Something happened with this Bloggy Boot Camp. I walked away with ideas and inspiration and didn’t just talk about making changes but instantly put a couple in place. Blog conferences as a whole are supposed to educate the attendees on not just blog basics but how to run it like a business, increase traffic, put out quality content and engage your readers and fellow bloggers.
Bloggy Boot Camp Baltimore was a different feeling for me. Two years ago the sentiment felt “Every man for themself”, this weekend felt more encouraging and accepting of each other. I left Philly feeling good about where I am as a blogger but also confident that I could make some changes to grow.
Takeaways from Bloggy Boot Camp Philly
- Define your own success. Blogging goals are different for everyone and that’s ok. Whether you want to make money, write a book, be in front of the camera or inspire readers to try something new own that goal. Be ok with it. Don’t let other bloggers define what your success should be.
- Have a Purpose. Why do you blog? Who is your audience? Does your blog reflect those answers? Once your figure out your purpose you’ll be more focused on each task and not waste time on the other things.
- Always expect a payoff. This came from Laurie of Tip Junkie. That doesn’t mean expect money from everything you do but expect something. This could be new readers, increased traffic, exposure to brands or recognition within the blog world. Don’t waste time on things that won’t benefit you in the end.
- Run your blog like a business. Again Laurie from Tip Junkie had some great advice for those wanting to take big steps with our blogs. Give yourself office hours, . This helps especially with gaining some control in work/life balance.
- Try something new, you might like it. Personally I hate vlogging but I’m going to take ClassyMommy’s advice and just keep at it till I’m comfortable with it. I know if I were to increase my video reviews or regular converations it would benefit the blog. Maybe you want to expand your photography or try your hand at fancy recipes just give it a try. You’l never know who it’s going to turn out until you try.
- Don’t judge others. We all blog for different reasons with different goals.
- It’s OK to say no. If you aren’t comfortable with a topic, product, brand or anything else than don’t endorse it.
- Build relationships online and in real life. Connections with real people can bring on the best ideas.
If you’ve ever thought of attending a blog conference then Bloggy Boot Camp is definitely the way to go. The intimate gathering, the flow of information and education and the relationships built is all worth it.
I wish I would have went, maybe next time. I agree, we all blog for different reasons, there is no need to judge others. Also I too wish I were more comfortable blogging. I should keep going until I am!
it was so much fun, if it heads anywhere in your direction you should definitely take advantage.
It sounds like you learned a LOT!
I can’t wait to go! Any advice for a first-timer?
take lots of notes, ‘you’ll be surprised at what struck you as important 2 days later.
Awesome, thank you! 🙂
I love the “define your own success” – I didn’t pick up that line during the conference, but that articulates the gist SO WELL. Not everyone has the same goal, and it is finding MINE that is important. I love that! It was so great to finally meet you!!
I don’t think i heard that line specifically but after hearing from a wide variety of speakers it just made sense. They each did something different, wanted different goals and didn’t fit perfectly into the blogger mold.
It was great to meet you too!
Great recap Melinda! And I completely agree with you- this did feel like a very supportive conference to me too!
It’s awesome to hear from you Sharon. I think your session made the most impact. in fact a group of us left and instantly brainstormed on ideas to improve our blog. Great Job!
Strong summary! I definitely agree with the feeling that the message was about being a strong blogger within the community of bloggers and not just being out there for yourself.
the community felt very strong this time around. I left feeling connected and a part of something bigger.
Wow. I would like to join to learn lot of this in bloggy! thanks for this information.
Great advice! It sounds like it was a really good conference. I’ll be attending BlogHer ’12 this year. I’m hoping to get a lot out of it. It’s nice when you can use what you learn immediately.
I’m doing BlogHer also, it’ll be my first. I’m not sure what to expect from such a large gathering but I hope it’s a positive one.
My head is still reelin’ from everything I learned at BBCPhilly – it was intense but I learned more in one day than I ever expected. I loved all the presentations. Great recap!