I have moved to bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com so I will be at that site posting comments. So please come over.
Wednesday
Saturday
Reader Connectedness...
KatyRose topic of questions this week is reader connectedness which I think should be the heart of each blog. If you would like to read what others have to say please stop by www.modlychic.blogspot.com.
Okay here goes.....
1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success of your blog?
I think it's important to have reader connectedness; but I also think that it's great to have good content because if you have good content readers will come. It's give and take because you have to research your material to get a good story.
I often have friends telling me they are following my blog although not virtually following it by clicking on a follow me button or subscribing to one of my communities so I know that people are reading.
2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?
I really haven't done market research on how I attract readers in. I officially started this blog because I love fashion, beauty and hair care and I thought that I could offer some good tips and offer hair care advice. Even a year later, I write because it's fun and enjoyable, not to formulate a technique to get people to read my blog. This blog is about sharing information on fashion and beauty that can help someone.
3. What is one way you can improve this connection?
-I think I would like to spend more time reading other blogs and commenting more. I have commented on some blogs that have never commented back on mine and I don't want to do that. I want to make sure that when people comment on my page I need to make the effort to comment back.
I said it in the above paragraph but I really would like to comment more.
On IFB there's the comment challenge and I think that's awesome because that's a way we can build the blogging community and it's a bit of self promotion as well. I will not leave simple post like "cute blog". I want to make sure I leave a comment about the post I have read not just leaving a comment to get someone to look at my blog. I think that a comment is spam if it is not related to the post that you have on your blog that someone is responding to and I delete those comments. I have often made solid comments on blogs to not have that blogger to comment on mine, but that's their prerogative.
I map out the chain and then it makes it easier to carry out this goal.
Fashion Blogger--->Research---->Write Content---->Publish--->Reader-Connection----->Comment
This seems simple but I realize that I have to read between the lines to make the connection.
4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?
It's hard to choose because I enjoy so many. I think KatyRose of www.modlychic.blogspot.com does a great job because even though everyone cannot comment on everyone's blog since there are so many, bloggers come together to post on one topic every Friday and a group has been created with new bloggers joining everyday. Other Blog communities I love being a part of is Blogfrog, SITS, The Lady bloggers Society and Blog Catalog. Being personable like a warm cup of tea is oh so nice. Veshoevius of Taxonomy of my wardrobe and Grit and Glamour are blogs that I also think give that connection to their readers. I know that I have learned a lot from all these women.
5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?
To cultivate new readers I comment on every comment I receive and I post fresh content at least 3 to 4 times a week so it keeps the blog current with new material. I do what I love to do and if a reader request for me to write or do a video on a particular topic I will make an effort to do it.
Sometimes I feel out of the loop because I work a full-time job so I can't comment during the day and when evening comes the discussions have already been going on long before I am able to get on. Can't let that stop me though.
To increase readership to my site:
Okay here goes.....
1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success of your blog?
I think it's important to have reader connectedness; but I also think that it's great to have good content because if you have good content readers will come. It's give and take because you have to research your material to get a good story.
I often have friends telling me they are following my blog although not virtually following it by clicking on a follow me button or subscribing to one of my communities so I know that people are reading.
2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?
I really haven't done market research on how I attract readers in. I officially started this blog because I love fashion, beauty and hair care and I thought that I could offer some good tips and offer hair care advice. Even a year later, I write because it's fun and enjoyable, not to formulate a technique to get people to read my blog. This blog is about sharing information on fashion and beauty that can help someone.
3. What is one way you can improve this connection?
-I think I would like to spend more time reading other blogs and commenting more. I have commented on some blogs that have never commented back on mine and I don't want to do that. I want to make sure that when people comment on my page I need to make the effort to comment back.
I said it in the above paragraph but I really would like to comment more.
On IFB there's the comment challenge and I think that's awesome because that's a way we can build the blogging community and it's a bit of self promotion as well. I will not leave simple post like "cute blog". I want to make sure I leave a comment about the post I have read not just leaving a comment to get someone to look at my blog. I think that a comment is spam if it is not related to the post that you have on your blog that someone is responding to and I delete those comments. I have often made solid comments on blogs to not have that blogger to comment on mine, but that's their prerogative.
I map out the chain and then it makes it easier to carry out this goal.
