What is Creative Collaboration? Have you wanted to collaborate with other bloggers for your blog? Guest posting perhaps? Or to have a blog with ‘partners’? This session really got to the meat and potatoes of this topic. Heather from Whipperberry, Jamielyn from I {heart} NapTime, Kim Demmon from Today’s Creative Blog, and Brooke Kemp from The Creative Chicks were on the Creative Collaboration panel talking about their experience and tips on how to make collaborating work.
1. Photo Highlights: Building Community in Person
• A group of Colorado bloggers (Heather, Tara, Kirsten of Kojo Designs and Alison of Oopsey Daisy) snapped a quick photo to prove that collaboration starts with real human connection.
• Fun fact: Heather may live in Vegas now, but she’s “one of us”—proof that location doesn’t limit your creative tribe.
2. Growing Your Readership Through Collaboration
• Comment Strategically
– Spend at least an hour each week “high-fiving” other blogs with thoughtful comments.
– Early on, consistent commenting helps you stand out and sparks new relationships.
• Private Support Groups
– Form small mastermind groups (8–15 bloggers) via Facebook or Skype to brainstorm, swap feedback and cheer each other on.
– Promote each other’s posts across your social channels—Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, etc.
• Cross-Promotion
– Link up with linky parties and mutual round-ups when you launch a new project or need more engagement.
– Encourage sponsors or partner bloggers to jump in and comment when your posts go live.
3. Attracting and Managing Contributors
• Guest Posting as a Launchpad
– Invite fresh voices to your blog to expand your reach and credibility.
– Always offer clear submission guidelines—topics, word count, image specs—and treat each guest like a VIP.
• Quality Over Quantity
– Insist that guest posts are polished and on-brand; it’s your platform.
– A stellar guest post can turn into an ongoing partnership or bigger collaboration down the road.
• Defining Roles on a Group Blog
– If you co-own a multi-author site, assign each member a clear “job” (editorial calendar, social media, design, etc.) based on strengths.
4. Partnering with Brands on Your Terms
• Know Your Value
– Traffic numbers matter, but unique offerings (TV segments, live demos, downloadable freebies) can be your secret weapon.
– Always lead with what you can do for the brand, not just what you want from them.
• Outreach and Pitching
– Research the right PR contact, then send a personalized pitch: “I love X product and here’s a creative way we could work together…”
– Check out pitching workshops (e.g., Carol Schiller’s courses) to refine your approach.
• Brand-to-Blogger Networks
– Sign up for platforms like SocialSpark, Mom Central, BlogFrog and Blueprint Social to discover paid and unpaid collaboration opportunities.
5. Must-Have Tools & Platforms
• Skype & Facebook Groups: Instant brainstorming and screen-shares.
• BlogFrog: Niche communities built right into your blog.
• Linky Parties: Quick traffic boosts and new connections.
• StumbleUpon & Twitter Chats: Great for promoting your collaborative projects.
Next Steps: Put Collaboration into Action
1. Block time each week for “blog hopping” and commenting.
2. Recruit two to three bloggers for a private idea-swap group.
3. Draft your guest post guidelines or contributor agreement.
4. Research one brand you’d love to partner with and craft a friendly pitch.
5. Try out one new platform (BlogFrog, Skype community, etc.) this month.
Collaboration is more than a buzzword—it’s an engine for creativity, community and growth. Now grab your calendar, send those invites and watch your blog network flourish!
