For the past couple of years one very determined Latina has been bringing Latina bloggers together by way of her Blogspot Latina Blog Directory, BlogsbyLatinas.com and in that time she has become one of the key representatives of the Latina Blogging community. Her stable of blogs has grown to include the blog magazine Click Latina, Curves and Chaos and LALatinaBloggers and she’s nurturing each blog into thriving community. Monique Frausto joins us for a quick Q&A about her blogging experience and the Latino Blogosphere.
What were you doing before becoming a blogger?
Before becoming a blogger I was an unemployed college graduate working a part-time retail job.
How did you discover blogging?
I discovered the blogging world through a friend of mine. I have a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism and I noticed she had a fashion blog. I thought that if she could do it, so could I. I wanted to keep my writing fresh.
When and why did you start a Latinas Blog Directory?
As I was researching the internet, I came across a blog directory for African American women. I wanted to see if there was a place like that for Latinas and I couldn’t find any. And because I didn’t have a specific field I was blogging in at the time, I wanted to find other bloggers that I had something in common with. So, I started looking for other Latina bloggers.
Why do you think there are far more female bloggers than male bloggers in the Latino Blogosphere?
I’m not really sure, but maybe it has something to do with the fact that as women, we tend to open up and share what is going on in our lives, more than men do. And that’s what blogging is all about…sharing.
What blogging platform do you use? Pros & Cons
I use Blogger as my blogging platform. I love it because it’s really easy to use and customize. I am not a fan of the complicated. The only con I can think of is the unavailability of widgets compared to other platforms like WordPress.
You see a lot of blogs come and go, why do you think people quit their blogs? What would you say to encourage them to stick around?
I think people quit their blogs for a lot of reasons. But, mostly because they aren’t seeing the results that they had envisioned when they first started their blog. It could be lack of comments, readers, or advertising. I would just tell them to work hard and research different options to get the results you are looking for. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t be lazy. You have to do the work to get positive results.
What advice do you have to combat blogger fatigue/computer fatigue?
If you find yourself having blogger or computer fatigue, you need to take a break! You can’t produce good content if you’re burned out. Always stay true to who you are and the writing will come easily to you.
What would you like to learn more about when it comes to blogging?
Wow! I want to learn it ALL! Everything that is out there. Whatever will make me a stronger and more effective blogger is what I want to learn (Did that answer the question? LOL).
How often do you blog, how often would you like to blog?
Depending on what’s going on in my life, I would like to blog about 5 days a week. Or just blog whenever and wherever I’m inspired, regardless of where I’m at. I do try to take a day off during the week so I don’t burn myself out. But, that doesn’t always happen.
How do you promote your blog? Best and worst examples of tools you’ve tried?
When it comes to promoting my blog, I love using Twitter! It really gets me my readers. I think it has a lot to do with my followers retweeting. I do really like Facebook, but I don’t find it to be as effective for me when it comes to my blogs, but I am still using it. The worst tool I’ve used was probably Ning, only because they started charging and I couldn’t afford a membership with the number of members I had.
What time of the day do you prefer to blog? Why.
I love to blog late in the evening. I just feel like that’s when my “creative juices” flow. I don’t know why. Might be that I’ve had the whole day to regroup.
What is your posting process when you sit down to blog?
My process is, I have no process. I’m kinda all over the place. I am constantly checking emails and twitter. I hop over to Facebook or I’ll do some research on the internet in no particular order.
What tools do have at hand for a session of blogging?
The only tools I really use are Picasa and Pandora. It’s a great way for me to get my images together. Maybe create a picture collage while listening to some of my favorite music.
What is the state of the Latino Blogosphere?
The Latino Blogosphere is in an amazingly productive state. I really think it’s the tip of the iceberg. I know we have unlimited potential and the world is starting to see that.
What would you say to Latinos to get them to start a blog?
I wouldn’t encourage anyone to start a blog unless they have something to say or something they are willing to share with the world.
What trends are you seeing in the Latino Blogosphere? On the Web in general?
Right now I am seeing a lot of food bloggers, literature bloggers, and mommy bloggers. I am also noticing a lot of marketing companies are reaching out to Latina bloggers.
What trends or practices do you not agree with in the Latino Blogosphere and/or web in general?
If there is one trend or practice I don’t agree with it, it has to be with other bloggers that call those who advertise on their blogs sell outs. If you decide to or not to advertise then that’s up to you. Just as long as you don’t let it affect your content. Advertising on your blog is a personal decision. It’s not up to others to make that decision.
Name three of your favorite good-read blogs? three resource blogs/sites…and why?
Oh no…do I have to do. LOL. I love ALL blogs because they are creative in their own way. I honestly do not have a top three. I do have three resource blogs I love to visit and they are BTemplates.com (for template ideas), Mashable (for social media news), and ProBlogger (for blog tips).
What do you love most about working with your blogs?
The thing I love the most about my blogs is the ability to be creative and free in my own space. No one can tell me what to write about or post. It’s my world and that’s just the way I like it.
What’s next BBL, Curves and Chaos, and CLICK Latina?
I don’t have any specific plans at the moment. I just want to keep on growing, making new connections, and pass on positive information to my readers.
Anything you would like to add?
Stay true to yourself and your blog. Don’t let anyone tell you what to do or write. Work hard and I promise it will pay off.
Awesome story! One thing that attracts me to start a blog is being able to share valuable information with my target audience. My sister and I am are currently using Facebook as our platform while we get our WordPress blog created. It’s a lot of hard work, but I enjoy it.
I am beyond honored!! Thank you so much for this!!