The Secret To Bossing It Online

This little brain of mine has absorbed a lot of helpful information these past 4 years. It was in 2010 that I was laid off from my job and found myself home with a heart full. Not full because of sadness and worry. Full of ambition, passion and drive but not a vehicle in which to burn it.

Flash to now and I'm still full but in a different way. I want to let it out, share insights with you, nuggets of knowledge in hopes you can turn them into pieces of solid gold action. As a blogger and shop owner, I get questions all the time. I used to do that. I used to be the one who emailed someone with a blog I loved, hoping to "get in" on the good stuff in their minds. I used to follow shops and owners who bossed it every day, making killer sales and still were humble enough to answer the measly question of an art geek from New England.

But can I tell you? I still do that. And no question is ever "measly". I still email bloggers I love, trying to connect and learn. I still look up to people who run amazing shops and take notes about how the do things and interact with customers. Why? Because learning never ends. I don't consider myself a professional. Just a girl with a notebook full of dreams that are unfolding for everyone to see.

This is why I want to share with you a huge secret. I call it that not because no one wants you to know. Everyone knows. It's only a secret because not all of us can see it. We are blinded by so many things that the basics get blurred. Let's go back, shall we?

source

I recently read a post by fellow artist Gary Bolyer called "How to Sell Art Online: The Secret Sauce." Hold it. Don't close this tab just because you don't sell art. We are talking about bossing it online, whether it be as an artist, blogger, shop keeper or small business owner. What Gary had to say applies to all areas and I love it because it's the truth.

If you look at any successful person online, you will see that they have fantastic relationships. Did you catch that? The secret is relationships!

Gary says: "The Secret Sauce has two ingredients.  Ingredient Number One is: Get the relationship started. And Ingredient Number Two is: Grow the relationship." Boom. Any questions? And Gary knows what he's talking about; he has over 13,000 followers on Twitter.

I was so busy when I first started spamming social media with links to my products, shop and blog. Instead of commenting about what I loved about a post, I pleaded for them to follow me and dropped a link (I'll be talking about this more on a future guest post.) We almost don't want to work for customers but we expect them to just eat up everything we dish out. Fact: people don't like being force fed.

Love my new tote from Faces!

Think of the best restaurants you've been to. It's not just because they have amazing food. That's only part of it. A restaurant can have awesome meals and a killer menu but if the hostess is chomping gum like a cow, the waitress forgets everything and the cook is back there blowing his nose without washing his hands...so what? Exactly. Your favorite place to go eat is not actually about the food...but the connections you make. We love that the owner knows our name, takes time to ask how things are, the waiter is kind and the chef is professional.

So whether you are a seasoned blogger or a newbie shop owner, the secret is the same. Spend more time building relationships and less time worrying about promotion. If you invest in people, they will invest in you.


I wanna hear from you! It's so important to learn from each other and have teachable spirits.  

What's one thing you've learned about blogging or being a shop owner? 

3 Things To Remember When Changing Your Brand Name

Guys, I have a confession. It's been about a week since I posted last. In the blogging world, I should be dead but alas that's not the case. Honestly, I was pondering how I was going to transform this little space...again. The one consistent thing about running this blog is how inconsistent it's been. This is the part where I normally would beg for forgiveness and make up some excuse about being busy in the "real world." Truthfully...I needed time to think.

You may notice some changes around here and it's probably going to stay that way for a long, long time. The sidebar is all cleaned up and categories easy to access. New profile pic, header layout, appropriate links...it's almost professional up in here! But then again I'm running the show, so good luck. Actually, this works out perfect because I've had this topic sitting in my drafts for like ever. This past February I changed my blog name and it was the best thing. Things clicked for me and all of my years of blogging and running an online shop made sense. Finally. 

Whether you have a blog, shop or both, your brand is important. What do I mean by brand? It's the overall essence of who you are and what you do. And all of that has to nicely fit into a name that speaks about that essence. No pressure. However, these are 3 things to remember when changing your brand name. If you are finding yourself not happy with the title of your blog, shop or business, then you need to stop and take some time figuring out your purpose.

Keep it simple.

