A Blogger’s Guide to Growing Your Social Media Platforms [Blogger Broadcast]

Having a strong social media content strategy is a critical way of marketing your content as a creator. Building a strong and loyal community of followers over various platforms is no doubt a challenging feat but certainly possible. You just need to be armed with the right tactics to create branding success using social media platforms.

It is important to understand the following:

-          The best times to post on your social media.

-          How to divide and share content over each platform.

-          The importance of scheduling social media posts in advance.

-          How to curate an Instagram theme and strong visual aesthetic for your brand.

-          Photo editing apps to use that make your life easier.

-          How to tag brands and using hashtags effectively.

A Blogger’s Guide to Creating a Media Kit [Blogger Broadcast]

What was once an extra within the blogging community is now a necessity and something you need to focus on to stand out from the crowd.
This post is about highlighting the importance of having a media kit and treating it like a resume. We’re going to talk about how your media kit functions as a portfolio that companies will use to decide if they want to work with you or not. I run through the importance of a media kit, how to create one and some exclusive and essential tips on what to include.

How To: Create Your Publishing Schedule and Pre-Prepare Content [Blogger Broadcast]

 
Posting regularly and consistently is crucial to your success as a blogger. I find that some of the most successful blogs post at least five times a week. This way, it is common knowledge that there will be a new post up and ready for reading at a certain time every weekday. 

The old saying that ‘Content is King’ is extremely accurate when it comes to blogging because when you think about it – these features are the backbone of your business. It is important to persevere and to keep to your posting schedule without fail. To make sure you stay on track, be sure to schedule. So, what happens when you need to get all of this content published regularly but you are experiencing writers' block or struggling to produce quality work? There are three key tactics that I lean on to keep up with the task of writing content.

WE NEED TO TALK! TAKING A BREAK - BIG CHANGES COMING SOON!

There’s something I need to get off my chest after much deliberation as of late. Recently I’ve been feeling stuck in a rut so things need to change around here! After coming back from travelling I was so inspired and full of ideas which was both good and bad. 

On the upside, I feel so motivated to fill JBS.com with incredible content that I am SO excited to write! On the downside, it has made me realise that the tough decision needed to be made to scrap all of the pre-scheduled content I had organised to go up over the next month. It just doesn’t tie into the vision I now have for the blog and I also don’t want to rush into things and just chuck up any old post for the sake of keeping content fresh. 

So, it has led me to the decision to take the rest of the month as a break from posting content and spending that time preparing fresh new content to go live starting in April! I’m hoping in the next 10 days to focus on crafting quality posts that inspire me and writing that I feel giddy with excitement to share - because that’s what this platform has always been about! I don’t want to spoil anything but here’s a brief rundown of what to expect on JBS.com once we’re back up and running… 

How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog [Blogger Broadcast]

You have most likely put a lot of time and effort into crafting your blog posts, so it goes without saying that the more eyes on your blog, the better. 

You want as many people as possible to enjoy the content you have created, which is why I have put together my tips for increasing page-views based on personal experience. 

How To: Create 14 Blog Articles in 1 Day – Start to Finish [Blogger Broadcast]

You might be wondering how you can pre-prepare content and schedule months in advance so you’re never behind on a post...

The answer to this is to keep on top of everything and be efficient with your time. I have a few tips and tricks that help me pump out five to seven articles a week and have a minimum of sixty posts ready to go at any given time. When you think about it, there is a lot that goes into blogging: brainstorming ideas, gathering products, taking photos, editing photos, writing posts, publishing and scheduling social media promotion, etc.
The good news is that this is a process that can be streamlined to be much more time efficient, and therefore allow you to achieve more. Try to create multiple posts at once by spending time on each of the steps for a few articles rather than running through that entire process each time you want to put a post live. You can take a day to focus on blogging to create anywhere between one and two weeks’ worth of content by following this process.

5 Easy Ways to Make More Money

I’m a freelancer, and making money is usually a big deal for me. As writing usually takes my time and need ways to make money. 

Making money fast and ‘legal’ depends on your talent and level of experience. It’s true that money isn’t everything, but it won’t hurt to add more zeroes to your account. Make more of it, and you will see how important having that extra cash can do for you. Not having anything is not new to me too. I know how it feels. Even though I’m trying my best now. My experience has made me come up with these 5 ways to make more money. Though, these tips have always been in existence. So, I think it’s worth sharing.

• Become a blogger.

Work from anywhere in the world and choose your own hours! Write about the things that you are passionate about and build connections with an online audience. Everyone has something worth saying that others would be interested to read about. Pick up a copy of Jordy's book 'A 3 Step Guide to Turn Your Blog into a Career' for the ultimate playbook on starting a blog and building financial success. Get your copy HERE.

Why You Need a Blog Mission Statement + How To Write Yours

The same thing that makes you different from other people on the planet - your unique personality and approach - is the key differentiating factor between your blog and anyone else's. 

