Blog better by emulating this community-focused blogger

In yesterday’s post, Blog better by following the baby steps of a better blogger, I presented you with what I’ve learned from Ms. Freeman, a blogger who is truly focused on the  community of her blog.  As promised, today I present the responses to a recent interview. 

An Interview with Ms. Freeman

1. What motivated you to start blogging? When did you begin?

I would have to say that reading many of the inspiring stories and About pages of successful bloggers gave me the nudge to start blogging.  I started blogging in this niche in August 2009, prior to that I published a travel related blog for about three years.  My travel blog reached as high as a PR4 and was generated some revenue up until the day it crashed.   

2. What blogging resources did you use to research blogging when you first started?

I am the type of person that jumps into things head first and on a whim.  After that, I did a lot of blog walking and reading.  I referred to the blogs of the ‘pros’ for instruction and inspiration.

I’ve subscribed to and have read a lot of eBooks, and have watched more than my share of YouTube videos, and listened to many a Podcast.   There is a tremendous amount of information and resources on the internet and it is FREE.

3. What are your goals for your blog? What is your long term vision? What do you hope to accomplish as a result?

The initial thought for turning Freeman Legacy LLC from a static site to a blog was simply to document my Baby Steps to Internet Entrepreneurship.  So my goal for the blog is to build the readership and community and to provide useable content, from a newbie’s point of view.

4. What steps are you taking to reach your goals?

Kiesha, I am stepping in so many directions some are working and others are just major distractions.  But, one big step I took was creating a LLC for my Concierge business.  Another was accepting being laid off and moving on to bigger and better things.

I think we can have a defined map to our goals, but without hope, faith and grace those goals will never be realized.

5. What is/are the most important lesson(s) you’ve learned about blogging?

For me blogging is an ongoing lesson everyday.  But, I can definitely say that one must blog about a topic they’re genuinely interested in. Also, blogging only to make money will more than likely not reap much benefit.

6. What opportunities have opened up for you solely as a result of blogging? How did you make your blogging breakthrough – as far as acquiring a decent level of traffic and developing your blog’s community?

Of late several unique opportunities have occurred, for me at least.  One, I completed my first guest post for the FamousBloogers.net blog.  And of course being interviewed by you is another awesome opportunity.  Also, I’ve been able to accumulate some revenue through various streams.

7. What obstacles have you had to overcome? Do you have a triumph over failure story to share?

With regards to blogging as a form of making money online I find that my lack of knowledge is making for slow progress.  Not knowing or understanding SEO techniques along with time management distractions are proving to be the major obstacles I am contending with.

As far as Triumph over Failure is concerned I have to get back to you on that.  We’ll see if I can become a successful Internet Entrepreneur following a layoff in one of the worst economic climates my generation has seen.  With the knowledgeable community around me in the blogosphere I don’t foresee any reason why I wouldn’t be a success.

8. What advice would you offer struggling bloggers?

Stick with it.  Set a posting schedule that works well with your real life schedule.  In the beginning we tend to bite off more than we can chew, on account of the excitement of the whole adventure.  Blog about something you are passionate about or very interested in learning more about, because there will be a lot of research involved.

Also, blogging is a web, a community of people and you will need to use those interpersonal skills that we learn in school and on the job.  Don’t get caught up in the negativity that floats around the blogosphere, it’s out there.  Remember Karma does exist.

9. How do you make your blog stand out from the rest?

Oh, I don’t know that it stands out from the rest.  But, if and when folks find it I like for them to feel welcomed and valued.  I enjoy posing a thought and hearing the responses and opinions, even if they aren’t in line with mine.

I am a big proponent for the About Me page.  If a reader visits my blog and wants to know a little more about me then there it is.  It’s not a full look into my private life but, it is enough to understand my mission.

All bloggers should have an About Me page and a photo, in my opinion.

10. Any miscellaneous tidbits you’d like to add?

Thank you Kiesha.   I appreciate you for allowing me this opportunity to speak with your readers today.  You’re one of those awesome gems that keep the blogosphere bright and shiny.

In closing

Even though Ms. Freeman was very modest in answering the question about how she makes her blog stand out– and she most certainly does in my opinion.  It’s the way she welcomes each person to her blog and treats everyone with such care.  That’s what makes this blog different. She has a way of making you feel invited and loved, there are minimal ads on her site and the focus of her blog is not making money online.  It is about building relationships online and helping others via comments, participation, retweets, votes or whatever without expecting anything in return.

So if you have a moment, visit Baby Steps of an Internet Entrepreneur, follow her on Twitter, and subscribe to her feed.