tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52147707670906117722024-02-21T02:26:19.866+00:00Blogging for CreativesThe friendly, non-techie guide to creating and maintaining and promoting a successful blog and growing your blog community. Lots of tips from expert bloggers.Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-58796678193299977462014-12-31T16:28:00.003+00:002015-08-15T07:21:55.834+01:00It's been a while!Call it the New Year clean-up or what you will ... it's about time I announced that this blog was <b>closed</b>, although a version of it may well be rising from the ashes in 2015, in which case I'll post details here and on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BloggingForCreatives" target="_blank">Blogging for Creatives Facebook Page</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bloggingforwriters.info/blogging-for-creatives/" target="_blank">Blogging for Creatives</a> was published in 2012 and written during the second half of 2011. It's still on the best-sellers lists. Browse the <a href="http://bloggingforcreatives2012.blogspot.co.uk/p/featured-bloggers.html" target="_blank">Featured Bloggers</a> on this site for inspiration and ideas. Some of them have new blogs now, so bear with me if there are some changed links!<br />
<br />
UPDATED AUGUST 2015:<br />
<br />
In the last couple of years I've written <b>Blogging for Writers </b>(Nov 2014) and<b> The Golden Tules of Blogging and When to Break Them </b>(May 2015) published by Ilex/Octopus & F+W HOW Books:<br />
<br />
- here's the <a href="http://bloggingforwriters.info/" target="_blank">Blogging for Writers website </a>with more details (including links to Blog Tour posts)<br />
- here's where you can <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blogging-Writers-Authors-Build-Successful/dp/1781572135/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420041986&sr=8-1&keywords=robin+houghton+blogging+for+writers" target="_blank">buy Blogging for Writers on Amazon UK</a> should you wish (affiliate link)<br />
- or if you're in the US, at the <a href="http://www.writersdigestshop.com/blogging-for-writers" target="_blank">Writers Digest Shop</a><br />
<br />
The best way of <b>staying in touch with me</b> and finding out about my latest publications is to <a href="https://twitter.com/RobinHoughton" target="_blank">follow me on Twitter</a>. If you're a writer, I also have a <a href="http://socialmediaforwriters.co.uk/" target="_blank">Social Media for Writers</a> blog with a rich archive of<b> useful tips and links, examples and more.</b> You can also sign up for occasional email updates.<br />
<br />
Thanks for visiting and I look forward to connecting with you!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>Robin Houghton</i></div>
Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-4829572789885855242013-11-08T14:04:00.000+00:002013-11-08T14:04:18.067+00:00The 'Rules' of Blogging?Ah yes I know what you're thinking ... where's she been all these months? Well the truth is, I've been busy tending <a href="http://ukpoetgal.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">my poetry blog</a>, and now I feel a bit bad to have left Blogging for Creatives languishing like this ...<br />
<br />
<b>Rule number one of blogging - post regularly!</b><br />
<br />
Having said that, I've read some very interesting 'rules' over the years, and I still hear stuff that makes me think <i>hmmm... not sure I agree with that rule</i> ... so what do you think?<br />
<br />
<b>Are there 'rules' to blogging?</b> Are rules there to be broken? Are some of them taboo, and others just a matter of taste/choice?<br />
<br />
Tell me what's your number one rule, or perhaps there's a commonly held belief about 'how to blog' that you 100% disagree with?Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-46506847374895546692013-06-11T14:00:00.001+01:002013-06-11T14:00:25.052+01:00A lot has happened in the blogosphere since 2011!I've just been preparing my presentation for the <a href="http://www.britmums.com/britmumslive/bmlive/" target="_blank">Britmums Live</a> conference taking place in a couple of weeks, and it's been really interesting to revisit some of the blogs and other resources I researched for the book back in the summer of 2011.<br />
<br />
Many blogs have undergone 'refurbs' and are looking mighty smart. For example, <a href="http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Bleubird</a> has a new masthead and minimal layout:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Bleubird Vintage blog" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHjaHsy4__91frhOhx8B3TQQ2rNhBtmK-4BY70W-eYTiMzKNRDe2zjIL0w32_NyYt78Z3w-WKKK39X35DTnNY_-OQhi8ud_CKKOvAFk3GERNF40I0daGZd-e1yQIgzAJ28pVsIst14cob/s1600/bleubird_11-6-13.jpg" title="Bleubird Vintage blog" /></a></div>
<br />
And <a href="http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/" target="_blank">Bright, Bold and Beautiful</a> the masthead now boasts more white space, clearer social sharing buttons and wider column widths:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Bright, Bold & Beautiful" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTX2HbqPAxTRlRghvK8T3XrdSmz42VMWrJO3LBwGfiuTNxPX9RuiXsB9SQ4_9h5ZNEMhwJWmlgxVZoqKvPxi3Rsw54lBJmJghyphenhyphenyXQVxZGefiVc2wyXWtXfsgQgiX-R4dAmtyRGeTYHG5F-/s1600/bbb_11-6-13.jpg" title="Bright, Bold & Beautiful" /></a></div>
<br />
Many top bloggers are still on hosted platforms, which in a way I find encouraging, having moved my two other blogs to Wordpress.com last year much to the surprise of colleagues. "Why would you opt for hosted rather than self-hosted?" I am often asked. And the answer is really to do with time and convenience. I don't want to have to worry about backups, endless plugin and theme updates, rip-off developers (yes, I've fallen prey to my fair share) and other housekeeping issues. I would rather rent than buy, period!<br />
<br />
I've been spending more time on <a href="http://ukpoetgal.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">my poetry blog</a> than anything else, and am very happy with the theme I chose, although I do have issues with the menus and having to put all the widgets in the footer. I might change to another theme at some point, although I like the minimalist edge to this one.<br />
<br />
Then in the big wide world of the internet there have been plenty of changes of course. Posterous got sucked up by Twitter in 2012, and Tumblr by Yahoo! just a few months ago. <a href="http://www.picnik.com/" target="_blank">Picnik</a> closed its doors last year too, with Google adding photo editing to its Google+ platform. I'm less of a Tweetdeck fan now its owned by Twitter, and although I've been experimenting on new social platform <a href="https://join.app.net/" target="_blank">App.net </a>I'm still not sure if it's gaining any traction.<br />
<br />
But one thing that hasn't changed is what makes for great blog design. At <a href="http://www.britmums.com/britmumslive/bmlive/" target="_blank">Britmums Live</a> I'll be talking about blog design for beginners: tips, examples, 'need to know' stuff with a few nice visuals. That's the Saturday morning session which will be alongside Alison Rothwell who's talking about SEO. On the evening before, I'm on a panel discussing how to turn an OK blog into a GREAT one. If you're coming to the event, please say hello!<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-33381726530308801092013-05-13T12:03:00.000+01:002013-05-13T12:03:16.270+01:00BritMums Live - 6 weeks to go!I'm excited to have been invited to speak at <a href="http://www.britmums.com/britmumslive/" target="_blank">BritMums Live in London</a> and it's only 6 weeks away. There are so many <a href="http://www.britmums.com/britmumslive/speakers/" target="_blank">great speakers</a> lined up I feel like I'm in exalted company. Apparently the event has sold out - brilliant work by Jen & Susanna once again in pulling off a great conference.<br />
<br />
<b>If you're planning to come, please say hello</b> - I'll be taking part in a panel on the Friday evening and then on Saturday morning talking about blog design in a session alongside an SEO expert. <a href="http://www.britmums.com/britmumslive/agenda/" target="_blank">Should be great fun</a>!<br />
<br />
In the meantime <a href="http://www.britmums.com/2013/05/im-going-to-britmums-live" target="_blank">BritMums have started a Linky</a> for people to introduce themselves beforehand, so here are my answers to the questions everyone's being asked...<br />
<br />
<br />
Name: <i>Robin</i><br />
<br />
Blog: <i>1) Blogging for Creatives 2) <a href="http://www.poetgal.co.uk/" target="_blank">Poetgal</a></i><br />
<br />
Twitter ID: <i>@RobinHoughton</i><br />
<br />
Height: <i>5ft 6"</i><br />
<br />
Hair: <i>Brown, medium length</i><br />
<br />
Eyes: <i>Brown</i><br />
<br />
Is this your first blogging conference? <i>Actually I think it might well be!</i><br />
<br />
Are you attending both days? <i>I think so, if I'm allowed to stick around after I've delivered my speaker slots.</i><br />
<br />
What are you most looking forward to at BritMums Live 2013?<br />
<i>Meeting BritMums bloggers, learning new things, being inspired ...</i><br />
<br />
What are you wearing? <i>Hmm ... probably 'business casual' if I can figure out what that means</i><br />
