I’m going to blog about some blogging business today. If you’re not a blogger, you more than likely will not be interested in this. Heck, even if you ARE a blogger you’re probably not going to care about this. On the slight chance that you want to stick around and throw confetti and be excited for me, you rock.
I started this new domain and site just over a year ago. Since then, I’ve had have several goals for this site and myself as a blogger: increase my readership, learn more about branding and social media usage, and get my butt to some blogging conferences. Last August it was pretty much agony for me every time I signed on to Twitter as my stream BLEW UP with #blogher11 posts. What is BlogHer? BlogHer is a gigantic blogging conference, primarily geared towards women. This year, 3000 + women who dabble in writing and the interwebz will show up in NYC, and inhabit one hotel for 3 + days. Sound terrifying? I am SUPER stoked!
As I read tweets, and blog posts and Facebook checkins everyone sounded like they were learning so much, and having so much fun, and some of my favorite bloggers were meeting some of my other favorite bloggers … and I was at home. The whole thing just sucked, royally. When the tweets came in saying 2012′s BlogHer conference was going to be held in New York City, I promised myself I would be there. I promised myself that I would work my BUTT off to get site squared away, and my numbers up, make some new connections before hand, secure myself a sponsor and just GO already.
So I did. I’ve more than tripled my pageviews, I’ve updated my site, I’ve made new contacts, and secured a sponsor. I’m officially going to BlogHer 12! In six weeks, I’m boarding a plane and flying to New York City {a place on the east coast I’ve surprisingly never been}. I’m going to spend 4 nights and 5 days walking among MY PEOPLE. I’m going to talk about Twitter parties and Google Analytics and not have people yawn in my face. I’m going to laugh with others about the Bloggess’ newest hilarious post. I’m going to take notes during sessions about how to increase my Facebook following. And above all … I’m going to meet HER. And HER. And HER. I’m going to throw my arms around them {hoping they don’t spray me in the face with pepper spray} and be SO EXCITED to meet them in person after following their blogs for years.
So, I apologize in advance to you guys, because there will be more boring BlogHer12 posts in the near future. I will most likely obsess over clothing. And techy geekery. And business cards. And things to do in the Big Apple. Speaking of which, I’m going to have ONE free afternoon in NYC when I arrive on Wednesday. If you could only see one site, or do one thing, what would it be? I’m going to be staying near Rockefeller Plaza and Central Park.
Anyone else headed to BlogHer12? Let me know so we can meet up!
Can’t wait to meet you, too! Oh, and the answer to the question you didn’t ask but I know you are thinking is YES. I will bring lots of wine
Bless you and your third trimester, wine-bringing self. You are a better person than I. Haha!
My blog is not that big (yet) and I’m not going, but I am jealous! I would love to meet you and lots of other bloggers I follow. Can’t wait to hear how it goes and congratulations!
Going, going going and I can’t wait!! Would LOVE to meet you and Melissa too!!! Melissa and I (and Natalie of Growing Up a NJ wife) are going to try to grab coffee, lunch, dinner whatever. Your invited!
One of these years….
Can’t wait to read how it goes!
Just bought my ticket yesterday!!! I still can’t really believe I’m actually going!!! Soooo excited! Hope to meet you
I want to go so badly! I keep saying maybe next year.
You know what they should really have a conference on is how to get a big sponsor like that!
Congratulations and have so so much fun. Give Melissa a huge hug for me she is one of my favorite bloggers!
Maybe I will see you all there next year!
CANNOT wait for you to be in NYC! It means we just might be able to meet up and get coffee finally after ‘meeting’ online over 4yrs ago!
You inspired me to google search blog conferences in Texas. I think you tweeted about the one in Dallas in September??? But there’s one in Houston then too! So now I don’t have to hit 45! I’m so happy my stalking you continues to pay off. Have fun in New York!!!