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Debbiedoo's: Coffee Talk Tuesday with Cindy from My Romantic Home

Debbiedoo's

Diy, thrifty home decor decorating ideas on a budget. Painting furniture, stenciling projects. Turning trash to treasure.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Coffee Talk Tuesday with Cindy from My Romantic Home


Debbie asked me to share with you some of the things that blogging has done for me personally.  
I must say that I never imagined that when I started my blog in June 2005 that it would change my life the way it has.
I still remember hitting "publish" on my first post and wondering "who is going to ever want to read about me and my life".  
I was just a single mom, living in a rented apartment with a rather boring life!

Although I started in 2005, I really didn't do much with my blog in the beginning.  It was probably about a year later when I saw other blogs on home decorating that really got me excited about blogging regularly.  It also got me more excited about decorating my apartment. I had always been into my home but it really took off when I got inspired by what I was seeing on other decorating blogs!
  
Next thing I knew I was decorating and blogging about decorating with passion!  I think that is what is so magical about blogging...we are all inspiring each other through our blogs and through our passion!

Speaking of passion...I think passion is what sets some bloggers apart from others. I know the blogs I was drawn to in the beginning were the ones where I could feel their personality and their passion come through on their blog.  I felt like I knew them even though I only knew them through their written words.
They were my friends but they didn't even know who I was!  Now that is powerful!
  
The first really big thing that happened to me as a blogger was to get an email from Fifi saying that she wanted to feature my blog in Romantic Country Magazine!  I never in a million years thought I would be in a decorating magazine. I really thought I would have to win the lottery first and have a big beautiful home before that ever happened. That doesn't happen to people that live in 900 sq. ft rented apartments or so I thought!
Next I was contacted by HGTV about being on the TV show Rate my Space. Being on HGTV was a dream come true! Last year I was featured in Romantic Homes Magazine and on the front page of The Home and Garden section of the San Jose Mercury News.  I'm not telling you this to brag (actually Debbie asked me to share this with you), but to let you know that so many great things can happen when you start a blog. Trust me, I never ever thought anyone would even read my blog and now I get thousands of visitors a day and have had all these amazing opportunities.
So, I want to let you in on a little secret.  If you are a blogger and you really want to grow your blog, you need to find something that you know that other people want to know. Why is this important? Google searches, that's why.  If you have something written on your blog that people "Google" then it will bring a lot of traffic to your blog.  I found this out by chance when I did a tutorial on "Painting Furniture". A lot of people do web searches on this and that's how they find my blog.

So if you can, do a tutorial on something on your blog and watch your traffic grow!
People are always searching on "How to____" (fill in the blank with your expertise and increase your visitors)
My goal was never to get my blog big though. I blog because I love it and to me if my goal was to get bigger and bigger it would become more like a job and I didn't want that.  By nature, I'm a very competitive person but surprisingly blogging has never felt like a competition to see how popular I can get.  I realize early on that there will always be bigger and better blogs out there than mine and constantly trying to keep up would take the fun out of it.  I'm just enjoying where I am and thankful that I have such wonderful readers that come back regularly.  Keep it fun!...that's my blogging motto!
After years of blogging a coworker of mine convinced me to put ads on my blog. For the longest time I refused to this but now I'm happy I did and I never imagined that you could make so much money blogging. I'm not going to share how much I make but I will say that it really has helped me out financially over the last few years!  Once that money started coming in I never regretted it. I know that is a personal decision and some bloggers refuse to do it but for me it's been wonderful.
And finally, my advice to bloggers...
KEEP IT POSITIVE! Sure there are things every now and then that we can rant about on our blogs but really no one wants to read how depressed you are, or how awful your husband is, how bad your finances are, etc. every time they visit your blog. I think you can keep it real without unloading everything on your readers. I think most of us come to blogs to inspire us not depress us!
Wow, I guess I talk more on other people's blogs than I do on my own...sorry I never intended to go on and on so much!
 Thank you Debbie for allowing me to chat with your readers!
Thank you CINDY!!!!~


NOW if that does not inspire newbies, oldies and everyone in between, I really do not know what will.

What a great story and so very inspiring! Thank you Cindy, thank you so much for taking the time to do this for me, and more importantly, my readers.  Everything I have been putting out here for the past month has been for you my friends  and I to learn and grow.

This wraps up the end of my coffee talk series with featured seasoned bloggers.
I will be taking the series in a new direction and am open to any and all suggestions.
What would you like to see or talk about? on Tuesdays...




I will be announcing the winners for the Scentsy and my personal giveaway on 2/2/11

Labels:

38 Comments:

Blogger laxsupermom said...

I love this Coffee Talk series you've been doing, Debbie! I've learned so much the past couple weeks. It's great to hear advice from the "big" blogs. You've been hosting some ladies that I'm already familiar with and it's great to hear their perspective on blogging and what's worked for them. Thanks for hosting this series.

February 1, 2011 at 7:38 AM  
Blogger Lyndsay said...

