Remember how I bragged like 5 times already that I have to, I mean get to speak at blissdom? Well, Melissa and I {and Tsh is also involved} are speaking about blogging. It is a blogging conference you know. The thing is, I would be so much more comfortable talking about fabric and hot glue and ring clips and toile. I have a blog so I can talk about what I love. Other than that I usually feel like I don't know much about blogging.
Oh and our topic is get this: Success.
Not only that, here's the description:
What is the definition of a successful blog? What do successful bloggers do that sets them apart? Nester and Melissa Michaels have gone from being beginner bloggers a year ago, to being two of the most recognized voices in their niche. How did they do it? What did they do differently? What did they gather from around the internet and how did they make it their own? You will leave knowing the secrets to their success.
So, this is what we have to, I mean get to talk about. It makes me want to run and hide under my poofy bed skirt and eat toaster strudels. Success? I have success and can tell others how to have it? I'm not sure what I did differently because it's the only thing I know. I'm all about sharing anything and everything that I happen to know about blogging. But, I'd love to hear what you think.
Is there anything specific you would like to hear if you are/were going?
What questions would you have?
Basically I'm asking you, what should I talk about?
In Need of Your Advice
*****
Winners of the hugs and kisses necklace from Lisa Leonard Designs:
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98 comments:
Maybe make a comparison between what success is in terms of what you do (your "nesting"), and what success is in blogging. Something like how neither has to be perfect, you just have to be happy with the results, have it look good, not come un-glued... lol.
I have been blogging for almost two years now...and hardly anyone but my family reads my blog...I'm curious to know how you were able to become so well-known...besides the fact that you are completely awesome, of course! :)
I'm sure that whatever you end up writing will be absolutely amazing how could it not?? you could make taking out the trash look beautiful! lol!
I would point out that if you're going to have a blog and you want people to read it, you have to talk about something they want to hear (in your case decorating..cheap, easy, and cute) and actually having the know-how and experience to back it up! Anybody can get online and blurt out all about decorating, but when they've learned it through trial and error and have the pictures to prove it, it's much more endearing. There are a lot of decorating blogs on the internet done by actual "interior designers" who's designs are pretty to look at, but we would have to sell our first born and take out a 2nd mortgage to be able to afford to do it in our own homes. I know, it was long, but that's my not-so-expert opinion.
I started reading your blog regularly becauae it is obvious you write about things you love, and that comes through in every post. You write in a natural style that makes it feel like you're talking straight to me. You are always encouraging and inspiring. You write in small paragraphs and have lots of photos! Your blog has a 'finished' visual that makes it look like a glossy, expensive magazine. These are the things that distinguished your work for me, I hope it helps!
I think you are popular
"nester" b/c you are real! You are not taking out the 2nd loan to redo that chair..you are creative and the everyday person might actually be able to do it!
-sandy toe
Ok You do not know me I am kind of new to this..but I think everything that is needed to be successful at anything we do is find some kind of PEACE, LOVE, JOY and PATIENCE,KINDNESS,GOODNESS,FAITHFULNESS, and SELF CONTROL..in our journey. Whether it be fashion, crafts, interior design, being a mom, a wife, are just facing the Goliath's we each have in our lives. Believe me I am not adequate to really be giving this kind of advice but in reading and searching for some kind of peace in my world I think this can apply to any one no matter what your venture is. Good Luck!
I say speak from your heart, guided by your intuition and instinct. You have a clear, clever, and witty voice coupled with beautiful ideas. Stay true to that, and speak from there--it is why we all love you.
oh and one more thing I taught kindergarten for 12 years so flying by the seat of your pants seems to work really well too...And I am sure you are a master at this! You know trust your instincts you are good at what you do because you are good and have a talent for it...You tap into to it...You know how to use it and you can share that with others..The gift of Creativity!!! I'll be quiet now...Amy
Donnie and Kristi's comment is exactly what I would have said!
Need more?
Your blog is focused. Like Meredith at Merchantships. And you are excellent at your little niche.
deb meyers
I agree with Kimberley...Your beautiful, easy-to-accomplish ideas,witty writing and great photos keep us coming back. Plus, your blog is visually beautiful. Many blogs out there are not attractive,...some are downright boring. I don't waste my time reading a blog if it doesn't have beauty to pull me in.
Why do I love your blog?
I find you're relatable. You sound like someone I could get along with, be friends with, if I knew you in real life. Plus, I love your home decorating ideas and how easy the steps are to follow. Love your pictures, your useless and wonderful tassels (!) and your creative ideas (using ribbon instead of a wreath hanger).
Hope that helps! :)
I think you are successful because you speak honestly and with authority on your subject. Yes...I think you can be an authority in hot gluing!
I wish desperately that I could come. I've only been blogging for a monthish but only my friends read...and none of them leave comments. How sad :( I would love to know how so many people discovered you!
I think your success is due to the writing and how it relates to the readers. I think on a more personal level, in order to put time, thought into a blog things at first should be successful, when things are successful at home, routine's are down, support is given, I think that opens up creativity!! Which you have plenty of my dear!!! I'm sure you'll do great speaking. I wish I could come.
