Where do I begin.......
I learned so so so much. I attended some fabulous classes and I seriously was a sponge. Here are just a few of the notes I really took to heart:
* Scratch the itch or your readers will go elsewhere. -Jenny, LGN
* Remember what Inspired you originally! - Jenny, LGN
* Disclosure is very very very important. You now have to let people know anytime you are writing a post that someone is paying you to write or if you've been given a product for review. Basically just be honest with your readers. And if you are given anything that is worth over $100 you have to claim it for taxes.
* You HAVE to credit sources.
* Be kind and generous, it comes back to you. -swiss miss (I seriously believe in this principle!)
* When it comes to advertisers test the waters first. You'll come to know what your value is worth over time. I think this is so true. Wait till you have a good following before you introduce sponsors to your blog. It's better for everyone.
* Do not use the comment section of other bloggers to promote your site or products. Use it build friendships and community.
* Spend at least 30 min. a day commenting on people's blogs. And make your comments smart.
*Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the busiest blog traffic days.
* My favorite was, "You cannot build your blog in a vacuum!". - a practical wedding You can't just expect to gain readers unless you are actively seeking them and getting to know them.
Basically here is my summary in a nutshell. I learned that I need to think harder about what my readers want to read about. You have to be original. I never want to read a blog that has images I've seen a thousand times before or is just a reposting of a DIY. You need to be thinking of things that no one can read anywhere else. I want to get to know my readers better as well. I need to be better at disclosing and more upfront with all of you. If I am receiving an item for free or getting paid for a post I will be letting you know. I am also herby swearing to be better at Twitter. I'm possibly the worst there is. But thanks to Tweet Deck I think I can actually start to handle it. I also learned that there are SO many blogs out there that I don't know anything about. I have my little niche of blogs I read but I want to expand my horizon and read a few things that aren't necessarily in my comfort zone. So here are my goals for my business and blog this year.
* Get a Website
* Have at Least 3 Projects Photographed for my Portfolio
* Re-do my Blog Design or at Least Clean it up a Little
* Post more Original Ideas
* Get to Know More Bloggers. Especially the Local Ones.
* Re-do my Advertising Strategy
* Comment on Your Blogs More
* Finish My Master Bedroom! (okay I know that has nothing to do with my business or blog but it really needs help).
It can definitely get discouraging at times to think of how far I have to go and how GIANT some blogs are. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE blogging and I am so happy to get to share it with all of you. And if you are thinking of starting a blog but are a little scared here is a quote shared at AlT that I love:
"In all new beginnings dwells a magic force" - Hermann Hesse quoted by Tina Roth Eisenberg
Another great part of Alt is the social aspect. I met some amazing people!
I have loved blogging for a very long time and it's wonderful to meet people who are equally as passionate about it. Here are some of the people I got to meet and mingle with:
Elisabeth Fraser from You + Me
Janette Crawford from Storenvy
Danyelle Mathews from Dandee Designs
Capree from My Adventure is Your Advantage
Janie Liu of We Heart Paper
Katie Richardson from Puj
Caitlin Fleming from Sacramento St.
Susan of House of Brinson
Alisa Openshaw of Modern Palm
Marisa from Creative Thursday
Brittany Ambridge from Aubergine Photography
Megan Biram from Mimi + Meg
Trina McNeilly from La La Lovely
Pam Kueber of Retro Renovation
Nicole Hill from A Little Sussy
Holly + Kristen from Alice Lane
Jenny from A Little Green Notebook
Amanda from Recycled
Marta from Marta Writes
Bri from Collected
Melanie from Fifth and Hazel
Sarah Jane from Sarah Jane Studios
Caroline from Armelle
Susan from Freshly Picked
Annie from Annily Green
Stephanie from Stephmodo
Here's me and Caitlin talking with Bri.
One of my favorite parts of the summit was getting to hang with Caitlin who I email frequently but don't get the chance to spend a ton of time with.
Here we are at the Kate Spade party. Which by the way was amazing.
It was thrown by the Girls with Glasses. It was fabulously decorated
Kate Spade = Magic.
Plus we got a goody bag with this cute book, Things we Love. I can't stop flipping through it.
Looks like you had a fabulous time! You and Jenny from Little Green Notebook have shared some great ideas that are much appreciated by a new blogger like me.
ReplyDeleteIt was also good to know that even a very established and GOOD blogger such as yourself can feel discouraged. I have felt discouraged a number of times! But like you, I LOVE it. So I'm going to keep at it!
Thanks so much for sharing!
