3 things to consider about blogging.

3 things to consider about blogging.

Posted June 7th, 2012 in Blogging.

I filmed this vlog at BlogWorld today, if you’re not a blogger or social media geek then you may want to skip this post but if you are a blogger or interested in the state of the blogosphere, especially in Australia, then press play and let me know what you think. Please. x

This is Louisa Claire, reporting from NYC with immense gratitude to Colgate for their support and sponsorship in sending me here.

Thoughts on “3 things to consider about blogging.”

Tam on June 7, 2012 at 9:39 am said:

Love it, Louisa! Lots of food for thought and you presented it all so well. Hope you continue to have an amazing time – see you on the flipside!
Tam recently posted..House of unusual illnesses

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- LouisaClaire on June 7, 2012 at 11:49 pm said:
  
  Thanks Tam, nothing like doing it on the fly! Having an amazing time, what an incredible city this is!!
  
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Cam on June 7, 2012 at 10:35 am said:

A bit harsh to call those “blunt words” in conclusion, Louisa. You make some excellent suggestions for building a better blog. It is so clear that there’s no objective measure or pre-determined path for blogging success.

Putting on blinkers to focus on one’s own game is a great idea, but does run into the problem that many still participate in blogging for the community, exchange of ideas and even well-mannered debate. I guess, perhaps, when we take off the blinkers to look around, we may need to switch mode a little and become a “participant” for a while, and then only put our “blogger ” hat back on—along with the blinkers—when we get “home.”

Thanks for the great post.

Cam
Cam recently posted..Ten things I worry about raising a boy

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- LouisaClaire on June 7, 2012 at 11:51 pm said:
  
  Hi Cam, thanks for your comment! I definitely would agree about the community aspect – I’d say almost every blogger wants to participate in the community, it’s what makes blogging so special. When I talked about putting your blinkers on I meant in terms of not comparing yourself in terms of successfulness etc… instead focusing on your own goals or passions without the distraction of keeping up with what you perceive others do be doing or getting. Sorry if I wasn’t clear!
  
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Johanna on June 7, 2012 at 10:37 am said:

Found this on Twitter, and found it useful and inspiring first thing in the morning. As you say it’s so easy to get caught up in stats and followers when really we should be focusing on end goals and how best to achieve them. Keep up the good work, Louisa, and enjoy the conference :)
Johanna recently posted..Zigazag’s June Competition

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- LouisaClaire on June 7, 2012 at 11:51 pm said:
  
  Thanks Johanna, I’m glad you found it useful! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment :)
  
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Sal Broad on June 7, 2012 at 12:29 pm said:

Hi Louisa, Loved your VLOG and the realities it contained. I’m a big fan of Janine Allis’s (Boost Juice) advice of focusing on yourself and not worrying about what your competitors (not that I consider pure bloggers competitors) are doing. At the end of the day you’re wasting valuable energy that could be spent focusing on yourself. I hope you’re having an amazing time in NYC and at Blogworld – I imagine it is awesome.

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- LouisaClaire on June 7, 2012 at 11:52 pm said:
  
  Thanks Sal, that’s very wise advice indeed! Blogworld and NYC are just incredible – having an amazing time!
  
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edenland on June 7, 2012 at 12:40 pm said:

Louisa I absolutely love this so much. I’m really excited for you, sounds like you’ll learn and achieve so much by being over there. Information sharing at its best. I’m really digging your support and passion for the Australian blogosphere as a whole, instead of just your corner. It was so lovely to see you last week.

Power to you. And enjoy that sun!

XXX
edenland recently posted..The Fancy Lipstick Building.

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- LouisaClaire on June 7, 2012 at 11:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks Eden, loved seeing you too. Having an amazing time & learning heaps! xx
  
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Megan @ Writing Out Loud on June 7, 2012 at 2:51 pm said:

Thanks for sharing your thoughts from NYC, Louisa! The main message I get from that is ‘FOCUS!’ – a word many of us need to be reminded to do, often.
Megan @ Writing Out Loud recently posted..Falling into my family

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- LouisaClaire on June 7, 2012 at 11:53 pm said:
  
  I’m glad that despite my rambling that was the word that came through for you! Yes, focus – that’s exactly it!!
  
