Blog Out Loud Interview Kim Vallee

For our first Blog Out Loud interview of 2010, we are honored to have Kim Vallee of At Home with Kim Vallee and On The Web with Kim Vallee. Style expert and social media guru, Kim is definitely one to watch and to connect with. Kim has created a strong web presence and is one of the go-to people for style, design and social media. I personally have been following both of her sites for a long time and hope you get as much inspiration from Kim that I do. Let's hear what she has to say about defining your online voice, blog design and finding the time to get it all done.

You are a lifestyle and entertaining expert and offer incredible tips for the home on your popular blog, At Home with Kim Vallee. You also have a blog dedicated to social media and blogging tips that is full of engaging online ideas called On The Web with Kim Vallee. Plus all of your other projects, contributing to HGTV, interviews and more. Share with us how you started both your blog and how you created an editorial schedule.

I always wanted to the editor of a women magazine but I did not choose that as a career. It started when I ran a Web development company with my husband. He introduced me to blogging. I did it very casually for two years before launching At Home with Kim Vallee. This is when I got hooked.

I attend social media events every month for networking and to stay ahead of what is happening on social media. Plus, I am a presenter at “unconferences” three to four times a year. I also coach a few bloggers here in Montreal. Between and within these events, I needed a platform to discuss further what is happening in the blogosphere and how a blogger can use social media to grow their reach. I launched On the Web with Kim Vallee in December 2007. It was just before I migrated my blogs to Wordpress.

I prioritize one blog over the other. At Home is my main blog. I publish several posts a day on a typical weekday and I published one or twice during the weekend. I found that if you publish on the weekend, you will get more traffic on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. There is no formal schedule for On the Web but I aim to publish once a week.

You have a great tone on your blogs. Share with us how you went about defining your voice and if, at all, it has changed as your blogs have grown.

What differentiates blogging from journalism is that the root of blogging is the way we are. We are aloud to share our feelings and can show our expressions. Plus, we write about what we are passionate about. This fact alone changes how you write as story.

Obviously my writing skill improved over the years. It is so much easier to write now. It is probably due to the fact that I found my voice. I also know my boundaries. Since my blogs have more than two years old, their scope is well-defined. I know what topics are appropriate and what I will not cover.

I shared lots of things about my taste, my ideal lifestyle, what I did, where I go, what are my dreams, up to what meal I cooked for dinner with my husband. But I also do not share our intimate life. I always been very conscious about that. What your question proves is that you can still share a lot of things about yourself and maintain a private life. This is what I mean by knowing what are my boundaries.

How important is social media when it comes to extending a company's voice? What tips would you give to a small business owner just starting out when it comes to setting up a blog and/or twitter?

Social media gives you a chance to show the world what you can do. It opens doors. But it is a long process. You build credibility one day at a time. When I started, I only dreamt on being paid to write an article for a traditional media. Last December, I wrote an article for the Toronto Star, one of the major newspapers in Canada. If I did not start my blogs, this would have never happened.

I found contracts for my husband’s business because I read the tweets of people looking for a supplier. If you connect with people on an authentic way, your followers will send you business opportunities when they see one. When you think about it, the cost of doing social media is a lot less than print advertising. Plus, it is easier to attract customers that fit within the culture of your brand.

After you opened your Twitter account, fill out your bio/description, and get familiar with the basics of Twitter. You need to figure out what you wish to talk about on Twitter. This will determine with whom you will connect. Then, you can write two or three tweets, follow like-minded people, and observe the conversation for a while. This way you will get familiar with the culture of Twitter. As soon as you get comfortable, start tweeting on a regular basis.

If you are willing to put the efforts, you can connect with the type of clients that you hope for. For it to work, you need to give advices to people, to be a problem solver, or to share informations about your market. In this mix, you can share on what projects you are working on. You could start with Twitter and then, you can add a blog to expand on the ideas that attract more attention. If you are present on social media, prospects get to know you and your products or services in a way that a corporate website cannot deliver. Many small businesses found that it can be best to build a blog with a few additional pages (contact, services/products, about) instead of a corporate Web site.

Your own blogs look amazing - very accessible, easy to read and full of content. There are so many blog templates available these days, what are your tips for picking a good theme? Also, how important is a well-designed blog?

Thanks, I am happy you like it. A blog design should be aligned with the culture of your brand and the audience. A well-designed blog conveys a sense of professionalism, which helps build credibility with new readers.

My blog is a very custom version of a Wordpress theme. I believe it saves you time to start this way. I worked with a developer and a graphic designer to get that result. Before you settle on a look, explore the supported features, google to see how well the theme is programmed, and ask people who used it if they had problems installing widgets or changing the headers.

