Welcome to the first interview in this blog. Today I am proud and happy to introduce Charlene Baker, who is a versatile blogger, online marketer, entrepreneur and mentor. She is currently the owner of Charlenebakerspeaks.com
Reji: Can you please introduce yourself in case some of my readers don’t know you?
Charlene Baker: Certainly. First and foremost I am a wife and mom of two beautiful toddler boys. I love God and seek to live a fulfilled and purposeful life while inspiring others to do the same! I am a Professional Blogger and Internet Marketer as well as a consultant in a popular network marketing opportunity. I truly love what I do because I know that I am making a difference by educating and training others how to build a business online through blogging and online marketing techniques. It’s awesome to be able to work from home, be there for your family, do what you enjoy all while creating income online!
Reji: How did you get into blogging for the first time and what was your inspiration?
Charlene Baker: I started blogging in 2010 and realized that if I was to grow my business and brand, having my own self-hosted blog was essential. I was inspired and continue to be inspired by Tracey Walker, the Blogging Queen, who, at the time, created a product called “Be Blog Savvy”. It was exactly the push I needed to begin my blogging career, to impact those who were following me, and to create a presence online.
Blogging has positioned me to earn more income in one day than I did working full-time in a cubicle. I have met people from all over the world through my blog and am grateful for the lives I touch. It is truly an amazing experience.
Reji: What was your most challenging situation that you’ve come across during your journey as a blogger?
Charlene Baker: Probably when I created my first self-hosted blog back in 2010. I am not a technical person yet I had to build my blog from the ground up. I knew nothing about coding, plugins, themes…I had to figure it out. It was frustrating when I set it up then it somehow disappeared. Oh, what agony!!
Thankfully it has become easier over the years to set up your self-hosted blog!
Reji: Tell me about one of the happiest moment in your blogging career.
Charlene Baker: When I experienced my first $1625 day as a result of being consistent and building my brand through blogging.
Also, I love getting emails on how my content has created many “ah ha” moments for my followers. It’s all about making a difference, and I feel that my blog content is doing that. It’s an honor!
Reji: What would you prioritize? Traffic? Readers? Content? SEO?
Charlene Baker: They are all important, yet, each has its place. Initially, you want to focus on your readers and target market because this is what your content will be based around. You must know what your audience likes as well as their pains and problems. This way you can address these in your blog content, which would be the next thing to focus.
Next, I would focus on driving traffic to your content. There are various syndication strategies you can do to get visitors to your content such as social media, video marketing, blog syndication groups, etc. In the meanwhile, I would study and perfect SEO techniques to implement it in your content to boost your ranking.
Reji: Can you please explain few of your strategies that worked well for creating visibility for yourself and your blog?
Charlene Baker: I use video marketing to promote my blog as well as various syndication tools that posts my blog to different social media networking sites in one click. My two favorites are Onlywire and Social Buzz Club.
Here is a video from her YouTube channel where she is giving tips on blogging.
Reji: What networking do you do that you feel helps your blogging business?
Charlene Baker: Each day my goal is to reach out to 5 people in my target market on Facebook just to network. No selling or pitching my business, just to network. Additionally, I share my blog post content to specific Facebook groups where my market is buzzing. This piques interest leads them to my blog and creates instant following.
Additionally, I am also part of a blogging community filled with entrepreneurs passionate about building their business through blogging. This network (Empower Network) is perhaps the best networking opportunity because I can leverage the knowledge of multi-millionaires to grow my business. It is the best I’ve seen online…and I’ve been on the Internet blogging for almost five years!
Reji: Could you explain the best traffic generating strategy using social media that works better for you?
Charlene Baker: In regards to social media, the best traffic sources for me has been Facebook and Twitter. With Facebook, I target groups that are interested in the content I am sharing. My goal is to solve a common problem them are experiencing in their business, and provide the solution with my blog content.
With Twitter, I share my post URL link about six times throughout the day on automation. With each tweet, I either ask a problem question then give my link, or I share a valuable nugget from my post where they will learn more info when they click on the link.
Reji: A lot of people think that blogging is an easy way to make money. Do you have some tips for those people who are interested in making money from their blog?
Charlene Baker: Blogging is definitely a long-term strategy. It will not make you money overnight, I promise you that! Blogging will test your true character as to whether you’re in it to build a long sustainable business or if you’re just looking to get rich quick. Those who are in it for the latter, tend to leave blogging quickly!
Here are some tips I would offer to those who do want to make money blogging in their business:
• Do product reviews and share your link three times throughout the post
• Master SEO techniques
• Always focus on delivering value to your audience
• Talk about the problems in your market and how your product or business is the solution
• Capture leads by giving away cool offers your target market would enjoy
• Use compelling banners within your blog post to grab attention immediately
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Reji: Name some of the bloggers whom you look up to and why?
• Tracey Walker (traceywalkerspeaks.com) because this chic became a millionaire by blogging!
• Forbes (forbes.com) because it keeps me abreast of what’s going on in the arena of business. I love learning from the contributors who share their knowledge here. Great source!
• Social Media Examiner (socialmediaexaminer.com) because these experts share what’s working now in the Internet marketing world.
• Brian Cain (briancain.com). because this guy is a master when it comes to SEO and blogging techniques.
Reji: Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years from now as a Problogger?
Charlene Baker: I see myself speaking at Blogger & Internet marketing conventions sharing tips that will help business owners excel in their online marketing efforts.
Reji: What would be your suggestions for those who are interested in becoming a professional blogger?
Charlene Baker: Anyone who has a business should have a blog, period! It is the best way to brand and promote yourself in your niche. It’s pretty much your home on the World Wide Web…and your goal is to get as many visitors to your party as possible!!!
For those who want to become a professional blogger, I would suggest becoming a guest blogger and also inviting people to be a contributor to your blog (better idea, in fact). Also, blog daily and connect with other bloggers to learn and grow from each other.There are many blogging communities available that will not only help hone your skills, but grow your network too. Finally, invest in your blogging education! Pay for training that will teach you how to master blogging and promoting your content. No need to reinvent the wheel when someone out there knows how to do it better than you! Learn from the best then implement what you learn!
Thank you very much, Charlene for finding time for sharing your experience with us despite having a busy schedule as an entrepreneur. I hope you all enjoyed the post.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Also read: – Interview with Philip Verghese Ariel
Also read:- Interview with Nisha Pandey, a talented professional blogger.
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Top nine reasons why you should attend a blogger’s meet
Nice one