Balkeni Studio

At the start of this year, I got a chance to work on designing a business card for a Wix Code Expert for an event she was going to be attending.

I was tasked with creating a design that was modern and felt unique to her brand.

I came up with the concept of colour splashes that represent her brand colours as she is a vibrant person, who touches and transforms the business lives of her clients.

She quickly fell in love with the concept and approved it right away. It was an amazing experience to work with her!

Need a custom business card designed for your business?

Feel free to get in touch here or via my Etsy shop.

When you've just embarked on your blogging journey, you probably hear a lot of things.  And at least once, I believe you must have heard that e-mail lists are gold mines for bloggers.

Now, the problem with all the information available out there on the internet is that ultimately, you don't know whether or not it applies to you. And instead of finding out after a long time of trying, wouldn't it be better if someone just told you what applies to you according to the stage you are at in your blogging journey?

I can't tell you about it enough times, but when I started my very first blog in late 2014, I didn't know ANYTHING. I was a total NOOB.

And I made so many mistakes. I tried so many strategies for the first year most of which didn't work; and it wasn't because the strategies were terrible, it was because I tried to them when I had no knowledge of the order of things when it came to blogging.

1.5 years into my blogging journey, I was not only overwhelmed, but I was also entirely burnt out. I wanted to give it up, blogging didn't feel fun anymore, it was becoming a task I was starting to dread a little.

And now I know why. I collected all this information reading blog posts from bloggers about blogging and was applying it to my blog without fail for so long that I had a list of 10-15 blogging and related tasks to do every day on top of my studies. Talk about being dumb.

So fellow bloggers, don't make the same mistakes I did. Don't do EVERYTHING at once.



Moving on to the subject at hand, and without wasting time I'll just say it. I don't think new bloggers should worry too much about e-mail marketing. There, I said it.

I know, somewhere in the world an email marketer is frowning when I give new bloggers this advice, but I just want to say this; it's not that e-mail marketing is not important, I never said that. It's just that there are more important tasks for you to do each day for your blog at the moment.

Allow me to explain it better.

Why I believe new bloggers need not bother with email marketing

Being a new blogger means you've just set-up your blog and have a few posts up OR you are earning anywhere from $0-$500/per month as a blogger.

I give this limit because it makes it easier to define a new blogger this way. It could be that you're blogging for years but haven't made this much income from blogging too and in that case, you could consider yourself a part of this advice as well.

Now, I'm writing this blog post for bloggers. And so I'm going to assume that most of your revenue comes from the following streams:

• Showing advertisements
• Affiliate marketing
• Sponsored posts
• Reviewing products

Why I believe new bloggers don't benefit as much from e-mail marketing

What it costs to maintain an e-mail list

Do you actually know how to make your email list profitable?

Hey I just started an email list, it would be great if you can give a few tips on how to grow and profits from my list. I've heard, it's where the money's at. TIA!"

When is it the right time to start an email list/ email marketing?

Recently, something was brought to my notice. It was the fact that food bloggers were feeling a little left out. You see WordPress offers this plugin, which allows it's users to integrate reviews from readers which show up in google search results.

This is particularly important for food bloggers. I believe that have recipes on their blogs and use bloggers. And I hate to see bloggers on blogger being left out because of my love for the platform. I want to show people that it's just as customisable as any other platform out there, and one needn't feel less professional when using it.



Today's blogger tutorial is going to cover the steps you'll need to perform for ratings to appear in your recipe rich result in Google.

If you're still not sure what this means, read on.

What is a Google rich result snippet?

A google rich result snippet for a recipe query usually looks like this.


As you can see, the first one has no reviews. This is what Google probably says if your blog is on blogger and it's hosting a recipe. Now, one could say it's more enticing for a user searching for a recipe to want to try out one that others have already tried and liked.

Hence it makes the other two results with star ratings more clickable.

As a blogger, you're competing for the clicks and naturally, don't want to leave no stone unturned to get a user to try out your recipe instead of your competition's.

In this guide, you'll learn how your blog posts will start showing these ratings as well. So let's get started.

Requirements

• A blogger blog (doh)
• A rating widget that can collect and store ratings such as this one (it's free).

