Today I’m talking about a topic that many of you have wondered about–how to connect with other local bloggers. My favorite part about blogging is the community–the friendships and connections I have made. So many of you have left comments expressing your desire to meet local bloggers in your area and build a local blogging community–here are my tips! I’m also sharing our truly EPIC blogger brunch, and we’ve all teamed up to share posts about how to recreate our brunch!
MY DRESS: c/o KMB Bowtique–on sale + they ship!
HOW TO CONNECT WITH OTHER LOCAL BLOGGERS
When I first started blogging 3.5 years ago, I didn’t really know any other bloggers where I live, in Lexington, Kentucky. While I knew I clearly wasn’t the only blogger in Lexington, I didn’t know how to connect with other Lexington bloggers, or even other Kentucky bloggers.
Fast-forward 3.5 years later, and now I’m friends with many local bloggers! I am friends with bloggers from different niches of blogging–some are also style bloggers, while others are not. I frequently get together with these bloggers. We get together for brand events, spur-of-the-moment meet-ups, and planned events, like the epic blogger brunch I attended a few weekends ago.
How to Connect with Other Local Bloggers: Search for and Find Local Bloggers
First, to be able to connect with other local bloggers, you have to find local bloggers. I think the easiest way to do this is to hop on Instagram and find the most popular hashtags for your local. For example, two of the most popular hashtags for Lexington, Kentucky are #sharethelex and #lexingtonky. Then browse those hashtags to find other local bloggers and influencers. Follow the bloggers who you’re interested in connecting with. Leave a comment or respond to a post saying, “Hi! I’m [insert name] and I’m a fellow [insert town name] blogger. I love what you’re doing!” Or shoot them an email with the same information, telling them a little more about yourself.
Another option is to simply Google “[insert town name] blogger,” but that doesn’t always yield the most comprehensive list. This is why I prefer to search local hashtags on social media.
I actually came across What Nicole Wore on Instagram, who is now one of my best blogging friends:)
How to Connect with Other Local Bloggers: Have Business Cards
Y’all, I try to always carry blog business cards on me. If someone compliments my outfit, hair, or makeup, then they get a business card. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and tell people that you’re a local blogger. You’ll be surprised at how times you may find other local bloggers or get suggestions for other local bloggers by doing this.
And if you do happen to meet another local blogger while you’re out, business cards are a quick way to exchange info so you can stay in touch.
How to Connect with Other Local Bloggers: Attend Local Events
If there’s one thing bloggers love, it’s local events hosted by brands around town. When you see a local event happening that looks interesting, try to go! I’ve met quite a few of my blogger buddies at events I’ve attended, like local markets or grand opening events.
How to Connect with Other Local Bloggers: Put Yourself Out There
At the end of the day, the ONLY way to meet and connect with other local bloggers is to put yourself out there. You CANNOT wait around and expect that people will automatically come to you. YOU have to take the initiative to find other local bloggers and reach out.
REMEMBER: Community is more important than competition. And you should NOT be reaching out to others because you want to use them to get a step up or to somehow increase your following. You should be reaching out to others to connect and gain inspiration. It should never be a selfish action. .
EPIC BLOGGER BRUNCH
Once you have meet other local bloggers, it’s time to start building your local blogging community. The best and easiest way to do this is to plan events together. You can plan drinks or a quick dinner. OR you can put together an epic blogger brunch like the Lexington blogger fam recently held.
How did this come about? One night in March, I attended an event with Kayla Weber Art and the girls of Hartley Social. We started talking, and that night was the beginning of the Lex Blogger Fam. “Hey, we should start an Instagram group,” was the start. Then, once we found out that Kayla’s parents, who were also attending the event, owned the Barn at Springhouse (a local wedding venue). I was like “hey, we should have a very Instagram-able picnic at your place!” Well, you can see what that escalated into. This rustic brunch setup is what happens when you have a bunch of creative minds get together!
I just want to say that I’m so thankful for my Lex Blogger Fam–these bloggers are the best!!!! They inspire, encourage, and pick you up when you are down. They are friends who get what you are going through. So have fun scrolling through the pictures from our brunch, and check out their blogs for all the details below!!!
