombs!

Step 2: Plotting in Advance

I plan my blog posts 1-2 months ahead of time, I've tried Google Calendar but prefer to hand-write it on a big calendar. I keep it flexible, I'll add new ideas when I think of them and often cancel scheduled posts if I find them to be banal or uninspiring. Having the schedule keeps me organized, I know what to photograph for posts when I'm out and about.

Step 3: Rough Draft, Free-Form Writing from the heart

GOD DAMN that's a lot of text. That's stretching across the whole computer screen.

For the rough draft I open notepad and just regurgitate my brain matter into the digital world. It's rough and wordy. I then try to leave it alone for at least 24/hours then come back to edit sometimes hundreds of words from it later. When you do this flaws stick out for easy editing. It's hard to see errors when the writing is fresh.

Step 4: Photography

Sometimes, photos are the first step. Photography is paramount when it comes to art/e-commerce blogging! I may take up to 63-100+ photos for ONE blog post! I go through and choose the best photos from the bunch and upload them to Google + where they're color corrected, cropped, and put directly into the post via Blogger (Blogger and Google + are connected). I sometimes edit them in Paint Shop Pro 7.02 and/or Photoshop as well.

Step 5: Editing and Refining

Copywriting is the art of making the biggest impact with as few words as possible. I edit out everything that doesn't pertain to the main point of each post. Write like Hemingway, where every word is purposeful.

I play with photo placement and text placement on photos, sometimes for an hour or more until I'm happy with the visual beauty of the piece, too. Above is an examples of changes I've made before landing on the final photo used in the post.

TIP, Marinate that bad boy: The tastiest posts "marinate" longer. I write them a week or even months ahead of time and refine and perfect daily. Sometimes I re-take photos for the entire post or end up starting over entirely to get it right.

Photo outtake: I take hundreds of photos that never make it onto the blog. I'm a brutal editor.

I recommend blogging to everyone: your mom, dad, gardener, plumber, Voltron, Batman, cruciferous vegetables and cantankerous creatures from the cretaceous. Writing daily is proven to keep your mind and memory sharp and it's a journey to self-discovery. I see myself blogging 'til the day I die. And hopefully that last post reads something like "Dear blog, today I'm signing off for life. 'Twas awesome. Blog on, bi-otch! - Old Lady Van"

What's your blogging process like? Have any questions? Do share in the comments.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Your Essential Top 10 Blog Checklist: Steps to Take Before You Blog

Running a stand-out blog looks easy, but ample pre-planning, time, and work goes into it. I've worked as a pro blogger and marketer for years and I'm proud to share what I've learned in this essential Top 10 Before You Blog Checklist. If you already blog, go through the list to refresh your mission. Save and bookmark the list, and check as you go!

1.)PICK PASSION: Choose a topic you'll NEVER get tired of.

2.)MAKE GOALS: What will your blog accomplish? Write goals and ACTION steps to accomplish them!

3.)ENVISION: Your blog is an experience. Write a list detailing the impression your blog should leave on your readers.

4.)CONSIDER READERS: Don't merely write for yourself. You'll gain hundreds of readers only when write posts that entertain and/or aid your audience.

5.)CHOOSE A DEMOGRAPHIC: Envision your ideal reader(s), knowing your audience helps you choose where to network and advertise.

6.)WRITE 31: Start with one month's worth of posts. You'll develop your voice and start ahead of the game.

7.)PLAN AHEAD: Schedule your first two months of posts. Struggling to come up with 60+ posts? You chose wrong! Back to step one with you!

8.)PICK YOUR POISON: Choose Typepad, Blogger, or Wordpress. Blogger is great for beginners, Wordpress is more advanced and powerful.

9.)NAME IT: Choose a name, choose it well! Reflect on the posts you've written if you need help.

10.)DESIGN IT: Make a unique banner. Experiment to develop an attractive layout that suits your style and how you post.

This is the check list I wish I had when I started my blogging adventure. Many early blog posts lack purpose, this checklist gives you a clear path and a head-start as a beginner. I'll be going through this list again to reboot and refocus for the new year, and you should too!

By the way, I offer graphic design and blog/online store marketing and start-up assistance services. If you need help, feel free to drop me a line! I'm passionate about helping others succeed with their small business dreams.

