Tag archive for business - page 2

Blogging is an amazing way to grow your brand and get your business out there, but in the beginning it can be very difficult to get people to start following your blog. Today I’m sharing two ways to get your business out there when you’re just starting out and how to get readership when you’ve got no fans or followers.

1. Guest Posting

When it comes to guest posting, you can either guest post on other blogs or have others contribute to your own blog.

Guest Posting on Other Blogs:

Posting on other blogs has some great benefits. It puts more links to your blog out on the web, which makes it easier for people to find your site in search engines like Google or Bing.

Another way guest posting helps grow your following is by positioning you as an expert in your field. Once you post on another blog, you can add a link to the article and a short description of what you wrote in the Publications section on your LinkedIn profile. You can also add a logo from that blog or link your article to a Press or As Seen On page on your site.

When looking for blogs to guest post on, look for blogs outside your niche that might need help on the topic you’re an expert in. For example: If you’re a graphic designer, try posting on a blog for crafters on the topic of the importance of good logo design.

Having Contributors on Your Own Blog:

Having other people guest post on your own blog can also help publicize your site. When someone posts on your blog, they will most likely share links to the post on their social networks, so your blog is being publicized to their following in addition to yours. Any extra eyes on your site can help grow the number of followers you have.

2. Collaborations with Other Bloggers

Collaborating with other bloggers, both larger and smaller, on a project is a fun way to grow everyone’s following. Brainstorm some ideas for a project you’d like to work on and make a list of bloggers who might be able to help the project.

Once you have all of the details ironed out, reach out to the bloggers on your list to see if they would be interesting in the collaboration. If they say yes, make sure you take care of all of the details for them to ensure that it is as easy for them as possible. If they say no, thank them for their response and move on to the next person on your list.

For example, you could coordinate a blog series on blogger’s favorite DIY projects. Each blogger you collaborate with would be assigned a week, and you would both promote the post through your social media pages. Then when the blog series is over, you could combine each of the DIY posts into an ebook and give it to each of the contributors to give to their following.

This helps each person in the collaboration because their content is being shared with new audiences as each person helps promote their post.

When you focus on these steps to grow your following, you’ll also notice relationships and friendships being formed with the people in your collaborations, which can lead to bigger opportunities down the road.

Guest posting and collaborations will help you go from zero fans and followers to a growing fan base and a growing presence in the online world.

THE WORKSHEET

Download the worksheet to help you get started with guest posting and collaborating: Get More Followers - Guest Posting and Collaborations (The Worksheet)

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So you’ve been going at this freelance thing for a while now. And you are left wondering, “How do I keep my clients coming back for more?”

It’s no secret that it is far easier to obtain additional business from current clients than to acquire new clients. To increase revenue, business strategists encourage the practice of upselling or cross-selling. I hate those terms because they allude to selling your client something they don’t need. For example, I never want to “sell” my client on a fancy, cost-prohibitive, printed brochure when their business may reap more rewards from investing in a website redesign.

Instead of “selling” your client additional products or projects, how about focusing on selling yourself as an asset to their team?

Here are 5 practical ways you can keep your clients coming back for more:

1. Listen more than you speak

Take the time to truly listen to your clients. Ask the right questions. You may find that what they think they need is very different from what they actually need. Show them that you are looking out for their dollar, and they will value you and your work for years to come.

2. Underpromise; Overdeliver

This is key. Allow me to give you an example. After receiving a signed quote for a logo design, I sent my client a specific production schedule outlining when to expect the first draft, revisions, etc. I allowed 14 days to develop my first round of concepts. It may take me far less than 14 days to design the logo, but this way I build in some cushion for the what-ifs (my child gets sick, a family emergency comes up, etc.). Luckily for me, no “what-ifs” erupted so I was able to deliver the logo concepts 2 days earlier than promised. Result: A pleasantly surprised client. Don’t put yourself in a position where you can’t reach deadlines or are delivering sub-par work. If you set realistic expectations and communicate clear deadlines, your clients will be willing to wait for quality work.

