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So You Want to Start a Blog – Top 10 Tips To Succeed!!
March 5, 2015I don’t have too many blogging how to posts because I am still new to the scene in the grand scheme of things but I feel like I have learned a ton of wisdom from the what to do and what no to do over the year plus that I have been blogging. Especially when it comes to setting the groundwork for success. My other post which I would recommend checking out my Blogging Essentials. I decided to do this post because I have been getting tons of emails from amazing women over the country saying they have been a closet reader for some time now and what would I recommend on how to start a blog. I once used to be that closet reader until I decided to take the plunge into this crazy blog world. So without further ado here are my top 10 tips for starting that blog.
1. Get a Site Designer
I know this is a little controversial but in my humble/honest opinion if you want to hit the ground running having professional looking site from the beginning puts you ahead of the game. There are a ton of great designers out there with really affordable prices. Next you are going to ask me Blogger or WordPress? The website I run for Mark’s law page is on WordPress and it still confuses the heck out of me. I’m sure if I took more than 20 minutes to play around with it I could totally get the hang of it. However if you are starting off and want the most user friendly (and free) platform I would recommend Blogger.
Next you’ll ask me. Amanda how do I pick a site designer??? Well what I did initially is scrolled to the bottom of some of my favorite bloggers pages and found who created them and then sent out some feelers. I would tell you to give an estimate around $50 for a pre made template with install is a good starting price. No need to drop the hundreds until you really commit to it.
2. Have a Vision for Your Site
My initial vision for my space over here was a fitness, health and lifestyle blog. Kind of all over the place if you ask me. I think the best piece of advice is to sit down and outline what your daily posts will be about. For example, my Mondays are usually more lifestyle because they outline the weekend shenanigans. Tuesdays are when I talk about what I’m digging lately, it’s a favorite product roundup of my day to day loves. Wednesdays have been more of a Wedding wednesday kind of vibe. Thursdays is a mix bag/fashion/fitness/etc and Friday is my Friday Favorites Linkup. If you are having difficulties with thinking about your days check out the linkups floating around to give you some inspiration and connect you with other bloggers.
You don’t have to post Mon-Friday but as everyone will tell you over and over……..
3. Be Consistent
I know I know this isn’t anything you haven’t heard but it’s so important. If you decide to commit to this blogging thing you have to be consistent, especially in the beginning. I have had a lot of friends reach out and start one. I help and support them but then it is like weeks before they post again. One post in December, another one in January and then one in February. That is hard to really get going when there is such sporadic posts. I’m not saying you have to post Mon-Friday. You can post 3 days a week if you want just make sure they are consistent. Otherwise people won’t keep dropping by to see if anything is kicking around.
4. Comment…..Thoughtfully
Nothing makes you rage more then seeing “great post….follow me back….kisses“. Or “Happy Birthday” and it clearly wasn’t my birthday but someone else’s party I went to. If you only have time to stop by 10 peoples blog in a day that’s fantastic. Read their painstakingly long to write posts and actually take the time to leave a thoughtful comment. Like you read the entire post comment. Then hopefully they will drop by your little home and that’s how you…..
5. Build Relationships
Like why else are you doing this? If you’re blogging just to get words out of your head and out into the world go for it. However if you want to get to know other amazing women who you can literally throw a comment out like “hey girls what do I do to get mascara out of my silk top?” Or “major sale at Nordstrom head there right now“. Like what is the point? I have met the most fabulous women through blogging that I talk to/send selfies for approval in dressing rooms/text and watch the bachelor with on a daily basis. We have met up IRL (in real life) and are planning a trip this Summer together with <3 you Pamela and Biana! These are the girls who help you build your blog & brand while being the best sounding board for furthering your growth.
6. People Like Pictures
There I said it. It’s the truth. Do you need the million dollar camera to start off with? No. Do I have one? Yes. Do I use my iPhone more? Yes. Is that bad? Probably. Do I care? Nope.
