Sometimes, progression is logical: I knew when I needed to move my writing from Livejournal to my own host. I’ve been blogging at this address for about three years now, and every step I’ve taken has felt like the logical next step. I’ve changed layouts and rebranded when I felt I had outgrown the ones before. But sometimes, it’s not that simple. It’s okay to ask for help, but when it comes to blogging, it can be hard to find sources. We would all love to ask our favourite bloggers how it’s done, but how often do we actually get the opportunity?
I had the chance to attend the Blogcademy’s Portland class in March: run by Nubby Twiglet‘s Shauna, Rock n’ Roll Bride’s Kat, and Gala Darling of her eponymous blog, three true “industry vets,” it covered every aspect of the blogging world and beyond! Clearly, these ladies have spent a lot of time putting together their curriculum. We wasted no time diving straight into some of the harder-hitting issues facing bloggers from start-up to monetizing, geared towards every level of blogger. The class was kept small to make sure everyone in attendance got some individual attention and ensuring everyone got their every possible question answered. Some of my classmates had been blogging on their own for several years, some had just decided to add a blog to their business page, others had yet to register a domain space. Regardless, each and every one of us got an individual report card, filled out with personalized tips for improving our sites, our voices, and how to move forward. At the end of the two-day workshop, we were all bursting with new ideas and inspiration, and completely and utterly exhausted from the incredible experience. I’m proud to say I graduated the Blogcademy with the diploma to prove it!
I don’t get the opportunity to travel often, but absolutely love to when I have the chance. Portland is a beautiful city and I packed my four days there with as much exploring as I could. I’m lucky to have some wonderful friends in Portland to share in my adventures–rummaging through import and novelty stores, getting (and giving!) facials, bubble tea lattes, and midnight indulgences at Voodoo! I would have loved to stay longer, but as I shared the cab ride back to the airport with one of my awesome Blogcademy classmates, I knew I had my work cut out for me back home. As soon as my plane touched down, I got to work organizing my thoughts and planning my course of action. Hopefully, there will be a lot of changes to come, not only here but in my personal and professional life as I apply some of my Blogcademy lessons in the time to come.
If you’re considering one of their upcoming classes, you’ve probably thought long and hard about the blogosphere and your place in it. Look at what they’re offering and read their testimonials. Look at the Headmistress’ sites and look at all they’ve accomplished. –then, realize it’s all that and then some. You’re not only investing in your site, your career as a blogger, and getting some first class help, you’re getting a wealth of inspiration, renewed energy, and some incredible memories. I left the class with the wonderful feeling that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, and that if you love something enough that you absolutely need it in your life, you can have it.
