Learning all about WordPress, HTML and Twitter at #SoFabCon!

 Blogging  No Responses »
May 212013

I’ve been on WordPress for over a year now and I’m really embarrassed to say I am still a beginner. I know some HTML (I used to help develop eBay pages when it first started which was eons ago). I was excited to here the all mighty tech Gurus Jay Thornton, VP of Technology and Chris Whittle, Director of Technology at Collective Bias (yep, they know their stuff) talk about WordPress at So Fab Con. I was expecting to be overwhelmed but they did a great job at breaking down the basics of  how to use the more technical side of WordPress.

Biggest thing I learned? How to use Developer/Webmaster Tools in Chrome to make blog changes as sort of a “preview mode!” This can be done by clicking “CTRL + SHIFT + I” in Chrome. Wait, don’t click it yet! Your head may spin! First, here is what it does:

It allows you to change things live time like color and style changes in your blog, but you aren’t really changing it! You are just doing a preview.

You will need to know some basics about HTML but that’s nothing a little Googling can’t help you find. I bookmark helpful items like HTML Color Codes.

Utilize Google Webfonts when choosing your fonts, over 5000 free fonts http://www.google.com/fonts/! Where has that information been all my blogging life?!

Don’t refresh, you’ll lose it all! Add the HTML to your CSS editor plugin before leaving the page.

Don’t be scared to try it, dig in and preview as you won’t hurt anything!  Try to do many changes at a time:

A few important tips to remember about WordPress:

  • It’s important to keep WordPress up to date, the reason is that the longer the platform is available, the more chances there are for people to develop security breaches. I’m horrible about updating but will make it a point to do it from now on!
  • The more plug ins you install, the more you are at risk for a security breach. When you install plugins, do your research. when was it updated, what are the ratings etc.
  • Back up your blog, especially before changes.
  • Don’t ever use “admin” in your WordPress user name, this is commonly used and makes it easier to “hack” into blog posts.
While I am no expert just yet, at least I know some key things to work on and Google to continue to make my blog look awesome!
Skipping around with our #SoFabCon Peeps thanks to the encouragement from Ted Rubin!

Along with learning about WordPress, I learned a lot more about Twitter. I went to Ted Rubin and Sandy Jenney’s session called “Twitter…Not Just a Place to Tweet”. I will back track a little here and say one thing I took away from So Fab was the importance of Twitter. I used to look at it like another Social Media outlet but it’s so much more than that. It’s a constant river of interaction, knowledge and engagement. It’s a place to continuously connect with brands, friends and fans!

 Ted Rubin Says:

What doesn’t work for social media? Not being social! Continue to engage with your audience. 

What’s important in Social Media? Connecting with people and building relationships. Continuous engagement with your audience is key. Make it all about your your customers, fans etc. As consumers, we want people to listen and we just want to be heard. Ask your audience, “How can I serve you”? Don’t unfollow people, they still listen and follow everyone back who follows you. Great way to build a following and an audience.

How to rock at Social Media ?

  • Listen!
  • Know the people in your audience, do your research.
  • Think like a child and change your creative mindset to one that works.
  • Reach out to your audience. Listen and call people by their name.
  • Think reputation, not ranking.
  • Work to make a connection with people, not just a network.

I know after hearing more about the importance or Twitter, I will work harder to engage on this platform not only as a blogger but as a brand. One thing Ted Rubin also mentioned is keep it kind, even if you aren’t happy with a store, brand etc you can still express your displeasure with them professionally. I couldn’t agree more!

Speaking of Twitter, I got to experience a live time Twitter Party with #IDIcedCoffee and my favorite gals Lindsey Hodous and Lauren Blass from Collective Bias, hosted by Rebecca Parsons of http://www.cre8tivecompass.com/mag/.

It was a lot of fun seeing how a Twitter Party works in real life and we got to enjoy some delicious iced coffee. I in fact had a little more than a few of those delicious iced coffees by International Delight during that hour!

Posted by Clever Pink Pirate at 8:12 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Bloggy Bootcamp ~ Where It’s at for Blogging Conferences & Why I go Every. Single. Year.

 Blogging, Collective Bias, Fashionista on a Budget  No Responses »
Apr 242013

Here is one of our first sessions, say hello to Anne from NotASuperMom.com!

If you have been blogging for a little bit, you’ve heard a little bit about blogging conferences. I’ve been to a few, in fact I just went to my 10th conference. Crazy, right? I just went to BBC Phoenix and in fact, it was my 4th Bloggy Bootcamp. I go to one every year and I will continue to do so because the return on my investment is always well worth it. Some people ask me why I attend this conference so many times and they want to know, is it repetitive? When I go to Bloggy Bootcamp I have the mindset that I will come home with these 3 things:

  • Motivation ~ I always feel the need to turn my blog into something more fabulous than it was before.
  • Something New ~ While I may hear things I already know, I ALWAYS come home with some valuable.
  • New Friends ~ I always make new bloggy friends at BBC and it’s great because there are not an overwhelming amount of people I go home meeting at least half of the attendees!