When I was debating about changing my brand name, I knew it had to be something everyone could relate to. Both of my previous names had my actual name in it (Art By Jacy, Jacy Lee Pulford). This didn't tell new customers or readers anything about what I was offering! These names didn't sound catchy nor were they reflective of my personality. When choosing a name, go with something that will highlight who you are, not just what you do. It's was easy to put "Art By Jacy" because, duh, tha's what I did and that was my name. But art can mean so many things to so many people and nothing to some people. I had to think of a clear message, appeal to a fresh audience and love it for a really long time. Try not to add more than 4 words to your brand name. Choose something that will be memorable.

Customer contact.

After you have survived the process of choosing your brand name, it's time to implement the change. Pick a date and make that an official relaunch event. Tell your readers, post about it, share it on social media, send it out in the next newsletter...make sure that those who are following you now will be able to find you when your name changes. This includes making sure they are aware of the new url address and any new social media handles. Not connecting with your customers or readers will be damaging to your brand. Take the time and reach out.

Embrace it.

Go all in and be it! Try to avoid being apologetic about changing. Change is some times good and especially when your streamlining a brand. The new name is your new identity and though you might be fearful of the unknown, if you love it, there's nothing to fear. Yes, there will be a moment when you transition things might seem slow. Keep plugging away and embracing the new identity of your brand.

If you're not confident in what you're doing, no one else will be either. Let go of the insecurities and remember that if your brand is not reflecting you, then who is running the show? It's not enough to be passionate about your blog or shop. You must be passionate about your message and the way your brand speaks to people. It's okay to want to change. It's easy to feel like you're stuck but believe me, that's far from the truth! Take a break and refocus.

For me, the decision to change the name came about because if I was going to be working my behind off, I wanted to have a brand name that would be worth the work. At the end of the day, the message needs to be clear, communicated to your followers and reflect the passion inside of you. "Hello Awesome" shows the positive side of my brand and it works!

Have you been thinking about changing your brand name? Nervous, excited, anxious? I'd love to chat about it in the comments! And feel free to shoot me any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.

To Be Real.

Well, here I am.
Though it's kind of weird posting a big picture of myself, I felt I had to. To be a face. To be real.

So many times in life, things happen and we forget who we are. What we believe. Who really is in control. While this online life is truly amazing, can we be real? Nothing can beat living REAL offline life. I've met good people and even made friends through blogging. It is an awesome thing to be able to connect with hearts from around the globe. To share trials and receive encouragement. Especially as mothers, we are often over-tired, broken and feeling washed up. But here...we can be healed by words of love and compassionate relationships.

To be real...even though I love blogging, love my readers, love this chance to speak out and express myself...I miss the old me. The one who would cook a meal without worrying about having a camera on hand. The one who rocked her baby to sleep with a song in her mind instead of sponsorship details. The one who took time to study the Word because her insides couldn't contain the zeal for truth....instead of hurrying through scripture because a post needed to be published.

As I sit right now, I can hear the birds and feel the cool autumn breeze. I hear life! But to be real, I don't want to just hear it, document it, capture it...I want to LIVE it!! I want to discipline myself enough to realize what is real. Yes, you are all real. Yes, blogging is very real. But without life...there would be no such thing as blogging. Without real experiences, real moments woven into life changing dedications, blogs would not exist.

To get lost in giveaways, tutorials, sponsorships, followers, Twitter parties...could mean losing the concept of real life. We become numb to what is true, the things all around us. I don't want to be numb. I want to feel what is real. And though we each have our limits and we each have our own priorities, I know that my first priority shouldn't be building my own kingdom. But focused on His...being part of it...and being a servant of the message.

To be real...I have to step back a bit. From this digital world, full of so many opportunities and yet so many distractions. I have to be real and take time to live life, the way I'm called to live it. This isn't another goodbye, don't worry. I'm not shutting this place down but I am limiting my time being here. Because when I post, I want it to be heartfelt. When I speak here, I want it to be because I want to, not have to.

This is a declaration that this blog and this blogging world is NOT my life but a small part of it. I want to reach a level with the Lord Jesus Christ that goes deeper than anything I've ever known! I want to know the scripture like I know my favorite songs, but better. I want to memorize the truth, the beautiful gospel and engrave His desires into my spirit more than I want my books to sell or my online shop to succeed. I want more.

Do you? I will be taking a blogging break not because I don't know what I want...I want more! I want more of Jesus, I want more of love, I want more life...I want more "real". Do you want more real? What makes you get up every day? What drives your passion? Where are your treasures? Most importantly...where is your heart?

