photo home-76.png photo about-71.png photo contact-65.png photo press-19.png photo LDV.png photo services-7.png

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Design Bloggers Conference

March 2011 096

Last week, I had the honor of speaking at Design Sherpa’s first annual Design Bloggers Conference in Los Angeles. It was a wonderful event filled with informative and inspiring discussions and a roster of A-list bloggers. Going to these events is always a wonderful experience, whether you’re a new blogger looking for tips or a seasoned blogger looking to recharge. It was so great to finally meet people I had been corresponding with for months or in some cases, years in person! I also appreciate all of the sweet readers that I had the pleasure of meeting at the conference.

IMG_9280[1]

I was asked to speak on a panel with Cassandra LaValle of coco + kelley, Grace Bonney of design*sponge and Tracy Porter whose energy and enthusiasm are infectious. Our panel discussed how our blogs came to be and the journey they’ve taken us on over the course of the past few years. It was really interesting to see how many parallels our stories have and to note where our paths have differed. I was so glad to finally meet Grace in person. I started blogging in 2007, when there weren’t many blogs around. Grace started blogging in 2004, so she really did pave the way for us in a sense. She has such a great story and so many amazing tips for blogging successfully.

IMG_9235[1]

I definitely plan to attend next year’s conference and hope to see some of you there! In the meantime, here are a few of my top tips for making your blog a success. Happy blogging, everyone!

1. Establish your blog’s identity and voice.

2. Create a clear editorial focus for your blog and engage your readers.

3. Explore opportunities that are presented to you (invitations to events, speaking engagements, etc).

4. Network, network, network!

5. Invite others to guest post on your blog.

6. Leverage your blog into something else. The possibilities are endless!

21 comments:

meenal @ maison marigold said...

It would be great if you could do a more elaborate post on tips for new bloggers who are always eager to learn from the more established ones!! xx meenal

Jenna@simplybonvivant.com said...

Paloma~ Thanks so much for this info! As this is a new endeavor for myself and my blogging partner, we admire what you do so much and soak up all that you have to say!!! We wish you continued success at what you do. Hope to see you there next year.
XO

tibi @ thedomesticity said...

Long time reader, first time poster! :) Thanks for all of the helpful information. As a new blogger (and fellow Houstonian!) I'm realizing how much more difficult it is getting yourself out there than I originally anticipated.

Regarding your comment about networking, I'd love if you could dive into more details. With the blogosphere a different animal than other industries, it operates a little differently than, say, an industry mixer at a local bar. Or maybe this happens and I'm just not on the guest list! With so many blogs out there, it can be kind of overwhelming with where to start, so any advice would be really appreciated!

Sara said...

Thanks for sharing the blogging tips. I would love to attend the conference next year.

Vanessa Elizabeth I Ruffled Rose said...

That sounds like a fabulous time. I personally love that there is a shift in blogging these days to become more face-to-face, in some respects.

Julie @ Belle Maison said...

I so enjoyed the conference and it was a pleasure to hear you speak! Coincidentally, I wrote an almost identical post on my blog today, re-capping the inspiring and helpful tips and advice from the four of you. Check it out if you have a moment. xoxo - Julie

Emily A. Clark said...

What a beautiful panel! So wish I could've been there. Maybe next year. Don't you love that you're considered a blogging veteran? :)

Design Elements said...

thanks for sharing, Paloma! useful and inspirational

Savor Home said...

Gosh its a dream of mine to one day get to the point where I can attend! It looks like you had a great time. Thanks for the tips!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the sweet comments, everyone! I will work on putting together a more in-depth post on the basics of growing your blog and will share that soon. :) Thank you for all of your support!

Sarah said...

I love tips like these for new bloggers like me! I'll be waiting for your in-depth post coming soon :)

~Sarah W.

Plum Pretty Sugar said...

It was truly fantastic listening to you all!

xo

www.PlumPrettySugar.blogspot.com

Sarah Greenman said...

I really want to attend next year and plan on doing so.

XO
Sarah

Unknown said...

Great Tips Paloma! Happy Women's Day! XoXo :)

quintessence said...

From everything I've read, the conference sounds like it was a huge hit!! I've loved following along, hearing all the great tips and advice. I think it sounds like a must do next year!!

maisondemarrakech said...

Hello Paloma,
Wonderful tips...I would definately take the advise and try to practise it!
Merci, et Shokurran!

Reina
Maison Marrakech

carolyn said...

great post, love the tips.
@meenal - totally agree, more descriptive posts for new bloggers are always helpful!

Paulette @ At Home in Arkansas said...

Glad the photos came in handy, Paloma. :)

Kimberly Grigg said...

So enjoyed hearing you speak at the conference! What an amazing group of blogging experts, all in one place at one time! Thanks for all of your nuggets of knowledge!

Christine DeOrio said...

Paloma, it was great to meet you last week!

Amy said...

Thanks for the tips. Like other women have stated, it is much harder than I anticipated getting your voice heard. Network, network,network is perhaps the most important tip! Keep up the amazing work.