I mean here is a picture with the fancy camera.
Versus this candid picture with the iPhone…..I think you appreciated the one with the giant 100 year old lobster better right?
Best piece of advice ever. Get a full length mirror. Find some good lighting and show us what you scored on sale.
7. Ask Yourself These Questions
If someone reads my blog are they going to learn something new? Will they be inspired? Or can I make someone laugh?
I really strive to find high end looks for less. Or that super expensive purse you’ve been lusting over, how you can snag it on sale, with this coupon code, ordering it while standing on your head and clicking with only your left hand to get that ultimate deal. I know that is an exaggeration but it’s the truth. I was really motivated to get going mainly due to my sister. She is an amazing superwomen. She is a Nurse Practitioner like myself (hence how I got into this field). She works full-time, has 3 beautiful children and still manages time to workout. You know what she doesn’t have time for? Shopping or finding deals. So I always made sure to include her in all my time and well researched finds. Now being shared with y’all. Also my absolute favorite posts are the ones where I can make you laugh. Nothing better then getting an email back saying someone spit out their morning coffee. Mission accomplished.
8. Respond to Your Emails
I used to follow some well known bloggers WHO NEVER RESPONDED TO ONE STINKING COMMENT I EVER WROTE THEM. You know what happened? You guessed it. I stopped going to their site. Please refer back to point #5. What is the point of blogging if you’re not building relationships. I respond back to every single comment. Even if it is at 1 in the morning (which I’m sure some of y’all may have noticed). If you take the time to thoughtfully comment to me. I will give you that same time back.
On that note. SO IMPORTANT. Please make sure you are not a no-reply blogger. Chasing down emails gets very time consuming. If you don’t know what I’m talking about check this sweet little post.
9. Find a Mentor – Sponsor Others
One of the best sponsors I ever had was Helene. I didn’t sponsor right away. I took the time to do steps 1-8 first and then sponsored other well known bloggers. Helene was by far the best. I saw a major jump in my traffic and she has been the best mentor to me. She probably doesn’t know that I self appointed her my mentor but she is so sweet with always replying to my emails about those blog questions that have been burning at me but I was embarrassed to throw out into the blogasphere. She also does consulting because she is that good. I do think I have helped a few people out along the way and I’m always down for answering your emails about the blogging land. You can sponsor my sweet little space here if you were wondering (shameless plug…..I mean it was just too easy of a transition).
10. Blogging Takes Time
Whatever you thought it would take. Double it. No wait. Quadruple it. If you think you’re going to start a blog so you can quit your day job and makes 30,000 a month……you’re in it for the wrong reason and it’s not going to happen. My typical posts take at least 2-3 hours to sit down and write, find visuals for, edit, grammar check etc. Times that by 5 posts a week. Not accounting for the research, picture taking, husband begging to take pictures, searching for content etc etc. That’s on top of the email responding, dropping by all your friends blogs to thoughtfully comment while also trying to complete your other jobs responsibilities. So yeah. The amount you spend is astronomical….especially in the beginning. Is it worth it? Hell yes. Did I know that when I started? No way. Would I trade it for the world? Absolutely not.
Those are my tips for starting a blog. I hope you learned something new, inspired you and perhaps even made you laugh (#7). If you are one of those closet readers who has never responded please do! Or shoot me an email [email protected]. Are you thinking of starting a blog but didn’t know how to take that first step? All my fellow blogging gals out there what else would you add? I hope you are having a fabulous day! xoxoxo
p.s If you liked this blogging tutorial definitely check out this one on my blogging essentials! Great tips on how to make pictures etc.
Follow me on!
Amen, sister, amen!
These are great tips for getting started- I preach consistency and thoughtful commenting all the time. So important. You have to build an audience, and you will not do that if no one knows when to expect your next post. And I do not understand bloggers who don’t comment back- get out there and build some relationships!