Another reason I go? The SITS girls are pretty awesome and know how to put on a greatly informative conference. Tiffany is just awesome. She is SO pretty and SO funny! She really just makes these conferences awesome and she is the real deal.

If you are looking for the “meat and potatoes” of blogging conferences, the Bloggy Bootcamps are worth the investments. The bonus is that usually they are priced low and capped around 100 to make everyone’s experience more intimate.

Just a few things I took from this blogging conference:

I need to put more attention into Google +. I’ve been hearing how important it is but it didn’t click until it was pointed out that Google + is a Gogle product and Google is the master of the web. Duh! I should have my info totally branded on there to make me and my website more searchable and favored by Google! One of the first things I did was complete my Google Aurthorship. You can do it for your site too here: https://plus.google.com/authorship

I learned more how to manage my sponsored posts, something I needed!

SEO seems to be constantly evolving, I’m appreciate of Casey from cbias who shared his knowledge on how to use it to our advantage!

Also, we heard about how to plug into the Speaker portions of the blogging conference circuit. When I saw this I thought, this is not something I would need but, on the way home I had an epiphany of something to talk about! Hopefully I can execute a plan and maybe speak at a conference soon!

Of course I had a blast, especially with my fav local bloggy peeps

 


Thank you to DownEast Basics for sponsoring our clothing for the conference! Don’t we all look fabulous?!

I love this Pink Sheer Shirt, it was definitely branding for myself at the conference.

I loved everything the girls chose from DownEast! I honestly had outfit envy!

Awkward Stretching anyone?

A bit shoutout to those who came and saw Kim & I at the Collective Bias booth and did some awkward stretching! You guys are talented!

If I didn’t get a chance to talk to you about Social Fabric/Cbias, feel free to email me!

I know Danielle says stop apologizing and that has stayed with me since I heard her say it BBCVegas. Because I do apologize for a lot, a lot that is completely out of my control so I have gotten better. I do want to apologize for scaring anyone with my “sick voice” . I normally don’t sound like that I swear! That was the worst part of the conference, coming home from BBC early because I was sick :(

Disclosure: I did receive giftcards from DownEast Basics to purchase clothing for the conference. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Posted by Clever Pink Pirate at 12:02 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Having Fun At SNAP Conference!

 Blogging, Pirate On The Move  1 Response »
Apr 192013

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Hey Clever fans! just checking in as This weekend I’m at Snap Conference with other fab bloggers. We’re learning, crafting and having fun! Look for a recap when I get back!

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Posted by Clever Pink Pirate at 8:11 pm  Tagged with: ,

Branding at Blogging Conferences w/ Expressions Vinyl + a $25 Giveaway

 Blogging, Craft  4 Responses »
Apr 122013

 

I’m at Bloggy Bootcamp today in Phoenix, will I see you there? Then you’ll see me at SNAP and So Fab Conference! I’ve been working on packing and I’ve ordered my business cards but I decided to do a little branding to make myself just a more recognizable. ExpressionsVinyl.com sent me a few vinyl pieces to create goodies for the conference.

I ordered Oracle  12×24 Ultra Glitter Melon. I love the oracle vinyl from Expressions Vinyl, it is very sturdy and shouldn’t come off unless I remove it.  I cut out a pirate skull and my Twitter/Instagram name along with my website in the glitter pink and placed them on my laptop. I cut these out on my cutting machine (Silhouette) and used transfer paper (a must with words and vinyl). This way people I’m sitting around will know who I am! I know what you are thinking, I just told you think week you don’t really need a laptop at blogging conferences. Really you don’t, I do as I always have quick bits of work to do. You can bring your laptop, there really isn’t anything wrong with it, just something else to carry. 

If you are thinking about branding yourself at a conference consider using vinyl on the following:

  • T-Shirt or Tote Bags w/ logo or Twitter name (Use Iron on Vinyl from EV)
  • iPad/Tablet/Laptop
  • Notebook

If you’ll be at any of the conferences above, be sure to find me and say hello! Be sure to say hello to Expressions Vinyl at SNAP!

Want to win a $25 gift certificate to Expressions Vinyl? Just enter via the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

I did receive vinyl to do this project from ExpressionsVinyl.com, all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Posted by Clever Pink Pirate at 7:55 am  Tagged with: ,

What’s in my Conference Bags for #BBCPhx, #SNAPConf and #SoFabCon

 Blogging, Fashionista on a Budget  2 Responses »
Apr 102013

I knew I was insane when I planned to attend 3 blogging conference in less than a month. But alas, here I am about to head off to Bloggy Bootcamp before I travel to Utah for SNAP then to So Fab Con with my favorite peeps in Arkansas! I’m busy packing over here and often I get asked what to bring to a conference. It can be stressful to plan for that first conference but I think I have it down to what the necessities are since this will be my 10th, 11th and 12th conference. Sheeze Sara, get a hobby!

