If you’ve been active at all in the social media world lately, then you’d know that there is a big event happening this week in San Diego — BlogHer. Everywhere I turn there seems to be a post or tweet about it. This is a HUGE blog conference that draws bloggers from all over the country – mom bloggers, fashion bloggers, food bloggers. You name a niche and there will be bloggers at BlogHer representing that group.
I will admit that I am the tiniest bit jealous (even though I have plans to attend BBC & Type A next year). Who wouldn’t want to experience 3 days of networking, discussion, and fun with 3000 of your best blogging friends? Thankfully I’m not the only one a little green with envy and yearning for some time to network, learn, and grow as a blogger. Liz from A Belle, A Bean, & A Chicago Dog and Jessica from Four Plus An Angel teamed up to create the Summer Blog Social! This event will run all week and will allow bloggers to link up posts that will cover topics like blogging resources, blog design, and creating blogging goals as well as help make networking a little easier – all from the comfort of our pajamas – oh wait I’m trying to break that habit.
I had shared a post two weeks ago where I shared 3 of my favorite blog resources so I would like to share a couple more! The first 3 resources I shared helped a lot with the “nuts and bolts” of blogging so I thought this week I would share some of my favorite social resources that have helped me as a blogger!
1. Twitter
I was a little late to jump on the Twitter train. I honestly didn’t get it. What could possibly be beneficial about talking in 140 character increments? What I didn’t realize then was that those 140 character statements do not exist as a single entity but form a CONVERSATION. Yes I capitalized that on purpose. The purpose of twitter is not to simply tweet blog links or ads (which is fine in moderation) but to actual network and CONNECT with one another. It is all about the conversation. I have met so many amazing people through twitter both in relation to blogging and to chronic illness. If I have a question about a plugin for WordPress, I can ask twitter and have a response in no time. If I have been prescribed a new medication and have questions, I will undoubtedly find a fellow spoonie who as had experience with it before and can answer my questions. I love blogging and getting to respond to your comments here at ANKON but I love being able to chat with you on Twitter! If you’re new to Twitter, here is a great article on getting started with Twitter by Eli Rose Social that can help get you on your way!
If you are more comfortable in a forum-type setting, then the Blog Frog is the place for you! There are forums on every topic imaginable and it is a snap to create your own community as a part of your blog! BF creates a great place to ask questions and join in discussions as well as read blog posts from your favorite bloggers and discover new blogs while you are at it! I have discovered some of my favorite blogs through the Blog Frog forums! As a blogger, creating a community is a piece of cake! Becoming a member of Blog Frog is quick and free however there are a lot of great benefits to paying for a premium or platinum members as well such as advertising and newsletters! Even if you are not ready to create a community of your own, it is a great place to network and meet other bloggers!
Some would probably debate whether or not this would be considered a “social” resource but I decided to add it to the list anyways! The purpose of Klout is to help discover topics that you are considered to be influential in across the social media world. Of course, the system isn’t perfect and there are tons of complaints about how quacky the system regarding creating a score and deciding which topics relate to you. I won’t deny that – I’ve been stated as being influential in pirates on more than one occasion. I try not to take more score too seriously as it always tanks on the weekends. Personally, I think it can be a lot of fun! Every day that you log in, you are able to award K+ to your friends in categories in which you think they are influential. Some can be funny while others are more serious. For example, I thought it was hilarious that somehow pirates ended up on my list while I take pride in my status of being influential in health and endometrosis. There are also fun perks that you can get awarded! I won’t be stinky for a whole year after receiving a year supply of Secret Clinical deodorant as a Klout perk. Again, I’m not sure how the perks get awarded. Some I’ve qualified for and others I haven’t. Klout can be a great resource and a lot of fun – just don’t take it too seriously – it takes all the fun out of it!
Have you tried using any of the above? Love ’em? Hate ’em? What are some of your favorite social media resources?
p.s. If anyone is planning on heading to Bloggy Bootcamp Atlanta (or considering it) and is looking for a roommate, please let me know! I need one desperately!
