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Bloggertunities: Good Reads & Resources to Rock Your Blog

This post contains some affiliate links that help to support this site. But I only share and recommend things I use myself and love. Pinky promise.

Blogging Opportunities and Resources

I’ve got a new list of goodies for you ladies – tips and tricks, good reads and resources, opps and networks, and more. Hope you find some helpful stuff – if so, be sure to pin it to refer to later, and share it with your other bloggy buddies. Sharing is caring, right? :) And if you have any events of your own you’re looking for help with – giveaways to join, linkys looking for more linkers, opps you’re looking for more applicants to – feel free to leave the info in the comments section. I try to tweet those out all week for you guys too. Have a great week! [Read more…]

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Learn New Blogging Tips Whether You’re a Beginner or a Pro – #Blogathon2

It’s Blogathon time!! What does that mean? Well, Blogathon is a weekend where we all join together to improve our blogs – learning new skills, growing our audience, meeting new people, and finding new tools. And it’s not all work – there’s also some seriously cool prizes to win too. Want to learn more and join the fun?

Learn new blogging tips [Read more…]

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Who Wants a Free Coach Tote Bag? Sweet Event Coming Up!

There isn’t any woman who wouldn’t be excited to get a free Coach bag, right? Which is why I’m super excited to be able to bring you guys the chance to WIN a super sweet genuine Coach Kyra Signature Tote giveaway event!!

Free Coach Bag

Win a Free Coach Bag – Coming Soon!

For all of my readers – sit tight ladies, this event is in the works, and as soon as we get everything put together, it will start on June 24th. I’m partnering with some amazing bloggers for this – and we’re looking for more to join the fun, and really make this a rockin’ giveaway event. If you’re interested – get all of the info here – Coach Bag Giveaway Event Sign Up Form. The sign up deadline is June 18th, so that we can finalize all of the details before the giveaway starts. You can join totally free – or take advantage of one of the awesome co-host spots if they’re still available! Check it out and join us today…. And readers, stay tuned!! You’ll have the chance to win very soon…..

Want more updates? Follow my blog with Bloglovin

 

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How to Get Paid Blogging Opps

Welcome to the Blogathon, bloggy ladies! It’s that time again, which happens twice a year… A time where we all commit a weekend to not just working on our blogs – we do that all of the time, right? But working on specific tasks, things we might not have thought up on our own, or things we know we should do – but either don’t know how, or haven’t had time. When you visit the Blogathon site you’ll find a seriously amazing blogger-themed giveaway: every task you complete this weekend gets you another entry to win. It’s always an awesome time, so you haven’t linked up yet, check it out! If you ARE already on board – then here’s your mini-challenge on How to Get Paid Blogging Opps.

How to get paid blogging opps

How to get paid blogging opps 

There are a million ways to make money from your blog. {Last Blogathon I wrote a post: How to Monetize Your Blog in 5 Easy Steps.} Another great resource for learning how to earn money from your blog is on Money Saving Mom, in a free ebook. To really monetize your blog, I encourage you to diversify as much as possible – use affiliates, write ebooks, do speaking gigs, teach classes – and just keep looking for the next opportunity. And one great way to find new opportunities is by joining quality blogging networks, and sponsored post sites. You’ll get opps to review products, write posts about brands, sites, or services, and earn an income while doing it. So – I put together this list of totally legit ways to get paid blogging opps. {These are all networks that I’ve worked with, and have earned at least one check from. So I can vouch for every single one.} If you have a favorite to add, please leave a comment so I can add it!

