So You Want to Start a Blog…

I get a ton of emails from new bloggers asking for advice on how to begin a blog, get started on a blog, etc. In fact, one of my good friends here in Durham is in the process of starting a blog and I couldn’t be more thrilled for her. I don’t write a lot of advice type topics because I am IN NO MEANS an expert (on anything really), but today I’ve teamed up with HostGator to bring your some tips and advice that I’ve picked up along my (almost) three years of blogging.

I also just want to say that blogging has brought so much joy into my life, I have met great people some who have become “real life” friends- but don’t let that fool you. Blogging takes work, dedication and passion. Whether you post two times a week or six times a week, a post takes real effort, real voice and time.

1. Brainstorm topics in advance and keep a schedule. I think a good rule of thumb for starting out it to have material. If you put one post up and don’t post again for weeks, then chances are those that come visit in that time won’t return. I think it’s smart to have your pages filled out (about me, contact me, etc.) along with 2-3 blog posts you can post together to populate your page with some content. Having more tagged content, photos etc. can help in the long run with SEO (HostGator also has SEO services). I still jot down post topics when I’m out and an idea comes to me. Sometimes it’s hard to think of topics, so brainstorming topics in advance will definitely come in handy! I also try to schedule my posts out a week at a time and schedule them ahead of time if I can/have time. You can see below I have tomorrow’s post scheduled in advance because I had extra time to draft it last night. This makes life so much easier because let’s face it, sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day to blog (I wish!)

2. Invest in Your Design. When I first started blogging, I tried to design my own site, but soon gave up once I realized I knew nothing about HTML coding. Blogger and WordPress have a ton of free templates, etc and these are amazing resources. Additionally, there are a ton of designers out there that design sites on these platforms. I used Aubrey and I loved her. However, there are many paid resources out there too that offer many unique services. HostGator is one of them. I use a free web host which I love, but I will admit that there are some definite perks in using a service. For example, HostGator offers 24/7 live support via chat, phone or email. Regardless, having a professional looking site that is easy to navigate is SO important in the success of your blog. Whenever I go to a blog that doesn’t seem organized, I have a hard time sticking around to navigate it. Plus, who doesn’t want something they love to look polished and pretty?

3. Be authentic/have a voice. Figure out what kind of blog you want to have and be true to that goal! Over the course of time your blog will definitely evolve, but you should always remember why you started and remain true to yourself! Do you love fashion? Cars? Food? Write about it and be genuine in it. Don’t ever write to please someone else. Will people unfollow you? Yes. People unfollow me all of the time. But maybe that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t like me, it just means they aren’t interested in what I’m discussing. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, that is the only way you’ll be able to differentiate.


4. Network. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other bloggers with the same interest and “feel” and say hello! Commenting on other blogs, interacting on other social media accounts; these are all great ways to get your brand out there and attract people to come visit your site! I have met so many amazing ladies through blogging, some who have become IRL friends that I am so thankful for! Kat was one of the first blogs I read and now we talk a couple times a week. It’s so nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of and who also understands the blogging bubble. Whether or not you work together, you’re building relationships and friendships which is the most amazing aspect of blogging!

5. Be patient. This one is probably one of the most important pieces of advice. Your blog won’t become and instant success overnight (most likely). It takes hours, months, and time. I will admit, it’s challenging. Sometimes I wonder why I do it and invest 20+ hours a week into something that I don’t profit from, but then I remember why I started and how much I truly do love it. In moments like this, I just take a step away or a day off from blogging. Blogging takes real work behind the scenes and it definitely takes a while to get into the groove. I mean, look at my photos below from my first year blogging, comical right? Yes, but it is so awesome to look back and realize how much I have evolved as a blogger. Do I wish I made a steady income from my blog? Of course. Do I wish I could blog full time in replacement of my full time job? Of course. But I can’t. Maybe one day, but Im not there yet and I still have so much to learn. Mnay bloggers that started at the same time as me have gone on to do amazing blogging things and while it’s so hard not to get discouraged, I have to remind myself that maybe my day is still coming, plus, I am so happy for those amazing girls and they totally deserve it! So at the end of the day, it’s important to remember that patience is key. Remember why you started and I promise you’ll love it. If your readers feel your passion, then they will continue to come back and read again and again and you will grow such a deep appreciation for their support- I know I did/do.  

Ha, isn’t that comical? Again, I am in no way an expert on this subject matter, but I always appreciate different opinions based on experiences. I hope this helps those that have emailed and I obviously wish you so much luck! Blogging is such a blessing! And for those starting out, don’t forget to check out HostGator for you website needs!

You can check out more about HostGator here and also use the page to sign up for web hosting and get 30% off your HostGator experience! Happy hosting! 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.