What do you feel makes the best blog? Any blogging tips of your own to share? I'd love to know what you think!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Shocking Truth: The Top 5 Blogging Tips I NEVER Follow

Struggling with your blog? Is it not growing or producing fast enough for you? Maybe your problem is following the sea of "top tips" on the web; it's time for a fresh perspective! Let me help by debunking 5 blogging tips you've heard before.

Lots of notes, homemade vegan pie and ample tea help when blogging gets tough. 

1. Don't obsess over traffic; ignore your counters.

I used to check my Google analytics and hits daily, now I could go months without a peek. Monitoring traffic is important, but I prefer to fuss over quality. Craft superior content that readers are compelled to share and increased traffic happens organically.

2. Don't follow the crowd.

I see a lot of bloggers play follow the leader. Blogs tend to fit into a tribe with similar styles of posting, image editing, layouts, and color schemes. I draw my inspiration and style from inside. Let your interests and personal tastes define your blog. You'll stand out and posting will feel natural.

3. Don't Chase After Followers.

Quality over quantity! Again, focus on making your blog the best it can be and followers will grow organically.

4. Don't try too hard.

Yes, quality is important, but don't spend hours upon hours on your blog. If that's difficult, try setting a timer and writing quick first drafts from the heart. Come back to these drafts later and refine them, again setting a timer to keep from spinning your wheels working to hard on one post.

 5. Don't forget to think of your readers. 

Blogging can feel like a selfish act. I'm passionate about blogging! I feel myself growing with each post, but I never forget about my followers. I need my content to help, inspire, and entertain you, my reader!

It takes time to find your voice and style with blogging. Don't let slow traffic and "small" numbers bother you, focus instead on building authentic connections with your audience and peers. Create content that would make your heroes (like my hero Batman!) proud!

Be authentic, present your best, and have fun along the way!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Blogging Tip: Want a Better Blog? Be a Grasshopper.

You want it all. More customers for your handmade and reselling efforts. More followers. More commenters. If you feel like you're putting your soul into your work but not moving forward, this post is for you. Follow these trite words of wisdom:

It takes time to develop your style, voice and make connections with the kindred spirits that will move you forward in your niche with blogging. In the meantime, enjoy where you are now.

One day I'll publish books, open my shop, travel the world, high five Batman, and take the Thrift Core brand all the way to planet Cybertron. But right now, my brand is small.  I can reply to every comment and e-mail. I have no harsh book draft deadlines. Likewise, you are not overwhelmed with the responsibilities that come with operating an immense national brand.

Enjoy where you are at the moment. Look at how far you've come instead of worrying about how far you've yet to go. I used to count my readers on one hand. Now I'm earning and reaching hundreds through this blog. Keep writing. Keep commenting and connecting. Take action steps toward your goals every day and you'll reach them. Just stay patient.

We all have to start at the same place: the beginning.

Don't believe me? Look to the left and you'll see I've added a drop-down blog archive. You can go back and read my embarrassing old posts and see how far I've come with blogging.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

The Top 5 Reasons to Keep Blogging: And it Ain't For the Money!

[Blogging station: The huge windows showing the outside world tempt and tease me.]

Haaaaahaha, blogging for money? You're funny! Good thing I'm a thrifty bastard that can stretch a small budget, because blogging would not be my side gig if I was in it get rich. Blogging is more than that for me, and it should be for you, too!

If blogging for money is your #1 priority, you shouldn't be blogging! These are the top 5 reasons why I blog my ass off, and why you should blog, too!


1. You will find your kindred spirits. 

I've made best buddies for life from my websites. After all, blogging and putting myself out there has helped me find you, my kindred thrifty spirit! My favorite part of blogging is making heart to heart connections with my readers. 

2. You will network and receive opportunities in your field.

I've been contacted by television producers, favorite authors, and much more through this blog. Blogging is the most powerful networking social media tool available, so don't miss out on it. Use it!

3. Your writing will improve.

Blogging is daily writing practice. You'll learn to write engaging copy faster and you'll sharpen layout and content organization skills.

[Thought I was kidding about gummy bears and beer for dinner? Ah, the life of a busy writer...]

4. Your photography will improve. 

I always felt like I had a good eye, but snapping daily photos for my blog has helped my photography improve by far! I can take better pictures faster, and I keep learning every day.