Happy Thursday, lady!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
So many great tips! Of course your very first one I already broke. Oops. Maybe I need to invest in a site designer… I love the relationships I’ve built through blogging. I’ve gained so many great friendships from blogging! And yes times a million to #4! The only bad part about doing fashion posts is 90% of the time people don’t read the post they just comment “cute outfit!” and move on. Oh well!
<3, Pamela
Sequins & Sea Breezes
Everything in this post is so true! I really don’t like blogs who never respond to comments either. Then why do you have a blog if you don’t want to connect with people?
My favorite part of blogging is the relationships too, with lovely ladies like you! Can you pack me in your suitcase on your Summer trip with those pretties? :)
Anytime someone asks me about starting a blog they assume it’s so easy and won’t take much time. Little do they know how much work actually goes into it! I’m a big believer in #1. You can’t do it all, so leave the site design to someone that can really give you what you want without stressing yourself out trying to build one yourself!
great tips amanda! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I love this post! I totally agree with the designer… It makes it look so much more appealing aka more readers! Sometimes I feel like my blog would grow more if I had more pictures with my nice Canon camera but let’s be honest… Who has time to take that thing everywhere? Not me. iPhone pics will have to do for now! Xoxoxo
these are great tips chica! i think the other thing i would add is that i self-host mine to really go all profesh ha. and i’m a WP girl in a land of Bloggers but alas – I’m cool with it :) i wouldn’t trade blogging for the world and i am so grateful to have met people like you and pamela – well i know i’ll meet you soon enough! need to plan something stat! xo
cheshirekatblog.com
Thanks for all these great tips :) I love posts like these because I always learn something different!
Nailed it!! I absolutely agree with all of these points! It takes a lot of time and dedication even if it a hobby, but the relationships and friends I’ve made from it more than make up for everything!!! I wouldn’t trade it for anything and I seriously can’t imagine life without you as my friend!! xo, Biana – BlovedBoston
#6 is my favorite just because I feel like I talk to myself like that all time lol. They are all great tips though. Especially the comments/emails. I have stopped following multiple blogs because they would NEVER respond. Also, that lobster, I both want to eat it & play around with it just because it’s so intriguing & huge.
i have written a post similar and i swear we have the same advice!! especially about commenting thoughtfully. i happen to love your big ol lobster pic & yes i got a camera from christmas – yet use my iphone more. i’m so with ya girl.
Love these points and I agree with all of them! Blogging does take tons of time – more than I could’ve ever imagined, but I love it and love talking to you girls all of the time:)
I hate bloggers that don’t answer back either – people take time to read what you’ve written, so how can you not answer them?!
I love this post! i couldnt agree with everything you said more – completely agree about the time too! I dont think anyone can imagine how much time it actually takes!
Abby
http://www.champagneplans.com
These are such wonderful tips, thank you very much for sharing them! I’m so far behind the game when it comes to blogging, it’s embarrassing. Commenting thoughtfully is really so important. It baffles me that people don’t do it. I know that jokes and sarcasm don’t always come across unless you really know how that person speaks/writes, but come on, you should at least know who’s birthday it was if I wrote it three times! I don’t even know what to do with the “cute dress – follow for follow?” ones. Please be my blogging mentor?
Yep! This is great. I second “commenting thoughtfully”! Less than genuine comments don’t do anyone any good.
And mentors! Yes! It is always so great to have someone to guide you, bounce ideas off of, etc.
Love the tips! I think I’m slowly getting headed on the right track! But building the relationships is the best, glad I’ve met you!
These are great tips!! Especially being thoughtful with your comments. I remember the days when I was a closet reader and finally thought, hey…I can do this! I just love blogging and all the amazing people I have met and “met”! Like you! :)
Fantastic post, girlie! You really hit the nail on the head with all of these. Like anything, blogging takes time, especially building the friendships and a solid network. People need to remember to focus on quality rather than quantity when it comes to comments – if you have a solid group of people commenting everyday, to me that’s more of a success than a million random (and pointless) comments. I’m sure you’ve inspired and helped a lot of bloggers along the way – I know you have for me in the past!