I think that you should just be your own sweet self, because that's how you blog. You are yourself. You seem to write how you talk/think, which makes it very interesting to read (and is something that I'm working on actually!). I also think that your success came from sticking to one area of interest (decorating a home, having fun with it, and it being inexpensive) that your readers could expect from you. I know you'll do SO great when you speak, and if you just relax and be YOU, it'll be wonderful! :) Wish I was going! You'll have to give us the skinny when you get back!!
I keep returning to your blog because:
1. you talk about what you know;
2. your photographs are very good;
3. you communicate clearly whatever topic you are discussing; and
4. you blog about items of interest to all income levels.
Specifically, your blog highlights creating a nest for our families to enjoy; however, even a single person would enjoy returning home each day to a comfortable and well decorated nest.
You are capable of communicating more than just fabric and decorating, because your ideas are universal. You and your gal pals will definitely rock the blogger conference. You have great ideas.
Remember: It doesn't have to be perfect.....
Love ya!
Sounds like all you need to do is bring some coffee and lipstick and we can all be girls together. They love ya Nester :) And so do I. You' re gonna do GREAT.
Just tell your story. Start to finish. Here is why I started a blog, here is how, here are the mistakes I made, and here's where I am today. How it was, what happened, where I am today. That's all you can do, is just tell it like it is. And what's nerve-wracking about that? it's just your truth! And here's what I tell people who are tense about public speaking. Even though you are in front of all those people? No one is thinking about you as much as you think they are. I promise.
Since everyone is pretty much nailing it on the head...you're loved and adored!!(but I don't know how you'll teach that), all I am going to add, is that I will be there...with Emily...waiting for you with lots of chocolate when you're done. :)
So it better be good....BAHHHHH!!
Your blog is successful because you are writing about something you love. It's like I told my children, make you life's work something you love. You will pour your heart and soul into it. The success, fulfillment and maybe the money(even though I really don't think you should do soemthing just for money) will come later because it is something your heart is really into.
"I have a blog so I can talk about what I love."
There is your success!
Well, I read because you have good pictures, you explain things clearly, you never whine (I hate whiny blogs!), you write well, and you're fun. :-) Also, I love that you're showing us HOW you did things, so we can do it too, and I love that you're passionate both about your main topic, decorating, and WAHM's and other topics that you blog about.
Well, since I may be there...I am just excited to MEET you, let alone get the chance to hear you speak about blogging!
That being said, I would love to hear your thoughts on what you think what type of posts interest your readers the most, and if you keep that in mind when creating your posts.
Look forward to meeting you in Nashville!
Layla
The Lettered Cottage
Ditto what others have said. Additionally, I love your blog because it's YOU. You don't have giveaways every other day, you don't send us AWAY from you via links ("see THIS! go see THAT!"), and you seem to blog because you love decorating and want to share, not because you want to increase readership. I also appreciate that while you offer decorating consults for fees, you don't use your blog as an advertising platform to get more clients.
I think you should talk about the things you do to make people want to keep reading:
1. Post consistently and often.
2. Use photographs... No one wants to read long posts with text only. (At least not often.)
3. Network and build relationships.
4. Host giveaways and do things to keep readers actively involved.
5. Put thought into the look of your blog. It needs to reflect you and the content.
I act like I almost know what I'm talking about, but I have a long way to go! I've just studied what you and other popular bloggers have done differently, and I'm trying to incorporate some of those changes. The results are slow-coming, but I do see a difference already. (I went from getting no comments to actually getting some in the last few weeks!) I am sure there are other things you do intentionally, but you may not even think about them anymore. Ask yourself what you do to keep readers coming back. And definitely ask yourself what would drive traffic to your site in the first place. That's a big one for a lot of us.
Okay, here's what I would do:
I would:
1. heat up your glue gun
2. Lead us in a group project (Like how to make a tassel)
3. Remind us many times it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.
And seriously, most of us bloggers know that some blogs get big and others don't. Yours was destined because you have a unique voice, your cute as a button and you're real. Plus, The People, love easy, affordable home decor.
There's only one Nester.
The end.
And I personally find it very refreshing that you don't know how to grow a successful blog. You just did it.
The end. Again.
Congratulations on the opportunity! I was initially drawn to your blog because your heart was in it. You seemed to really want to encourage those less-talented in putting together their homes. I could always find a tip or some empathy. I love the window mistreatments. And the photos of your boys playing in the midst of a mess--it looked so familiar.
But then, when you got more popular, it seemed, honestly, to lose that down-home feeling. There are fewer ideas for things I can do, or want to do. And you seem more distant, planned, calculated. Which is great for an aspiring author/speaker. I get that. But I'm looking for heart-led bloggers.
I hope that didn't sound too harsh. I wish we could be sitting down over tea and you could see the warm smile on my face, and I could pat your hand.
Thank you for continuing to blog. Thanks for all your hard work. I hope you have a great time speaking about successful blogging, because you are a successful blogger.