<div itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe">
  <span itemprop="name">Mom's World Famous Banana Bread</span>
  By <span itemprop="author">John Smith</span>,
  <meta itemprop="datePublished" content="2009-05-08">May 8, 2009
  <img itemprop="image" src="bananabread.jpg"
       alt="Banana bread on a plate" />
  <span itemprop="description">This classic banana bread recipe comes
  from my mom -- the walnuts add a nice texture and flavor to the banana
  bread.</span>
  Prep Time: <meta itemprop="prepTime" content="PT15M">15 minutes
  Cook time: <meta itemprop="cookTime" content="PT1H">1 hour
  Yield: <span itemprop="recipeYield">1 loaf</span>
  <div itemprop="nutrition"
    itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/NutritionInformation">
    Nutrition facts:
    <span itemprop="calories">240 calories</span>,
    <span itemprop="fatContent">9 grams fat</span>
  </div>
  Ingredients:
  - <span itemprop="recipeIngredient">3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed</span>
  - <span itemprop="recipeIngredient">1 egg</span>
  - <span itemprop="recipeIngredient">3/4 cup of sugar</span>
  ...
  Instructions:
  <span itemprop="recipeInstructions">
  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix in the ingredients in a bowl. Add
  the flour last. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan and bake for one hour.
  </span>
</div>

03. Add your rating widget

Right after you have added in the code displayed above add the rating widget code if you were still confused about where to add it. 

We add the rating widget here because we want people to be able to rate this recipe so we can collect proof of the structured data we are going to add later in this tutorial.

04. The Manual Set-up

Now because we are working in blogger, there is one manual step that you'll have to perform. Even though you're recording the ratings using the rating widget, the won't show up as rich data.

This is because there is no structured data present to tell Google that these ratings are associated with the structured data of your recipe.

To link these two, you need to check the ratings and add a manual piece of code that you will have to update manually regularly. Unfortunately, that's just how it is with blogger.

So if you have 1 vote and an average rating of 5 then the piece of code you will add will be:


<div itemprop="aggregateRating" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/AggregateRating">
Rated <span itemprop="ratingValue">5</span>/5 based on <span itemprop="reviewCount">1</span> customer review(s).
</div>
<img itemprop="image" src="bananabread.jpg"
alt="Banana bread on a plate" />



I wish that there was an automatic way to do this, but the problem is that most rating widgets that work with blogger are configured as a product and don't give the structured data for a recipe. But you'll have to bear with it, for now, it's not an ideal solution, but if you really need those ratings to display in your posts and you'll keep them updated regularly, then I believe it should be fine.

Also, don't go without updating your posts for a whole month if it's popular, you know, use your discretion and common sense.

I should also add, that inappropriate or misconfigured structured data is harmful as you maybe unintentionally misleading google and then you could get hit with a Google penalty. Make sure you involve a professional if possible or seek their advice.

What to do if you use the recipe generator?

How do I know what to add in the highlighted pink section? What do I add where it says "src=" in the img tag? Can I hire you to help me out and do this for me? I would like to DIY this but don't understand XYZ part of it, can you help?

I worked closely with Jennifer Ford, to make a logo for her husband Todd's new business. Todd has over 30 years of experience in selling life insurance strategies and he also trains other life insurance agents.

The brief I was given was that they wanted a logotype that made a statement without being overly bold. From that, we worked onto collaborating about the colours, the logo and the design.


Jennifer and Todd were both happy with the end result, stating it was everything they were thinking it to be.

Want a logo designed for your blog, or business? Get in touch with me here, or visit my shop. I also sell via Etsy, if that's your jam.

This is such an interesting and controversial question, interesting because personally, I find this question amusing and controversial because what I'm going to tell you, other blogging "gurus" are going to get angry at me for. Or maybe call me naive.

Even the pro bloggers I am friends with, they are not going to like hearing this. But I'm sorry, I just have to say it. I have heard this question in almost all Facebook groups I am part of that are for helping new bloggers.

It usually goes like, "I want to start a blog but I have no clue what I want to blog about/write about".

And then people in the group try and brainstorm with the person asking this question on what might be the most suitable topic for this person who wants to start a blog, to blog on.

So what should you blog about as a new blogger?

The answer to this question is that only YOU can decide that. No one, even if they are just trying to help you should tell you what you should blog about. Not even the blogging pros. Nobody but you.

Why?

Think about why you want to start a blog? Is it because you want to leave your dreadful 9-5? Do you want to bring more income on the side doing what you love? Is it to earn an income for your family? What is it?