Fashion Blogger--->Research---->Write Content---->Publish--->Reader-Connection----->Comment
This seems simple but I realize that I have to read between the lines to make the connection.
4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?
It's hard to choose because I enjoy so many. I think KatyRose of www.modlychic.blogspot.com does a great job because even though everyone cannot comment on everyone's blog since there are so many, bloggers come together to post on one topic every Friday and a group has been created with new bloggers joining everyday. Other Blog communities I love being a part of is Blogfrog, SITS, The Lady bloggers Society and Blog Catalog. Being personable like a warm cup of tea is oh so nice. Veshoevius of Taxonomy of my wardrobe and Grit and Glamour are blogs that I also think give that connection to their readers. I know that I have learned a lot from all these women.
5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?
To cultivate new readers I comment on every comment I receive and I post fresh content at least 3 to 4 times a week so it keeps the blog current with new material. I do what I love to do and if a reader request for me to write or do a video on a particular topic I will make an effort to do it.
Sometimes I feel out of the loop because I work a full-time job so I can't comment during the day and when evening comes the discussions have already been going on long before I am able to get on. Can't let that stop me though.
To increase readership to my site:
- I respond to every comment unless I am at work and can't give feedback until the evening.
- Joined communities like Blogfrog
- Having a window for readers to subscribe to my blog via email
- Subscribe via bloglovin
- Subscribe via blog catalog
- Recently created a Facebook page
- Included the Kind-Hearted Blogger to my blog
- Photograph by Jason
Monday
Mariah Carey is on HSN.com and she is on with her first airing with a Today's Special. Her Today's Special is Mariah Carey Luscious Pink Parfum is $65.oo with free shipping and handling and on flex pay. I learned something today.
There are three levels of perfume:
1. Eau De Toilette 5% Parfum
2. Eau De Parfum 10% Parfum
3. Parfum 20% Parfum
The Today's Special is pure 20% Parfum and has a retail of over $200.00 and is at the Today's Special price for $65.00.
Other Tidbits
HSN showed videos from her latest Christmas CD. Mariah Carey "Merry Christmas II You" with Exclusive CD is $14.95. The CD really puts you in the mood for Christmas.
Oh, Nick Cannon her husband even called in to wish her well.
Congratulations to Nick and Mariah on their pregnancy. She looks great.
Information from HSN.COM website
Mariah Carey's Luscious Pink Parfum Spray, Deluxe Edition
Ethereal, magical and feminine. Introducing Luscious Pink, a sparkling and intoxicating new fragrance that captures the pure radiance of Mariah Carey. Luminous and sensual, Luscious Pink embraces Mariah's ever-captivating presence and playfully seductive personality. This Deluxe Edition parfum is the most sensual form of Luscious Pink and boasts gorgeous, shimmering packaging complete with a pink SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS crystal on the butterfly cap. It's offered for a limited time only and exclusively available to HSN customers.
Mariah Carey's Luscious Pink Parfum Spray, Deluxe Edition
Ethereal, magical and feminine. Introducing Luscious Pink, a sparkling and intoxicating new fragrance that captures the pure radiance of Mariah Carey. Luminous and sensual, Luscious Pink embraces Mariah's ever-captivating presence and playfully seductive personality. This Deluxe Edition parfum is the most sensual form of Luscious Pink and boasts gorgeous, shimmering packaging complete with a pink SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS crystal on the butterfly cap. It's offered for a limited time only and exclusively available to HSN customers.
What You Get
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Fragrance Details
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Sunday
Friday
Feeling Natural and Free
It's Friend Friday from Katy Rose of www.modlychic.blogspot.com and we are discussing how natural are we and our we on this bandwagon. If you would like to see other bloggers posts please check her blog out.
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| Wen Fig Cleansing Conditioner QVC.com |
1. The move to do away with soap, shampoo and deodorant has been
growing in popularity in the last year. What are your thoughts on this
trend?
In my opinion the "natural" trend has been happening for the last two to three years.
When you say "natural" you really have to do some thorough research.
Brenda's Organics
http://brendasorganics.tripod.com/
says that certified organic refers to agricultural products that have been grown and processed according to strict uniform standards, verified annually by independent state or private organization. Certification includes inspection of farm fields and processing facilities. Farm practices inspected include long term soil management, buffering between organic farms and any neighboring conventional farms, product labeling, and record keeping. Processing inspections include review of the facility’s cleaning and pest control methods, ingredient transportation and storage, and record keeping and audit control.