5. You'll learn, grow, and discover yourself with every single post.

Your self improvements will go beyond writing, photography, and web marketing. Blogging daily helps you make personal improvements. We improve on our weaknesses because they're highlighted when we document them. I like how Penelope Trunk says it: "Writing daily is a path to self discovery."

Keep Blogging, Keep Improving: I'm not gonna lie, I'd love to make more money from my freelance blogging efforts. But I'm not in it for that. I'm here every day because it incorporates my passion for writing, photography, thrifting, and technology. I couldn't stop if I wanted to. If you feel the same way about your blog, you're definitely on the right track even if you're not banking yet. 

Don't get hung up on the money, because blogging helps you improve in ways that are simply...priceless. < / end syrupy Hallmark Quote! >

Now Tell Me... Why do you blog? What keeps you coming back through the good and the bad?

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Brian Adams Turns His Pop Culture Passion into a Dream Job

One of my daily blog stops is Brian's fun pop culture and toy saturated blog Cool & Collected. He's a graphic designer to pay the bills, but this blog is where his heart is. As a successful blogger, collector, and thrifter extraordinaire, I had to ask him a few questions! (After all: Who wouldn't want to get paid for their love of collecting toys? Hot damn, I love toys!)

Tell us a little bit about yourself, Brian.

I've been a graphic designer for 21 years and run my own home-based studio, Big Fish Design, with my wife by my side and our two young boys running circles around us. In addition to our design business, we run a few web sites including The District and Funology, so we tend to keep pretty busy. Cool & Collected is a site I where I can just be me, and write about things I really enjoy.

What are your top tips for working as a freelancer?

1. Get up and go to work! if you look at the clock in the morning and think, "I can sleep another 15 minutes," you are not going to make it as a freelancer.

2. Your home is an office. You need to make sure your work zone is in fact a place of business, where you can receive a phone call without dogs barking and kids crying in the background.

3. Take a break. Working from home is hard, but it certainly has its perks. When your brain starts to hurt, go to the post office or run to the bank. Get out of the house and take that mental break.

What are the top 5 things you think every blog needs?

(Note: I probably don't practice all of these , but...)

1. Pretty pictures. Sorry, but I'm a visual guy. If you don't have pictures on your site, I'm not going to stick around.

2. Personality. A blog is so much more enjoyable if you aren't pretending to be someone you're not. Just be yourself, and people who like you for who you are will start hanging out with you.

3. Audience participation. A good blog has an active audience who comments regularly. I try to reply to every comment posted on my site, which helps make sure those commenters know they are heard.

4. Contact form. If someone wants to get in touch with you, there better be a way to do so, or you just might miss out on that big advertiser.

5. Social media. I can not stress how helpful Facebook and Twitter have been in steering traffic to my site and helping me meet some great folks.

You always yield amazing yard sale and thrift store finds, what are your top 3 thrifting tips?

1. Look in the box! Get down low and open those unopened boxes under the tables. That's where the good stuff is hiding!

2. Search for icons. I'm all about pop culture, so if I find a recognizable character toy, chances are, someone out there will want it for their collection.

3. Buy anything from the 70's and early 80's. This area is starting to get noticed, but there are plenty of bargains still out there at yard sales and thrift stores.

You re-sell to support your collecting habit and make some cash on the side. You're successful at it, too! What are your top 3 reselling tips.

1. Explore different avenues of selling. "FeeBay" can really eat into your profits. I've been having good success with CraigsList and am looking into setting up a store on my site, much like you did with your StoreEnvy.

2. Buy in bulk. If you buy a large collection, you can typically make back your investment by selling a few of the choice items in the lot. Everything else you sell is just gravy.

3. Buy low, sell high. If I don't think I can at least triple my money, I won't buy an item for resale.

Your brain is a super computer of valuable pop culture relic knowledge. What are a few things resellers should never pass up at a yard sale or thrift store?

1.LEGO sets, especially Star Wars ones. The minifigs can be worth $30-50 by themselves!

2. 80's toys such as GI Joe, Star Wars, or He-Man, with their original box. Believe it or not, collectors will buy just the empty box.

3. Interesting things. If it looks cool, and you've never seen one before, go ahead and drop a dollar for it. You never know!

How many different collections do you own?

Last summer, I challenged myself to photograph a collection a day. I got to 68 before burning out. (Collection A Day) Later this summer, I think I might pick up where I left off.

