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***Cross posted from ModernMami.com***
This post was co-written with Ana Lilian Flores of SpanglishBaby.
When I began blogging in 2006, it was hard for me to find other Latino bloggers. There were some, but in the last year and a half there has been an explosion in how many Latino-owned blogs are now published. In fact, the Blogs By Latinas directory had only 156 registered blogs in October 2009 and, less than a year later, has added 505 new ones, with that number increasing by the day. I think it's all very exciting and couldn't be happier about it.
I've been able to meet some amazing bloggers - and particularly women - who I wouldn't have met otherwise. They are inspiring, smart, and generous. This is something that is not unique to them because they are Latinas, but the fact that they are, provides for an almost-immediate connection amongst us. We are able to relate on various levels, principally on living a bi-cultural life.
But you see, Latina bloggers are outpacing the general market in our growth. According to Sophia Mind, Hispanic women in the U.S. are one of the fastest-growing online demographics, and more than 85 percent of Latinas visit social networks on a regular basis. It makes sense then, that Latina bloggers are now seeing much more interest and engagement from brands and companies. Why? For the same reasons we connect with each other; we are Americans who easily maneuver two cultures - often times two languages as well - and we love our social media, which is perfect for spreading the right message.
Let's take a look at two companies in particular that have successfully engaged with Latina bloggers: General Mills and V-Me.
This past May, General Mills invited 32 Latina bloggers from around the country - flying most of us to Miami at company expense - to participate in the re-launch of Que Rica Vida, its Hispanic-focused family website. The event was unique in that it was the first time in the blogging world that a company focused so heavily on marketing to Latinas. Through attending, we were able to learn about the brand's initiatives, connect with other Latinos (bloggers and journalists), and use our social media presence to share relevant information with our various online communities.
In addition to the efforts of General Mills, there is a group of seven influential Latina bloggers who are being sponsored to attend the BlogHer 2010 conference by V-me, a Spanish-language TV network in partnership with public television. This is the first time any media company is sponsoring a group of bloggers at a major blog conference, let alone a group that is culture-specific. It's a timely decision, as this year, there will be more Latina bloggers at BlogHer than ever before. We will also have a more active role in the conference with the inclusion of the first all-Latina panel session at BlogHer and the Social Fiesta, BlogHer's first Latina-inspired community party in celebration of Latina and Hispanic culture.
By selecting these seven women, each with their own following and niche
