I recently had the chance to interview blogger and internet marketing whiz Kim Castleberry of Just Ask Kim. Most of you know Kim already or you might remember a post I did called Video Blogging Women on the Rise over a year ago. Kim is certainly on the move, and on her blog, she provides in depth tutorials and insights on everything from WordPress blogging and social media to internet marketing, IT and tech.[box]Before we get started with the interview, here's a reminder to check out Kim's Brand New Training program called Timelines For FB Pages[/box]
My Interview with Kim Castleberry
Tell everyone something about your background and what were you doing before you started your blog and consulting business – and who influenced you to get online?
My background is this hodge-podge of growing up in a small business focused family combined with my schooling in pre-veterinary and blended with my strong interests in IT and health. How’s that for a combo? I was blessed to grow up in one of the last mom & pop convenience store businesses, at the heels of my grandparents and really learn a ton about taking care of customers. My mom, who graduated with a degree in programing, before Windows even came out, made it possible for me to grow up around computers. This meant I had no fear of them and enjoyed them and set the stage for me being online from a very young age. That of course simply lead to me naturally wanting to build a business online!
I’ve been talking about YouTube on the blog a lot recently and I’m sure you remember when I did a post last year about you being one of the Video Blogging Women On the Rise. What’s your most popular video on YouTube and why do you think it got so many views?
One of my most popular videos is relatively “expired” now but gained a lot of traction over several months. It’s a very controversial video that spoke out about a product that was actively being launched and over-hyped. Not that it was a bad product but the problem was it was NOT the right product for many of the novices who were buying it! The company was so intent to sell that they were not pointing out the glaring reasons that it was a bad idea for many novices or that there were more sensible alternatives. That video was so controversial and hotly debated that its view rates spiked more than most of my others.
[box type=”note”]Subscribe to Kim's YouTube Channel for updates on blogging, internet marketing, social media and. Add Kim to Google+ Circles and like her on Facebook for even more outstanding content![/box]
I was interviewed by Holly Jahangiri from The Next Goal, and she asked me some tough questions about my personal goals so I want to pose some of those same types of questions to you. Why do you think people fail to reach their goals and what advice would you give someone who might be just starting out and needs to establish goals?
I think there is tons of great advice out there on setting goals and planning. You gave some excellent advice in your own interview. I’d like to take the goal setting a step further and say that it HAS to go beyond the planning stage. Lots of people do great things “on paper” and allow their fear of the unknown to keep it on paper. They fuss and fuss over planning it out just right and never take action. Perfection is another term for PROCRASTINATION. You have to be willing to take imperfect action. It’s the only way you learn. If you’re not making mistakes along the way you’re neither growing or pushing hard enough. Get out of “perpetual planning mode” and DO the things you’ve planned!
I know that you love to answer questions that people have about blogging and social media, hence the appropriate name for your blog: Just Ask Kim. But have you ever had a question that stumped you or that you had to do a ton of research to find the answer to? What was that like?
Oh yes… far more than anyone would believe honestly! I LOVE a good question that makes me do some legwork and WORK a bit LOL! While there’s no doubt I know my material forwards and backwards, it’s impossible for anyone to know the entire breadth and scope of the social tech industry off the cuff. My strongest skills that compensate for this however are really understanding how to find what I need in Google (asking Google the right question is key) and that I have an amazing network of people I’m connected to that I can ask for answers! I ADORE learning new stuff and when someone throws me a question that I don’t know, the hunt is on!
Let’s hear more about your blog. What going on over on your blog right now? What are some of the hot topics that people are commenting on or sharing on social media most often?
Right now, the site has just gotten a fresh coat of paint and I’m busy still setting up a lot of pages, links and theme elements that were not ready at the time I set up the redesign. I’m getting a lot of questions about the theme and it is a custom made skin/child theme for Thesis. I did a lot of the original coding myself but because I’m actually not a designer/developer, I enlisted the assistance of a lovely gal who is, Nile Flores to help me fix some things and work on the art and really help me make it “pop”.
At the moment, the most popuplar posts on my site mostly revolve around Google+ for business use. However, there’s a super-important post about setting up security on your main Google account that is seeing a lot of activity for VERY good reason!
Find out what's next for Kim
What’s next for you, are you working on any projects or products we should be looking forward to? Give us the behind the scenes exclusive – something you haven’t announced yet anywhere else!
Ooh behind the scenes tidbits! I am in the process of bundling up and supplementing a very nice WordPress training course (video format) that I’ve licensed and am planning to expand out. That will be ideal for a lot of the beginners in the community to really get a very solid foundation training. Then I’m also working on bundling up for sale the WordPress SEO course I taught recently that was so much fun. I had a blast with that class and the reviews were great. I really spend a lot of time working on course production and product creation which is a lot of fun.
Thanks for taking the time to do the interview and is there anything else you would like to share or any advice you have for someone who wants to start their own blog, online business or YouTube channel?