I want my heart to be planted in the real. Not the online life. The real life. Not in the approval of readers, followers, fellow bloggers. But in the Lord Jesus Christ. Because He is the definition of real. And I want Him to be real to me.

To be free. To be happy. To be wrapped in His arms. Where life is found, where clouds disappear and where everything false or fake fades away into the realness of His love. I pray that I allow the real to have it's way in my own life. Can you pray with me? I encourage you, find the real. And be it. Let it consume you. Let it change you. Most of all, let is lead you.

Because remember: you are called to be real.

So be it and nothing else.

Do You Blog Every Day?

I've been pondering whether I should blog every day or not for about a week now. Then I came across this great post from Denyse over at Glitter, Glue and Paint. Thank you Kelly from +Live Laugh Rowe  for pinning! It really helped me with my decision. So I wanted to ask you beauties...

No. That is my answer and I'm sticking to it. No, I do not blog every day. When I revamped this space and began anew, I struggled with the desire to blog every day because I knew it wasn't coming from my heart. It was provoked by expectations. What do I mean?

It is easy to feel like you have to give and give and give everything all the time in the blog world. The problem lies with quality not quantity and that is exactly what Denyse said so perfectly!

You can write once a week, twice a week, three, four, five times...as long as what you are putting out is the best content you can muster, more power to you. But if you are just blogging because you are trying to "run with the big dogs" or blogging has become more of a chore than a passion, stop. Just stop right now. Step back. Breathe. Pray. Evaluate yourself as to why you feel the urge to write every day even without inspiration.

I still battle with this false mindset. Some days I just want to blog for fun, like the good ol' days and other days I struggle because I really don't feel like it but I've allowed my blog to be my boss. That 'ain't cool, folks. Blogging is about awesome content that is full of life, not just entertaining words or pictures.

The reason why content matters is because it matters to you! Not because you "have to" create it. It matters because in between the words, your passions are woven and your dreams are exposed. The content forms from the things you love not by a system of requirements. THAT is what will take you to the top. THAT is what will give your blog life.

Besides that, blogging is really an outlet for me. I'm just blessed people actually care {I think} about what I put here. This little place online is a creative hub for me, to put all of my thoughts/ideas/heartfelt messages on typed/scrolled pages. It just so happens some people can relate and are inspired along the way. But my goal shouldn't be to please the people. It should never be to hype up the crowd or try to run with the crowd.  As long as my blog isn't going against my beliefs and morals, everything should be golden.

I really want to know, do you blog every day? It would be awesome if we could have this discussion in the comments. It doesn't matter if you're a mommy blogger, DIY blogger, fashion/beauty blogger, booger blogger {ha}...this question has run through your mind at least once. And I'd love to know how you answer it!

4 Reasons Why You Should Write

Lately I've been thinking about how much I love writing. It has been a passion since my childhood. I would read and write all of the time, even snuggling on my favorite tree branch overlooking our yard. There is something about streaming your thoughts through your fingers onto a page that is so freeing. As a wife and a mother, I frequently use writing as a way to express my love. Handwritten notes for my man in his lunch bag and personal mommy-to-son letters for my boy when he is old enough, he can read them and see my true heart. You know. That mommy is a person with emotions not just a chore-giving droid.

If you want to write or enjoy writing already, I've come up with some reasons why you should continue. Whether it's a book, article, letter or just a sweet note to a friend, writing holds so much value. I admit. I am not very good with words in a regular conversation. I scramble my sentences, switch letters, stutter syllables {say that ten times fast!}

When I write, though, I become someone I actually like. I'm more myself, dipping into the depths of my mind and heart and bringing forth something flourishing that can do great things. So if you are thinking about starting a blog, writing more on your blog, dreaming about a book or just wanting to send someone a thank you note, here are four reasons why you should write:

Be a Voice.

If you've got something to say, then say it. Keeping things bottled up helps no one, especially not you. It is actually unhealthy. If you don't have a writing project to let loose on, try starting a journal. Nothing specific, just a place to write down your thoughts and ideas. You'd be amazed how much you have to say and you might even learn something about yourself. Being a voice means turning your inside energy into an outside power source. Go ahead, plug in and write something. 

Make a Difference.