If you want to start earning an income, and you need it now. Then I wouldn't suggest blogging anyway because blogging is not instant gratification. You might work for 20+ hours a week and not earn a single penny. If you just want to earn an income, a part-time job is more suitable for you.

But if your goal is to earn an income doing what you LOVE, then stay.

Blogging is a big industry, it can, in due time earn you a decent income, it can make you an entrepreneur, help you help your family from the comfort of your home, it can do many things.

But blogging is not as big so as to be a career choice. You don't hear young, ambitious children and people say that they want to become a blogger. People don't think this way, most people want to start blogging so they can earn an income doing what they love and are passionate about.

And with this you have your answer, I am a firm believer of only blogging about something I am passionate about. And I recommend that you do the same.

You should blog about that one, two or any number of things that you are passionate about.

Now let me be very clear with you, this statement above is my advice to you, and it is a very controversial piece of advice. But I'm willing to say it and to say it out loud. And it's okay if I get the "glares" from the pros because of this.

Why is this advice so controversial?

This advice is conflicting and controversial because chances are that you have heard (from a blogger you admire or follow) that you should choose a "profitable" niche. That to start blogging you must define your profitable niche.

And no matter where I go, I see blogging gurus ramming this piece of advice into new bloggers like it's essential to their blogging success.

No, it's not. What is essential is that you enjoy blogging, love blogging enough to stay consistent at it and work hard for it even when you are not getting paid so that you may succeed at it.

That's it, this is the secret to a blogger's success: hard work and consistency.

If you dread writing blog posts, how will you become a blogger? If you're always procrastinating this task, then chances are you've chosen a profitable niche you don't give a damn about.

So what is a profitable niche?

A profitable niche is a micro/macro topic or genre that is almost guaranteed to bring you money as a blogger as products to promote in that particular niche are plenty and advertisers are willing to pay for it. But the term "profitable niche" in itself is a term that has an ever-expanding meaning.

What I mean by that is that I could start writing about rabbit-ear hair bands, and write about it for a long time and when the right people discover it and I start making money from my blog and tell the world about it, it could attract hundreds of marketers and this "topic" or rather niche would become a profitable niche.

When otherwise, can you even think of rabbit ear-shaped hair bands would be a thing?

This was a made-up example.

But now I want to give you a real-world example.

Do you think Darren Rowse was worried about a profitable niche when he started? No, he did what he was passionate about at that time, so let me tell you now, in blogging you have a better chance of succeeding when you are following your passion rather than a profitable niche.

Why do blogging pros tell you to choose a profitable niche?

Now, I know you're thinking I'm telling you that people that are telling you that choosing a profitable niche is one of the ways to guarantee a successful blog is wrong.

But the thing is they are not entirely wrong, the reason they tell you to define your niche repeatedly is that they have an image to maintain. They actually want to help you earn a significant income from your blog, but they don't know you or your passions.

And you're not signing up for a custom intense session with them either, so the best way to make sure that you actually end up earning from your blog is to preselect a niche that they know to be profitable and ask you to choose from that.

Then say, if you select a niche like a beauty blogger then it's pretty straight forward. You keep blogging consistently about your niche you ARE going to start earning from it with time. Most full-time bloggers I know have been blogging for at least a year.

When you become a professional blogger, you'll probably tell others about this pro's advice because hey, it worked for you.

So the intentions here are not ill. But what we fail to understand is that this little piece of advice can also kill dreams. When you tell a new blogger that no one is interested in reading about their white kitten, you essentially kill their dream of being a lifestyle blogger. Also, cats are cute.

Think of it that way, why do you follow certain influencers on Instagram? Don't they share aspects of their lives? Don't you love hearing what they are doing? Then why do you believe that no one would be interested in hearing what you are doing?

You just have to persist long enough and keep working hard and eventually, you'll build an audience. And because you won't become a professional blogger overnight, is why I recommend that you don't invest too much money into blogging right away.

I hope you now understand why I want you to blog from your heart, because if you enjoy doing it then it won't feel like work, you'll be happy doing it. And the more you'll work for it, the better your chances at exceeding at it will be. Blogging takes time, it's a thankless job at first and you need to be self-motivated. Also, did I mention CONSISTENCY is KEY.

