Blog Wonderful

Notice something new?  Thanks to my friend/designer Dana I got a little makeover that completely reflects the style I'm going for right now with my brand- which I will be showing you soon when the shop re-opens.  I can't forget to thank Lauren since she provided that floral image up there and she will join me soon as a contributor with some blogging tips.

Today I want you to say Hi to Dana, a blogger/designer/artist/wannabe Wonder Woman from somewhere in the woods in Canada. She creates blog designs and websites daily, and runs this little shop with me from her home studio!

You can find her on a daily basis making something amazing from a blog post, handmade pretties, beautiful art, dreamy design work and of course her newest venture Blog Wonderful.  The talent this chick has in her pinky finger is something I'm constantly envious of and I'm so happy to call her a friend.  Today I wanted to ask her a few questions about her business and she graciously is offering up a copy of her ebook for one of you!

- what inspired you to create an ebook for bloggers?

When I started blogging just over a year ago, I had no idea what I was doing. I like to tackle everything I do head on and teach myself how to grow through the process. I received a lot of emails from readers asking how I made my blog grow so quickly after just a couple of months, so I decided that I would document the steps I took to get here, in hopes of helping others who are traveling down the same path.

- you have gained great success in just a years time, whats one thing you see other bloggers doing that could be potentially harming their readership growth?

The first thing that pops into my head is when I see that bloggers don’t take the time to proofread their posts or care about formatting them properly. It may seem like a miniscule thing, but it is actually super important that your blog be read properly so that your visitors can have an enjoyable experience.

- whats a few things you know now about blogger that you wish you knew when you launched?

That you don’t have to try to be like everyone else. I came into this world thinking “wow this person’s blog is so huge, I could totally do the same thing and get the same attention”. Wrong. Being yourself is the key to having a successful blog. People don’t read blogs because they are all the same... they read them for the individuality. You don’t have to convert your wardrobe into a scene from the 50’s or go thrifting every day to fit in.

- who are a few of your favorite bloggers that have amazing layouts?

Ummm that’s really hard because I am so critical of layouts haha. I really like the feel of Laura’s (http://violetbellasworld.blogspot.ca/), and Danniès  http://www.ohhellofriendblog.com 

- do you plan any updates for this ebook? or have plans for any future ebooks?

I am planning a design ebook J

- recently you made the transition to work on the design side of business full time- what types of things do you look for to stay creative and up to date with new ideas and designs?

Browsing the web, looking at some work of some of my favourite artists, magazines, etc. Design styles change all the time so you have to stay on top of things. Everyone is really into that watercolour look right now too. I usually start to see trends when clients start asking me for the same types of designs. Clients also inspire me and get my creative juices flowing! They mention what they like and what they have in mind for their project, and sometimes it`s something I had never even thought of before, which is awesome.

To learn more about BlogWonderful check out this introduction and these amazing reviews from those that have used & loved it. If you interested in swoopping up a copy of blog wonderful, Dana is offering up an exclusive JustLove.ly reader discount: Head over here and use code: JUSTLOVELY to save 20% through 08/14.

the sweepstakes are closed

*Sweepstakes Details- contest runs 08/03-08/13, winner will be chosen at random, winner chooses two items from outfit additions (in the event items are unavailable a gift card for that items value will be issued).  if purchase is made by winner items will be refunded, if more then two items are purchased then two highest will be refunded.  if winner chosen does not have a gfc profile with a valid email address and a way to contact is not left then another winner will be chosen.  winner will be contacted via email. Open to US, Canada & UK residents only.  Age 18 and older.  Winner will be announced publicly and notified via email as per FTC guidelines.  The fulfillment of this sweepstakes is provided by Wonder Forest and sponsored by Heather Smith of JustLovelyThings, LLC.