Anyways, if you are curious as to what’s in my bag or what you should bring to a blogging conference, check out my must haves below that include my conference tote and my makeup bag!

Conference Tote bag

When it comes to what to carry at the conference, I personally prefer a larger purse or medium tote bag at conferences. I don’t carry much but I do like there to be some room because you never know when you will get “swag” or other items to take home.

  1. Phone ~ It will be your go to tool to keep up with the happenings of the conference by following the hashtag. Be sure to get friends and roomie’s phone numbers to keep in touch for when you are apart!
  2. Chapstick ~ This may just be a personal thing but I have to have chapstick with me all the time and plus, it’s cold usually at conferences and I don’t want my lips drying out!
  3. Candy & Gum ~ I tend to take an energy dive at blogging conferences and I get hungry too, so I tend to stock up on sugar and granola bars. Plus, nothing bribes new friends like chocolate!
  4. Sharpies ~ When you receive business cards from others, you’ll want to remember who is who! Have a sharpie or thick pen to write on all types of business cards because some are glossy and hard to write on with a pen.
  5. Tablet or iPad ~ A lot of people bring laptops to conferences and I do sometimes but really it’s easier to tweet out and share if you have a smaller device such as a tablet. Some also take notes on them as well as photos.
  6. Notepad and Pen ~ Nothing beats a pen and paper for notes! It helps you remember the tips shared and you can brainstorm easily on paper!
  7. Business Cards ~You’ll need a lot of them so be sure to have a good stock on hand. If you are looking to order business cards, I prefer Minted.com and Vistaprint.com.
  8. Flats ~ I can’t express how important it is to have comfy shoes at a conference. There is a LOT of standing and walking. A personal favorite of mine just in case my shoes give my feet a hard time. I like Fit in Clouds sequin flats, they go everywhere with me!

Makeup Bag

 

I’m cheap by nature so all of my cosmetics have always come from the drugstore or superstore. I’m not too picky but I do like a quality product that will give me a great look and won’t make my skin break out. Here are a few things in my makeup bag for the conferences (and well all of the time).

  1. Glamoflauge by Hard Candy ~ I’ve been seeing this all over Pinterest. It promised to have full concealer coverage for around $6 at Walmart. I thought, too good to be true. I picked up a tube and was blown away! This stuff has amazing coverage and a little bit goes a long way. The tube will definitely last me a while, well worth the investment.
  2. CC Cream by Hard Candy ~ I must have been livin under a rock as I hadn’t found out about the BB cream fad until recently. It’s basically a tinted moisturizer that provides a little bit more coverage. I tried the CC Cream from Hard Candy and liked it. Typically what I do is put the Glamoflauge over my problem spots and under my eyes, then cover the rest of my face with this. It gives it a nice finish, especially when I do it with the e.l.f. highlighting powder (number 8)
  3. Falsies Mascara from Maybelline ~ this is one of my favorite mascaras for under $5. It gives a full look and it comes in waterproof (a must for me).
  4. NYC Sparkle Eye Dust ~ I’ve tried a lot of drug store eye shadows in my time bu this has to be one of my favorites. I love the smokey topaz (found at Walmart for around $3). I usually finish it with the Golden Godess Pigmented Eye Shadown from e.l.f.
  5. Simply Powder Foundation by Cover Girl ~ I will sometimes use this over the CC Cream, it gives a great finish to my foundation.
  6. Super Glossy Lip Shine by e.l.f. ~ If you are looking for a cute lip gloss for less, this is my favorite. I love the pink as it gives my lips a glossy shine and a little color. The bonus is it’s only $1 at Target.
  7. Aqua Smooth Foundation by Covergirl ~ Have you ever heard the term, if it’s not broke don’t fix it? I have used this foundation for years. In fact, I’ve used it for so long it’s the makeup I bought as a teen! This compact is great to keep in my purse when I run out of time to put on makeup and need to do it on the go.
  8. High Definition Powder by e.l.f. ~ I hadn’t started highlighting my face until I found this product by e.l.f.  You put it under your eyes, above the cheekbones along with the forehead and chin to highlight the face. I use it after I put on my finishing powder (it also helps bring out my dark eyes).
  9. Finishing Mist by Nexxus ~ Not a cosmetic but definitely a favorite in my bag. I use the trial size from CVS and it’s only $3. It keeps my curls in place without being super crunchy.

There you have it, what’s in my bags at Bloggy Bootcamp, SNAP and So Fab Con! What are some of your must haves for conferences?

Posted by Clever Pink Pirate at 1:41 pm  Tagged with: , ,
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