In most cases a blog grows and chances with the blogger that writes and edits it. As a result a blog may be forced to expand and grow to accommodate new topics. #BlogTrends special guest @Tineey joined is this week to talk about some ways to know what direction to take and what to expect when expanding.

Q1 When is a blog ready to expand? How will I know when I am ready? #BlogTrends

@tineey: Q1 Before you expand your blog in any way. It’s a good idea to define the expansion. #blogtrends

@tineey: Do you want to expand your blog audience, the vertical its in? Are you looking to work with brands or monetize?#blogtrends

@mbhahn: Your blog is ready to expand when you have the traffic to fill a need and your ready fulfill it #blogtrends

@nouvelle: @BlogTrendsChat A1 In one sense you know. Opportunities develop, your content & philosophy is changing, have a larger audience #blogtrends

@casineraindc: A1: When you need to categorize your content by pages instead of keywords you may need to expand. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A1 I have expanded from just outfit posts to a few additional categories, I did this when i found myself wanting to share more #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: A1 It will just feel right. I’m guessing stats, community would point you in the right direction. #blogtrends

@iHiredMe: a1: your blog is ready to expand when you begin to expand/evolve & decide to color outside the lines/break blogging rules #blogtrends

@tineey: My blog is a personal journey. So when I feel like I’ve met my current goals, I’m am ready for more….hence expanding.#blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @tineey would you recommend I focus on first? Growing audience or working with brands? #blogtrends

@tineey: @DigitalKaitlyn work on your readers first. your influence on your community is essentially what brands want to tap into.#blogtrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: Q1: When what you’ve set up isn’t compatible with your progression #blogtrends

@mbhahn: I have seen blog sites. do a full overhaul. switch cms systems only to make a perfect idea for them into an ugly one#blogtrends

@tineey: @mbhahn I feel like when there is that much change to the blog, the original product wasn’t good — or at least focused.#blogtrends

Q2 What is the first step after you realized your blog should expand? How do I determine what areas of my blog to expand? #BlogTrends

@tineey: Q2 time! It’s a good idea to plot out the necessary steps to accomplish your expansion goal. #blogtrends

@tineey: Your expansion type should fit into your long term mission and what your readers crave more of. #blogtrends

@mbhahn: a2. Take a step back and really think about it. what can go wrong and what will the benefits be #blogtrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: Q2 Research! use your stat reports to analyze what your readers desire most from you. Take that information and build upon it #blogtrends

@casineraindc: A2: Right now I’m figuring out if I switch tools, just expand my current site, or just stay as it is. It’s a hard decision.#blogtrends

@iHiredMe: a2: the first thing i expanded on was content. stopped being the expert & started sharing my journey. #blogtrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: You have to remember that your expansion is for your readers, you have to please them in line with what represents you #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A2 in spirit of the heart behind blogging I’d say focus on the areas you are passionate about. Passion translates & ppl love it #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: Q2 I think it’s what is working for you. For some it might be a new blog design. For others it might be monetization. #blogtrends

@mbhahn: Stay true to your self and your audience will follow. Dont be something your not #blogtrends

 @mbhahn: a2. Take a step back and really think about it. what can go wrong and what will the benefits be#blogtrends

@nouvelle: A2 figure out what is meaningful & genuine. Be true to yourself & assess what you need vs want #blogtrends

@tineey: It’s also important not to lose your focus. Your expansion should be complementary. #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: Q2 I agree with sharing and expanding content. Readers love when I tell embarrassing stories! #blogtrends

@iHiredMe: a2: devils advocate – if you over analyze/think about it too much, you won’t change/expand. #blogtrends

@tineey: @DigitalKaitlyn I totally agree. Passion is infectious! When you exude it through your blog, your readers are sure to love it.#blogtrends

@tineey: Example: Starting a how-to/tutorial section. If your readers love that dress you made or the makeup. Show them how!#blogtrends

@tineey: @iHiredMe Video is a great expansion idea! It has been my newest endeavor  #blogtrends

Q3 Are there a set of tools or knowledge you should have before expansion? #BlogTrends

@tineey: A3 It depends on what you are looking to do. If you are trying to set up your blog as biz or a shop, it helps to have knowledge #blogtrends

@tineey: It helps to have friends as well. If you are unsure of something, having a blogger to bounce ideas off or as reference is great #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: Q3 I would say that if you’re at the point of expansion, just be prepared with business skills. They can never hurt. #blogtrends

@nouvelle: A3 networking & business skills are a plus & will help your readership in the long run.technology is your friend.#blogtrends

@blackblondeone: Q3 I also think if you got to the point of expansion, you probably have a good skill set to start with! #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @tineey without my blogger friends to share my ideas with i would not have even half the blog I have! #blogtrends

Q4 What are the most difficult parts of expanding? #BlogTrends

@tineey: A4 deciding which route to go is the most difficult. there are so many options! realizing which and sticking to your guns…#blogtrends

@mbhahn: a4 Expanding my blogs audience for me. I would need to market my blog to a new reader segment #blogtrends

@nouvelle: A4 finding new strategies/content to produce, how to make a more meaningful readership, maintaining dialogue w/ readers #blogtrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: Most difficult is deciding on how to expand. It can be scary and exciting at the same time. #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: Q4 For me, it would be having the necessary time to do what I need to do in order to expand. #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: A4 For me I think the biggest challenge, besides time, will be the new readership and outreach. #blogtrends

@gritandglamour: If you mean growing your readership/reach, I’ve always found it hard to find enough time to respond and comment. #BlogTrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @gritandglamour I agree! I want to read so many blogs but i just never find the time to do it #blogtrends

@tineey: Finding time is hard. The Internet is so 24-7. Good time management goes a long way. #blogtrends

@gritandglamour: Monetizing is a HUGE undertaking. Once you start, you realize you need all kinds of “legal” verbiage. Disclosures, terms, etc. #BlogTrends

Q5 What should you expect after expanding? #BlogTrends

@tineey: A5 after expansion. determine if it was a good move. assess the reader response. a lot of blogging = trail & error/experimenting #blogtrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: @BlogTrendsChat After expanding you should to work even harder! #blogtrends

@mbhahn: a5 you should expect more hard work, more goals to reach, and more readers #blogtrends

@iHiredMe: a5: expect to hire help! at some point you have 2 realize you can’t do it all. #blogtrends

@gritandglamour: In terms of fashion blogging, personal style posts are most in demand. People prefer to see YOU above all else.#BlogTrends

@CocoaPopps: @iHiredMe I need to read more blogs, but when I do I comment-I want ppl to know ppl are reading! #blogtrends

@Dawnavette: @iHiredMe A5: Hiring others to write (SO far from consideration-lol) seems scary. I like my voice Think my readership does too. #blogtrends

@nouvelle: A5 more hard work (hard work = good!), more communication and outreach with readers. communication is key.#blogtrends

@gritandglamour: Lately, I’ve been a lurker cause I have no time. But if you want comments and compliments, you have to give them! #BlogTrends

@tineey: @nouvelle work smarter not harder! #blogtrends

@iHiredMe: please note: i’m not advocating hiring someone to write 4 u. #blogtrends

@tineey: I’m on the fence about comments. i love giving them but it shouldn’t make or break a blog. There’s Twitter/Facebook#blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @CocoaPopps I get discouraged sometimes but I blog for me, I like sharing my style and my ideas, the response is just as perk #blogtrends

@BlogTrendsChat: Thanks for joining us tonight! There were some great thoughts on expansion. #blogtrends