Perfect Skin Care for you

Home » Blogging Series

Blogging Series

Blogging Series Vol. 10 – How to overcome Bloggers Block? {Five Series}

· · Leave a Comment

So as I said yesterday that I am lost as to how to come back to blogging, I thought this would be a damn good topic to start with! I have been thinking about it for the last week and I have put down a few things from where one can start!

Reading and Observing and Drawing Analogies!
This is one of the primary sources of inspiration for all my posts especially the ones in the category of Your Opinion! I love to observe and like to blog about any small thing which catches my eye or which my ears catch 😀
Anyways, reading about your niche helps. Other blogs or reader’s comments, anything can give you fodder for your next post!

Readers

For me, they are definitely one of the major post sources because of the amazing amount of queries I get but unfortunately in my case, I am not able to reply to all the mails lying in my mail box and when I am replying to the comments, very seldom does it occur to me to make it a post. But, if you have time and patience at hand, writing posts on unique queries is always helpful in the larger picture.
Re-blogging
As I mentioned in my last post of the series, republishing your older posts is a good practice. It gives more visibility to the post and more often than not, your reader’s get something new to read. Also, this gives you chance to update the post and improve on it.
Passion
This is the easiest to do. If you are die-hard passionate about something, you can definitely blog about it anytime. I would also add that there may be some restrictions to this but still this comes easily to the tips of fingers to type away!
Gossip
Your blog is also a form of entertainment so always remember that juicy gossip is always welcome. A blogger is always an enigma to the reader, especially when the person hardly reveals anything about their personal life so giving them a peek into it every now and then really works 🙂 And, when are girls not good at gossiping 😀
So, these are a few pointers to overcome Blogger’s Block. I do not know how much they will end up helping me but I can surely say that I finished writing this post in 20 minutes. So, may be the tips actually do work. So, give them a try and let me know 🙂
What do you all bloggers think? And, I would also welcome the reader’s to add their tips 🙂
Related Posts:

Related Posts:

Blogging Series Vol. 19 – Blogging Goals for #2015!!

· · 2 Comments

blogging goals for perfectskincareforyou in 2015

Well, I have to say that since I have taken full time blogging, it has been feeling overwhelming! Being a professional blogger increases the commercial interests and that has made me lose focus on what made me start blogging in the first place! It was like reading all about blogging except writing – you know do this, do that and do what not and avoid this and this would not work out and the list is endless. Whew!

So, I thought it would be good to realign myself with what and why of the blog before proceeding to do anything! This past week has been a silent one – first with the festival frenzy and then with all of this thinking. And, finally, I have decided to start with a clean slate. So, let us check what all we have in store for #2015.

#1. Realigning the purpose and goals of the Blog

I remember why I had started this blog. It was to share my knowledge on how to take care of skin and hair using simple home remedies which were easy on the pocket and equally effective. So, budget was one of the mantras at that time. I was studying and I really did not intend to spend much.
While writing about skin and hair, delving into healthy lifestyle was inevitable. So, there were and are a lot of articles about simpler lifestyle and healthy habits which if integrated with daily habits would be one step closer to leading a healthy life. 
Then, we delved into product reviews and I discovered and worked with a lot of brands – good and bad – and recommended some of them to you. And, then, we stopped evolving!
Worse still, I had almost abandoned the blog for one year during my wedding and I am sure it must have upset you to not find any new content on the blog for weeks and months together!
And, let me tell you getting back to blogging is really not easy! In these past few months, I had so much trouble churning out new articles. It was almost like I was forcing myself to write and that is what I want to avoid!! So, writing better content without forcing myself is a goal this time. And, as you might have known, I have reduced the frequency of posting as well to help me in this goal. So, you would find articles every alternate day!

#2. Weekly Chats!

I have already had two weekly chat sessions this year and now I am planning the third this weekend sometime. But, the problem is that this weekend and the next one are the birthday times for us. So, it might be a leetle-bit difficult to accommodate it these two weeks.
Actually, the problem with these sort of chats is that I am putting them on facebook and not everyone wants to be publicly involved in it. And, then, both the chats were in the noon time on a working day so that also made impossible for some people to attend it. So, I have to think of a way around it!! Let us see what I come up with.