I always check what a link to a post in Facebook looks like before selecting my theme. You aim to see the title of the post, an image of your post and an excerpt of your post. See more details on http://ontheweb.kimvallee.com/2009/04/design-your-blog-theme-to-show-your-post-on-facebook/

Thanks, Kim!

Follow Kim @KimVallee

And check out more of our past Blog Out Loud interviews right here.

Rebecca

Blog Out Loud Interview: Emi Hofmeister of DivineCaroline

I am excited to share our latest and greatest Blog Out Loud interview from the lovely Emi Hofmeister of DivineCaroline, a publishing network with all the content written by...you! I love the tag line "life in your words" and also that the site is a "reflection of it's Members". The concept of the website truly encompasses and empowers the "every woman" while providing a broad platform for engaging and interesting content. As you get your own blog up and running, joining DivineCaroline's free site is just another opportunity to connect with like-minded readers and extend your online presence even further. Let's hear from Emi has to say.

Real Girls Media is an online community that provides a platform for women to express themselves. What steps have you taken to create such an amazing community? How have you seen the community grow and evolve?

When Real Girls Media was founded, there were few opportunities for women to share their stories and connect with others in a meaningful way. Independent blogs provided a place to write, but lacked a community feel. DivineCaroline offered an alternative, offering a place for women to both share their personal experiences and learn from others.

Creating and engaging a community is an ongoing process we initiated before DivineCaroline even launched. When we were developing the site, we recruited a host of prominent bloggers to serve as an advisory board. These women provided invaluable insight about online communities. Their advice helped us shape DivineCaroline. After the site launched, we invited these bloggers and other relevant web site owners to join our community as content partners. By publishing articles on DivineCaroline, they receive exposure to our audience and increased traffic to their sites. In return, each of these partners share information about DivineCaroline with their audiences, spreading word about a unique place online, where people read and write about everything that matters.

While our content partners play a crucial role in the DivineCaroline community, we depend on the commitment and loyalty of our users. As the number of contributors and readers on the site continues to grow, we regularly respond to evolving needs with new publishing tools (such as slideshow and video capabilities), a message center to connect with friends, and a rating system for most liked stories. As a result, the quality and quantity of story submissions continues to climb and we are confident that many women have found a trusted home online.

A lot of creative people are busy with their own business and haven't found the time to start a blog for their company. What advice would you give to a new blogger to encourage them to get in to the blogging ring?

For all those hesitant to enter the blogging ring, remember that an online presence is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Blogging is free marketing. It’s an opportunity to share information about yourself, your company, and your products with consumers. Your competitors are already in the social media space and you should be too. That said, I would caution against hastily jumping into the blogosphere. Before you launch a blog, take time to develop a social media plan that meets the needs of your consumers and fits with your brand persona.

· Spend time researching your industry and competitors. What are people saying about your company? Your industry? What are people worried and excited about? Think about specific issues and/or accomplishments to address on your blog.

· Set specific goals for how social media can help your company; develop content relevant to those goals. Are you seeking to drive new traffic? Increase awareness for products? Keep people informed about the industry? Create personal relationships between your brand and your consumers? The answer can be “all of the above” but pick a solid approach first. If you present yourself as an expert on a particular topic and can convey information in an interesting and relevant way, others will begin to seek your expertise.

· Promote. Promote. Promote. Make sure that consumers know the blog exists. Include it on your traditional advertising vehicles, make notes on your Facebook wall, and tell other members of your company to pass the link to friends. Once you have a few readers, you’ll feel more responsible for creating good content on a regular basis.

Divine Caroline, your first "vibrant community" of Real Girls Media is such an expansive and resourceful community. Can you share some blogging success stories or blogging inspiration stories from some of your members? (hoping this will encourage and empower new bloggers to join)

At DivineCaroline, we give everyone a voice by creating a place where they feel comfortable sharing stories, experiences, and talking to others. Our readers and contributors continually inspire us with their articles, but there is one writer who stands out for her success.

A regular reader of DivineCaroline, this particular woman found her voice during the election. As a bleeding heart liberal living in the middle of a red state, she needed a place to vent, to be excited, and connect with others that shared her views. She began writing, not just about politics, but about her family, friends, and the trials of motherhood. Her eloquent style attracted many DivineCaroline readers, who became loyal followers and eagerly commented on every new article submission. Encouraged by DivineCaroline editors and seven faithful readers, she launched her own blog. Her tagline reads “I have a voice. Who knew?” She openly credits DivineCaroline for giving her the opportunity to share her words and find that voice.

Divine Caroline has a clear, defined voice. We encourage new bloggers to really consider and define their own. What advice can you give for finding your voice?