<br />
What do you hope to gain from BritMums Live 2013?<br />
<i>Ideas, inspiration, new friends!</i><br />
<br />
Tell us one thing about you that not everyone knows<br />
<i>I was a ball girl for Ilie Nastase ... at the age of 37!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<a href="http://britmumslive.com/" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://britmumslive.com']);"><img alt="I'm speaking at BritMums Live! 2013" height="125" src="http://britmumslive.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/BMLspeaker.jpg" title="I'm speaking at BritMums Live! 2013" width="125" /></a>Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-89630195940187701612013-02-27T15:01:00.002+00:002013-02-27T15:01:40.426+00:00Featured blogger: Liz AylingMy first featured blogger for a while! I'm thrilled to be introducing you to <a href="http://www.theredbistro.com/" target="_blank">The Red Bistro</a>, a <a href="http://www.theredbistro.com/" target="_blank">super scrumptious food blog</a> by my old friend <b>Liz Ayling.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theredbistro.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwa9YirkeZ3o-TsLBdAz4TbLgtxxgi3LeLUAvDbxQFfNTvBvFCdU2UoUJD9aYKgdkKnV_OknRshWea3lAhpMD4nfpF7L523Z5dqCgPHvOLN4aHvUFK3zWBzGvywTh6Av5KizaCGQLz3wt/s400/red_home.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Liz is one of those amazing people who seem to have a huge range of talents, coupled with an exemplary work ethic. She's the editor at <a href="http://www.maltainsideout.com/" target="_blank">Malta Inside Out</a>, a colourful site dedicated to offering tips, experiences, knowledge and insights on living, working, playing and holidaying in Malta or moving there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theredbistro.com/2013/02/16/pancakes-with-carob-honey-pineapple-ginger-compote/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_VizmFpbqbSlvvUT4GA1LvViJOdNk4OCinRG4VAxT1oi-e_GJ71BwzqfNpU1OiLx7oRoNdJTywrGpgemz0shdwk-IkncpfLTx4_OZOj_3ffi_wcHfqHzD4EGzJ38XUe83ecN1c-Xjtqo/s640/redbistro1.jpg" width="336" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>The Red Bistro</b> (subtitled 'servings from a Mediterranean kitchen') is just one of Liz's many projects, alongside running a busy family home in a gorgeous stone house in Malta. She not only develops the recipes and writes and promotes the site, but also does all the photography. Just check out the range of recipes and you'll see how fabulous photos can really make a blog.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theredbistro.com/2013/01/11/biscotti-parmesan-gorgonzola-and-rosemary/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZXEyHTexptKa9Ktsb86v5kvkKkaJUjP6yKTgf_Ng_v4YkHA-8pGyTbiWcJkwwUOGDuat3bJcU4VXrK4PTVe5jNcm3TeyQBDOIMzmUTMd4JAGu_I21-YtVa0yHxZXInrCuCvBdS-x1CAI/s640/redbistro2.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In answer to the question, "Can blogs become a business?" Liz says "I think so - but not without strategy and clear business goals." Watch out for Liz on the food blogging and photography scene, she's a force for good!<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-58325879918356756152013-01-28T19:19:00.000+00:002013-01-28T19:21:09.639+00:00And now in Spanish!Ooh! Look what just came through my letterbox:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrwG5Bds6eRIS0DpKG2xENSI9O3I12xuhWkNyz8eSnVOK9Cy28SZsEMJWEwYd1F14ciyYvzBfEXPR3YNwYcT-afDDMAEKZJ4RuOyT_-y4aJ13InpsKXtUiWuSypscM9gpyc7_xVLp-TTy/s1600/book_spanish1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrwG5Bds6eRIS0DpKG2xENSI9O3I12xuhWkNyz8eSnVOK9Cy28SZsEMJWEwYd1F14ciyYvzBfEXPR3YNwYcT-afDDMAEKZJ4RuOyT_-y4aJ13InpsKXtUiWuSypscM9gpyc7_xVLp-TTy/s1600/book_spanish1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now in Spanish, how exciting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHB6PmxUg3bb0XB9CWoXreXQOAF9yq3LNVneOH8C-vAfdrmBBs4k3iyEyNhahAIam6XRPPwhy5gW1dtYb9pmIQaUj-MEsTVjxGyuXnox9XygxK-_B4Y8PDqYgZMl-wQAM-7R961ljRFiwv/s1600/book_spanish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHB6PmxUg3bb0XB9CWoXreXQOAF9yq3LNVneOH8C-vAfdrmBBs4k3iyEyNhahAIam6XRPPwhy5gW1dtYb9pmIQaUj-MEsTVjxGyuXnox9XygxK-_B4Y8PDqYgZMl-wQAM-7R961ljRFiwv/s1600/book_spanish2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-28561299176283484052013-01-13T12:24:00.000+00:002013-01-13T12:24:04.649+00:00Guest blogging opportunities are worth grabbingA belated Happy New Year! I hope you're feeling motivated for 2013...<br />
<br />
The year started off well for me, with an invitation to take part in a panel discussion at the next <a href="http://ldnbloggers.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">London Fashion Bloggers Meetup</a> on January 22nd, organised by Diana at <a href="http://trendbridged.com/" target="_blank">trendbridged.com</a> (see screenshot below). I'm really looking forward to meeting the bloggers, the event has already sold out with up to a hundred people expected.<br />
<br />
Of course, the most daunting thing will be appearing before all those fashionistas - eek! What the hell am I going to wear? Oh well - I guess I'm supposed to know about blogging, not fashion!<br />
<br />
It is striking how fashion blogging has really taken off. Last month <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/fashion-blog/2012/dec/10/guardian-fashion-bloggers-network" target="_blank">the Guardian put out a call for new fashion bloggers</a> to join their roster. Although the deadline has passed, this article is worth a read to find out more about the range and types of bloggers they look for - fashion is a huge subject, after all, and there's plenty of scope for a blog to be unique.<br />
<br />
Sometimes a one-off guest post can turn into a regular thing. I've done guest blogging stints in the past for Friday Ad, the Marketing Society and even a costuming site. Getting a regular blogging gig at a national paper, magazine or organisation is a great way to reach a wider audience, gain experience and credibility and grow your reputation as a blogger.<br />
<br />
These kinds of opportunities do come up, but it's also worth being proactive and simply asking!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://trendbridged.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfVjc0COeK8ScIDX-4dW7uT0AG6fJU5AA08uLuxLtt0yfL3petkGXrQp8YSFW44IdGB9o4VvIiuJmWipglqs3GFhROI8LMkXIBbR2X3j8giQR3pS2kqBV7SGQ9we-AgWS-cBDXaG05vhA/s1600/trendbridged_jan13.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trendbridged.com/" target="_blank">screenshot of Trendbridged.com, a London street style journal</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-47617617871589240982012-12-20T13:05:00.002+00:002012-12-20T13:05:54.643+00:00How I'm going to blog better in 2013!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4fwLtJ9w_r4HdnBTBFrwHUpCVsVZrrqd4v8DAGFdVgTeT4aCXLWFtmlm8HXAGJdOQsn7ILURNWgnm_QCuQUlnAQdtriD_lDLm8wztnsnLxFP7XggPqeZiRQ8UCHE0kNMl__ET2nxY5yp/s1600/origami-penguin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4fwLtJ9w_r4HdnBTBFrwHUpCVsVZrrqd4v8DAGFdVgTeT4aCXLWFtmlm8HXAGJdOQsn7ILURNWgnm_QCuQUlnAQdtriD_lDLm8wztnsnLxFP7XggPqeZiRQ8UCHE0kNMl__ET2nxY5yp/s320/origami-penguin.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
Phew - practically Christmas already. It's been a great year for blogging and my book has been selling well, which is really exciting.<br />
<br />
But as you can probably tell from the date of my last post, I haven't been practising all that I preach! Yes folks, I confess it's been a while since my last blog post here. Why is that? And what are the lessons to be learnt?<br />
<br />
<b>Stick to your editorial calendar</b><br />
When I started this blog, my editorial calendar was stuck to the wall in front of my desk and I kept to it pretty well, but then one month I was busy on other things and forgot to update it... and before long I was 'ad-hoc' posting (rather like this) which is ALWAYS more work than devising and sticking to a schedule.<br />
<br />
<b>Keep your ambitions sustainable</b><br />
Three posts a week was fine at first, when the book was launched and was being reviewed I was doing talks and writing posts was relatively easy, blogging was top of my mind. But that frequency wasn't sustainable over the long term.<br />
<br />
<b>Follow your passion</b><br />
Although blogging about blogging is still on my agenda, my interest in poetry has really blossomed this year and as a consequence much of my blogging has been over at <a href="http://www.poetgal.co.uk/" target="_blank">Poetgal</a>. If you find yourself blogging more about Topic A than Topic B, the signs are trying to tell you something. It's REALLY hard to blog about a subject if there's something ELSE you're burning to blog about!<br />
<br />
So what am I going to do about it? Well, this blog isn't my only neglected blog at the moment - <a href="http://robinhoughton.com/">robinhoughton.com</a> has also seen less action lately! So rather than beat myself up about not blogging equally often across all sites, here's my plan for 2013:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Create a sustainable editorial calendar for my <a href="http://www.bloggingforcreatives.com/" target="_blank">bloggingforcreatives</a> blog, based on, say, two posts a month, for the next 6 months. These can be based on chapters from the book, tips and ideas from expert bloggers and other 'timeless' but useful information.</li>