If I don’t respond to comments it’s because I went to work or I had a bunch of things to get done. I love hearing from people though. But I do find it incredibly rude if you comment on someone’s blog all of the time and they never either 1.comment on your blog or 2. never respond to you. Anyway, moving on!! Thanks for the tips and love all of your outfits! :-)
Great advice and helpful tips. I completely agree on responding to e-mails. Blogging is a time consuming lifestyle, but in the end it’s so worth it to be able to carve out some moments to dedicate to your blog. I’ve been pressed for such precious time after my wife and I just had our first baby, so it’s rough sledding get back into the groove and actually having a moment. Usually it’s a couple minutes here and there is all I’m afforded.
These are fantastic tips! I use my iphone so much more often then my nice camera. Because it’s handy, I guess? I always feel guilty and even make notes to use the nice one more. One day!
So glad I figured out how to change my settings from a no-reply blogger, it was killing me and I had no idea! Each day the blog world takes up more and more of my day and I love checking in on my new friends!
These tips are amazing and I cannot agree with 4 and 5 enough! If I see a “nice post” or “great job” comment I delete them. Not worth my time. Not to mention people who comment just to say something mean. Delete! I love responding to people. I’m slow with the emails, but I’m getting better. I’ve formed so many wonderful relationships through blogging it’s such a blessing! I do mine for fun and it’s just the way I like it.
I love this post so much. It is nice to know that I am not the only one that invested in a DSLR and still uses my cell camera on the regular. I totally plan to use my nice camera when the weather improves and I regain the will to live though.
I love this post. The consistency is key – it’s something I struggle with the most, but I found that when I “went away” for too long, I lost all readers. I started blogging as really just an online journal to remember things that I’ve done, but I’ve loved the community that comes with it.
What a great post, lady!! The relationships I have built thus far in blogging are amazing. I never thought in a million years I would have blog best friends – ha! I like iPhone pics better than fancy smanze pictures because they capture you in that exact moment! Have a great day, Amanda!!!
Wow! I really needed to read that! Thank you for taking the time to post these truths! I am a new blogger and I am finding more and more of these things to be true. I’m definitely going to take these tips and keep running with it!
xoxo
This Tall Girl Talks
This is a great post!! I definitely agree with the “comment thoughtfully” one. I can’t think of a way I unfollow faster than a 3 word comment that has nothing to do with my post. I definitely need to get myself a full-length mirror!
Yes to all of this, such amazing tips! Especially yes to responding to comments, I for sure do this to connect and build relationships and if I never hear back from someone after commenting on their blog multiple times I’m moving on pretty quick.
I had to do a happy dance/church stop for each of these tips!! They were so great! It’s so hard to explain to people all of the work that goes into blogging. They just have to get started and see for themselves. There’s so much more to it!
I totally agree. There is NOTHING I dislike more than those “generic” comments just saying “cute post!”, or what have you. It’s obvious they didn’t read anything I spent time writing! I love these tips. Also, having a good design is so important. To be honest, if someone’s blog has a crazy busy layout that looks entirely disorganized, I almost can’t stick sround too long!
You should give blogging advice more often, this is great! Also, that black dress in your mirror selfie is GORGEOUS.
Just popping by to say I love your blog! Thanks for the great advice about layouts – I followed the link at the bottom of yours and was delighted to discover you can purchase a layout on Etsy. I can’t wait to pick one out when I get home from work.
Yes to all of these! I haven’t been blogging a year yet, and I wish I had come out of the gate with a professionally designed site. Oh well, I have one now! And the comments – SO true! I didn’t comment on blogs for the first few months of me blogging and it wasn’t nearly as fun. What took me so long? Dunno, but I’m in the game now :)
I absolutely love this post. You have listed the best tips. I know for me personally, you have inspired and influenced me so much. You always take the time out to answer my silly questions and my crazy text messages and I appreciate that. I’m proud to call you my friend and I do look forward to the day that we do get to finally meet in IRL. Blogging is alot of work but the friendships that you make and the advice you learn make it completely utterly worth it. Yay for blogging!!