3. Facetime

And no, I’m not talking about the app. You can accomplish a lot over phone and email these days, but nothing develops a business relationship as effectively as in-person communication. Schedule a coffee date to introduce yourself and brainstorm. Your client will not only be invested in the project. He/she will be invested in you.

4. Check in

Don’t be a fair weather friend. Check in with your client a few weeks/months after project completion and ask how things are going. Ask if there is anything you could have done to make the project more successful. Show you care about more than a paid invoice.

5. Blog Regularly

You knew this one was coming. Regular blogging will not only do wonders for your website’s SEO, it will enhance your client relationships.  I am amazed at how my “mommy blog,” Letters From LaLa has increased my freelance design business. Your clients want to know you as a person, not just a designer.

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A few months ago, I wrote Design Tips for Facebook Pages, stating that customizing app icons are a must! This tip lead to some confusion since many people had trouble finding and installing an app in the first place… not good. So today, I’m going to show you how to find and install some of the same apps that I use on Ciera Design’s Facebook page! Finding and installing apps on Facebook is not as easy as it sounds. The Facebook search feature is not very good and since apps are developed by third parties, steps to install them vary.

BLOG

I use NetworkedBlogs for my blog tab. This app can also publish new blog posts to your page automatically.

- Register your blog here.
- After you register, you will need to get confirmed as the author in order to claim your blog (steps provided by NetworkedBlogs).
- Once you verify that you own the website, click Add Tab to Facebook Page which appears in the left sidebar under the Blog Management section.
- Select your page from the pop up and click Add Page Tab.
- Click Added to 1 page(s). Click to edit. which now appears in the sidebar.
- Click Choose Blogs at the top, check your blog, then click Save.
- Now Blog will be one of your app tabs when you visit your page!

UPDATE: It seems that NetworkedBlogs now charges for this service so I recommend using RSS for Pages from Involver.

- Click on Click here to Install.
- Choose your page and click Add RSS for Pages.
- Click Allow.
- Enter your feed url and click Add. This will usually be http://yoururl.com/feed OR your Feedburner url if you use Feedburner.
- Set your other options to your preference and click Save changes. Done!

ETSY

I use Etsy Showcase for my Shop tab. This app can also show your shops about information, policies and feedback.

- Find the app here.
- Click the Add To My Page (FREE) button.
- Select your page and click Add Etsy Showcase.
- Click the app now on your Facebook page and add your Shop Name or ID and click Update.
- Now your Etsy Showcase will be one of your app tabs when you visit your page!

TWITTER

I use Tweets to Pages for my Twitter tab. This app can also publish tweets to your page automatically.

- Install the app here.
- Click the Click here to Install button.
- Select your page and click Add Tweets to Pages.
- Allow insights permission and accept the Terms of Service.
- Click the Authenticate with Twitter link, fill in your preferences and Save Changes.
- Now Twitter will be one of your app tabs when you visit your page!

PINTEREST

I use Pinterest Page App for my Pinterest tab. This app can show pins from selected pin boards.

- Find the app here.
- Select your page and click Add Page Tab.
- Fill in your setting and hit Save Settings.
- Now Pinterest will be one of your app tabs when you visit your page!

INSTAGRAM

I use Instagram Feed for my Instagram tab.

- Find the app here.

- Select the page on which your Instagram feed will be added and click Add Instagram feed Tab.

- Sign in to your Instagram account.
- Now Instagram Feed will be one of your app tabs when you visit your page!

To add other apps not listed here, use the Facebook search bar and select an option that shows up under the APPS header. That will bring you to the apps profile page. Remember, that besides the stock Facebook apps (Photos, Videos, Links, Events and Notes) any other app you install will be a third-party app, which means that it is not necessarily reputable or may not work at all. Each app works differently, so it can be a bit confusing. Now that you have your apps installed, highlight what’s important and customize your app icons!

Check out my Etsy shop if you are interested in purchasing a Facebook Cover Design, Facebook App Icons or check out Ciera Design on Facebook for inspiration!

