Blog Tips

I hope you don't mind the construction going on here. I'm midway through but lots more to fix. So bear with me, pretty please?
This post is all about blogging. Tips, ideas, projects. No cute pictures to show but lots of good info, promise. So if you're wanting to make your blog a little better, click away:

Linked menu from Craftaholics Anonymous
Blogging how-to's by Somewhat Simple
Connecting with Your Community of Readers by Tip Junkie
How to set up a custom background in Blogger on Design House Digital
check out all their blog tutorials here
Marta's Blog & Business workshop on m.writes

Before I sign off, I wanted to address a few questions on the DownEast giveaway that apply:
How did you choose your blog name? What does it mean to you?
I chose the name "Thirty Handmade Days" because I planned on doing this blog for 30 days during the holiday season. I wanted a spot to put all the ideas I was finding on blogs so that I could make them as gifts for Christmas. After the first year I took time off until the summer and then started back up and haven't stopped since. I shortened the name because it was so long.
How did you get the word out to get followers?
I started blogging on my personal blog a few years ago. I was lucky enough to "meet" some amazing bloggers. Those bloggers would link to some of my posts. But 30days didn't really start taking off until I started doing product reviews and giveaways.
Did you know how to make a button or did you hire someone to make your web page and blog?
I didn't know how to do anything technical with blogging. But I would say that I'm somewhat computer savvy- not great, but not intimidated. I just jumped in and started looking online for tutorials on how to update my look. I haven't ever hired anyone to help me with my blog. The info is all out there, you just have to do some digging. ;)
How did you start reviewing and giving away products?
Definitely most asked question- my first giveaway was from BeauCoup. I had recently posted about a mini gumball machine that I loved. I decided that I would send an email to them asking to host a giveaway. To my surprise, they said yes!! Since then I have hosted over 70 giveaways. The biggest thing that I've learned in all of this is that it never hurts to ask. I've been so surprised at how many opportunities have come my way.

Thanks again for reading 30days. It wouldn't be nearly as much fun without readers and comments.