We had our very first #NectarChat last Wednesday and it was truly an incredible way to connect with our community. SO many of you came out to chat about “branding your blog and business” and there were tons of great insights shared and friendships formed. Ahhhh <3
As a first-time Twitter chat host, I didn’t quite know what to expect, so I set alarms on my phone when questions needed to be tweeted out. Every few minutes an alarm would go off and my dog would lift his head like we were being bombed. Ha poor guy. During each interval, I tried to respond to as many people as I could. It was like Twitter lightning round for a whole hour! So quick, but so fun. It seemed like people really enjoyed the chat, too, which really made my day.
#NectarChat = AWESOME. Best part of my day! What an amazing group tonight. Thanks for hosting, @NectarCollect and can’t wait for next week!
— Michelle Anthony (@bloomology_co) June 4, 2015
The first #NectarChat was AMAZING. So many incredible people and insights. Thanks for hosting @NectarCollect! Looking forward to next week! — Allison Barclay (@allisonmbarclay) June 4, 2015
@NectarCollect Tonight was so amazing! I feel so inspired and can’t wait to come back in 2 weeks! #NectarChat
— Olivia Adams (@OliviaAdamsPR) June 4, 2015
Below, you can check out the questions I tweeted out, as well as a few responses that were shared. There are so, so many other stellar replies if you check out the #NectarChat hashtag here. Our next chat is on Wednesday, June 17th at 6pm PST. We’ll be talking about “how to create a totally engaged audience.” Should be a crazy good time. 🙂 Thanks to everyone who came out last week!
Click through for the full recap >>
Q1: How do YOU define branding? What even IS a “brand”?
A1: A brand is an identity. It’s a personality, values, and beliefs compiled together and communicated. Like a person! #nectarchat — Amber Burns (@AmberSB_) June 4, 2015
@NectarCollect A1 – Branding is so much. I think it both visually embodies your business, is the voice you have as a brand. #NectarChat — Lauren Schroer (@laurenschroer) June 4, 2015
@NectarCollect A1: A brand is that thing that gets people going “Ooo!!!! Ooo!! I know her!!!” because of how distinct you are. #NectarChat — Mary (@verilymary) June 4, 2015
Q2: Branding is also about audience. Who is YOUR audience? Describe them. Who are they? What do they want to learn more about?
A2: Your audience is who you create for. Often it’s a past version of yourself, what do you wish you had known 5 years ago? #nectarchat — Monica Galvan (@mlynngalvan) June 4, 2015
A2: My audience is entrepreneurs who want quality branding + bloggers who want to learn design tips! #NectarChat https://t.co/8QE5Qq1dab — Jamie Starcevich (@SpruceRd) June 4, 2015
When I launched my blog, I wrote a reader profile and a reader narrative. It describes my reader down to her coffee order! #nectarchat — Amber Burns (@AmberSB_) June 4, 2015
Q3: How would you describe your brand’s personality? Is it warm and encouraging? Bold and in yo’ face? etc. Be specific!
A3: My brand is cheerful, quirky, authentic and helpful! I write (and record) how I really speak #NectarChat https://t.co/Cz4jnK2hmJ — Jacque (@JacqueAmadi) June 4, 2015
Q3 Caring, intimate and no-bullshit! I want to be a friend you trust whose been where you are now. #nectarchat — Julie O’Hara (@calmbellykitch) June 4, 2015
My brand (hopefully) feels like a warm hug + high five. I love being a cheerleader for my audience + remind them of their gifts! #nectarchat — Kayla Hollatz (@kayla_hollatz) June 4, 2015
Q4: What are the traits of a successful brand? What causes a brand to stand out to you?
A4: a brand that seems to know what it is & what it wants. Not in a bunch of different niches. Specificity shows you know… #NectarChat — Kiersten (@ThoShesFierce) June 4, 2015
A4. I love when brands make me think “Whoa! This was made for me!” #nectarchat https://t.co/ZZhNI5EjqP — Laurie Cosgrove (@LaurieCosgrove) June 4, 2015
A4: My favorite brands have a voice that is warm and relatable, and they’re relentless in their consistency + generosity. #NectarChat — Michelle Anthony (@bloomology_co) June 4, 2015
Q5: How can you add more YOU to your brand? What value do YOU give people?
A5: Sharing real life with blog readers. Being open + honest about where you are in life. Putting LIFE back into lifestyle! #NectarChat — Gina Alyse (@GinaAlyse) June 4, 2015
A5: Talking in your natural voice! Don’t over-edit yourself. And stop trying to be perfect. #nectarchat https://t.co/3XtuzuqW8R — Megan Minns (@megan_minns) June 4, 2015
A5 Write like you’re talking to a good friend + Focus on GIVING rather than receiving. #nectarchat — Allison Barclay (@allisonmbarclay) June 4, 2015
Q6: What are some brands or websites that are KILLIN’ it with their branding? What sets them apart to you?