Finding your voice is one of the most challenging aspects of starting a blog. It can also be the most fun. Committing time and energy to your blog will be much easier if you write on a topic that not only interests you, but stokes your imagination and ingenuity. Think about what you talk about with friends. Is it fashion? Kids? The hilarity of cats wearing hats? Truly, a blog can be about any topic, it just needs to be a focus or a theme that will continue to excite you after the first few posts. This does not mean that you will be pigeonholed and must write about one thing forever, but initially, it will help you launch a site with purpose.

Thanks, Emi!! Click here to read and join DivineCaroline and follow Emi on Twitter @EmiHof

Check out more awesome interviews from Blog Out Loud right here.

Blog Out Loud Interview: Stephanie J of N.E.E.T. Magazine

 

We discovered visual and inspiring online magazine, N.E.E.T., this Fall and fell in love with imagery and style. We quickly popped over to the blog which was also full of great posts and images as well. To our surprise, the blog had only been live for, oh, about 1 month! Wow!! We emailed the editor, Stephanie, and asked her to participate in a Blog Out Loud interview and we were thrilled when she agreed to share her story. Oh, and she's an accomplished designer so if you need a little website built or logo designed, check her portfolio out - it's amazing!

You launched N.E.E.T. magazine in 2005, which "is an eco-friendly, grassroots style bible for the digital age." We are insanely inspired by your magazine! Although you've been online for a while, you just started a blog this September. What inspired you to start a blog and how are you enjoying it?

I wanted to keep interest in N.E.E.T. between its quarterly issues and, as in every issue I feature a new set of designers and artists to keep the content fresh and showcase more designers, I wanted a place to catch up with past contributors. It's great to have a daily creative outlet, and to see that people are still creating, years since N.E.E.T. first found them.

Your blog is already full of great content! How did you jump in to posting content and how have you made time to post?

I'm constantly on the internet! And I love to revisit past shops and sites that were featured in the magazine, so it's a natural extension for me to create a blog for N.E.E.T. Making the magazine is a full time job, but I can always find time for a blog post.

How did you design the look of your blog? (It looks great!) What were 3 things that were important for you to have on your blog? (i.e. sponsorship areas, sidebar widgets, custom header, etc)

It's an instinctual process for me - I like the way the content flows, reading from left to right - and I've kept the dimensions of images posted on the blog the same as N.E.E.T., to keep continuity between them. It was important to have an advertising area on the blog to give more exposure to shops and designers; thumbnail links for all the past issues; and easy navigation to info on N.E.E.T., and its external links (Facebook, Myspace etc)

With the addition of your blog, have you already started to see new connections and/or networking opportunities for your brand, N.E.E.T.?

It's great to connect with other blogs in a way that the magazine can't - on sites such as Bloglovin, Independent Fashion Bloggers, Twitter. I've done a few ad swaps with my favourite blogs, which helps get the word out.

Thanks, Stephanie J!  Definitely check out N.E.E.T. magazine and support this creative venture!! And, of course, the N.E.E.T. blog as well.

Check out more Blog Out Loud Interviews:

Erin Loechner of Design For Mankind and AOL's Shelter Pop

Zem Joaquin of ecofabulous

Melanie Nelson of Blogging Basics

>>Blog Out Loud Interview Tara Frey of Typing Out Loud & Blogging For Bliss

Today's Blog Out Loud interview features lovely blogger and author, Tara Frey. Tara's popular blog about life and inspiration is Typing Out Loud (yes, we love the title) and she's also written an informative book about creating a blog to enhance your craft blog. Yes! We are so thrilled to have Tara share her thoughts on blogging, keeping it real and tips for designing the look and feel of your blog.

We love your About section on your personal blog, Typing Out Loud. The 1st line reading, "Hi! I'm Tara Frey, an accidental author, purposeful blogger, aspiring photographer and editorial contributor to a few home decor mags." Share with us how you got into blogging, how the experience has been rewarding and what "purposeful" means to you?
I began blogging in 2004 out of what I call "bored store owner syndrome" I owned an online boutique at the time called Bella Pink and was getting tired of writing descriptions for products and the occassional one dimensional newsletter for my customers. I had some press coverage and an inbox jammed with questions, so I thought, "what if I started a blog and communicated with my customers instantly, sort of as if we were at the cash register of a real store?" The blog was born. I say purposeful blogger because I think my blog has evolved over the years to a really comfortable place for me to speak freely, sharing bits of my life and random thoughts, and challenged me to really crank up my photography a notch. I am no longer looking at stat counts or worried if anyone is reading. I blog for myself, which may sounds selfish, so I'll add in that I also blog for my mom, who gets on my case if she hasn't seen a photo of her grandchildren in 2 days. Blogging has allowed me to express myself and my love of my husband and children and allowed me to get back to my passion of creative writing and storytelling.

