Oct 9, 2009 3:58 pm US/Eastern
Behind The Blog: melissaslifelessons.com
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
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http://www.melissaslifelessons.com
Name: Melissa Cassera
Age: 30
Blog: www.melissaslifelessons.com What's your favorite blog of all time? Zen Habits inspired me to start blogging. I love the author's message of living a simpler life. I think he's genius for offering a Beginner's Guide to his blog for newcomers and I love that he shares his personal story.
What's the best blog post you've ever written? Three Things I Learned From a Couples Therapist is still my favorite post to date. It's a topic that I've always been very open about (going to therapy) and I think it's important to share with others who might want to see a therapist, but don't know what to expect. I like to let people know that they are not alone, and we all have issues that sometimes need a little extra work.
What are three tips for aspiring bloggers? 1. Use a photo with every post. Whether it's your own photography or stock photos (istockphoto.com is very reasonable), photos grab attention. Here's an
example.
2. Keep a blog inspiration folder. Clip articles, words, sayings and pictures that grab you. Every time you need inspiration for a post, take a look in your folder.
3. If you plan to try and get press coverage for your blog – create a press page that prominently features your contact information and links to any past coverage you've received. Here's an
example. Describe your typical work day. I own two businesses - my Wellness business where I share healthy living advice through speaking engagements, as a spokesperson for corporate brands, and a media personality. I also have owned and operated a publicity firm for several years where I represent a select few clients in various industries.
Typical work days can start as early as 4am if I have an early morning TV appearance. Otherwise, I begin my day by checking all the major news sites to find out what's happening. The remainder of the day is made up of preparing or giving speeches, meeting with prospective and current clients, writing pitches, pitching the media, blogging, and social networking.
What's the last website you visited?TwitterDo you facebook, myspace or tweet? Twitter is
www.twitter.com/casseracomm and
Facebook is mostly just for personal friends.
What's sitting next to your computer?My Blackberry, a really funny photo of my husband, my blog inspiration folder and my idea journal.
When's bedtime? I wake up most mornings by 5am, so I try to get to bed around 10pm.
What do you hate most about the web?
I don't think I hate anything about it – maybe I hate how addictive it is?
Who is your arch-rival in the blogosphere?I don't think I have one – not because I'm such a fabulous, one-of-a-kind blogger, but because my blog is mainly centered on my opinions and experiences, and that can't really be replicated.
When's the last time you snail mailed a letter?I actually do this quite often – I have really beautiful stationery and like to write handwritten thank you notes. I think it's a lost art.
Drudge, Huffington Post or TMZ?Huffington Post
Do you wear glasses?I should…but I don't.
What makes a good blog?Good blogs are made when you hear the genuine voice and opinion of the writer. People are very curious by nature and want to know what goes on in the writer's life beyond what they write in a blog. I also find that 'admission' posts, or posts about something emotionally revealing, tend to draw the most traffic and feedback.
Why should we visit yours?My goal is to write about healthy living without being overly complicated. There's so much information out there about this diet and that exercise program. I don't believe in dieting – only in healthy eating. I also believe the best exercise program is the one that you actually DO. My posts and tips are very simple and very practical, and I hope they inspire others to adopt more healthy habits in a real and unassuming manner.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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