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I Met My Boyfriend on LinkedIn and We Were Long-Distance for 11 Years
- When I started a graphic-design business, I connected with another business owner on LinkedIn.
- We connected easily, which quickly turned to romance; we sometimes talked on Skype all day.
- We were long-distance for 11 years, then bought a house; we learned love can overcome many things.
In September 2011, I was at a low point in my life. It had been a hellacious six months of sharing the same space with my husband while we planned our divorce. Having been a stay-at-home mom for seven years, I struggled to find a full-time job. Eventually, out of sheer frustration, I started my own freelance graphic-design business. I’d managed to snag a few gigs by word of mouth but continued to energetically promote my business online. One way I did this was through LinkedIn groups.
That December, I noticed a “follow along” post in one of my business groups, in which you post the link to your business’ Facebook page and follow the others in the thread. We were instructed to not only like the Facebook page, but to also leave a little note saying we were from the business group on LinkedIn.
Following an obscure business page had an unexpected result
One business I followed had a logo that I baffled me. It was a hand-drawn collection of objects floating in space — which told me nothing about the business — but I dutifully liked the page and left a note. A few moments later, I saw the owner of that business had liked my business page and left a note in return.
At the same time, I had my 100th follower on my personal blog. Curious and excited, I clicked over to look; lo and behold, it was the same person. He had left the usual comment that he had come from the LinkedIn group, so I replied, “You’re my 100th follower! Thanks, you’re the bomb!”
His punny response was, “I have been told by some I have an explosive personality.” I said something along the lines of, “How did you find my blog page, by the way?” He answered that he had his certificate in Facebook stalking, which I found amusing.
His name was Brad, and he proceeded to immediately message me on Facebook to apologize for following me across the internet. He then asked if I wanted to work together because he thought our businesses would be a good fit. I was a freelance graphic designer, and he created a Facebook app that allowed users to gift products and services to others. I wasn’t sure our businesses would be a good fit, but we continued to chat.
Despite the distance, our relationship quickly flourished
At one point, I threw an “Alice in Wonderland” quote into the conversation, and to my surprise, he responded with another “Alice in Wonderland” quote. That launched us into a conversation about books, which was followed by a discussion about movies and TV shows. We continued to message continuously for two days about everything under the sun. We had so much in common. He asked if we could switch to Skype, which we did. I had already looked up his photo and found he looked like a handsome English professor — I was interested in more than friendship at this point.
I found out he lived in Reno, Nevada, while I lived in south-central Pennsylvania. I was still technically married. Though neither of us knew exactly where this was going, we kept talking. At one point, I consciously decided to jump into a romantic relationship with him, despite the distance.
Soon, we were finishing each other’s sentences and leaving Skype on 24 hours a day, talking while we cooked, working in companionable silence, and even going to sleep while still on Skype. By week six, we were saying “I love you.” He entertained my 2-year-old, who chatted with him and showed him her toys. The first person my middle son read to at 6 years old was Brad over Skype.
My mom and sisters were worried I was visiting an ax murderer
A year later, I scraped the funds together to fly out to Reno to meet Brad for the first time and have a visit with him while my kids were with my ex. We spent a blissful week together, punctuated by regular text messages from my mom and two sisters, who were worried I was visiting an ax murderer or, at the very least, visiting a scammer of some kind. We enjoyed meals out, cooked together, went for walks in the city, and watched our favorite shows together. I went home knowing Brad was the one for me.
My kids and I flew to Reno three years later to visit him. We couldn’t afford lots of back-and-forth travel, so this was my second visit with him. Then he drove to surprise me three times over the next few years, showing up at my townhouse and staying at a local hotel. Last year we all — even the dog — went on vacation together to a beach in Delaware, where we spent a week relaxing and enjoying the ocean.
A total of 11 years went by, during which we dealt with numerous issues: dealing with layoffs; stabilizing our finances; getting my divorce finalized and custody case worked out; and enduring the pandemic.
We learned love can persevere
In 2022, I started looking into buying a house and moving out of the tiny rental in which the kids and I had been living. I talked about the process with Brad, and he pointed out that we could get a house big enough for all of us if we pooled our resources. So in May 2023, we bought a house together in south-central Pennsylvania.
The kids and I moved in June, and Brad drove across the country to move in with us the first week of October. Our 12-year anniversary is on December 14. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves and each other along the way, but we mostly found that love can persevere and overcome many things. We enjoy spending the days together, doing everyday things such as making meals, running errands, and enjoying time with the kids. We anticipate making many more memories together from now on.
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12 Proven Methods to Make Money Blogging in 2024
This is a contributed article.
The world of blogging continues to thrive in 2024, offering a compelling avenue for creative minds to share their knowledge, build an audience, and even turn their passion into profit. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting, there are numerous effective strategies to monetize your blog and achieve financial success. Here, we delve into 12 proven methods to make money blogging in 2024:
1. Embrace Niche Expertise:
Standing out in the vast blogosphere requires focus. Carving a niche allows you to cater to a specific audience with targeted content. This not only builds a loyal following but also positions you as an authority in your chosen field. Whether it’s gardening techniques, travel hacking tips, or the intricacies of cryptocurrency, delve deep into a subject you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Targeted audiences are more receptive to monetization efforts, making them ideal for success.
2. Content is King (and Queen):
High-quality content remains the cornerstone of any successful blog. In 2024, readers crave informative, engaging, and well-written content that solves their problems, answers their questions, or entertains them. Invest time in crafting valuable blog posts, articles, or videos that resonate with your target audience.