Note: This was published October 19, 2012 and updated on February 2, 2013. Facebook tends to update things frequently so if you see that anything is out of date, or you have any questions, please let me know and I’ll update this post!

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I bet a lot of you guys have heard of the Altitude Design Summit. If not, it is a conference for design-minded folks. Bloggers, lifestyle brands and the companies that want to connect with them — get together to network, discuss theory and love on all things design. If you’re obsessed with lifestyle, food and fashion blogs, fantastic images, smart ideas and great design inside and outside — all wrapped up with a social media bow — Altitude Design Summit is the place to be!

I’m sure many of you, like me, can not make the financial commitment to attend this event (as amazing as it would be)! So, in an attempt to meet the needs of those who cannot make the trip, Alt has added an Alt Channel to make Alt Summit available to everyone, everywhere, all year long! Mind. Blown. Each week you can take classes from blogging and social media experts, the same kind of high-quality topics and content that you’ve come to expect from Alt Summit! I have attended a few of these classes and they are absolutely amazing and only $15, yep!

Alt also has a new blog! They have been busy at work building great content about business, blogging, photography, design and all kinds of useful information to help you do better, what you do! Pretty much every post on the blog is super helpful but I’d like to share some of my favorites!

12 Striking Tendencies of Creative People

Creative people can be a little … different. This article does a great job of explaining that creative people act different because they operate a little differently. Read more…

SEO: How to Start and End a Post Well

Your blog is constantly being visited by search bots (a.k.a. spiders, crawlers, robots). Their job is to read your content, and determine what you’re writing about. That information is then added to the databases of search engines, and pulled up in search results when relevant. Read more…

Setting and Styling a DIY Project

Simple styling will always lead to a successful project! Unless you are a trained stylist, focus your DIY styling to be simple, basic, and bold. Read more…

And In Related News!

I’m so happy to announce that the new Alt blog has featured three of my post, 8 Tips for Great Blogging, Design Tips for Facebook Timeline Pages and How to Manage an Effective Online Life! AND I’m currently working on a social media series for them as a guest contributor! I’ll let y’all know when those posts are up on the site! Update: Here they are!

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I’ve had a few readers ask how I developed a blog readership and for some advice on getting their names out there, so I wrote up this list with some tips and actions to take!

1 – Blog about what you know

I think the most important advice I can offer for someone wanting to grow their blog is to focus on what you love and what you are passionate about. Blogging about what you know insures that you will have valuable content.

Tips & Actions:
- determine the purpose of your blog and stick with it
- don’t feel the need to do it all or try to imitate somebody else
- post quality content frequently
- don’t post what you think people want to hear
- teach a webinar or create a blog series focused on your talents

2 – Get personal / Be real

People want to know YOU, the person behind the blog. People will read your blog if they like what you have to say, that’s all there is to it.

Tips & Actions:
- enjoy what you’re doing and don’t get wrapped up in the details
- share something personal (this can be as simple as sharing your favorite book)
- write the way you speak
- don’t take yourself too seriously
- be true to yourself and what it is you want to share with the world
- add a photo of yourself to your about page
- be accessible (either list your email address or add a contact form)

3 – Create a space worth following

Not only is your content important but your actual blog design is too! Maybe it is just the designer in me, but I am drawn to simple layouts with big pictures.

Tips & Actions:
- have a blog design that you love and that feels like “you”
- use images in your posts (preferably original imagery)
- develop your own style and have a consistency to your design, writing style, content and photography
- only have pertinent information in your sidebars (too much information tends to confuse readers and takes the focus away from your main content)

4 – Invest time for Online Networking

This is a huge one! Online networking allows you the opportunity to engage your readers in real-time conversations and let them get to know you a little better.

Tips & Actions:
- get active in online discussion groups and chats (Better Blogger Network is a great community)
- comment on other blogs (but only if you have something to add to the conversation). Those comments make people’s days, I speak from experience on that one!
– respond to comments on your blog
- never leave a mean comment (you would think this goes without saying but I have seen some mean things out there)
- get to know your readers
- blogging is a community – support one another, make blog buddies, have conversations and collaborate
- participate in blog hops (also know as link ups)
- try not to auto post – tailor your introductions for your post for each social network

5 – Learn from the best

This is something that I did in the beginning. I spent time researching my favorite blogs and I still make sure to follow other blogs that inspire me.

