Did you participate in the Ultimate Blog Challenge?

I have been participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge during the month of October.  This has been a great challenge and has motivated me to write more often.   I’m happy I participated and I’m also very grateful to Michelle Shaeffer and Michele Scism for hosting this event.

 The goal was to post 30 blog posts during the month.   I didn’t meet the goal.  I only had 18, between two different blogs.  But that is OK.  I put forth an effort and with all the other things I had going on this month.  I’m amazed I was able to post 18 times.    

Last night I was feeling sad that I didn’t meet the goal of 30, and then I got to thinking about how much the challenge has helped me to grow and blog more often and how many other great blogs I have read because of this challenge.   It is the experience and the journey that makes it fun and worthwhile, not always the destination!  

These challenges are a great way to kick your blogging into gear and get you moving.   They take place every couple months and they send you an email every day of a blog idea.   I only used one of their ideas but hope to use many more in the future.

I hope to continue to blog in November and December with a twice a week consistency and then participate in the next blog challenge in January. 

So how about you?    Do you need something to motivate you to blog on a more consistent basis?  How do you motivate yourself?  Are you interested in participating in the next blog challenge?  Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

7 Essential Sites for Beginning Bloggers

7 Essential Sites For Beginning Bloggers

Are you thinking about starting a blog?  Or have you started one, but are sort of stuck, not sure what to do next?  If so, take a few minutes to check out the sites listed below for beginning bloggers.  They have been very helpful to me as I began blogging and I continue to use them as a resource.   Lots of free information to help you get started successfully.

Blogging Basics 101 What do you want to know?  

Very basic to more advanced information.  Starts with “How do I start a blog?” and covers social networking, blogging etiquette, website and blog maintenance and more.

Decisive Minds, LLC How Entrepreneurial Women Do Business. 

Michele Scism provides blogging advice as well as business advice.  The site is full of information.  Michele also co-organizes the Ultimate Blog Challenge which is a great way to commit to posts and get traffic to your blog.

Simplifying Online Business Chaos: Websites, Blogging, Marketing & More

This site holds a wealth of information for the beginning blogger.  Info on obtaining websites, blogging ideas, working at home, starting a business and more.  Her information is easy to read and follow. She also has a variety of how to videos.  Don’t be put off by the hot pink font and decorations on her website.  It is full of great stuff.  She is also a co-organizer of the Ultimate Blog Challenge.

 Aliventures

Ali Luke provides information on writing in general, blogging, and freelancing.  Great site for beginners and includes lots of helpful tips.

Blogging with Amy  How anyone can build a business around a blog 

This covers blogging and monetizing your blog.  Very easy to read and understand.

Dumb Little Man: Tips for Life 

This is a wonderful site about all sorts of stuff.  Mostly self help.  Some days focuses on blogging, but mostly it is just how to have a better life in general.  Great for beginners.

Lorelle on WordPress

This site is full of information related to using WordPress.  She focuses on providing content to help you learn more about blogging and WordPress with help, tips, advice, and techniques. 

Take a few minutes and follow the above links.  Let me know if you found them helpful and if you have any sites of your own to suggest to beginners.  Just leave them in the comment area for everyone to check out.  Don’t forget to sign up for the blog so you know when the next post is live.