When I started writing this blog, I wanted to inspire others who lived with fear and encourage people to follow their dreams. I never thought how much it made a difference until I started seeing positive feedback from readers. It feels good to write something that touches a heart and creates waves that might bring about profound change. I don't see myself as anything special; just a dork with a computer. But through writing and sharing, lives connect and good things can happen.

Find Peace.

In the past, days have gone by without me even touching a pen let alone open my laptop to write. Those days were usually sad. I always felt like something was missing, even if that day was filled with great things. I am not complaining about my life; I am truly blessed beyond measure!! I'm saying that those days I did not unleash, unload, let go. I felt like a walking bubble bursting from the seams, with thoughts and ideas pending in stagnate waters. Writing can bring peace of mind and clarity.

Leave a Legacy.

Fact: no one can tell your story but you. Writing establishes a foundation and paves the way for others to follow your story and be inspired by it. Leaving a legacy may sound intimidating but it isn't! Think about it. Do you remember the last person who wrote you a handwritten letter? How did it make you feel? Think about the last book you read. What did you learn from it? How did you feel when you walked away? It's in those moments, those nuggets at the end of the writing rainbow that makes the process worth it. The fruit of your labor. The impact you leave with your words can plant seeds and sprout roots in the hearts of writers to come.

The 24 Best Blogging Resources {Link Roundup}

Okay, can I let you guys in on a little secret? All right, maybe not that little. This winter will be my 3 year blogiversary! When I started this digital journal back in December of 2010, I had no clue what I was doing. Absolutely none. All I wanted to do was inspire people with my story and who wanted their dream job {read my first ever post here. Man, I had a lot of excitement over being laid off}. I also had no idea how big blogging really was. Then I stumbled into a close knit group of amazing bloggers who I networked with, studied what they knew and who I still look up to and connect with.

Today I am sharing with you my personal resources for blogging. Many of these fine people are good friends, some I stalk weekly and others I want to get to know better. Truth: I haven't read ALL of these {yet}. Most of them, yes, and they have helped shape my blogging brain. Others I'm including as a bookmark for the future because when you run a blog, you should be evolving, growing, being more awesome daily. And I want to be more awesome. I know, it's hard to believe right?

Blogging Secrets / Wifessionals
Blogging Photography Tips & Tricks / Sunny with a Chance of Sprinkles
SEO Basics for Bloggers / Wonder Forest
Can You Actually Make Money Blogging? / Living in Yellow
Lessons I've Learnt | Blogging / Here Comes the Sun
Build Your Blog's Framework With These 4 Pages / Independent Fashion Bloggers
58 Ways to Get Noticed as a New Blogger / Blog World
How to Add a Pinterest Mouseover Button onto Your Blog / Kevin & Amanda
How to Make a Media Kit that Rocks / The Blog Maven
DIY Blog Design: The Drawing Board Printable / The Flourishing Abode
How I Make Money Blogging / Addicted 2 Decorating
Cleaning Out Your Blogging Closet / CEO of Me

How to Use Twitter for Your Blog / Build Your Blog Conference
How to Make Money Blogging / I Heart Nap Time
Blogging Goals {And Why We Need Them} / Essentially Ecclectic
How to Grow Your Blog / A Royal Daughter
Tips for Your About Page / Simply Clark
Grow Your Blog Series ~Recap~ / Live Laugh Rowe
5 Knows of Advertising on Blogs / Rags to Stitches
3 Tips for Sponsoring Blogs / Julie Ann Art
5 Tips To Use Google Analytics More Effectively / Framed Frosting
Blogging At The Next Level eBook / Crowley Party
10 Mommy Blogging Tips / Remodelaholic
10 Ways to Support My Blog {or any blog} / Bella
 

So enjoy my beauties. Read, absorb, learn, grow...you can make your blog a success!

Speaking of success, have you heard of Taylor from Pink Heels Pink Truck? She is a sweet friend of mine and shares great blogging advice. She has a fantastic post about product review disclosures {here} that I've included in my new eBook "10 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies" {available here}. Taylor is hosting a giveaway on her blog today for one lucky reader to win a free copy of the eBook! Please show her some love {here}.

Also, don't forget to enter to win a FREE CUSTOM LOGO on my FB page {right here yo}. Only two entries so far, so there's an amazing chance to win. I think that's enough link vomit for now. Feel free to share your favorite blogging resources in the comments, I'd love to grow my list! Peace out sprouts!

eBook Blog Tour Launch Week

Guys! It's almost here!