<li>Create an outline editorial calendar for my <a href="http://robinhoughton.com/">robinhoughton.com</a> blog, again based on two posts a month - but if I'm not inspired to write I won't give myself a ticking off. It's my main business blog and most items there are 'thought pieces' brought on by topical issues or events, and I do think that if I don't have anything specific to say which adds value to the debate, it's best not to post.</li>
<li>Continue to blog at <a href="http://www.poetgal.co.uk/" target="_blank">Poetgal</a>, when inspired to do so, and not feel guilty about it!</li>
</ol>
<div>
Wish me luck! What are your blogging goals for 2013? What went wrong in 2012 and what worked for you? Let me know!</div>
<br />
<br />
<i>(Image credit: <a href="http://howaboutorange.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/make-origami-penguin.html" target="_blank">Origami Penguin as featured on How About Orange</a>)</i><br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-56092404588501905412012-11-02T15:05:00.000+00:002012-11-02T15:05:05.568+00:00Some useful blogging resources I've come across lately<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWNPuWP-Z5dYhZc-ZwAG71iLWYLPYa8UZDY4OoEN92WrFgiUbfZ_LJqwAKPAlaGhKPvL57KHJ1nfsY0XhuHKNRn36dZWHH8tngAWQkzSOI1jrRIWX8geZrf2nl_upiTt8Eik4ws4QHvwT/s1600/What-Inspires-Me-To-Blog-An-Outlet-For-Creativity.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWNPuWP-Z5dYhZc-ZwAG71iLWYLPYa8UZDY4OoEN92WrFgiUbfZ_LJqwAKPAlaGhKPvL57KHJ1nfsY0XhuHKNRn36dZWHH8tngAWQkzSOI1jrRIWX8geZrf2nl_upiTt8Eik4ws4QHvwT/s400/What-Inspires-Me-To-Blog-An-Outlet-For-Creativity.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I know, I know - I'm not blogging as often as I used to here - my apologies! Various real-life things have got in the way of my editorial calendar - in fact I think I need to go back and read my own book to remind myself!<br />
<br />
On the subject of the book, I've had a few enquiries lately from folks being told they had to wait a couple of months for it - obviously I'm really pleased the first print run has sold out, but it's no fun to have to wait. Anyway, the publishers tell me that new stock is on its way and may even already have arrived. (If you're trying to order it online,<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/1908150262/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new" target="_blank"> the Book Depository</a> still has copies I think.) So thanks for your patience, and a huge thank you to those who have reviewed and rated the book and generally helped support sales. You are stars!<br />
<br />
Anyway - I thought I'd share a few links to some useful resources I've come across lately that I think you'll find interesting.<br />
<br />
If you have a <b>Facebook page</b>, here are '<a href="http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/989e2165-7787-41fe-8f86-e6d98ec31234.aspx" target="_blank">7 little known tricks to make your Facebook page stand out</a>' - little things like repositioning photos, highlighting fan posts and sometimes scheduling in advance. Useful stuff.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jeffbullas.com/2012/10/31/10-top-pinterest-boards/" target="_blank">Ten Top Pinterest Boards </a>- Jeff Bullas shows us how top <b>Pinterest</b>-ers do it - it's a visual treat, whether or not you are concerned with 'driving sales, leads and traffic' to your blog.<br />
<br />
Are you confused about <b>Google+</b>? Then take the free, online <a href="http://www.britmumsblog.com/2012/06/take-the-google-masterclass/" target="_blank">Google+ Masterclass from the Britmums blogging community</a> and get up to speed in no time. This is just one example of the great resources available at Britmums.<br />
<br />
And finally for now, a most relevant piece on <a href="http://www.savvymarketers.co.uk/blogging/why-you-need-to-keep-on-blogging/" target="_blank">Why you need to keep on blogging</a> by Sam McArthur at Savvy Marketers. It's true! If you need reminding of why it's worth working through those times when you're feeling uninspired or overwhelmed with other things, then this is for you (and me!)<br />
<br />
Image credit: <a href="http://www.modernlifeblogs.com/2012/07/what-inspires-me-to-blog-an-outlet-for-creativity/" target="_blank">Modern Life blogs</a><br />
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-25348462858830444722012-10-11T14:00:00.000+01:002012-10-11T14:00:17.374+01:00Some of my favourite writers & poetry blogsJust for a change I thought I would give a shout out to some of my favourite writers' and poets' blogs.<br />
<br />
Should a poet have a blog? Hmmm ... well there is a school of thought that says NO - better to preserve a sense of mystery - less is more!<br />
<br />
But I admit I enjoy writing <a href="http://www.poetgal.co.uk/" target="_blank">my own poetry-themed blog</a> which is kind of a diary/work in progress / confessional type of thing. Maybe if I ever make it big as a poet I might regret having exposed so much of myself, warts and all, but for now it's a lot of fun to connect with others in a similar situation and share my success, failures and everything in between.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here are three of my favourite writer-bloggers...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://josephinecorcoran.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4xViIra_7oaWf6SRdeEs1DLkfDWSTHYBeBukilnMOPpJ2XfvXCU4dXL1GLm3eKsgvDTmoFqQHGYvEsA685ORXi3FuwUB88RKJbPpBg2jJmXk7Jbi6j8kyeLqnbplfRBuQYhpMwCtb_Da/s1600/corkycorks.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://josephinecorcoran.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Josephine Corcoran</a>, aka <a href="http://twitter.com/CorkyCorks" target="_blank">@CorkyCorks</a> on Twitter: Josephine is an experienced writer and teacher of creative writing, and her blog is a wonderful source of ideas and inspiration including reviews, comments and questions about the writing process. She also has a companion blog for poems, <a href="http://andotherpoems.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">And Other Poems,</a> which is growing into a rich anthology.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://abegailmorley.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscJkCHlYGxoEpxdYtn-z2H3CO9nq7KIDffUy0Z6HXXzGHREhXWk7Bc-WFOjRArkviyoyudFFVF7e-KVwbGw7IiP6_jwpYOexeZT_CREUh-bQwdLHaKDZG5uryR3fNs6wtO55Q6p509mOA/s1600/abegailmorley.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://abegailmorley.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Abegail Morley, The Poetry Shed:</a> Abegail posts reviews, featured poems & poets, news of competitions and events, listings of poetry books and magazines, and some useful tips from magazine editors about what they look for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sarahsalway.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IfOL2SGdWzzUhxeAwmX5CZO8rdpUqy4Stz_bpZZqYHxVuL4-l0-6AXX7Z02v5KnvKmsT00yH5cSMPW9mvHp5bzAVYhuAdg5wNgjOJKL9AkN9p6bas-P1AxoufTPMdmriUZ-1bJOo07PS/s1600/sarahsalway.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.sarahsalway.net/" target="_blank">Sarah Salway</a> as well as being the current 'Canterbury Laureate' is a prolific blogger, the subtitle of her blog being 'Handmade stories and seeds of inspiration' - yes there is a teeny bit of gardening stuff in there but LOTS of interesting, quirky posts about writing and writers. I like the way she mixes up the media - plenty of photos & video, and generous (copious) references to other writers.Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-10413032192151478592012-09-27T12:09:00.001+01:002012-09-27T12:10:57.200+01:00You don't have to go it alone - join a blogging community like BritMums!When you're new to blogging it can be a lonely thing - which is why blogging communities can be a life saver.<br />
<br />
I recently met up with Jen Howze, one of the co-founders of <a href="http://www.britmums.com/" target="_blank">BritMums</a>, Britain's biggest parent blogging network, and was inspired by her energy and evangelism for online networking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYWIXN7XUnlfgT7c46VezDGyQcSzuF3c5gxSx89NZUDdtgCeFk87aYvNpBsgQiNZ_0xwUD2brtDHuappA5Us9IaqSQ9CQfUxwEJSKiboBNckH_PrvfCxJ9TQ2_RI20hAUzZcRWgb_Z8EM/s1600/britmums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYWIXN7XUnlfgT7c46VezDGyQcSzuF3c5gxSx89NZUDdtgCeFk87aYvNpBsgQiNZ_0xwUD2brtDHuappA5Us9IaqSQ9CQfUxwEJSKiboBNckH_PrvfCxJ9TQ2_RI20hAUzZcRWgb_Z8EM/s1600/britmums.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
