I just started my blog, when can I begin reviewing products?

Technically, you may begin reviewing products at any time.  However, I recommend that you review a couple of items you already own and really like first to get used to writing a comprehensive review.

What is a (or, how do I write a) comprehensive review?

There are MANY different ways to write a review, and each writer puts their own spin on it.  However, when you’re first getting started, there are some basic guidelines you may want explore:

• Include a picture of the product you are reviewing.
• If the product is a “set,” be sure to mention what all is included.  If it needed something that wasn’t included, be sure to mention what that is.
• Make good use of hyperlinks by linking the product name (in your blog) to a page where the product is sold (whether on Amazon.com or through the company’s website).  HOWEVER, be aware that too many hyperlinks scares readers off and may cause them to be wary of clicking on your website.  (I prefer 2-4 hyperlinks in a review, depending on the length.)
• Price – occasionally, I will list the price of an item, but not always.  Sometimes you can find the same item sold for 10 different prices, so if this is the case, you can always list an approximate price range.
• Be honest but kind.
• Express your overall opinion, the product’s weaknesses, and the product’s strengths.
• Per new laws, you must now have a disclosure statement at the end of each post (if you received compensation or a product in return for a review).

If you’d like to see a few reviews I’ve written, you can follow the links below:

Caring Corners Mrs. Goodbee Talking Dollhouse

My Princess Bible

Starting Over (Being Your Own House Contractor)

Sex In Marriage Is Not Okay – It’s Amazing!

I’ve heard that companies will send products for review, where do *I* sign up?

Many companies have realized the advertising power that many blogs and websites hold.  However, before you look to getting products from companies, you may want to do a quick evaluation of your blog, including taking a close look at how many UNIQUE visitors  you receive each month, how many of your visitors are return visitors, and if you feel your audience trusts you.

Next, you will need to find companies that match your blogging interests (if you blog mostly about sewing crafts, then a review of a lawnmower won’t fit).  When you find a specific product that you’d really like to review, your next step is to contact them.

You can reach out to companies several ways:

- You can email them directly.
- You can seek out their publicity agents.
- You can join websites like bzzagent.com and mamabzz.com, which are basically the “middle man” between companies and bloggers.

I’ve decided to contact the company directly, now what do I say?

Sorry, friend.  This is the part that YOU are going to have to do.  But, some basic information you may want to include is:  Your name, blog name and address, a quick description of your blog and the topics you blog about most, which product you’d like to review and why, and your stats.

To see the other posts in the Blogging 101 series, follow the links below:

Blogging 101:  Where Do I Begin?

Blogging 101:  Getting Your Blog “Out There”

Welcome back!

I’ve had a lot of questions over the last couple of years regarding blogging, so I thought I’d put it all down into words here – complete with some really helpful links!  As always, feel free to ask questions in the comments and leave your own helpful tips as appropriate to the topic.  I plan for this to be a series, so if there’s a question you want answered, be sure to email it to me at bosssanders (at) gmail (dot) com.

Why blog?

I get this question more than one would think.  I can’t tell YOU why YOU should blog, but I can tell you why some others (me, included) do:

It’s like therapy.  Only cheaper.
It’s great for business if you’re a website because it keeps your content fresh…which google likes.
It’s a great record-keeper – Whether you want to remember the funny things your kids did (and turn it into a book later) or you just want to chronicle your life.  Whatever.
It can make you money (which I’ll explain later).

Who would even read my blog?

That my friend, you have to answer.  It’s up to you.  You can make your blog private (which I have several of those, too), you can make it semi-private (where you invite certain people) OR you can make it completely public.  It’s up to you.

As far as who would want to read your blog…well, a lot of people.  Let me tell ya.  I never really thought anyone would want to read the random ramblings of a SAHM but they do!  I have over 6500 unique visitors per month.  And, it’s growing.  It never stays the same.  The number is ALWAYS going up.  I don’t even KNOW 6500 people!!

So, just write.  No matter what you write about, there’s gonna be SOMEONE that’s interested.  (Unless you’re writing about killing kittens or something weird like that.  No, actually, I take that back.  You’ll still probably have readers…just not me.)

I don’t know much about websites and I’m not that great of a writer, how do I do this?

I slaughter grammar and I put commas and periods wherever I want to because in high-school, my AP English teacher told me that once I was a published writer, I could make up my own rules.  So I do.  And, am.  As long as you know how to use spell-check, you’re good.

And, you don’t have to know a lot about websites.  You can do a simple blog and do great OR you can do something huge and complex and hire people to do what you can’t.  It’s pretty easy like that.

What should I write about?

Your life.  Products.  Saving money.  Raising kids.  Homeschooling.  Crafts.  Techie stuff.  Making money.  Re-purposing things.  Funny things people say.  Music.  Celebrities.  People that inspire you.  Art.  Cars.  Weird fashions.  Whatever. You. Want.

Where do I start?

First, you start by signing up for your own blog.  I recommend using a WordPress or Blogger platform.

IF you are wanting to advertise on your blog, I recommend you use WordPress.com or use the wordpress platform and buy your own domain name and hosting (which is what I do).

IF you want something that’s really point and click and very few brain cells involved (and less freedom), go for Blogger.com.

Keep in mind that Google owns Blogger, so you may show up EASIER in search engines, but they have rules that won’t allow you to advertise much at all.  And if they catch you, they can ban you and all sorts of stuff.

**Before you actually sign up for a blog, I suggest you decide what you will be writing and then come up with a name.  Come up with something fun, catchy, and easy to remember…unless of course, you aren’t wanting to be found or just like to be difficult.  Then, do whatever you want.

How do I make my blog pretty?

Both of the websites I linked to give you the option of a variety of themes/layouts.  Of course, you can find even more by googling them or finding someone who will design you something nicer (which comes with a fee).

My advice is to check out your favorite blog designs and look at the bottom of those blogs to see who designed it.

Questions?

Favorite blog designers?

Favorite place to blog?

Do you have a blog?

Part 2 – Getting Your Blog “Out There”