Beyond Blogging:How to Use Your Blog as a Platform for Other Opportunities

Kelly Whalen: The Centisble Life

Kelly Whalen is the owner of The Centsible Life, a lifestyle blog with a focus on family finances, and living the life you want on less. Kelly also co-owns a social media business with a focus on brand consulting and event planning called Just Centsible. In addition to that she works with a group of bloggers as Splash Creative Media to create campaigns based on timely topics (such as back to school) with a charitable component.

Twitter: @CentsibleLife

Key Takeaways

Branding is key. Creating a home base. Set goals. Utilize social media. Opportunities beyond blogging. How to find opportunities. The Art of Pitching

Brand Yourself

You are a brand Your blog is a brand Design & logo are key What’s your story? Elevator pitch

Home Base Create a home base on the web.

Your blog LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Google+ YouTube and more…

Goals What does your dream look like? How can you get from here to there? Set goals quarterly for growth and

income. Re-evaluate quarterly. Find a partner or mentor. Know that it will change.

Utilize social media

Be active across social media platforms. Set aside time to devote to being active

in social media forums. Analyze what works for you. Be yourself. Reach out to brands.

Opportunities

Every situation/email/tweet/follow is an opportunity.

Be responsive.

Create templates for emails.

Finding Opportunities

Pay attention via social media.

Form relationships with PR or marketing.

Your email is the golden ticket.

Pitch, pitch, and pitch some more.

Freelance What are you good at? Offer services, or use your skillset. Examples:

Writing or editing Consulting Blog Design Social Media Community Management

Collaboration

Find your ‘tribe’, and work together.

Collaboration leads to more dollars.

Extend your reach by partnering with other bloggers.

Sponsorships Sponsored Posts

Get paid to talk about a brand.

Spokesperson Roles Could include posts, updates, media,

representation, and more.

Brand Ambassadors Typically posts via social media and

engagement via calls, or in-person event.

Create your own Product

Craft your own product. Branded products Consulting Informational Products

E-books Free or paid resources

Why Pitching is like Dating It’s better to date someone you’ve met

before than go out on a blind date. Do your research before you ‘go out.’ Make the conversation all about your ‘date’,

but be sure to talk a little bit about you. Make sure your date knows what you are

interested in. Dress to impress. KISS (keep it simple, silly)