Blogging Workshop for Sunshine Coast Tourism Operators
It was an honor to be invited to speak about blogging by Sunshine Coast Destination Limited. The focus of was blogging as a powerful marketing tool for small business owners in general, and tourism operators in particular.
How fabulous to see so many people interested in blogging with over 80 people packing the large Yaroomba room at the Coolum Hyatt.
Rather than just talking at people I wanted to make this an interactive workshop where business owners could get to know each other, come up with creative content for their blogs and have fun.
Happily they were an engaged, dynamic group who got stuck into the creative blogging activities, came up with excellent ideas for making their blogs reader-focused and asked great questions.
Most people who attended were small business owners (the people I most want to help) but there were also representatives from big businesses like Underwater World – a diverse group who showed a real team spirit.
This was a 12o minute talk and workshop and while the slides don’t cover everything I spoke about they’ll give you incentives to get blogging and tips on how to get started.
After the talk there was a real buzz of excitement with many people coming up to thank me or ask more questions.
Blogging Slideshow
If you don’t have time to watch the whole slideshow don’t miss slides 16, 23, 24 and 59. I’ll write more about them in detail another time but the slides will give you an idea why I’m so keen to help more people tap into the power of blogging.
The three main reasons I recommend blogging for small business marketing are:
- blogging is cost-effective;
- it’s sustainable;
- it’s empowering.
And in case you’re wondering, those people in their togs with the fish on slide 4 are my mum and dad on their honeymoon. I hope to tell you the story about how they got into my blogging talk one day soon.
More Blogging Workshops on the Sunshine Coast and Elsewhere
I’m excited about doing more of these workshops and am particularly keen to help more small business owners and tourism operators as well as real estate agents and writers tap into the power of blogging. If you know a group who are open to blogging I’d love to speak to them too.
I plan to create a video presentation so those of you who can’t make it to a workshop can also hear me speak. I’d love to take my blogging workshops on a tour of Australia, the US, Canada and the whole world sometime. Who knows where it will all end? But please enjoy the slides in the meantime.
Font too small? Click view on Slideshare then choose full screen.
Thank You
A huge thank you to Brad Harrison, Digital Marketing Manager at Sunshine Coast Destination Limited for organising the event, the Coolum Hyatt for hosting us, Andrej Kadacik for taking these fabulous photos, Hari Kotrotsios for her invaluable advice and Teresa Long for her cameo appearance as my ideal reader>
Special thanks everyone who attended the blogging workshop for being so interested in blogging and making the event fun for all of us.
Last but never least thank you to all my amazing readers at Get In the Hot Spot and now here who’ve carried me along on this amazing blogging journey. It’s been quite a trip so far and I’m can’t wait to see what exciting adventures it leads us on next.
Here’s to our blogging happily ever after.
Anne
Apr 5, 2011 -
Hi Annabel
I just thought I’d send you some feedback after attending your blogging for writers workshop and buying your book some time back. I got so enthused with blogging that I haven’t stopped since.
Some of the most useful tips I found from ‘Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps’ have been:
• Writing pillar content to offer immediate value -this quickly helped me establish a high percentage of returning visitors and get a feel for what topics are popular.
• The importance of SEO – especially using Google keyword tools and inbound links, Google Analytics, updated content and URL structure. I’ve also found adding my blog to directories has sent traffic along. (I’ve followed almost all your advice in Chapter 11 and it seems to be paying off with more referral traffic and inbound links.)
• The Resources section of your book has also been very useful – LOVE MorgueFile (despite the name!) and also love Copyblogger. It’s all good!
Thanks again for the great information. Keep it coming!
Cheers,
Anne
Annabel Candy
Apr 5, 2011 -
Hi Anne, that workshop was part of the Reality Bites writing festival. It’s lovely for me to get out and meet people too:)
I’m so happy you found the book useful, thank you so much for the feedback. Keep up the great blogging!
Sally Foley-Lewis
Apr 5, 2011 -
As a trainer, I am so chuffed that you made the 120 minute session interactive! Adult learning requires engagement, discussion and interaction! Well done!
Anne’s clearly spelled ‘take-aways’ – as mentioned above – are a fantastic example of the value you provided for local tourism business.