And one thing that I have found out is that certified organic does not mean that a product is 100% natural. All you have to do is look on the back of the product for the ingredients. For example, Creme of Nature Lemongrass and Rosemary Leave-in Conditioner has certified natural ingredients in it but the product also contains Petrolatum and Lanolin.
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| Creme of Nature Lemongrass and Rosemary Leave-in Conditioner |
2. Be honest how often do you wash your own hair?
I wash my hair one to two times a week. I have naturally curly hair and my hair would dry out if I washed my hair more than that. I do not wash my hair with shampoo every week. I co wash using Wen Cleansing conditioner (my favs are Fig and lavender) or Hair One once a week and alternate with Nexxus Shampoo and Conditioner or Ojon Tawaka cleanser and conditioner.
Here's is a video from Chaz Dean and how to apply WEN.
3. Have you tried to go the more natural route by forgoing shampoo?
What happened? Or would you be tempted to try it?
I am semi doing that now and actually my hair feels less stripped and I love it. I recently read in a magazine that you can use a cleansing conditioner but you need to make sure that you shampoo and/or clarify your hair the alternate week because you don't want your hair to be too moisturized which is not a good thing because it can cause breakage and you want to make sure you get all of the excess oil and product out of your hair. Some of these shampoos and conditioners are more expensive but they last a long time so it's worth the money to me.
4. What products do you use and have you ever gone with more organic
alternatives? I have switched 90% to natural products and it's a great feeling.
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| Carol's Daughter Marguerite's Magic HSN.com |
Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey- great moisturizer.
Carol's Daughter Tui Jojoba and Shea butter oil sheen spray- gives shine and a great smell to my hair.
Carol's Daughter Marguerite's Magic- great moisturizer for hair.
Carol's Daughter hair elixer- great for scalp massages.
Kiehl's
Kiehl's Argan oil w Eucalyptus- great for hair, face and body.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate- smells good and feels great on the face and neck at bedtime.
100%Shea Butter- great for hair and body.
100% Unrefined coconut oil-great moisturizer for hair.
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| Ojon Reconstructor Ojon.com |
Ojon reconstructor- great deep conditioner and has helped my hair in regards to strength and elasticity. Awesome product.
Giovanni
Giovanni Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner- this duo makes my hair so soft.
Giovanni Leave in Conditioner
Burt Bees
Bee Mine Moisturizer- great moisturizer.
Bee Mine Curly Custard- this product has aloe vera in it and it's great for getting rid of the frizzes in my hair.
Savannah Bee Blackberry lotion
Olivia hand soap that can also is soft enough to use on the face.
Burt Bees
Burt Bees Peppermint Foot lotion
Burt Bees Acne Natural Solutions facial cleanser
Burt Bees Avocado Hair Treatment
Jane Carter Nourish and Shine- For hair and body and smells simply delish.
Hairveda
Hydra Silica Hair Nourishing Tea mist
Hairveda CoCasta Shikakai oil
Hairveda Avosoya with Vitamin E
Bare Ecentuals
Bare Ecentuals Rare Minerals extra firming neck cream
Bare Ecentuals Rare Minerals face cream
Bare Ecentuals Prime Time Primer
Bare Escentuals makeup
Soaps
Dr. Bonner's Castille and Lavender Soap
Trader Joe's natural soap
Deodorant
Tom's no scent natural deodorant- can't do without deodorant. There's no way I can do that. Kudos to people who can but with the way I sweat during workouts and just me being me I can't do that.
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| Tom's of Maine http://www.tomsofmaine.com |
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| Tarte Cosmetics QVC.com |
tarte Amazonian Clay 6pc Passport to the Amazon w/ brushes- This is an awesome kit and I really enjoy wearing it. If I am on the run this kit can be put on so fast.
5. What about that daily shower?
Would you forgo that opting to shower
three times a week instead? I really am a bath person,and I only shower when I have to wash my hair. I love great smelling bath products but I really have to look at the ingredients because so many times I see sodium laurel sulfate so I use Nubian Heritage bath and shower wash.
Thursday
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