Lessons From My First Blog Conference

I went to my first blog conference last week. I’ve wanted to attend BlogHer and other conferences offered around the country, but the timing has never worked out for me. When I saw that SITS GIRLS (led by the extremely knowledgeable Tiffany Romero and Francesca Banducci) was hosting one of their one-day Bloggy Boot Camp seminars ten minutes from my house, I knew I had to go.

There was so much information packed into the day that I’m finding it easier to divide what I learned into two categories: What I’m Doing Right and What Could Use Some Work.

My definitions of “right” and “could use work” are pertinent to me and my goals. Many bloggers were at the conference to learn more about working with brands. But there were other writer-types like me there who also want to grow our numbers of readers and “followers.” At least that’s what I think the takeaways were for writer types. Some of the “purist” writers tend to feel resentful of what it takes to get a reader’s (or agent’s or publisher’s) attention these days. I get where they’re coming from, but I just don’t find that resentment useful.

Yes, it’s a bummer that agents and publishers require writers to develop a following of readers before anyone will take a chance on signing you. Nevertheless, my attitude is this: It is what it is. I’m grateful that the blogging world exists. If it didn’t exist, I would not have had the opportunity to start a freelance writing career while raising four kids. I did not go to school for writing and journalism. I’ve had no internships in the field and really no experience as a writer other than practice and learning as a reader. I’ve also learned a tremendous amount about what I like to write and how I like to write simply through my (almost) three years of blogging. I’ve made connections with other writers and with editors because of my blog.

So . . . instead of feeling resentful of the blogging world, Twitter, Facebook and all the rest, I try to embrace what’s available to me because of the online world. And I do what I can to help other writers, too. The blogging community is actually an extremely supportive one. The conference last week reminded me of that fact. People were there to learn from each other, discover local bloggers, and find ways that we can work together. How cool is that?

Even if I never want to represent a brand, I certainly want my blog to grow. I want my writing to get out there. With those goals in mind, I will finally share some takeaways from the conference.

Let’s start with the positive. Here’s WHAT I’M DOING RIGHT:

1. Blogging Platform

I moved my blog from the free wordpress.com to a self-hosted wordpress.org blog last year. That was a pricey, time-sucking, endeavor, but worth every dollar and minute. I’m glad to hear it was the right call. For any writer who wants to call her website her homebase, it’s wise to have some ownership over that space.

2. Twitter

Twitter is the one social media platform that I really enjoy. I get it, I like it, and it likes me. It took time, but I’ve learned to Tweet wisely instead of letting Twitter take over my free time. I’ve written many posts on the subject, and I’ve even dedicated space on my menu bar to help others learn the art and science of Twitter.

And now the longer list– WHAT COULD USE SOME WORK:

1. Defining Myself

I made business cards and had some great conversations with other bloggers. Many of those conversations started with someone looking at my card then asking me, “But what is your blog about?” Oops. I should have put that on my card, which is easier to do, by the way, if you’re a food blogger, a book blogger, or any kind of niche writer. I cannot seem to answer the question, “What do you write about?” Who wants to sit through an explanation that sounds something like the following? “I write about parenting, marriage, friendship, reading, writing, social media, Judaism, and whatever else I feel like writing about.” Nobody. While I don’t plan to limit the subjects I write about, I would like to figure out how to define my writing in a word or two.

2. Video

One of the presenters, Danielle Smith, spoke about the importance of video for anyone with a blog. I am so clueless on this subject. I have never vlogged, and I’m sort of terrified of putting my face and voice out there in the video world. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little intrigued. I’m going to watch the how-to videos on her site and see if I can summon some courage.

3. Google Plus

Every successful blogger swears that Google Plus is where it’s at these days. I’ve had an account for a while, and with some of Jamie Dorobek’s tips I hope to make some use of it. [Edited on 12/29/20 to say LOL to Google Plus]

4. Instagram and Pinterest

I’m on Instagram and Pinterest. I like them both, but I do very little with either of them in terms of my blog. I tend to use them more as a consumer (someone who enjoys what I see there) rather than a content producer (someone who adds to what’s there). I might play with the producer side of it all. We’ll see.

5. SEO

I could be using SEO so much better than I am (which is not at all). I’ve been meaning to make use of SEO for the past three years. I haven’t done it yet, but I did accidentally get Google’s attention for my barre post which is the most visited post on my site every single day. Not exactly what I meant to be known for.

