On the Web with Kim Vallee

MARKETING, SOCIAL MEDIA | June 19, 2010

I Blog at Media Sidekick

I want to inform you that the blog of my new business, Media Sidekick, is up and running. I invite you to join me in the conversations. The Media Sidekick blog will concentrate on social media marketing and what it means for lifestyle bloggers (design, living, food, hobbies, women and moms) and influencers. You will find [...]

BLOGGING, Blogging TIPS | May 19, 2010

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What an Editorial Calendar Can Do for Bloggers

The way that lifestyle blogs, magazines and the style section of newspapers manage their editorial calendar is not that different after all. It’s true that blogs tend to view their editorial calendar on a short time basis versus the yearly scope of traditional media. It is probably due to the fact that bloggers talks about what [...]

BLOGGING, Blogging TIPS | April 6, 2010

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Why I am going back to reading RSS

It used to be that the first thing I did every morning was to visit Google Reader. It has not been the case for a long time. With Twitter and Facebook, it seems that I, as many people, relied less and less on my RSS subscriptions. I think it is a mistake because we are [...]

BLOGGING, Blogging TIPS | February 23, 2010

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Bloggers Need a clear Editorial and Advertising Policies

March 8th, 2010 Update: ”Bloggers are not slaves of brands” was the original post title. If you run a blog, you probably notice a surge on the number of brands that wish to either buy coverage on your site, ask to write a guest post for free or for money, or my “favorite”, the ones [...]

BLOGGING, Blog DESIGN | October 19, 2009

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7 Blog Design Rules To Know Before Selecting a Template

Before you choose a blog template, consider form and function. Keep in mind that the Web is evolving all the time and we are always experimenting with new ways to display our content. And remember that content is king. The blog design is there to enhance your content, to provide a good experience to your [...]

HOW to use, SOCIAL MEDIA | October 3, 2009

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Simplify Your Image Use Policy

I am always amazed to see how many brands and organizations have not adapted to the new reality of Web communication. Brands and organizations spent a lot of money on marketing and advertising. Yet they fail at the cheapest and probably the most efficient promotion tool: the words of their fans. If a blogger decided, [...]

BLOGGING, Blogging TIPS | October 3, 2009

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Food for Thought on Blog Content

It is the time of the year where I re-evaluate what I am doing on my At Home with Kim Vallee blog. Remember that I told you that you should review what you are doing 3 to 4 times a year. I am thinking about what I will do next to improve the content. Like [...]

BLOGGING, Blogging TIPS | August 19, 2009

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Tips on How to Position Your Blog

One thing that is difficult for many bloggers is to define their niche. As the competition on the blogosphere becomes fiercer, you need to position your blog in order to stand out. People needs to quick get what your blog is about and how it is different from the pack. Whether you talk about one [...]

BLOGGING, Blogging TIPS | July 6, 2009

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Quick Tips to Find Story Ideas for Your Blog

I put that story on hold after the long weekend. Plus, the summer vacations are at our door. I am writing this now because it is always after a vacation or a break that it is the hardest to get back to our blogging schedule. People often ask me if I get the writer’s block. [...]

BLOGGING, Blogging TIPS | June 4, 2009

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Pictures Sell Your Story | Advice for Bloggers and Brands

I always say to new bloggers that they must try to take their own pictures. Nothing beats original content. Time constraints, money, logistics and talent do not always make it possible. Most successful food bloggers excel at photography; it is part of their personal brand. Take for example La Tartine Gourmande. We are craving to [...]

BLOGGING, Blogging TIPS | June 2, 2009

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Found a New Usage for the Email Subscription to my own RSS

I prefer reading blogs through Google Reader. Still, they are people who prefer getting my posts through an email subscription. This is why I provide the option. With Google Feedburner is so simple to do and once you set up the service, it runs by itself. Use it to Build Loyalty The popularity of email [...]

BLOGGING, Blogging TIPS | May 7, 2009

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Every Blogger Needs A Blog Bible

The same way as every TV show has a show bible describing the story’s characters, settings and culture, I believe every blogger needs to keep close his/her blog bible. Writing your blog bible enables you to stay focus on what your blog is all about. In a corporate language, this would be called the Editorial [...]