I had the opportunity last weekend to attend the Wordcamp Birmingham conference in Birmingham, Alabama. WordCamp is a conference for users of the blog publishing application WordPress. Blogging has increased in popularity over the last several years because it allows users to create an online presence.
Blog is short for “Web log”, and I became interested in it because it allows me to make myself more “findable” by people interested in obtaining the services of a real estate appraiser. Small businesses have limited budgets, and online marketing allows them to compete on a level playing field with larger companies where consumers can judge them on their experience and work quality rather than marketing budgets.
Wordcamp provided sessions for both new and experienced users. Topics included WordPress 101 by Mitch Canter, a class for those just learning to use the application to one on Tips for Bloggers from Online Marketers by Brandon Eley. An interesting set up called lightening talks featured mini talks by bloggers on how they are using WordPress. Speakers included Brandon Eley, Jennifer West, Lisa Isbell, Karla Porter, Rebecca Morrow, and Wade Kwon.
This is by no means a complete list of the topics and speakers. There were various tracks and sessions you could attend and it was impossible to participate in all of them. I would highly recommend this conference next year for anyone interested in creating an online presence. Social media and online marketing is still somewhat new, however it is the way many business are markeing their knowledge, products, and services. Are you currently using social media? How has it helped to get your name in front of people? What other types of social media do you use in addition to blogging? I look forward to hearing from others to get more ideas. That was my big take away from the conference this weekend, the folks using this blogging platform is like a big family, willing to help you learn more and eager to share in your blogging successes.
Right on, Tom. It sounds like you had a great time and learned a lot. I bet you came home with quite a few new tools on your blogging utility belt. I like how you said, “Small businesses have limited budgets, and online marketing allows them to compete on a level playing field with larger companies where consumers can judge them on their experience and work quality rather than marketing budgets.” Good stuff.
I hope I can put some things I learned into practice. I wish the event could have gone over several days so I would have had time to attend more sessions. Due to time restrictions I did not get to attend everything I wanted to. Oh well, there is always next year. Like I told Bill Cobb, if there is one in your area you may want to talk to them about being a presenter, since you have been very successful with your blog. Take care.
Hi Tom, man, I am so jealous, wish I could have attended. I’m so glad for your experience at WordCamp and look forward to your future posts based on that Experience. I shared your link on Tips and will post to FB Tips page in the morning. Appreciate You!
Bill Cobb
Hey Bill, THANK YOU! for reposting my blog. I find I get a alot more traffic when you have done this. I hope to improve my blog with tips I learned from WordCamp. Take care.
Tom, very cool. I am so glad you wrote about WordCamp, I saw your tweet the other day and wondered how WordCamp was. There is one next year in Atlanta, I will have to check it out.
Hey Bryan, it was fun and I would highly recommend it. There was a lot of good stuff and I did not have time to attend all the sessions, so I know I will be going back next year.
Glad you could make it, Tom, and welcome to the family!
Thanks Wade, I look forward to the monthly meet ups!