The Blogger Interviews: Joanna Penn
After a good long break, we’re back on the trail of interviewing some of London and the world’s best bloggers. Those who have committed to blogging and who create post after post of great content. Joanna is one of those and if you ever head over to her blog, you’ll see what I mean.
I have met Joanna a few times, most recently when she spoke at the London Bloggers meetup Pecha Kucha event in April – you can see her slides here. Joanna’s presentation was very well timed and met the brief perfectly.
As usual I will stop the babbling introduction and let you read Joanna’s interview. Enjoy and thanks to Joanna for taking part.
1. What’s your blog called and what’s the URL?
The Creative Penn: http://www.TheCreativePenn.com
2. What’s your blog all about (in 20 words or less)?
Helping you write, publish and market your book
3. When and why did you start blogging?
I started back in early 2008 when I wanted to market my own first book. I had tried traditional PR methods and even made it onto national TV and radio but that wasn’t selling books. So I did a course on online marketing and started the blog with the aim of trying to impact the US market. TheCreativePenn.com was my third blog. The other two fell by the wayside as I grew out of them. It was only when I looked at what I truly loved and wanted to grow into as a person that I decided on the topic and focus for my brand and then the blog.
4. Which blog platform do you use?
WordPress – I love it!
5. Can you give an example of how blogging has enriched your life?
Blogging seriously changed my life. A few years ago, I was a wannabe author and now I have written two action-adventure thriller novels and a non-fiction book, based on my networking and encouragement with the community of writers online and what I have learned on the journey (all of which I have blogged about!). Blogging frees something creative inside and the empowerment of publishing to a global audience makes a huge difference to self-confidence. I am also now making an income from the blog so it enriches me financially as well.
6. Are there any blogs you recommend reading and why?
Definitely Copyblogger.com if you want to learn about how to write effectively for the internet as well as sell without being sleazy. Seth Godin’s blog of course, as he always makes you think. For random creativity, check out http://www.brainpickings.org
I do skim about 300 blogs a day to share in my twitter feed so there are lots that I read and share, all focused on writing, publishing and marketing.
7. What three tips would you give to someone just starting out in blogging?
* Decide what you want to become in 3-5 years before you commit to a blog. Really focus on knowing and understanding yourself and your motivations because it takes some time before things start to happen, so you’ll need to put in the time.
* Go multi-media. It helps people to know, like and trust you which is the essence of attracting people who will be loyal to your brand. It also helps you reach a difference audience as people like to consume in different media. I have a text blog as well as a podcast on iTunes and a YouTube channel.
* Be generous. I really love the attitude of most of the blogging community which is to give and be generous with your knowledge, content and experience. We all help each other out and we grow up together. I also think you get what you give so if you keep a positive and happy vibe on your blog, you will attract those kind of people, instead of trolls.
8. If you could change one thing about your blog what would it be?
I’m actually considering a re-design at the moment. I went full-time as an author-entrepreneur in October 2011 so the blog is also part of my income stream these days. I want to have the homepage more product focused and the blog behind it as a traffic mechanism. I also need some new headshots. I will get this done in 2012 :)
9. What is the key to getting readers to your blog?
Focusing on the niche and only the niche. This impacts everything, from SEO to content marketing, to the interviews you get, to attracting new customers and keeping existing fans happy.
10. And finally, what motivates you to keep on blogging?
I would blog if I won the lottery! Seriously, it is one of the most enriching things I have ever done. I love to help people and my aim was always to liberate people to write and publish their books.