I wish I had known about the very cheap designs on Etsy when I first started. My design was painstakingly ugly! And the first thing I notice now is when someone has a bad design. It just turns me off from wanting to read the blog. And yes, yes, yes to the time! It takes a lot of effort but so worth it!
I love this post! These are really great tips! You know I also love your blog :) And you make me spit my coffee out on the daily, so success!!!
Number 8…. I have been so disappointed by some bloggers that I love who never or rarely respond that I no longer read them. That’s not how it works people!
Great post, I love your blog and I often wonder how you do it all so well. You really do. I am wanting a new design desperately!!! It really is important, that first impression is key!
True, true, true, true, TRUE. Balance/time is the hardest part but I see you do it and know it can absolutely be done as girl friend is the busiest gal I know. Wonderful list! :)
Yes all day to commenting thoughtfully! I love how much you selflessly GIVE to your readers. Yes, you want us to know about you but you also help with meaningful deals, advice, help and wisdom. This post as a great example!
All very true! I would add also since I have seen it a lot on some newer sites was to make sure you respond to comments via email. Most people are not going to go back to your post to see if you responded. Test it out with a friend if you have too.
Awesome tips gurlie! And can I get an AMEN about the photo quality! Yes I take most of my pics with my iPhone, do I know it’s sometimes crappy quality? Yes… but it’s so much more convenient and I’m not lugging around a big fancy schmancy camera everywhere I go. Blogging is a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding as well :)
So I actually really did almost spit out my water when I came across the “great post…follow me back…kisses” line!!! OMG that kills me! I never, ever visit those bloggers back, haha. So much great advice here – and totally, 100% agree with triple the amount of time you think this little ‘hobby’ will take ;)
Great and thorough post. I wish that I knew half of this when we started, we had no idea that blogging had so many things involved!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Those are some great tips! Getting a new design is one of the things on my to-do list :)
Oh, don’t even get me started on the I’m following you please follow back thing. It drives me nuts, maybe if you left a comment other than “I’m following you follow back” like an actual meaningful comment then I would follow back. I actually started deleting those comments because it bothered me seeing them on my post haha. Is that bad? I try to respond to most comments but sometimes I’ll just go to the person’s blog and show myself around and comment on theirs. I feel like it makes me step out of my comfort zone to actually “get to know” people even if it is cyberly lol
Great tips!! I’ve really been trying to nail down my vision and purpose, so I’ve been asking myself those questions (#7). It’s hard because I’m SO indecisive, but I do want to develop some sort of niche for my blog and I think that’s good not only because readers will know what to expect, but also because it will keep me focused. I’m still only about 4 months in, but I’m getting there! I’ve also stopped reading blogs because I never got a response. I’m pretty patient when it comes to that, but after awhile you can’t help but feel like if they don’t care, why should I?
I have a full length mirror but with AWFUL lighting so I’ve never been able to do an outfit pic like all the cute ones you post.
So much good advice in this post! Yesss to a full-length mirror, I LOVE your posts about what great shopping finds you’ve found recently!
I loved this post! You read my mind because I was just thinking about asking you some blogging questions! You are always so funny and find the best shopping deals!! I always enjoy your posts! You are definitely one of the best bloggers out there girl!!!!!
Girl you are spot on with this post! Yes to all your points, especially how much time it takes. I’ve been wearing so many hats lately my blog has taken a back seat. I hope to be back on my game soon.
And commenting thoughtfully, yes! I hate when people leave 3 word comments. I’ve stopped following bloggers who consistently only post 3 word coments on my blog, only after I commented on their blog. Ain’t nobody got time for that!
