Creating Pins

I recently took a webinar on creating pins for Pinterest. I didn't even know you could make your own pins! As I listened to the hostess, I couldn't believe this wasn't something I've been doing all along. Since I found Canva several months ago, I've been creating my own posts. You may have seen several of them on Facebook and Instagram. But I never knew I could create pins! How fun.

Now, I won't lie. It is a bit tricky to figure out exactly how to pin them properly, but I learn as I go. I created my first pin to advertise my newsletter to new and future readers. I created what I wanted on Canva, went to my Pinterest account, selected "upload an image" from the Pin icon, and selected the image. Now, here's what threw me: When I selected "view pin," I saw a blank pin. But, now I know to refresh the page and I'll see my latest creation. I then, added the URL I wanted the pin to link to. It's so much fun!

Here are a few tips I learned about creating pins from the webinar:

• Choose the type of headline you want to use
• Choose the image format you want to use
• When creating product pins (these are what I create), pick your layout, add a human element, add an inspirational quote, demonstrate how the product can be used.
• Think outside the box.

Here are the two pins I've created so far:

If you're interested in learning more about creating pins, check out the webinar.

Have you created your own pins? I'd love to see them! Post them in the comments, and I'll give them a like.

Grammarly

Several months ago, I discovered a wonderful new online site/app called Grammarly. If you're not familiar with it, Grammarly works with all of your online content, whether it's a blog post, social media update, email, or shared document. As you type, the app will show you when you've made a grammar or spelling error. It's a wonderful tool to use for all of your posts to help them look clean and neat.

You can sign up for the free editor and browser extension which corrects over 150 types of errors. There's an online community to ask and answer questions about English writing, a handbook with grammar and style explanations, an online dictionary and thesaurus, and, of course, a Facebook community, Twitter page, and blog. So many places to get the help you need when creating your content!

Then, there's Grammarly Premium. This paid upgrade looks for over 250 grammatical errors, includes suggestions to enhance your vocabulary, detects plagiarism, and provides citation suggestions. This is a great package for students because you can even use it on your Word docs. There are three payment plans to choose from to help find the best one for your budget.

Check out the different packages Grammarly offers and find the right one for you.

Happy Birthday, America

Great Blog for College Students

I recently discovered a blog for college students, and I'm really enjoying the information it provides. As Life Grows  provides great information for college Freshman about college life, relationships, and favorite things. The website has courses you can sign up for as well to help prepare you for your freshman year and get through it with ease. Right now Samantha Kearns, the blogger, is offering a preparation class for freshman students who are starting in the fall called "Launch into Freshman Year." 

Of course, you don't have to sign up for the courses. They are a bonus of the website if you feel you want to take them. But there's plenty of free information, as well. Take a look at the posts and you'll get an idea if the blog is right for you. You can sign up to receive Samantha's newsletter, which provides more tips and tricks. She has put a lot of thought into the information she provides, and I think it's a great resource.

While you're touring the blog, be sure to register to receive free printables, including an ebook, organization tips, studying tips, and so much more. 

I love researching blogs for my readers, and I hope you enjoy As Life Grows. Let me know if you check it out, and if it's useful to you.