So, what is it? I've been getting that question a lot lately. People who are following my blog or people who hear me talking about it, are very curious....and confused and intimidated. So, i thought i would do a few posts about just what the heck this social networking is..seeing as I seem to be spending a lot of time lately explaining it.
Let me preface by saying that just one year ago, i was completely clueless. I am 100% self taught in this strange cyber-world. And let me also add, if I can do it...anybody can.
That said....social networking is a way of building a network or community of like-minded or like-skilled individuals for the purpose of building business connections or social friendships. Blogging is social networking at it's best. I first stumbled upon the blogiverse a little over a year ago. I had heard of it, but couldn't imagine why anyone would want to put their personal thoughts and experiences out there for the world to see. That was my impression of it. Then, when i discovered this incredible world of artists and creative people who were sharing their work, their tips, tutorials, advice, etc... I had this huge "a-ha" moment. Being a freelance artist can be a lonely existence at times...no co-workers to bounce ideas off of, no water cooler to gather around for sharing stories, experiences, etc... The art bloggers have become my co-workers, my inspiration, my mentors and my friends. I have made friends with people from all over the world...seriously! How awesome is that?! And, if you're not an artist, believe me, there are millions of bloggers for every hobby, profession, interest, sport, political affiliation imaginable. Google it and you will be blown away.
My blog is very graphic heavy and I wanted a lot of creative freedom when it came to designing my blog. I did a lot of research about blogging platforms (the companies that host or run your blog) before starting my blog and I ultimately decided to pay a monthly fee and went with Typepad. But, there are sites such as Blogger which are totally free.
To blog or not to blog...that is the question. Why do I blog? Because I have a product that I want to sell. Because I want to share my art with you. Because I am passionate about sharing good ideas and family friendly activities with others. As I pressed the publish button on my very first post, i was terrified. "Why am I doing this again?", I thought. "Will anyone ever read it?" But, they did and they do. I've had over 22,000 hits to my blog over the past months...somedays hundreds of people visit and others less. People come to my blog and link to my Etsy site (some have made purchases). People have found my book, or enjoyed my free downloads or have become my fan on facebook (another blogging 101 future topic). However, the most rewarding part of blogging is when I get a comment from a reader who was inspired to be creative. Like these folks, and these folks, and these folks. That...is...cool.
People who blog are very generous. They like to swap, do giveaways, and share great ideas. If they find your blog and enjoy it, they will add your blog to their "blogroll" on their sidebar...like my "yummy blogs" list to your left. I remember thinking how cool it would be to visit a blog you've never been to before and to happily find your blog on their list! That is starting to happen more frequently for me now and it's still a thrill. Or, if you're lucky, they will feature you on their blog in a post! Just recently, i was featured on catching fireflies and gwenmade. I love that!
So how do people find me? A big part of that is being active in the blogging community, by reading other people's blogs and leaving comments when you feel compelled to. When people leave a comment on my blog, i can follow them back to their blog (if they have one). I will usually say thanks and check their blog out, too. Sometimes I will add them to my blogroll or bookmark them to visit again. The other big way that people find my blog is through more social networks like facebook and twitter.
I used to worry that I would run out of things to blog about...it hasn't happened yet. I have had people stop me in the grocery store or church or at my kid's schools to tell me that they are reading my blog. That makes my day. When I go more than a day or two between posting (like this week)...i hear about it. Wow, do I hear about it! I get emails, comments and calls..."why haven't you blogged?" It's funny and humbling to know that many people want to hear what I have to say. I really do try to blog often and really miss it when I can't.
So, what do you have to say? If you're interested in something, chances are someone else is, too. Take a leap and start a blog...you've got your first reader right here!
If you've got any questions, leave me a comment...i'd be so happy to help.
A wonderful post, Lori. Your blog truly is a joy and inspiration to visit. I look forward to future installments of this Social Networking series. :)
Posted by: Julie - On the Dot Creations | March 26, 2009 at 02:57 PM
Yeah Lori's back! I check every morning to see if you have changed your header from winter to spring. Super excited to see it! I can not believe I have the privilege to call such a great illustrator friend! Love ya'!
Posted by: Erin Vale | March 26, 2009 at 10:56 PM
I have enjoyed looking at your creative blog too! I took your portrait idea and had my family paint portraits: http://colesdaily.blogspot.com/2008/12/day-after-christmasa-few-photos.html
I hope to do it every Christmas Eve. Thanks for the inspiration.
I CANNOT wait to read your explanation of Facebook and Twitter. Those two I do NOT understand! I even have a facebook account, I still don't understand! And that Twitter - I don't get it.
If you have a blog, why do you want or need Facebook and Twitter?
Can't wait to hear all about them!
Posted by: Julie Cole | March 26, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Thanks for linking to me -- your self-portrait party is still one of the most fun things I've stumbled across online! I actually just wrote an article about Twitter (although, it's more about Twittering for your small business!) http://croqzine.com/blog/?p=934
Posted by: Heather - Croq Zine - Dollar Store Crafts | March 27, 2009 at 11:43 AM
WOW! I am a beilever! Lori nagged and nagged me and now I love blogging and love it more when someone leaves a comment.
I know April who owns Catching Fireflies!
I a getting geared up for a giveaway once a month starting in April.
You go Lori!
Posted by: jenny | March 27, 2009 at 12:54 PM