#3. #OneMonthtoHealthyHair Event

Now, this is a real experiment I am doing. Well, this is a one month event starting on 1st March, 2015 to 31st March, 2015. March is the starting of summer and as you already know hair grows better in the warmer months. So, I am holding this event for all the beauties with dry, rough and damaged hair who want a better hair.
In this one month, we all will follow a defined hair care regime which I shall obviously post about and at the end of each week, we shall compare the progress. Also, included are discussions on various hair issues and problems everyday of the month. So, yes, it is a packed month!! And, there would be giveaways and other fun contests included as well. So, do join in! Check out the event facebook page.
I am also planning to release and ebook after the event. So, fingers crossed!!
did you know series by perfectskincareforyou

#4. #DidYouKnow Series on facebook

I have started a new branded graphics #DidYouKnow. Including one of them here.

#5.Change in the flow of posts – More Topics

If you have ever noticed, my blog has always been aligned to my life’s flow so more of new topics specially on baby planning and pregnancy and all those things will be coming up. Yes, parenting would be a part of the blog once we become one! No, there is no good news on the cards right now. Hope you would like the new topics as well!

So, these are the top things on my mind right now! And, yup, I want to share a secret – I am working on a project right now and I am extremely excited about it. Okay, I am building up the suspense here so keep it going till I announce about it! Hopefully, it should be soon enough.

Related Posts:

Related Posts:

Blogging Series Vol. 18 – Why is it so wrong to make money from a blog?

· · 8 Comments

I have been blogging for a really looooong time, so long that I feel I am an ancient now!! But, one thing, I have been always wary in all these years is how I earn money and get readers. Yesterday, yet another adwords coupon came along in my mail and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to make use of it while it lasts!!
But, then, I remembered all the flak around certain beauty blogs promoting their pages on facebook and getting likes. I mean, what is so wrong about paying to make facebook promote your page. It is not like you are forcing the people seeing your ads to like it, right? It is entirely their choice to like your page or not. And, paying to promote your page is a business decision which is absolutely sensible. Look at all the brands in the world!!
Why is it that when it comes to bloggers, they seem to get a huge share of criticism if they do one effort to earn money. If you think money is gonna decrease the quality of content, it is entirely justified and then you have a choice of unsubscribing. But, till that time, I think it is fair to give the blogger time and space to experiment with monetizing options. 

Blogging full time is a job and bloggers also need food and shelter, just like the rest. And, making money through blogs is not exactly easy, especially if you want to get home loans and such. So, people do whatever they can. May be readers, I know most of you understand these issues and this post is targeted to only few who choose to be exceptions, could be more supportive of that fact and give sometime to your favorite blogger to figure out options. 
From my personal experience, I can say that in these four years I have tried many ad networks and blog designs and have stuck to this minimalistic one since almost two years because I found out a balance between ads and content which satisfies me. Similarly, your favorite blogger will also learn. Just give it sometime. Money is very alluring in the beginning.
What do you think? Is making money really so wrong?
Related Posts:

Blogging Series Vol. 17 – Where do you compose your posts from?
Blogging Series Vol. 16 – Are you setting up goals for 2014?
Blogger Series Vol. 15 – Continuing with Monetization Methods!

Related Posts:

Blogging Series Vol. 17 – Where do you compose your posts from?

· · 2 Comments

I have to say that my hubby has given this blog a new lease of life. I had been just so tired of thinking of what to post everyday and nothing would turn up in my mind. And, then, he went ahead and announced to my in-laws that my blog had won the indiblogger awards and they were happy! And, when finally my mom unpacked the award which reached home yesterday, my mom was so angry with me for not telling her about it all. I do not know what to say!!
And coming back to today’s post, there is nothing better than your own comfort zone. I love typing my posts from the coziness of my bed and blanket. Where do you love to blog from? Do you love to use your study table or the sofa or have you created a workspace in the house? Or, may be sitting in a park where ideas come to you in a jiffy? I do not also mind taking my laptop to a wifi connected bistro and sipping coffee and eating all junk all day long and composing the posts but I have not done that YET. 
These many days I have so missed blogging but I never understood that what I was missing more was actually sitting comfortably on the bed and typing away! It feels like heaven as I get back to my older routine of coming back home and fueling my growling tummy and having a bath and sitting with lappy in my lap. 