With BOL, we often talk about the importance of being real and authentic on your blog. You definitely have a passion for design and your family and you express it so authentically on your blog. Share with us how you defined you voice and why a blog is the place to keep it real. Also what's your advice on avoiding being too "salesy" or "overbearing" on a blog.

Like any blogger, it took me some time to find my voice. I had the online store (which since closed due to my desire to focus on writing) and I definitely didn't want to keep posting about sales or new products over and over. People responded most when I wrote about my family or my home. This was easy for me to write about because I think for every woman, their 2 favorite things are family and home! Once I started blogging for myself, the rest came easy and naturally. I think if you stay true to yourself, your blog will grow organically. It's great if you have something to sell and want to talk about it in a post, you can avoid being too "salesy" for example, by writing how you made the product or mix in a bit about how you use the product yourself in your home and show photos. There is no right or wrong way, just be yourself !

Setting up a blog can seem daunting to new bloggers. How did you design your blog and over what period of time? What are your tips on new bloggers regarding design?

This was a journey for me. My blog was all bedazzled and sparkly at one point. For me, personally I felt it took away from the content, my photos and writing. I decided to clean it up, tone it down, make my own banners from my photography which has made it completely freeing. I love having this freedom of changing my banners myself and not relying on a designer. It's great to change them out for the seasons or whatever mood you are in. Also a fun way to keep it fresh! Another tip I always tell new bloggers, is to keep your email address up top and easily seen. You never know who is reading it (in my case, a publisher!) So you want your readers to be able to contact you and find that information easily. Also, practice your photography. Blog readers love photos and are very visual people, so be sure to include a photo in every post, even if the photo has nothing to do with the post. And of course if you have an online store, be sure to keep a link and/or button easily seen up top on your blog!


Congrats on your book, Blogging for Bliss - Crafting Your Own Online Journal! You have penned a book aimed towards the crafting bloggers (a huge and creative community) that shares valuable information on embracing and setting up crafting blogs. Share with us the inspiration behind writing the book and what you learned along the way.
My book was a take off on some of my columns in Romantic Homes Magazine and Romantic Living Magazine. In the columns, I would feature 2 or 3 women of interest, their craft and their blog. When I met with the publisher, the idea for the book was to really focus on this explosive community of creative bloggers and feature an array of crafty women, along with visual imagery as inspiration sprinkled throughout, then blend it with a "how to". I think the finished product is a perfect combination of all of these things and a great resource for all creative bloggers...from new ones, to seasoned experienced bloggers as well.

Thanks, Tara!! Definitely check out Tara's book right here and her blog, Typing Out Loud.

Check out more Blog Out Loud Interviews from...
>>Jess Constable of Jess LC & Makeunder My Life
>>Zem Joaquin of ecofabulous
>>Erin Lochner of Design for Mankind & BAKERY

>>Blog Out Loud Interview Jess Constable of Jess LC and Makeunder My Life

We are happy to share our latest Blog Out Loud interview with you featuring talented and inspiring jewelry designer and blogger, Jess Constable of Jess LC and Makeunder My Life. I spotted Jess's blog this summer through links from other blogs and think I spent, oh, about 2 hours on it the first time I was there. Her sincere writing and thoughtful series (she has a few weekly series) are full of ideas about living your best life with the best intentions. Yes!! And her jewelry is gorgeous, selling at some of the hottest boutiques in the country. (Boutique owners - you must carry Jess's lines - they are lovely!)


You are a great example of Blog Out Loud's mission statement of blogging to enhance a creative business. Your professional site is Jess LC and your blog is Makeunder My Life. How have you used your blog to promote your lovely jewelry line while infusing your personality into it?

The funny thing is that a) before December, I didn't read blogs, and b) when I started MakeunderMyLife.com in late January, 2009, I didn't intend for there to be much (if any) crossover with Jess LC. I started MakeunderMyLife.com as a way to consolidate my ideas for an eventual book called Makeunder Your Life. I thought that collecting stories and ideas for the book on a blog would be an easy way to get started along the path towards publication. In fact, I didn't even imagine that anyone else would begin reading and interacting with the blog until after the book was written. Needless to say, within the first week of writing the blog, readers found my posts and loved what I shared. That's when I realized I didn't need to write a book to share my idea, I just needed a blog! And if at some point in the future a book evolves out of the blog, that will be icing on the cake.