My best advice is simply to get out here and DO it. Take action. In fact, take IMPERFECT action because its the only way to learn. Don’t be afraid of “failure” because there is no such thing unless you give up. Don’t make excuses for why you cant… make reasons for why you can! Be sure however, that what you are planning to create content on is something you are 100% passionate about and TRULY would do even if there were no financial reasons. Anything short of this will result just not give you the results you’re hoping for. Treat your business like a business, don’t cut corners and don’t short change it. Everyone out here goes through the learning curve and understands the frustrations. Don’t be afraid to borrow the shoulder or emotional support of a friend who’s “been there, done that” because they can help you through the rough stuff. There has never been more amazing time in history for someone who is truly passionate about helping others succeed!
‘Knowing what to ask Googe’ – My, that’s a science and searching online needs specialized skills – I agree. Maybe in the future, super-searchers can offer their search services to others (as a means of making income)! Jus Kiddin…. Good to know Kim through your blog!
Hi Raj, Kim is an awesome researcher and she always finds the answers to my questions. I’m so glad she shared some tips in this interview.
LOL! Raj I totally agree that there is a bit of a skillset involved in that. Its a skill that’s very hard for me to quantify to others. I would guess that service probably is available from individuals that sell niche research packs and such although I’d never considered doing it myself! I look forward to getting to know you and if you ever get stuck on anything just drop by my Facebook page and ask away! I’ll be glad to help!
Kim
Great interview, Ileane! Kim is a treasure who both knows her stuff and is always willing to help. I have learned so much from Kim, her articles are timely, informative and well-researched.
Hi Carolyn, I thought it would be a great idea to find out what’s new in Kim’s world and to introduce her to the handful of folks that don’t know who she is yet. Thanks so much for stopping by. I see you haven’t hit the mall yet today – I’m staying in too 🙂
Awww, thanks for your kind words and all your support Carolyn! If anyone hasn’t checked out your blog they really should as well. You have lots of cool tech toys and all sorts of things that would make rocking christmas gifts! It’s fun to meet another woman in tech!
Kim
Great interview Ileane! I follow both you and Kimberly and recommend each of you highly. Sometimes I don’t know where Kim finds the time and energy to keep up with all the tips, tricks and news. More than once, Kim has alerted me to a security risk or an update that has bugs in it. I’m very grateful to have both of you in the community of bloggers that I depend upon.
Sherryl, your awesome chica! Energy? I’m not sure about that one, this girl likes her sleep! But I honestly truly enjoy the energy and it’s a lot of fun to keep up on the current social tech. Someone’s gotta do it, might as well be someone that likes it aka me! Thanks again!
Kim
very nice interview ileane.i learned a lot from this interview.please try to interview the Darren Rouse from problogger.
Hey Sai, great to meet you through the Basic Blog Tips blog. Ileane always manages to get great interviews so it wouldn’t surprise me if she gets Darren soon!
Kim
Nice and Inspiring interview Ileane, I have been to Kim blog quite a few number of times and she really has some awesome and informative content in her blog.
yes shiva ileane is always keep the quality of interviews.its really very nice interview 🙂
Hey Shiva, thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you stop by and glad that you know Ileane too. So many awesome people out here on the social web.
Kim
Hey Ileanne,
Great interview. Kim’s blog is actually a regular on my rss list and I visit Just ask Kim all the time. I love learning a little bit more about her personal background. The combination of veterinary and small business background just goes to show how interesting bloggers can be!
Amazing interview Ileane 😀 … Seen her youtube channel too, very impressive videos too 🙂
Why thank you Herbert! I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for stopping in and I look forward to getting to know you 🙂
Kim
Thanks Kim 🙂
Ileane and Kim,
Great interview. Ileane you asked great questions. I found the post very captivating.
Kim you really know your stuff and have a really great blog. I have just started visiting your blog but have learned allot every time I visit.
Thanks for a lot of really great information.
Dee Ann
Ileane thanks for the lovely introduction and warm welcome by your community here at Basic Blog Tips. It was a pleasure to be interviewed and a lot of fun. You rock chica!
Kim
I’ll immediately grasp your rss as I can not in finding your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Nice to meet you Kim, I just came back here to comment after checking out your blog, I gotta say, the colors are beyond AWESOME 😀 and I love the way you organized your sidebar, very clear and simple.
Cant wait for your WordPress training video.
And Thank You Ileane for giving us a chance to get to know Kim. 🙂
Take care guys.
Why thank you Sayed! I was looking for something different than the rest with a lot of “shine” and it came out pretty fun. I’m not done working on that theme redesign and you probably noticed my font colors are not yet a perfect match, but I’m getting close!
Kim
PS: Check out the twitter ID setting for your tweet buttons, its currently got your url rather than your twitter ID in there LOL!
Thanks Kim, I just fixed it, For some reason I set it up like that in share-bar a long time ago. It should say via CAWebsiteIncome now. 😀
Thanks again.