Tips & Actions:
- don’t be afraid to ask others for help (but be careful asking other bloggers to post something on their site – this can put the person in a tough spot)
- find 5 bloggers similar to you and study how they use networks and learn best practices from them
- reach out to bloggers you admire

6 – Guest Post and Sponsor

“Guest posting” means writing and publishing an article on someone else’s blog. There are three main perks to guest posting: it introduces you to new communities, builds relationships with other bloggers and it’s great for search engine optimization. Guest posting gives you the opportunity to give new audiences a little sneak peek into your blogging style and content. Advertising (often called sponsoring in the blogging world) is also a great way to promote your blog to new people. Many blogs offer ad spaces in their sidebar and will introduce your blog to their readers throughout the month. Some bloggers even include guest post opportunities in their sponsorship packages.

Tips & Actions:
- sponsor one of your favorite larger blogs
- sponsor a few blogs with similar readership numbers (I recently switched my sponsoring over to Passionfruit and they have a great directory of bloggers using their network)
- trade sponsor spots (this is a great option if you don’t have money to spend on advertising)
- ask a blogger that you are friends with to guest post

7 – Give your readers choices

I think this is something that is easily over looked. You may assume that everyone reads blogs the same way you do, but that is not the case! For instance, I have never followed a blog through Google Friend Connect since I’m not on Blogger. I usually subscribe to an RSS feed (and read in Google Reader). Someone else may only follow blogs on Facebook, so you need to have these options available and easily accessible.

Tips & Actions:
- give your readers more than one way to follow you and add easy to find links on your site
- starts an e-mail newsletter
- put links in your email signature and wherever potential visitors are likely to see it

8 – Network Offline

A lot of times we get so stuck on networking online, we forget that we can promote our blogs in real life!

Tips & Actions:
- conferences are great for connecting with others who have similar interest
- if you have extra time try to join a non-profit organization. A  lot of  small business owners/professionals are involved in them and you meet a lot of people out in the community
- make sure you have business cards and hand them out when you meet someone new
- find some local groups to join through MeetUp.com
- create an elevator pitch (a 30-60 second short summary to quickly and simply define your blog, business, what you do, etc.)

Great blogs are products of a passion for life and a lot of hard work! Don’t let others fool you, blogging takes time. If you write about what you love and grow yourself first, your blog will follow!

If you have any other tips please leave them in the comments!

photo

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One of my 30 before 30 goals was to spend less time online. This has proven to be much harder than expected! I have been struggling for a balance. I want to stay connected and inspired without getting totally overwhelmed. While trying to grow my blog and get myself out there in the design world, I feel like it is hard to get away from my computer. I am constantly looking to make new connections, and well, that involves a lot of online time!

There is a fine line between being productive online and getting sucked into the procrastination circle of the internet. Everyday I struggle with this, as I’m sure some of you do as well. So to try and create a better balance, I have come up with a few tips to having a fun, active online world without having it take over your life.

Make a list

I am huge on planning and list making so of course that is going to be my first suggestion. Make a to-do list of your top online priorities each day so you don’t get distracted.

Schedule

Come up with a realistic schedule of the time you need online daily. When that time is up then move on! I like to check all my social media while I drink my coffee in the morning. But if you know that starting your day online is only going to lead to major procrastination, save that until the end of the day. Setting your email to only check every hour also helps to minimize wasted time.

Just Say No

If you are using social media to procrastinate, just say no! You should use it for the reasons on your list and then get outta there!

Do it for you

Don’t feel the need to prove yourself. You know that you’re having a busy day but don’t need to update your networks each time you send an email. Share the inspiring and important parts of your day, when you publish a blog post, list an item to your Etsy shop or receive a new piece of artwork that you ordered!