In summary, I’m so glad I went to the conference. I had a great time and met some very cool local (and non-local) bloggers that I never would have met in person otherwise. In this internet world, I find it easy to stay comfortable behind my computer. I’m glad that opportunities exist to challenge myself and remove the screen that sits between all of us when we write, answer comments, Tweet, etc.

Have you attended a blog conference? Are you interested in attending one? I would love to hear your thoughts about conferences in general. 

Bloggy Boot Camp photo with me and three attendees
At Bloggy Boot Camp with Jen Stephens, Lee Blum, and Julie Burton.

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Nina Badzin hosts the podcast Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. She's been writing about friendship since 2014, co-leads the writing groups at ModernWell in Minneapolis, and reviews 30+ books a year on her website.

70 Responses

  1. I love this. Very informative. I completely agree with your perspective on embracing the online world, though I’d be lying if I said that I don’t struggle with this. Defining myself is SO challenging for me. When you figure out how to describe your writing in a couple of words, let me know! 🙂
    Jessica recently posted..A Storm Passing ThroughMy Profile

  2. I haven’t ever been to a blog conference, but I’d like to go sometime. I agree that there’s much to love about blogging (and that it is what it is). I agree, too, that I’ve learned a lot about writing (even though I do have a journalism degree — it’s a wonderful opportunity to directly reach readers. Like you, I don’t want to represent brands but would like to draw in more people, so I found this post both useful and informative, especially about defining myself (my brand!) and Google+ and SEO. Thank you, Nina!
    Julia Munroe Martin recently posted..This is a True Story…My Profile

        1. That post also gave me a bit of an anxiety attack though. Baby steps. Get through what you can. I’ve watched a few videos. My first goal is to get the Google authorship thing functioning.

  3. I attended BlogHer YEARS ago when I was a mommy blogger. I had some fun and met nice women, but found it very cliquish. Maybe that’s just because I wasn’t part of the cliques. Also, I’m not a partier, I’m more of a sit-and-talker, so it just wasn’t my cuppa. I wonder how I’d feel as more of a “book blogger.” I did put that on my newest business card.
    Amy Sue Nathan recently posted..Guest Post: Author Rita Plush On Writing The Short Stories Of Our Lives And Never Giving UpMy Profile

    1. This conference was much more business oriented than what I’ve heard about BlogHer. It was only from about 9-5 so there was a lot to cover. People took it seriously.

      Your blog is for sure a book blog now. But your card should say AUTHOR! RIGHT? Although of course you can have both. I’m sure you have author. I mean, you earned that one.

  4. I laughed out loud reading “defining myself” – whenever someone asks me what my blog is about I stutter and can’t answer them. I have even asked my blog readers what it’s about. They can’t answer either. That can’t be good … 🙁 xox

    1. Jennie, I searched for her tips too so that I could share them in my post but I didn’t see anything. I think she just spoke from experience and she had made a visual presentation to use. I think she said she would turn that presentation into a post or a Google doc or something. If it turns up, I will let you know!

  5. I love your attitude re: being a writer and having a blog, and needing to grow that. Also, I direct all Twitter newbies I know to your posts about getting started on Twitter!

    I think all the stuff you need to work on can be awesome, even just to try it once. I vlogged a few times, even though it’s way out of my comfort zone, but really, it’s easier than you think, and it can get addictive, believe it or not.

    I’m with you on SEO. I know what it is, I know how I should use it, but I don’t really. 🙂

    Glad you took the step to attend a conference – it’s on my life list of things to do!
    Alison recently posted..Blogging, Social Media and NegativityMy Profile

    1. Thank so much re: Twitter post referrals!

      I’m sort of shocked (and comforted) that you consider yourself a SEO newbie in some ways. It makes me feel like there’s hope for me because your blog is as professional and content-rich as they come.

    1. I still think it’s best to nail a platform or two rather than do them all just a little. Twitter will always be my go to. I want to know how to use them all in case I decide to get active, but I still maintain we can’t be all places at once. Even virtually!

  6. Oh Nina, thank you so much for this post. As I’ve been getting my “sea legs” back, I have found myself finally feeling the urge to get back, seriously, to my blog. Like you, I don’t know what to say my blog is about. Based on the tittle – mom blog is obvious (and hands down the topic that gets the most traffic and comments), but I don’t want to limit myself, either. I’m a freelance writer (with good Lord, an accounting degree) and want to get more gigs! I am a book lover and book reviewer. I love writing about TV. And there’s, of course, autism.
    I tried to post a video recently (of my kindergartener getting on the bus the first time) and after 4 hours – no success.
    Still scared of Twitter and have no clue what SEO is!

