What originally attracted you to the IZEA/SocialSpark community and how did you find out about it?
To be honest, I’ve been a member of IZEA for so long that I can’t remember how I found out about it. However, I joined because I wanted another way to connect with potential sponsors.
Describe your blog in 140 characters or less…
La Jolla Mom is named for the seaside community in San Diego that I live in and focuses on luxury family travel and lifestyle topics.
What inspires you to blog?
I am the type of person that needs to stay busy and keep my brain active. The blog is a great way to do that and has catapulted me into a freelance writing career for companies such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and 10Best/USA TODAY Travel. Jobs seems to find me either because of my Twitter presence or someone has read my blog.
Do you ever get stumped for what to write? How do you overcome this?
I actually don’t get stumped and am constantly trying to navigate through a backlog of posts I need to write. But I only post 3 times a week, at the most.
If you were President for a day what would be your first order of business?
My 6-year-old just started first grade so the topic that’s on my mind these days is our public education system. I’d do my best to fix the school funding and health care. But, I suppose I’d get on the job and have a long list of things to do!
What do you love about IZEA/SocialSpark?
The customer service. It’s so nice that someone responds quickly if I have a question.
What has been your favorite SocialSpark campaign?
I recently participated in a World Market campaign where I tweeted live from a Los Angeles store and met the handsome Gilles Marini from Dancing with the Stars. It was really fun!
How do you actively stay engaged with your audience?
I try very hard to respond to every comment or tweet I receive though it isn’t always possible.
What tips can you give other bloggers that can help set them apart and stand out?
This is a hard question because it depends on your blog’s focus. I think a clean design makes a world of difference and hiring someone to set that up for you is worth every penny. I would say to analyze your favorite popular sites from how the navigation works to how they look visually. Try to implement similar ideas on your blog.
I try to write about topics people might Google and I think this has done well for me. My readers also can’t handle too much sponsored content so though it hurts to turn down great campaigns sometimes I have to, but most of the ones I accept lately are through IZEA/Social Spark. I love that more travel-related opportunities have been available lately.
Complete this thought: If I could, I would… travel constantly.
Congratulations to Katie….check her out at LaJolla Mom!