What if you talk about how to blog about your passion?
Here is what makes your blog successful to me (and I read your blog EVERY day!):
1. Clean web page. Nothing to distracting or dark. I can see all the pictures clearly, and the words are easy to read. Seriously, this is very important to me (this is also why I read Nester and Simple Mom).
2. You keep up on the outside world of blogging....and bring the gems to your site.
3. You write about what you love. No applogies....your passion for nesting your home is what you write about....if someone doesn't want that...they can go else where. So, with that liberty you can write about anything invoved in your love for nesting your home. This gives your blog energy.
4. You keep things real. I don't mean you write about your personal life per se. But you blog is definitely something we can all relate to.
5. It isn't too personal. My blog is about my kid. My family and friends read it, that's it. That's what I want. But many people want a much larger group of readers. I think things that are too personal may keep potential "cyber" friends away.
So, I love your blog. I read it everyday. I enjoy your style, your design, your energy. If you started writing about something off the beaten path, that you didn't love as well, your blog would lose some luster. Keep up the good work, think up some good jokes for blissdom.
Best of luck. Wish I could be there. Someone will have to post your presentations on youtube for us poor saps who didn't get to go.
You give your readers something they need. I think that's the main ingredient to a successful blog. Your blog shows us how we can have a beautiful, happy home like yours without the need for perfection or spending too much money (Oh, and you're funny, too). You took your niche, what you're good at, and made it something we can do too.
Good luck with your speech... you'll do a great job!
~Heather
First time commenter here... Here to say...PLEEEEEEASSSSSSSSSEEE just make sure that you let all of us who AREN"T going "hear" what you said in yoru talk!!!! You are really amazing and inspiring, and I have no doubts that you will do great at your presentation. In the spirit of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe, he told her to write about what she knew and she would be a success.
No idea what makes a blog sucessful. I can only say what makes one enjoyable for ME. I find some of the most obscure blogs to be wonderful and underrated so I don't think its necessary a simple equation of good blogs are sucessful or vice versa.
As for what I enjoy - I like to see projects done by the blogger with lots of photos. The occassional inspirational photo post mixed in with the application of the inspiration is my thing.
As for why I follow your blog - you always have beautiful photos and well written posts.
Hello there! I'm a new blogger myself and can tell you what drew me to follow your page from the start.. As a newlywed, I needed help making my home a nest..and your blog gives short, easy tips and advice that deliver. Your consistent...You have a way of humanizing your posts and really come across as down to earth. Also, the fact that you have so much support from other bloggers helps - I mean you go to so many blogs & look at their blog roll.. and 90% of the time - you are there! If anything, I'd like to learn how to expose myself out there! What was your strategy?
Can you hear me saying"NO WAY", I do not win,I have never one a giveaway, I know people say this but I don't, I am the person who even ends up paying more for sale items then other people. So for me to win a necklace, which I have a major passion for besides decorating and vintaging is HUGE!!!! Thank You!!!!
Back to your post...
I am new to blogging (5 months now) and love what it is bringing to my life! generating traffic has been challenging trying to get it out there, but comments are another. I can't figure out if bloggers like to take the time to comment or not! I for one get energized by feedback comments are like eating a brownie. Bloggers become friends and I like Making the connection of blogging, so I love to comment and really read blogs. How do you gerenate encourage comments? And should comments matter cause they do to me. Did you care about comments in the beginning?
Again thanks for having the giveaway,I read you even without giveaways!!! So thrilled my first win came from you...one of the first blogs I read!
LuLu
It sounds like the bases have been covered, but I would add that coming here is fun. My friends and I talk about your blog when we get together b/c you blog about things we want to talk about (did that make any sense?).
All I know is that I am now craving a toaster strudle. See how much influene you have?
I love your blog for all of the reasons that these eloquent women have listed. Yours is the first blog I read every day, after checking on my own, of course! what I would like to know, like a few of the others, is how you generated traffic in the beginning, it's obvious why they stayed, but how did you get them there in the first place?
I think you should stand up with a few toaster strudels in hand and say something like "I really love to nest, and I love to show pictures of how I nest, and I love for others to love their nest. A lot of nesters like my easy and imperfect-but-beautiful ideas, and told their friends about me, and that is the end of the story. Oh yeah, and I have a great sense of humor because let's face it, there are too many rules already and I am true to being me".
You changed how most of us see fabric, lamps, tassels, furniture, frames, etc. You took something that for most of us was scary and made it fun and friendly. You have shared REAL, practical ideas with us because you have lived it. You can tell from all that you post that this is your passion, and it can't be duplicated.
I know you in real life, and I know you as a blogger, and I know you are one in the same. Just be you and it will go great!!!
Can I tell you how proud I am of you?! Go Nester, Go Nester, Go Nester! We love you!!!
I'm voting for the tassel making! And I want to know how you marketed yourself so that we all HAVE to read you everyday!