My new eBook "10 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies" will be available for sale in my shop on Monday {this Monday} August 12th. The cost is an affordable $2.99 and it's 17 pages of insight, real-life experiences, resources and more. 

I'm have a full out campaign for this book and would love your help. There will be a major blog tour to promote and raise awareness. Here is a list of the blog roundup:

MONDAY 12th = Girl Booklet

TUESDAY13th = Agape Love Designs

WEDNESDAY14th = Let It Shine

THURSDAY 15th = Pinks Heels Pink Truck

FRIDAY 16th = Braxton Life

SATURDAY 17th = Hello Ashleyy

I'm so blessed and thankful for these lovely ladies!

eBook Blog Tour details:

- A guest post & giveaway from me to be published on each blog on the scheduled day

- The giveaway is for one free copy of the eBook!!

- Readers will also be redirected in the post to check out my Facebook page, where they can snag a 15% OFF coupon code PLUS enter to win a FREE CUSTOM LOGO exclusive to FB followers.

Thank you everyone for your support!
If you can help by purchasing a copy of the book and sharing via your network, I'd love you forever. Seriously, I will. The husband will just have to deal with it. 

Remember, treat the blogging community like a lady and stay classy.

10 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies {eBook announcement}

Here she is, folks: the new illustrated cover for my latest eBook!!
I personally drew the cover myself and colored it. Came out better than expected.

The idea for this eBook came about because of the overwhelming support for my post back in March titled "5 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies." Many of you weighed in your thoughts, shared your own tips and just engaged in awesome conversation. Knowing that there are more than 5 tips {and definitely more than 10} I decided I will share 10 important tips on blogging etiquette and create it as a digital book. This way, you can take it with you on your mobile device, tablet or laptop.

Here is what you can expect with this eBook:

- 10 useful tips on how you as a new blogger should behave/interact within the blogging community. Some examples are "Link to actual source", "Write a disclosure", "Serve Your Sponsors" and "You're not the gramma' police."
- Real-life experiences and stories to better enhance your perspective
- Links to valuable resources and websites
- A new outlook and more knowledge about what etiquette is and how important it is online

"10 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies" will be released on August 12th, 2013 {11 days from today!}It is an easy read, about 17 pages, but filled with great info.

I am launching a full campaign the week of the launch; it will run from Monday, August 12th through Saturday, August 17th. Let me tell you, there are some great things in store.

There will be a blog tour where I'll be featured on some very awesome blogs. I'll be giving away a free copy on every blog I'm on, so stay tuned for the blog tour schedule, which will be posted next week. It would be wise to follow me on Twitter because I'll be sharing daily all of the giveaway links AND a link to snag a coupon code. You can also follow along by searching hashtag #augustblogtour

Also, I'll be hosting a HUGE giveaway on my Facebook page that week. One lucky winner will receive a FREE Custom Blog Banner or Logo!! It's a $50 value and is only available in my shop but followers of my page will be eligible to enter by sharing the giveaway and leaving a comment telling me whether they would pick a banner or logo.

I also will be sharing an exclusive 15% discount code on Facebook that can be applied to anything in my shop!

I have to say how excited I am to bring you this eBook and hopefully create more awareness about blogging etiquette. I'll be sharing more about pricing and other details next week, so keep your eyes peeled!

The "Catch Up" Bug

“The minute I start to try and mimic someone else, is the minute I suck.

You will always get the best response when you’re being yourself.”

{Mariel, or so she says blog}

About two years ago I discovered blogging. When I mean discovered, I don’t mean that I didn’t have a blog. I had one for a while but I was never really connected to it. I am talking about community. I don’t even know how it happened, really. It seemed a wonderful community of amazing bloggers found their way into my heart and now I have many relationships/friendships with people all over the country. I was pretty much hooked. The challenge came when I realized my little space on the internet was, well, behind. I had neglected my blog so much, that I felt I had to “catch up” to where other bloggers were. Yup, I had gotten bit by the “catch up bug.” What is “the catch up bug?”