    1. I love so many of your posts, but especially the ones about books and shows. Maybe you should try a video with a review of shows? Leigh Ann has a good point below though where she wonders how many bloggers really watch videos. I know I rarely do. Something to think about . . .

      1. Thanks Nina! I actually have a piece posting next week at CLC of the Quarterback episode of Glee. I hope you like it.

        I will think about the video, but the technological aspect of it is daunting. I tried to post a video of Cammy getting on the bus – a minute 90 second clip, and I couldn’t do it, even with Blue Host’s help!

  7. Great summary, and I love how you’ve made peace with the need to be online and doing so much promoting of our work. I loved the comment you made in the writing session about how if we “didn’t care if anyone read it,” then we’d be keeping a journal, not blogging.

    One of the sessions I attended at BlogHer was called “The Unmarketing Manifesto,” and it was about defining yourself when you are a “lifestyle” blogger, not a brand, and not working with brands. I think even if you write about a lot of topics, what’s consistent is you and your voice, and you can shape that into what defines your blog…. Anyway, I think they still have the transcripts of the sessions on the BlogHer site.

    Great meeting you!
    Sarah {LeftBrainBuddha} recently posted..Diamonds and Water: An Economic Analysis of MotherhoodMy Profile

    1. I like that term “lifestyle blogger.” I’ve heard it before and assumed it referred to design type of people. But I guess that’s more DIY or actual “design.” I will Google around for that transcript. Thanks Sarah! And it was a HUGE highlight to actually meet you in person.

  8. I need to attend something like this if I’m going to keep blogging. I have two blogs, one that is more writer-interests and has a larger following and one I just play on with different types of writing. It’s much more satisfying but probably less “commercially” useful.

    I do Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pin and will stop there for now. It’s tough to find the time for all of it. I do think we’re a bit like sheep with it though. I feel like someone tries something online that works and we all stampeded over to do it too. Then someone tries something new and it works and we all stampede that way.

    1. That’s very true. . . the sheep image. Yikes.

      By the way, have you thought of merging your blogs? It seems like so much work to keep up two. I can’t even imagine it!

  9. Sounds like a good experience! I had the same issue with my old blog, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted it to be. Now with the new one being less child and project/recipe-focused, I feel like I can just write about what it means to be a divorced mom, single again at my age. I truly didn’t intend to write about dating but it seems to be turning out that way!

    Twitter I still just don’t get, I might have to brush up on my reading about it with your posts. I don’t pin in relation to my blog, not on Google+ at all, I find that interesting that it’s big for bloggers.
    Kira recently posted..Reasons Why I’d Make an Annoying Date (Plus a Bonus on Red Flags in Dating)My Profile

    1. I think G+ is big for bloggers because Google itself is pretty much everything when it comes to the internet. I can’t explain how it all connects . . . but it does. It was way above me from a techie standpoint.

      I love how your new blog has become a bit more niche. The stories are honest and relatable even if I’m not in the same situation. You hit on core human experiences . . . change, fear, and so on. It’s good stuff!

    1. It DOES feel like a room with a special key. Great metaphor! Twitter is that way too. And I have unlocked that one. I think Twitter is much less mysterious than G+ and than Facebook fan pages and their impossible to know algorithms.

  10. You certainly seem to be doing so much right! I love the layout of your blog, and you put out quality content–the single hardest part of the equation for most bloggers to master.

    Sounds like you had a productive conference!

  11. I also had a long list of things to improve on! It can be hard staying home with my kids to find the time, but I just keep reminding myself that I don’t need to do it all at once. I can chip away at it and do the best I can and that’s ok. It was great getting to meet you, Hopefully we will cross paths again soon!

  12. It was so great meeting you! I need to still write my BBC recap and look through all of my notes. So much great information and you compiled it so well! I don’t think I’ll ever have time to really devote myself to all the variations of social media, but I’m at least ON them all!
    Marta recently posted..Making Time.My Profile

  13. I loved reading this recap, Nina. I can so totally identify with how difficult it is to answer the question of “what do you write?”

    And SEO – it drives me crazy to even have to think about that. I have a plug in that I fill out for every post I write (Yoast) but that’s all I do at this point.

