Project Blogger : Special Guest Anna Paramita from Much Love

Next up on Project Blogger, I’m talking to Anna who’s the talent behind one of the sweetest blogs online, Much Love. Full of gorgeous imagery, Anna’s blog has a large fan base across the globe. Anna kindly shared her top blogging tips and secrets with me – I hope they inspire you….Enjoy! xx

Mel : Your blog Much Love is so sweet. What does it mean to you?

Anna : It’s a very visual blog. There’s a lot of images , but not much writing because I’m not really good with words. Overall, there’s a very sweet and girly theme going on. It has a bit of everything, which often makes it hard to figure out what “category” my blog goes into. There’s a bit of fashion, craft, creativity, photography, which basically covers all the things that I love (hence the blog title). I guess my blog is essentially a piece of me.

Mel : What gave you the inspiration to set up  your blog?

A : In the beginning, I started the blog to support and promote my then-newly-opened Etsy shop , because it just seemed to be the thing to do if you were an Etsy seller. So at the time, it was mainly a craft/personal blog. However, I was never very good at self promotion, so over time the blog became much less about my shop and more of an inspiration blog where I posted random things that I loved. I don’t even actively run my Etsy shop anymore (I’m taking a break from that), but my blog has kind of taken on a life of it’s own since then.

Mel : Does your blog inspire you and feed your creativity?

A : Absolutely!

Mel : What do you especially like to post?

A : As cliche as it sounds, I love finding the beauty in simple every day things. So I enjoy taking photos of things I would see every day and sharing these with my readers.

Mel : Are there certain posts you know will get a great reaction?

A : Giveaways definitely get the most responses. Other than that, I usually get a lot of comments when I do outfit posts.

Mel : What are your top  5 tips for other bloggers?

A :
- build good relationship with other bloggers. Leave comments, interact on twitter, exchange emails… It’s a great community out there.
- credit image sources!
- post what YOU love, don’t worry about what other people think. Your blog is your space.
- don’t be afraid to change things around or try something new if you feel like it. Let your blog evolve with you.
- post regularly. It doesn’t have to be every single day, but having a routine of posting at least once every few days helps keep the blog fresh. When you can’t do a blog post for a long period of time (e.g. if you’re travelling, or just having a bad case of blogging block!), consider inviting guest bloggers to fill in (which is also a great way to build a relationship with other bloggers).

A : Once you’re happy with your blog’s content and want other people to find you, then get out there and interact with other bloggers. The easiest way to do this is by leaving comments on their blogs. Let them know you exist (but don’t be pushy!). Also, be patient.

Mel : Where has your blog taken you? Have you turned it into a business?

A : Well it’s funny that I only started my blog in the first place to push my Etsy/craft business, but my shop has really slowed down these days, and I’ve even removed the link from my blog! However, my blog has since then taken on a life of it’s own and I do get a handful of wonderful sponsors that support my blog. I definitely wouldn’t say I’ve “made it a business” though, and it’s very much a hobby then it is a job.

Mel : What are some of your favourite blogs and why?

A : I have SO many blogs I love to read that it’s hard to narrow it down. Some of my favourites these days are Pugly Pixel, Here Comes the Sun, Our City Lights, Little Reminders of Love, and Yes and Yes. I love these blogs for being original, inspiring, but also because the bloggers are awesome people as well.

Mel : Would you say blogging is a creative outlet for you?

A : YES! I’ve gotten into photography because of my blog, especially with film photography. I’ve always enjoyed searching for beautiful and inspiring images by other people, but there’s an extra sense of satisfaction and pride when the images I post are those that I’ve taken yourself. I’m still very new at photography, but my readers have been so encouraging in their responses that it pushes me to get better.

Mel : Has blogging opened  up doors for you with new contacts and conversations you
may never had  otherwise had?

A : Yes. Some of my dearest friends are those who I’ve known through blogging. I have been fortunate enough to meet some local bloggers (always exciting!), but even with some overseas bloggers who I’ve never met in person – I also feel a close connection with them nonetheless. We exchange mail, birthday presents, and Christmas cards, and it really just makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside! I definitely feel grateful for the friendships I’ve made through blogging.

Mel : What’s the thing you like most about your  blog?

A : That it’s a piece of me.

Thanks Anna! Your blog is gorgeous and one that I come back to over and over again. Thanks for the inspiration!! xx