  • 1. Global Influence: This is a great network of over 1500 bloggers, founded by the amazing Amy Lupold Bair. Not only will you find great opps, but it’s also a really active community of bloggers too, with lots of support. Learn more and apply for Global Influence.
  • 2. SITS Girls: Do you want amazing support, super cool opps, and an awesome community to be a part of? Then you want to sign up to be a part of the SITS Girls today! Their opps are always really unique, and pay very fairly for the work involved. I’ve been with them since I first started blogging, and love them.
  • 3. Social Fabric: If you’ve never heard of them – it’s a community of Collective Bias, where they put a big focus on the shopper experience. You’ll participate in “Shoppertunities” – {see an example of a Shoppertunity here.} Learn more on the Social Fabric site.
  • 4. The Motherhood: Oh, how I love this site, and the women who run it! You can learn more about joining The Motherhood – just click the button to fill out the form on the right sidebar. One of my favorite projects to work on with them was creating the Chef Boyardee ebook. And, when Abby was going through her seizures and health problems, these awesome ladies sent us a handwritten card and gift, to boost our spirits. Amazing people to work with!
  • 5. Social Spark {IZEA}: You set up your account, and then you can browse offers to apply for. You’ll also often get direct offers that you can accept or decline. Learn more and join Social Spark.
  • 6. Mom Bloggers Club: This is a great group founded by the amazing Jennifer James – who I was so excited to get to hear speak at Reviewer’s Retreat last year. She was so motivating and inspirational, and went I got a chance to meet her after speaking there myself {first conference ever, AND first time speaking} – she gave such great compliments and made my day. You can sign up to be on their list, and be contacted for compensated opps during the year. Or, if you’re a generous type, you can join me as part of Mom Bloggers for Social Good – another group she founded, where we post about amazing non-profits each month. No compensation, but the awesome feeling of doing good is worth it. {Learn about my fave non-profit on Babble here.}
  • 7. Link Vehicle: Ok, this one you have to be a little bit aware – the amount that they quote you for a post or text link ad – you will only receive, you’ll only get 50% of that amount as a payment. So just be aware, and make sure you’re happy with the work you’re doing. But I’ve worked with them many, many times and have had a good experience – and they pay once a month.
  • 8. Influence: Ok – so maybe this isn’t an “opp” exactly. But there are a lot of other ways to make money from home, and use your influence to get things for free. So – always remember to think outside the box – Use that community that you’ve built up with our blog to earn other places too.
  • 9. One 2 One: This network doesn’t usually have a ton of paid blogging opportunities – but they do have some simple campaigns that can be fun to partner on. You choose which ones you want to sign up for – so you only pick what feels worth it to you, and has value for your readers. There is a high percentage of the type of campaigns where you “post for a chance to win” – But, I do quite a few of these. When it’s good content that my readers will enjoy anyway, or super simple to do like posting to social media, it’s worthwhile to me. The prizes are often $25-$100 Visa Gift Cards, or cool gift packages. I’ve won really often, and enjoy working with them. Learn more and sign up for One2One today.
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  • 11. Pollinate: This is a newer network – but seems to be growing quickly. Here are a few things that matter when thinking about joining – They prefer to pay via Chase payments, not PayPal. It’s an incredibly easy set up, and once you’ve done it, the payments are deposited directly into your checking account, which is really nice. Also – as of right now, the majority of their campaigns are centered around Cost Plus World Market – some that you need to shop at a local store {which I don’t have, bummer} – but many are able to be done online, like this one where I share my love of Owls. Simple directions, fair compensation, and great potential for growth make this one I definitely recommend checking out. Pollinate Media Group App.