As a new blogger, that was great to read! I loved the advice; there were some great tips! :)

February 1, 2011 at 7:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think the best advice is keeping your blog positive. I do talk about aging every so often, since my blog is about a 40+ yr old wanna be fashionista, and although it might not be depressing to me, it may be to others. So I will heed the advice given and hopefully make my aging comments upbeat.

February 1, 2011 at 7:41 AM  
Blogger Victoria said...

That was wonderful, I love Cindy! I wouldn't be blogging today and my apt. wouldn't look the way it does if it hadn't been for Cindy's blog:) I always gazed at the gorgeous antiqued white furniture in the expensive little beach shops and from Cindy's blog I learned to do it on my own. Plus the fact she's an apt. dweller/renter.

Debbie, everytime I read this Coffee Talk I am actually drinking coffee:) I think any subject you bring up will be interesting, you have a light hearted way of bringing up some deep subjects and making people want to comment.

February 1, 2011 at 7:43 AM  
Blogger KLM said...

Great coffee talk! Even though I have technically started blogging back in 2001 [LiveJournal anyone? ha!]... I still enjoy those good informative posts about blogging. -Of course there was a few year stint where I didn't blog at all, but now that I have my own home and my own family, I decided to start up the ol' blogging again and it's a lot more fun than I remember! :)

February 1, 2011 at 7:52 AM  
Blogger linda said...

this was so informative i really enjoyed hearing all the things Cindy had to say i dont have a blog but if i did it sure is good to hear all this info .Thank you Cindy .And Debbie for inviteing us

February 1, 2011 at 7:54 AM  
Blogger The Decorative Dreamer said...

Loved this! She seems to have a great outlook on blogging. Would you believe I've not come across her yet. I really do need to get around more. LOL! I also love this "coffee talk", Debbie. These little tips and reminders are wonderful and so helpful to hear often.

February 1, 2011 at 7:56 AM  
Blogger Ricki Treleaven said...

Cindy's story is very inspiring to me. I appreciate your asking her to guest blog on your blog, Debbie. I need to go check out her blog!

February 1, 2011 at 8:00 AM  
Blogger Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Great to read her advice. I wish I could blog once or twice a week and still have the readers she does. I guess it will take a few years.

February 1, 2011 at 8:17 AM  
Blogger Sherry@The BarnQuiltStore Blog said...

Thanks Cindy & Debbie...that was really inspiring! Blogging is one of my favorite 'hobbies'. It's not only a learning experience but keeps us all in touch with what's going on in this creative world! I'm more of a reader than a writer but that too may change!
Thanks gals!!!!
♥'s
Sherry

February 1, 2011 at 8:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Agreed, Very inspirational!! I'm glad you love blogging still it really shows in your posts.

February 1, 2011 at 9:41 AM  
Blogger Cindy said...

Thank you for the nice comments everyone!

Kris, I'm with you on the aging thing...I just turned 50 last year!

Kim, I blogged 5 days a week for many years I just now cut back to a few times a week and I don't get as many visitors as I used to. The secret to building a blog it to post as often as you can! That is a good point that I should have brought up!

February 1, 2011 at 10:13 AM  
Blogger Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Good Morning My Sweet young friend..WOW!! girl you go after the mega blogger of all time our Cindy..I just love her to pieces since I found her on RMS in 07 and then her blog..
Great interview with a great Lady..
Your the best my Dear friend..I loved your Newbie party..had fun see all the great blogs out there..Hope you have a GREAT day girl..Love ya, your Callie Mama

February 1, 2011 at 10:28 AM  
Blogger Mary Ann Pickett said...

Great positive advice!
Mary Ann

February 1, 2011 at 10:35 AM  
Blogger Michelle said...

Awesome advice! I'm a "newbie" for sure but am getting so many great ideas from people like you, Debbie and Cindy! Thanks for the encouragement and the inspiration.

February 1, 2011 at 10:36 AM  
Blogger Erin said...

Cindy is a class act that is for certain...great advice and she really is super nice:)

February 1, 2011 at 10:43 AM  
Blogger Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

I love Cindy & her blog! She is such a nice person! Coffee Talk is really great Debbie! I look forward to it!

February 1, 2011 at 10:43 AM  
Blogger Crafty Housewife said...

Funny that you featured Cindy because hers was the first blog that I began to follow. I used her tutorial for her blue china cabinet and painted all me dining room furniture that way. I then posted it on my blog and have enjoyed blogging every since. I just love Cindy's blog and hope it inspires more people!

February 1, 2011 at 10:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Good reading!...good coffee!...with good bloggy friends.
~JO
LazyonLoblolly

February 1, 2011 at 11:01 AM  
Blogger Allyson Pecilunas said...

So awesome! I love the advice she gives and you as well.

February 1, 2011 at 11:23 AM  
Anonymous Begoluna (Bego Watford) said...

I love Cindy too!! Her apart... castle looks so gorgeous! Her Romantic Home has been in my Favorites for a looong time... :-) Thanks, Debbie and Cindy for your inspirations!!

February 1, 2011 at 12:12 PM  
Blogger Angela said...