BritMums provides community, support, ideas and motivation - every day there's something new. Today there was <a href="http://www.britmums.com/video/coffee-break-hangout-social-media-tips" target="_blank">a video of a Google Hangout chat</a> in which a number of members shared their tips on using social media effectively. As well as special interest groups, profile pages and the chance to have your blog featured, there's also an annual conference, <a href="http://britmumslive2013.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">BritMums Live,</a> which gives members an opportunity to meet up, learn, share and build their blogger network.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qn735WB-QBfP-IfcGWeNYwZadwo4yevjj9Cc-yyDpww1-GbLTZ32F1v3seMs_elTxKMwHZ7CyHtputq_X0e6sWNStD-FYIpzSv7TlqeshKWuUbuP9UbEnTPS6jisYRPYPStvRSRPTaou/s1600/britmums2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qn735WB-QBfP-IfcGWeNYwZadwo4yevjj9Cc-yyDpww1-GbLTZ32F1v3seMs_elTxKMwHZ7CyHtputq_X0e6sWNStD-FYIpzSv7TlqeshKWuUbuP9UbEnTPS6jisYRPYPStvRSRPTaou/s1600/britmums2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Ironically, both Jen and BritMums co-founder Susanna Scott are both American, but just as ironically (I guess) although they have invited me to speak at the 2013 BritMums Live, I'm not a mum. (You don't have to be a 'mommy blogger' to join, just an active - non-commercial - blogger.)Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-42429432141273350122012-09-12T14:55:00.001+01:002012-09-12T14:55:53.465+01:00Moving Poetgal from Posterous to Wordpress.comEarlier in the year, Twitter acquired Posterous, and although at first I noticed no difference, I'm now getting the distinct impression it's being wound down.<br />
<br />
I have a Posterous blog (Poetgal) and when I posted to it today the new post did not update on the home page. When I googled the issue, I found I wasn't the only one complaining about Posterous - there are <a href="https://www.facebook.com/posterous" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a lot of angry people posting to its Facebook page!</a><br />
<br />
This is a great shame - Posterous used to be a lovely platform, but I decided now was the time to shift my blog elsewhere. A quick search brought up <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5892776/how-to-back-up-and-migrate-your-posterous-spaces-to-tumblr-blogger-or-wordpress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this useful post from Lifehacker</a>: basically, Posterous does not provide an export function, so if you want to move your blog elsewhere you either have to do it the long way, or export to a <a href="http://wordpress.com/">Wordpress.com</a> blog, because WP is the only provider with a simple import-from-Posterous facility.<br />
<br />
So, I did just that - moved all the posts, images, comments and tag - it was really quick and easy - chose a Theme and did a modicum of customisation.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately the pages weren't imported, so I'm going to have to recreate my blogroll. Other housekeeping issues will be to change the Feedburner feed (or maybe it's time to migrate to Feedblitz), set up categories and other stuff. I've changed the redirect of my URL <a href="http://poetgal.co.uk/">poetgal.co.uk</a> so it now points to the Wordpress site.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToqWTMr4aT4sU2JuJTZSDZQLEVm8rT3Qssw_-NUiqsTYhJuaM6MBu3eZuZpWxafpKbGOdij2tvrkRiNhgSS-K89CBq-mS4syZRq0WH7PBc47WcbSfIwSM37N6C1UvoRrCJvP5Q79gqlQc/s1600/posterous_grab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToqWTMr4aT4sU2JuJTZSDZQLEVm8rT3Qssw_-NUiqsTYhJuaM6MBu3eZuZpWxafpKbGOdij2tvrkRiNhgSS-K89CBq-mS4syZRq0WH7PBc47WcbSfIwSM37N6C1UvoRrCJvP5Q79gqlQc/s400/posterous_grab.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old Poetgal blog on Posterous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFIaHvTKn_iJA4FJQAz7UlMwjesUwI2LG8NFKkBDwOnRLkPmEOEasniGcX_PDqC4kjV5fSDUKlx0knVv8LIlMIet3hNQZKBqBJh-vjwo4Y5x3K_PH5i_XfrWd8l2d2qX5meCbLvqFY6V-/s1600/wp_poetgal_grab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFIaHvTKn_iJA4FJQAz7UlMwjesUwI2LG8NFKkBDwOnRLkPmEOEasniGcX_PDqC4kjV5fSDUKlx0knVv8LIlMIet3hNQZKBqBJh-vjwo4Y5x3K_PH5i_XfrWd8l2d2qX5meCbLvqFY6V-/s400/wp_poetgal_grab.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice new Wordpress site!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On the whole I'm pretty happy with the new look and home, it's got a nice magazine theme now and it's a hosted blog so no money to shell out.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you have a Posterous blog? </b>Are you having problems, and are you going to move it?Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-21074363949953717042012-09-06T11:50:00.002+01:002012-09-06T11:50:52.680+01:00Featured blogger: Zoe JessicaI came upon Zoe quite by chance on <a href="http://app.net/">App.net</a>, a new Twitter-style microblogging community that’s only been around a month or so but quickly gathering speed. (Basically it’s a bit like Twitter was about 4 years ago, but that’s another post I think…)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rumandreason.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4amjT5N0Svc8nvvupxBJQ7JlijI9fny8R57PrNZ9ZTixqF7Ugnwydsntl9ETENMHPliHtd5SOwvNwfIZ0cfUrlyj3-9ga6YzmyErnqXaAcOlsVBomt78ldIV8ZdXoVyM4bnQmfvChttI/s1600/rum&reason1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Half an hour later I had enjoyed a good snoop around her blog, felt thoroughly envious of her glam lifestyle which basically involves the Bahamas, Berlin and an Italian husband…ah, it must be tough!)<br />
<br />
But anyway –the point is that Zoe is both an excellent cook and an equally-excellent writer. I read <a href="http://rumandreason.com/2012/07/classic-sicilian-cannoli/" target="_blank">her Sicilian Cannoli recipe</a> from start to finish, it was such a fun read. The blog is full of great photos too – did I mention Zoe is also an accomplished photographer? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rumandreason.com/2012/07/classic-sicilian-cannoli/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmpCvHNwFugP1uq9100fE5w1bTej4mYko0xaPbtqs6vbVacQvLY6lmvV80CQ-mNhz0Vg6tKEcc1dNmky6904IZgNFcU9Y-UsRDeT7B5gPDaXtk4f4KmVqG3zu0vszoxJOltAlgdTzxR0R/s1600/rum&reason2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know there are tons of food blogs out there but I was struck with the nice clean design of Rum & Reason, the interesting-sounding categories (‘Cool food, hot summer’, ‘Chocolate’, ‘Miami’…) and the range of great baking recipes. Baking often seems to be under-represented on general food blogs, but not so here.<br />
<br />
As well as writing about food, Zoe also blogs about her travels, reviews restaurants, hotels and exhibitions, all with a witty and not uncritical eye.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh_b3e4rqH50Uf3g_AA4DEjHPZ4uPPJnCLatUmRwlSDsM8TIcvbEAfJc9AoZkagq8HBPcWYRRRjKYYWvp8iVY-GROMO_m5cIbWRz1anaYck-9kXR3J7g2QoGBNdyEQKvRqNZ7NHG0P7VE/s1600/rum&reason3.jpg" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">48 hours in Las Vegas on Rum & Reason</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
The blend of sophistication and down-to-earth fun is really stylish, and just shows how a distinctive tone of voice and great photos can really contribute to achieving ‘standout’ in the blogosphere.<br />
<br />
<b>PS do come and <a href="https://alpha.app.net/robinhoughton" target="_blank">join me on App.net</a>, it's new and growing!</b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-31151182539804259152012-09-03T12:38:00.001+01:002012-09-03T12:38:42.213+01:00Your blog recommendations ... and our 2 winners!<br />
Phew! I've been looking at all your blog recommendations in the big book giveaway and enjoying the variety of what's popped up ...<br />
<br />
I liked <a href="http://www.queenieandthedew.com/" target="_blank">Queenie and the Dew</a> - as recommended by Anke, of <a href="http://anchorandsing.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Anchor and Sing</a> which is equally quirky and fun. And yes, I like the letter-writing thing too!<br />
<br />
Thank you Lisa for <a href="http://clientsfromhell.net/">http://clientsfromhell.net/</a> - I have to agree I found some of the stories there quite funny in a black humour sort of way…!<br />
<br />
Although I'm following designer Graham Smith on Twitter I must admit I hadn't seen his blog <a href="http://imjustcreative.com/blog/" target="_blank">I'm Just Creative</a> until now - - thank you Jinny for the tip-off, you're right, it's a really useful design resources with tons of examples of corporate logos etc. Nice one. And Jinny's own blog at <a href="http://www.jindesigns.com/blog/">http://www.jindesigns.com/blog/</a> looks very good for anyone looking for graphic design tips and inspiration.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Laura Swaddle for sharing <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/" target="_blank">Attic24</a> - choc full of colourful craft projects and more, and Laura's own blog <a href="http://scarletpyjamas.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Scarlet Pyjamas</a> is well worth a visit - I really like the look and layout, and the current series of posts about Laura's 'dream holiday destination' Japan is a visual treat.<br />
<br />
Qwiksave - thank you for sharing the names of some of your favourite bloggers, and <a href="http://atcexchange.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rosie's Arty Stuff </a>(great blog name!)<br />
<br />
In fact thanks to everyone who took the time to post, it's amazing at what's out there and impossible to find all the gems, so recommendations are great.<br />
<br />
<b>Congratulations to Anke and Laura, you are the two winners</b> - let me have your contact details and a copy of 'Blogging for Creatives' will be winging its way towards you both!<br />
Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-10149031872067228472012-08-24T17:43:00.002+01:002012-08-24T17:43:58.850+01:00Featured Blogger: Donna PeayNow here's a truly beautiful blog: Donna Peay's <a href="http://www.aperfectgray.com/" target="_blank">A Perfect Gray</a>.<br />
<br />
Who would have thought so much variety could be achieved out of one colour... and a colour that's often associated with drabness! I have to confess, I'm a total <a href="http://www.farrow-ball.com/" target="_blank">Farrow & Ball</a> fan and have spent some time poring over their <a href="http://www.farrow-ball.com/grey-colour-schemes/content/fcp-content" target="_blank">colour charts</a> and marvelling at the difference between 'Old White', 'White Tie', 'Lamp Room Gray' and the rest. But if you're not convinced, take a look at Donna's blog and you'll be hooked.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.aperfectgray.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWRzlF_6v-d0RVrehFIiZZ-LZrEToroLmfaZHGJfhgtUV-CTOX0oDnbvCu2ELlO8z771JzMXNLn-fqBSWYvr5nxFyLCIdYURDy_sWx7rXDq8pOq2-OSNukdB_Y-XsupHk2u-dJQRQxb5T/s400/perfectgray1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Donna started her blog in 2007 and has built up a loyal readership and regular commenters. I'm sure it helps that she posts two or three times a week. Donna is great at finding inspirational imagery from around the web, and you'll see her guest blogging in various places on the subjects of colour and interiors. Oh, and she also has some awesome <a href="http://pinterest.com/aperfectgray/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> boards...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EQxoDAq6-ZSVRmdHwr1ckIDj-Er8DSAfDlEJFJAglXxORKXKLFzYR4tp7AJieYBTMLL_Pc7jhBLmkvIWaHZXN5pTG86bxBJwGNtIidmHmKd_L5Npn-4bfrym5mDq89SzW5DqQEWzrslY/s1600/pinterest_donna_gray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EQxoDAq6-ZSVRmdHwr1ckIDj-Er8DSAfDlEJFJAglXxORKXKLFzYR4tp7AJieYBTMLL_Pc7jhBLmkvIWaHZXN5pTG86bxBJwGNtIidmHmKd_L5Npn-4bfrym5mDq89SzW5DqQEWzrslY/s400/pinterest_donna_gray.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/aperfectgray/pieces-of-gray/" target="_blank">'Pieces of Gray'</a> - one of Donna's Pinterest boards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD5ZGMpbvbz7DnXKBEvuJMaDpv1J48zdfWdN1e0kOW86QZj9FP4Co-aUcZPRqT3BnHBgHSroSKdvag4Q4A9AlJv_ET-TuCDlKUUK3_fglDWCdgLspd5S33utcMIMkIOmwAw0_Kvsmknom/s400/donna_peay_pinterest.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/aperfectgray/" target="_blank">Donna's Pinterest page</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>GIVEAWAY</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What do you think? <b>Do you have a blog you'd like to recommend?</b> If so, why not let us know about it in the comments either here on <a href="http://bloggingforcreatives2012.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/time-for-book-giveaway.html">on this post</a>, and you could win a copy of 'Blogging for Creatives'!</div>
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-32206828366990853962012-08-16T16:12:00.001+01:002012-08-16T16:12:49.704+01:00Time for a book giveaway!Okey, UK peeps... so maybe you haven't yet bought a copy of Blogging for Creatives but you're thinking about it, right? Well, I've got <b>2 copies to giveaway</b> and there's no time like the present!<br />
(If you're still not convinced take a look at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R1EJG5GZWIHZ48/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1440320136&channel=rw-dp&nodeID=283155&store=books" target="_blank">this 5* review it received on Amazon...</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmRD5dCaYR9ynXq90I7vKSRaL32vLjuexbM9GeFsy47LJIRt9SYOKN_ecCuqnmsQtBN9oB99ph7oYK1NjIR0a_kSKRDYFzIgvN122J4WLmnXgnIMDyVOYiaCTchlBzW844Ba3CWLipcP5/s1600/bookgiveaway3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmRD5dCaYR9ynXq90I7vKSRaL32vLjuexbM9GeFsy47LJIRt9SYOKN_ecCuqnmsQtBN9oB99ph7oYK1NjIR0a_kSKRDYFzIgvN122J4WLmnXgnIMDyVOYiaCTchlBzW844Ba3CWLipcP5/s400/bookgiveaway3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
All you have to do to be in with a chance is <b>recommend a great blog and tell us why you love it </b>- it could be one you subscribe to, or it could be your own. It could be on any topic (but nothing illegal or 'adult' please).<br />
<br />
<b>Write your recommendation in the comments box below</b> and two lucky commenters will each receive a free copy of Blogging for Creatives!<br />
<br />
Here are the basic rules:<br />
<ol>
<li>Only open to mainland UK addresses (sorreee!)</li>
<li>You must be over 18</li>
<li><a href="http://bloggingforcreatives2012.blogspot.co.uk/p/featured-bloggers.html" target="_blank">Blogs already featured on this blog</a> are not eligible</li>
<li>You may enter up to three times, but not more than once a day</li>
<li>Closing date is <b>August 31st 2012</b></li>
</ol>
<br />
<a href="http://bloggingforcreatives2012.blogspot.co.uk/p/terms.html">See the full terms and conditions here.</a><br />
<br />
Looking forward to hearing about your favourite blog!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-39953256800072897252012-08-13T14:32:00.001+01:002012-08-13T14:32:08.012+01:00Roundup post: Blogging tools & tips, plus a Pinterest primerI've been on holiday these last two weeks, staying well away from the London Olympics! Although I confess I watched some of it on TV...<br />
<br />
Now I'm trying to do the traditional post-hols catchup, and thought I'd share with you some useful stuff for bloggers that I found in my inbox and Twitter stream, in case you missed it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ifttt.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8o4cjZ-ctMiqcQfBGBbH53GBBhrdw53toq9RP5QuHCNARczZdrOIHUH6-GbTExzYNpn-leMTY4Kg1IJFgDxiHOOoPeGSXi4NbwLaZ8YUPYeyfeGBr1t-fVqSDh8MrQhJgmS8ipJcS7v5/s1600/IFTTT.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Blogging Tools</b><br />
First off, how could I resist <a href="http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/22-top-blogging-tools/" target="_blank">22 Top Blogging Tools Loved by the Pros</a> - great example of a title that's bound to get click throughs! This is an article by Cindy King at Social Media Examiner, a resource worth checking out. Subscribe to their emails or follow on Twitter (<a href="http://twitter.com/smexaminer" target="_blank">@smexaminer</a>).<br />
<br />
As it sounds, there's a lot to take in here - the thing with this kind of post is that you're probably not going to rush out and try everything on the list, but it brings to your attention some gems you might otherwise not know about. I particularly liked the look of Google's <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aj4U6wmYE1X6dDB5S1lDUXFzaTUxME5IRmJqZ2ozZGc#gid=0" target="_blank">Content Idea Generator</a>, and <a href="http://ifttt.com/wtf" target="_blank">IFTTT</a> (a social media tool - worth a play with). I'm already a fan of <a href="http://storify.com/" target="_blank">Storify</a>, a tool to create and curate opinions and ideas around a topic (for example live blogging and tweets at an event.) <a href="http://disqus.com/" target="_blank">Disqus </a>(a community based around blog comments) is also great, I talk about the usefulness of this in my book... plus lots more good ideas in this article.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://8.mshcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/nyfw.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A From Me to You cinemagraph created by <a href="https://twitter.com/_frommetoyou" target="_blank">Jamie Beck</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Photo tips</b><br />
In the same vein is <a href="http://mashable.com/2012/08/09/photo-blogging-tips/" target="_blank">15 Photo Blogging Tips from the Pros</a> from Mashable - those pros just know it all, don't they?! This is actually a sponsored post, but as a compilation of comments from several high profile photo bloggers including Jamie Beck and Tom Robinson, it's an interesting read. Questions answered include 'What makes for a good picture' and 'Tricks of the trade'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.problogger.net/archives/2012/03/26/pinterest-basics-for-bloggers/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3i63p_pMpdF5CGtTqwKMYGJJ5yq6-GBoLw8xv9_js2EVlvuwz9gbo5widHP7UVvHu844rMAwfis4jZGISVq2rPBM5cieq59Bgi-p5rZoFXGAOcCrAUrOv6PxCbY10DDClHOakzWATmEnA/s1600/pinterest.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Pinterest primer</b><br />
