So, now you’ve had a little background on The Blogcademy workshop, I thought I would share a little more insight as to what magical things went on behind that big beautiful closed door. Each of our Headmistresses Kat, Shauna and Gala had such a wide variety of experience and knowledge on turning blogging from a hobby into a living, but each one also had their own niche talents within ‘the industry’ to share with us, making the class really diverse. And let me tell you now, they cover everything. Absolutely 100% EVERYTHING! This course is not just for seasoned bloggers, its for people totally new to it, people looking how to change things and people who are looking how to turn their dreams into realities. Each and every nugget of advice is worth its weight in gold no matter what your background is.
Having previously been blogging at VividPlease.Me I had wanted to develop things and start a fresh blog to reignite my passion. Starting from scratch is really daunting – there’s branding to consider, layout, content, how I was going to manage it by myself… I think the most overwhelming thing for me was finding out where to start and what I could improve upon going forward. A big part of the workshop is getting help finding these things out; before you’ve even stepped through the door the ladies have done a good amount of research on your blog (if you’re already blogging) and create you your very own report card. I’ve never been so excited to be in school and get a report card! They analyse everything from content to layout, tone and aesthetics and it’s so so valuable to get that outsider opinion – especially when the outsiders are really REALLY amazing at what they do!
You then get the opportunity to sit with a headmistress and run through all the pros and cons of what you’re currently doing, how to improve it and brainstorm some ideas on how to make it more interesting and popular and open up all kinds of new doors to you. This was super insightful and helpful for me because I wanted to work out what I should leave behind from my old blog and what things I should develop and improve for my new blog. I have no doubt in my mind you’re going to see some great new developments on here before you know it – I have notebooks jam-packed full of inspiration from the event!
The training included the basics of working on wordpress (and how to move onto that platform), how to decide on your fonts, colours, graphic design and layouts, how to create interesting content, how to tap into your audience, how to take great photographs, how to monetise from your blog, how to deal with sponsors and review posts, how to create your own ebooks and create different products to work alongside your blog, how to set measurable goals, and most importantly, how to get the most enjoyment out of your work. For me, that was the most valuable lesson of all – it’s so easy to blog because you think it’s what people want to read rather than blog what you want to blog about, then get bogged down in other peoples opinions when they might not be positive and supportive. It’s so easy to get lost in the world wide web and I felt myself getting sucked in. I’m proud to overshare that this class was not only a saviour for my blogging presence, but also a well needed reality check – there is a world offline that is much more interesting and important to build you into the incredible being that you are. Blogging (and googling and pinterest etc) should always come second to living.
There is plenty of time to ask questions and hang out with Gala, Kat and Shauna throughout the weekend – they are all really friendly, approachable and have amazing senses of humour (as well as killer style!) and they’re so keen to make sure you don’t leave without having every single question answered. I’m one of those people who ask a lot of questions, but they never managed not to answer a single one of them! I’m proud to say that they’ve really inspired me and helped me work out how to grow and develop from the little rut I was getting myself into. My beautiful new blogcadette buddies have also been a huge support and each one a wonderful breath of fresh air with their own incredible talents. I’m so lucky I got the opportunity to get invited and to meet all of these phenomenal women; it’s the best thing I’ve done in years.
If you want my advice, start saving up so you can attend – you seriously wont regret it. Don’t think you can travel to school? Don’t you worry! The headmistresses have just launched the whole incredible weekend class online, giving you full access to their tips, tricks and incredible insight, allowing you to take in all that information in a pace that suits you (and you can even do it in your pjs!) If you’re looking to dip your toe into their world to learn how to get the most out of your photographs, how to make money through advertising how to build relationships with brands and how to boost your audience you can download individual modules that focus solely on each subject . . . and they’ve really covered A to Z so be sure to take a look. Last but not least, for all of you lovelies looking to start a blog of your own but not sure where to begin, check out their brilliant Blogger Basics class. It’s FREE and everything!!
I would like to say a MASSIVE thank you to Gala, Shauna, Kat and Sophie for hosting the most extraordinary weekend of wisdom, passion, inspiration and glitter. There are not enough words to express my love! I’d also like to thank Kerry ofwww.kerrymurray.com for taking my beautiful new portfolio shots, you are a magician! Marielle ofwww.magicaldaydream.com for your arty installations inspirations and Hollie of www.holliewoodhouse.com – I cant wait to trade secrets with you! And finally, Cornelia Blom for creating our beautiful graduation corsages and that stunning archway garland. I can’t wait to frame my flowers with my graduation certificate once they’ve dried out!
To Sketch Inc, Pepper Ink Tattoo, Crown and Glory, and the makers of my beautiful hologram bobbles and #MeForPresident pencil, thank you for all the wonderful treats, you made our weekend extra special too 🙂
Vicky
xox
AWW Vicky, I love this post. THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for your advice and support Kat!! the class was really phenomenal and I got so much out of the experience 😀 Good luck with the online course – cant wait to see what happens next!
Vicky, I loved meeting you (and talking about your amazing car!) and you radiated so much enthusiasm. Thanks for the awesome, thoughtful post! <3
Aww thanks so much Shauna! You’re so inspiring you it’s hard not to be enthusiastic around you 🙂 Hope to cross paths again some day soon! xx