The biggest thing I've learned about blogging is that it's helpful to use each other to learn and grow. If I ever have a blogging question, I know I can ask all of you to help me out! A few weeks ago at the Haven conference, I learned so much about blogging that I thought it would be helpful to break down some of my favorite tips and share with you. Whatcha think?!
One new tip I learned: make sure you connect to your readers through social media.
I've always been a big fan of connecting with bloggers via email... chit chatting about posts, DIY projects and just life in general. But things have been so hectic lately that I constantly seem to be about two weeks behind in emails. Rut ro. But the gals at Haven suggested an even simpler method... use one of the many instant forms of social media to connect!
With that said, I'm a big fan of Twitter and Instagram. I update both of those accounts pretty regularly from my cell phone... you know, with really important things like what I'm eating or what I think about the current Bachelorette episode. Emily is so picking Ari, by the way.
I think that if you regularly use these accounts to chat about what's going on on your blog, to chat with other bloggers about what's going on on their blog and of course to leave snarky comments about dumb reality TV shows, your following will grow. It's nice to connect with bloggers on a day-to-day, down-to-earth level. Plus it only takes about two minutes to tweet or snap an Instagram photo from your cell phone while you're waiting for a meeting to start or you're in carpool line. Easy enough, right?!
One social media outlet that I've sort of been ignoring is Ten June's Facebook page. Over the last couple of weeks, I've made it my mission to beef up this social media outlet for the blog. Instead of (occasionally) posting my latest post on the page, I've decided to do a couple of other things on Ten June's Facebook page.
First off, the page got a makeover. I'm not a big fan of the new "timeline design" and really didn't understand what a cover photo was, much less how to change it. But I finally did some Googling and figured it out. I recently added my newly designed button and a new cover photo. I decided to use a collage of some of my favorite project photos just so readers could recognize it as Ten June's page... Oh hey, I recognize that gray vanity. This is that Ten June chick. Let me tell her wassup.
Also, the content will start to vary. I learned that simply posting links to new posts (like I used to do) is no bueno... you people like photos. So now all new posts are advertised on the Facebook page with a big honking photo. Like so.
Get it? Big honkin' photo = pregnant lady shadow.
I've also decided to do reader features on my Facebook page. Instead of virtually high-fiving each of you when I see an awesome project you've done, I plan to feature it on my Facebook page! For example, I recently featured my friend Katelyn's awesome picnic table turned beer cooler and my friend Amelia's gorgeous nursery changing table/dresser makeover.
By the way, I also have my Facebook page linked to my Twitter account, so each time I post something on the page, it is also tweeted. You can set that up easily through Facebook.
And guess what? With making just these few small changes over the last couple of weeks, my Facebook stats have increased! I've had about fifty new "likes" and, while I'm still having trouble learning how to read the stats on Facebook, I am "reaching" a heck of a lot more people. At least quadruple what I used to reach. Whatever reaching is! But something a heck of a lot more concrete to us bloggers is that I can see a dramatic increase in hits onto Ten June from Facebook via my Google Analytics. So I guess something is working!
By the way, are we friends on Facebook?! Have you "liked" Ten June's Facebook page? If not, head on over and check out the new and improved party... I promise you'll like it!
Well, that's my two cents (combined with what I learned at Haven!) on beefing up social media to help better your blog. Don't feel obligated to maintain all of these outlets or even one if you don't have time... just do what works for you! And I'd definitely love to hear your feedback in the comments to this post... what social media tips do you have to beef up your blog?! Do share!
And definitely don't forget... tomorrow is the big link up day for the Pinterest Challenge! Get your projects ready to link up not only here on Ten June, but also on Young House Love, Bower Power and Centsational Girl. It'll be a good time with lots of inspiration, that's for sure.
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Very helpful, Michelle, thanks for sharing what you learned! I set up a FB page and Twitter account for my newish blog just this weekend so the advice on how to use them is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas here Michelle, we need to up our game on the social media and need constant reminders.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Nancy
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Awesome post, Michelle. Thanks for sharing. I so need to take the time to beef up my facebook/twitter life. You may have given me the push to do so! Yahoo.
ReplyDeleteFabulous tips my friend! I have been slacking on the Facebook front, too! I love the tip on posting a photo instead of a link to the post, so I made that change starting today! I hope you had a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSuper helpful tips! I don't have FB for my blog yet but I'm considering setting one up. It's another time commitment for sure!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I spent the morning adding real social media icons to my blog. Next step: doing something about my fb page. I am also guilty of the "update it, sometimes" syndrome. And I'll definitely be linking up my Pinterest challenge tomorrow! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I tended to not visit your Facebook page because it was a duplicate of what was in my Blogroll, but I will definitely pay closer attention now!!
ReplyDeleteLove the prego belly shadow picture!
Hi Michelle, Great post! I love that you have put all your Haven tips to work {I still am working on that too}.
ReplyDeleteI pinned your nice pic from this post and yes I do follow you on FB, this is how I came over!
great tips, girlie...thanks for sharing all of this!!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips. I just set up my Facebook page recently but need to spend more time on it. Twitter, another thing on my list to 'get into'. :) So much social media, so little time!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips Michelle! I am so slack with FB and activated a twitter account but never use it! I need to step it up. Love following you on instagram for many reasons- especially finding out about the Sour Patch Popsciles. Love!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! I really need to work on incorporating my Facebook more, it's just so hard to find the time!
ReplyDeleteWasn't the "I Like Big Blogs" session informative? Some things I knew, some things I didn't. I've stepped up my Facebook game after getting back from Haven, too. So far so good!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips Michelle! I too resisted FB for a long time :)
ReplyDeletexo
cristin
Great tips girl! I've been trying to do the same on my fb page and I'm slightly addicted to Instagram. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all the tips, Michelle! I am new to the blogging community, so all your advice definitely helped! It is nice to know I can ask questions to the blogging pros ( aka you!) when needed :) Sometimes it can get a tad bit overwhelming!
ReplyDelete~Melinda :
P.S. - Totally agree she is gonna pick Arie! Have to admit I was crushed after last nights episode... I was team Sean all the way :(
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I agree, I think people like the random posts on FB and Twitter. The Bachelorette episode last night and the finale were actually filmed where I live, Curucao, so that made for great chatter among me and my peeps!! :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle, these are all great tips. I am only on Pinterest {which gets a lot of attention these days}, but I know I at least need to get on Facebook and then maybe Twitter after that. You have inspired me to do more with Social Media. Thanks for the great tips. :)
ReplyDeleteReality Steve says Jef and I must admit that after last weeks episode I love him! I haven't watched last nights though...
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I haven't heard of updating Twitter automatically thru FB, so much to learn! Thanks for your willingness to share!
ReplyDeleteHey - I am over from YHL & Bower Power. THAT IS ADORABLE! Such a cute idea! Congratulations on your coming bundle of joy and good luck selling your house! My husband and I just went through the process of selling our home. Hope you are not too stressed. New follower :)
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips, Michelle! I kinda fell off the twitter bandwagon during the busy spring, but now I'm at it again and it DOES make a difference. I love your new FB page -- mine will be getting a makeover next month, so thanks for the kick in the tush!
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling well and staying cool!
Xo Heidi
Great tips - I haven't ventured into instagram, but really should. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteFound you thru your comment on Fur in the Paint's fairy house, just started browsing around. I'll definately have to get on joining that Pinterest challenge.
You are really professional, inspiring and informative. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteNancy
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