design bloggers conference 2011: blogging with the stars

Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a chair.  After having a day to recuperate, I want to dive into what I learned at the Design Bloggers Conference in Los Angeles.  First I have to say the conference was jam packed full of truly useful and inspirational content.  The organizers of this event promised it to be the event of the year for interior design bloggers and they did not disappoint.  You could literally feel the excitement in the air throughout the three days of conference events.  We received practical advice for writing our blogs, gained technical knowledge for setting up pages and gaining the most from SEO (search engine optimization), and were given a healthy dose of inspiration and encouragement along the way.  While I sort through my notes, there are some key points from the "Blogging with the Stars" session regarding the writing of your blog.

Blogging Tip: Be Transparent

Be transparent and authentic with your readers.  Be yourself and write as if you are speaking.  Your written words become your voice.  Grace Bonney of Design Sponge values authenticity.

 

Blogging Tip:  Know Your Audience

Know your audience.  Who is reading your blog?  Who do you want to read it?  Make sure the content of your blog matches your desired audience's interests.  This is key.




Blogging Tip:  Take Chances

 Explore opportunities that are presented to you.  You never know where things might lead.  Don't be afraid to take a risk.  Paloma Contrera of La Dolce Vita shared this valuable insight with us.



Blogging Tip: Create Community



Create community.   Cassandra LaValle of Coco+Kelley recommends that you align with other highly-regarded brands and blogs.  Network with other bloggers and build relationships!  Invite others to guest blog on your blog and vice versa.  It is so important to be willing to give of yourself, your time and your talents.  Attend blogging or design events.  Follow up with people you meet whether online or in person. 



Lick the Pan Drippings of Life



Tracy Porter's approachable style and sense of humor shined during her presentation!  Her no-nonsense approach to design is centered on enjoying yourself and the life you are creating with those around you!  Take time to smell the roses or as Tracy says, "Don't forget to lick the pan drippings of life!"

I will be sharing more on the conference.  I hope this post has whet your appetite for more.  Follow the conversation on Twitter with StudioCInterior and use the hashtag #dbc2011.  Feel free to ask me any questions about what I learned.

Carrie