2010 was a phenonimal year for UK mum blogging. We saw bloggers exercise their voice in varied ways, supporting charitable causes and using their blogs as launch pads for other writing or business ventures. Brands dipped their toes into the scene in a big way. We grew in leaps and bounds; BMB now has nearly 2k members! Our writing became more innovative and engaging. And we had fun! CyberMummy10 was a scene of tears, laughter, and hugs (did we mention the cupcakes?!)
What does 2011 hold in store for mum blogging?
1. As blogging becomes mainstream, we will continue to see more mums join the blogging ranks. Fresh voices are important to the mumosphere, mixing up the space, adding new perspectives and offering alternatives to the status quo. We can truly say the more the merrier.
2. Brands will continue to target mum bloggers, and with the help of conferences such as CyberMummy, the relationship will become more fruitful and professional for all parties. Many bloggers are not familiar with how to work with brands, and many brands do not know how to effectively work with mum bloggers. This is the year we leapfrog those barriers.
3. We will see brands engage with bloggers in ways other than traditional product reviews and events. Brands will be more creative in how they work with bloggers, such as making more use of ambassador programmes and using bloggers as spokespersons.
4. We will witness the rise of a whole new influential group of vloggers. With an abundance of affordable and high power camcorders and editing software available, more bloggers will add video to their repertoire. Video offers an engaging way to reach new audiences, expanding a blogger's reach. Forward-looking bloggers will recognise and embrace this opportunity.
5. Smart phones and the mobile internet will continue to give mums the tools to blog at their leisure. Especially attractive are all in one plans, from mobile phone operators such as Three, which give unlimited data acess at a reasonable fixed cost, eliminating the worry of sky high surprises. (Disclosure: I am a Three Mobile Mum)
6. Blogging conferences will continue to attract audiences, and CyberMummy11 will double in size and sell out (again)!
What are you predictions for 2011?
