Melissa Willms Outnumbered 3 to 1 Blogger An Interview

Melissa is a hard working blogger who writes up product reviews but also adds posts about her family. She is authentic in all that she does. Her layout for her review posts is outstanding. They grab your attention and keep you reading. You have to check out her “disclosure policy” at the end of her posts when she has received a product!

Tell me about your Blog –

Outnumbered 3 to 1 is a blog about my journey through life as an outnumbered mama in a house full of boys. I love to review products and share fun giveaways with my readers. I like to participate in a couple of weekly memes too, like Wordless Wednesday and Aloha Friday. I like to keep it real on my blog and show off who I really am as a person.

What was your first blog?

I started my first blog ShimmerMeBlue in December of last year to help promote my Etsy shop and get my name out there. I still blog there about my crafting adventures. I will be working on that one a lot more in the new year.

What is the biggest tip you would give to product reviewers?

I am by far no expert since I just started reviewing in March, but this is the biggest thing I have learned along the way – Do NOT get discouraged. In the beginning, a lot of companies and PR will say no. You will probably get a lot more people telling you no than yes. Many of them want you to build your blog and readership first. If you are willing to work hard at growing your readership and putting a lot of effort into your blog, it will pay off. Like all things in life, you get what you put into it. Just keep at it and don’t give up if this is really something that you want to do.

Are you contacted by advertisers or do you contact them or both?

In the beginning I contacted all of the companies I worked with. As my blog has grown and my name has gotten out there, I have had quite a few pitches to me.

What is your favorite product that you have reviewed?

I can not narrow it down to one favorite. Some of the products at the top of the list include the Nintendo DSi, Hoover Platinum Cordless Stick Vac (it’s gotten everyone in house into vacuuming, so that’s always a good thing!), the Rupert Backpack from High Sierra, Bakewear from Wilton and so many more. The list could literally go on and on. I have had the chance to try some great products and work with some wonderful people.

Here’s a few links to some of my other favorite reviews:

Crazy Dog T-shirts Review

Nintendo

What do advertisers do that you wish they wouldn’t/ do that you like?

I wish companies and PR would take a look at my blog before they pitch to me; or at least get the name of my blog right. I love the PR that actually do take a look at my blog and get to know me in a sense. I like a more personal approach.

What do bloggers do that you wish they wouldn’t/do that you like?

I really wish some bloggers would stop giving us all a bad name by taking products with no plan on writing a review, or bashing companies and other bloggers alike. I like bloggers that don’t get into the drama of it all and give their honest opinions.

What advertiser would you like to work with given a chance?

With so many great companies and products out there, there are too many to list! I would love to work with Sony, Sealy, Dyson and Hewlett Packard just to name a few.

Where do you see growth in the blogging field?

I have seen major growth in the reviewing community. More and more bloggers are getting into reviews and giveaways.

What is one thing about you that not many people know?

There are a lot of things about me that people don’t know unless they really get to know me. One of those things is how caring and compassionate I can be. I don’t let that side of me be shown to everyone, just those closest to me.

What’s your favorite book?

Anything by James Patterson

What is on your iPod?

Would you believe nothing? I don’t own one. Crazy huh? I listen to and enjoy a lot of different music though. Death Metal and Opera are two that I cannot deal with though.

What are your contact details?

Email – shimermeblue23{at}yahoo.com
Company – ShimmerMeBlue – www.shimmermeblue.etsy.com
Blog(s) – Personal www.outnumbered3-1.blogspot.com
Crafty – www.shimmermebluedesigns.blogspot.com
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=100000300295636

What events do you attend?

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to attend any Blogger Events yet. I hope that will change in 2010!

How do you prefer to communicate?

I prefer communication through email.

Who would you recommend, and why?

I’m not sure if you mean bloggers or PR, so I’m going to mix it up with a little bit of both. I have met some wonderful bloggers and PR alike, so I’d like to recommend them.

Jennifer from Eighty MPH Mom
Erin from Mrs Cox’s Slice of Heaven
Jackie from Monkey Mayhem
Casey from A Couch With A View
Andrea from Momma’s Review
Lizzy from Lizzy Dear’s Life
Kristin from Our Ordinary Life
Victoria, Katie, Brian and Dan from Rocket XL
Bill from Crazy Dog T-shirts, Nacho Mama Tees and Purple Pig Tees – http://www.crazydogtshirts.com/
Alicia from Landau PR

There are so many more I could list too.

What is one thing people can do for you?

I would love for people to read my blog, get to know me and refer me to companies and PR they work with!