In her inimitable “less-fuss” style, Hayley Morgan has created a “No Brainer” eBook that will do for your blog what her first eBook did for your wardrobe. The No Brainer Blog is practical and realistic, and truly a must-read for anyone who blogs or has ever thought about blogging.
Hayley’s approach to blogging is the same as it is to life: keep it simple, re-evaluate often, and if it doesn’t work, throw it out or do it differently. That approach makes for an easy to read 43-page eBook jam-packed with information that applies to all different styles of blogs.
First, Hayley explores “Casting Your Vision”. Whether you’re just beginning to plan a blog or have been blogging “forever”, Hayley’s book will provide food for thought about your blog’s vision and purpose. Should you monetize? How often should you post? How much time can you invest? Hayley guides you through each question with a view towards sustainability and worth:
“It is important to think about how to make blogging sustainable for you.”
(The No Brainer Blog, page 6)
When it comes to finding your niche, Hayley says it can be confusing, and even if you do think you’ve found it, hold it loosely. She encourages bloggers instead to focus on “Defining Your Voice”:
“A topic might draw a reader to your blog, but your voice will be what keeps them coming back.” (The No Brainer Blog, page 7)
No blogging eBook would be complete without a section on writer’s block, and Hayley doesn’t disappoint. But she puts her finger on the pulse of the problem, arguing that when you lose your voice or your words you may have been spending too much time consuming rather than creating.
Finally comes the graphic-rich section of The No Brainer Blog: “Refining Your Space.” From sans serif fonts to graphic elements, from matching typefaces to coordinating color palettes, Hayley focuses more on the design aspect of your blog and brand than any other eBook I’ve read on blogging, but I found it to be incredibly helpful. Not only will The No Brainer Blog be worth every penny of $7.99 to those who need some expert tips as they endeavor to design their own blog, but it will be a key tool for those who hire and work with a designer as well, to make sure their design will be up to par.
“Think of your blog as your small home on the internet. It can be decorated any way you like and it can evoke all kinds of feelings from your reader.” (The No Brainer Blog, page 25)
There’s even a short section on photography as well as thoughts on doing a blog redesign, with some helpful points to consider. The eBook closes with some how-tos on everything from sponsorship to growing your readership, and best practices for social media.
For Hayley’s followers (who know her as “The Tiny Twig”), it’s obvious that she has long practiced what she preaches in The No Brainer Blog. Hayley doesn’t just blog: she blogs to inspire women to live out their passion with less fuss. She’s taken the time to find out what works, and she’s sharing her best “less-fuss” blogging practices in The No Brainer Blog.
Hayley is giving away a copy of The No Brainer Blog eBook to two of my readers!
Enter below via Rafflecopter, or buy a copy now if you can’t wait!
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of The No Brainer Blog. Opinions expressed are my own.
Best Blogging Tip? Remember what’s most important to you, and keep your eyes on that. Don’t get discouraged by the censure or too elated by praise. Just keep writing, faithfully writing.
One of the best tips I’ve found is to get out there and comment on other blogs! Because building a tribe is like building a community, and you can’t do that if you’re never reaching outside your own little circle.
I think the best blogging tip I ever received was to be consistent…. not that I’ve actually followed it ya unnerstand! But during the seasons when I have been consistent, when my readers knew what to expect and when to expect it, my readership always went up and the interactions grew richer and more fulfilling for all of us.
Take frequent breaks – they keep you from burning out!
More (content) isn’t necessarily better. Know who your readers are and post with them in mind.
Would love to read this! I have a one year old blog and I adore it with a passion, just need help in some areas to begin making it more well known
http://www.gratefulwithtwo.com
Wooden clogs are pretty uncomfortable for dancing, actually.
Oh, my bad, “best BLOGGING tip” – not C-logging tip.
I dunno. Be your own self. Everyone else is already taken.
Blessings.
I think the best tip I’ve heard is to write brave and to write what you wish you could have read. I did a 31 Days series that was exhausting and scary about my bout with depression, but I’m glad I did, because I wish that someone else had written it for me when I was sick.
Can’t wait to read this book! Hayley’s site is beautiful.
Christina
The best blogging tip I’ve ever found is over at Ann Voskamp’s page, aholyexperience. Her Upside Blogger’s manifesto is the most helpful thing I have ever read.
Rosalie, you’re one of the winners–please reply to my email before the weekend to claim your copy!
The best piece of advice I’ve ever gotten is to be yourself.
Sounds like a good read…would love to win a copy instead of buying it!!!!
One of the best blogging tips I’ve heard: Imagine one person (your audience) in your mind. What he/she looks like. What he/she worries about. What he/she feels, thinks, says, or how they behave. Then write to that person. Often times, you’ll imagine yourself and there are lots of people who can relate to the things you’re dealing with.
The best tip: That REAL life, and real relationships come first. Thanks for the giveaway!
Be honest, real, and interesting. I like what Hayley says about your voice bringing back readers more than just great content. That’s true for me.
Best tip? Write because you love it.
Yes, yes, yes.
(P.S. You’re one of the drawing winners! Please respond to my email within the week to claim your copy.
)
Best blogging tip. Go deeper versus wider. At Allume Trina Holden talked about if you have 50 followers, you may not think that is much, but imagine those 50 women coming to your house, being in your living room, listening to your words. That really impacted me. And now I keep thinking about going deeper with the people who read my blog rather than trying to get more people to read it.
One tip I appreciated and agree with: check your spelling!
write about what you enjoy. don’t feel the pressure to write everyday, but write regularly so your readers know when to read your blog…even if it is only once a week!