I try to compile all of the questions you guys ask often and answer them in one big post a few times a year. It’s always helpful, because the questions themselves aren’t always the most telling things. Often, it’s the themes that tie all of your questions together that help me note and determine what kind of content I should be developing.
As much as these Q&A’s are supposed to be ways for me to help you guys out –by answering your questions, I learn so much more about all of you.
This round, lot’s of you had questions about the state of your personal brands, especially those of you who aren’t content creators. Granted, most of the people who read this blog create some kind of content, online and offline. Which I think is amazing.
You guys are poets, writers, readers, future or current podcasters, artists, and photographers and I think it’s amazing you’ve all found something to take from my content here. It just goes to show, community is for everyone, not just a select few.
I’m breaking your questions down into categories (because…type A list lover) and I’ve turned some similar questions into one, for the sake of space. As always, feel free to send me a question (or just say hello) whenever you like and I’m happy to answer. Only the most frequently asked end up on the blog.
Here we go…
Personal Branding
Q: If I’m not creating something specific, or I’m not clear on what I want to create, do I need a website and brand?
A: Yes. I advocate for everyone to have some kind of web presence that they have total control over. Everyone Googles. Why not have control over the top results that come up when your name is searched? Buy yourfirstlastname.com, or some variation, and just have a splash page up. It could link to your social profiles, where you’re probably most active, and list your email, if you’re interested in being contacted.
Q: I want to work in marketing/social media/PR…do I need to blog?
A: Blogging was definitely a huge help in launching my career in PR/Social/Digital media. It was nice to be able to point people to a place to really show them that I “get it.” But I don’t think you need an active blog to land a job in that field. I do think you should be active online and be able to speak to your passion and involvement in the online space.
I’m going to do a separate post for soon to be or recent grads looking to get into the field, and another for interns!
Q: I can’t afford a designer to make my logo or construct a brand identity. How can I make it happen on a budget?
A: Find ways to invest within your means. Check out sites like Creative Market (they send out freebies every Monday) and Fiverr where you can find branding resources on a budget. Also, save for the things that are worth the investment. You won’t regret it.
Bullet Journaling
Bullet journaling has been a game changer for some many elements of my lifestyle. I share updates and different spreads I’m creating in the bullet journal highlight on my Instagram. I’ve also written about the supplies I use and did a video on my first spreads (but a lot has changed since then!). New updated video will be posted soon.
Q: What notebook do you use for bullet journaling.
A: Just this month, I switched to using the copper Leuchttrum 1917. Previously, I was using one by Lemome. Both are awesome, but I prefer the Leuchttrum 1917.
Q: What are your favorite everyday pens?
A: The Pigma Micron pens or these by Stabilo.
Q: Where do you get inspiration for your bullet journal?
A: Some of my favorite bullet journalists (yes, that’s really what it’s called) — With Wendy, AmandaRachLee, She Meets City. I also love the official Bullet Journal website and Instagram.
About Me
Q: Do you blog full time/what is your day job?
A: Full time, I work in PR and social media for Visit Philadelphia. What does that mean? I work with local and national press to tell positive Philly stories and get to create some of the awesome content you see on our social media pages.
Q: Why did you start blogging?
A: I share some of that story here. But in short, I’ve always loved art. And while I’ve never been an artist, but the second I got my hands on photoshop I realized I could create with something other than my words. My love of both, digital design and photography plus being a word nerd, led me to the blogging world. I couldn’t see blogging not being a part of my life today.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of blogging?
A: If you’ve been following me online for any period of time, you probably know I’m a huge reader. I almost always have a book in my hand, in my bag or loaded on my phone. Between freelancing, working full time and running this blog and Youtube channel, I don’t have a ton of free time (oh yeah, sometimes I have a social life). So when I do have a slow moment, filling it with a good book is ideal for me.
Q: Do you have any dating tips for twenty-somethings?
A: Yes, pray. Often. They should have to disclose how awful dating is in your twenties in all Disney movies because I personally feel lied to.
The Blogging Community
Q: What do you think has changed the most about blogging?
A: This would definitely require its own post, but so many of you asked! Some quick observations, the decline in blog comments has been the change that’s been the hardest on me, seeing people buy followers/likes to “up their status” without putting in the work and how the blogging business model has changed. Before, bloggers worked with advertisers on their sites to make money. Now, for many bloggers, their sites are secondary and Instagram is the income earner. It’s interesting for sure.
But yes… a separate post will follow on this.
Q: How should new bloggers meet bloggers in their area/make blogging friends?
A: It usually starts online. Be engaging! Send the nice email, leave the lengthy comment, share that link. Small interactions result in lasting relationships all the time! It’s ow I met so many of my blogging friends. Check for local events and conferences in your area, and attend when you can. And if there’s a local blogging group in your area, join them! And if there isn’t a group, start one!!
Q: So…is there a lack of diversity in blogging?
A: No. The blogging community is vast and incredibly diverse. There is a huge problem, however, with the diversity in major brand and influencer campaigns. I think Denisse did a great job of articulating the real problem. My thoughts on a solution would require a much longer, separate post that I’m happy to write if you guys are interested!
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Okay, this got lengthy quickly, but I love answering all of the questions I get! Be sure to leave any others you have in the comments!
As someone who’s been blogging for a minute, I also wish people would still comment directly on posts! I think it’s one of the most personal things you can do, because it shows you both read it and that you appreciate it (even if you disagree). It’s great getting interaction on social media, but comments are just a cut above.
Really enjoyed you putting this all together! I haven’t done the bullet journal, although I have had some success using the Productivity Planner (Intelligent Change makes one). It uses the Pomodoro technique combined with list making. Hope to see you soon!
Pomodoro AND list making?! How did I not know about this! I’ll definitely look into it. And thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it 🙂