… I bet you think this post is about you, don’t you, don’t you?
Can’t help but think of belting out Carly Simon’s Your So Vain with Mrs Woog at last Saturday’s Sydney Blogaroke meet-up when I think of writing this blog post.
Don’t worry, I’m not that vain. I may like to wear makeup and dress up occasionally but I’ll generally go out of my way to NOT big note myself.
However.
The past month has made that seemingly impossible.
Winning two national awards for blogging will do that. You can read about them here and here.
Both these awards were industry-judged awards.
Suddenly you go from being the one asking the questions to be the one being asked. Suddenly the blog you’ve been plodding away on for three years is in the national spotlight.
In more than one interview I’ve been asked what entering and winning awards will do for my blog. For my business. And the answer is an easy one for me.
An increased profile is what every business operator looks for as part of their marketing strategies. And, while some bloggers are not blogging for business, I am … and have done so from the very post.
I don’t spruik my products and services. I sell by not selling. If that makes sense?
So, when I get free publicity on national TV shows, newspapers and online publications as a result of winning awards, the big bonus has been an increase in traffic – of new readers – to my blog. More readers not only means more potential customers but also an increased interest in brands and companies wanting to advertise on my blog and businesses interested in paying to have me speak at their events.
In each and every interview it’s also given me a chance to talk about the blogging industry in Australia as a whole. Trust me, there’s a stack of people out there who don’t really get what we do. So, each time a blogger is interviewed or appears on a TV show or news segment, it helps cement blogging’s place in the media marketplace. And that’s a good thing. For everyone.
On the Mummy Bloggers Blog last month the topic of blog awards was discussed. The main point of the post was whether blog awards – particularly those based on a popular vote – were of value to a blogger. It’s a topic worthy of discussion and I left my two cents worth of opinion in the comment section.
Like most recent debate centred around blogging, how you look at awards depends entirely on what you want to achieve from blogging. And what bloggers want to achieve is really up to each individual blogger. There’s no right or wrong path to take. The path … the (I can’t believe I’m going to use this word) journey … is what you as a blogger want to make of it.
If you want to use your blog to grow your profile and grow a business, then entering awards should be on your list of strategies for doing so. Just being nominated has the potential of putting your blog in front of readers and brands who would not otherwise find you.
As I said in my comments on Mummy Bloggers Blog: long story, short, the rewards from my awards are continuing. And for that I’m extremely grateful.
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I’m a cover girl
One of those rewards came in the form of my first cover shoot going public this week. In my former life as a magazine editor I had to organise a lot of cover shoots but it’s a whole different ball game being in front of the camera. The team at Profile Mag on the Sunshine Coast made it all so easy and so much fun though. You can read the story here.
I'm a cover girl: Profile Magazine July 2011. Photographer: Alan Hughes; Creative Cirector: Kara de Schot
The look:
Hair: Josh Walker at Suite Three Hair, Buderim
Makeup: Katie Mackenzie
Lipstick: Napoleon Perdis Divine Goddess in Aphrodite
Nails: CND Shellac in Wildfire
Shoes: Miss Buckingham in red suede, PeepToe $249 www.peeptoeshoes.com.au
Tights: Leona Edmiston Pins $25 www.leonaedmiston.com
Outfit: Sacha Drake Rashida black dress $279; Sacha Drake Juliette trench in pink $389 www.sachadrake.com
Specs: Specsavers Tristan fames $199 for two pairs www.specsavers.com.au
Ring: Mezzi (my own)
iPad2: (all mine)
Dress: Sacha Drake Blythe wrap dress $379 www.sachadrake.com
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So, what do you think? Building a blogging profile … is it worth it? What do you hope to achieve from blogging? And importantly, how hot are those shoes?
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Comments 47
Amazing, well done to you! Stunning shoot and fabulous dress!
Author
Why, thank-you!
I can’t believe I missed this!
Congrats hon. You look a-maz-ing!
Ah, thanks so much, Jodie … of course I look like this EVERY day.
having been on the sidelines or in the trenches alongside you for much of your “journey” I can honestly say you have always done everything with style and grace. congrats on all your successes.
P.S. Revive will always have a special place in my heart too.
Author
Oh Shaz, thanks so much. We were lucky to have our Revive days!
Picked up a copy of Profile whilst on holiday in Noosa today. Wanted to say that I loved your story and am now a follower of your blog – just what my retail therapy habit needs!
Congratulations on the article and your recent awards… And most importantly for looking fabulous!
I hope that our paths cross at some stage in the future.
Well done!
Author
Hi Jade
Oh, thanks so much! And thanks for making contact with me … looks like you have a gorgeous-yummy business!
Completely gorgeous Nikki – congratulations. Such an amazing year for you.
Author
Thanks so much, Nic … and you!
Nikki, Saw the cover last week and it looks great. Keep up the good work! Fran 🙂
Author
Thanks so much, Fran!
Well done Nikki – you look fab as usual!
Another thing that makes you stand out is your warmth – you are so welcoming – and transparency about your objectives.
Congrats! x
Thanks so much Andrea – I love you and your blog too!