If the thought “Man, their blog is so advanced and awesome, I really have to get on the ball and get moving” ever has come to mind, then we are on the same page here. “The catch up bug” is when you are cruising through the blogosphere and stumble upon a blog or some blogs that you start to admire. Then all of a sudden, wham! You get bit! You start to compare your blog with theirs. And that is when you start to feel woozy, confused and dizzy. Did you ever feel like that? Maybe you are going through this right now!

When we admire other blogs, it can either make or break us. Admiration is not the problem; the problem lies when we move from admiration to comparison. Feel me? It’s when you go from “I love their blog, the graphics are great and the posts are full of valuable resources” to “Wow, my blog does NOT measure up to their blog at all! I really have to change something, make a new header, create bigger buttons, blah, blah, blah…” You then feel as though your blog is less valuable.

There is a saying that is fitting here:
"Don't compare your beginning to someone's middle."

What I want to tell you is that even though other blogs seem like they have all the bells and whistles {I really dislike using this phrase but it’s the only one that fit what I’m trying to say}, you have to take care of your blog in the state it is currently is in. It’s taken quite a bit of time for those bigger blogs to get to where they are. Focus on the stage your blog is right now, having goals but not neglecting the present. I am preaching to the choir here, that is why I’m writing this…because I’ve been there! Like yesterday haha

It is okay to have goals and things you want to try that other blogs are doing, whether it’s graphics or post ideas, but the challenge then is to make sure you are still genuine.

You see, there are many advantages and disadvantages to being bitten by the “catch up bug”:

ADVANTAGES

-         You get ideas & references to something different you want to try

-         It gets you out of your comfort zone

-         Your mind starts thinking in different ways, exploring new options

-         Helps to motivate you into “do it mode” and away from “what if mode”

DISADVANTAGES

-         You start to feel inadequate

-         You lose the essence of who you are by trying too many things

-         You don’t take time to think things through and instead act without a purpose

-         Your readers may start to get turned off

The fact is, there will always be a blog bigger, better and greater. Sorry it’s true! {except for this blog, it’s pretty much the best overall, in the entire universe.} Turn it around though; some people may just be starting out and looking up to your blog. They may start to compare their blog with yours. I’ll leave you with this advice if the “catch up bug” ever bites you. Before you take any action, wait a few days. Think about what you want to do, why, how it will benefit or not benefit your blog. Make a plan on how you can make it your own. After all, there another bug that is much worse than the “catch up bug” and that is the “copy cat bug”!

5 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies

>>**My new eBook "10 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies" is available in the shop for just $2.99!**<<

"Every one of us is an artist, and as an artist, you really can stroll into any venue that you want, as long as you take your time to learn the etiquette of that venue."
Terrence Howard

{source} 

It's pretty crazy to think that this year will mark my 3rd year of blogging. It's also sad that I still consider myself a newbie. This "blogging thing" started when I was laid off from my job. Not as an artist, I'm talking about a "real job." {Okay, enough with the "quotation marks".} I had big dreams to take my own business to the next level and I wanted to share my story as I learned the ropes.

I wanted to encourage others in the same situation and inspire those who think they can't follow their dreams. I'm still not sure I'm accomplishing this but it's been a big learning experience for me. I've learned {am still learning} a lot about the blogging world, the do's and the don'ts. When I look back at some of my earlier posts or how I conducted myself within the community, my insides cringe. 

So if I can help out a fellow newbie with my list of "5 Blogging Etiquette Tips for Newbies" {oops, I did it again. "Sorry."} then why not. Hopefully you can learn a lot faster than I and catapult your blog further.  If you find this post helpful, please share. Etiquette is not just for royalty or someone in high stature. It's all about respect, politeness, integrity, honesty and trust. Etiquette is for everyone but just like anything, if you don't have it, you must learn it.

1.) Link photos or ideas to an actual source 

To some of us, our blog is just a chance to chat with others and share our day to day lives. We find photos that relate to our topic or we see inspiration somewhere else online that triggers an idea for a post. It is crucial to your blogging image to give credit where it's due. While you may be blogging for fun, others actually blog for income. They work hard to take high quality photos and provide good content. A simple link back to their blog is usually enough. If you save the image to your computer then upload it into your post, and don't link back, this is considered stealing. You may not actually say that the photos are yours but visitors and readers don't have any other reason to think otherwise. Your intentions may be innocent but that doesn't change facts. Most cases you can just right click on an image, copy it and then paste into your post. Sometimes the link shows up automatically but double check. If you don't do anything else on this list, do this one. It's by far the biggest blogging don't.

