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Theta Mom®

Redefining Motherhood

Creating and Defining Meaningful Content

Thank you so much for your recent comments on my redesign. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and I am so glad so many of you are just as excited as I am about where Theta Mom is going! In the midst of making those new plans, I finished up my own blog assessment recently. I reflected on some recent stats to get a good sense of where my referrals were coming from and I’m always intrigued by some of those Google searches. Yes, some searches are just plain nasty, some are hilarious and you wonder how a search like that ends up on your blog, but then there those searches that really seem to strike a chord…

For instance, I am still getting tons of hits on my Toddler Bed Fail post with searches like, “when to transition my toddler to a bed” or “how do I know if my toddler should move to a toddler bed” etc. These are total random peeps who are probably visiting my blog for the first time. These new visitors literally stumbled upon Theta Mom from a basic search. Nonetheless, they are most likely moms who have some of the same questions or concerns as we do – and they are seeking answers. They are looking for advice, perhaps a revelation, or the comfort of simply knowing that they are not alone.

Of course our regular readers return to us repeatedly because they know us; they enjoy our blogs because they understand our writing style, our choice of topics and they have come to know our families and our lives – but then there is this whole other element that brings new visitors to our blogs and for some, it’s for a real purpose – like those that happen to stumble upon Theta Mom looking for some resolution with a toddler bed issue.

So, the kind of search that may land a new visitor who stays for a few minutes and turns a few pages further solidified two things for me about blogging:

It proves that our writing has the potential to be powerful. We have an amazing platform in which to share our voice so make your writing count! Our words DO have weight and they certainly resonate with others, so the message here? Keep writing meaningful content. For me, meaningful content is defined as relevant, well written posts that are perfectly executed and infused with interesting points open for discussion.

It proves that we have the ability to make a difference in someone’s life, even if just for a moment. Someone may read a particular post and find comfort in our words. Or perhaps it’s the simplicity of the fact that another mom or woman has been down this road before which creates an impact. It shows that what we do in the blogosphere is of real value.

You never know what a little Google search will bring and the kind of peace you may end up giving someone on the other side of the computer screen. So keep on writing what you are passionate about – because your writing DOES matter to someone reading it.

This post will also be reflected in the TMC Network so please feel free to comment directly on this post and share: Do you agree that our writing has the potential to be powerful and how do you define meaningful content?

I am creating a list/schedule for guest posts that will run through the live feed at Theta Mom and be linked to the TMC Network. Please send me an email if you are interested in guest posting! Full details can be found on the Network page.

The Brand New Launch of Theta Mom

So, we’re finally here! I’m so excited for you to check out my new digs! Many of you know I once again worked under the brilliant direction of Restored 316 Designs. Lauren is one of the most talented designers on the planet. But I must admit when we planned this redesign, I was torn about what to do with my banner. That stroller chick has been with me since practically the first month I began this blog so since I was already implementing so many other changes, I wasn’t quite ready to ditch her…just yet anyway.

So, what has changed?

For starters, check out my new venture called The Marketplace which is the latest and greatest addition to Theta Mom! Ever since I began working as a social media consultant, I developed a strong sense for what women in business want and need. Working for Chic Mama and The Brag Company, I’ve been introduced to so many amazing women who started their very own companies. These women, like many bloggers, work extremely hard every day and follow their passion. Therefore, I decided to create a space on my own platform to feature talented women who are doing exactly that – inspiring other women, especially those in business.

Then, aside from updating my About page I finally created a LinkedIn profile. {I just added this yesterday, so if you are on LinkedIn and would like to connect, give me a shout}!

I also developed a new and improved Theta Mom Mission which incorporates The Marketplace and of course, reflects the community vision I had for this blog since its inception.

Finally, TMC hasn’t changed in the sense of how to join our community or how the Featured Blogger posts every Friday, but the Network has certainly changed. In recent months, the Network space wasn’t being utilized the way I envisioned when I originally launched TMC. But, that all changes starting today. Be sure to check out the all new TMC Network and find out how YOU can get involved! Not only will there be posts galore to tweet, share ideas, as well as opportunities to connect with other bloggers, but I will also be on the lookout for guest posters at Theta Mom! I’m interested in bloggers who want to write about blogging/social media/women in business topics, specifically for the Network so if this interests you, please send me an email! All of the details are on the Network page, so be sure to check that out as well.

So stick around for awhile, grab your favorite cocktail and raise your glass – this is a big new launch for me and I’m so glad you’re here!!!

Big Changes Coming to Theta Mom

Within four months of launching this blog I made the move to WordPress and I thought that was a terrifying and monumental move – trust me, it was a super big deal at the time. That transition forced me to learn a whole new blogging platform while many of my bloggy friends were still not jumping ship from Blogger so it was a very daunting proposition. In addition, I feared losing followers, my feed, page rank, etc… However, the change was a successful one and the risk was certainly worth taking. And now? Everyone and their mom is on WordPress.

The next big change was when I launched TMC. That too was a bit frightening because I wasn’t quite sure how well it would be received. I have come to learn that if YOU support others in the blogosphere you will be supported right back. And today, we are 600+ members strong with new bloggers joining daily. I am still in awe of how awesome YOU make this space to be.

Now this new venture about to be launched is another somewhat scary proposition because it again involves change. But, I have never been more ready than right now to embrace this new addition. I have learned so much since I began this blog and for me, it’s the right time to finally turn my “big” vision into a reality. This project has been in the works for months and I have never been more excited about a launch before!

My new site will once again be designed by the brain child behind Restored 316 Designs who is one hell of a brilliant graphic designer. I honestly cannot say enough about Lauren and I can’t even imagine working with anyone but her. And did I mention she developed and designed her own app? Yes, she’s THAT amazing. You can purchase Cuptakes which features custom designed wallpaper for your iPhone, iPad or iPod! She also has a new business venture that she will be unveiling soon so stay tuned for that, too!