What great advice....I think your blog is great and what you're doing is great! When you think about how many blogs there are, it is overwhelming! Sometimes I hate discovering a new one because I know how hard it is to keep up with the ones I'm already addicted to!! :) thanks for the tips
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the info! I never would have guessed the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday thing. I'm just starting out so this was really helpful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. It sounds like you had a great time! You and Caitlin look adorable in your glasses.
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister (c: That is great advice and although it fills me with feelings of inadequacy, it also makes me want to be that much better! Just like your blog, you are one of my blog heros! I've been totally addicted to yours for a while now and I'm pretty sure that you are doing all the things that will keep you around for a long time (c:
ReplyDeletePS-I am so obsessed with Kate Spade...that party looks AMAZING! Kinda really jealous of all you Alt-goers right now...(c:
Thanks for sharing everything you learned. I'm also new to blogging so it is much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteLooks like such a blast. Thanks for sharing what you learned. It really is true about being intentional about creating relationships rather then just getting readers.
ReplyDeleteYou are adorable! I'm so glad you posted this {and took such great notes to share for those of us who weren't there}!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great start to the new year!! I sometimes wish I was a graphic and/or interior designer so I could soak up all the know-how. You are so very talented and your pictures and ideas are so inspiring! I've been reading your blog for a while now, on a regular basis, so I figured I should poke in and say hello! Kepp up the fabulousness!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.melissabarrickphotography.com
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing! I'm a new blogger and that advice is golden, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Kate Spade?! (I'm weak in the knees!)
one of my favorite parts was hanging with you too!
ReplyDeleteWe need to do get together more often!
I need to get on the ball with my alt recap. This was a great summary.
thanks for the great ideas! Seriously, SO helpful!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing, especially the party! BTW...I left you a blogger award on my blog...I hope you'll participate!
ReplyDeleteKirsten,
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful for all of the helpful info. And Alt looks like it was a blast! Thanks again for sharing!
Thank you for sharing the tips. Very informative. I'm just a small self-purposed blogger, but enjoy reading your design blog and the others that I have found.
ReplyDeleteHi Kirsten! Sounds like an absolute blast, I am so thrilled that it was such a wonderful experience for you! I too am most grateful for your great blogging advice and of course the amazing inspiration you share with us. BTW seriously swooning over the Kate Spade party pics! You girls are too cute in your glasses! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great day! xoxo
Trish
Great pictures! I'm sad we didn't get one together! Keep in touch!
ReplyDeletei really want to go to this someday!! how fun and i've seen too many of my usual blog reads posting. im kinda jealous. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! Completely agree with everything you've shared!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tips. It's great to learn from experienced bloggers like yourself. Love your goals!
ReplyDeleteKristen, thanks for the recap...I am just entering the blog world and need all the tips I can get:).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips you learned at Alt! I was devastated when I couldn't go this year (despite the fact that I live in PROVO!) Loved the ideas - my blog has a loonnngg way to go!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun trip. You are so sweet to share the advice. Your and your blog have been such a role model for me. Good luck with all that you are hoping to accomplish!
ReplyDeletegreat write up! how did we not meet? next year?!
ReplyDeleteLove your purple jacket in the pic of the four of you! Looks like you had a blast. Thanks for sharing a great little summary of alt.
ReplyDeleteit was lovely to meet you!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I would kill to go to a Kate Spade party. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures from the Kate Spade party have me smiling for no reason!! Thanks for the great tips, it's fun hearing about what you took away from Alt, especially for those of us who weren't there.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you shared so much, Kirsten! You rock.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a helpful recap! Note to self: take notes next year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing those with us who can't attend the event. Your highlights are really something a blogger, especially a newbie like me, should ponder on. Btw, I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you ladies had a fab time.
ReplyDeleteGreat recap. It sounds like a fantastic journey. Also, the GWG Kate Spade party is beyond fabulous.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your summary and that snazzy purple jacket :) You have accomplished lots with your blog and I always love reading it!
ReplyDeleteOkay, you are too freakin' cute. How fun! Not just brown-nosing, but you are the first blog I click on every day!! LOVE it.
ReplyDeletebtw, thanks to you, just sent fabric to your sponsor Windows by Melissa. Will send you a pic when I get them. Stoked!
Dear Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteThnx for sharing some highlights from Alt. I so wanted to be there but even with my company willing to pay half I was still a bit scared to take the leap. Maybe next year? Can't wait to see all you plan to do with your already fantastic blog!