And thirdly, this is a post from earlier in the year but recently brought to my attention - <a href="http://www.problogger.net/archives/2012/03/26/pinterest-basics-for-bloggers/" target="_blank">Pinterest Basics for Bloggers</a>, by Yang of Chillisauce on ProBlogger. If you haven't yet got stuck into Pinterest and want to know how to make the most of it, this is a really comprehensive and easy to follow article with lots of tips and screenshots.Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-10956259167979062872012-08-09T11:00:00.000+01:002012-08-09T11:00:00.931+01:00Featured Blogger: Grace Bonney<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/" target="_blank">Design*Sponge</a> probably needs no introduction - it has featured in just about every mainstream publication and has been called a "Martha Stewart Living for the Millennials" by the New York Times. Founder Grace Bonney is a writer and former style editor for a number of lifestyle and design magazines, so as you can imagine the blog has the professional feel of a media site - but it maintains a strong sense of community as can be seen in the lively commenting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCborVEoFY6K88cvWUuItOfEBvIUO18wVsObPbNOLIcle6BwngZfGiNsJrAllFDJQKP7Yoho89b1I4rt_r3xR-VAV5PwuiPnqmDGoB1SbdFp3WStl5g_idOGOBjDeFwZ9jZhOmClTanmxe/s1600/designsponge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCborVEoFY6K88cvWUuItOfEBvIUO18wVsObPbNOLIcle6BwngZfGiNsJrAllFDJQKP7Yoho89b1I4rt_r3xR-VAV5PwuiPnqmDGoB1SbdFp3WStl5g_idOGOBjDeFwZ9jZhOmClTanmxe/s1600/designsponge2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Before and After' is a popular column on <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/columns" target="_blank">Design*Sponge</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The site is updated several times a day by a team of writers, and there are regular columns such as 'Before and After', 'Made with Love' and 'Living In'. Always with gorgeous-looking photography, as you would expect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKybLzZBRxzqXf8mHx8rFHoUsNssN5Fm7H6AtRn5KMo6PjiMzC6aKDqiHNcTeH8JObM7dHE4l1TPhBaz8hLdBuDOkimaaNw-lMVAuxY_fXZFrIJGuFxd0FtWHlfNzxPQolt60suALPXDNt/s1600/designsponge1.jpg" /><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/" target="_blank">http://www.designsponge.com/</a></div>
<br />
For lots of ideas of how the 'pro bloggers' do it, <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/" target="_blank">Design*Sponge</a> is well worth subscribing to - no matter what the subject matter of your own blog. I do think that seeing what others are doing, and trying to emulate (or better!) what works, is a great way to develop one's own skills and style, rather than looking mainly at 'how to blog' blogs. Sometimes the best practitioners are the ones out there doing it, rather than talking about the process!<br />
<br />
When I approached Grace about contributing a tip to my book, her reply was exceptionally prompt and generous for someone who is obviously extremely busy and moving in big media circles. She is a real asset to the blogosphere in so many ways and I was delighted to have her participate in 'Blogging for Creatives.'<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-78069387000726801322012-08-03T10:30:00.000+01:002012-08-03T10:30:02.525+01:00Featured Blogger: Jeanne Horak-DruiffThe web is overflowing with food blogs - it's such a popular subject that we can't seem to get enough of pictures of delicious food, recipes and foodie talk. Some food blogs just seem to stand out and one of those is <a href="http://www.cooksister.com/" target="_blank">Cooksister</a> by Jeanne Horak-Druiff, who is another of the lovely expert bloggers who contributed to 'Blogging for Creatives.'<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoyc3AKUnrcnVBV5g0ygAMQbsUn39ogazcNSqdOFimRUtOI81XJMEfBDCNzxpy773k5U1lkc7waenoUzBtR8k5l_1DF3-FEHMxf-HF_jLp2ClQx5lfy4qkH0lmWT7pXvv9hxF2bGSKYII/s1600/cooksister1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoyc3AKUnrcnVBV5g0ygAMQbsUn39ogazcNSqdOFimRUtOI81XJMEfBDCNzxpy773k5U1lkc7waenoUzBtR8k5l_1DF3-FEHMxf-HF_jLp2ClQx5lfy4qkH0lmWT7pXvv9hxF2bGSKYII/s1600/cooksister1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jeanne is a South African living the the UK, but admits that her heart is 'back home'! (The name 'Cooksister' comes from a South African doughnut-type cookie.) But Jeanne's blog includes recipes inspired by a huge range of cuisines and styles, and rather than simply presenting a recipe, Jeanne always has a fascinating story to go with it. She travels frequently and always blogs about her culinary experiences abroad!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XmPFvierwbFPVgJi5_hBdR-UIKN1JX6mDYbbDsIzZ7CVgV5gyWT_08ywX6K8yZ3lXRUt_djue6QdsY1mWTZhxjfrXf6fnTszc88Py_PrxdfDXeBl3UNU_9VO-IeyMBvyaRwNKoXRYXGR/s1600/cooksister2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XmPFvierwbFPVgJi5_hBdR-UIKN1JX6mDYbbDsIzZ7CVgV5gyWT_08ywX6K8yZ3lXRUt_djue6QdsY1mWTZhxjfrXf6fnTszc88Py_PrxdfDXeBl3UNU_9VO-IeyMBvyaRwNKoXRYXGR/s1600/cooksister2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cooksister.com/" target="_blank">Cooksister</a> regularly features restaurant reviews</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When she's not blogging, Jeanne can be found speaking at blogging conventions such as the <a href="http://foodbloggerindaba.com/" target="_blank">Cape Town Food and Wine Blogging Indaba</a> and at food photography and writing events such as those offered by <a href="http://www.platetopage.com/" target="_blank">From Plate to Page</a>.<br />
<br />
Jeanne manages to combine insightful writing with a professional standard of photography on her blog - something that can really make a food blog stand out.<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-5489733356361296792012-07-30T10:30:00.000+01:002012-07-30T10:30:00.883+01:00Creating a content plan will help keep your blog on trackIt's a sad fact that the majority of blogs are abandoned within three months. Yikes!<br />
<br />
The good news is that there is one small step you can take which will help keep you going even when you have a bad case of 'bloggers block' or just can't decide what to post. The answer is to create a <b>content plan</b>.<br />
<br />
Your content plan can take whatever form you like, but it must have a <b>physical presence</b> - it's no good having it in your head! You may be most comfortable sketching it out long hand, using a calendar template or an Excel spreadsheet, even making a collage ... whatever works for you. But it has to go on your wall somewhere you will see it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jV0OGUHd-l1nTeXYbREQ6QNluvy4jOsifu924mCCyBL2Y5hPK-y26wsJxJ4MSXjWBggd5N7evGACPj-DXhbfnOYgBB5oRxylzRv6qvgWgjivl2a2nGB7rYHPR0A6wiNHKdDkFSL5t-Y1/s1600/designmilkcalendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jV0OGUHd-l1nTeXYbREQ6QNluvy4jOsifu924mCCyBL2Y5hPK-y26wsJxJ4MSXjWBggd5N7evGACPj-DXhbfnOYgBB5oRxylzRv6qvgWgjivl2a2nGB7rYHPR0A6wiNHKdDkFSL5t-Y1/s1600/designmilkcalendar.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design Milk's <a href="http://design-milk.com/about/" target="_blank">editorial calendar</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>First up - think like a magazine editor.</b> Perhaps your blog will have some regular features. You will see an editorial calendar on many successful blogs. For example, <a href="http://design-milk.com/about/" target="_blank">Design Milk</a> has monthly features such as 'Deconstruction' and 'Where I Work.' Each post under that topic follows the same format or type of content. On her blog <a href="http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/" target="_blank">Bright, Bold and Beautiful</a>, Laura Tevey has a regular '<a href="http://www.brightboldbeautiful.com/category/best-of-the-week/" target="_blank">Best of the Week</a>' roundup. What kind of regular features might you have on your blog? They could be weekly or monthly.<br />
<br />
<b>Next, think about the types of blog post you plan to produce.</b> Think about the medium (predominantly text, photos, video, or a balance of these), length, subject matter and type of post. In 'Blogging for Creatives' I suggest 12 blog post types that work, from Opinion Piece and Interview to Story, Controversy and List posts.<br />
<br />
<b>Then decide how frequently you are going to post.</b> Be realistic, but also bear in mind that if you post less often than once a week you may find it takes a long time to generate an active, interested audience.<br />
<br />
<b>Put this information on a matrix,</b> with (say) dates in the left hand column and days of the week across the top. Put in the names of your regular features, like 'Blog Buddy Showcase' or 'Behind the Scene Tuesday'. On other days you plan to post, put in the names of some blog post types like 'Opinion Piece' or 'List post'.<br />
<br />
How does that look? <b>Now, try to add some specifics</b> to some of the plan entries. Blog Buddy Showcase - who do you have a mind for the first one? Behind the Scenes - what project have you been working on where you might share aspects of the process? Hopefully, more subjects and ideas will suggest themselves as you go along. Make a note of them all, however sketchy, even if it's in a separate column, 'ideas' or whatever.<br />
<br />
<b>Now you have the bones of your blog for the next two or three months.</b> Each time you go through the process, it should get easier. Be careful not to overwrite anything, as it useful at-a-glance to see what you've already blogged about on a specific topic. Great content can also be recycled, reworked or repositioned.<br />
<br />
