Amazon Dash Button - How to Set It Up & My Review

Pic by Lauren Hamilton

Amazon Dash Buttons came out last year in 2015. They are small, plastic pods that allow you to order your home food, drink, health, and beauty essentials with the click of a button. So basically, if you run out of laundry detergent and you have a Tide button above your dryer, simply press it and more detergent will be delivered to your doorstep. No device needed! There are currently over 100 brands that have an Amazon Dash Button, and that list is growing fast! 

I just purchased my first Amazon Dash Button, and got it in the mail. My first impression: cute, small, and great packaging. When I took it out of the box, I pressed the button a few times (not on purpose) and proceeded to panic. Note: If you press the button, don't worry; you have to set up your Amazon Dash Button first! I then grabbed the directions at the bottom of the box. Make sure you don't miss them because they are easy to miss. I didn't see them the first time! 

Setting Up Your Amazon Dash Button

1. Download the latest version of the Amazon shopping app on your iPhone, Android, or Fire phone.
2. Launch the Amazon Shopping app on your phone and then click "Menu" on the top left (it's the icon that looks like three bars). Scroll down and click on, "Your Account." Then, under "Dash Devices" press, "Set Up A New Device." From there you simply have to follow the directions. A few things to keep in mind: You must have a WiFi connection, and you must have an Amazon Prime Account to order/use the button. TIP: Have your WiFi password on hand as you will need it in order to set up your Amazon Dash Button.
3. Once you've successfully set up your button, you just have to figure out where to put it. I would suggest a place that allows you to easily see the button so you can use it as a reminder. However, it's up to you. Place the button wherever you'd like!
4. When you're ready to reorder, all you have to do is press the button. Red means it didn't go through, and green means you've successfully made the reorder! I will be pressing my button again soon; Violet loves her dog treats!

photo by Lauren Hamilton

Here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Turn ON notifications. When you're setting up your Amazon Dash Button, you have the option of being notified after you've made a reorder. This is great because if you accidentally press it, you'll get a notification on your phone and be able to cancel it before it's shipped.
2. Use the adhesive. This ensures that it will stay in one place and not move around. You don't want to lose your button! 
3. Make sure the details are correct. When you're setting up your dash button, double check that your name & address are correct. It never hurts to take another look.

Let's get into the pros and cons of the Amazon Dash Button:

THE CONS

• You have to pay $4.99 for each button. So, if you're a Prime Member, you get a $4.99 credit AFTER your first "click" of the button. And, you can do this for each button you purchase. However, if you don't make that first "click" you will not get the $4.99 credit. I still think the price is too high even though you have a chance to get the $4.99 credit. At the end of the day, the money still comes out of your pocket and into Amazon's. Why not reduce the cost?
• The button could be smaller. Yes, it’s already small. But, imagine if you have one in each room. They start to stick out. And if it’s something that goes on a small appliance like a coffee maker, it’s not cute boo. My suggestion is that they make different sizes.
• Need more brand selection. Since buttons just came out in 2015, there’s not a huge selection.  
• Put a magnet in it. The first thing I did when I got my button is try to put it on my fridge. It fell. I get that Amazon wants you to put the button near the item you’ll be reordering, but I want it in a place I often go to so I don’t forget. 
•  Lastly, I'm still mad about these buttons being $4.99!

THE PROS

• Makes life easier and saves time. Press a button and BAM! You get your package without even getting out a device. Now, that's love!
• It’s a great reminder. Seeing one of these is a great reminder to reorder whatever I need.
• It’s easy to set up and use. It took me under 10 minutes to set up my button.

Overall, I think the Amazon Dash Button is worth it ESPECIALLY if you live a busy and active life. However, Amazon needs to figure out a way to make them cheaper. If I wanted 10 of them, there's no way I would spend $50. After all, each time I press the button, I'm spending money. Hopefully, the price will go down to $2 each or less.

Ready to get your first Dash Button? Press the image below to get started!