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katepickle on June 7, 2012 at 3:14 pm said:

I love your take on the whole blogging thing… as always I was nodding my head off while watching this!

Have a fabulous time, learn heaps and come and back and tell me if I should start saving to go next year!
katepickle recently posted..Fun with the Whiteboard

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- LouisaClaire on June 7, 2012 at 11:53 pm said:
  
  Thanks Kate, it’s been an amazing few days – you would absolutely love it!!
  
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Mrs BC on June 7, 2012 at 3:44 pm said:

Excellent ideas – I agree with all of them! I didn’t start blogging for the stats, but it’s easy to get caught up with that. Have fun in NYC!
xx

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- LouisaClaire on June 7, 2012 at 11:54 pm said:
  
  Thanks, so true! Thanks for letting me know about the redirect too – I’ll get onto my host about it today. Appreciate you letting me know!
  
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Mrs BC on June 7, 2012 at 3:47 pm said:

Just an FYI – I just realised as I hit ‘post comment’ that my website was defaulting to http://www.indecisionforever.com/blog, I have no idea why. Have you been hacked? :(

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Miss Pink on June 7, 2012 at 9:18 pm said:

Oh Louisa, I really really loved your vlog. Some very strong and logical advice.
Miss Pink recently posted..Crystal Gazing

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- LouisaClaire on June 7, 2012 at 11:54 pm said:
  
  Thank you, so glad you found it helpful!
  
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Claire Chadwick @ Scissors Paper Rock on June 7, 2012 at 9:21 pm said:

Louisa, I LOVED this VLOG.
My blog is over 2 years old now……and over those 2 years, my reasons & direction & goals have changed, but now, I ma seeing it all so much more clearly & I know WHAT I WANT out of blogging & sharing & the online world. Your advice in this VLOG just reminded me of those focuses again. Thank you! Sounds like an AMAZING conference!
x
Claire Chadwick @ Scissors Paper Rock recently posted..Chicken Noodle Soup. Winter Warmer.

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- LouisaClaire on June 7, 2012 at 11:55 pm said:
  
  Thanks Claire, sounds like you have been on an amazing journey & so glad you found the vlog helpful as you continue to strive toward your goals. The conference really has been incredible!
  
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Tina ~ Tina Gray {dot} Me on June 7, 2012 at 9:42 pm said:

LOVE this, Louisa! Awesome advice as always x
Tina ~ Tina Gray {dot} Me recently posted..Saving money while in between sizes (& weigh in #17)

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- LouisaClaire on June 8, 2012 at 12:18 am said:
  
  Thanks Tina, and thanks for sharing it too!
  
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Marissa @ Beautifully Organised on June 7, 2012 at 9:43 pm said:

LOVE it Louisa!

This is exactly what I’ve been thinking about lately and the opportunities that have opened up since I let go of that number pressure is amazing :)

Keep doing vlogs like this, I love them xx
Marissa @ Beautifully Organised recently posted..One of my favourite organising tips for women

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- LouisaClaire on June 8, 2012 at 12:18 am said:
  
  Thanks Marissa, love what you are doing and so excited to see where it goes!
  
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Mandy on June 7, 2012 at 9:51 pm said:

Hey Louisa, loved your vlog. Loved that you’re sharing some of what is happening whilst it’s fresh in your mind and your passion is burning brightly. I’m sure you’ll share plenty more too when you’re home.
I think you should definitely keep up the vlogs whilst you’re away. Well done.
Mandy recently posted..Grateful for Our Home

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- LouisaClaire on June 8, 2012 at 12:19 am said:
  
  Thanks Mandy, I’m really keen to share it but it’s hard to get my head around it all in a way that lets me share it helpfully. Maybe vlogs are the way to do it?! :)
  
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Sharon @ Funken Wagnel on June 7, 2012 at 10:07 pm said:

Louisa, this is balls to the wall, the best bloody thing I’ve read all day/week/month. Will be tweeting, liking, stumbling this, because this message needs to be broadcast!

Totally agree about the competive nature going on lately. That’s one of many reasons I decided to make a change with a new blog, I was absolutely fed up with some of the bullshit going on behind the scenes.