Over time, I also changed my feelings on incorporating Jess LC into the blog. Rather than keep the two passions separate, I chose to incorporate Jess LC into the blog topics whenever there is something new to share in terms of product design or business advice. I also make sure to mention the jewelry in a way that is not "selling" the jewelry. I write MakeunderMyLife to help people design a life with intention. It just so happens that by helping people simplify, they also become customers and supporters of my jewelry. I believe this happy coincidence is a byproduct of going after my dream. If I help people, the world finds a way to help me at the same time.



We love your series - Design Your Life - of guest bloggers "from all walks of life that share their intentions and tangible, actionable ways they design their life accordingly." (We love this!!!!) Why did you decide to create a weekly series and include guest blogging? How have you been feeling about it?

The DESIGN YOUR LIFE series is my most popular feature. I decided to incorporate this segment because I believe that MakeunderMyLife should be a community of people improving their lives through simplifying. If I am the only voice of that mission, the community becomes stale. Guest participants provide a fresh perspective weekly. And I like to learn from readers and contributors myself! So it works out for everyone.


We also love your weekly series - Business Advice - where you offer small space business advice. What a neat way to give back to your readers who are also small business owners! How has this been rewarding for you as a blogger and also as a business owner?

As a blogger, it's great to share advice about something I've done for 10 years. Especially since I know a lot of my readers are interested in going full-time with their own businesses. I happened to fall into my business as a 15-year-old and learned as I went along. I took risks, and failed. A lot. Now that I've come so far from my start, people wonder how I got to this point in my career. The Small Business Advice section is where I share the nuts and bolts of that process. As a business owner, this sections is a way to reflect and see the progress I have made as an entrepreneur as well.


We love the look of your blog. It's full of great content but feels super accessible. How important was it to create the design of your blog? What advice would you give to new bloggers regarding design who want to start simple?

Oh, I have a lot to say about this! When I began in January, I had two tech friends who told me to start my blog on Wordpress.org (where I am now). I was intimidated by the self hosting, sophisticated templates, and just wanted to start writing! So I started on Blogger for the first few months. But I quickly became head over heels in love with blogging and I was no longer satisfied with the design abilities of a normal Blogger template. I wanted something unique and customizable. So, about two or three months after I started Blogger, I switched to Wordpress.org. The process was not easy (read: hard) and without the help of many tech friends, I don't think I could have done it on my own. But now that I've made the move I'm so happy with the results. It's actually a lot like moving from my old studio apartment with my boyfriend to our new two bedroom. The extra space and freedom is awesome.

Here is my recommendation for people who want to start blogging: start on Wordpress.com. Wordpress.com (not Wordpress.org) is easy, simple, and free, just like Blogger. And once you are ready to switch to a custom template on Wordpress.org, converting your content and comments is seamless. My other personal preferences in blog design (for free templates or custom templates) are:

• Light, neutral backgrounds (white, light gray) and dark text (dark gray, black, or navy).
• Simple, clean fonts are best and easiest to read.
• Make an interesting logo or banner - this is like the accent pillow on a really classic couch, make it pop!
• Match your content to your blog design. I went with a very clean look since I write about simplifying. If you are writing about interior design, consider using a pattern or texture from fabric as a banner accent and so forth.

Thanks, Jess! Please visit and support Jess at Jess LC and Makunder My Life!

Want even more inspiration? Check out more Blog Out Loud Interviews with successful business owners who have seamlessly integrated blogging into the mix.

>>Blog Out Loud Interview Michelle Ward of When I Grow Up

This week's Blog Out Loud interview is with Michelle Ward, owner of When I Grow Up. Michelle is a creative career coach, encouraging people to live their best lives now. I came across Michelle's site and blog and was inspired by what she had to say and how she used her blog to be herself yet enhance her unique business.


You are a creative coach and own, When I Grow Up, a resource for people looking for life improvement and inspiration. Your website is full of great information and you also have a blog to share a more personal side. How do you integrate the two?

This question is really making me think, because I don't think I integrate them very well at all, actually! My website was the very first piece that I put out into the world as When I Grow Up, & I feel like the copy is dated & that there isn't room to grow (if that makes sense). Conversely, the blog is fully me - my enthusiasm, my sense of humor, my personality & quirks. It's also where I post any news I have or things that I've got going on, like the recording of an interview I've done or the opportunity to join my group coaching session (I have 3 spots left for Operation: New Life Design!). I don't have any of that info on my website (slaps own wrist)! So, while my website houses some FAQs, a longer bio, & the services that I offer, my blog is "where it's at." I am planning a website redesign, including a fresh blog & mostly new copy, that I hope to have launched by Jan 1, 2010! I really want my whole site to reflect me - my personality, my news, my offerings, et cetera - & to have my blog be, really, the focal point of it!


How do you market your company via your blog while keeping it real and authentic? And have you had any clients find you through your blog?