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. Also, I made a video that details the set up process here:

The Blogging Life: What It's Like to Write for A Living vs. Your Own Blog

As many of you know, I've been blogging for over 6 years. This includes my own blog, and also work I've done for other websites. There are major differences in writing your own blog compared to writing paid pieces for a website, such as:

Your Own Blog vs. Writing for A Website (paid)

1. Prepare to Pitch, Edit, and Rewrite

When you are being hired to write a blog for a website, you have to abide by the established tone and standards. Sure, you've been hired because of your skills and voice, but that doesn't mean you get complete freedom. For example, I write for a top entertainment website--The Richest--and I have rewritten one piece four times to please my editor (over 16 hours). I pitched several spins on the same topic, and then kept editing and eventually rewriting several times until my editor was happy. If you want to succeed as a professional blogger, you have to be able to go the extra mile. My editor was happy with my work; she simply felt spinning the piece in a different way would increase the amount of views. You cannot take things personally when it comes to writing for a website. 

In terms of your own blog, you have complete freedom. You can choose to post about a specific topic, and edit each post if you feel like it. However, you still have to respect the needs of your audience, and work hard to keep them reading. 

2. Money, Money, and Mo' Money

There are the lucky few who are making big money on blogging, such as Perez Hilton. However, for the majority of peeps, it's not very lucrative. Or, the money that you make isn't consistent. Writing for a website allows you to make a consist amount of money if you're good at what you do. For example, because I have had viral posts on The Richest, I am now able to write as many articles as I would like each month. Typically, you have to prove yourself in order to start making good money as a Freelance Writer. When I first started blogging, my payment per piece was incredibly low. 

The reason that I tell people to really think about writing for your own blog, or for a website is because it takes time to grow your audience. However, you can make BIG money once you get a following and learn how to market to your audience.

3. It's All About Who You Know

When you write for an established brand, such as BuzzFeed or Mashable, that will begin to open up doors because they are recognizable and respected names. After I worked for a celebrity brand as well as large corporations, I started to get opportunities I was never afforded. Sometimes in your career you have to make smart decisions; working with a successful company in your field is a great example of that.

The great thing is if you're a Freelance Writer, you can easily maintain your own blog while also writing for other websites. Just focus on being creative and working your tail off. Soon enough you will begin to see results. What I mean by working hard is not occasionally putting in an extra hour or two. Working hard is doing what I am doing now: Writing on a Sunday when all of my friends are out having drinks. #DoWhatYouHaveToDo.

Those are just a few differences between blogging for your own website and being paid to write for a different one. The important thing to figure out is which path you want to take, and then to stick with your plan. However, if a career changing opportunity comes up, be open to it!

Keep in mind that all of my advice is meant for those who don't already have a hugely successful blog, or website. For those that do, obviously you can create revenue by having a strong marketing and content strategy in place. If you need advice, feel free to email me at: HamiltonWriting@gmail.com. My consulting fees are completely reasonable. 

What It's Like Being A Social Media Consultant for the King of Vine - Andrew Bachelor

As many of you know, I've been working with Andrew Bachelor--the King of Vine--since last year. It has been a great experience and he's truly one of the nicest people I've ever met! And, everyone in his family has a big heart. They help out people and always give to those in need. Andrew even has his own foundation called, The RuJohn Foundation.

Andrew Bachelor with Prime Minister of Jamaica, Portia Simpson Miller

I'm often asked, how did you start working with Andrew? Well, as a writer who wanted to work with him, I simply reached out to his agent. After weeks of waiting--since the King of Vine is so busy--Andrew emailed me. He wanted to know how I could help him out. I quickly sent over my resume and told him I would like to work with him. But, not collaborate; I wanted to be on his team. Sort of like Kevin Hart has his own core team of people who are behind the scenes -- that's what I wanted to be for Andrew.

When I met with #KingBach in a restaurant in Hollywood, CA last year he was extremely courteous and attentive. He had not only looked over my resume but also thoroughly researched me online. This is what I realized...

Smart and successful people are protective of who they allow into their circle 

As we started talking I offered him bottled water and even food, but he politely declined. I could tell he was on a mission to get to know me and understand my motives/what I could contribute to his goals. A few questions he asked:

"What are your long-term goals?"