With a content plan you should also find it easier to write blog posts in advance. Once the creative juices start flowing you will find it's quick and effective to do two or three posts at once, scheduling or saving them for later.<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-84501308448804137922012-07-27T10:30:00.000+01:002012-07-27T10:30:01.049+01:00Featured Blogger: Dan BlankI think I first came across <a href="http://twitter.com/danblank/" target="_blank">Dan Blank on Twitter</a>. I've certainly enjoyed his weekly email newsletters over the years, with their nice blend of latest blog post, news round up and a couple of fun photos. <span style="background-color: white;">One of the regular features is 'Owen of the week' - a photo of what Dan's young son has been up to - a charming note, but also a bold relationship-building technique that many would steer clear of in the name of privacy. </span><span style="background-color: white;">It's noticeably different to most email newsletters in that it feels like a concentrated dose of Dan: great business insight and information sharing, with a big dollop of openness and humanity thrown in. And well written, which comes as no surprise when you find out that Dan's background is in publishing, and his business </span><a href="http://wegrowmedia.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">We Grow Media </a><span style="background-color: white;">helps writers and publishers to build and manage their online presence.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wegrowmedia.com/blog" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgKj9k5Ti3LmvN-m0BVLfWw_yaeXE_kkt0aAojThfmRtd6inhHFapRM_b6OwY6jE0hoVYkOMvJnU_SD9TfH7hFhjKfURj4ECbB3I_KTHxjzOi86YGY3TaOx9TL2SuTbubnmhZ6LaPdU7S/s1600/wegrowmedia_blog.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wegrowmedia.com/blog" target="_blank">Dan Blank's blog at We Grow Media</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The blog is a section on Dan's main website where he posts regularly on topical media issues of relevance to writers, explores new ideas and ways of doing things and offers insights into his own experiments. For example, he posted recently <a href="http://wegrowmedia.com/my-podcasting-equipment/" target="_blank">about his return to podcasting</a>, explaining his reasons and how he went about it in detail right down to the equipment selection.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/wegrowmedia" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU2oyXvw_8myZnGcwL7az_2Or_Rc2rZF3kAy-VoLIcnpMRzRjLqD-texVRI9EN4-XQ_-bMXBAckFEgLwTyS7py1luaAbD-SsJ3faE8zKOVZmFeZbMBUIFEckbhyDn4Iws7ZtwTV2t25Kd3/s1600/danblank_youtube.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/wegrowmedia" target="_blank">Dan Blank's YouTube Channel</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dan has also recently started video blogging (sometimes called 'vlogging') and has used video and audio in various ways on his blog.<br />
<br />
There is a simple honesty and understatedness about Dan's approach that I love. <span style="background-color: white;">In being both generous and genuine, an absolute expert in his field but also curious to learn and develop, he is someone who most definitely walks the social talk. Do take a look at his blog - and sign up for that email newsletter, it's a gem.</span><br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-71136261714979958502012-07-25T12:00:00.000+01:002012-07-25T12:00:35.265+01:00Why you need to nurture your social presenceLast month I talked a bit about <a href="http://bloggingforcreatives2012.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/promoting-your-blog-on-facebook.html" target="_blank">complementing your blog with a Facebook page</a>, and some of the basics of setting one up.<br />
<br />
I'm reluctant to talk about 'promoting your blog via social media' because I think that is a somewhat limiting mindset. <b>Social media isn't 'just another marketing channel' as we hear so often. </b><br />
<br />
It's better to think of your social presence as being a part of your 'brand', whether that brand is your blog, your business or you yourself. Social tools enable us to expand our networks of contacts, listen to and learn from others, communicate one-to-one with people and allow people to get to know what your brand stands for. And yes, build our profile and audience.<br />
<br />
What people (and organisations) don't always understand is that this happens if, and only if, you have something to offer that people find interesting, useful or entertaining, so much so that they share it with others in their networks. By approaching social as a promotional tool, it's tempting to post nothing but promotional, one-way messages and hope that they will magically get passed around the internet. Short term promotions and offers have their place, but they are just that - short term and unlikely to build you a rich, sustainable social presence.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ccGtx7SEx0n1BqWLO7tSctkOLnvcqn0DlHFEG-rdqYScfcMH5jYeXFJqvKEVW0QnTgWdKH8U1qA56yL6YVATJR8aV-3vLw31ClQdwkVKVmA8FUXAAgd_5BFJih8kicu4a98JwX1V2Nyz/s1600/sissinghirst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ccGtx7SEx0n1BqWLO7tSctkOLnvcqn0DlHFEG-rdqYScfcMH5jYeXFJqvKEVW0QnTgWdKH8U1qA56yL6YVATJR8aV-3vLw31ClQdwkVKVmA8FUXAAgd_5BFJih8kicu4a98JwX1V2Nyz/s400/sissinghirst.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vita Sackville-West knew a thing or two about gardening. This is part of<br />her garden at Sissingshurst Castle in Kent. Photo by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04054483826827013978" target="_blank">kevt747</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The benefits of building an online social presence are mainly long term and slow to accumulate.</b> It's like planting and nurturing a garden. Anyone can go buy a bunch of bedding plants in flower, plant them in any patch of ground and have a lovely display for as long as the flowers last. But a gardener would take into consideration the soil type, orientation of the land, drainage, climate, shape and size of plants, flowering period, positioning and a hundred other things. A gardener would know (or learn) about watering, weeding, pruning, pest control and so on.<br />
<br />
Your aim is to build a sustainable social presence and become a trusted member of your social networks. Once you're in this position you will worry a lot less about short-term attention grabbing and attach less importance to stats such as likes, followers and visits. Trust me!<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-26291472128055350882012-07-23T15:42:00.005+01:002012-07-23T15:42:48.194+01:00Finding & subscribing to other blogsDo you regularly visit other blogs? Reading (and preferably commenting, but only when you have a genuine comment) is an important aspect of connecting your own blog with the blogosphere.<br />
<br />
The kinds of blogs you should seek out are:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><b>industry peers/competitors</b> (if you are blogging for fun then you probably won't see others as competitors, but even if you blog for business you may still view competitors as potential collaborators or blogging buddies. And if not, you still want to keep tabs on them, don't you?)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><b>related blogs</b> (where the content complements yours - not just the obvious, think laterally here)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><b>mentor blogs</b> (for example, more experienced bloggers who are generous about sharing their learnings, acknowledged experts or just bloggers you admire)</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">anything that catches your eye or that looks <b>interesting</b>!</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.technorati.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNXxSr9l3RdveYhSjY6Q_dI4NCOfC_sz58owPU1_giYA0eJvA_GmsqJ5dLYur2rJfegVIlDxipPAFtravnZOUxlUmwM5yVfKeVBj7XOn53tsUhvZZRg5xxTpMUREDfh5gsmag8FlNZ4va/s400/technorati.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Finding blogs</b></div>
<div>
Do searches on Google as well as <a href="http://www.google.com/blogsearch" target="_blank">Google blogsearch</a> and also try some of the specialist blog communities such as <a href="http://www.foodblogs.com/" target="_blank">FoodBlogs</a>, <a href="http://technorati.com/" target="_blank">Technorati</a>, or <a href="http://www.blogcatalog.com/" target="_blank">BlogCatalog</a>.</div>
<div>
Once you find two or three great blogs, check out their blog rolls for ideas of blogs they follow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Keeping up with blogs</b></div>
<div>