Stated so eloquently and with such heart. Having been a follower of Cindy's for a long time, I'm so happy for her and doesn't her personality just shine that she would want to share all that with other bloggers?

February 1, 2011 at 1:05 PM  
Blogger Rachel said...

Thanks for doing this "coffee talk" series. I am now a follower of Cindy as well. She seems like a great inspiration.

Debbie I just love all you do on your blog to help us "Newbies" out here. Thank you :)

February 1, 2011 at 1:23 PM  
Blogger Susan said...

Thanks, Cindy, and thanks, Debbie, for asking Cindy to be your guest blogger. Cindy, your blog was the very first blog I ever saw in blogland. I thought I had died and went to heaven! It was so beautiful and picturesque.

Thanks for all the great tips on blogging. For myself, I blog because I love writing so much. Like you, I wondered if anyone would ever read what I wrote. But now I know that some do and for them, I am deeply thnakful.

Take care, girls! That was fun. Susan

February 1, 2011 at 1:33 PM  
Blogger The Painted Garden said...

Hi Debbie and Cindy,

I am so happy that I came across your Coffee Talk series from Cindy's blog. I really enjoyed reading about Cindy and her blog and found her tips on blogging inspirational and very helpful.
Thank you for hosting this series.
I just added your blog to my favorites and will be back to visit.
I don't know how Cindy had time to post daily and appreciated hearing her comments about cutting back on posting. I post once a week and have made a point to post weekly on the same day- Friday so that my followers will know when to expect a new post.
Thank you for hosting.
Blessings,
Erin

February 1, 2011 at 1:36 PM  
Blogger Carolyn said...

Hi Debbie,
I enjoyed the coffee talk very much. Cindy was the first blog I ever read and I have been an avid follower ever since.I love her blog.
Those were great tips that Cindy shared.
Thank you for sharing,
Carolyn

February 1, 2011 at 1:37 PM  
Blogger Traci said...

I have gotten so much out of your Coffee Talk series....I just wanted to Thank you for hosting these. Some very great tips from some awesome bloggers!

February 1, 2011 at 2:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I loved this post! It was a very fun read. :)

February 1, 2011 at 3:34 PM  
Anonymous Elsie said...

Thank you Cindy and Debbie for the
Coffee Talk. If I ever decide to
get a blog I will use Cindy's
advice. I have always found Cindy's
blog to be very interesting and
informative. Her personality definitely comes out in her blog.
She is a very sweet person and I
feel like I know her personally
when really it's just been through
her words. Thanks Cindy for your
blog friendship.

February 1, 2011 at 5:28 PM  
Blogger xinex said...

Great shots, Debbie!...Christine

February 1, 2011 at 6:32 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

What a fun article. I love some of her ideas. Thanks for sharing a new friend. I love the little googling idea. But, then who would want to journey into this crazy life and garden.... he-he...

the FROZEN Garden Bell

Getting worse by the minute...

February 1, 2011 at 6:50 PM  
Blogger The Polka Dot Closet said...

Wonderful! How inspiring! I love hearing your thoughts and feelings, great advice!

February 1, 2011 at 8:27 PM  
Blogger ......Michele @ Portlandia Vintage said...

I found Cindy's blog a few months ago from, as she described here, her "painting furniture" post and have been following ever since. Having her insights and experience is worthwhile. Great idea, Debbie! I am trying out my own voice and feel it is not quite right yet. I have actually been thinking lately, I need to blog on my true passions - old houses and old stuff. So soon I hope to find my way. Thanks to all of you for your generosity!

February 1, 2011 at 9:13 PM  
Blogger NanaDiana said...

Debbie AND Cindy- This was just a great post. It makes me kind of wonder where I want to go and what I want to do with my own blog....thanks for the open and wonderful sharing that you do here! Hugs-Diana

February 1, 2011 at 9:53 PM  
Blogger lvroftiques said...

Well who doesn't know Cindy?! I remember way back on RMS when I first saw her spaces and thought "she loves the same things that I do and has a similar budget" To create so much beauty without being ultra mega rich was so refreshing to me! I love an expensive room full of french antiques as much as the next marquise *winks* but Cindy made that look possible for a mere peasant (moi!) Merci Cindy pour tout l' inspiration! And Merci Debbie aussi! Vanna

February 2, 2011 at 3:01 AM  
Blogger Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

Great advice Cindy! I have been a long time follower of you and of course Debbie too :D

February 2, 2011 at 6:45 AM  
Blogger Cindy said...

Thank you all! I enjoyed reading all the comments!

And a big Thank You to Debbie for having me here!

February 3, 2011 at 7:44 PM  
Blogger Bliss said...

Of course all the tips are awesome, and very appreciated, but what Cindy said about being inspired by the blogs of others actually got me all choked up because it is so true! I probably would have been content to read every blog on the web and never have one of my own ~ just because they all inspire me. So thank you all you bloggers!

~Bliss~
www.BlissRanch.blogspot.com
BlissRanchBoss@hotmail.com

January 10, 2012 at 5:24 PM  

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