Why I don't think you should choose a "profitable niche" for your blog

The reason I write this post is that I don't want to see another blogger blogging half-heartedly because they think that no one wants to hear them talk about that one topic they care enough to write about so they must start with a profitable niche.

This is why bloggers start thinking that anyone that is not blogging about blogging is never going to make money blogging. This is why I've seen some of my favourite (new bloggers) convert their "niche" to blogging about blogging from lifestyle, fashion, beauty and other niches. And it makes me terribly sad.

I don't want to see another blogger leave something they are passionate about to just start blogging about something they "think" will make them money because everyone else says so.

No, you do you. It's never about finding a profitable niche but, finding a community of people just as interested in what you talk or blog about as you.

What you should do instead

Find your tribe, find your people. People that care about what you care about. People that are happy to hear from you, about what you write and people that love listening and reading what you say.

Still on the fence about what you want to blog about? Sit and think, think about what you love doing, and write about that. And write every day. Because if you had to do something you don't want for the rest of your life, why even bother starting a blog to quit that dreadful 9-5? Why do this and afflict torture on yourself at all?

Blogging is best done when it's a side-hustle, meaning you are not putting yourself in a do or die situation by "If my blog doesn't start earning in the next 6 months, I'm done for." Don't do that, make it something you like to do rather than it being something that brings you stress.

P.S. I can't tell you what you should blog about, but I will say that I can help you with your journey and I want to help you. It doesn't matter if you don't have a huge budget, you can become a member of my blogging hustle group for free get unbiased advice straight from me.

This month I was approached by Terri who runs and operates her blog. She had a DIY logo she made herself but felt as though she could do more and needed a professional touch.

We began by working through a series of references, and I had her pin them all in a secret Pinterest board we were both collaborating on.

Hand-painted watercolour florals

After a few rounds of revision, I knew exactly the kind of floral watercolour logo she wanted.

She spoke to me about loving the reds and peach hues.

As someone who loves to do watercolour and illustration, I got my supplies out and hand-painted this custom floral bouquet that she really liked.

Typography

The logo uses Cormorant Garamond; a stylish and luxurious font in red hues. I really wanted to use a very elegant and stylish font that had a luxurious aesthetic.

Want something like this?

I offer custom logo designs in my shop and they are also available on Etsy. Liked the logo design, make sure to comment about in the comments section below and share it with your friends! 

If you've been reading my blog you'll know that as a designer, developer and blogger I love and recommend using blogger (formerly known as blogspot) as a blogging platform. And it's not just because it's free, it's because it has the potential for customisation that parallels WordPress itself. If I may be so bold as to say so.

What does the "earnings at risk - fix ads txt" notification mean? 

What is Ads Txt?

Authorized Digital Sellers for Web, or ads.txt, is an IAB initiative to improve transparency in programmatic advertising. You can create your own ads.txt files to identify who is authorized to sell your inventory. The files are publicly available and crawlable by exchanges, Supply-Side Platforms (SSP), and other buyers and third-party vendors.  - Google

 How To fix the Ads txt earning at risk notification from Adsense?

There is one thing for sure, receiving this notification means that something is not right.

The good news is, if nothing is wrong with your blog and everything is fine and it is set-up properly then as a privileged blogger on blogger, you will NEVER see this warning.

Why do I say you're privileged as a blogger blogging on blogger?

Because if you're using Adsense and are hosted through blogger then blogger takes care of ads.txt declarations for you. And this will only happen if you use the Adsense widgets to show ads, not the HTML/Javascript widgets.



Now, to be able to fix this issue, much like any issue you need to get at the root of this issue. Most probably, there could be two reasons this is happening:

• Your ads.txt is not set-up at all (should not happen if Blogger is taking care of it for you.) 
• Your domain is not set-up properly, redirects are not proper or working and/or for some reason the Adsense bot is unable to crawl the ad.txt directory hosted in your blog.

How do I know whether Blogger is automatically managing my ads.txt? I don't understand some parts of this tutorial and have questions, what can I do? Can I hire you to help do the check and fix everything for me? I did the fix following this tutorial but the notification in my Adsense dashboard hasn't gone away, help! I also use XYZ ad company, how can I install ads.txt for them?

Have any more questions that you think I missed upon? Or suggestions for elaboration on some topics? Let me know through the comments so I can make this post even better for you! Hope this has helped.