A cosmic force tells you that you can collect only ONE thing for the rest of time- what would it be?!

What a horrible cosmic force that would be! I guess I would have to say movie posters. As a graphic designer, I never get tired of viewing other designer's work, and the artwork on vintage movie posters is enough to keep my creative juices satisfied.

Dinosaurs or Robots? (There can be only one!)

Dinosaurs, of course!

I know it's a lot to take in, but Brian had so much knowledge to mine, I couldn't resist squeezing it all out of him. Now you know what it takes to be a successful freelancer, how to find the best toys while yard sale hunting, and which toys and pop culture bits will equal the best returns when reselling. Thank you for the tips and inspiration, Brian! Time to get hunting and working!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

What Are Your Summer Business Goals?

There's a flurry of activity going on right now in the creative and thrifty community. Everyone is working hard on blogging, reselling, art and craft goals! Just like you, I have so many ideas it's hard to get started. This summer I'm going to focus and get to work, streamlining the ideas into action steps and hitting them!

For all of June I'm going to write business goal related articles. I'm going to interview successful creatives that turned thrifting and art into successful careers and I'm also going to write plenty to help you with your own goals and inspire you to reach your dreams. Let's get it this summer, Rawr!

 My Goals for Summer 2011: 

1. Get Organized and Streamlined
Set up an organized "office space", write up my business goals, and divide them into actions steps.

2. Get all of the Stock Sold
Gotta sell all of the merchandise I've acquired! All stock must go!

3. Update Portfolio
Update portfolio with all my current work and writing samples AND apply for more writing gigs.

4. Monetize Thrift Core
Continue with plans to monetize Thrift Core.

5. Finish my Art Line
I'm brainstorming on a new art line, time to get to work and complete it!

What are Your Business Goals for Summer 2011?

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<a href="http://www.thriftcore.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinV4LYO3QQuy3P_nceaRFHHkYoaD3DY8wL1KCVOKmdbATmD7X_ZVU-8433a0eRqDDmca9AApa3oQlMlbkNh8R5hfx_lS_gzIfiKhr1CaolErClkXb911u5Uhlbg8d2JhGWr91TVZditTs/s1600/summer_biz_goals_2011.png" border=0></a>

Tag, you're it! Write a blog post with your Summer Goals or leave your goals in the comments. You can use the button above in your post or in your website if you desire. Let's get serious and hit all of our goals this year!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Marketing Tips for Your Blog and Business (& Sponsor Thrift Core!)

I'm accepting sponsors for June! I wanted to candidly let you know how sponsoring Thrift Core works. I don't simply put your button on my site and leave your success up to fate, I work with my sponsors to promote them, help them with their website issues, and really deliver results.

When you buy an ad on Thrift Core you receive: 

• Free Website Success Newsletter: I provide my insider tips for success 
• Free Ad Design: Don't have an Ad? I'll make one for you! 
• Free Website Analysis: A custom consultation for improving your website
• 24/7 Assistance: I'll always be here for any questions you have 

Remember, I make a living improving websites. A copywriting campaign I launched recently earned my employer well over $53,850 in three months. Part of my day job is spending hours testing what works on the web, and what doesn't. My advice is very valuable, and I'm giving it to you for free when you buy an ad on Thrift Core.  

As a Thrift Core Sponsor I not only promote you, I analyze your website and provide you with a plan to make your online store, blog, or campaign successful. 

Testimonials from my wonderful and happy sponsors:  

" I've doubled my friends on Facebook in 3 days...yay! Your blog has been a real boost for traffic on the website, too!" 

Jolene, JoRetro

"Sponsoring thriftcore has been a great experience, I've seen my traffic go up, and Van is the greatest host. When she says you can write her whenever if you have to ask something she's not lying. She will give you the attention she promises! I'm really happy since I've been working with her, and you will be too. Sponsoring thriftcore feels like your 2nd home!" 

-Cindy Lou, eLousions 

 "Thanks for being so easy to work with!"
-Hillary, HGTV

"Thanks for being so easy to work with!" -Hillary, HGTV "Van, you have been amazing every step of the way! I love being a part of this site and mostly and thankful for your friendship. You're awesome! :D"

-Marcia, Art by Marcia Furman

Tips for Marketing Your Blog or Online Business

I love providing detailed advice on how to get more followers on your social networks and improve your online sales. I continue to write a creative business tips series for Papernstitch. People have let us know that the tips have already worked for them. Please read them, I'm sure they can work for you, too!

