Gotham Polish is growing! In less than six months, I've reached thousands of readers in over 80 countries and created close to 100 posts (this is post 98). Many readers have shared that they have used the Where to Shop list and Map as a guide for finding polish in New York City. I love reading your comments, and these in particular really make me smile because creating a resource for nail polish shopping in NYC was one the reasons I started Gotham Polish!
What's Gotham Polish up to next? The fall top five will be coming soon, and I'm really looking forward to sharing Fashion's Night Out adventures! A recent addition is the Greatest Hits page, which is a collection of pictures I'm particularly amused by. If you are new to Gotham Polish, it's a great place to start.
Recently, several blog awards have been passed along to Gotham Polish. Thank you to Chic & Shiny, Diava's Lacquer Box, Forever '92, Ha Bisky! Nails, Opinionated Little Finger, Polished Casual, Polishically Uncorrect, and Talon-ted But Tawdry for thinking of me :)
One of these awards asked that I share (7) Random Facts. I'd like to share (7) things I've learned as a new nail polish blogger.
1. I've learned... that the size/shape/length of your nails doesn't matter.
Before I started blogging, I was worried that I wouldn't be successful if my nails didn't look like (insert the name of your favorite blogger's nails here). What DOES matter is that you take good care of your nails and cuticles!
2. I've learned... how meaningful feedback is.
For a long time, I was an avid reader of many of nail and beauty blogs. I loved seeing what these bloggers created and bought polish based on their reviews. But not once before starting Gotham Polish did I leave a comment. I had no idea how great an impression leaving a comment makes - and I guess it's hard to fully appreciate this until you have a blog. When you hit "post" and send your thoughts out into the world, it's easy to walk away from your computer like nothing happened. Hearing from the people who are reading what you're putting out there makes it all seem... real.
3. I've learned... to take better pictures.
If you haven't noticed, the photo quality on Gotham Polish has vastly improved over time (ex: swatch number one). Everything has changed, from the lighting set up (I love this swatch in the light box) to how I import images. I'm still looking to improve and through Gotham Polish, I have gotten to know my camera much better.
4. I've learned... there are no 'guidelines' for a nail polish blog.
My advice to new bloggers or those thinking about becoming bloggers would be to think about what you have to offer that's different than what's already out there. Do what you like and post about what you know, and imagine how you can take the blog world by storm with your great ideas! The Lacquerista wrote a great post sharing her thoughts about originality and nail polish blogs.
5. I've learned... I don't need to buy every nail polish.
Another misconception about blogging I had was that I needed to purchase every color that came out right away or else my blog wouldn't be useful. I am now challenging myself to use the colors I have in new ways.
6. I've learned... that Twitter is actually useful.
I used to think Twitter was a place where you would share what you had for lunch and that you're bored at work. I honestly didn't see the point.. until starting Gotham Polish! Now I know Twitter is a great resource for getting a quick answer to a question, reading about the most recent releases, and connecting with other bloggers. I'm GothamPolish if you want to chat!
7. I've learned... there's a LOT of nail polish in New York City
I'll admit, when I moved here, I had no idea what I would do without Ulta, Target, and Sally Beauty. But after exploring and coming across some really great polishes and random stores, I knew I had to let others know about these great places. And that's how Gotham Polish started :)
If you haven't noticed, the photo quality on Gotham Polish has vastly improved over time (ex: swatch number one). Everything has changed, from the lighting set up (I love this swatch in the light box) to how I import images. I'm still looking to improve and through Gotham Polish, I have gotten to know my camera much better.
4. I've learned... there are no 'guidelines' for a nail polish blog.
My advice to new bloggers or those thinking about becoming bloggers would be to think about what you have to offer that's different than what's already out there. Do what you like and post about what you know, and imagine how you can take the blog world by storm with your great ideas! The Lacquerista wrote a great post sharing her thoughts about originality and nail polish blogs.
5. I've learned... I don't need to buy every nail polish.
Another misconception about blogging I had was that I needed to purchase every color that came out right away or else my blog wouldn't be useful. I am now challenging myself to use the colors I have in new ways.
6. I've learned... that Twitter is actually useful.
I used to think Twitter was a place where you would share what you had for lunch and that you're bored at work. I honestly didn't see the point.. until starting Gotham Polish! Now I know Twitter is a great resource for getting a quick answer to a question, reading about the most recent releases, and connecting with other bloggers. I'm GothamPolish if you want to chat!
7. I've learned... there's a LOT of nail polish in New York City
I'll admit, when I moved here, I had no idea what I would do without Ulta, Target, and Sally Beauty. But after exploring and coming across some really great polishes and random stores, I knew I had to let others know about these great places. And that's how Gotham Polish started :)
Thank you, all of you, for welcoming me to the nail polish blog world! I'm excited about where Gotham Polish is headed and hope you'll come along for the ride. <3, Amy
This is a really great and super true post.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on all the growth, and I can't wait to see what happens with Gotham Polish next! ^_^
I love your blog, its an excellent resource! The photos of the bottles animated is hilarious and so creative! Keep up the great work!! <3
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It has a lot of great points and tips. Keep up the great work! Your blog is always a great pleasure to read. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog too! It's quite unique and funny :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post :) Congratulations on having a huge success after only being around for a few months!
ReplyDeletegreat post... keep them coming ;-D
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! And yes, there is a LOT of polish in NYC! I just picked up some more yesterday! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog idea! Just stumbled across your blog, I love the idea and I really agree with your ideas above, especially about doing your own thing on your blog.
ReplyDeleteI blog even though my pictures aren't great, and neither is my blog. But it is for ME, so I don't care. yaay!
Great post! Definitely keep up the great work! I absolutely LOVE your blog and check it frequently.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your awesome words!!! It means sooo much :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on everything! I absolutely love your blog and I'm looking forward to seeing more gorgeous swatches from you!! <3
ReplyDeleteThanks Dori!!!
ReplyDelete