I attended the Allume conference (originally Relevant) in 2011 and again in 2012. I was privileged to blog along with the amazing women of Allume during 2013, discussing writing, “upside down blogging,” and social media as it integrates with our “life in the light.”
When the Allume blog went offline at the end of 2024, I republished here some of my most popular posts from the Allume blog, along with those of my friend and fellow blogger Trina Holden.
“Hi there! I’m Gretchen.” It’s how I introduced myself at the first blogging conference I ever attended. But no one recognized my name. Until they saw my blog address scrawled on my nametag. “Oh, you’re the little pink house!” Well, actually, I am not the little pink house. That’s what I called my blog, because…
When you read yet another post enthusiastically encouraging you to start a newsletter, what do you think? Probably the same thing I did for a long time: “That’s advice for bigger bloggers, bloggers who are marketing something, or bloggers with a clear idea of where they’re going online. But definitely not for me.” But today…
I hear the rumbles every time Facebook makes a change. I’m going to quit Facebook. I like Google+ way better. And just like that, bloggers everywhere are ready to drop one of the most popular social media networks. Not because their readers have abandoned it, but because the bloggers themselves are fed up with it. I…
Everyone knows it’s not a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket. But sometimes, I think we’re trying to carry too many baskets — especially when it comes to social media. There’s always a new social media network. Something to try, something to learn. A new opportunity to get lots of followers…
One of the most beautiful thing about contributor blogs is the community found therein. But sometimes, especially if you’ve been managing the blog awhile, the community can begin to feel stymied and in need of being revived. Here are a few ways I’ve used to help foster (and revive!) the community on a contributor blog. 1. Make…
It’s one thing to set up and manage a contributor blog, but when it comes maintaining the excitement and the quality, a blog with multiple contributors can hard to keep going for the long haul. Especially when your contributors are busy bloggers themselves! But here are a few methods I’ve used to help maintain the momentum…
I found myself part of a contributor blog back before anyone really knew what blogs were, let alone contributor blogs! In the beginning, everyone had publishing permission and you never knew whether two posts would go up in a day or none in a week. The team at Kindred Grace has been so patient with me as…
Do you love your blogging friends but often find yourself wishing they lived next door? What if you could have a conversation with a fellow author at farmers market each week? What if you could invite a blogging buddy over for a tutorial in WordPress and widgets? What if you could call a friend in the…
Just a little list I kinda wish someone could have stapled to my packing list last year…. Do get some business cards. No blog is too small to not need a business card because that blog and that card represent amazing YOU! If you’re still in the middle of the branding process or not sure what all…
As a smaller blogger, unsure of my niche and how to bill myself, branding was a big, intimidating obligation, kind of like meeting prospective in-laws for the first time. (Can we just get this over with?) Much of the advice I read seemed to apply to people who could already define themselves and what they…
Does true contentment as a blogger mean we don’t try to grow? Absolutely not! As Christian bloggers, growth should definitely be one of our goals, though how we pursue that goal will look different for each of us. Some prefer to let growth happen naturally as God leads people to their blog. And there’s nothing wrong with…
By now I hope you’ve embraced your impact as a smaller blogger, are celebrating the joy of building relationship with your readers, and {just about} ignoring your stats altogether. It feels good, doesn’t it? But…What if God calls you to enlarge your reach? Or what if seeds you’ve sown in your blogging journey suddenly ripen…
