Happy Thursday! I'm sitting in a hotel room near Atlanta as I type this, preparing for the Bloom Workshop today. I drove in yesterday and helped prep for today's event, and I was blown away by the venue and all of the preparation that they put into everything. Not a detail was overlooked! I'm excited to meet other bloggers, designers, and photographers, learn from Michaela and Ashley, and even participate on the panel toward the end of the day, answering questions about design. I can't wait to share more!
In the meantime, here's a look at some of the latest Elle & Company blog series, just in case you missed them:
How to Start a Blog
I've been sweetly surprised by the number of inquiries I've received from other ladies about how to start a blog. And while I certainly don't have all the answers, I do have some tips and advice to share from my own blogging experience. It's no secret that I'm passionate about blogging, and if it's something you're interested in, too, then this series is for you!
Last summer I wrote one of my most popular blog series, How to Start a Blog. I shared tips for those who are new to the blogging scene about common topics that every new blogger deals with: creating a loyal audience, finding your niche, choosing a name, growing readership, and creating quality content. It was a fun series to write and it continues to be a favorite among Elle & Company readers. But since writing those posts 3 months ago, my readership has more than tripled (and I would like to think that it's due to implementing all of that advice that I shared!). The way I blog has evolved and I've learned new tips and strategies for creating content, marketing my blog, and growing Elle & Company readership.
Weekly Truth - Beatitudes
I'm digging deeper into the Word to discover what these 8 verses in the book of Matthew mean for us as we go about our day-to-day lives, and I'm adding in design by sharing a free phone wallpaper (because as much as I hate to admit it, I often check my phone more frequently than I open my Bible). It's helpful for me to see a verse several times throughout my day, not only for memorization, but to be reminded of Truth.
New Branding Projects
I officially launched my branding services this summer, and since then I've had the opportunity to work with several talented business owners, helping them create a visual presence through a new brand and website. I have several in the works, but here are the first two that are up and running!
These past couple weeks I’ve been working with one of my first official freelance design clients, making small updates to the original brand and website I created for her 5 years ago.
As I’ve revisited fonts and tweaked colors, I’ve found myself subconsciously using designer tricks that I’ve learned both in design school and by experience.
I haven’t been shy in sharing these design secrets. In fact, you’ll find many of them scattered throughout past Elle & Company blog posts.
But I’ve never compiled them all in one place.
Whether you’ve designed your own brand, hired a designer to create the elements of your brand for you, or you’re a self-taught designer trying to improve your design skills, implementing these insider tricks will help you create a more cohesive, professional brand.
Congratulations! You’ve officially made it through Elle & Company’s Brand Challenge.
But before you start implementing your new brand on your website and collateral items, take some time to compile all of your hard work and create a beautiful reference for your brand by creating a brand style guide.
This post is part of Elle & Company’s 4-week Brand Challenge. Click here to see more details, sign up, and access the free workbook.
Recent Coffee Dates
If you were to sneak a peek at my Daybook Planner, you would find at least two coffee dates penciled in each week. Not only do I love a good excuse to get my Starbucks fix; I soak up spending an hour (or three) of one-on-one time with the sweetest, most encouraging ladies I know. Each Friday, I bring that same laid back atmosphere and warm conversation to the blog and introduce you to some of my favorite people. These women are all in different seasons of life, they come from different backgrounds, and they have great stories and wisdom to share. My hope is that you'll walk away feeling encouraged like I do each time I'm around them.
New Library Additions
The Library is our printable collection of paper goods, and members subscribe monthly for unlimited to access to all sorts of art prints, gift tags, greeting cards, notecards, Daybook inserts, recipe cards - you name it! I add at least one printable to the Library each week, so it's always growing, and I have a couple big things coming to the Library in the near future... But until then, here are a look at the most recent additions!
Online content libraries are a great way to bring in recurring passive income each month.
Subscribers join your library for a monthly fee, have ongoing access to all of the resources, and you receive a steady monthly payout - all without doing too much extra work, other than adding a couple new items each month.
Online libraries are also a fantastic incentive for people to subscribe to your list if you’re hoping to give the content away for free.
But as with any new digital offering, it can be a headache trying to figure out how to set up a new content library from scratch.
I remember all too well. Three years ago I setup my own online subscription library (creatively named The Library), and here’s exactly how I did it.
Home Suite Home
Jake and I have a unique living situation while he's in seminary - a cozy one-bedroom Mother-in-Law apartment that we lovingly refer to as "the Suite". My talented friend and interior designer, Michaela Noelle, is helping me redesign our borrowed space on a budget so that it feels more like ours for the 2.5 more years that we're in Charlotte, and we want you to participate in the transformation by following along and helping us make design decisions. As you can imagine, this is one of my favorite series at the moment!
Today's Top 3
A fun little series where I share some of my favorite things, from blogs to recipes and everything in between!
My husband, Jake, has always been stumped as to how Jimmy Buffet has such a loyal following. Even Jimmy will admit that he doesn't have the greatest voice in the world, and yet his fans have their own special name - 'Parrotheads' (and 'parakeets' for those younger Buffet fans). How in the world does this happen and what does this have to do with blogging? Jimmy Buffet and the best bloggers both realize that gaining a loyal audience is all about creating an experience.
So how can you create an experience for your readers? What are some tips that you can implement that will create excitement and keep your audience coming back time and time again? Here are 4 tips that will help you gain your own faithful blog 'parrotheads.'