Weed out the negative

Hide or unfollow people and blogs that are negative or make you feel jealous or frustrated, for whatever the reason may be. This is a good way to keep your online world positive. If you are not sure, opt out of these blogs for a few days and see how you feel.

Interact

Interact with people instead of just following. I love being able to connect with all types of people all over the world, that is what excites me about social media. Trust me, most people out there would love to have a little twitter convo or go back and forth for a while on Facebook! Leaving comments on a blog is also a great way to connect. It lets the author know the time they devote to their content is appreciated.

It’s not an easy balance and I have to concentrate on these approaches daily. I hope that these tips can help you to create a fulfilling online space with out getting stuck in an online procrastination loop! If you have any other advice or comments, please share!

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Erin is starting a new series on her blog where she interviews other designers and has them share their experiences and advice. I am so honored to be her first interview! Head over and check it out!

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A few readers have asked about my methods for staying organized as a freelance designer. Working from home can be difficult but here are some simple methods that I use. Overall, I try to keep it simple because the more difficult you make the solution, the harder it is to keep up.

No Such Thing as Too Many Calendars or Lists

I have used both Wunderlist and TeuxDeux for task management and love them both! Recently 6Wunderkinder released Wunderkit so I am in the process of switching over to see how I like it. Wunderkit helps with the grander scheme of organizing and accomplishing things through workspaces, tasks, notes and even allows collaborating with others! All three options are FREE and sync with your iphone! This is really a personal decision on how simple or complex you need your system to be.

iCal works best for my events and meeting. I really like that you can create multiple calendars, set alerts as messages or emails and it syncs right to my phone.

Last but not least, I’ll always have sketchpads and notebooks around. No matter how many lists and reminders I have scheduled on my computer, I still need to have written reminders, by my side, at all times… and I like the feeling of crossing items off. I also keep a separate paper calendar for blog post scheduling.

Easy Access for Supplies
I love using pretty cups or jars to keep my clips, washi tape, pens and office supplies organized. It keeps my desk neat while I still have easy access to supplies.

Photos At Your Fingertips
I upload all of my photos to Flickr and organize them into Collections and Sets. I also use Flickr to host most of my blog photos. It is an easy way to keep backup copies of images and a great way to search through old photographs.

Inspiration Overload
Delicious comes in handy for bookmarking blog posts or articles that I find inspiring or want to remember. I add tags to organize them into categories and personalize each link with my comments. You can choose to keep your links private or share them.

Pinterest boards are a great way to keep track of visual inspiration and pretty things in one central location.

Google Reader is where I keep track of all the blogs I follow. You can add stars to favorite posts or tags to sort them. It’s a great way to save your favorite blog content.

Files, Files, Files

On the Computer:
Folders, I use lots of them and color code like crazy. When clients hire me for a design job, it’s important to keep everything organized. If I need a file a few years from now, I will not have any trouble locating it.

Dropbox is a free service that is great for accessing your files from multiple computers and for sharing files. Anything you save to your Dropbox will automatically save to all your computers, phones and even the Dropbox website.

In real life:
I use a file cabinet and binders to store paper files. I have a basket that I drop everything in until I get to file it properly. I also use flat files for loose inspiration, reference materials, samples of work I have done and any artwork or larger files.

Get Timekeeping and Billing Straight
Billings keeps me sane. I use it for timekeeping and invoicing. If I did not have a timer running I would never be able to keep track of how long I was spending on something. Once a job is complete, I just mark the tasks as done and send an invoice right from there! I really don’t know what I would have done if I never discovered this.

Sync It and Back It Up
It is important for calendars, contacts and files to be syned and backed up! Keep your really important files backed up on TWO separate drives or an online system, Dropbox can also be used for this. I use LaCie external hard drives and Mac’s Time Machine for my backups. I just plug in and don’t need to think about it again!

This is what works for me and hopefully it can be a starting point to help you discover some methods that work for you! Is there anything you think I left out or would like to hear more about? Just let me know in the comments below!

Top left image via Poketo all others are by me.

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