You should talk about what you love, decorating. Everyone likes to decorate whether they are an accomplished professional or a beginner. Honestly, that is what draws me to a lot of the blogs I read daily.
If I went to a seminar, these are the things I would research and want to hear about:
1. How did you increase your readership (as others mentioned)?
2. How much time to you devote to your blog?
3. How do you decide on advertisting of others on your site?
4. How are you able to giveaway items?
5. Do you feel you need to recognize all photos that are not yours--even if they come from generic websites?
6. Custom graphics? Did you find a web designer to help you? Or was it easy to modify a template of some sort?
7. Do you believe working within your 'niche' (specialty) as a blogger should be adhered to? Or do you support (on your site) other specialities? I ask because most blog about things they love and I love so many things I don't want to focus on one, or read only one type.
That's all I can think of right now. This coming from an occasional blogger who is now staying home and ready to expand her site. :)
http://duchess-of-reel.blogspot.com/
Here's a list of questions that I would want answered: (that was your question right?) Beware, they are nosy, but if I payed to go to a conference, I would want to walk away knowing this stuff:
1. How much money do successful blogs REALLY make? How much do YOU (or any of the other presenters) expect/want to make off your blog? Blogging takes time and I would want to know if my time away from my family is worth it. And, since most of us are SAHM, I'd still want the MOTHER to be the most important equation. You hear all sorts of things...like $100 a month (to me SO not worth the time to create/market something professional) to $5000/month...oh yeah, worth it!
2. Where you get your resources for photos and your ideas for posts...and how ahead of the game you are...and how stressful it is sometimes to stay ahead.
3. Some "famous" blogs have their stats in some shape or form on their blogs and some do not...(meaning Followers/Visits) what are the benefits/drawback of that, or is it just plain personal preference.
4. How you promote your blog, especially using a "middle man"...Technorati, etc.,
5. Top ten things to NOT do when it comes to blogging...either visually or content wise.
Wish I could come! Too many little people would miss me!
I can't go to blissdom, but I would love to see you post about it here...
Talk about how you figured out what you loved and channeled that into defining the identity of your blog.
I'm one of your biggest stalkers...umm...lurkers and here is what I love about you. You're real. Your "voice" comes through to your writing because you are authentic. You say what you need to say and you clearly LOVE what you write about. You have a tagline about how it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful...that resonates with people and it's something that everyone gets and repeats throughout the blog world. You post almost every day...I think that, in itself, is a feat and one that keeps people coming back. You show lots of pics--also very good for a successful blog. I guess I would love to know, too, how you got so famous! How did you get so many people to follow your blog? Did you comment on theirs? Did you start out with a large circle of blogging friends?
Again, stick with who you are and people will love the talk you HAVE to...I mean, GET to give. I love that you show pics when your house is a mess and you talk about the previous home that you owned and now you rent...again, it makes you real.
I think you have just written your intro! I have learned in public speaking that it is a good idea to get your insecurities out in the open right off the bat... admit them to the audience and move on --- and then they won't plague you for the rest of your talk!!! So tell them that you aren't comfortable sharing... or even walk up with an armload of your "decorating tools" to share how you feel much more secure with them. But most of all, I would have your share that your success comes from being yourself, being real, being approachable, and being transparent. We love you!!!!! You give us permission to be ourselves, and to try new things. Many blessings to you, Nester!!!
You ought to have at least a section on the practical aspect of creating a hugely popular blog. Re: What was your original ratio of time spent blogging vs. networking vs. designing your website? What is it now?
I also think there's a huge difference between what works in "typical" blogs and what works for a mommy blog. A comparison and contrast would work there.
So many things I am thinking. You are so good at making the common person feel like they can make their house look fabulous. That is a strength. But your steps of getting there is what I would like to hear about. How do you make that Mr Linky thing work? How did you get advertisers attention and how do you make money with these ads. That is the Buisness side I would like to know about. Then there is the other side where you make us all feel like the oldest of friends. If you could address the way you make everyone comfortable that would be great. BUT, I think that just comes natural to you, so I think I just figured out your secret!
I think your tag line "nails it".....it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful!"
Isn't that what we ALL want to hear?
Before anyone even starts to read your blog they see those words and know.....it's ok to not be perfect, I can do this myself!
I SOOOO wish I could come to Blissdom! - maybe next time!!
Good Luck and have a toaster strudel for us!!
~Tidymom
Right off the bat, my thoughts went to your tagline: "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." When I first found you (via Meredith @ Like Merchant Ships), I found your voice to be refreshing. Your decorating style was magazine-worthy, but you didn't take yourself too seriously. You weren't afraid to let us know that spelling isn't your forte, that you use a glue gun, that you don't hem your curtains, etc. I think the same concept applies to successful blogging. My favorite blogs are the ones that speak authoritatively about their niche, but also are transparent enough to admit their imperfections. That is beautiful, and interesting, and approachable.
Melissa could take off on a similar tangent from her tagline: "Refining your home for authentic living". Be real. Be yourself. Be authentic. That makes your blog worth reading.
Good luck, girls!