Just as you have a set of personal values and morals, your blog should follow suit and have an overarching set of principles and beliefs. As the saying goes "if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything" and this is particularly true with hosting a creative platform.

As you will often be approached by brands, fellow creatives, lucrative opportunities and content ideas you must be able to identify whether it is right or wrong accept or reject these offers. It is important to achieve balance and I always ensure that each opportunity I take is in line with personal values and the moral compass of my platform. The easiest way to achieve this is to have a mission statement that anchors your platform and centres your content.

A mission statement is a short and concise sentence or two, which encapsulates what your blog is all about and the key objectives of your platform.  

The Blogger’s Guide to Building Industry Relationships [Blogger Broadcast]

It is fundamentally important to work on building relationships and connections with people in the same industry as you, whether they are colleagues or clients. I have always believed that no matter what kind of career you are in, you must carve out an enjoyable role for yourself and cultivate positive relationships with whomever you encounter. 

Especially in the close-knit industry of blogging, being a genuinely nice person with virtuous intentions will get you far.

You hold the power of your experience in the industry. You decide your fate if you approach the blogging industry with a positive mindset, grateful for all opportunities, or with limiting beliefs, jealousy or cattiness towards others. Think of this not only the way you handle a career in blogging but how you approach life in general. It is my personal recommendation to not get sucked into gossip or negative energy that others can sometimes bring to the scene. You have already won if you approach all situations with a sense of thankfulness in your position and positivity towards your future. Even better, this light energy will transfer to others and the flow of effects will be a harmonious industry of bloggers helping each other. I feel we have come such a long way in this regard already and my heart is so full with how many women I see helping other women. This is the type of helpful community we need to continue to cultivate to help each other succeed.

The fundamentals start with treating your colleagues and clients with kindness and respect. Let me explain further. 

The Blogger’s Guide to Cameras, Lenses, Tripods and other Equipment [Blogger Broadcast]

When transitioning between being a hobby blogger to a professional blogger, it can be difficult to decide on what kind of equipment you will need. 

This post discusses all the camera gear necessary for a professional-level blogger and evaluates which items are the best investments during this critical time. 

Welcome to the first installment of 'Blogger Broadcast' and I'm so excited for more to come!

Blogger Broadcast is a blog series dedicated to helping build and grow your blog, YouTube channel and social media influence. Each instalment of this series will bring a new topic, dishing the dirt on everything you have always wanted to know about becoming a successful social media influencer and addressing pain points aspiring bloggers may be experiencing. 

This series is based on my book ‘A 3 Step Guide to Turn Your Blog into a Career’ where each chapter addresses a small yet critical portion about being a blogger and when combined puts together a full picture of the industry as well as a clear path to follow for success. The included resource pack allows you to work through activities that equip you with the skills required to prepare you for your career.

You can visit Pro Blogger Career HERE, join the FB Community HERE or purchase the book HERE.

Behind The Desk - Breakups, Starting a PhD + My Book

Hello! OMG it has been like 2 months at this point since my last BTD! 

I’m at this weird stage where I’m chilling out and Christmas shopping but also nose diving into the deep end to wrap up 2018 with a bang! So much has changed! Where do I even start?

November is my birthday month and also my favourite time of year - I love when it's just getting hot and the beach always seems like a good idea. You can start to feel the anticipation and excitement of Christmas as well as the rejuvenation of a fresh new year approaching. But for the meantime, we get this whole month of in-between bliss where everything is less stressful and you feel like you could handle anything.

How To Multi-Task and Boost Productivity

Multitasking is a rising trend that has taken over the world now a days and usually people believe that multitasking can effectively boost the productivity. 

Everyone likes to do several tasks by themselves and tend to believe that it eventually enhances their creativity and productive skills. Here we will see whether it’s true or not:

I WROTE A BOOK!

I WROTE A BOOK! Sorry all caps but I am so unbelievably excited it's not even funny. I have been waiting so long (3 years to be exact) to be able to say those words to you! 

I really couldn't wait any longer so I pulled the trigger today on a whim and announced it is released for pre-order with the official release date of November 1st! 

Holding my printed book in my hands is probably one of my greatest accomplishments to date and I'm trying to fully soak in this feeling but it's extremely overwhelming. 

I'll keep it short because my brain is in overload right now - here are the things you should know about the book!

What is the book about?
“The book will act as a resource for understanding the digital landscape of blogging as a form of creative advertising as well as an instructional manual which will act as a guide for any creatives wishing to enter the advertising industry through the blogging medium.”

How does it work?
The guide is split into three main sections, each reflecting a new stage in becoming a full-time blogger. The book will teach readers how to;
>CREATE A DURABLE BLOG
>BUILD AN ONLINE AUDIENCE
>GENERATE FINANCIAL SUCCESS

Where can I buy it?
You can purchase a printed copy or eBook version from ProBloggerCareer. If you purchase the printed book, you automatically receive the eBook as a bonus. It is currently on pre-order right now but all copies will be officially released on November 1st!