    I am SO glad you enjoyed the conference, learned from it, and bonded with other writers!!
    Shana Norris recently posted..Weekly Menu PlanMy Profile

  14. I LOVE conferences. I recently went to NYC to attend the Latino Writers conference on a Saturday, then caught a red-eye flight back to Austin on Sunday to attend SXSWEco on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Sounds exhausting, I know…but I finished feeling completely invigorated. The right conferences are like everything there is to love about social media and community, except the live version, with real people!

    It looks like you had a lot of fun and learned a ton. I’ve also been thinking lately that I should try vlogging, and that I need to use Google+ more, so I’ll definitely check out the links you shared. Thanks!
    Natalia Sylvester recently posted..The One Writing Rule I Absolutely Won’t BreakMy Profile

  15. I can’t believe how modest you are about what you’re doing right. Two things? Seriously? But it inspires me to want to go to a blogging conference… If you — my blogging mentor — can learn so much from a conference, I’m sure I would get a lot out of it! Once again, a fun and engaging post to read that made me think. By the way, please do a vlog post, Nina! I would love to meet you in person someday, but until then, this would be the next best thing!
    Jessica Smock recently posted..This Is What I Read: The A To Z SurveyMy Profile

  16. So many blog friends have said lately that they have heard that video is a MUST. But being a blog reader, I can tell you that I almost NEVER watch videos, unless it is something instructional that I really need to know. But I’ve also skipped recipes because they had a video and not a written recipe. So I am still leery about that tip. But I’m glad you enjoyed the conference!
    Leigh Ann recently posted..This is how you know you found the oneMy Profile

    1. I’ve been thinking about this comment all day. You are right. I rarely look at a video. Often times if I’m working on my blog (and I include reading other blogs in that) I am at a coffee shop, which means I’m not going to watch a video. I tend not to watch them at home either. So when do I watch them? RARELY. I know we can’t be alone in that routine. SO, why is video still all the rage? I have no idea!

  17. Just found your blog via Kveller, and I’m loving it–especially the name posts! This is interesting stuff. My challenge with blogging is what while I really do love it, if I make it into too much of a “must do x y z” I’m afraid I’ll just give up on it. So trying to find that balance:)

    1. I’m so glad you found your here from Kveller! Thanks for taking the time to click over. I DO love baby names. 😉

      I think your instinct to take things slowly and only do a little at a time is the way to go. In the three years I’ve been blogging, I’ve seen many come and go. It’s easy to do too much and burn out. Slow and steady is the way. For most of my three years, for example, I have only posted once a week. Everyone has to find their own rhythm!

      1. Thank you, that’s so encouraging! I’ve always heard tips to post almost every day of the week, but just can’t manage that. Good to know there are always options:)

  18. What great insight from the conference–thank you for sharing it, especially since I am not sure if/when I will go down the blog conference road. About the biz card/defining yourself debacle … I had a similar issue with my business cards (I don’t have personal blogging biz cards, though now I’m thinking about it because of you!). It was hard to describe my biz without getting too wordy or having folks get glassy eyed. Ultimately, the way around that for me was to have the main side of the card show my biz logo/name and my contact info, and the reverse side have a “watermark” of my logo and three main words (separated by tiny stars) about my practice/writing areas (Land Use Law * Local Food & Agriculture * Living Green). Covers a lot of ground without necessarily pigeon-holing me either. I had the help of a graphic designer friend for this, but honestly you could probably imagine a number of ways to do this depending on your ultimate list of topic areas and make it visually attractive too (wordle or word cloud? bulleted list?) Thanks again for your helpful posts, as always!

  19. Nina~
    A wise woman once told me it’s less important to know exactly what job I want to do and more important to know what type of environment I want to work in.
    I think the same can be said of bloggers like you. It’s less important to define what you write about and more important to define your style; informative, entertaining, encouraging and reflective. You’re like an online Oprah and I mean that as a compliment. I’m inspired by your work ethic and enjoy your perspective and variety of topics. I also appreciate that YOU are the brand. Keep up the good work. You’re doing many things right. I have a lot to learn from you.
    Best,
    Angela

  20. Congratulations, Nina– it’s been really neat to see what you’ve done with your writing in the two-ish years I’ve been following your blog! I keep meaning to comment on your Brain, Child essays too, which are great. It’s nice to have your takeaway lessons from the blogging conference distilled here. Keep up the good work!
    Sarah Baughman recently posted..How Home GrowsMy Profile

    1. Anne, some of us have been talking here about the video issue. If an issue is really confusing and I need a how-to (like some Google stuff and other tech-heavy stuff) then a video is great. I’m not sure I will ever be watching videos on just every day life discussions though. Book reviews maybe? That’s about the only thing I can imagine doing in a video, but even that seems like a stretch.