I would just discuss how the word "success" can be so multi-dimesnsional. That some may judge the success of a blog by the amount of advertising money or followers it brings in, while others would consider their blog a success if it helps them to keep a continuous record of their life, or to connect with themselves on a deeper level.
But what do I know ;)?!
You'll do awesome with whatever you decide to say!
I am bumfuzzled by blogs like Dreams of Country Girl who seems to disregard all the unspoken rules of blogging, ie: links to others; and yet has one of the most read blogs I know. Is it just her winning personality? I love reading her.
You've kind of been put in an awkward position with this topic, because to refer to yourself as a success is just not YOU.
I have appreciated your blog from the beginning--and your humble self and sense of humor have a lot to do with it, not just your mastery of subject.
Tell your story. You'll do it just as well in person as you do here at Nester!
The real question is, "What keeps us coming back?"
Your projects are real and within reach.
You show great photos of what you're talking about. That right there makes the info come to life and much more managable. Rather than just talk about it, you actually do it and prove how easy it is.
Although we've never met, your personality comes crashing through in flying colours. You're light, upbeat, real and creative. It's like coming for coffee to a cool place to hang out at for awhile. Perfection is intimidating. Real is attractive.
You stick to your topic. This group comes for decorating inspiration. You don't suddenly rattle off for weeks about politics. That isn't your audience.
And yes, your beautifully designed blog lured me in. :) It looked professional so I put myself in your hands to see if your delivery and info matched. It did. That's why I'm here.
I realize you don't want to say, "Wow, I'm great because I did this and this!" You will have a style all your own where you deliver it in the sweetest way. I just know it. Be yourself and you will not go wrong. Just speak from the heart.
Donna
I think you said it best in your own entry for today...You blog about what you LOVE. People have to find what they love, what they want to share, and find their own unique voice in that. If you enjoy what you are doing, does it really matter how many people read. Your blog is a "sucess" if you enjoy doing it and it proves to be helpful in your own life and prduces fun and not frustration. Just my thoughts.
Oh, like a 2.5 month blogger like me is going to start offering all of my "wisdom"... uh let see... make sure wireless connection is good so you don't lose your post when the signal drops, the last picture you upload always is at the top of the page, what you think will take 15 minutes to post will take 45 minutes, if you mess with the html codes too much you'll have to start all over again or blogger gets all snooty and won't even let you upload your post.. need I go on?
Scrap all the advice and just bust out a DIY project! Wear the glue gun holster, wrap yourself in silk, add a finial on top for good measure and say what you love for that's why we love you! Your success has come from being real.
How I WISH I were going to Blissdom! Next year! I'm hoping Kimba will take copious note for me! Love ya girl:)
I have just recently read your blog for the first time and the things that I think make you, and the blog so sucessful is that it seems to be coming from your heart, you love others, and the pictures are just wonderful. Thanks for sharing a part of you.
Julia
Nester,
I LOVE your blog becuase I can tell that you LOVE what you do.
I think I connected right away with your blog becuase besides everything you touch turning out beautiful, you inspired me to do what I could with your mantra of 'it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful'. I felt included right away!
I feel inspired by your beautiful pictures of your step by step instructions which make me feel like I can do it too. And all without breaking the bank. You keep it so REAL!
I love that you blog is all about your own ideas in your own home and don't seem over the top or unattainable like ideas I sometimes find in magazinea.
I also love your sense of humor. I love that your glue gun has a name and that you include a set of high heels in your list of tools to hang a curtain.
You keep me laughing and inspired.
I came to your blog originally because of photo of your boys' hideaway from your last house that was featured on Ohdeedoh! I loved how it looked. Once I got here I was just amazed by all of your lovely decorating ideas! But I stuck around not only because of those, but because you are so darn FUNNY too! You have such a relatable way of sharing what you have to say! I'm not sure if you can "teach" anyone how to be Funny and approachable, but if you can, please do! And for those of us who aren't lucky enough to be able to attend Blissdom (sure wish I could go) maybe you could make a "transcript" available after the fact. (Yeah, I know, what a pain, but please, please, pretty please.)
I agree with what everyone else has said. You are fabulous! I think you should also post whatever it is you decide to discuss.
I think you answered your own question in your question...you blog about what you love and that is pretty specific...take that and run with it! And whatever it is you're doing...keep doing it! :)
I think everyone here has said it all...that is that you show your true personality, something that I didn't start with, and had to adjust. You have a very pretty place (blog) to hang out and read. We just want to know how to be as famous as you Nester???? Whatever you are doing, keep doing it, we love it...Now don't you just feel so special!!!!!!!!!
~Misti
Now Nester, You know you don't have to be perfect to be beautiful! I so wish I could come to hear you speak. You seem to have such insight and business savvy. I would love to learn from you. Just be your adorable self, and everyone will be eating out of your hand, hanging on every word, writing (typing?) madly to make sure they get every morsel of info you are willing to share. Speak from the heart. And, say the things that seem so obvious to you, but believe me, they aren't obvious to the rest of us! (Like, write what you know and love!)Will they have a podcast of the talks? Could those of us who live 1000s of miles away have an opportunity to hear some of your great ideas??
