I’ve had this blog for a while now, but only this year did I decide to make something of it rather than just a place of incoherent ramblings that not many cared for. I’ll be the first person to say I am not a perfect blogger. I’m really not. But having said that, I’m really proud of myself for getting a growth in my blog. From the occasional view every so often to around 100 views a day for someone with my experience and the efforts I put into my blog is amazing. I’ve got a hell of a long way to go before I can consider myself an expert or professional, but I’ve learnt a lot which I can pass onto newbies and have been doing for friends who have been considering joining the blogging world. I’m not saying this will be the best advice you’ve ever been given, but it’s what I feel has helped me and may be of use to you. So, without further ado…
1. Blog about what you love
I’m not saying it has to be one topic only. I cover multiple topics on my blog, I feel like for me it would be wrong to just cover the one since I’m interested in a multitude of things and have a lot I could say about each of them. What I’m saying is, blog about things that interest you and not what you think will interest others despite not being interested. You need to be able to know what you’re talking about, give honest opinions, show passion in each post. If you don’t like what you blog about, you’re not going to enjoy it.
2. create social media profiles
I feel like most of my traffic comes from my socials. Twitter and Facebook are my biggest and that’s all I really use. You don’t need thousands of different accounts, but I feel like it’s vital to have some. I use Twitter and Facebook the most for my personal life, so to use them for my blog is the easiest. Use what you are most comfortable with. I know a lot of people are using Pinterest which is still something I’m trying to learn about, so I can’t give my personal opinion on it, but I do know many bloggers who think it’s incredible.
3. Join blogging communities
Honestly, probably the biggest thing that’s helped me is joining blogging communities. I mainly use Facebook group ones and they are of extreme use. From growing your platforms to learning tips and tricks, you even gain friends and regular readers. Everyone is there for the same reason- to get the best out of their blogging experience. So, find some groups – be it Facebook, Twitter, wherever. My personal favourites are Bloggers Helping Each Other, South Wales Bloggers, Beauties on Fire and Millennial Bloggers Collective. I also recently told you about how I had created my own community by making a group based for my age range. I love blogging communities and felt like there was room for one for people around my age, so 90s Baby Bloggers was born.
Another thing that’s worth doing is partaking in blogger chats on Twitter. This is something new I’m getting to learn about but so far I’ve had great experiences! I particularly enjoy ones hosted by @TheBloggersHub_, @WelshBloggersRT and though it’s vlog based, @VloggersChatUK is great fun, too. You make new friends and find inspiration, which is always a positive.
4. You don’t have to be a professional photographer
For the longest time I was stressing because I don’t take my own photos. When I first began blogging, I had nowhere to take photos of products I wanted to write about and I’m no professional. Though my 2017 blogging goals is to use my new room/space to practise photography and taking my own photos, you don’t have to stress. There’s ways around it. The best way if you need photos that aren’t for products is to use websites with free images. Ones that allow you to use their photos. Ones I’m currently a fan of are Negative Space, Stokpic and Kaboompics. Websites will explain if they want credit or the license info, so make sure you read up on it. I also have a new phone which seems to be of a better quality. You don’t need a DLSR!
5. Remember why you’re blogging
Don’t become a blogger if you’re in it for the free things or just to become the next Zoella. That’s not how it works. True, people such as Zoella and Tanya Burr did influence my decision, but because the fun they had and the fact I knew I could create similar content based on my own passions. Not long after I started blogging, I saw a friend get freebies and instantly thought I had to try and get some to be a valued blogger. That’s not true. Your content needs to be true to you, what you want to share and the like. The more original content you create, the better. I love to get inspired by other bloggers and their content, but try my best to put a spin on it to make it more unique and to fit me. Of course, not everyone will have 100% original and unique content, we’re all bound to have similarities, but instead of copying others, do what you think.
6. Blogging doesn’t have to cost
You’re a beginner, you don’t have to necessarily be spending out a ton of money. I wouldn’t even consider spending right away. Get to know the basics. Use free blog designs, stick to a free URL. Use the tools and resources you have. When you begin to grow and take it as a more serious hobby, that’s when you can begin to consider spending. But even then, it shouldn’t have to be hundreds or thousands. Any equipment, try and get in sales, save money aside, ask for Christmas and birthdays. You can also try and find cheap designs, etc. on Etsy or via other bloggers. But straight away? Try not to spend anything. Just do it all for free and for fun. There’s no point in putting money into something before you get a real feel. And if you want blogging to be a small side hobby, you shouldn’t ever have to really pay. Just make do with what you have.
7. Remember who is boss – you!
It’s very easy to see more successful bloggers and try and follow what they do or try and be much like them, trying to live up to their schedules or doing things their way, but they aren’t your boss; you are. Of course, you can look to others for inspiration, but remember to take the reigns for yourself and do things your way. Post as many times as you wish to, do blog posts in the style you are most comfortable, use tools you feel benefit you more.
I hope my advice has been helpful to beginner bloggers – it’s not too long ago I’ve been standing where you are and I’m still feeling pretty new to it all, but I’ve definitely learnt a lot. What advice would you give to a newbie blogger? Comment below, maybe we can all learn something new!
Jazz is a Disney, tea and pop culture enthusiast with a passion for blogging. Also a proud introvert.
