Interview with Sabah Karimi

An interview section is long overdue at Blogging Tips so I am very pleased to announce that I was able to interview Sabah Karimi today, an experienced writer who is currently blogging for the blog network b5media.

Interview with Sabah Karimi

Q. First of all, I would like to thank you for taking part in this interview. For the benefit of our readers who are not familiar with your writing, can you tell us a little about yourself.

A. Of course! I’m a professional freelance writer and marketing consultant, and have been writing for the web and blogging for about a year and a half. I write on a variety of subjects including fashion, style, travel, health/fitness, business, marketing, and internet trends. You’ll find a lot of my articles on Associated Content and HubPages. My offline work has been published in Orlando Style Magazine, Papierdoll, and Dining Out Miami and I’m developing a few blogs on the side.

Q. You grew up in London but moved to the States 12 years ago. What do you miss about the UK?

A. London has a unique charm about it, there’s nothing like a trip to the city for shopping, or just enjoying a cup of tea with scones ;). I miss the culture, the daily life; being able to hop on a bus and explore a new town for an afternoon just isn’t as easy here in the States.

Q. How and when did you get involved in Blogging?

A. I’ve only just started blogging, but have been writing for the web for almost two years. Recent launches include The Latest Luxe (part of the b5Media network), the Orlando Business Blog that focuses on local news and business resources, and I’ve just joined ShinyMedia as a blogger for ShinyStyle.

Q. b5media is one of the biggest and most influential blogging networks on the net. How long have you been blogging for them?

A. I’m a newbie! The Latest Luxe officially launched on August 1.

Q. How does blogging for a large network like B5Media differ from writing for your own blog?

A. b5Media is a great way to get started on an already-established network. You have a lot of freedom in the content you develop and provide, and the community is so committed to helping everyone succeed. I’ve been very impressed with the level of contact between bloggers and sense of community that this network has for its contributors.

Q. The Latest Luxe has been online for just over a month. Are you pleased with the progress the site has made in that time? What can we expect to see from the blog in the next few months?

A. I’m working hard on marketing and promoting the blog, and b5Media helps with this aspect also. Still, a large part of driving traffic is getting the name out there and social networking as much as possible. The site has steady daily traffic, and I’ve received a very response from readers so far.

Over the next few months, I’m looking forward to exclusive interviews with designers and other luxury lifestyle bloggers, as well as introducing unique products that are just entering the uber-luxury market. As soon as I sharpen my techie skills, I would like to jump into podcasting, and perhaps a video segment each week.

Q. Do you plan on launching any new blogs this year?

A. I’m planning on launching my own personal blog (currently a work in progress), along with a blog on educational resources for gifted and talented children, and a personal development blog for girls and women interested in entrepreneurship. I’ll probably launch a blog about London at some point, just to stay up to date on the latest happenings across the ocean!

Q. Will you be attending any blog exhibitions this year, for example the Blog World Expo in November?

A. I haven’t planned anything for this year, but would definitely consider it in 2008 (unless anyone has a spare ticket?)

Q. Whats the number one tip you would give to new bloggers?

A. Take the time to develop your own ‘voice.’ Nothing stands out better than an authentic blog in today’s growing blogosphere, and you may need to develop your writing skills and tone before publishing. When you’re passionate about the topic, you can be creative and make something very unique; don’t be afraid to try different styles, and avoid becoming another ‘echo’ on the web!

Overview

I’d like to send a huge thank you to Sabah Karimi for taking part in this interview and I wish her the best of luck with her new blog, The Latest Luxe.

Sabah will be checking this post out so if you have any questions for her, please post them in the comment area and she will do her best to answer them