HiP Blog Challenge – Between Posts

Tara Gentile, from HandmadeInPa.net, has been sharing blogging tips from her new series, the “HiP Blog Challenge”.   After enjoying part one of the series (and before posting part two), we wanted to know more about Tara’s thoughts on blogging:

What trends do you see emerging for blogs?

“The thing I see most frequently is using blogs as a landing pad for all other social media,” Tara told us.  “Whether it’s Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Indiepublic, etc. blogs offer a great spot to put everything in one place. In fact, I’d like to encourage more sellers to use their blogs as the main landing page for their business, instead of their shop!”

What are your favorite blogs?  What makes you love them?

“As far as sellers go, I love the “girlscantell” blog because Sara provides insight into her work, has a lot of room for reader participation, and offers business advice based on her time working for Etsy and now as a full-time crafter,” Tara said.  “My favorite design blogs are Scoutie Girl (she lives two blocks from me!) and Indie Fixx. Jan & Jen both have fabulous taste and are always giving back to their readers.”

Check back for the second part of Tara’s HiP Blog Challenge.  The series was created to help those “looking to make your blog a little HiPper, or at least make it reflect your business and gain readership.”

Tara will post a write up on many blogging different topics each Saturday in April on her website, HandmadeInPa.net.  We are excited to hear Tara share her next set of tips with us!