Blog Spotlight: I Luv 2 Globe Trot
January 10, 2016 Blogs
Nicole Brewer and Renee Evans began their travel and expat lifestyle blog I Luv 2 Globe Trot while working as English teachers in South Korea in 2012. Now based in Muscat, Nicole spoke to MediaSource about the blog’s evolution, the tourism industry in Oman, and growing an online travel community.
What inspired you to start blogging?
I was living and teaching abroad in South Korea when my business partner and I started I Luv 2 Globe Trot. We were members of travel communities and figured why not start our own community based on our travels to inspire others to do the same.
How do you differentiate your blog from other travel blogs?
What’s pretty awesome about I Luv 2 Globe Trot is that it was started by two women who met in South Korea and now have taken different paths in Oman and Australia. We combine stories about travel and living an expat lifestyle.
We are actually in the process of developing a travel app and will incorporate elements of the app, mentorship and a travel community to the site soon - so we really are more than just a blog, but a travel site and community. We also currently have a Facebook community of fellow globetrotters, or GTs as we like to call them, who all give each other advice about travel and expat life.
How do you grow your blog’s audience?
You’ve got to stay true to who you are at the end of the day when it comes to your blog and retaining readership. I’ve put a lot of effort into getting featured in online publications, such as National Geographic Travel and even had a writer for BBC Travel reach out after finding the blog. I know this has played a role in growing our audience.
What’s been your observations of the blogging scene in Oman, and the Gulf in general?
I’m very grateful to be in this region right now and to be documenting experiences in Oman. It has topped numerous lists this year for up-and-coming destinations, which in turn has seen people researching about it and finding I Luv 2 Globe Trot. Brands are looking for exposure here and I’ve been able to form some great partnerships and do reviews of amazing hotels due to being based in this region.
How do you work with PRs and marketers?
I’ve been working more and more with marketing companies doing hotel and restaurant reviews and would love to grow in this area.
What’s your take on sponsored and paid content?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some great campaigns, such as those with Hipmunk, and I’m all for working with brands if it’s responsible content. While some may blog for leisure and pleasure, there is nothing wrong with working from a business aspect and generating income from sponsored content in my opinion.
What advice would you give to anyone considering starting their own blog?
Just go for it. It’s been one of the best decisions ever.
Are you open to being pitched to by PRs and brands?
Yes indeed - I’m all about growing and establishing professional relationships.
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