At the end of my weekly videos, I usually insert some outtakes that occurred while filming.
And, many times, viewers comment on them saying things like, “You look like you’re having so much fun,” or “That’s so awesome that your husband helps you film,” or “I laughed so hard at the end. Thanks for that!”
It’s obvious that I don’t take myself too seriously, but more importantly, viewers recognize that I’m having fun creating this content. I think that’s one of the reasons that these weekly videos are popular.
I work hard at sharing tips for running a successful creative business, but I also enjoy the process.
Hey April,
As usual, thanks so much for the insightful post! One of my challenges with blogging has been to find that magic intersection between writing for my customers (not my peers) and also appeasing my unique interests, what I have to share that’s different from the scores of other people out there blogging about the Yoga Sutras. Thanks for the go-ahead to get over that one– to make my own rules and to engage a platform that’s more fun for me– Think I’m going vlog!
Thanks, A. You ARE Amazing!
Oh, yes…that’s a big one for people…blogging for their customers and not their peers. Love that you’re going to vlog! I have so much fun making videos for each week, and it feels like a much different interaction with you guys than when I write a post.
Those “sorry I haven’t posted in a while” blog posts are so annoying! I always wonder what’s going on when one of my favorite bloggers drops off the face of the earth.
I had several “ah-ha” moments this month about having more fun, and I ditched a lot of the bad advice I was following that didn’t make sense for my business. I’m a lot happier now and attracting my ideal peeps (even though my friends are warning me it’s a mistake!).
I love the sequins (and the dancing!). I actually went to a Tom Jones concert a few years ago, and it was hilariously cheesy.
Awesome! That’s the key–choosing the advice wisely and only doing the stuff that makes sense for your business.
Thanks! How fun!
Oooh April! Girl, I want to share the F.U.N.! I’m looking at your “blogging for your creative business” and thinking it could be a good thing for me. So is this going to help my photo business? I really don’t want to be another photog who is just posting the same “look at this session” over and over again. Know what I mean?
You look AmAYZING!!!!
Yes, it could definitely help…but, remember we talked about ACTION instead of more courses…so, how much action have you taken so far in 2013? Do you think the course will help you DO more or is it a way to procrastinate? That’s the real question.
You’re so much more than the average photographer…so I don’t think you have to worry about that! Your design background helps differentiate your brand and blog.
Amazing April! You are the real deal, girl! Thank you for the realness reminder. 2013 IS my action year. And you’re right, it would just be another procrastination tool. Did you ever post a list somewhere that is blog topic ideas? I thought I remembered seeing that somewhere? Maybe not though…
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAh refresh refresh refresh! That’s what happening to me now since you’ve been posting daily. I want my dose of BB BADLY LOL! I love you so! 🙂
Hahahahahaha…see, we are the best partners for each other! 🙂
I love this! I’ve been listening to and reading a lot of info about blogging, online business etc. lately, and so much advice is totally conflicting. The last couple of weeks, I’ve been thinking “whatevs, I’ll just cherry-pick pick the bits that feel right” so it’s validating to hear your approach.
I’ve been pondering the ‘why’ of my business the last month or so, and it’s taking me in a different direction to the one I thought I should go initially. Like Sage said in her comment, I think it’s going to attract the people who will find my site the most useful. It’s scary to think that it’s certainly going to deter some people too, but I will have way more integrity for doing what I actually believe in!
P.S. I love the tongue-in-cheek aspect of your videos, definitely more informative and entertaining than a super-serious blogging presentation 🙂
There is a ton of conflicting advice…that’s so true! Yes, cherry pick!!! Love that.
That’s wonderful. Figuring out the “why” definitely brings a new {and often, better} perspective.
I hate the stuff out there about going from zero to hero in the blogosphere overnight – it makes you feel like an idiot when you can’t make it happen like that. (And you completely forget that you would have no idea what the hell to do if it happened that quickly). And I hate people using words because they think it will make them popular (amazeballs is a big one at the moment) or a rebel (swearing like a trucker).
I agree – we need much more fun in our blogging. So many of the ‘rules’ out there are do this, do that. Do what your readers want. What about what I want? No wonder so many people hate blogging.
I think I’ve found my voice a lot more in the last few months and I think it has made blogging easier for me because I am not over editing myself trying to fit in a box and I think it has also made it more fun for the people reading.
Ah – I love my Wednesday Wisdom. Its the one thing on my ‘don’t miss’ list.
So true. And, a lot of times I think those stories are meant to be inspiring when in fact, they are often deflating.
YES! I try to balance what I think my readers want and what they ask for with what I want. If I get a topic request and I really don’t want to cover it, I don’t. Usually, I’ll point the person to a resource where she can find what she’s looking for.
Yay for finding your voice…even though I think it’s more allowing your voice to shine through, because your voice was always there. You just have to trust it and share it!
I am SO writing a letter to you that starts: “Dear Amazing April”
Love this post especially since last year I was posting and having fun and then freaked out that I wasn’t doing what I was “supposed” to be doing so I stopped. I’ve now got some fun/silly ideas to add to my blog.
You rock Amazing April!
Hahahaha…yay!
Never let that inner critic take over. That’s easier said than done, especially when you’re doing something creative or putting yourself out there. But, have fun with it and tell that voice to bug off.
Dear Amazing April 🙂
You were preaching to the choir with this one!!! I have no clue of how to even start a blog, much less what to put in it, and frankly it is more than a bit terrifying!! I had a blog on blogger a few years back, and I detested it!! I had ONE comment on the entire thing, and it was from my sister!! I was defiantly guilty of the “sorry I haven’t posted in a while” (think my longest streak was 5 of them in a row) It wasn’t that I was too busy to blog, I just had no clue what to say, or how to find “my voice” One of my resolutions this year is to start blogging again, but this time do it for real, and hope that it helps my etsy shops in the process. Thanks for all of the awesome advice; you make the coming prospect a bit less scary.
Hey Amanda! Have you heard of The Girl’s Guide to Web Design? It’s a course that takes you step by step through the process of setting up your own website/blog. Just Google it and you’ll find it. That might help you feel less overwhelmed in the beginning. Have fun with it this time and post about things you find interesting and you think your customer will find interesting. You can’t go wrong by starting there, and in my experience, your blog will evolve over time if you let it.
I’ve definitely wavered between writing what I’m “supposed” to be blogging about and just writing for fun. I’ve found the posts that actually have very little to do with my business get the most reads and the ones that are specifically about my business feel a little forced. Of course I want to promote my business, but I also like writing about different thing and let a little bit of my personality shine through. Thanks for another wonderful video, Awesome April!
Isn’t that so interesting?!? I love that you shared your experience, because I know some creative entrepreneurs who think posting non-business related posts will dilute their brand. And, in fact, it usually makes people even more interested in your brand.
Hi April,
I took your advice a while ago and I’m keeping a list of BRILLIANT blog post ideas as they pop into my head. I feel like I have a whole new ENERGY for my blog now – I’m excited for each post, and because my notebook is filled with ideas, I’m more focused on making each post the BEST it can be!
I also started planning my editorial calendar right at the beginning of the year, which has helped a LOT.
Love your blog!
Yay! I’m so glad. Thanks for letting me know. It feels sooooooo good to help people enjoy blogging more!