  21. I know almost nothing (okay, absolutely nothing) about SEO. Or Google+. Or Pinterest. It paralyzes me a bit. But got to start somewhere, right? Did the conference speakers suggest which item should be first on a blogger’s to do list?

    I’ve been working on updating my author web site…almost finished. I used WP.org and so far, so good. I haven’t really delved into the world of plug-ins yet. 🙂

    Thanks for the great information and tips.
    Jackie Cangro recently posted..The One with MarilynMy Profile

  22. Nina, I’m so glad you spent the time to talk about your conference; it’s great hearing what you learned.

    As for describing what you do, I like the idea of the quick-hit list of just a few categories (like my own wellness/writing/vegan food) but I also think it might be helpful in your case to think more of a tagline in terms of what you offer or a line that encapsulates what you’re trying to do, e.g., “happy healthy you” (is from somewhere) or “exploring ways to balance happiness and depth” (or something along those lines).

    As for the video, I’m curious why she would recommend that everyone be doing it. It seems like some topics/blogs are suited to video and some aren’t.
    Diann recently posted..Running Is a BroomMy Profile

  23. I ignored SEO for years until I figured out the horrific terms people were using to find me! Better known for barre than, well, I can’t even type it….

  24. So awesome BBC was close to you!! I really wanted to go but it wasn’t my year. I want to go to BlogHer AND BBC next year. I could really use some help, it seems. I did switch to self-hosted wordpress over the summer. Whew. I visit Google Plus maybe once a month. Ooops. I don’t even know what SEO means. Oops, again. However, I am having the time of my life here. So much potential to grow and in a place that fosters that growth.
    Tamara recently posted..And At The End Of The Day..My Profile

  25. You have clearly struck a chord with your readers — based on the number of comments on this post.

    I think that you were wise to highlight what it is that you are doing right. Because so often we get stuck in what we are doing wrong. And then to name your second list “what I could be doing better” also acknowledges the areas for improvement without berating yourself.

    And, as always, I learned a lot of valuable info from you!

  26. I had a really hard time answering that “what do you blog about” question too. Mostly because I just blog about “whatever.” That was truly my biggest takeaway I think, that I need to be able to define what it is I do and what I write about. So now comes the challenge of putting that into action 🙂
    Trish recently posted..Bloggy Boot Camp RecapMy Profile

  27. I love this, Nina! As with all of the other comments above, you have a great online presence and are very humble about your achievements. This blogging conference is another stepping stone upward. Congrats!
    I’d love to get to a blogging conference. (Wanna meet up?)
    About your “brand”: you are brand Nina Badzin. Everything about you makes up you. But, if you were to choose a 2-word term to help define Nina Badzin, my input would be to incorporate Suburban and Thirtysomething. Your themes and posts fit those two words, to me. And, of course, I’d add a 3rd word: Awesome.
    Love getting to watch the Awesomeness of Nina Badzin unfurl. (I’ve used Awesome a lot in comments here today. It just fits. Sorry! 😉 )
    Thank you for sharing your conference recap and learnings! xo
    Jennifer King recently posted..The Golden Willow: Inspiration for My NovelMy Profile

  28. Wow I learned a lot from this post Nina! And thanks for sharing the Twitter series you did. I admit that Twitter is probably my least-used social media platform (most of my traffic comes from Pinterest and SEO). I’d love to attend a blog conference but I feel like it’d be too expensive (my blog isn’t exactly bringing home the bacon lol).
    Nina recently posted..7 surprising reasons kids need responsibilitiesMy Profile

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Hi, I'm Nina

HI, I’M NINA BADZIN. I’m a writer fascinated by the dynamics of friendship, and I’ve been answering anonymous advice questions on the topic since 2014. I now also answer them on my podcast, Dear Nina! I’m a creative writing instructor at ModernWell in Minneapolis, a freelance writer and editor, and an avid reader who reviews 50 books a year. Welcome to my site! 

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DEAR NINA: Conversations About Friendship is a podcast and newsletter about the ups and downs of adult friendship. I’m the host, Nina Badzin, a Minneapolis-based writer who accepted a position as a friendship advice columnist in 2014 and never stopped. DEAR NINA, the podcast, started in 2021, and has been referenced in The Wall Street JournalThe Washington PostTime Magazine, The GuardianThe Chicago TribuneThe Minneapolis Star Tribune, and elsewhere

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