Wow Nikki!!! So excited for you! You are so on fire right now and its just contagious. You’re one of ‘ours’…..The Sunny Coast is your home an that makes us like your family. There’s nothing more joyous than seeing the evolution and success of someone we know.
Youre journey has been fun to watch and we are so so proud of your achievements.
Congratulations.
Sue xxx
PS. Anytime you need a travelling buddy, I’m all yours remember!! Fashion shows,clothes, shoes and me……Oh yeah!!
Haha Sue … love a travelling buddy! And love living here surrounded by so many inspirational people such as yourself. Thank-you!
CONGRATULATIONS!
This year has been amazing for you 🙂 You have had so much success. And I am so proud to have been a finalist alongside you in the SWC Best Aus Blogs Comp.
That pink jacket is gorgeous.
And Carly, who could forget our Kidspot TOP 50 Road Trip? Has been a great year to be a blogger!
You look great Nikki….
I think I need to organize a family holiday to Qld just so I can book a session with you!!
Author
I can assure you I do not look like this very often. It takes a hair stylist and makeup artist … and some “called-in” clothes and accessories. Not to mention forgiving photographers’ lighting! But still, would love to see you for a drink and shop!
OMG Nikki, fabulous blog girlfriend and business partner. What a ripple effect you are creating out there and it all comes from your AUTHENTICITY. All that other stuff you were talking about awards is necessary to get your message out there and its not plugging if your being authentic.
I am so proud and can;t believe how lucky i am to be able to say we are working together. whoohoo the world is your oyster!!!!!!!
Author
Awwh, that’s so, so lovely of you to say. Love working with you too. x
WOW, don’t you look great! Way to go Nikki!
Author
Thanks Lynette!
Author
Thanks Lynette – nothing like a professional hair and makeup job to make you look good!
Wow good on you Nikki, that’s fab!! You’re totally on the mark – social media is massive here in London, and growing ever more important in the minds of both public and clients. You’ve always been ahead of the times in the work you’ve done online, so you deserve this cred. S x
Author
Thanks Sarah. It’s funny, my husband who’s a communications advisor just returned from a conference where social media was talked up in every session. Guess who’s finally getting a Twitter account?
Besides the fact that you look HOT in those photos, I do agree with you. The reason why you enter awards are really an important factor in staging the rest of your blogging career or even the career that you want to create for yourself and in your case – your styling profession and hopefully your book. Whilst some might see the blogging awards as a means to promote the business hosting the awards, I say, to take advantage of that fact and help educate your friends who don’t know much about blogging to this amazing world of blogging. Yes, it might be tedious or “shameless” to plug our blog for people to vote, but at least we get our names out there – I call it, free publicity. And look at where you’ve gotten to now! You’ve been on t.v, in mags, and now more people know about what you do besides just blogging! 🙂 Well done Nikki.
Author
Thanks Norlin – really appreciate and respect your comments x
Looking pretty hot Nik! Congrats!!!
Author
Thanks so much!
The shoes? Meh. That JACKET. It obviously needs to come live with me.
And you look STUNNING. How you haven’t been on a cover before now baffles me.
And I agree with you, that everything you do blogging wise, from what you choose to write about to competitions entered, and even how much you interact with other bloggers, it all affects and reflects in YOUR blog.
Thanks Miss Pink … you would rock that jacket. Alas, it was a loner for the shoot. x
I must say I DO approve of those shoes.
What size are you again? I just made room in my shoe room…
xx
Author
I’m a size 9 – 39 in those shoes x
I swear I have never seen a bad photo of you. EVER. Congratulation Nikki. You totally deserve everything that comes your way. xxxx
Author
Thanks Mrs Woog … it really does help when hair and makeup is done for you … and photographer’s lighting. Short of that, I’m a big fan of an Instagram filter as you know. x
Hey Cover Girl, I think this has to be the best accolade yet?! Will be looking out for the hard copy. Yep, the shoes are seriously HOT;)
Author
Thanks Annabel!! It’s all about the shoes … the shoot was the day after we were on the panel together for Web Wednesday, which was why my hair looked so good!
Nikki you are a fab blogger…from the heart, approachable and it shows. So glad I found you via Twitter this year. I’m sure you’ve worked hard over the years and this time in the sun is well deserved. Hope you’ve got that sunscreen ready!
Here’s to all us plodders. You’re a shot of inspiration to us all.
A:)
Author
Oh, Anita … that’s so lovely of you to say. It’s been great to *meet* you here too!
Congratulations! Love that cover and love those shoes. 🙂 I found your blog about a week ago and I’m so glad I did. I definitley aspire to have my blog inspire just like yours one day. Excited to read more!
Author
Oh, thanks so much Melanie. So glad you found Styling You – and like what you see.
I appreciate your highly intelligent comments re blogging, awards, profile building etc…….but from a completely shallow perspective,all I am looking at are those shoes!!!!! I heart red shoes.
Author
Don’t worry – I so get that! They were loaned for the shoot and I was devastated to learn that my size had sold out online so I couldn’t buy a pair!
Wooohoo…..don’t you look just stunning! BIG Congratulations x
Author
Thanks Liz!