Thanks for sharing what you learned. I'm new to blogging so this really is helpful. Especially the part about being original. It is easy to just pull a bunch of nice pictures off the internet but to really come up with unique, interesting info is the challenge. (which you do a great job of)
ReplyDelete*sigh* Wasn't Alt your favorite? I had the best time. Oh, and I'm practicing what I learned, too, and stopping by to say hello and let you know I'm a long time reader and lurker. ;-) This is a perfect summary, I really was just so inspired to be more creative and also more engaged with bloggers outside of my typical niche. There is this whole big community just waiting to be discovered.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it was blast to attend! Hopefully next year I'll be able to! Thanks for sharing some of the things you learned from Alt. It's always great to hear how to make this fun thing of blogs better.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all of your great information! It is very helpful to a new blogger like myself trying to figure everything out.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pillows! Love them....what a great giveaway! I like the mosaic linen pillow. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOops....left my previous comment on the wrong post! I'll repost it.
ReplyDeleteAlt sounds like so much fun. Thanks for sharing some of the valuable advice!
I'm so jealous of your trip and the chance to meet so many new bloggers! Thank you for posting your notes, all of the information is very helpful! Looks like the KS party was a blast! You two look so cute.
ReplyDeleteWas't it great! Only wish we could have hung out more. I missed the Kate Spade bash, but glad you got such great pics. Lets get together, yes? Utah gals unite?
ReplyDeletethank you so much for passing on some of the knowledge you gained from Alt!
ReplyDeleteI have a suggestion for a new segment on your blog. How about a chance to win design help fom you. I have looked for the right end table forever and can't seem to find one. I would love the opportunity to send you a picture of my problem spot and you can post it with moe advice on end tables or whatever the issue might be that week. Just an idea?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advice! I have been struggling to get more readers to my blog. And I for sure get very discouraged because sometimes I feel like I'm talking but nobody is listening. I am going to try to mix stuff up and act on your advice and see what happens. I sooo wanted to go to alt, hopefully next year.
ReplyDeleteKirsten, I just love coming to your blog. You seem SO down to earth and just a lovely person all around. I really relate to you and your blog is a joy! Thanks for sharing your most important ALT tips!
ReplyDeleteYour business and blog goals are practically mine - right down to the master bedroom. I'm bummed that I missed Alt, but appreciate your summary. Thank you!
ReplyDelete~Chanda
Thanks for sharing the blogging tips. Always helpful to know what the pro bloggers have to say.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to go so badly! Hopefully next year I will.
ReplyDeletei know i have said how cool and fun this much have been to go to, but after re-reading your bullet points it sounds like you have learned a lot too!! i love all of the blog tips, especially as a new blogger. and im new to yours and i'm loving it. can't wait to read more and keep up.
ReplyDeletewow! thanks for the inspiration! just found you and im pretty much SMITTEN.
ReplyDeletexoxo brit
Don't shortchange yourself! You have a GREAT blog and it is very well designed. You must be doing something right! Looks like a great time meeting so many new friends....
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Thanks so much for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteWhat great advice. blogging really is so much fun. The Kate Spade party looks like a blast.Love the hanging glasses.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness that looks like the best time ever. Aren't you glad you bought that dress? So cute!
ReplyDeletegreat advice...I'm printing it and pining it to my wall!
ReplyDeleteI just want you to know, all those things you listed...already describe your blog...you do such an awesome job!!! You are a a "go-to" blog in my opinion! One of the best out there!
ReplyDeleteKirsten, thanks so much for sharing all those tips from Atl. I am a new-ish blogger and it helps so much to hear such words of encouragments and advice from those who have been at it longer. I love being a part of this community so far and cannot wait for what the future has in store!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the recap, Kirsten! Your blog is amazing, so be sure to give yourself the credit you deserve!!! And you and Caitlin are just the cutest ...
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you were able to attend the ALT design summit. I wanted to got so badly, but I'm a poor college student that couldn't sport the money or time to go. Thank you though for sharing the key points you learned. It helps a lot to hear professionals opinion on blogging. Have a fabulous day!
ReplyDeleteYou're so lucky you got to go!! I love the glasses and their co. name0!! So clever! Thanks for sharing what you learned with us. I am a new blogger and like you, I enjoy it even if it's not huge (yours is a lot bigger than mine). I am a loyal reader of soooo many blogs (including yours!)and it's soooo cool that you all know eachother! I'm so glad it was inspiring, and appreciate you sharing the experience:)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your summary and the tips. I think that attending to Alt. is every blogger's dream. I've been so looking forward to reading everyone's experience. Thanks for sharing yours ;)
ReplyDeleteThat Kate Spade/Girls with Glasses party looked absolutely incredible. I kind of sort of wish I would have tried to sneak in or something.. ;) haha just kidding. (Sort of.)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the summary! I almost went to Alt this year but it didn't work out so it is so nice to get a vicarious taste! Love the party photos!
ReplyDelete