I have finally got almost everything in order. The wifi is set up, the laptop is up and working and I get to spend sometime alone in which I can finish this work. He is gonna kill me if he reads this 😀 

Anyways, I have seen or rather read that most of the work from home bloggers or full time bloggers actually create workspace in their house to use for blogging. Do you do that?

I do not think that I can stick to it even if I become a full-time blogger. It is just so cumbersome to sit on a chair and type. I even hate sitting in my office which is why most of the time I roam around and you would ask when do I even get my work done 😀

I do know that many people do find a workspace set up more inspirational to work. It increases your own seriousness towards the work and especially when you work full time, you need to be a lot serious to blogging. The habit also helps in keeping the personal life separate or be worried about posts all day long.

Did you know Jeffrey Archer is such a meticulous writer that he writes from 6-8 AM, 10-12 AM, 2-4 PM and again 6-8 PM. He also advises that it is always good to set your schedule as to when you will write (the tip is for writers but also applies to bloggers) and do nothing else in the time but write even if you do not want to. Also, it is good to take regular fresh air to give a break to your brain. (Source)

So, what do you do? Type away the comments from your comfort zone 🙂
Related Posts:

Blogging Series Vol. 16 – Are you setting up goals for 2014?
Blogger Series Vol. 15 – Continuing with Monetization Methods!
Blogging Series Vol. 14 – Why do you love blogging?

Related Posts:

Blogging Series Vol. 16 – Are you setting up goals for 2014?

· · Leave a Comment

I do not remember if I did a round up of the blogging goals achieved in January, 2013 but I do know that I did not do it yet. The reason being the second half of the last year fared badly for my blog as you all are already aware! I guess I was taking blogging too seriously and it became really monotonous because of which I felt like being burnt out all the time.

Anyways, leaving all that aside, I would say that the blog was doing quite well in first half of 2013 and I would like to take the blog from there!! So, for all you bloggers over there, are you creating strategies for your blog this year or just keeping simple.
Aim High but keep lesser goals as well
I had decided last year that by the end of 2013, I would like to earn some x amount from the blog. It is a good goal but there was no plan as to how I was going to achieve it so I would say this time I am gonna breakup the entire schedule into short term of 3 months or a quarter so even my blog would have a quarterly appraisals now on 🙂

Keeping the Goals flexible
I had last year not accounted for the changes in my life which would take a lot of priority over the blog. Needless to say, I was unsuccessful in achieving the goals!! So, I am gonna adjust my goals this time over a range so that at least the lesser range would be feasible in any case!!
Taking out Time
Yeah, this is like a huge issue right now for me. So, my major goal has become this that I should have enough to post at least a meaningful paragraph everyday. Of course, I have not done it consistently in the new year either!! But, I am trying.
Enjoying the Blog
Lately, I have realized it has more of become an obsession to post instead of just enjoying the posts!! I am always brain-storming as to what to write today. That is something I want to stop and really sit and enjoy the blog while I write it.
And, treat yourself for every goal you achieve
There is a huge advantage of keeping small goals. I would not have to work my ass off obviously and when they are reached, I can always treat myself and get motivated to reach out for more!! Nothing is more motivating than success itself.
So, what goals you are setting for your blog this year?
Related Posts:

Related Posts:

Blogger Series Vol. 15 – Continuing with Monetization Methods!

· · Leave a Comment

So, last time, I had mentioned how I monetize my blog. Let me talk about various things which you can do. The list is exhaustive but I am going to talk only about things which actually appeal to me or I have a bit of experience with.

