Blogging A-Z: B is for Bloglovin'

Back when I was brainstorming things for each letter, Bloglovin' was an obvious choice.  I love how you can customize how it is organized and log on to read all of your favorite blogs.  That is, unless, it has decided not to work properly.  More than often than not lately, some of my daily reads haven't been showing up in my feed.  With that said, however, when Bloglovin' works properly, it works wonderfully.

Not only do I like to use Bloglovin' to read new posts, but I like to use it to organize my sponsors from my daily reads, to all other blogs I follow.  I have three separate categories - "Sponsors", "Daily Reads", "Blogs I Follow".  Obviously Sponsors and Daily Reads get read before the others.  Today I'll show you how to do this.

First, go to your profile and select "Edit blogs you follow":

Once here, you can create new groups and change the group that each of the blogs you follow is in:

That's really it.  Then when you log in each morning (or whenever you do your reading!), you can start with whichever group you'd like.

Another way I use Bloglovin' is for Blogger Love, the weekly link up I host.  I keep track of the posts I like with the "favorite" button in Bloglovin', but also save other posts for various reasons - part of a giveaway, something to go back to at a later time, etc.  In Bloglovin, you can create different "favorite" groupings.

Under your profile, you can create a collection.  For now, I have two - "Saved" and "Favorites" - which is the one I use for Blogger Love.  Then, each Thursday I can quickly go to that collection and pick out the favorites from the week.

How do you use Bloglovin'?  Or, have you completely given up on it? 

Blogging A-Z: About Me & Blogger Love v.43

Welcome to the first installment of Blogging A-Z.  Today, A is for "About Me".

When I find a new blog, whether it be from twitter, recommendations (like Blogger Love), or comments left on one of my posts, I like to first start at the About Me page.  It's the best way, in my opinion, to get to know the blogger in a few short minutes.

There are a few things that make an "About Me" page catch my attention.  

Pictures.  I like to see who you are, plain and simple.  Show me a picture of yourself!  Include one of your family or furbabies, if you blog about them frequently.  The one thing I don't like with pictures is if they are overwhelming.  A good rule of thumb is 2-4.  

Likes and Dislikes.  I have been known to follow a blogger just based on these facts.  It's a quick glimpse in to your personality!

Favorite/Most Popular Posts.  Show off your best content!  This is a great place to put your top posts, or posts you are particularly proud of.  It gives me insight on how you perceive your blog and what you like to write about.

Length.  Generally, I like a shorter, to the point "About Me" page.  If it is loaded with pictures or paragraphs, I generally skip most of it.

Here are a few examples of "About Me" pages that I admire:

Whimsical September

Besides having gorgeous photos, I like how Erica tells us about each family member with pictures.  She also incorporates her favorite/most popular posts within the content of her "About Me".

Flowers in My Hair

It's safe to say that I love everything Nina puts on her blog - but this "About Me" is perfect in my opinion.  It's easy to read, concise, and has the perfect amount and size of pictures.  You really get a sense of who Nina is just by reading this!

What do you think?  What makes a great "About Me" page for you?  I know we all have different opinions, so I'd love to hear yours! 

Truth be told - I've had "redo my About Me page" on my blogging to-do list for months now.

This week for Blogger Love, I have two favorite posts I'd like to share with you!

"My Blog is Giving Me a Complex" by The Rachael Way.  I think we (bloggers) have all felt this way a time or two!

"On My List: Upcoming Fall TV" by Becoming Adorrable.  I always listen to Becca's suggestions - and have saved a few of these!

Do you have some posts by others that you'd like to give special attention to?  Link up below!

Thank you for the tips and tricks given for my new budget.  So far, so good (even though I realize we are only five days in!).  Also, the code of RIGHTSTUFF for 30% off any spot is still active - just a few more uses left if you are interested!

Have a great weekend everyone!

An InLinkz Link-up

Introducing: Blogging A to Z

First things first, I'm the realest I'm not a blogging expert.  I don't think any of us are.  Each of us knows what works for our blogs, and know that those things vary from blogger to blogger.  With that said, I have found some things that work great for me over the past year, so I am here to share those with you!

Every couple of weeks, I will share a tip or two - making my way from A to Z.  With some help from Melissa, I've come up with a list of items to share, but I'm happy to share my thoughts on specific items you would like to hear about.  Let me know in the comments if you have any burning questions!

I've also changed a few things to my sponsor program, which will be in effect starting in June.  I am planning on a new way to highlight you, my sponsors, which I think will be fun!  If you'd like to be a part of it, check out all of the options here.

I can't wait for the first post in this new series - check back next week!