VISIT THESE OTHER LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY BLOGGERS FOR DETAILS ON OUR EPIC BLOGGER BRUNCH
Taylor Camacho | The Stylish Tales of Tay
Kelsey Bauer | KabKitchen
Emily Ho | Authentically Emmie
Sarah Caton | Space, Place & Southern Grace
Courtney Hastings | Kentucky Girl Ramblings
Tif Fannin | Bright on a Budget
Katie Mullen & Anna Towle | Hartley Social
Francis Lee Baker | Lee’s Lookbook
Kayla Nord | Kayla Weber Art
Whitney Scheibel | Fabulous in Fayette
Ella Rutledge | Girl Meets Lex
Bronwyn Butler | Basically Bronwyn
Stephanie Hargis | This Lexington Life
Leela Foley | Lex Eats
Emily Riddle | Miss Molly Vintage
Lisa Coe | Candor and Rose
Amanda Zopp | Salt & Life Blog
Special thanks to all the vendors who contributed to our special goodie bags: Shop Local KY, Miss Molly Vintage, AJ Apothecary, Shop Twenty, Morton James, Springhouse Gardens, Whole Foods Lexington, and Kentucky Yarnbirds.
Our brunch was held at The Barn at Springhouse in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Thanks to Springhouse Gardens for graciously hosting us!
All photos taken by Kirstie Dunston Photography.
OMG this is gorgeous! I recently hosted a blogger event myself which was SO fun! It is great to get together with a group of like minded women!
Michelle || http://www.byquinn.com
What a GORGEOUS setting! Looks like so much fun!
Such great tips! I’m so grateful for our little community:)
i love all the flower crowns!!
This looks so amazing! How fun! And I love your tips for meeting other local bloggers! I just finally launched my own blog and am here in Lexington as well. I’d love to know about any future meet ups you all have!
This turned out so beautiful! Great tips for connecting with local creatives and building a mutually beneficial community 🙂
What a terrific idea and your brunch pictures are amazing! I want to go there!!! I have to lagh too about the business cards because a few times this Summer I’ve been out with my 17 year old son shopping and someone compliments what I’m wearing. He finally said to me, “mom you really need business cards or at least tell people you’re a blogger” he’s right and so are you! I’m working on it, trying to get a theme and a new look for my blog. Your ideas for connecting with other local bloggers was just what I needed.
xo,
Kellyann
http://www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com
I absolutely love connecting with new bloggers at brunch! How fun! That barn looks so amazing, too!
Way to Go! The Blogger Event looks like it was a great success, with a lots of activities, giveaways and an amazing location. Cheers to You!
This looks like such a fantastic gathering!! I would love to attend such a blogger event.
What a gorgeous gathering!! It’s perfection with the flowers, the setting, the beautiful bloggers. Way to go 🙂 Wish I lived just a little bit closer to you.
Oh. my. goodness! This is amazing friend!! Ah-mazing!!! I totally want to do this now!!
We started a little group when I first began blogging but it quickly fell apart. I need to take charge again and try to get it rolling.
WOW, that certainly is an epic blogger brunch!! Strangely, the majority of the bloggers i’ve just organically met online are from the midwest, haha!
I love the photos. So awhile ago I tried to meet other local bloggers. Some weren’t in my niche, most seemed uninterested in relationship building. The truth is that a lot of us bloggers are more writers than socializers I think! lol. However, I love the idea of connecting via instagram and I’m totally going to try that!
This is beyond the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! The venue & decorations are all so rustic & adorable! I haven’t had much luck finding local bloggers but hopefully I’ll be able to find some great gals to brunch and chat over all things blogging!!
xo, Syd
anchoredinthesouth.com
Love your tips for connecting with other bloggers! It has been wonderful getting to know all of you. I’m a bit of an introvert so it was a little scary for me to meet up with a bunch of strangers at the Shake Shack but I am so, so glad Ella invited me and that I pushed myself! Looking forward to so many future events and get togethers!
I loved seeing pics of this event and how wonderful to find out one of the girls had a connection to that beautiful space! Great tips, too!
Such a cute event! You all look amazing and love all the decor! Connecting with local bloggers is the best 🙂
These are great tips! Connecting with other bloggers is my favorite thing about blogging! The blogger brunch looks amazing!
Jill
Doused in Pink
Such great tips. Inspires me to meet more bloggers in our area!
OMG look at all you gorgeous ladies!! And that venue is everything!!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Such a great post! I absolutely love this brunch idea and have been wondering a lot recently about how to connect with other bloggers. Even though you know you’re not the only one blogging it definitely feels a little like an alternate reality at times. Well since I’m just starting. lol!
-Noelle
Elle-no.com
This is awesome. Such great ways to connect. And this brunch looks amazing. Love when bloggers support each other.
This looks like such a fun blogger event! Love the build your own flower crown bar.
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
Such a fun post!
Thanks for sharing girlie!