2.) Have clear contact info

This may seem like it's more of a marketing aspect but actually providing clear information so that visitors and readers can contact you is just plain nice. It shows them that you are approachable {in the best way possible online} and they are free to connect with you. Not providing a contact page or even an email address on your sidebar can come off as snotty and rude. I'm serious! What would you think if you came across a blog that didn't have any way for you to contact that person? It would seem kind of weird, and though you may not know it, something inside of you tells you this person is not trustworthy. When we are online, we want to feel secure. Some sense of protection. Whether we know it or not, seeing a blogger's contact info gives us that. It says "Hey, if there's a problem or a question, I am here for you."

3.) Leave a comment, not a sales pitch

So your surfing around the many blogs you follow or you just happen to land on one that's awesome. You dig the posts, design, the blogger's writing voice etc. As you start to comment to tell them this, you then think "how can I get them to my blog?" So you write "I love your blog! New follower, come check out mine sometime. I'd appreciate a follow back! www.desperate.blogspot.com"!"

Yeah, about that...

This is not only a blogging no-no, it's pretty much looked down upon everywhere else as well. No one likes to be told what to do, first of all. I mean, if someone left this on your blog, would you like it? It shows immaturity and the last part actually erases the first part of the comment. You know, the one about loving the blog. Yeah that. If you love someone's blog, tell them why! Whatever it is, whether you can relate to where they are, you love their header, or you share the same taste in frozen yogurt. Don't take advantage of the comment box and abuse it by turning it into a self-marketing mess. We've all done it, so I'm preaching to myself here. When experienced bloggers see this, it's a huge turn off and they most likely won't check you out.

If you want to leave your blog url link, that is definitely okay. It's all about presentation and class. Watch your wording and read your comment out loud before submitting. If it sounds like your trying to sell something, erase it and start over.

Copy and paste this code if you want to add your blog link to a comment. It is html so make sure the comment box takes code. Oh and change the necessary fields, or you will look quite silly:

<a href="YOUR BLOG URL">YOUR DISPLAY TEXT</a>

{Shout out to Dana from Wonderforest for inspiring this tip. You rock girl!}

4.) Reply to comments

Things get busy and life gets crazy but one thing remains...appreciation. When someone actually takes time to write to you and leave a comment on your blog, it's good etiquette to say thank you. Just like if someone sent you a birthday gift, it's proper to send a thank you note. This practice has been lost for a while and it's trickled into the blogging world. I understand we have pretty full plates and if you are a high profile blog with thousands of followers, replying to each comment can be mind numbing and never ending. In those cases, I would suggest leaving one comment thanking the masses for their love and support. The point it, say something! Not replying to a comment gives off the impression that you don't care. And I know you do. It only takes one minute, even if you just reply within the comment section. It doesn't have to be a big-to-do, just a simple "thanks so much" can make a big difference.

5.) Use your manners

This pretty much sums up what etiquette is about. There really should be no name calling, bashing or trash talk. This 'ain't Walmart or the mall. You can say pretty much whatever you want on your blog but be warned that once you say something, you can't take it back. You might be able to delete it but you can never delete how you made someone feel. I've seen some pretty nasty comments left on some blogs that I love and it grosses me out. Like really makes me sick. That saying "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all" proves true. Just be quiet and click off. When you are rude in a comment, it shows more about who you are then the person you're trying to make look bad. It showcases your lack of self-control and ability to handle grown up situations. I mean, really, treat the blogging community like a lady. If it's hard for you to play nice with others, maybe you should go inside and read a book. This playground is for fun and friends. We really don't need any bullies.

How you present yourself online is just as important as offline. The scary part is that a lot of people think they can be someone else because they can hide behind a screen. Do everyone a favor and be honest. Hold yourself to a higher standard.

This list wasn't created to make you feel bad or put you down. It was meant to educate but in order for you to learn anything, you must admit you have room to grow. If you go against growing, you really go against life. You will make mistakes but it's what you do afterward with the lesson that matters. Remember, etiquette everywhere is about respect, politeness, integrity, honesty and trust. If you have these things going for you as a blogger, you are on your way to greater things.

What have you learned so far about blogging?

Do you have a tip?