What the heck is PBC?
Pro Blogger Career (PBC) is the business I have set up to host the book, a Podcast I am about to release and it also works in conjunction with my consultancy agency JDC Marketing. I have big plans for this business and lots of good stuff is going to come out of it so keep an eye out. You can follow PBC on Twitter (@bloggercareer), Instagram (@ProBloggerCareer) and Facebook (@ProBloggerCareer). You can join the super exclusive FB community here. 

If you take just one thing from this post please have it be - THANK YOU! 
I could not have done this without you! I have been blogging now for a decade and whether you have just joined me on this journey or been here all along – thank you for all of your love and support over the years. This book is for you and I couldn’t have done it without you.

Instagram Hacks - My Favourite Photo Editing Apps

We're in the midst of holiday season where we're snapping Christmas / New Years pics and on social media more often than usual. Have your pictures stand out - if you don't already use these 3 apps to edit your Instagram pictures...you're missing out.

The thing I love most about Instagram is how visually appealing it is. There is something so fun and creative in choosing an Instagram theme, selecting pictures that have synergy with your theme and editing them to fit in.

I also find it extremely interesting how photo editing techniques have changed and adapted over the years. Who remembers those bright rainbow filters and holographic looking hearts you could place all over your picture?

Now I feel like Instagram has moreso leaned towards the trend of light and bright with pops of intense colour and crisp, clear photos. I wanted to share with you my Instagram hacks featuring my favourite photo editing apps. I have 3 fantastic ones to share. Let's get into it...

4 Of My Most Popular Blog Posts

 

Welcome back to the blog! In this post we are looking at four of my most popular blog posts - so you know they must be good right?

 

 

I figured that if so many of you found them interesting then you might like to catch up if you missed out. There are some pretty noteworthy posts in here and a lot of them are about affordable beauty and buying makeup on a budget. Definitely not to miss so read on.

 

Top Beauty Articles - 4 Popular Posts

This blog has over 1000 articles published but some have gained some significant interest. 

In this post we're going to recap four of the most popular beauty posts that have gone up on Jordy's Beauty Spot. 

Minimalism Monday: 4 Tips To Simplify Your Inbox / Manage Emails

 

Ever opened your emails only to be inundated with 200 new ones load right in front of your face? What usually follows that is me closing my laptop and slowly backing away to pretend I don't have responsibilities.

 

But I have been working really hard on having my inbox clear at all times and these are 4 tips that I have found work for me so I thought I would share..

 

If you run your own business or have a side hustle then it's likely that you receive a hell of a lot of emails! From client enquiries, to comment notifications and press releases...there is a lot streaming into your inbox on the daily.

Even if you have a 9-5 job these tips can definitely apply to you to make sure that your inbox is first of all manageable then maintainable to be at a just a few emails at any time. 

Blogger Mail Haul - Benefit, L'Oreal, NYX + More

So it’s no doubt that I am in an extremely fortunate position being a blogger that I am extremely grateful for.

But sometimes, I really do have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming because of how extremely lucky I am. This is most definitely the case every time an incredible PR package shows up at my door.

In my most recent video, I’m talking you through some PR packages that I have been sent lately from some beautiful companies. I run through them fairly quickly so that I can fit a lot in but after all, that’s what this blog is for, to go more in-depth about the products and give them a proper review over here.

So give to video a watch here and keep an eye out for reviews of the products coming out soon.

HOW TO GET HIGH QUALITY INSTAGRAM PHOTOS WITH APPS - TUESDAY TIP (EXAMPLES INCLUDED)

We live in the app age where there is quite literally an app for EVERYTHING! That includes the genre of 'perfecting your Instagram photos'.

I used to never use photo editing apps! I didn’t see the point and just never had a reason to use them. Over the last couple of years, I have found myself using a variety of apps for various reasons – to lighten photos, add boarders, re-touch colour and more. I often get asked what apps I use to edit my pictures so I thought that I would give you the run-down of my go-to apps for editing Instagram pictures.

I have 4 here to talk about so let's jump right into it...any guesses on which ones are my favourite?

CELEBRATING MY 1000TH BLOG POST

I am approaching 7 years as a blogger and another huge milestone that I am now reaching today is 1000 blog posts.

This post right now is the one thousandth blog post that is going up on my blog - how crazy is that?!

I was just 13 when I began blogging and will later this year celebrate my 21st birthday so you could definitely say that I spent all my teenage years blogging.

My first post went live on July 31 in 2009. These last 7 years have been spent between making sacrifices and being given opportunities. There has been just as much give as take with my blog in the way that I pour HOURS into it DAILY but the benefits I receive in return are invaluable.