I think it would be good to share how you take your ideas and set them out on your blog in such a way that they're user-friendly and engage your audience. You do a really great job of making your blog a place people want to visit. They actively want to be a part of your blog and enjoy reading what you write about.
I hope you have a great time at BlissDom. I'm hoping I can attend next year. It would be such a blast to meet everyone in person.
I haven't read any other comments, so I might be repeating, but I think you were successful because you've blogged about something that women (and I guess some men) identify with and are interested in incorporating into their own lives.
I think we all read other people's blogs to be inspired and to find ways to improve our lives. Unlike Martha, your ways of beautifiying our homes are simple and doable, and you're wittier than Martha.
The thing I liked when I first started reading your blog is that you showed us to do things and how to make things work and convinced us to do it and not worry about it being perfect or ourselves having to be perfect to make things beautiful. And encouraging us. And by showing us your imperfections so we're not too overwhelmed. And you keep things real. And you're funny when you write.
And every once in a while, we get to see glimpses of your cute boys and hear funny things about them--like the one who turned a lizard into a parapalegic.
And it probably didn't help that your awesomeness was featured on Today's Creative Blog.
I'm not sure if that helps or I'm just being cheesy, since I've been cutting a lot of cheese for my little one today and it's on my mind. You could take that both ways, but I was literally cutting cheese.
Or do what June said. She's so smart.
Yeah, ....what she said! :)
You've had great advice so far, but I like what you said yourself in today's post. I'd just share from your heart for a few minutes - then open it up for questions.
(That's what I do when I don't have time to prepare - Which I'm sure is not your problem. I can always talk, but I make myself sick in the preparation phase. Then I prepare 20x the amount I really need and end up rushing to get through it all.
Do I sound like an expert?
I'm not...)
Sure wish I was coming. Why don't ya'll move it to FL next year? It's awfully nice down here....
I love your home decorating ideas and how easy the steps are to follow...thanks Pat
I think one of the things that keeps people coming back to your blog is that you post quite often (that's important to keep people interested) and you will always have people coming back when you have a series (like the one you're currently doing...it makes me want to check back in). You post pictures with each post. That's important, I never read blogs that don't have many pictures. And obviously your advice must be good b/c people keep coming back. To have a successful blog I think you need to have something important or useful to say.
I think you are successful #1 because of your great, lighthearted, positive, and encouraging attitude that you manage to get across to your readers #2 because you inspire and give practical ideas and then #3 let others know you think they can do them too #4 your sense of humor keeps me coming back #5when you popped in and commented on my blog, I had stopped visiting yours because I felt like a number (Not your fault. I actually am a number. heehee)... but your fun comment made me come back and I have not left since, all bc of that one comment you left.#6 Your blinkie. It is how I found you, and I see it everywhere on blogland.#7 pictures say a thousand words!
Hope those help, fabulous Nester. You are going to be GREAT!!!!!
Darlene
I think it is so easy to read your blog! You do things that just about everyone can afford, and you give great explanations! I think it is great that you stick to one main idea "NESTING"! Oh!! I wish I could come and get to meet you, you just seem so darn nice, and that is another reason to read!
I like your blog b/c: the photos are beautiful, the writing is funny, and the projects are do-able. Seriously, I know NOTHING about sewing, and yet I made a mistreatment for a window in my house. I was shocked at how easy it was. And from the way you write, it seems like you are just a regular, goofy person (no offense--I think you know what I mean) that has done this cheap, beautiful decorating thing and tells us how to do it, too. Plus, you sound like a fun girl who we'd want to be friends with. :-)
I agree with June...just tell your story! See ya soon!
Nester,
Share more of you, we have loved you because of who you are, who you inspire us to try to be, and who you are willing to admit you are, and allow us to be too. Your sharing of yourself is what most at Blissdom will be there to see...the one, the only, the much loved Nester...and that will be indeed enough...
Tell your journey, what connected to what, and what mattered as you learned...we're all there to applaud you on!
Okay, I am the type of person who needs rules. I mentioned that before. Tell me what to do and I can do it ..
I wonder if there are people coming who might like a 'blueprint' for success. How do you do what you do. What is your typical day like. How do you make time for everything..
It is completely obvious you have tremendous talent.. both in writing and in decorating... but you still have to DO IT!! You could be sitting on your keister reading other people's blogs.. but instead you DO IT!
Talk to them about how you do it!
I think you said it - talk about what you love! :) Isn't that the key to your success? And what is success, anyway? Widespread readership? Many many comments? Getting asked to speak at Blissdom?
Perhaps you could look for a theme among your most commented posts. I would love to know what has generated the most enthusiasm from your blog. Tassels? Tutorials? Giveaways? I personally like it when I come away from a peek at your blog feeling like there is something in my house that used to bother me, but now I have the confidence and resources to tackle it! Like when you linked to that super easy slipcover by pink and polkadot. Must have read that thing three times and imagined doing it to every piece of furniture in my house, despite it all being less than 2 years old because I'm a newlywed! :)
Best wishes!
