I have literally had a whirlwind 4 days at the QT Hotel Gold Coast at the ProBlogger training event.
As I sit here in soft pants, drinking my second coffee with a sleeping Amalfi at my feet, I can’t quite believe how lucky I was to experience such an electric time with 500+ likeminded bloggers and experts.
I’m so glad I took my iPad with me, as I’ve got some fantastic notes to remind me of the things that resonated with me most. I’m also grateful for my iPhone that snapped some awesome moments I got to experience with my bloggy mates.
So I thought I’d share my experience at ProBlogger with you right now.
Here’s what I learned…
Darren Rowse (Mr ProBlogger himself) told us to start and keep starting. Know your readers. Be useful. Develop a rhythm. Don’t compete for the moment, compete for meaning. Persist.
Danielle Cresp (of Style for a Happy Home) suggested using Pinterest for 10-15 minutes per day to inspire yourself and also attract readers…and explained that Pinterest will love you for it in return. I personally loved this!
Pat Flynn (of The Smart Passive Income Blog) inspired us to focus on our first impression, unique content and to be consistent.
Rand Fishkin (of Moz) taught us that when it comes to SEO, the best links are earned, not built.
Matthew Michalewicz inspired us to be a connoisseur of knowledge and that belief leads to action which leads to results. Do I want it more than I fear it?
Stacey Roberts (AKA Veggie Mama) taught us that as bloggers, we should always be honest, fair and balanced and base our opinions on fact. We are to assume anything we see on the internet is copyrighted. Always credit the source if it’s not our image/work. And disclosure is key – always identify that it’s a sponsored post (at the top) and disclose affiliate links and gifted items.
Lucy Feagins (of The Design Files) advised us that our readership is our value – always put our readers first and respect them.
Chantelle Ellem (AKA Fat Mum Slim) inspired us to try a new idea and make it as simple as possible for people to join in. She told us that we don’t have to do everything when it comes to social media (just do the ones we love), be available to our audience and to put ourselves out there to get the reward. My personal favourite tip of Chantelle’s was: “Shit happens. Rise above it.” WORD!
Bron Maxabella (of Maxabella Loves) told us to define our dreams, do a reality check and think 3 moves ahead. She also encouraged us to be at least one week ahead with our blog posts (because, y’know, life happens) and to also have our content planned out for the entire month. Bron explained that consistent doesn’t mean daily. She told us to find our own pattern and stick with it. Spend the time doing the things that resonate with us. And the best tip? The only thing worth being perfect at is TRYING. Amen, Bron!
My absolute favourite speaker at ProBlogger…
Nikki Parkinson (Ms Styling You) – my mentor and friend – delivered a brilliant presentation on building a community you love (and love her we do!). She likened blogging to a dinner party where as bloggers we are the host and our readers are our guests around the table. Nikki finished her presentation by encouraging us to appreciate our own dinner party and to not worry about the size of someone else’s dinner party. Cheers to that!
My personal highlights from the weekend…
Spending a lot of quality time with my roomie, Kim-Marie of Kimba Likes. We are most definitely sisters from different misters!
Sharing #soniastylinghappyhour with so many fantastic and fun bloggers – too many to name.
Hanging with Andrea of Fox in Flats. I’m lucky to call her a friend and I’m grateful for her constant support.
The impromptu photoshoot that happened in the hallway of QT Hotel with Rachel of Redcliffe Style, Lou, Jim of Mr and Mrs Romance and Christina of Hair Romance. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard and I’m fairly certain the other guests weren’t quite as impressed with our modelling prowess as we were!
Having my hair styled by Christina of Hair Romance. Dream. Come. True!
Getting to spend some time with some of my Down That Little Lane family – Tessa (Ms DTLL herself), Cherie (of Raising Master Max) and my beautiful namesake, Sonia (of Life Love and Hiccups). Love these girls like sisters.
Being one of the lucky 50 bloggers who had the opportunity of having my photo taken by the ridiculously talented Rachel Devine. So excited to receive them!
So many inspiring and fabulous conversations with so many inspiring and fabulous bloggers.
Were you at ProBlogger? What were your highlights?
For the non-bloggers – which bloggers would you most like to meet in real life?
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