How Do You Start a Blog?

When I talk about blogging with my friends that are not bloggers I always get a lot of questions about it.  I have had a few ask me what it is because they are not sure what a mom blogger is.  They are usually older and no so internet savvy. Some of my friends that are familiar with blogs ask me how I did I get started in blogging. I tell them that I have always loved to write; even when I was younger I kept journals and wrote poems in a notebook. I have had a blog since 2001, I was on Live Journal. I wouldn’t really call it a real blog. It was just random thoughts about things.  When I told my aunt and uncle about blogging, they were kind of skeptical at first, but quickly realized it was legit.  I have friends that ask me how do I get in to blogging.   I always tell them, first start a blog. Write as much as you can about what you love. If you want to review products, start writing about things you use at home that you love. It is important to show your writing style and personality. The brands you will possibly be working with, will want to know that you are a great writer. I had never been big on spelling and grammar, I would try and use good grammar and spell things correctly, of course but other people’s spelling and grammar didn’t bother me all that much, until I started blogging. I am not sure why that is, probably because I am more aware.

The most important thing to learn when you decide to start a blog is, it takes a lot of time. You have to start small when asking for products for review. You will be doing most of the grunt work when it comes to finding reviews. You will eventually start receiving emails once you have been noticed by companies and PR reps. It can be hard in the beginning. I remember that I cried when I started blogging. I was afraid I wouldn’t get anything else to review and what I had on the list was it. Once I built up my Brand experience working with many companies, the emails keep coming. The more you blog the better you will get. Blogging is fun, but it is also hard work. You really have to have a passion for it.  There will be times you will get overwhelmed or told no, but if you keep trying and keep blogging you will get past it.  You will meet some of the most amazing people through blogging. It is such a great job.

Dear PR and Companies Please...

Have you ever heard of the website Dear Blank, Please Blank? It is a website where you can submit your letters to people or things and most of them are really funny. My friends Ben and Amber got me addicted to it.  I could spend hours reading it.  I decided after a failed attempt of submitting my own Dear Blank, Please Blank letter.  I would make a post about Dear Blank Please Blank Blogger addition.  This is about some things bloggers have noticed in the blogosphere that I wanted to share with you.

Please note: This is just in fun, not something that is to offend and is a purely humor post.

Dear PR,

Please stop asking us to blog for a chance to win something. Blogging is our job.

Sincerely,

Do they hold a raffle for your paycheck?

Dear PR,

The smiley in word doesn’t translate to a smiley in email.

Sincerely,

I spent  10 months trying to figure out who J is

Dear Companies,

Please don’t try and trade us Twitter Followers and Facebook fans to hold your giveaways.

Sincerely,

My grocery store doesn’t accept followers as a form of payment

Dear Companies,

Please don’t use more traffic as an incentive to get us to blog about you.

Sincerely,

They don’t take traffic either

Dear Companies,

Please stop filling packages with those little crinkled pieces of paper.

Sincerely,

They are pretty but they make a huge mess

Dear PR,

Please send full sized products, especially when it is a beauty product.

Sincerely,

One or half an application won’t help me review

Dear PR,

Please be thoughtful when you are sending toys to review.

Sincerely,

Moms with more than one child

Dear Event planners,

Please make a note when you are inviting a blogger to a show in New York.

Sincerely,

I live 1000 miles away

Dear Companies,

Please read our blogs and get to know our families.

Sincerely,

Why are you pitching me for that?

Dear PR,

Please when you plan for brand trips invite different bloggers, I am sure they are great but share the wealth.

Sincerely,

Never been on a brand trip

Dear Companies,

Please send me ice cream, but sending it overnight in dry ice is not necessary.

Sincerely,

Coupons are cheaper to send

Dear PR,

Please call me Sheila that is why my blog is Sheilacakes.

Sincerely,

If my name was blogger my blog would be Bloggercakes

Dear PR,

Please stop sending me irrelevant press releases about celebrities’ clothes or what products they use.

Sincerely,

I am not Vogue or Parents Magazine

Dear PR and Companies,

Please don’t offer samples when you have none.

Sincerely,

Still waiting for my really expensive watch

Dear PR and Companies,

Please stop pitching me saying you have samples and then run out of them.

Sincerely,

Don’t pitch more than you have.

Dear Companies and PR,

I would love a vacation just so you know.

Sincerely,

The Mom blogger with a whinny five year old

Spotlight on PR!

Feels Like Home and Adrienne’s House are hosting a wonderful event called Spotlight on PR.


You are now in a PR friendly zone! Fasten your seat belts and ENJOY the ride.
Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Sheila. I am a stay at home mom to a little boy named Noah. He will be three in September. You will find a good variety of things on my blog. It is just my little place to connect with others. I love to write about my son because he is the most adorable little boy. He is very smart and very sweet. I also write about my family and friends. I enjoy sharing my opinions about products with others. I have been known to email companies and tell them when I love their products. I am also not afraid to speak up when I have an issue with something either. As my grandmother always told me Honesty is the best policy. That is a philosophy that I use in everyday life as should everyone. There should be an open line of communication between the consumer and the company. I think that a good relationship between the company and the consumer is the most important asset.

I spend my time with my son, my family and friends. I love to cook; I have been cooking for as long as I can remember. I also love to eat. Traveling is another one of my favorite past times. I am an avid scrapbooker and card maker. One of the ways I like to unwind is by watching a good movie or one of my favorite TV shows.

I always consider myself as unique. I am unique because I have a big heart. I truly care about others. I try and help people any way I can. I am compassionate. I am 100%genuine and real. I am a hard worker and have a vast knowledge in a variety of topics. I love to do research and learn new things. I am a rare gem in today’s society. Sadly, now a days good people are hard to find.

I will hear any pitch with an open mind as long as it doesn’t go against my morals or is illegal. I look forward to hearing from you and forming a great relationship with you.

If you want to contact me please Email me at ilovebabynoah707@yahoo.com

Twitter @sheilacakes7

Thanks for your time.