When I first started blogging I didn't know much, I'd still say I have a way to go. I picked up my html knowledge from MySpace & knew how to make a simple layout. In fact, before Five Sixteenths I had 2 other blogs that were going no where. I assumed the mantra All great somebodies started somewhere I began to experiment. Blogging is a whole lot of trial & error until you find your voice. So how do you start? Well, first you log in then you write your first post. In this post, I am going to share with you the five things I had no clue about when I first started blogging.
The importance of a blog button
Having a blog button means you are shareable & anyone that can grab a hold of that code can put you in their side bar. This means that readers of another blog will see you & hopefully pop on over to check you out. It's not just something to have because it's pretty, it's a way to share yourself!
The importance of image quality
The importance of image quality lies in the fact that you want to display your awesomeness in the best way possible. Make sure your pictures are crisp & colored correctly. Don't use overly edited or saturated photos, instagrams are nice...but only sometimes. I am super guilty of over using them! Use nice, natural toned photos that are as big as or about 10 pixels smaller than your posting area. That way you are taking up a good portion of blog real estate & readers can follow your blog visually easier.
The importance of networking
Joining twitter to promote your blog & only posting things about yourself won't get you far. I have to admit, when I started blogging it was so I could have another presence online that I updated regularly about my shop. It was always shop this & shop that, I never posted quality content that others could learn from. This is where networking comes in. Find blogs & shops you love to follow. If you think you may be too shy to say anything to them remember this a lot of bloggers are shy in real life! Twitter & blog comments & even emails are much less intimidating, remember that! Building friendships is super important to having your blog thrive. I am also much better at responding on twitter & not on comments! I'm such a bad blogger.
The importance of branding
Cohesion is not something we really think about when starting a blog. When I first got started, I was just excited to play around with new things that I learned. My header was one way, my background was another way, it was a hodge podge of stuff that didn't look good together. There are two ways to remedy this: find an awesome designer who will do all the hard work for you or do some research! Think about the blogs you love to read & decide what is it that works for them. Research blog design & how to do some interesting stuff & try it out. You'll learn a lot & I know you'll be able to design your own!
The importance of accepting change
Above all, your blog is your blog. It should reflect you. So if you ever change interests blog about them. I find that I stay most connected with my blog when I'm honest about my life & not trying to imitate someone else. It is super easy to get caught up in trying to keep up with everyone else but the only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday. That's your measurement of growth! Recently my interests have changed & I'm going to keep blogging about them because 516 is a reflection of me & no one else. Accept & embrace change in your blog & your readers will appreciate it!
Blogging is fun but it can become a chore. Always stay true to yourself & don't get into it for the recognition & popularity....you'll only feel pressured if you're not ready for it. Be a honest voice in the world & it will get you far.
What are some tips you have? Anything you didn't know before hitting publish on your first blog post?
xoxo, Moe
Moe, I recently came across your blog and wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed reading it. You have a really strong and consistent voice behind your writing -- I love that! Thank you for sharing these tips - I've had a blog for a while now, but I'm finally starting to get more comfortable sharing it. I'm definitely a believer in "all great somebodies started somewhere."
ReplyDeleteKeep on blogging, girl! xx, Caroline
www.caroproject22.blogspot.com
Always refreshing and a great reminder Moe. I can't think of anything in addition to what you've added. I think networking and commenting on other blogs is a great way to connect with others and develop friendships.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true. I especially love the section you wrote about embracing change and being true to yourself. I've been blogging on my current space since 2012 and it has changed so much in only a couple of years, but so have I! great post!
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