Great tips lady!
Your tips couldn’t be more on point! I loved reading the part especially about the camera/photo issues and the comment. I always try to make an effort to read instead of just dropping links. I guess it’s the polite thing to do, right? :) Also, the last one – it is a test of patience because you want to see results as soon as you start blogging. But you have got to learn to be patient and take it one step at a time. :)
If you have a sec, I hope you can drop by my blog. I’d love to hear your thoughts on my latest:
xo,
Abby
Life in the Fash Lane
You have just made me remember that I HAVE to get a new full length mirror. Mine broke during our move, so I’m in dire need.
And all the other tips are perfect! I couldn’t agree more.
Cheers!
I think these are all super great suggestions and very thoughtful. I don’t think I’ll ever apply even half of them – ha ha! – but I’m just not really a blogger who has the focus and direction that others have. My blog is a mix of an electronic journal, randomness, and lists of things that interest me. I don’t have many followers, nor do I expect to have many. Maybe, someday, I’ll re-focus, re-brand, and then these tidbits will be even more helpful and thoughtful!
Love this!
Kisses!!
TOTALLY kidding… I absolutely hate that too! :) :)
But really though, how do you find time to respond to all of your comments? I really struggle with finding a balance of being able to read and comment on blogs, responding to comments on my blog, and writing quality posts… the struggle is real!
I found reasonable blog templates on etsy wen I was first starting out! There are so many talented people out there that can do things I cannot do… So I don’t even try and waste my time lol
great post… follow me back.. kisses.. xx
hahaha i couldn’t help it.
this really is a great post girl, and every single thing is true. if someone doesn’t respond to my emails or visit my blog, then i will most likely forget about them and stop visiting. sometimes i don’t even notice, but really, if you aren’t connecting with me than yes i am going to forget about you!
i know everyone said the whole time thing when i started but it took me awhile to really feel the brunt of the time, you know? like when i first started i was all like 5 days a week, but i just can’t do it anymore, plus work and breathe and read and stuff. it takes way more time than you think! sometimes i don’t respond or read other posts until days later, lol. i do find once you get ahead, it’s easier to stay ahead, that’s for sure!
i keep meaning to do a consult with Helene!! I meant to do it last month, oops. I am a bit scared though, silly, I know but I just feel like my blog doesn’t really have a niche or a direction.
anyway, keep doing what you’re doing girl! i definitely need a full length mirror! and iphone photos for life ;)
Such a great post!! I’ve been dragging my feet on the site design for too long – definitely one of my goals to get it upgraded this year!! xx
MUST TRY THIS RECIPE!!!! That sounds hella good. I love the greasy hair picture, hehehe, I wash my hair like 2x a week. I love the messy top knot, it’s my jam. I love the lacy dress it’s beyond cute.
This so such a great post! Consistency is key but is getting harder for me as I’m going into year 2 of blogging. It’s hard to find content to write out! You’re always so good about responding to comments. I try to go read and comment on their blog if they comment on mine but not always the best about responding to comments. It really is a full time job!!
Ally – Life as I know it
Great great post. You are right about consistency. And about the time spent. Currently reading blogs in the middle of the night. haha
Ahhhh! I love this! So nice to hear reassuring things considering I’m on week number one in the blogging world!
I’m so glad I found your blog and this post! This is great advice and I’m going to try my very best to follow your guidelines. Thanks for writing this post and I’m going to also check out your other post about blogging essentials. I look forward to reading your other posts :)
I love these! Happy birthday! Follow me! Kisses!
Just kidding. This is probably one of the best “So you want to start a blog” posts I’ve ever read. Honest, but warm and fuzzy, in a good way.
What a great post that is full of very helpful advice for anyone that is just entering the blogging word! Xo, Stephanie
Thanks for these helpful tips! I’m coming up on my one year blog anniversary in a couple of months, but every little bit helps!
http://www.breakfastwithbentley.com