Sponsored Posts
Yes, this is one of the simplest way to earn quick bucks. The company contacts you and asks you to write a post. You negotiate the price and deliver the post by the said date. It pays well if you have a good page rank and fan following for your blog. More the reach, more you can charge.
But, the method has some serious drawbacks. Not all readers are happy with sponsored posts. Such a post can end up looking very advertising without any benefit for the reader. Excess of such posts can cause a fall in the readership. And, worse of all, the brand approaching you might not be related to your niche which is a waste. And, the last is quality of the website you will link back to.

So, before you start negotiating, do a proper research on the company, its product and if possible, try it out before doing a post on it. But, maximum sponsored posts are on services or websites which you might not always be able to give a try. So, the best option there remains to weave a creative and useful post around the theme of the product so that you can provide one unobtrusive link in between somewhere.

photo 12232124_low_zps10b83465.jpg
sorry but this is not possible in virtual world 😀

Also, be sure that the company is gonna pay you for the services. It is always good to get the payment before the post goes live. Otherwise, they might never respond back. Some companies approach the big bloggers directly for sponsored posts but for regular bloggers, you can check out sponsoredreviews.com and payperpost.com which provides an interface between the brands and bloggers and takes a commission from the amount you earn.
Ad Networks
Infolinks is not the only one which provides contextual links. There are small ad networks (generally closed) which when joined ask for the best ad space on your blog and pay you on the amount you fix (if they think it is worth it!) One which I know is blogher network which allows only women to join. But, I think googling would reveal a lot more.
Adspace Renting or Text Links in the Posts
Sometimes some companies may just approach you for adspace renting or would ask you to place some text links in some of your posts or insert some keywords with links.
You can rent out the ad spaces to them and charge them depending on the placement of the ad and the ad unit size. The only issue with such kind of collaborations is that you have to be extremely careful of the kind of websites you are linking to. 
These are the ones I can remember right away. I shall put up ones I recall in another post!! So, what are your monetizing methods? 
Related Posts:

Blogging Series Vol. 14 – Why do you love blogging?
Blogging Series Vol. 13 – How to improve traffic on the blog?
Blogging Series Vol. 11 – Setting goals for the blog!

Related Posts:

Blogging Series Vol. 14 – Why do you love blogging?

· · 4 Comments

Sometimes when you are feeling low or are disappointed or are just thinking of giving it up due to sheer dejection, it is always good to reevaluate your thinking and reasons for blogging. So, this is to all bloggers – why do you blog? And, to all readers – what is the most important thing you look in a blog? So, coming back to the question for bloggers, I should start answering them. 

Why the need for such a question?
Ok, so why suddenly I got all emotional about blogging. Because, the pageviews have gradually fallen quite low lately and it has disappointed me a lot 🙁 Also, these days I am falling back on replying to comments and checking mails pretty frequently which makes me all the more sad.
What do I like about blogging?
Ok, so this my secret place no one in my real life knows about so I can write whatever I want and complain about whomsoever I want without being bothered by the thought that some one might make an association or take offense. Trust me, its a relief to have a secret life of your own.
What are my materialistic goals in blogging?
Love the products…keep them coming! Yes, who does not love freebies, especially if you fall in love with them forever. Second, the money! I so love the fact that my passion helps my bank balance. 
What are my more philosophical pursuits?
First, I do try my level best to answer all the queries and help everyone who seeks advises from me. But, I have to say here that its not necessary that home remedies or products which suit me will suit everyone. Its more of a hit and trial. 
Second, since I have started blogging, I have recognized I actually like writing. And, it makes me more confident that even if I stop working, I will always be independent. That is something very important for a person like me!!
Whats my future plan?
I like to keep things diversified and holistic because healthy living is all about everything. So, I want to spend more time and energy on one of the recently started series – Its Just Life. That was something which I have always wanted to do and of course I do have some projects which will come to fruition depending on other events in life so I am just waiting for that!!
What about all you lovely bloggers? Do drop in why do YOU love blogging? What makes it tick for you? 
Related Posts:

Blogging Series Vol. 13 – How to improve traffic on the blog?
Blogging Series Vol. 12 – My Story of Blog Monetization!
Blogging Series Vol. 11 – Setting goals for the blog!

Related Posts: