It’s been a little more than 6 months now since I joined the surprisingly wonderful world of blogging.
6 months?!
It literally only feels like yesterday that I was sat in bed writing my first post on New Year’s Eve whilst listening to the fireworks erupt in the sky.
What a 6 months has it been!
I never knew that the blogging community was so welcoming and friendly. To be honest, I really did think that the only person who would actually read my blog was going to be Steph, my buddy IRL. But I have readers from all corners of the world! So thank you!
I’m not some experienced blogging guru but I do have some tips for new bloggers out there if you’re interested and I guess it just doesn’t apply to newbies but those bloggers who have already made a firm position in this world.
So in no particular order..
1. Plan Ahead
I know this isn’t for everyone but I really do think it would make your life so much easier and blogging less stressful because as much as blogging can be fun it can get your stress levels rocketing especially if you want to keep posting regularly.
If you know you’re going to start blogging in a month’s time – how about starting writing your posts now? I seriously wish I had done this!
2. Social Media!
Social media has its pros and cons but I’m going to focus on the pros. If it weren’t for Twitter – no one, I repeat no one would have known that there is a blog called The Mum Affairs.
Twitter is also the best place to find out about Linky Parties – everyday there is one or more going on hosted by fellow bloggers – these are a great source of traffic.
Not only these but also Blog Comment Threads – all you have to do is leave the link to your post which needs love and read and comment on everyone else’s blogs and you’ll have readers dashing to your blog.
Importantly, don’t make the same mistake as I did and ignore Instagram. Instagram seemed like a scary world to me compared to Twitter purely because I can’t for the life of me take good photos but I bit the bullet and have become active there as well – I wish I had done this so much sooner as the second largest source of traffic for my blog is the gram!
3. Photography
When I began blogging, I was of the mindset that I didn’t need to bother with photos – a huge mistake no doubt! I naively believed that people would come to my blog for my writing… um, it’s not always that! Photography is what attracts us to a page. You don’t have to be a pro or have one of those fancy cameras, just use your phone! I am in no way an amazing photographer but since I’ve started making the effort and including actual photos and not just picking one from a free website, I have had an increase in followers!
4. Research
Before launching your blog, do a bit of research into blogging itself. Check out other bloggers, their work and engagement. Dig into your potential audience and just see what’s out there.
5. Theme
One of the features of a blog that attracts me is the actual theme and you don’t have to burst your budget to get that dream look for your blog. Without a second thought, I bought a theme in the very beginning and thought that was the best thing I ever did but it really wasn’t – nothing wrong with the actual theme but being a new blogger I shouldn’t have jumped up so high. If I had done my research beforehand then I wouldn’t have spent so much on a theme.
I gave my blog a makeover and the current theme is more than half the price of my previous one – ETSY is the best place for purchasing that perfect theme for your blog and believe it or not you can get amazing themes for less than a fiver.
6. Be Yourself
I cannot stress enough how important is this! You might look at other bloggers and lush over their work and think maybe if you adopted that style it will do you good. There’s nothing wrong with experimenting but if it isn’t you then I’d just say don’t bother. You are unique and it is you who will make your blog stand out from the crowd.
I know I said I’ll be giving six tips but I just wanted to add a little something else as well – ENJOY YOURSELF! Don’t make blogging something you find that you have to do and make it a chore. Blogging should be fun, that corner of the internet where you can do what you want, however you want, with a smile on your face.
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Is there anything that you’d like to add to help out other bloggers?
To celebrate my 6 month blogerversary I am doing my very first giveaway for you all! Would you like to eat some scrumptious personalised cake?! Head over onto my Twitter to see how you can get your hands one!
Being yourself is definitely one of the most important aspects of blogging 🙂
Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
Congratulations on hitting your six-month mark with blogging! Hope you'll continue to have a passion for blogging and continue to grow. I agree that planning isn't for everyone – and believe me, it took me years to figure out a proper planning method. The link parties on Twitter helped my blog A TON! Thanks for sharing these tips you've learned :)!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Congratulations on reaching six months of blogging Soffy! These are excellent tips and I agree with them all. I think Twitter is such a great place for bloggers, I really need to focus on instagram a bit more though. Keep up the fantastic work and thank you for hosting such a fabulous giveaway too! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Congrats on your first 6 months of blogging. Great tips and advise. Cheers to the next 6! xx Maria
Being yourself is probably the most important thing. It's impossible to fake it online for a long time. The real you always leaks out eventually
We've been blogging for nearly 4 years and are still learning. Consistency is key for us, it takes a lot of planning and hard graft but can be very rewarding too x great tips – popping over from #DreamTeam
Brilliant tips! Happy 6 month anniversary xx #DreamTeam
Congratulations for your first 6 months! You are doing so well and I love your tips. Well done. Xx #dreamteam
I have found social media has really helped. I have a good following on twitter and am now trying my hand at pinterest! #dreamteam
tracy http://www.viewfromthebeachchair.com
Happy blog-birthday Soffy! Sending virtual cake 🙂 What brilliant tips you have there. Love it. Especially about being yourself. Because that's what blogging is all about. And of course smiling – you can't be a blogger and not love it. Thanks for joining us for the #dreamteam xx