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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / guest bloggers / {guest blogger :: Allora Handmade}

{guest blogger :: Allora Handmade}

December 27, 2010 · 16 Comments
Filed Under: guest bloggers

Awww, look at my sweet friend Jess {points to the left}. She makes the prettiest rosettes I’ve ever seen! Seriously, head over to her shop and see for yourself ♥

I asked Jess to share some tips on blogging and community, a topic that I hold close to my heart for many reasons. I love what she gathered for this post ~

***

Hi friends! It’s me, Jess from Allora Handmade. Thanks to Maggie for inviting me here to talk a little about blogging ;]

I think about my readers all the time. Did they think that was funny? Are they cheering me on? Could they care less? Is what I have to say going to encourage them? Make them laugh? Inspire them?

Some write for the sake of writing, but I can honestly say that I LOVE the interaction that comes from blogging.

My blog is a place to share about my life as a small business owner/wife of a student/mom of 2, and it has been such a vital resource for my business and social life.

As a work at home mom who tends to hibernate in the winter (brrrrr), the community I have found in my own little corner of the internet has been such a relief. You know, there are days that I never change out of my pj’s or have any adult interaction… All I have to say is thank goodness for blogs!

I’m no expert, but here are a few tips I have to make your blog into the community that you long for:
  • Sincerity and honesty go a long way. Be the same person online as you are in real life. Authenticity is so important in fostering a supportive community.
  • Think about what you have to offer your readers.And we’re not just talking giveaways. Advice, experiences, support… these are things that we all need. If you are willing to give, your readers will respond.
  • Connect with your readers on other social media platforms. I need to be better about commenting on blogs, but I do make an effort to build relationships on twitter, facebook, etc. I love knowing what my readers had for breakfast and the great deal they found online.
  • Invite opportunities for guest posting/participation. (Good job, Gus! wink, wink) For the past few months I have had a guest post once a week and I love the interaction that comes from it!
  • Encourage creativity and learning. Share ideas, solutions, inspirations, and things you’ve learned that will encourage your readers to approach life with new eyes.

Thanks for letting me share, Gussy!

***

What do you think? Do you have a method that helps you connect with others in a natural way?

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16 Comments
Filed Under: guest bloggers

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Comments

  1. Adventures In Babywearing says

    December 27, 2010 at 8:29 am

    I just hear about Allorah over at Pleated Poppy! I’m in love- can’t wait until her shop is open again!

    One thing that works for me is visiting other blogs (especially the ones that comment on mine) and reading through (not just their most recent post) and subscribing, really following along with their story. I’ve found that Twitter & Facebook are helpful, too, but it’s such a small version of who they really are, in their blog posts. And also after I read actual posts I am always inspired and a better writer because of it.

    Steph

    Reply
  2. Adventures In Babywearing says

    December 27, 2010 at 8:34 am

    (Please excuse all my typos! Nursing Ivy and typing with one hand!)

    Reply
  3. Tiffany @MomNom says

    December 27, 2010 at 9:11 am

    I am wearing my Allora necklace and earrings today! I love Jess, she is so creative and such an inspiring writer! Great guest post, Gus!

    Reply
  4. Laura says

    December 27, 2010 at 10:27 am

    What great tips Jess. I’ve been looking for ways to be a better blogger and I think this is great advice. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

    Reply
  5. Paige says

    December 27, 2010 at 10:33 am

    Thanks for sharing some great tips!

    Reply
  6. April Foss says

    December 27, 2010 at 10:42 am

    Great tips! I for sure struggle with the blogging thing. What to write about all the time???? Also I have 5 kids and a husband along with a growing business, so…………………………………

    Reply
  7. hiyaluv says

    December 27, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    great advice!!! i always love hearing what y’all have to say:)
    gina

    Reply
  8. Sarah-Anne says

    December 27, 2010 at 1:55 pm

    social media IS important. having a blog that you don’t update every often won’t get you anywhere in readerships. twitter is a must have, you know! :)
    great post maggie and jess!
    Sarah-Anne

    Reply
  9. Abby says

    December 27, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    Great guest post! I’ve been thinking about the idea of blogs and community a lot lately. I’ll definitely use many of these suggestions. Thanks! :]

    Reply
  10. Natalie says

    December 27, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    I was excited to see Jess on your blog! I love Allora!

    I’ve really been thinking about starting a blog lately, so I’m trying to gain all the info I can before I take the leap! Thanks for the great tips!

    Reply
  11. Robyn says

    December 28, 2010 at 11:02 am

    I’ve seen Allora handmade several times. I am amazed at her talent. I do believe that social media is a huge platform. I’ve tweeted with many people that I never would have had the opportunity had it not been for Twitter. Blogging has really opened up things for me to express myself in the things that I like and have made connections with others who have the same interests.

    Reply
  12. Gbemi says

    December 28, 2010 at 11:33 am

    Thanks for the great tips. I started my blog two years ago, but only put up one post. I revived it a few weeks ago and I am overwhelmed by the positive feedback I have received. I’m learning so many new things everyday :)

    http://www.gbemisoke.blogspot.com

    Reply
  13. Jilly says

    January 16, 2011 at 8:09 pm

    Great tips! I just did a post on twitter looking for blog advice, and Gina (Hiya Luv) linked me over here :)

    Reply
  14. Clarisonic Mia 2 says

    March 25, 2014 at 2:29 pm

    I love it whenever people come together and share views.

    Great site, continue the good work!

    Reply
  15. mobile games says

    April 5, 2014 at 10:51 pm

    Very good information. Lucky me I came across your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
    I have saved as a favorite for later!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. {creating community on this blog ♡} says:
    January 20, 2011 at 8:35 am

    […] Leonard recently shared tips on creating/establishing community, as did Allora Handmade. Hope you read them! […]

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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