I think balance is key. It's a total turn-off to see, "Need a coach/dog walker/popsicle maker? Call me for a free consultation!" at the end of every post. It makes it seem like they're there to sell me something, & I immediately grow suspicious. Not to say you should never self-promote on your blog (because I know I do!), but I do think that the focus is on offering something & making connections. Before I post, I ask myself if whatever I'm writing/promoting would be something my readers would be happy to see when they come on over to my house ("my house" being "my blog". I really think of it as my home!). I also question whether this is how I want to present myself to people I've never met, who I know will judge me in some way based on my blog. But honestly, the biggest lesson I learned from being an actor is that being you - being authentic, being vulnerable & putting yourself out there sans mask - is the way to connect to people & "sell". Even if you have the same product as someone else, they're not you - so it's not the same. I know that there are other career coaches out there that cater to creatives, but only I am me. Thankfully, I trust the fact that being me, and presenting me as me, will attract the type of clients that I work well with. For me. Are you with me? Honestly, I don't think that my blog has even been listed as the reason someone decided to work with me - usually they find me through twitter or a recommendation or something like that - but I do give it credit for providing me the opportunity to present my personality, my way of coaching, & my attitude in a way that my website, or even meeting someone in person, can't. I guarantee you that I have my blog to thank for people being comfortable with me & trusting me enough to invest in themselves by hiring me. It also makes me feel at ease because perspective clients can go to my blog & know what they're gonna get in our sessions. I don't feel like I have to put on a front with my clients because of that.



As a creative coach, you focus on the present and how to move forward in the future. We feel the same way about blogging, an opportunity to tune into "now". What are your thoughts on this idea? Do you encourage clients to start blogging as they take on new business ventures?

Yes, blogging is such a way to tune into "now"! It's such a great tool for a coach, because we don't need a back story to jump in & dissect & focus & plan & question. If we did, I think blogging would be really tough. I mean, take my weekly series, Tough (Question) Tuesday. It's really just a few sentences of an intro and then a question, with people answering in the comments. If that's not focusing on the present & looking to the future, I don't know what is! It would be tough to do that on any other platform really, especially if you have more than 140 characters to use! And yes, if my clients expresses that they wanna jump in to the blogosphere, I have 'em get their feet wet! As a coach, though, I'm not here to give anyone advice, so if a client comes to me and says, "I want to start this new business, and I know blogging might be a good tool but I hate writing so much!," I would certainly not force their hand. Instead, we'd brainstorm as to what other low-cost/free advertising platforms are available that appeal to them, & how else they can start establishing themselves as an expert. But yes, if blogging interests them & they want to start but might not see what they can write about, or if they feel that have nothing worthwhile to say, then we certainly talk through those things. I'm really big on taking baby steps, so it's about having my client figure out what's comfortable for them. I have 2 clients I can think of off the top of my head that want to blog, but "aren't ready yet" for various reasons. One of them is doing research to have some ideas for her first few posts, & the other is just reading other blogs in her genre to get a feel for what's out there. Blogging ain't disappearing anytime soon, so there's no rush!

Thanks, Michelle! Click here to check out When I Grow Up and meet Michelle.

And click here to enjoy some more Blog Out Loud interviews for some serious inspiration.

>>Blog Out Loud Interview Erin Loechner of Design For Mankind, BAKERY & Shelter Pop

we have such a treat for you Blog Out Loud readers - the lovely Erin of indie art and design blog, Design For Mankind, creative business blog, BAKERY, and a contributor to AOL's Shelter Pop. Erin is, quite honestly, the nicest person I've never met - in person, that is. She has such a genuine tone in all of her work and you know that she is just like that in real life. She has a background in marketing and is a true blogging pioneer that's been paving the way with great content like her Mankind Mag (that I had the honor of being in - issue 5), her fun and informative video series called Dialogue and her keen eye for placing the spotlight on talented artists and designers.

With Design For Mankind, you've really created a wonderful platform for indie artists and designers. What inspired you to start this blog? How do you find your content (it's always amazing). And what inspired you to start Mankind Mag?

The blog started as a creative outlet for me. I was living in L.A. working at a top advertising firm, feeling as if I'd sold my soul to consumerism. I spent my days producing and researching marketing materials to sell Americans more items that they didn't need, and I wanted to create something that counter-balanced the desire to spend, spend, spend. I realized that not only is inspiration free, but it's very necessary in today's culture. The idea grew very organically from there, and I'm happy to note that the majority of the content that I feature can't be bought with money, but are geared toward artistic development.

Mankind Mag, then, was derived from Design for Mankind itself as a cry to release a publication that wasn't consumerist in itself. Therefore, there are no products in Mankind Mag -- just pure, good art and design.

