FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: Writing about your passion

Hello guys! I've received a couple of reader queries over email last month and last week. I shall share my answers here. Thanks to Geline and Erica for sending in their queries! :)

Hi Ms. Martha,

It's me again, Geline. My blog's turning 3 months, and I'm thinking of having a giveaway. Is it too early for one? What do you think? I'm so jealous of your bligh It's so so nice and well put together. Mine, on the other hand, is so dull. I dont even know if people read it. I just write about whatever, whenever. How can I attract more readers? Hope you can help me.

-Geline

Hello Geline!

Interesting question. Regarding the giveaway, it's up to you. When I was new, I did a giveaway when my blog turned a month old but alas, nobody joined. I've held two more contests, and they ended up with the same fate. I have stopped doing contests for a while, and I started doing giveaways again just recently.

I'm not discouraging you though. I'm just telling you that there will be times like this, and don't feel frustrated about it. Just move forward. But be wary about 'Blog Positioning'. You don't want to attract readers just because you're always giving away something, right? You should want to have readers because you want to build great relationships and an impressive network. Treat giveaways as a milestone of your blog, and as something to gift your readers. And if you can sustain it monthly, by all means, do it. If it feels right, then do it. If it doesn't, then don't. Did I answer your question? I hope I did. :)

My blog looked like trash before. All it takes is a pen, paper, and some blog design ideas. Hire a web developer and graphic artist, then let them work on your blog's layout. Trust me, once you have styled your blog, you'll always want to write. :)

Relax, don't feel down just because you think people are not reading your blog. I'm sure you have some visitors and regular readers. If you want to attract more readers, get your blog out there. Harness the power of social networking sites, plug your blog, and interact with other bloggers online. That way, people will know that you have a blog. The cyberspace is so huge, and you can't just sit and pray that visits will come pouring in like rain. TAKE ACTION.

My blog is like that! I just write whatever that I want to write about, and it just so happened that I like writing about cosmetics. If you feel compelled to write about something that you're not really comfortable with, please, don't. Writing about what you love is a great start. Hope this helped you. Let me know if you still have more queries. :)

Photo credits: zemanta.com

Hi Ms.Martha!

I want to start my own blog too because of you! I wasn't really into makeup before but because of you, I'm kinda' fond of it now! You're so successful. You get into events and you get lots of freebies. When I start my blog, how do I get people to invite me to events and give me free stuff? Hope you can give me tips.

- Erica

Hello Erica!

Thank you for the kind words. I really appreciate them.

Hope you don't mind if I do a bit of sharing: I started my blog because I like makeup, and I have no one to share my passion with. I have a brother, all my friends are not really into makeup like me, and my mom is into clothes, shoes, and bags. Unfortunately, the dogs think that makeups are food. One day, I was browsing online and saw a couple of beauty blogs where the authors were interacting with their readers and other beauty bloggers. I got pretty excited because finally, I've found people who love makeup as much as I do, and are actually willing to talk and write about it! In April 27, 2009, I started THE BEAUTY JUNKEE, and the rest is history. :)

I'm not being humble here, but to be honest, I didn't start The Beauty Junkee because I want to get freebies. In fact, I have never ever thought of getting an invite to any launch/event! If you'll do a little bit of backtracking, you'll realize that The Beauty Junkee has gone through more than a year without the help of freebies, but my bank account and my mom's love. :D I've built this blog from the ground up, and I'm very proud. I've started this beauty blog because I want to talk about makeup. Plain and simple. :)

I guess I'm just really passionate about cosmetics, and this passion of mine took me places. I remember, during an event, a couple of beauty bloggers and I were reminiscing about our early blogging days. Back then, blogs were just personal diaries, and nobody invited us to whatever event. In fact, we didn't even know if people cared about our thoughts! I have to admit that during my first few months, I felt silly because I kept on blogging about my makeups, and not a single soul has cared to leave a comment on my posts! Haha! Gifts would usually come in the mail, but it was just a rare thing. (And you're lucky if you receive one! Haha!) It was only recently that brands and companies have started sending me stuff and invites. I've been around for quite a long time now, and that makes the difference. Everything takes TIME, my dear. :)

I don't want you to start blogging because of free stuff and event invites. When you do something because you want something out of it, but you're not really passionate about it, you'll just end up quitting early in the game.

Don't get me wrong, I am not questioning your love for makeup. If you really love it, then write about it. :) I'll gladly help you out on how to construct detailed product reviews and the likes. I'm just an email away. :) Always remember, PASSION should fuel your blog-- not your needs and wants. If you do something for the sake of love, everything else will follow. (Be it money, freebies, invites, friends, what have you)

This goes out to every gal out there who wants to start their own blogs. Write about what you love, and let that love take you to success.

Here's something for you Erica, Geline, and all my readers. Have a great Monday. :)

Photo Credits: themillionairesecrets.net

Got a burning question about makeups, skin care products, beauty, dieting, and health tips, relationships, and whatever? Just send them to martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. (Please, do not send me Math- related queries. :D)