Nice to meet you Kim, thank you for nice post i am new in marketing and i just today know about kim ,its really interesting and information able interview
It’s a pleasure to meet you Ioana 🙂 Welcome both to marketing and to the community! Keep hanging around Ileane and so many of the other high caliber bloggers in the industry and you’re sure to do very well. Drop by my facebook page if you get stumped anywhere and ask me questions there, more than happy to help any time.
Kim
Nice to know about Kim. Thank you so much for the interview. this type of interviews let others know about great personalities. thanks so much.
Hey Atish, great to meet you through the Basic Blog Tips blog 🙂
Kim
Same here Kim. thank you for your reply.
Really great interviewed Ms. Ileane …
I am a regular reader of Kim’s blog ‘Just ask Kim’ and I really enjoy her writings !!
Kim on the move is an understatement. lol Kim is one of those bloggers that I can’t help to be in awe of. I see her everywhere at all times of the day. In fact, last night, after midnight I was watching one of her subscriber only videos and I subscribed to her on YouTube and within minutes she had subscribed back. She’s all over blogging, Twitter, G+ and Facebook. She gives that “extra” touch by going above and beyond on everything she does including her blog and newsletter subscribers. I wish I had just a fraction of that energy. Sorry for sounding like a testimonial but I can’t help it.lol Great interview!
Well done on carrying out such a brilliant interview! It was lovely to read. Thank you 🙂
That’s a great interview! It’s always good to hear the perspective of a pro!
great interview! She brings up a good point – in essence, a good butt-kicking to get on it. I have a video (my first) that I’ve been working on but have been letting myself procrastinate on. And the truth is, if I am honest with myself it’s because I think it will look amateur! She’s right though, I have to start somewhere.
Hi Kim,
Did we meet at a Chicago WordPress gathering last year when you came this way with Nile Flores?
Nice to know about Kim. Its good to know about such personality. Thanks BBT for this interview.
That’s so great that you decided to take an interview with Kim! I visit her blog every day and follow all her interesting posts. She always provides everyone with interesting and topical information. And it was so interesting to read more about her as a personality! Thanks a lot
Ms. Ileane and Kim,
Great interview! I loved it! I know that Kimberly is very knowledgeable about many aspects of WordPress and computers in general. I was always wondering how she got her start. Now I know that her Mom was a programmer before Windows! I have a short list of blogs that I try to visit everyday and I suggest my blog followers do as well. Kimberly’s blog Just-Ask-Kim is on that list, so obviously I think very highly of Kimberly and her blog. Finally, her advice in the end is just perfect! Just get out there and DO IT! When it comes to getting started with something, my advice is almost always the same: “Anything is Better than Nothing!” Thanks to both of you for the Great Interview!
Take Care,
Jupiter Jim
Kim must be an iron lady. She have goals to achieve & execute her plans well. Visiting Kim’s site now to access her ‘knowledge’. many thanks to Ileane for this interview info.
Great interview with Kim here; good going by both of you. Kim, I think it’s interesting that the most number of views you’ve received on a video was on something controversial. Did you think it would be controversial when you did the video, or was your initial purpose to be educational and it just kind of took off in its own direction?
Hi Ileane
Yep, of cause I know Kim. She has helped me out more than once. She always seems to know what is going on and every time I visit her blog I learn something new. I have no doubt that she is using a lot of time online helping other bloggers and learning new stuff herself. I am just glad I don’t have to handle her E-mail inbox. It must be quiet a mess and I am not taking about spam 😉
Whenever I have I problem with my WordPress blog that I can’t figure out JustAskKim is the first place I will be looking.
WOW this just great interview.
Kim, I actually one of your readers, and yeah i like your stuff so much specially when you talk about facebook 😀 .
Honestly, the only thing i don’t like is your new blog desgin 🙁 the old version was much better and so nice for the eyes, when I was on your blog before i feel like i wanted to stay more.
Wish you the best,
Faissal
this interview is really very very interesting.you asked very nice questions and answers also really very nice.this interview is really inspiring 🙂
Big fan of you Kim and of course you as well Ileane. What makes you successful is your energy and approachability in your video podcasts and social media presence. You two have that “ask me and I can help you” aura that is contagious and your reputations are good from having quality policies and ideals around branding and promotion.
Though I am on a completely different blog path than you both, I enjoy whenever our paths cross.
Great exchange of thoughts from Kim. You inspire us. Thanks for posting. You motivate us.
I am follower of Kim in blogging tips. I am regular reader of Kim’s blog. I like all tips provided by Kim.
i read Kim’s blog it’s just fantastic and inspiring for all new comers in blogging world 🙂 Thnx kim for your blogging tips 🙂
yeah ! you are right dude ! blogging tips published in Kim’s blogs are just awesome and infect it help me lot to improve my blogging skill 😀 big big thanx to her 🙂
I added Kim on Google+. Thanks for doing this. She certainly has a lot to share!
Great interview with one of the great go-givers of the blogging world, and a valuable in-depth look at the thought process that goes on behind the growth of a powerhouse.