Beyond Blogging: How to Use Your Blog as a Platform for Other Opportunities

Kelly Whalen: The Centisble Life Kelly Whalen is the owner of The Centsible Life, a lifestyle blog with a focus on family finances, and living the life you want on less. Kelly also co-owns a social media business with a focus on brand consulting and event planning called Just Centsible. In addition to that she works with a group of bloggers as Splash Creative Media to create campaigns based on timely topics (such as back to school) with a charitable component. Twitter: @CentsibleLife

Key Takeaways

� Branding is key. � Creating a home base. � Set goals. � Utilize social media. � Opportunities beyond blogging. � How to find opportunities. � The Art of Pitching

Brand Yourself

� You are a brand � Your blog is a brand � Design & logo are key � What’s your story? � Elevator pitch

Home Base � Create a home base on the web.

�  Your blog �  LinkedIn �  Twitter �  Facebook �  Google+ �  YouTube �  and more…

Goals � What does your dream look like? � How can you get from here to there? � Set goals quarterly for growth and

income. � Re-evaluate quarterly. � Find a partner or mentor. � Know that it will change.

Utilize social media

� Be active across social media platforms. � Set aside time to devote to being active

in social media forums. � Analyze what works for you. � Be yourself. � Reach out to brands.

Opportunities

� Every situation/email/tweet/follow is an opportunity.

� Be responsive.

� Create templates for emails.

Finding Opportunities

� Pay attention via social media.

� Form relationships with PR or marketing.

� Your email is the golden ticket.

� Pitch, pitch, and pitch some more.

Freelance � What are you good at? � Offer services, or use your skillset. � Examples:

�  Writing or editing �  Consulting �  Blog Design �  Social Media �  Community Management

Collaboration � Find your ‘tribe’, and work together.

� Collaboration leads to more dollars. � Extend your reach by partnering with

other bloggers.

Sponsorships �  Sponsored Posts

�  Get paid to talk about a brand.

�  Spokesperson Roles �  Could include posts, updates, media,

representation, and more.

�  Brand Ambassadors �  Typically posts via social media and

engagement via calls, or in-person event.

Create your own Product

� Craft your own product. � Branded products � Consulting �  Informational Products

�  E-books �  Free or paid resources

Why Pitching is like Dating �  It’s better to date someone you’ve met

before than go out on a blind date. �  Do your research before you ‘go out.’ �  Make the conversation all about your ‘date’,

but be sure to talk a little bit about you. �  Make sure your date knows what you are

interested in. �  Dress to impress. �  KISS (keep it simple, silly)