I also agree that numbers aren’t always the be all and end all. They are nice to have, of course. But big companies will and DO approach the little bloggers as well, IF they feel you have something worthwhile to offer.

I think your last point about keeping in mind your own motives for blogging is so important, and not to be worrying about what everyone else is doing is probably the most important, yet hardest point to stick with.

I LOVE that you got sent to blogworld! They couldn’t have picked a more suitable candidate, nor a nicer person who deserves it, and I am 100%, genuinely happy for you that you got this opportunity.

Lastly, I love, love, love that you were able to speak so passionately, honestly on the important issues and get that message across in a really intelligent and respectful way.
Sharon @ Funken Wagnel recently posted..Are You Jealous?

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- LouisaClaire on June 8, 2012 at 12:20 am said:
  
  Thanks Sharon, such kinds words and I’m so glad it resonated with you. You’re definitely inspring me to keep sharing because there is so much good stuff here and sometimes being able to step away from the fish bowl is immensely clarifying!
  
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  - Sharon @ Funken Wagnel on June 8, 2012 at 10:14 am said:
    
    Well, you’re somewhat in one gigantic fish bowl over there too, and it’s so great to see you making the most of it!
    Sharon @ Funken Wagnel recently posted..Are You Jealous?
    
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    - LouisaClaire on June 10, 2012 at 2:54 pm said:
      
      I think it’s easier to see what’s going on when you’re not part of the fish bowl – if that makes any sense at all…
      
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      - Sharon @ Funken Wagnel on June 10, 2012 at 3:28 pm said:
        
        Most definitely:)
        Sharon @ Funken Wagnel recently posted..Crochet
- Di @ Life is Di-licious on June 8, 2012 at 1:46 pm said:
  
  Here here!
  Di @ Life is Di-licious recently posted..Lovely lemon curd
  
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Larissa~My Pigeon Pair on June 7, 2012 at 10:18 pm said:

Just what I needed to hear today Louisa! Beautifully said and such wise words!

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- LouisaClaire on June 8, 2012 at 12:20 am said:
  
  Thanks Larissa, so glad it was what you needed today. x
  
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Kate on June 7, 2012 at 10:22 pm said:

Louisa – thank you for taking the time out to share! I started a year ago and it’s been awhile since I looked back at my goals.. lucky I haven’t gone off track, but it’s good to think about them again. Can’t wait to hear more about what you are seeing over there – sounds amazing :) Kate

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- LouisaClaire on June 8, 2012 at 12:21 am said:
  
  Thanks Kate, sounds like you’re on a great journey!
  
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Kate on June 7, 2012 at 10:23 pm said:

apparently I needed to add the http:// to my website – not sure if it worked
Kate recently posted..Winter conundrum – the indoor play centre

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Natalie @ MummySmiles on June 7, 2012 at 10:45 pm said:

Louisa did you just put your handbag down on the ground in the middle of NYC?????????

Great VLOG! Succinct and valuable tips as usual :)
Natalie @ MummySmiles recently posted..Tattoo Your Banana (for School Lunchboxes)

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- LouisaClaire on June 8, 2012 at 12:22 am said:
  
  LOL Natalie! I was at the convention center, so not quite the middle of NYC. You did make me laugh though :) Glad you liked the vlog!
  
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PlanningQueen on June 7, 2012 at 11:07 pm said:

Great video Louisa! How ace is BWE??? Seriously was the best thing I ever did for my blogging was going to LA last year. Can’t wait to read/watch more!

Nic
PlanningQueen recently posted..Phonics Games – I Spy

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- LouisaClaire on June 8, 2012 at 12:23 am said:
  
  Gosh, it’s so amazing Nic! I met Kelby Carr yesterday and she told me that she met you last year in LA – what a lovely lady she is!! Having an amazing time, learning heaps and will keep sharing too! x
  
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Alexandra on June 8, 2012 at 6:33 am said:

I loved what you had to say – especially in regard to setting goals for what one wants to accomplish. It’s a big details that so many don’t stop to consider. One that helps to make the smaller decisions easier to fall into place. Welcome to the US!
Alexandra recently posted..On Red Balloons, Blogging and BlogHer VOTY

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- LouisaClaire on June 10, 2012 at 2:54 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much- loving the US too, what a place!!
  
