Top 10 Things YOU Can Do To Prepare for a Blog Conference

I don’t normally write about the topic of blogging. I don’t feel very experienced - and I feel like a very small fish in a very big pond! However, last year, I had the amazing opportunity to attend my first blog conference, and this year, in just one week, I will get to attend my second. Preparing for a blog conference doesn’t happen overnight - but here are my:

We are going to do this Top 10 list in the order that I think you should do it- but know, you can do all of this, or none of this- and still have a great time. I am an OCD planner - and so having a list like this is very helpful for me when I am planning - so I thought it might be helpful for you if you find yourself in a similar situation!

10. Pick A Conference

I have only been to one conference - but I do know that finding the right one is very important. The important things to look for when finding a conference that is right for you is what is their focus, and what do you need to work on.

I am attending 2:1 - A Conference for Homeschoolers and Bloggers. It is also faith based. This is a perfect blend for me since I am a homeschooling Mama who blogs and loves her faith. There is a lot of women who are going who use their blog as a business- and so this will be a great opportunity for me to meet them. This will also give me an opportunity to talk to brands that might have things that my readers (that is you!) would be interested in!

No matter your niche- there is a conference for you! The big things is cost. Last year, I went to a very expensive blogging conference. This year, 2:1 is much more affordable.

9. Get Your Blog Ready

Now that you have decided which conference is right for you, it is time to start getting your blog ready! People are going to be looking at your blog- and these people know what it should look like! You might want to get a new design, touch up some images, and get your motinization efforts on point.

If you are looking for an amazing designer - I always highly recommend Stephanie from The Multi Taskin’ Mom. She does all the main deign work here at Worshipful Living - and she is amazing!

8.Get your Business Supplies

You are going to need a few things - business cards and a media kit are probably at the top of your list! You may want to have someone design them (again, highly recommend Stephanie! ) and you can use Vistaprint or a local printing company! You can even get coffee mugs, bags, shirts and more with your logo on it!

You will also want to be sure to get some business supplies. A planner, a notebook and pens are MUST HAVES!

7. Social Media- Get it Scheduled

Now it is time to be active on Social Media and make sure you plan it for while you are gone! Remember, people are going to be looking at your blog. If you are looking to get sponsored post or working with brands, they are going to want to see your social media active and engaged!

It might also be a good idea to hire a Virtual Assistant (even for a short time) to keep your page moving while you are gone!

6. What To Wear

I think the biggest question everyone has is what to wear. My experience has been that most are “fashion casual” - I know that is not a normal term, but I think a lot of people are looking for you to look nice. I am loving Gwenyie Bee - which is like netflix for clothes! The most important thing is for you to be YOU and to be comfortable. Remember you will be walking a lot. However, you are representing your brand- and if you are looking for work - you want to go like you might be in an interview!

5. Print and Plan

Find the online itinerary and print it. Start looking over it and decide what is going to be best for you. Maybe get with a group of friends who are going with you and start thinking about how you can spread out to get the most out of the conference. You can always pow wow at night and share what you learned!

4. Start Packing

I am one week out- so the suitcase is out! Start packing a week before so that you have time to organize your stuff. Remember you will probably be traveling alone, so you need to be able to get your stuff up and down in your hotel! Make a packing list- don’t forget your toiletries! I always start a few piles: Clothes, toiletries, blog stuff, personal stuff.

3. Start Networking

You want to find out if there is a Facebook group or a Twitter/Instagram hashtag for the conference. Start using it and connecting with the women you are going to be meeting with. You will feel better if you start connecting and getting to know people before you get there! They will be friends and not strangers!

2. Prepare your Family and Home

You need to take some time and be with your family before you go. My friend Bridget from Becoming A Godly Wife had a personal date night with each of her kids before she left for her trip! We have had a couple family game and movie nights. Also, I have made special time for my husband! The other thing is getting your home ready! I always try to clean my house really well before I go. Also, think about meals for your family and find out how you can help get things ready!

1. Prepare Your Heart

The most important thing you can do before going to a conference is to prepare your heart. God is going to speak and move. You are going to be overwhelmed (in a good way!) with information and things to do to improve your blog. Make sure you take time to pray, get your heart alone before the Lord and ask Him to show you how He can use you for His glory!

 

 

Worshiping With My Life,