- Focus on evergreen content: Create content that remains relevant for a long time, attracting consistent traffic and boosting your earning potential.
- Incorporate multimedia: Spice up your content with captivating images, infographics, or even videos to enhance reader engagement and improve SEO.
- Maintain consistency: Develop a regular publishing schedule to build anticipation and keep your audience coming back for more.
3. The Power of SEO:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures your blog ranks high in search engine results for relevant keywords. This increases organic traffic, the lifeblood of any monetization strategy.
- Keyword research: Use keyword research tools to identify terms your target audience searches for. Strategically incorporate these keywords into your content naturally.
- Technical SEO: Optimize your blog’s loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall technical aspects to improve search engine ranking.
- Backlink building: Encourage other websites to link back to your content, boosting your blog’s authority in the eyes of search engines.
4. Monetization Magic: Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services. When a reader clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you get a commission.
- Choose relevant affiliates: Promote products or services that align with your niche and resonate with your audience.
- Transparency is key: Disclose your affiliate relationships clearly to your readers and build trust.
- Integrate strategically: Don’t just bombard readers with links. Weave affiliate promotions naturally into your content, highlighting the value proposition.
5. Display Advertising: A Classic Approach
Display advertising involves placing banner ads, text ads, or other visual elements on your blog. When a reader clicks on an ad, you earn revenue.
- Choose reputable ad networks: Partner with established ad networks that offer competitive rates and relevant ads for your audience.
- Strategic ad placement: Place ads thoughtfully, avoiding an overwhelming experience for readers.
- Track your performance: Monitor ad clicks and conversions to measure the effectiveness of your ad placements and optimize for better results.
6. Offer Premium Content:
Providing exclusive, in-depth content behind a paywall can generate additional income. This could be premium blog posts, ebooks, online courses, or webinars.
- Deliver exceptional value: Ensure your premium content offers significant value that justifies the price tag.
- Multiple pricing options: Consider offering tiered subscription plans to cater to different audience needs and budgets.
- Promote effectively: Highlight the benefits of your premium content and encourage readers to subscribe.
7. Coaching and Consulting:
Leverage your expertise by offering coaching or consulting services related to your niche. Readers who find your content valuable may be interested in personalized guidance.
- Position yourself as an expert: Showcase your qualifications, experience, and client testimonials to build trust and establish your credibility.
- Offer free consultations: Provide a limited free consultation to potential clients, allowing them to experience your expertise firsthand.
- Develop clear packages: Outline different coaching or consulting packages with varying time commitments and pricing structures.
8. The Power of Community: Online Events and Webinars
Host online events or webinars related to your niche. These events offer valuable content while also providing an opportunity to promote other monetization avenues.
- Interactive and engaging: Structure your online events to be interactive with polls, Q&A sessions, or live chats. Click here to learn more about image marketing with Q&A sessions and live chats.
9. Embrace the Power of Email Marketing:
Building an email list allows you to foster stronger relationships with your audience and promote your content and offerings directly.
- Offer valuable incentives: Encourage readers to subscribe by offering exclusive content, discounts, or early access to new products.
- Segmentation is key: Segment your email list based on reader interests to send targeted campaigns that resonate more effectively.
- Regular communication: Maintain consistent communication with your subscribers through engaging newsletters or updates.
10. Sell Your Own Products:
Take your expertise to the next level by creating and selling your own products. This could be physical merchandise, digital downloads, or even printables related to your niche.
- Identify audience needs: Develop products that address the specific needs and desires of your target audience.
- High-quality offerings: Invest in creating high-quality products that offer exceptional value and user experience.
- Utilize multiple platforms: Sell your products through your blog, online marketplaces, or even social media platforms.
11. Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations:
Partner with brands or businesses relevant to your niche for sponsored content or collaborations. This can be a lucrative way to leverage your audience and generate income.
- Maintain editorial control: While working with sponsors, ensure you retain editorial control to maintain your blog’s authenticity and audience trust.
- Disclosures are essential: Clearly disclose sponsored content to readers, upholding transparency and ethical practices.
- Align with your niche: Partner with brands that complement your content and resonate with your audience.
12. Freelancing and Paid Writing Opportunities:
Your blog can serve as a springboard for freelance writing opportunities. Showcase your writing skills and expertise through your blog content, attracting potential clients.
- Target relevant publications: Identify online publications, websites, or magazines related to your niche and pitch your writing services.
- High-quality samples: Include high-quality blog posts from your site as writing samples when pitching to potential clients.
- Develop strong writing skills: Continuously hone your writing skills and stay updated on current trends in your niche to deliver exceptional work.
Conclusion:
Building a successful blog that generates income requires dedication, strategic planning, and high-quality content. In today’s digital age, there are numerous opportunities to make money online through blogging. By utilizing a combination of methods such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services, you can leverage your blog’s potential and achieve financial success.
Remember, consistency in posting, engaging with your audience, and staying adaptable to trends are key to thriving in the ever-evolving blogosphere. Embrace new strategies, refine your approaches, and always keep your readers at the forefront of your content creation journey. With dedication and the right approach, your blog has the potential to become a valuable source of income and a platform for sharing your knowledge and passion with the world, making money online while doing what you love.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos
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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?
In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.
The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.
According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.
Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.
Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.
The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.
This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.
Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.
As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?
Only time will tell.
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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach
While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.
When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.
“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.
Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.
“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â
“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.
“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.
Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.
