And I’m back! Look at me posting consistently. Pigs must be flying somewhere. Anyway, today, we’re going into the fifth post of SSD’s Transformation Thursday series! Say whaaaat??? Crazy, right?
Yeah, I know. Mosquito season-er summer is just days away. It’s a great time of the year where days are longer, air conditioning is remembered as a major blessing, sales will rise for the SC Johnson company (for those who say Off! really works, lol) and iced coffee is a must.
Anyway, let’s not waste any time. Here we go!
Article (1 Minute Read)
Google to bloggers: Disclose & Nofollow Links When Reviewing Gifted Products by Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Land – I was recently asked to change my links on a post from a brand I adore due to Google’s guidelines. As much as I understand the brand’s request as they didn’t want to be punished for violating Google’s rules, I was also sad to receive this email. Why? Because other bloggers have ruined the relationship between them and their readers by blurring the transparency line. Even though the post I wrote was not sponsored in any way (I disclose that at the bottom of my posts when I talk about a product/service) nor was I given free product, I still had to comply to help this brand stay out of trouble.
What a sad time where we can’t even work on an honor system! Anyway, since I’m new to being a real blogger (crazy to write that), I wanted to share this article with you guys so we can learn together how to run our blogs professionally. We’re in this together, so for the things I learn, I’m turning around and sharing them with you so you can educate yourself (if you didn’t already know this).
If you’re a blogger, read this article and follow the best practices as we want to make sure we’re always truthful with our readers. The only way to build a reputable brand and legacy is with trust. Transparency is trust and trust strengthens our relationships with our readers who in fact allow us to keep doing what we love.
Product (pillowcase)
Savvy Sleepers Satin Pillowcases – I was just washing my sheets the other day and it dawned on me to share my pillowcase with you guys! I met Dale, founder of Savvy Sleepers last fall after being online friends with her for almost five years or so at her Dallas launch event.
I already love the feeling of a cold pillow, but a let-me-rub-my-face-all-over-my-pillow because it’s soft pillow? Sold. A pillowcase to help my hair from breakage? Take my money!
Anyway, after purchasing a pillowcase at her event and sleeping on it for the last eight months, I’m happy to recommend her product as a resource to you! Why? Boss ladies can’t function if they don’t get a good night’s rest and those who sweat diamonds need their healthy hair to look good. Just sayin’.
Photo editing App
Darkroom – I learned about this app through Marianna and if you’ve seen her Instagram feed, you’d know why I downloaded it without hesitating.
I’ve been using it for a few months now and really love the different filters on it. Still getting used to using it as I use multiple apps to edit some of my photos, but hey, I figured it was worth mentioning for those who are Instagram addicts like I am!
Podcast (Length: 19:15)
How to Make Relationships with Powerful Influencers by Lewis Howes – Here I am once again to recommend another School of Greatness podcast episode to you! If you’ve ever wondered how to become friends with some of the most successful and powerful people in the world, this episode is for you!
Even if you’re an introvert, give it a whirl. I mean Lewis even gives you a free email template on how to connect with a high level influencer. What a nice guy! Remember, great relationships take time so be patient and keep building even though you may not see an immediate response!
Tech Services
chloédigital – I love the team over at chloédigital! I’ve been following their Instagram for some time now as they put out great content for bloggers.
They have reached out to me to let me know of their services which I thought was so nice. If you’re a blogger and need help with strategy and the technical side of blogging, I highly recommend looking into them!
And that’s it for this month’s Transformation Thursday series! Happy Friday Eve!
If you’ve utilized any of these resources, comment below and let me know your thoughts! Feel free to give suggestions on any resources you personally use too!
Image via Tumblr
If you’re new here, Transformation Thursday is a series of monthly edit of resources I share. You can listen to, read or watch what I’ve found/used to improve various parts of your life. It is my hope that at least one resource in each post adds value to your life!
Note: I was not gifted the products/services mentioned nor was I compensated or asked to review any of these brands or services. All opinions are solely my own.
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