  • 12. Double Duty Divas: This is the amazing group that puts on Reviewer’s Retreat, where I was invited to speak about growing your audience earlier this year. They are a ton of fun, and always putting together awesome new campaigns for you to partner on. You can read more about them, see the brands that they work with – and apply to be a Double Duty Diva too!
  • 13. SheHeard: Making Blogger to Brand Connections – that’s what they do! There are a couple of totally rockin’ ladies behind this network, and you’ll love working with them. Learn more about the site, and sign up to be a member of their great community today to get access to new opps.
  • 14. Mom Select: This is a great network that I’ve gotten some really cool partnerships from – Like the opportunity to have our homemade recipes in the Baby Brezza cookbook, which was amazing. They run campaigns on everything from earn a gift card for filling out a quick survey, to chances to host super fun product house parties. Love them. Join the Mom Select team.
  • 15. Business2Blogger: You’ll find everything from paid posts to product reviews on this site. I was able to get connected to a brand who flew me to Texas to cover a really cool event earlier this year, by applying for the opp on the Business 2 Blogger site. Lots of new opportunities going up each week, so check back often. Sign up for their Blogger Outreach.
  • 16. Mom Spark Media: If you’re following the Mom Spark blog, then you already know how awesome Amy is, who runs the site. She also has a network to connect bloggers and brands, called Mom Spark Media. It’s a paid membership – either $5 a month, or $40 a year – And after paying for my second year recently, I can tell you that it’s definitely worth it! You not only get connected with cool opportunities like sponsored posts, twitter party hosting, and sweet product reviews, you’ll also be able to access all of the great support forums too. Love it. {Updated – in the new year, this network will be FREE!}
  • 17. Simply Sassy Media: This is a great network to join – lots of opps from cool products to paid posts. You can request to join the Facebook group, and then check out their website to sign up to get their Blogger Outreach emails with new campaigns to apply for.
  • 18. Blogvertise: This is another site where not all of the writing campaigns are the right fit for me. But I choose carefully, complete a couple a week, and do the “grab bag” tasks to earn extra cash when I have the time. These aren’t really high paying offers – $10-$35, but they add up when you’re on a tight budget! Very easy to work with, and you only have to do the campaigns you want to do.
  • 19. Bookieboo: They don’t send opps out as often as a lot of the others do – but they have some really great stuff. Bookieboo is really focused on health, fitness, and well-being – so if that is something that you’re passionate about, they will be a great fit for you.
  • 20. Glam: This one is a little different… Glam is an ad network. So, to be able to work with them on their sponsored posts, you have to be a member of their ad network, and have at least one ad placed “above the fold” – which means it can be seen without scrolling down on your screen. They can also be a little bit tough to get accepted into – but if you’re not accepted, do try again later in the year. But I was able to travel with some other awesome blogging moms to the Nike HQ last year, and another member I know got to fly to NYC for her son to do a photo shoot for Target. Very cool stuff!
  • 21. Mama Buzz Media: This is a really great way to get connected to things like ambassadorships, reviews, sponsored posts, and more. Join the Mama Buzz blogger community to learn more.
  • 22. Mamma Media: I can’t believe that I forgot to add this one! This is a really great place to connect with other mom bloggers, and find some really cool opportunities and partnerships – Learn more on the site, and join today.
  • 23. Linqia: I love this site! You get to be a part of really great opps – like this one that I’m currently working on, to share savings on BISSELL products, and give away a carpet cleaner. Then, you get paid per click, up to a designated earnings level. And after the campaign is over, they pay via PayPal very quickly. Learn more and apply here.
  • 24. Lunchbox: I haven’t worked with them yet, but have heard really good things. If you’re interested in learning more about them, fill out this form to be added to their database of bloggers.