Sally | Fast Tracks Manager Productivity
Annabel Candy
Apr 6, 2011 -
Hi Sally, thanks for the lovely feedback. I totally agree with you. I’m qualified to teach english as a foreign language and taught for year. My fave part is getting the “students” working together and learning from each other. Learning is faster when you’re having fun so that’s essential in all my lessons!
Linda ~ Journey Jottings
Apr 6, 2011 -
Looks like it was a great turn out Annabel –
I’d loved to have come too if I were just a little bit closer.
Thanks so much for putting up your slides to this event –
Its funny how when you say things it all sounds so obvious, logical and easy but I need to constantly remind myself and keep drumming in the points you make.
Good thing I’ve got your book 🙂
Annabel Candy
Apr 6, 2011 -
Hi Linda, it’s true also that we don’t learn things first time. Plenty of practice is needed and it is easier if you have a book (like mine!) to hand:) So glad you find it useful. Thank you!
Jane | Find All Answers
Apr 6, 2011 -
Hi Annabel,
I am so glad to see you among the crowd, which seems really big by the way. Still can’t believe how many people get interested in blogging everyday. It is a great thing to realize.
Blogging is taking the world to another level and I am proud that successful bloggers like you make your vital contributions.
It is bit off topic, but I like your figure. You are damn hot in the red outfit (I am female, your husband doesn’t have to envy :)).
Cheers,
Jane.
Annabel Candy
Apr 6, 2011 -
Hi Jane, thank you! Love the comments about blogging, it amazes me and we’re so lucky to be in there and doing it. And any flattering comments about my figure are always welcome – off topic or not;)
Molly Kelash
Apr 6, 2011 -
I would have loved to have been there, Annabel! I am very impressed with your status as a blogging guru and I think you should do an online seminar based on your talk..or are you already planning that, my sly, marketing-savvy friend?!
Annabel Candy
Apr 6, 2011 -
Hi Molly, I know I should! But my list of things to do is very long. I really should priotise that though, it would help get the message out to more people and help those who prefer to watch rather than read.
Leanne Berry
Apr 5, 2011 -
Congratulations Annabel – it looks like it was a well supported event – I can only imagine that the participants went away with loads of valuable information and tips & tricks from you
I know how much I have benefitted from a skpye consultation with you and also from your AMAZING book “Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps”
Can’t wait to attend one of your fabulous workshops – make sure you come to the Central West!!
Cheers
Leanne
Annabel Candy
Apr 5, 2011 -
Thanks so much Leanne. Definitely. I’d love to meet you in person:)
Seana Smith
Apr 6, 2011 -
This looks like a great workshop Annabel. It’s very generous of you to share your slides with the whole wide world and I’d like to say a big ‘Thank You!”
Also, highly recommend your book, it is really useful, practical and also inspirational.
Annabel Candy
Apr 6, 2011 -
Hi Seana, thank you, really appreciate that and am very proud to have designed your blog for you too:)
Connie
Apr 6, 2011 -
Annabel you need to show off that hot bod more often – damn girl! 😉 Glad the event went well.
Annabel Candy
Apr 6, 2011 -
Hi Connie, blushing now. One good thing about getting older is you learn what suits you:) Thank you!
Andrej
Apr 6, 2011 -
Hi Annabel.
The workshop was absolutely sensational. Thanks a lot for sharing with us your knowledge and expertise. Fantastic content and wonderfully delivered!! Got the book – equally awesome! Can’t wait to work with you more closely on the online presence of our business. All the best.
Annabel Candy
Apr 6, 2011 -
Thank you Andrej. I love your photos too and am very excited about helping you tap into the power of blogging on your new project.
Michela F. D’Addario
Apr 8, 2011 -
Hi Annabel,
I thoroughly enjoyed your workshop! I loved the combination of real substance in the content, the hands on interaction and your relaxed style. Instead of feeling brain drained we walked out energised and inspired about being bloggers. Your workshop showed me that blogging is a great fit for me which is very exciting 🙂 Having our consultation with you the next week kept the momentum going and helped clarify what needs to be improved with my website too. I have certainly taken blogging out of the ‘too hard basket’ once and for all! You’ve shown me it is all very do-able and your groundedness and clarity is lovely to be around. Thanks for sharing your passion in a way that empowers us!