@NectarCollect A6. One blog I love is @heyjulesxo because she’s genuine, colorful and feels like the definition of confetti #nectarchat — Morgan Stinson (@TheFlameDame) June 4, 2015
A6: I’m DROOLING over @xosarahmorgan‘s new site and I LOVE how she is herself in everything she does & doesn’t apologize for it! #nectarchat — Bites of Life (@BitesOfLifeBlog) June 4, 2015
A6 @lovelyindeed & @NectarCollect are two of my favorites for motivating, caring, and being authentic for their readers. #NectarChat — Sara (@HoofbeatsandInk) June 4, 2015
Q7: What is one thing you can do this week to improve or hone in on your ideal brand?
A7 Really hone in on what I want my blog to be about…There are so many different things I’m interested in! #nectarchat — – Anna E. Lee – ID – (@AnnaELee1) June 4, 2015
A7: Also create a blog style guide for consistency! On my to-dos already #nectarchat — Liz M (@littlenerdfam) June 4, 2015
(Style guide tips + worksheets right here.)
@NectarCollect A7: Sometimes you just have to sit down with a notebook and work things out. I’ll be working on design this week! #NectarChat — emily (@lyndeavenue) June 4, 2015
Hi Melyssa! I had a great time at the chat and learned a lot about branding my blog 🙂
That’s awesome, Aly! Happy to hear that. 🙂
Melyssa, I had such a great time being part of last week’s inaugural NectarChat! This is such a helpful way to get a recap after the fact, too. (Seriously, so much wisdom on this page.) Already looking forward to next week!
WOO! I am so happy about this comment, Michelle. Excited to chat with you next week, too!
Thank you so much for hosting! I can’t wait for the next one!
YAY! Excited to chat with you again, Jordyn. 🙂
Thank you for hosting this chat! It was my first Twitter chat and I enjoyed it so much and met so many awesome people through it as well! I really wish I could join the next one, but I’ll be on a plane to Disney World (which isn’t so bad 😉 haha), but I’ll definitely be at the one after that!
– Lauren Schroer // http://www.laurenschroer.com
Disney World is the best reason to miss it!! 😉 Thank you so much for being at the first one. 🙂
Thanks for the round-up! Wish I could have joined in – damn time differences!
http://www.byRosanna.co.uk
Thanks so much for reading the recap anyways, Anna! 🙂
I loved this chat so much, Melyssa! Thanks so much for the recap. I love going back and seeing all the insight from everyone throughout the week! 🙂 I’m writing down the next one in my calendar!
YAY! You were so amazing at the chat. I think I looked at stats afterwards, and you were one of the most active participants! You seriously rock my world. 🙂
This was my first Twitter chat! I love getting to see what everyone had to say! Adding the next one to my calendar! All the best, Connor Kaylin
Yay! So glad to hear that you enjoyed it, Connor. Thanks for joining! 🙂
So awesome that you recapped your Twitter chat! Had a really great time chatting with everybody and am looking forward to the next one.
That’s wonderful to hear, Melissa! Thanks for coming. 🙂
So thankful you shared this! I was unable to take part, but really enjoyed reading everyone’s answers. This is such a great idea!
xo, Liz
http://lipstickandconfetti.com
Aww I’m glad you liked the recap! Will you be able to join us for the next one? I’d love to chat with you! 🙂
I really enjoyed this chat and I’m looking forward to the next one. It’s so interesting to see other points of view!
Kristi | Be Loverly
Wonderful! So happy to hear that, Kristi. Thanks for joining in. 🙂
I’m so sad I missed this first one, but have plans to make it to the next one! I’m so glad it went well!
YAY! You will be so awesome at the next one, I can’t wait to chat with you. 🙂
Thanks, lady!
This was so fun! Can’t wait to join the next #NectarChat 🙂 It’s great to meet and chat with other like-minded people too!
Monica | monica-galvan.com
SO stoked to hear that, Monica. Thanks for joining. 🙂
as a new blogger i sincerely appreciate all the advice and content that you post to help new bloggers. love it! i think i will join next time! 🙂 xoxo. mary jucel http://www.maryjucel.blogspot.com
That makes me SO happy to hear, Mary. 🙂 I love helping new bloggers! Excited to chat with you at the next one.
I’m just going to add in my two cents here because I didn’t participate – but for me, branding is all about perception. It is what you portray your business’ values and mission to be and how your audience – client or not – interprets and perceives that brand to be.
I couldn’t agree more, Kele! Great insight.
This was amazing! I’ll be sure to join in next time!
Wonderful! Looking forward to chatting. 🙂 And pretty pic!
This was such a great chat, Melyssa! One of the best if not THE best one I’ve ever participated in. 😀 Awesome topic and tons of brilliant input from everyone. So can’t wait for the next one!
AW that was one of the best things I could’ve read this morning! Thank you, Allison. Can’t wait for this Wednesday! 🙂
These tips are great! Will be looking out for more. Thank you.
I’m so glad this post was helpful for you. 🙂