The PINcentive Blog Hop (Week 11) & $175 GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to, YES, another a special week of The PINcentive Blog Hop!  Our giveaway is still LIVE so if you haven’t entered for your chance to win $100 in PayPal cash, a $75 Amazon Gift Card, and free ad space on Cropped Stories, then here’s your chance!  With the holidays quickly approaching, I’m guessing you’ll be able to find something to spend the money on.  So have at it, and GOOD LUCK!

The Anatomy of a Great Post Comment (a list of do & don’t tips)

Have you ever considered the content of a comment you leave on a blog post?  Even if you’re a veteran in the blog-0-sphere, there’s no harm in mulling over the message you’d like to convey.  And if you are a newbie, even more so!  Not only should the message you’d like to convey be considered, but HOW-TO convey it as well.  Enticing the author to reply back is essential if your intention when leaving a comment is to establish a relationship. If it blossoms into something more, then, hey, that’s just a bonus!  Feel free to give yourself a pat on the back and celebrate your new friendship, follower, and/or reader!

The PINcentive Blog Hop (Week 10) & GIVEAWAY!

WELCOME to another special week of The PINcentive Blog Hop!  Did I mention Our giveaway is open for the ENTIRE MONTH of November?  Oh, and our pot is pretty sweet!  So, before we get to the blog hop, feel free to enter for a chance to win $100 in PayPal cash, a $75 Amazon Gift Card, and FREE Ad space for 30 days on Cropped Stories!

8 Hidden Blogging Mistakes

If you have been blogging for a while, you are probably aware of the basic rules of the game, like using good images, posting regularly, and promoting content on social media. However, there are often little things we overlook as bloggers that can make a big difference to both the stats and audience engagement. I have compiled this list of hidden mistakes bloggers make based on my own observations, as I make it a point to visit at least a couple of new blogs every week. Some may never have crossed your minds, and others you may not have considered of much relevance. Either way, these tips require little effort and will only bring positive results!

 

1. Not customizing your Tweet button

If you want to keep track of who has been sharing your posts on Twitter, it is important to have your twitter handle (or username) in that tweet. Usually, when your readers click on the 'Tweet' button, they will be directed to publish a tweet which has your post title and link. Sometimes, it will have the Twitter handle of the share service provider such as @sharethis or @wordpressdotcom. The problem with this is that you are none the wiser when a post of yours has been shared on Twitter, unless you have access to stats. Even then it's hard to pin every single tweet down. By adding your own handle, you will be immediately notified of the mention, allowing you to re-tweet or thank the user if you wish. In order to add your handle, simply check the support pages of your sharing service. To my knowledge, all of them allow you to customize your tweet buttons. It's a simple thing that can help you gauge your content’’s popularity on Twitter!

 

Easy peasy cookie cupcakes!

About 2 months ago, I made a promise to myself I would start cooking more often.  Initially, I had intended to make more dinners.  I never imagined, in a million years, I would have the time or courage to start baking as well!  Over the past few weeks, I've baked a number of yummy desserts including Banana Coconut Muffins, Peppermint Biscotti with Chocolate Drizzle, Coffee Cake Cheesecake (post still to come) and, most recently, Cookie Cupcakes! 

The PINcentive Blog Hop (Week 9) & GIVEAWAY!

WELCOME to a special week of The PINcentive Blog Hop: Week 9!  Not only do I have a blog hop for you today, but also a giveaway with some serious prizes!  Prizes that will allow you to either shop ‘till you drop, pay some bills, host a HUGE party, purchase some Christmas gifts, all while promoting your website right here on Cropped Stories!  So, before we get to the blog hop, feel free to enter my November Sponsor Giveaway for a chance to win $100 in PayPal cash, a $75 Amazon Gift Card, and FREE Ad space on my website for 30 days!

Keeping Connections Strong when Distance is Far

Hello readers of Cropped Stories! I'm Alicia and I blog over at A Sweet Fragrance. My family and I are American-born but live as expats over in SE Asia. I blog about our life overseas, recipes I attempt to make while substituting lots of ingredients, projects I do around the house, "tot school" lessons I teach to my toddler, and lessons I learn through parenting and walking with the Lord. I hope you'll stop by my blog for a visit!