So the next time I post it will be on the new site which will go live sometime next week. There may be some down time during this transition. In the meantime, you know I’ll be on Twitter! Looking forward to seeing you on the other side and I would LOVE your support of this new addition to Theta Mom – one that I know ALL women and mothers will certainly be proud of!

And I’m going to leave you with some words inspired by Katy Perry’s Firework. This blog has been so much more than I could have ever imagined and with this new move, I am going to once again trust my instincts, follow my heart and let my light shine!!!

“You don’t have to feel like a waste of space

You’re original, cannot be replaced

If you only knew what the future holds

After a hurricane comes a rainbow…

Maybe your reason why all the doors are closed

So you can open one that leads you to the perfect road

Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow

And when it’s time you’ll know,

You just gotta ignite – the light

And let it shine…”

Thank you for always being there for me and supporting this Mission. I look forward to sharing and exploring this new site with YOU!

New Year, New Vision

There’s something truly exciting about the start of a New Year. Embarking on territory not yet traveled gives us a sense of hope of great things to come. It’s also the anticipation of wondering what the year ahead will bring which translates into a tremendous amount of new found energy.

It’s also a time to take a step back and think about our own goals and aspirations – and then develop a plan to meet those goals and watch them come to fruition.

Last year at this time I wrote about Blogging with a Purpose. I mainly discussed the idea of what I really wanted out of this blog. Today, I am once again thinking about the purpose of this blog and thinking even more deeply about where I want it to go. I perform a “blog assessment” that I think should be done periodically to help keep your vision strong and your goals in check.

Ask yourself some of these important questions to gain a strong perspective about your own blog and blogging goals:

Take Stock of What You Already Do Well: What kind of writing style comes natural to you? How would you define your writer’s voice and what style do you think worked most effectively this year? What are the posts that seem to resonate with readers the most? Which posts did you enjoy writing that received some great feedback – perhaps extra tweets on Twitter or a great dialogue that began in the comments?

Really think about what your readers love about your blog and why they continue to visit. Focus on the elements of your blog that worked well and continue to capitalize on this.

Evaluate the #Woohoo and #Lame Factors of Your Blog: Do you love your blogging platform? Does your current blog design truly reflect your brand and the way you want to be perceived? Do you have a “clean” blog or do you need to remove some of the clutter? Is your blog easy to navigate and do you make commenting easy for readers? Do you encourage continued interaction with your readers? What do you want readers to know by the end of each post and what are your plans to engage readers again and again?

Really think about what gives readers that #woohoo factor for your blog and continue to maximize this. Then, inspect some of the more #lame aspects and do some necessary tweaking that fits your time and budget.

Identify Your Influencers: What is most important to you in the blogosphere – making connections? Networking? Rolling out compelling content? Working with brands? Really think about what makes you tick in this bloggy space and make it work for you. I’ve always said you have to know who you are and what you stand for, so always BE YOURSELF and above all, own your content. YOU and only YOU can define this space so be sure you are confident about each and every piece you write before you hit publish.

Really think about what you want out of your blog and then go for it! If you want to network, join some media groups and invest the time connecting. If you want to work with brands, put yourself out there and begin forming relationships with some PR folks. If you want to continuously write compelling content, research current trends and learn more about the topics you are passionate about. Continue to connect with bloggers that inspire you and then write, write, and write some more.

At the end of the day, maintain your blog because it makes you happy and don’t compare yourself to anyone else in the process. There is only one YOU so make it count! I hope this strategy was helpful and I hope to see each of you reach some of your bloggy goals this year!!

I would love to hear if you assess your own blog from time to time. What works for you and do you plan on integrating some of these ideas in 2011?

More Blogging Reflections and a New Year’s Wish

In preparation for my recent Best of 2010 post, I was reading through many older posts and some of the comments. It struck me that so many people that were commenting on my blog back then are no longer blogging. I noticed the majority of bloggers who I started out with have either taken a few breaks in between or have stopped blogging altogether. So it’s kind of like the tribe I started out with has drastically changed.

I have learned that blogging is an evolving process and it’s never static. It’s a very fast-paced, changing dynamic. And as important as it is for a blogger to find her tribe, you will notice that the longer you blog the more your tribe will change. I recently tweeted how blogging moves in waves and cycles. There is a constant influx of new faces, some who will remain for the entire duration and some who will decide to exit early. Wherever you are in the blogging process, remember that the tribe you have right now may not necessarily be the same tribe you have even six months from now. That’s partly what I think makes blogging such a changing environment.

2010 was another exciting year for Theta Mom when TMC  launched in early March. New bloggers find this space to be an encouraging place to meet other bloggers who share many of the same ideals and of course, want nothing more than to support one another. So if your tribe is currently changing, this is a great place to meet new bloggers! In fact, a few weeks ago Theta Mom was noted as a top social media site in Entrepreneur.com. Now THAT is a wonderful way to end the year!

So what is my wish as we approach the New Year? Actually, it’s the same every year. Taken from one of the best films ever created It’s a Wonderful Life, allow me to share why I want some bread, salt and wine in the New Year…

Bread–so that this house may never know hunger.

Salt–that life may always have flavor.

Wine–that joy and prosperity may reign forever.

Along with good health, please pass me the bread, salt, and wine in 2011!

Thank you again for reading, sharing your voice, commenting and subscribing. I have HUGE new plans for Theta Mom that’s been in the works for months which will launch in early 2011 and I absolutely cannot wait to share it with you!

Here’s to a healthy and happy New Year! I look forward to spending 2011 with you!!!