I hope that some of these have been helpful for you guys. Maybe you found at least a few new places to check out? And – If you’re a part of the Blogathon this weekend, then here’s your challenge to complete…

Biannual Blogathon Bash

Blogathon Mini-Challenge: Find at least one new site on this list to join. Leave me a comment on which one you’re going to try. Or – leave me a comment on a great network or site that I missed – I’d love to join it too!

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Winter Blogathon 2013 Kickoff – Join Me! #Blogathon2

Who’s ready to party?? Then join me all weekend at the best party around – the Winter Blogathon 2013 Kickoff! You’ll meet new people, learn awesomely amazing new tips, get to party with us on Twitter, get a TON of blogging work accomplished – and just to add some whipped cream on top of all that sweetness – You’ll also have the chance to win some super cool prizes too. How much better can you get, right? It’s not too late to join in the fun – let me break down real quick how it works… [Read more…]

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2012 Blog Traffic Report: Analyzing Stats & What I Learned

“If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.” – Lawrence J. Peter… This quote is so true, and is part of what is helping guide my blogging and business goals for the new year. Last year, I felt like I was often just “trying to keep up” – instead of really taking steps towards my goals. {Although as I reviewed my post, 10 Blogging Goals for 2012: Starting with Be More Awesome – I realized I was lucky to accomplish most of what I set out to. This year, I’m working on setting big goals, and really getting things organized and planned out. And since you really can’t know where you’re going, until you can see where you’re been, I decided to analyze last year’s traffic to get a better idea of what worked, and what didn’t.

Blog Traffic ReportSharing blogging stats: I’ve joined a group of bloggers who are all taking some time today to take a look back at 2012, and share their own traffic stats too – you can find the linky down at the bottom of this post, if you’d like to take a look and get a big picture on what’s working for other bloggers too. And – first things first, here’s my total traffic for all of last year, January to Decemeber of 2012:

Google Analytics traffic report for blog, 2012Traffic was lower than expected: Last year when my blog got hacked, I lost almost two weeks of access to my account, and then another full week of mess once I could get back in. That was a big set back. Then, over the last few months, my little one started having seizures. It started with what we hoped at the time was a febrile seizure, but was then followed my months of more of them. Since October I really lost a lot of my blogging focus, due to traveling to Seattle Children’s Hospital for her appointments, testing and procedures, and dealing with each new episode when it happened. So what should have been my busiest time of the year – wasn’t. But that’s ok. I did my best, I made my family my priority, and she’s doing much better now. So it’s time to ROCK in 2013! Very excited to start fresh.

Where my blog traffic came fromThis list shows you where my traffic came from – my top 10 blog traffic sources: StumbleUpon doesn’t bring me as much as it used to earlier in 2012 – no more BIG traffic explosions. But it does bring steady visitors, and hopefully they’ll like what they see once stumbling onto my site, and come back again. The Weekend.tend is one of Glam Media’s sites – they picked up a few posts of mine during the year, which is always really appreciated. Towards the end of the year, Facebook has moved down to my #8 or #9 referrer, and Google and Pinterest have both moved up quite a bit. I’m working on SEO in the new year, so hopefully that will continue to increase.

Top 10 Blogs that Sent Traffic

What I learned here – One, that linking up some great posts on some good linkys can be a really effective way to bring in traffic. That’s where most of this traffic came from – from linking up to photo challenges, recipe linkys, or my personal favorite to find fun new stuff – the Mommy Club linky on Crystal & Co, where everyone links up their best “mom solution” posts each week.

 Top 10 Blog Posts of the Year

What I learned here – It’s very obvious here that while sponsored posts and reviews pay the bills, it’s the real content that I write that is what brings people to my site. Whether it’s just something funny I think will entertain people, a personal experience I think can help educate people, or a fun recipe or craft idea – those are the things that people like to read. Which is awesome, since that’s my goal in the new year, to write more real content again. Another thing I noticed is that many of these are posts that I link to within posts often, encouraging readers to discover more of my favorite older posts.

 Want to see more?

Check out the other bloggers who have put together their own stats posts – See how you compare, what you can learn, what best practices you can adopt. And if you’d like to share your post – leave me a comment below, so I can learn from you, too!


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Bloggertunities: Tips, Tools, Opportunities & More!

“In at least one way we are atypical bloggers. That’s because we just keep on posting. The typical blogger, like most people who go on diets and budgets, quits after a few months, weeks, or in many cases, days.” –  Stephen J. Dubner… This quote is so true. Blogging, in my experience, is one of those things that a lot of people pick up as a hobby, or as a way to get free stuff, or because it’s something that they think will be a get rich quick type of thing. But those of us who have been blogging for awhile now know – it is hard work, and you have to be passionate about what you do, to keep with it long enough to be successful. blogging opportunities for probloggers [Read more…]

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