"How many projects do you have fully complete?"

"Do you have your own transportation to get around?"

He clearly wasn't playing around. Luckily, I wasn't either and fully answered his questions. And, I passed! From that point on, Andrew and I have been working together. My main focus has been on his social media strategy and growing audience engagement. It's been fun and a pleasure to work with such a nice man who is also famous and incredibly talented. 

In future postings I will start to share some of my experiences with Andrew, reveal some of my social media tips that I've implemented, and much more. Stay tuned and feel free to write any comments or ask any questions.

And, make sure to subscribe to this blog/follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Single_Never_Married - An Original Web Series

Hello world!

As many of you know, I created, wrote, executive produced, and starred in my web series about dating called Single_Never_Married. It is also based off the book I wrote called How to Get Real About Dating. The web series was selected to be in the Los Angeles Web Festival this year, which was a great experience. Here's an episode if you haven't seen it --

The first season is done and we have two left to publish on Youtube. This has been a great experience and now I am planning on doing the second season. There are MAJOR surprises in store! I'm adding three more main characters and expanding the shows. It's going to be like a mixture between Girls and Sex in the City. In the second season, issues around age, acceptance, sexuality, love, and relationships are discussed.

As of now, I want to pitch it to Lifetime, or OWN. I think it would be a great fit! I am also looking for investors to fund the second season and take it to the next level. If you know of anyone or have interest in investing please email me at HamiltonWriting@gmail.com. We're looking to raise around $35,000. Plus, we can get famous actors and already have a business proposal with all of the details.

Michael Sam: NFL's First Openly Gay Player

It's official, history is made: Michael Sam is the first openly gay man to be in the National Football League! 

Photo Credit: CBS Sports

The news came to Michael on Saturday evening as he sat with his boyfriend looking courageous despite not hearing his name being called as the seventh round picks began being named. Although he looked confident and strong, I was getting worried. Why was the SEC co-defensive player of the year in 2013 not chosen in the second or third round? He's all the things you'd like to see in an NFL player: talented, respectful, classy, motivated, multi-dimensional, and smart. This was very obvious to me when I met him a few weeks ago in Los Angeles, California with his adorable boyfriend, Vito Cammisano.

Yes, his name was called late but the important thing is that Michael Sam made it into the NFL! The St. Louis Rams are lucky to have such a great football player. I know coach Jeff Fisher will handle the situation with dignity and grace.

Congrats, Michael Sam!!

KingBach: The Set of "Happy" Parody with Bart Baker!

Get ready, peeps, because two celebrities are coming together to make a hilarious video and I guarantee it's going to go viral! 

Andrew Bachelor (#KingBach)

and

#Bart Baker

Bart Baker is known as the King of Parodies and recently had his parody of Katy Perry's "Dark Horse" go viral. Andrew Bachelor is known as the King of Vine and also stars in several television shows. They are teaming up to a parody music video of Pharrell's huge hit song, "Happy". I was on set to film behind-the-scenes footage of Andrew Bachelor for his fans. Here are a few pictures I captured. Make sure to watch out for their video, which will be out this Saturday. Links are at the end of this post!

 

Andrew Bachelor signing a picture for one of his fans.

         

Bart Baker during a break.  

Andrew Bachelor thinking about his dance moves.

 The set!

 Some of the actors from the video.

 Andrew Bachelor during a break. The man never stops working!

 Andrew Bachelor dancing for the camera.

 Bart Baker as he thinks about the next scene.

Me looking like a dork. 

Links: 

Andrew's Twitter

Bart Baker's Twitter

Andrew's YouTube

Bart Baker's YouTube

My Twitter

Lauren Hamilton Featured at UCLA's Career Week!

I'm excited to say that I will be a part of UCLA's Career Week in April! I will be at various events as well as on a panel with other industry professionals. 

This is an honor for me and I'm excited to be a part of the panel. My book, How to Get Real About Dating, is also being sold in UCLA's book store. Feel free to join me at the event and also pop in and purchase a book.

You can also follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.