Oh how the online world has changed and evolved over the years. From blogging platforms to social media, the online world is not the same as it was 5 years ago. I have been blogging for almost 9 years. Gasp. Yes. Although my evolution of blogging story is not one to write books about.
I first started blogging in 2005 using the free blogging platform xanga. I used it primarily as a means to record my daily thoughts about life as a wife who taught 6th grade in Saint Louis. It then evolved into my private space where I could record my pregnancy and life in California for my family back in the midwest. I was so leery of the strangers online, that I even deleted and blocked people who visited and commented on my blog.
Stranger danger much!?
I soon realized that my little space upon the internet was an outlet for me to use my words, share what I enjoy, all while still keeping in touch with friends and family halfway across the country. I eventually bought my domain Running Rachel in 2010 because not only did I enjoy running, but my life was constantly running after something. One Mom: Running through life one day at a time.
Through the advancement of technology, social media, smart phones, and the online world… my blogging has evolved. I no longer delete and block when strangers visit to read and comment.
Yay for most of you!
I have been blessed with some amazing opportunities, financial compensation, great products to try and more through my online sharing. It has been a crazy ride… but I do enjoy sharing a bit of my world with you.
Because the blogging and social media world is constantly shifting and evolving, I am always reading and learning about different tips and tricks on how to improve upon my craft. There are many great online communities that are there solely to help you improve and grow your online presence. There are also many informative how-to books that can teach you as well.
As a FitFluential Ambassador, I was given the opportunity to review a fellow ambassadors e-book. The Fitnessista created an e-book titled Build Up Your Blog.
I have been reading this e-book for the past few weeks, taking in the wisdom and advice and applying it to my blog. This is a 70 page e-book that is full of tips and tricks that Gina, The Fitnessista, has used to make her blog a successful business. I love learning from others who have a successful story and are willing to share their knowledge and experience with others!
According to Gina, this eBook is for…
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Those who have been blogging consistently for a while, but find themselves at a crossroads for the “next step” with their blog.
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Those who want to figure out how to share their unique voice, story and knowledge (in any field!) to help others.
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Those who are interested in monetizing their blog, networking, and creating partnerships.
And this eBook is NOT for…
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Those who don’t have a blog and have no interest in starting one.
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Those who enjoy blogging occasionally for fun, and want to keep the professional aspect out of blogging (which is totally cool).
Like I mentioned above, social media and blogging is constantly evolving and changing. Who knew that pinterest and instagram would be such hot sharing markets!? What ever happened to myspace! Things change quickly in this constantly changing market… and it is books and people like this that help those who are wanting that foot in the door to get them started.
4 Important Tips You’ll Learn
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How to monetize your blog through ad revenue, affiliate income and brand partnerships.
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Discovering your unique voice and creating a content calendar.
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Social media tips for various platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
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Determine your posting frequency and spread the word about your blog.
Because many successful bloggers have also shared their tips that work for them, I have shared a few links below of their resource articles on blogging tips and social media tips.
Blogging Tips from Successful Bloggers
Blogging Tips from PBFingers
10 Blogging Tips for Beginners from BlogHer
Blogging Tips from Katie Widrick
Blogging Tips from ProBlogger
Social Media Tips from Katie Widrick
Click here to visit The Fitnessista for more Blogging Tips.
If you are interested in checking out more of the e-book, Build Up Your Blog, I shared above by The Fitnessista, Click here to view more details or simply click the button!
Heather @ FITaspire says
I love that things change in blogging – because we change too! For me, what started as sharing a bit about things I liked turned into a space to connect & inspire – plus an online coaching business. I never would have guessed! 🙂
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
Social media has changed so much and so quickly! It’s pretty amazing. I read Gina’s book too and I found it to have a lot of good tips.
Janice- The Fitness Cheerleader says
Blogging was so different when I first started too – no one did reviews or giveaways, and there really wasn’t any other ways to socialize online other than by commenting on other blogs. There is SO MUCH MORE involved in blogging now than there ever used to be and it’s hard to keep up!
Rachel says
Yes! It is no longer your own little quiet space upon the internet. In order to get noticed, get ahead, grow… one must utilize various social media outlets (PINTEREST!!! twitter, fb, instagram, google+, stumbleupon, tumbler, and I am sure more that are popping up as I type). It is exhausting and overwhelming… but totally awesome and exciting too. 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I heard about this e book on another blog and have been wanting to download it. Thanks for the reminder. Lots to learn for sure
Elle says
I first kept a ‘blog’ back in the days when BLOG wasn’t even a word.. we called them web sites…. and mine was hosted by geocities. You had to write your own html code and it was quite complicated. Loved it though.
Jill Will Run says
I wrote a post a little bit ago with a similar title! ( http://jillwillrun.com/2014/09/25/blogging-just-evolves/ )But it wasn’t about this book. I’m actually intrigued to read the book! I’ve been blogging a loooooooong time. Like Elle mentioned, I started my online journey at Geocities before “blogging” was actually a thing.
HilLesha says
I have been blogging for almost 11 years, and I always feel that there is always room for improvement! I’ll have to check out this eBook. 🙂
Liz Mays says
Sometimes I miss the simplicity of my early blogging days when it was low pressure and just a hobby.
vanessa: thequeenofswag says
I do miss the days when there weren’t so many blogs and it was more about just blogging about what you love.
Colleen says
I am always looking at ways to improve my blog.
Jenn says
It’s always good to revisit how to monetize and maybe learn new tips.
Donna says
I started my blog 6 1/2 years ago to mainly advertise my CafePress shop, but within weeks I knew I loved writing, so I closed my shop to just write. I do miss the simplicity of fun of writing just for writing’s sake sometimes. Although I love where my blog has gone, too.
Markita @ SweshFit says
Wow 9 years! I can only hope that I’m still at it after all that time. In my tiny span of 8 months, I have already learned so much and I still feel like I don’t know anything at all! But it’s a fun journey so I’ll just keep cruising.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I need to spice up my blogging.
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) says
Thanks for sharing this resource! I’ve been blogging since 2008 and where I am now compared to where I started is like a marathon in itself. I never think I know everything nor that I don’t have to learn more things, so I may just check this out.