MY BLOGGING TIPS

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Love what you do
This applies with everything in life but I think that you really need to enjoy writing and have a passion for whatever it is that you’re blogging about. I started my blog because I was inspired by other beauty bloggers and I already loved to write so it was perfect for me. Don’t start a blog because everyone else has one - do it for you! If you don’t enjoy it or don’t have a passion for it then it will show in your posts so there is little point!

Be aware

I wasn’t. I had no understanding of how much work one post could be. There is the brainstorming, finding lighting, setting up, taking photos, uploading photos, editing photos, retaking photos, selecting which photos you want to use, editing photos, writing posts, editing posts, writers block, finding links, inserting links… You get the picture. It’s alot of work. I think that’s where I was a little naive, I assumed it was going to be easy! I’m not complaining one bit - I love the whole process (apart from shitty lightening, damn you winter) but I think you need to be aware before you start blogging that it is alot of work but if you enjoy it than you don’t see it as a chore. Understandably, full-time bloggers get so annoyed (and I do too) when people say that being a full-time blogger is an easy job or see them as unemployed people. No way are they! Full-time blogging is just as time consuming and hard work as other jobs.

Don’t go in with expectations instead work on your content

This is one I feel really strongly about because I see so many fresh bloggers starting out with Disclosure tabs for companies right from day one. If you’re going to start out thinking that you’ll be receiving media releases right from day one you aren’t going into blogging for the right reasons! I think if you’re really passionate about starting a blog then you should be focusing on creating fantastic posts and not about ‘free stuff’. Same goes for followers - don’t go into it expecting too reach 100 followers in a week! Followers will come with time and effort. Don’t expect anything from anyone; followers, companies, no one but you - expect that you’ll blog about things you love and concentrate on really improving your content.

I’m not saying go out and buy an expensive camera and lightening - hell I don’t even have either of those and I’m in no way a great photographer! Take baby steps. For me I felt it was more important (and cheaper) I blog for a substantial amount of time and get my writing/how I set out posts where I wanted it too be. Now I feel I am happy with that part of my blog I’m researching and learning about how to improve my photography and lightening. Baby steps! Nobody expects you to know it all right away :)

GFC or Bloglovin

I strongly advise for you too make yourself available on Bloglovin and GFC as these are currently the most used platforms for reading blogs. I think that alot of new bloggers make the mistake of hiding GFC because they want people to follow them only via Bloglovin. Ultimately, it’s not you who will be operating the readers - it’s your followers so let them decide which platform to follow you on. Personally if I click into a blog and they don’t have both options I click out. I prefer to use GFC because it’s easier for me and vise versa for others. If I click into a blog that has both I follow with both because the one I want is there and they obviously would appreciate me following via Bloglovin’ as well.

Social Media

Pretty straight forward but like the Bloglovin Vs GFC point some people like following you on different platforms so make yourself accessible and update regularly. I think that Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are the three main platforms to sign up for. As soon as you upload a new post alert your followers via the platforms so that they’re aware! If I see my favourite blogger tweets about a post I put a mental note in my brain to read later and I do go back to read it later. Also on twitter and Instagram make use of the hash tags! #bbloggers for beauty bloggers, #lbloggers lifestyle for bloggers and #fbloggers for fashion bloggers - you’ll be amazed on how many people (including myself) trawl those hash tags for new blogs to follow.

Comments

This is probably one of those things that grinds most bloggers gears. ‘Hi I’ve just started my blog check it out. BIG GIVEAWAY. Follow me!’ and they’re not following you OR on an outfit post ‘Cool product. Follow me, I follow back.’ these comments not only make you look silly but they just annoy the blogger, readers and they’re a complete waste of time. If you’re starting out commenting on a post and leaving your link is a great way to start getting your name out there - I still comment and leave my link. The key to doing this though is too comment with a meaningful comment that is relevant too the post that you’re commenting on. Then sign off with your blog link. Nine times out of ten I will look at a blog link that is left when the comment is relevant and show that the person has actually read the content and I think other bloggers do too!

On your terms

I never write a post for the sake of getting one up - I always do it when I feel inspired and ‘in the zone’ I guess you could call it. When you start gaining more followers don’t feel pressured to blog everyday or provide more content because of a larger audience. Blogging is your hobby, it’s your blog and you control it. Never feel pressured to have a blog schedule or have companies bully you into providing content. I know that I’ve definitely had times where I have felt as though I have had to provide content daily because of increased followers but the truth is your followers don’t mind if you’re not providing posts everyday so stop stressing! If each time you blog you’re happy with your post than chances are other people will be too. I learnt that the hard way. Never post something you’re not proud off or you wouldn’t want to read.

I think that’s enough for today. I feel as though I have so much more to say but I don’t want this post to be too long. I do hope this helps bloggers that are starting out or are unsure! Just make sure you’re loving what you’re doing.

Do feel free to share other tips in the comments too :)

About Sarah
I'm a retail manager by day and a blogger by night aiming to bring you the newest beauty, fashion and lifestyle news. More Than Adored was created to help beauty lovers, like myself, make informed decisions when it comes to buying new goodies.