The great thing about blogs is that (unlike a normal website) you can subscribe to them, meaning whenever they are updated you receive an alert. This is much more convenient than bookmarking, which relies on you remembering to return to a website. With website, you go to them, but with blogs, they come to you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First of all you need an account with a feed reader or aggregator. A simple option is to add feeds to your email client, such as Outlook or Macmail. This way, any new blog posts from those blogs you subscribe to will appear alongside your email. If your email client doesn't offer this, then you'll need to use a dedicated feed reader such as<span style="background-color: white;"> <a href="http://www.google.com/reader/view/" target="_blank">Google Reader </a>or <a href="http://www.bloglines.com/" target="_blank">Bloglines</a>.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bloglines.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eg4536ZF7VnstFKkYoEQ7aLyRivEgLLuy63Ck_-zu2b5dSdO2AWnf7VqFmSVwuAFSzdCds4Bu_DYMP-G9lsCHj9hqxQqGpQNJG5-AoydYDKf6LRy7jhYy4nA2RWNoiWnA4wLH3IbDsq-/s400/bloglines.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNl6kM5IxxTz9BglVrbP0n7UfpwJvjBwldYu6Bccv2ZGShZ3lj2vSPjNGVIRgwvEjYgOHsEH-lOxfqe0-pasqGT91PAaAtBxsthU9mBxKbYcC2pg5Bya8OQXsZBmYQ513o1eNX7mIuXLr/s1600/google+reader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNl6kM5IxxTz9BglVrbP0n7UfpwJvjBwldYu6Bccv2ZGShZ3lj2vSPjNGVIRgwvEjYgOHsEH-lOxfqe0-pasqGT91PAaAtBxsthU9mBxKbYcC2pg5Bya8OQXsZBmYQ513o1eNX7mIuXLr/s400/google+reader.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what my Google Reader looks like</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">I have a Google Reader account, although I confess I use </span><a href="http://www.feedly.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Feedly</a><span style="background-color: white;">, which is a kind of user-friendly magazine-style feed reader which is actually powered by Google Reader. Feedly provides a handy bookmarklet which you just click on when you find a blog you want to subscribe too. It also presents everything in such a way that it's easy to skim through for new posts and read the summaries.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7vSXZ9Q6o6Mor10RCok1GjYaxYd2LgqsBtNH7mm8nlGUkq1orStoAp5FLbI-cZ37xgMjlZj1JCFtFfO4TEfV0hnCHb1OEyIL0nVEEa38B2IdRloZH9PwGAGzkxjGsDJOU2lT2oVZlB0J/s1600/feedly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7vSXZ9Q6o6Mor10RCok1GjYaxYd2LgqsBtNH7mm8nlGUkq1orStoAp5FLbI-cZ37xgMjlZj1JCFtFfO4TEfV0hnCHb1OEyIL0nVEEa38B2IdRloZH9PwGAGzkxjGsDJOU2lT2oVZlB0J/s400/feedly.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.feedly.com/" target="_blank">Feedly</a>'s user-friendly format and subscription 'bookmarklet'<br />make it a popular tool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Once you have a neat way of subscribing to and keeping up with blogs, it's just a question of checking your feed reader once a day for anything new and exciting.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-66240464206575862182012-07-20T10:30:00.000+01:002012-07-20T10:30:03.052+01:00Featured blogger: Jaime Derringer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://design-milk.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Design Milk</a><span style="background-color: white;"> is one of the stars of the blogosphere. Owner Jaime Derringer is an expert on design trends and contributes to a multitude of design blogs as well as running both Design Milk and its sister blog, </span><a href="http://dog-milk.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Dog Milk</a><span style="background-color: white;">. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;">There are so many things I like about this blog, even aside from the cool content. The logo is understated but unpretentious (check out the subtle difference between the main logo and that of Dog Milk...) the social buttons are clear and the design overall - as you might expect - is clean and uncluttered, even though there are plenty of eyecatching things going on in the sidebar in particular. Lots of other things worth emulating - I'll be using Design Milk as an example in future 'tips' posts.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://design-milk.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJpGO0WAWvznOZK0dzn805PEf7MCtgxiVteMpdGRxgwNlDx0gaJpTb7-dD7nKCQWWkGY0BQ2rUOVYlewlj9f_AFZ9IYJ_axiLO8nXbMe9qgbtIcmtHgXsBtTEbpJ3G6gyAleE8FBpwPqm/s1600/designmilk1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_174919124" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBBb_jZsCs2_P6DE2NTva4SkPVGX87eje-47uT7sSZ4bFzKc5VEvBQe7yYLmqsMtaN6_bINm-bqLOWHI2SwSwmXVCzZJ1y1HzbeGFwNHa6gPC4VI0H9OgKl2tR2XnkWiUx_9P-dP_4G1P/s640/designmilk2.jpg" width="438" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the Design Milk blog sidebar - visual links to popular posts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;">When I approached Jaime about contributing to my book she was incredibly forthcoming and supportive. Among the many tips she offered, I loved this one:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Running a successful blog is hard work. Don't let anyone tell you that it's easy or that you can make tons of money by doing practically nothing. In the early days, I spent my nights and weekends working on the blog while also working full-time. It took three years of doing that before I was able to quit my day job and feel secure. I still work more now than I did at my day job but the reward is that I'm doing something that I love."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The hard work has paid off - Design Milk has grown into a fully fledged online magazine with a team of writers and editors on the look out for the very best in design, interiors, art and style.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By the way, Dog Milk is great fun - although as a cat lover my eye was drawn to a rather nifty <a href="http://dog-milk.com/milk-box-pet-house/" target="_blank">milk-carton shaped 'house' by Moissue</a> - for cats or small dogs! </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dog-milk.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzITm5VZEMV3siiH3-Vw0Ow9XOFGbPSm6NSUbsI3K9w7liBfGuI0xUmPIl_qgXxEWzaovyjhgHQrXC_jwV_bC3eN_SmNr8gT3sOCKSxzzgN04TfPCHgXwevRFkiRJ-2r4SREXfd17LVcw/s1600/dogmilk.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister site to Design Milk - Dog Milk!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dog-milk.com/milk-box-pet-house/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVezKwq0f2-y2nEKmkBjUH6hFVVWfYp7mpylySDNNm8YFVmtbZ4FuUXKjgfMMVL9JNi20bdzzxIrCOPn4mO3sF5b3Omkbv5aOLLcBAiuLDoRCGBKzpUadZiffgKcW3dVL5ctTwO5hZiTb4/s1600/dogmilk2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214770767090611772.post-77101701662176826082012-07-18T12:50:00.002+01:002012-07-18T12:51:05.158+01:00Talk at London Writers' CafeI had a lovely time at the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/londonwriterscafe/events/62768892/" target="_blank">London Writers' Cafe meetup</a> on Monday evening. The invitation to speak to the group came from Lisa Goll, who found me through Twitter. Lisa wanted someone to come and talk to writers about blogging - why it's worth doing, how to get started, how to maintain and promote it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zSYGoC_ZUr2V-dyGjNX8UBKsKs9VISJm-foJ5de6Nsm2fHrMiJo59eSDwQUJGPpwIs7ckCGMOewSq_zmJ3zX05aXcCIjD6dOYDMtnJGC3j4AWQIEjOnLrxnghcgcBY6_n3sA-6bVvGbm/s1600/ldnwriterscafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zSYGoC_ZUr2V-dyGjNX8UBKsKs9VISJm-foJ5de6Nsm2fHrMiJo59eSDwQUJGPpwIs7ckCGMOewSq_zmJ3zX05aXcCIjD6dOYDMtnJGC3j4AWQIEjOnLrxnghcgcBY6_n3sA-6bVvGbm/s400/ldnwriterscafe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">It was a mixed group of authors (published and unpublished), commercial and creative writers, and there were plenty of interesting questions, many about issues surrounding privacy (whether to separate your blogging voice from your private life) and how to connect with the blogosphere. The answers aren't always black and white - more often 'it depends' or 'it's whatever you feel happiest with' are my best advice. We looked at a few examples of successful writer-bloggers including Scott Pack's </span><a href="http://meandmybigmouth.typepad.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Me and My Big Mouth</a><span style="background-color: white;"> and Sara Crowley's </span><a href="http://asalted.blogspot.co.uk/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">A Salted</a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIv6RFkW59x8kKTFm5VlpKFII8uNZpTwWXl4HIHKsEtCdiPYZVQ8RgCIXxpyEFv_mpQwCOs36dgw1eoQgiW1efkB740nrPt2cYKpAJM0lRxsLiQshb_-GHjf9w_7BooafWZk_LVVp2zpY/s1600/asalted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIv6RFkW59x8kKTFm5VlpKFII8uNZpTwWXl4HIHKsEtCdiPYZVQ8RgCIXxpyEFv_mpQwCOs36dgw1eoQgiW1efkB740nrPt2cYKpAJM0lRxsLiQshb_-GHjf9w_7BooafWZk_LVVp2zpY/s400/asalted.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Some super comments from people afterwards both at the event and on Twitter, which I was really pleased about. The </span><a href="http://www.meetup.com/londonwriterscafe/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">London Writers' Cafe</a><span style="background-color: white;"> is a really vibrant group with regular meetups and lots going on - if you're a writer in the London area it's definitely one to check out.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyCnQZn0mGX_K4s_9Ba2IYvIrTY0O14PBOt8i1vfUUEaAh-D-5SwvyhYloY7UgQ8ELQPq6DbxMieK_todeLvYvCeKe8vxZ6ba_WhdJxvHvQst9qcVG-MEbEgGzFsKdyw4sNVO2vMaW4g1/s1600/robin&lisagoll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyCnQZn0mGX_K4s_9Ba2IYvIrTY0O14PBOt8i1vfUUEaAh-D-5SwvyhYloY7UgQ8ELQPq6DbxMieK_todeLvYvCeKe8vxZ6ba_WhdJxvHvQst9qcVG-MEbEgGzFsKdyw4sNVO2vMaW4g1/s400/robin&lisagoll.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Lisa Goll of London Writers' Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Houghtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08170214005426428270noreply@blogger.com0