As far as content goes, I'm constantly conversing with friends, strangers and the community around me. I find it so interesting that we all walk very different paths that often fork into the same crossroad. That, to me, is inspiring.

The majority of my features come from emerging artists across the country whose work I wouldn't be familiar with if not for this awesome thing we call the Internet. To unearth new inspiration, I like to source artist pages for links to their friends. Often times, creativity begets creativity, so artists tend to run in similar circles and the community blossoms from there. I also make an effort to keep my eyes and ears open at all times -- you never know when you'll run into a talented typographer in the local coffee shop!


As Design For Mankind has grown, you've evolved into more polished website and now offer a video content series called Dialogue. Design For Mankind has really become a brand. How has this experience been for you? How do you balance blog life and life life?

Oh dear; you are so kind to say that! As a former marketing guru, hearing the word "brand" associated with Design for Mankind sort of makes me sweat in the pits. I haven't meant to create it as such (us marketing folk rarely take our own advice when it comes to branding), but am thrilled that it's evolved into something that stands out.

Dialogue taught me a lot, actually. I really wanted to start conversations about art, design and the sort of lifestyle artists wish to lead. I felt that there weren't any specifics when it comes to answering the tough questions re: rejection, family matters and time management. Thus, I asked a few of my artist friends to talk to me about it and boom --- Dialogue was born. I'm really thrilled about the series and wish it could continue in the same vein, but I'd be a hypocrite if I edited advice-oriented interviews and not listen to the advice itself. I've learned that working 18 hours per day (really! no joke!) isn't life balance, and something had to go. Dialogue will continue, but rather than weekly, I hope to slow down the series into something that can be both helpful for others, yet manageable for me.


You've teamed up with Jamie from Design Milk and launched BAKERY, a consulting service for small business owners and artists to excel in advancing their companies. (LOVE THIS!) How have you enjoyed this venture and how do you utilize the BAKERY blog to talk about your company?

Oh my goodness. Jaime Derringer is amazing. She is hilarious, driven and incredibly talented. And the funny part is -- we've never met in person. We've launched this very successful business that operates solely over Skype, Google Docs and e-mail, and I find that fascinating. We're very blessed that it's worked out so well (our dogs even love each other, and sometimes they break dance on Skype together).

The BAKERY blog is very therapeutic for me, and I think I speak for Jaime when I say that it often reflects business-related dilemmas we're experiencing ourselves in our own independent ventures. It's very honest and (I hope) relate-able. Is that even a word?

We're in the process of launching something verrrry exciting, so we've been preoccupied with clients and planning and such, but we hope the blog hasn't taken a backseat to all of this. It's really important to both of us to give something back to our readers in the form of good, quality information.


What are your best tips for new bloggers in regards to "blogging etiquette" when it comes to networking style, exchanging links, posting, crediting?

Hmm, blog etiquette. See, I'm really bad at this, b/c to me, an e-mail is an e-mail. I don't really have a lot of e-pet peeves when writing to me, b/c I'm just flattered you're writing to me. Yesterday, I received an email from Tokyo that I couldn't (for the life of me!) understand, but followed the link and eventually found an image that was incredible. So I posted it! I have no idea what it is, or why it was made, but it's awesome. And sometimes awesome trumps etiquette.

With that said, when blogging something, give credit where credit is due. I don't see that as blogging etiquette; I just see that as common courtesy. If your mother sent you a cute birthday card, you wouldn't pretend like you just stumbled upon the card yourself, right? Part of the fun is in the hunt, so be honest about where your inspiration came from. It's only fair, I suppose. Besides -- it benefits you. The more outbound links you create, the higher your page rank is likely to increase. Just a tiny tidbit for you bloggers. ;)

Thanks, Erin! Want to learn more about Erin? Click here to read 18 more great things.

Check out more of our Blog Out Loud interviews:
>>Zem Joaquin of eco fabulous
>>Erin Vale of Vale Design
>>Melanie Nelson of Blogging Basics 101

Blog Out Loud Interview Zem Joaquin of ecofabulous

Looking for some major inspiration to jump start your own blog? Enjoy this interview with Zem Joaquin, the founder and CEO of ecofabulous, a website and blog focusing on eco sexy, sustainable, style. Full of valuable, relevant editorial content, rich video content and infused with tons of authentic personality, ecofabulous is a great example of taking a vision, like living green with style, and creating a successful lifestyle brand via a site and blog. Click here to enjoy ecofabulous!

What inspired you to start ecofabulous? What approach did you take for setting up your site and blog?