I don't know if I can tell you what to talk about but I can tell you why I (and others I'm sure) live for your posts.
1. Your ideas are attainable. They work in real life. They are quick. And easy. And they make our homes pretty!
2. Your writing style cracks me up and makes me want to come to your house and dish over coffee and ginormous pieces of chocolate cake.
3. You are real and accessible. You talk about living in rental homes, not Southern Living dream homes. You display your ideas, imperfections and all. You throw away the rulebook and encourage us to do the same. We love people who don't have it all together and who readily admit it. At least I do. Because that's me too!
Maybe those are some of the reasons for your success...and maybe you could elaborate on some of those things.
Oh, and your blog is pretty.
What I keep hearing is PICTURES, PICTURES, PICTURES. People love to see pictures.
Also, they like for you to get a little personal about your life. They want the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I know what I like about your blog. The photos are very good, your tips are doable, you are original(not reproducing endless amounts of pictures from magazines) AND you keep it real! I follow a lot of home deco blogs, many of them european and I have yet to see one who shows their breakfast table after breakfast. It isn't a coincidence that I put your motto on my blog as a quote from the first day I started it.
What I would like to know from you, is. Where do you get the inspiration for all your new entries? How did you get so many people to find your blog in the first place? How did you get people to actually give you a comment or link back to you? I get that once you have passed a certain treshold things move on their own speed, but how did you get there in the beginning? What vision did you have when you started? How important are the statistics for you?
Well I could go on and on like this, so if this hasn't helped enough just let me know and I'll tell give you many more suggestions for content of you speech.
And you will be fine! I know you will!
Talk about how it is your passion that brought you to blogging and being 'approachable' that brings bloggers to you and keeps htem coming.
I would like to know how one develops such a following, but honestly, I think you give great advice, you laugh at yourself and you are YOU...which just WORKS!
The key to your succes in my opinion is that you make "nesting" seem infinitely enjoyable, fun, EASY, and DOable! Your knack for simplifying the process, then simplifying the explanation makes you a fun, easy read! And the fact that you never take yourself too seriously - You often make me laugh! :)
You will be great! And yes, you are a very successful blogger!
If I were going, I would like to hear a little about how you got started, and then a little overview of how it grew and grew, and when you realized you had something going, and just your whole story.
I would also like to know more about your awesome commenters, you have a ton of people reading. How did that happen? What have you enjoyed about networking and getting to know people?
And I'd be happy to hear about fabric too.
I also would want to know how much time you spend blogging and how you organize your posts, do you plan them all out or are you an improviser?
Nester,
Just tell how you went from 1 follower to 800. Just fill in the blanks. How do you network. Did you go to blogs and visit? What blogs do you visit regularly? Do you even have time? How did you get traffic to your blog, -besides your expertise, charm and wit. Which I LOVE. Remind bloggers that they need to stay grounded and blog about what they want to blog about, just as you do. Keep it real, as you do so well. Awesome photography has been a success for you. You also keep your site updated and you vary the topic. It's exciting to visit your blog everyday. I never know what you will blog about, but I am always sure I will get something from it that I can use for my home. Sometimes just a post to make us smile. Such as the furry snow post. My goodness you see all the comments here from your peeps. I am sure after all the comments roll in you'll have P-lenty to share at Blissdom.
Oh, and leave a little Q&A time. I am sure there will be tons of things they will want to ask!
Karol :0) -and adoring fan and follower.
Boy do I wish I could come to this session. As a new blogger I really want to know how you get readership. I would also like to know a bit more of how you decide what to blog about and how you manage that information. Good luck! FYI - I read your blog because you are REAL and often just crack me up. I can only imagine how fun it would be to sit and have a couple glasses of wine with you in real life - in our beautiful girly rooms of course!
I think you hit on what makes you a blogging success - you talk about what you know and love!
I agree with some who suggested talking about how you got your blog noticed. I also have a blog, but I think I am the only one reading it. How do you get your name out there, and what tips for design and/or topics and frequency of blogging. . .just some thoughts!
Thanks for listening!
You're supposed to talk about what makes you such a blogging "success"? It seems to me that what has made you a "success" is that you never pushed to be a "success." You just posted, in a casual, frank, approachable way, about things you'd actually done. People seem to relate to your being real. You're not overly personal, but you're very true to yourself. And you're very generous with your ideas. You tell us HOW you do things, rather than just telling us that you've done them. We come back again and again because we appreciate your sharing with us. So it seems that your success comes from your being willing to share in your own way about something you know really well. Go for it! Take your toile an your ring clips with you and just share something with your audience. Sure, tell them what you did at first to attract readers. But let them know that your unusual success comes from your sharing what you know in a friendly, humble kind of way.
I haven't read the 88 comments before this one, but I would say that you should talk about "fabric and hot glue and ring clips and toile." It's what has made you successful - people should write about what they love and are passionate about. That's what makes a successful blogger.
