Larissa Hirst

There is a reason Miss World Rolene Strauss regularly postsdiary updates on the Miss World website, and that is because blogging is one of the best mediums for the competition and engaging an audience.

I have always loved writing since my early days, so I naturally wanted to blog a little about my journey throughout being involved in Miss England. However, when I first started my blog I had no idea what power the blog could bring and the opportunities it could open for me.

Generate your own press

We have some really good newspapers, local TV and radio stations in Hampshire. However, because it is such a big county it means not all papers will cover all my exploits, and after I have sent in two press releases a week of my charity work, well, they can’t always write about every single one. I mean, I would love it if they could, but there is a lot going on in Hampshire so I understand! I have kept up sending press releases to all the local media outlets, but one way I can guarantee coverage is by writing it myself! A lot of the time once I have submitted a press release, the reporter refers back to my blog for further information. It adds another great multimedia facet and with nearly 13,000 views from around the world, it has become my own little press printing machine!

Show who you are

I can be really open and honest on my blog about who I am because it is from my perspective. I can write in my tone of my voice and I think I know my audience well too so again I get to be the real me. Many people I meet in my charity work and event attendances have read it and actually have a lot more respect for the Miss England ethos because of it which is great! I know longer have to explain what BWAP is, or why we do a bootcamp instead of a bikini round. It shows me for me and allows myself to make an introduction to the world.

Engage with people

The blog has generated some great friendships and debates. In fact, after an event and I have sent all my thankyou’s out the next thing I do is write up about it. It is a great way to thank the event organisers or charity you have helped and continues that relationships one stage further.

It has also introduced me to many of the contestants in Miss England before I have actually met them, which makes it less nerve-wracking for all of us I guess! It is lovely when I meet a new contestant and they say they read my blog – it really just shows how much the blog has grown and I hope it is fun and useful to the girls!

Business & sponsor opportunities

If businesses want you to help promote products, or you have a sponsor, then writing about them in your blog is a great way to thank them and promote them! My sponsor has had bookings off my blog posts, and I always post blogs for the businesses that have supported me. If you are looking for businesses and sponsors then launching a blog is a great way to get your name out there. I have been approached by my local government, charities and even international sportspeople from posting away my thoughts. You never know opportunities a blog could open!

They design and build websites for small businesses, have 16 years of experience and are of course, based in Hampshire – Southampton specifically. They are also rated 5-stars for their commitment to passionate customer service.

So if you want to start your own blog as a business, charity, event or even contestant then go for it! And get in touch with Toolkit Websites if you need anything. http://www.toolkitwebsites.co.uk/