Author Spotlight: Lisa Hayes

Welcome to the Author Spotlight post. Each week I will feature a different author and share a little about them, their writing and their success. If you are a blogger and/or author and would like to be considered for the Author Spotlight, please contact me for more information.

Q: Tell the readers a little about yourself and your blog.

I am a Law of Attraction Relationship Coach. I am also a wife and mother. My blog is is a reflection of all of that. I’ve been told it’s a little schizophrenic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Topics on my blog range from law of attraction and personal development, to client stories, to relationship tips, to personal stories from my life.

Q: How long have you been blogging and how did you get started?

I’ve been blogging since people referred to it as a “web log”. It’s been more than a decade. During that time my blog has evolved and changed a lot. After the first two years of blogging, I lost all of my posts in a technology crash, which seemed like the worst thing in the world, but it gave me an opportunity to start over more intentionally.

I started blogging because I saw it as a way to create fresh content in an effort to pander to the search engines. I know that doesn’t sound very inspiring, but it’s true. However, I’ve continued to blog because it gives me an opportunity to build a relationship with my audience in real time. That is plenty inspiring, and it’s the reason I’ve continued all these years.

Q: How often do you work on your blog?

A minimum of once a week. Sometimes more than that. I will be honest, there have been times I haven’t touched my blog for two or three weeks at a time. That happens rarely, but it has occurred, and they sky didn’t fall. Sometimes life forces you to prioritize your time differently. I think when you have an established audience, they are very forgiving. However, it’s all about relationship. You have to have a good reason to disappear on your friends for an extended period.

Q: Is your blog a hobby or your profession?

It’s professional and I treat it as such. My blog is foundational for building my business and my business isn’t a hobby. I remind myself of that everyday.

Q: What is the main goal or purpose of your blog?

It’s threefold. First and foremost, as I mentioned, it’s a relationship building tool. It’s a place my clients and future clients get to know and trust me.

Secondly, it’s a lead qualifying tool. When a prospective client contacts me, my closing rate is nearly 100 percent. That is absolutely because of my blog. When people read my stuff they get a sense of who I am and what I’m about. I know I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. Readers have a very good idea about what I bring and what’s in store before they hire me.

Finally, my blog gets eyes on my work. My articles get recirculated. I get a lot of PR from my blog. People find my posts through social media and search engine love.

Q: What secrets would you pass on to aspiring bloggers?

People are more interested in stories than brands. People want to do business with people they know. That’s a tall order in a global marketplace, but a blog can make anyone your neighbor. Let people know you, even the bumpy parts. Transparency is seductive, in the best possible way.

Q: What’s on the horizon for you and your blog?

That’s an interesting question. I’m really focused on building a bigger audience. Isn’t everyone? That said, I’m looking to do it in more intimate ways. I’m working on partnering more with other blogs and on other platforms, not just to get my stuff out there, but to build a stronger community of brilliant women and using my blog as the foundation for that vision.