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Nathalie Brown on June 8, 2012 at 9:58 am said:

You are a STAR, love the blog and love what you had to say. Staying true to yourself is not numbers or popularity game.

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- LouisaClaire on June 10, 2012 at 2:54 pm said:
  
  Thank you beautiful friend! x
  
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Di @ Life is Di-licious on June 8, 2012 at 1:51 pm said:

Great VLOG. And a timely kick up the bum for me to actually sit down and work out my goals for my blog. I heard it at DPCON12 but after coming home, promptly forgot about it.
Love the blinkers idea. We should celebrate other’s achievements and success but have the courage to walk our own path and speak with our own true voice. (And other’s should let us do that and not criticise).
Enjoy NYC. Hope there’s time for some baked cheesecake or a pastrami on rye!
Di @ Life is Di-licious recently posted..Lovely lemon curd

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- LouisaClaire on June 10, 2012 at 2:45 pm said:
  
  Yes, that’s so right Di! Good luck with your goal setting. Thankfully we’re in NYC for almost 3 weeks so most of the time is just soaking in the city and enjoying the amazing food on offer!!
  
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Nikki @ Styling You on June 8, 2012 at 4:54 pm said:

I had goosebumps watching – thinking of you in NYC at BlogWorld. Amazing. Think BlogWorld might be my goal for 2013 right there! Love that you can cut through all the crap and tell it how it is and how it should be. The same advice applies equally to any hobby or business. More vlogs please!
Nikki @ Styling You recently posted..5 for Friday: The Soccer Mum

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- LouisaClaire on June 10, 2012 at 2:44 pm said:
  
  Thanks Nikki and yes, you would bathe in the teaching from a BlogWorld! It was brilliant – even the stuff that wasn’t new, was so helpful to hear being articulated by someone else. Definitely put it on your 2013 list!
  
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Caz on June 8, 2012 at 6:04 pm said:

Awesome as always. Just hearing that helped me clarify why I blog. I’m not sure how we start to look away from stats and followers – because it’s the way we judge other bloggers. But here’s hoping there is a way :)
Caz recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Sunrise

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- LouisaClaire on June 10, 2012 at 2:43 pm said:
  
  I think we need to move away from judging other bloggers or rather, from letting other blogs be the benchmark for ours. We need to find ways to set our own benchmarks based on the things we know and can control about ourselves and then meausre against that. We can never really know the truth behind another bloggers blog but we can know the full picture of our own. Ultimately a much more useful tool and one that will help us all focus too.
  
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Veronica @ Mixed Gems on June 8, 2012 at 11:42 pm said:

Great post! Love your insights into this. I’m really not keeping up much at the moment, barely check stats, barely get a post out once a week even of late, but your first two points still resonated strongly with me as goals to focus on as a blogger in general. Imagine how transformed the Australisn scene might be if everyone did this!
Veronica @ Mixed Gems recently posted..Carpe Diem

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- LouisaClaire on June 9, 2012 at 11:35 pm said:
  
  Yeah, that would be amazing! I know what you mean about keeping up – it’s hard! Being reminded to see it as a discipline was really helpful.
  
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Kym - Mumma's Mini Mes on June 9, 2012 at 5:37 pm said:

Great VLog Louisa, some really great and relevant points. It was a quick, clear VLog and you got straight to the point, I love Vlogs like that! You are so encouraging, you just ooze it!

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- LouisaClaire on June 9, 2012 at 11:33 pm said:
  
  Thanks Kym, that’s so lovely of you to say!
  
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Aline on June 18, 2012 at 12:58 pm said:

Hi Louisa, I found your blog 3 weeks ago and I’ve been reading it since then! Just wanted to say thank you for sharing the videos/great messages… It is very encouraging and as a blog beginner I must say challenging as well. Great I love it!!!

Another thing… I wanted to ask you about more information in regards to conferences in Australia… I would love to check them out… Please let me know where I can get more details!

Thank you again and enjoy NYC… It’s just beautiful <3

love from http://www.mycolorfulnest.com

xoxo
Aline recently posted..Homemade Pasta

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