Biz Book Review: Blog, inc.

Now that I’m a full-time freelancer/small business owner, I’ve been trying to find a balance between making new designs, marketing, blogging, pitching, preparing for a tradeshow, finding inspiration, not spending all of my time on the computer and keeping my sanity. I recently got my library card and have been reading actual books (gasp) and it’s so inspiring.

> Blog, Inc. by Joy Deangdeelert Cho

This book is a great roundup of blog up-and-running basics (from choosing a name to picking a platform), how to get out there and get readers, how to monetize your blog, how to protect your work, how to schedule your time, and beyond the blog (publishing, collaborating, hosting a retail shop.)

The chapters are interspersed with interviews with successful bloggers – which are extremely interesting and helpful to see real-life examples. Have you heard of Regretsy? A funny blog about terrible and funny items on etsy. Or Color Collective? Lauren creates color palettes from photos, fashion and art – great for some color inspiration. The book interviews them and others on how they started and what opportunities blogging has brought them.

My #1 takeaway is… Blog about something you’re passionate about. Something you can talk about and be passionate about everyday. If you think adding DIY craft projects to your blog will just help you get more traffic, and your heart is not in it, maybe you should focus your topics more (something I’m struggling with).

The cutest book trailer I’ve ever seen.
Oh Joy’s blog.
Buy Blog, Inc. on amazon. They also had it at my local library.
A live chat about Blog, Inc.

I’d love to hear from new blog authors, share tips, what’s working for you, how you love/hate blogging, etc. You can leave a comment or contact me at cindy {at} cynla.com.

Photo via Design Sponge, one of the best, inspiring design blogs out there.