• How to Become an Instant Success in Your Niche
• Come Out on Top of Your Competition
• Writer's Block? 5 Endless Wells of Inspiration
• Define Your Purpose for Business Success
• 5 Ways to Use Twitter to Engage Your Community
• The Secret Ingredient to Blogging Success: Passion

Questions? Comments? Leave your questions in the comments or simply send me an e-mail. I look forward to helping you with your online success. I'm not just saying that, I really do! :) It's one of my biggest passions.So leave any marketing/website help/Thrift Core sponsor questions you have in the comments and I'll promptly respond.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

How to Back Up Your Blogger Blog- Don't Let Blogger Eat it!

You got a scare Thursday and Friday of last week. You were worried that blogger chomped your posts and comments for good. (And some us did get our posts and comments permanently deleted!) This blogger scare shows that it's a good idea to back up your blog every day just in case. This post will show you how to do just that! Don't worry, it's really easy.

1. Go to the Settings Tab and under Basic Settings the first options include Export blog. Click Export blog.

 

2. You'll end up at this screen. Click Download Blog.

3. This window will pop up. I chose to open my file with notepad, but you can open it with whatever program you desire. You can also simply save it somewhere safe on your PC from here. click "OK".

4. This is what your blog will look like in notepad. When you import this file, it will import your blog posts exactly as they were. The formatting will be the same, the pictures will be there, even your comments are saved. (Yay!)

5. You need to back up your layout, too. Go to design, then go to Edit HTML. Click "Download Full Template" to download the whole thing. Click "Upload" when you need to upload if you have to upload the layout again.

6. Importing your whole blog will be just as easy, just go to Import blog under basic settings. 

Now go forth, and save a copy of your blog to your computer. Store it on a back up drive or two. If you could print it and put it your fireproof safe, then put that safe inside another safe and protect both safes with an impenetrable magic forcefield I'd recommend that, too. But for now, this the safest way to back up your blogger blog that I know of.

Any other blogging tips to share? Questions? Share them in the comments!

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.

Blogging Resources You MUST Read to be Successful

[My writing and blogging space at the day job...two years ago. Now I'm in a different room.]

 

I wrote my Top 5 Tips for Blogging Success post to answer questions I receive on successful blogging. The following resources are another way to take your blogging to the next level. Bookmark them and keep coming back to read more!

1)  Copyblogger: The premiere resource for online copywriting news, tips, tricks, and information.  

Must Read: Content Marketing 101. Their Headline Writing section can't be missed, either.

2) Problogger: A comprehensive site to help you make money from blogging.   

Must Read: 31 Days to a Better Blog

3) Penelope Trunk: Penelope Trunk's "controversial" blog is all abut the intersection of work and life, but her practical business tips can be applied to blogging.

Must Read: How to Blog an excellent and unconventional guide. I love it's brutal honesty.

4) Simple Dollar's "Building a Better Blog" A comprehensive and practical 31 part series (!!!) on starting a successful blog.  

5) Scoutie Girl: I just started reading this blog- but I love it so far. It's not a blogging resource, but it is a practical business resource for creatives.

Must Read: This blog fits right in with my niche, there's even a Thrifted Thoughts section! (Written by Lia, who owns the thrifty blog Mod Nest


Check out my business and blogging tips:

I'm writing a business tips series on Papernstitch. My focus is practical creative business tips, web marketing information, and blogging information. I hope you'll stop by to read them. Here's what's been published so far:

- The Secret Ingredient to Blogging Success: Passion

- 5 Ways to Use Twitter to Engage Your Community

Brittni is an excellent writer with valuable tips of her own to share. A recent post of hers I love is: 5 Tips for Working from Home and Getting Things Done, written for Lauraroeder.com.


Be Yourself: I haven't finished reading every single one of these resources, nor do I follow their rules like they're blogging bibles. These are essentials guides that will help you become a better blogger, but remember to stay true to yourself. Keep blogging, keep trying new things. You'll continue to develop techniques that work for you.

Daily thrifting updates, information, & Inspiration: Follow Thrift Core on Twitter and Facebook.