I was deep into an extensive remodel of my house and found it incredibly difficult to locate reliable resources of beautiful yet sustainable products. Because both of my children suffered from severe asthma I was determined to create an environment with minimal toxins, but refused to sacrifice my aesthetics. Many people either cannot afford to hire a designer or don't want to hire someone who isn't on the same page as them when it comes to style and/or environmental concerns. Ecofabulous is meant to fill that void by providing fun, engaging information about products and concepts so readers become more conscious without losing their sense of humor.


A lot of new bloggers want to know about finding their voice for starting a blog and/or site. How has this happened for you and how has your "voice" evolved as your brand grows?

Very good question! Ecofabulous was originally created for the TED community, and since I was the eco-editor of House and Garden at the time, it was narrowly focused on interior design and indoor air quality. Over the last few years it has broadened into lifestyle because in almost every case there is a beautiful, more eco-friendly option available for anything. Additionally, eco-design, like design in general has become much more accessible, democratized if you will. Though I still maintain ultimate editorial control, ecofabulous is a collective effort of many committed writers, researchers and designers, which is a big change from the days of 2AM blogging alone.

We love your videos! What are your thoughts on Web 2.0 and what advice would you give to new bloggers who want to achieve this?

Video is a wonderfully rich medium, so if you are interested, just start producing! I have created everything from big sponsored projects to cost-free interviews and worked with production teams of ten to a friend holding a Flip camera. Just figure out what you want to get across before you simply post video. Another thing to keep in mind is that short is best. Keep video to under 5 minutes, ideally under 3.


Best tips for writing content? Do you have an editorial schedule or do you just write as you are inspired?

I used to just write about things that inspired me for ecofabulous (though I always have had certain requirements/requests from the Conde Nast publications that I contribute to) but as we grew it became necessary to create an editorial calendar. Yet, due to the immediacy of the internet we have to have a very flexible system - we don't want to be late to the game. Luckily nearly everything we cover is in some way exciting, so approaching my fourth year I am still never bored!

Thanks, Zem!

Rebecca

Blog Out Loud Interview Erin Vale of Vale Design

I discovered Erin's pretty blog and site a few weeks ago and her "The Dreamy Blog Topics To Post List" caught my eye. I had to share with you her free template to download. After an email exchange, I asked Erin if she would donate a few of her designs to our BOL goodie bag and she sent over 20 of her "Freakin Never EndingTo Do List" (yes, I can relate!!!). Her designs are gorgeous and her blog is loaded with pretty pictures, recipes, design ideas and tons of *free* things to download. As a business owner and blogger, she has experience with how a blog can be a helpful tool to enhance a company.


1) You have your own design and package agency, Vale Design. How has blogging helped your business to grow? Have you found new clients because of your blog?

My site has allowed people to be exposed to my business, portfolio and myself in a more well-rounded capacity. They are able to see my inspirations and how those inspirations find their way into my design work. As a freelancer, I am particular about who I choose for my clients, but yes, I have found new clients from blogging.



2) How do you "edit" your blogging? i.e. what topics do you choose to blog about or do you cover almost everything?

I look at my site as a personal vault of all my design influences and references. Everything I love and utilize for work is all in one place. If I find something I think is interesting in the design world, on the homefront or if I have a DIY I want to try/share, I will write a post about it. I simply write about what interests me.



3) How did you decide your "voice" for your blog? (i.e. the tone of your writing) What are some tips you can share for this?

To be honest, this was very hard in the beginning. I was not sure I wanted to be "in the system." I was happy to be under the radar. Then one day I was wandering through Target and saw one of my favorite designers, Orla Kiely, on an endcap. I came home and was so excited I wrote a post about it. That was it. It hit me. I wanted my site to showcase my business and personal work, and my love of design. My advice: I think it is best to just be true to yourself and write about what you love. Some people will have the same taste as you and some will not. As my site represents my business, I am very conscious about what I say on the internet. I try to put only good out and I do not respond to the negative. I am still genuinely humbled/amazed if someone likes and features my work. I try to follow up with a thank you to as many people as I can.



4) How often are you blogging and how have you found balance in your life with work, blogging, family, etc?

I try to write a new post Monday thru Friday. Some weeks that works with my freelance schedule and sometimes it does not. If I am working on a project, I just post a sign stating I am working and thanking readers for their patience. I try to keep blogging/work/Etsy related design between 8:00 and 5:30 when my husband comes home. He goes to sleep early so if there are loose ends I wait until he is asleep. I have been a freelancer and running my own business for almost four years now. No day or time is off limits for me when it comes to work. That is just the standard that I set for myself. Blogging is a networking extension of my business and my husband, family and friends are aware of my schedule. I am not sure I have found a balance yet...and I am not sure I want too! I am truly fortunate to love what I do for a living.

Thanks, Erin

Rebecca