Good luck!
I think your success comes from how you share such creative ideas for the home, in a fun, easy to read, easy to follow way. I also think your success comes from your creativity and who you are! You are sharing what you love, and it is something that thousands of other women love too- Decorating our homes!!
Just my thoughts.
Blessings!!
Megan
Your posts always come across as humorous, REAL (as in you're not TRYING to impress, but you do - you just don't know it), and innovative! You share ideas and tell people it's OK to be REAL (not perfect) and share your real side...that's what I think sets you apart!
Share where your inspiration comes from, when you find the time to blog, and how you go about setting it all up - how you do what you do...is it sit down and write all at once or ??
Well best of luck though you don't need it. You're a natural communicator and share information equally as well! Enjoy the limelight then come back and tell us a few good stories! :)
hugs,
Elaine
I have to admit that when I read the description of your topic, I wondered what you would talk about as well! It is obvious what made *you* successful, but I think most of us will be coming to learn how to give our own blogs a jump start. Most bloggers want their blogs to be noticed and some affirmation for their creativity.
We can't all be the Nester--even if we would want to be-- but hopefully we can be somebody who gets noticed from time to time. I know I'd be giddy with delight if ten people commented on any of my posts! Sheesh, I about died the day you commented on my stairs!
You could probably give some tips on the visual appeal since your blog was and is very attractive. I also am curious about give-aways.
I found your blog several months ago, and part of what kept me coming back was the connection I felt after reading your financial journey. I so appreciated the fact that you have embraced where God has brought you in spite of the pain that you must still feel.
I find it interesting that they are baseing a successful blog on the amount of traffic a blog gets. I love your blog because it is so real and I came here back when you didn't get 100's of comments. However, I also love some blogs that are lucky if they get 4 comments. I don't think success of a "blog" depends on numbers. I think it depends more on are you still the person you were when you got 1 comment as when you get 100. I would say for you Nester, you are. Although, there are a few that I have quit reading because they lost that initial sparkle when they wanted to please the commenters and needed the reassurance from the world. I like it when the blog, for lack of a better term, keeps it real. You have done that and I can see why people come here and why you would be asked to speak, so in other words, Keep it real and you will do great!!! Oh, and it's not about numbers. If I just posted the fluff of decorating this or that I would probably get a lot more traffic and that would be fine. However, traffic is not important to me, I want to chronicle our life, somewhat. So I think if you stick with your initial intent you will be happiest with your end results. That's my .02 and that is all it's worth. Have a great time. I so would love to get to here you speak.
My friend - it is b/c you are real - with real life issues! I'm so emailing you about this one! You know like when you did me! hahaha
Well, here's my two cents. If I were going to Blissdom and knew you and Melissa (Oprah) were talking about blog success, I would be disappointed if you spoke in obscure terms. Everyone has different reasons for why they (we) love your blog, but to theorize on those would fall short. Many people in attendance will want to know the details that so many other women have stated already. It's the whole "oh that's really great, but REALLY..HOW did you do it?" How did you find an audience, did you network, do you use other resources, how much money can be made, etc. will be questions that people might not SAY they have, but wish you would address. As some others have said, please include your speech for your non-present bloggers. You've got a great writing style, and it would be nice to see what you say! Good luck, and I hope you get some help from everyone!
I'm one of your voyers. I visit and read and rarely leave a comment, but today I feel like I can contribute.
I didn't read through the enormously long comment list but here's my two cents. I think you should talk about what all your readers regularly comment on. Like how your funny and you have a unique spin on what ever you're blogging about (you're not 'Martha Stewart' but still manage to make your space look beautiful.) This gives the rest of us courage to try things in our own homes too. I keep reading because I can't wait to find out more cheats on how to hang curtains, how to put together amazing garland, how to pick colours for a room, etc. I don't like to read what the experts write about because it all seems to complicated you break it down simply and with humour.
Blogging isn't always about all the tech stuff on your page. It's also about content and connecting. That's what you should talk about. I think. Good luck and you'll be great.
P.S. Make them laugh anything else you talk about after that won't matter then.
ah,jeez, sum up all 96 comments here and you've got your talk! you are loved, nester :))))
Well I haven't read all 97 comments so I apologize if I repeat someone else. Just some thoughts:
How did you feel when you first had a comment from someone you didn't know in real life?
Do you comment on lots of other people's blogs? Is that how people find out about your blog?
How do you think most people find out about your blog? Has it changed over time?
Do you ever feel like blogging is a "job" or is it always a joy to you?
Tell about your "blogging spurts". Surely we all have them, times when you are "on a roll" and times when you don't know what to post.
Similarly, do you ever have feelings of "blog shyness"? Sometimes I'll share whatever, sometimes I remember that the whole entire world can read this if they want to. How do you sort through those thoughts/feelings?
What is your favorite blog post you've ever done?
That's it for now. :) Kelly
Good Luck!
I think success is material and a sense of humor. Exposure of course.
Enjoy yourself.
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