How can I get featured?

A dear reader sent me the sweetest email the other day. She wrote about her frustrations and successes with blogging.
When reading her email a sea of emotions rushed through me.
 Her words reminded me of my own experiences and how relieved I was when I finally got my big break. Her thoughts were so sincere that I thought I would share a few of her words with all of you,  

"I starting blogging a few months ago and I have been posting my projects to different blogging parties, but I have not been featured yet....I think projects are original and well made...What am I doing wrong?"

I don't think there is an easy answer to this question. So I am going to explain what has worked for me, and please remember that this is just my opinion so don't take it as the only solution.

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1. Great pictures.

The goal of linking to a blog party is to get noticed. The best way to get noticed is to have great pictures. Your pictures should be bright, clear, and professional looking.

Now don't be alarmed by the word, "professional."  One of the easiest ways to create your own professional photos is to create a clean and clear background.  

For instance....

Remember this lovely cupcake stand? The whole set up was staged, kinda...

Here's what the full picture looked like...

 So you see, just because my house was dirty (was is the KEY word) it didn't mean that my pictures needed to be dirty too.

2. Create consistency with your photos.
I use a white piece of posterboard as my background for all my pictures. I started doing this because I wanted my pictures to have a fresh look.

If a posterboard isn't your thing that is fine too. But the key is to always make sure you have nice, bright photos.

 

 See the difference a white background creates?

3. Link to blogs in your niche.

You are more likely to get featured on a specific blog if you have something in common with that blogger. For instance, if you are a craft blogger, post to craft blogs. If you love cooking, post to a cooking blog.

This doesn't mean that you can't post to different types of blogs, but if you are trying to find a way to get featured then this may be the first step to getting recognized.

kapeesh?

5. Become friends with blogs you love.

The more often you comment and interact with the blogs you like, the more they will begin to remember you. And "remembering you" is a really, really good thing. Believe me when I say that others will be more open to featuring you and your blog when they know that you have a sincere interest in their blog too.

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When you give some love, you will receive some love!

6. Find a writing style that fits YOU.

When it comes to getting featured, pictures are only half of the story.
Whether you blog is centered around lifestyle, photography, home decor, or traveling try to write content that is meaningful.

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Not all blogs are meant to be funny.
If your are more comfortable with providing inspiration then use that as your strength.
Find out what your "strength" is and channel it into your writing.
When you are passionate about what you write your readers will be able to sense that passion. And that "sense" is what will keep drawing them back to your blog day after day.

'nuf sappiness for the day... 

7. Stay motivated.
Finally, for all of you that are new bloggers don't give up! Post often. The more you post the more your blog will begin to unfold into your vision.

 And for those of you that are thinking of starting a blog...

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Now, aren't cha all motivated? hmmm.

Did you check out this week's giveaway yet? hmmm #2.