Over the past couple of months, I’ve received quite a bit of DMs on Instagram from followers and others asking how to go about starting a blog. Since I get asked this often, I figured the best way to share everything and give my advice was to write out a blog post for you all to reference if you’re looking to start your own blog and want a little bit of insight before doing so. Let’s get started!
Tip #1: Don’t Overthink It, Just Do It!
I’ve heard so many stories from others looking to start their own blog, and the things that they all have in common is being hesitant, afraid of failing, and not ready. If you read my post about how I got started blogging, linked here, you’ll probably find in there how unprepared I was when I started but how I just started anyway. I knew I wouldn’t be able to figure out everything I needed to before starting, but honestly, that’s how SO many bloggers get started. This industry is so unique because there really is no right or wrong way to go about it – it’s all a learn as you go type deal. I just had my 4-year blogiversary at the beginning of the month and I am still always learning as I go every single day. If you’re truly passionate about blogging and know it’s meant for you, my best advice here is to just do it!
Tip #2: Get a Planner
I purchased my first planner dedicated to all of my blog-related work last year and it has been a complete game-changer ever since and I now swear by it. At the beginning of each month, I plan out my blog posts for the month and which days I want certain posts to be scheduled for, brand deadlines, social media post planning, giveaways, etc. Writing everything down in my planner really helps me stay accountable for sticking to what I’m writing or planning and helps me stay on track to publish my posts on time and stay consistent. This is definitely one must-have item if you’re looking to get started blogging because it helps out SO much in planning out your content calendar.
Tip #3: Find Your Brand + Stay Consistent
If you’re looking to get started blogging, you probably already have a set topic in mind of what you want to blog about and be known for such as fitness, lifestyle, beauty, etc. Whatever you choose to blog about, make sure to stay consistent with it! What I mean by staying consistent with your brand is once you’ve got your blog topic of choice in mind, put yourself on a consistent schedule of posting content to help grow your brand faster, your readers will know when to expect new content, and you’ll be easier known for the said topic that you write about.
One reason I chose fashion & lifestyle for my blog is because of fashion and lifestyle-related things I was passionate about and wanted to write about. I love clothes and shopping, I love to travel, try new makeup and hair products, sharing bits and pieces of my life, etc. and I felt that the best way to share all of these things was to start a fashion and lifestyle blog!
Tip #4: Gather the Resources You’ll Need + Budget
Before you start your blog, make sure you have the resources you know you’ll need in order to pursue it.
When it comes to shooting content, think to yourself what all that will entail:
- Do you need to buy a DSLR camera or will you be using your phone’s camera?
- Will you need to buy a tripod or will you have a designated person take your photos for you such as a friend or family member, or will you hire a photographer?
And of course, create a budget!
- How much are you willing to spend on a website domain?
- A photographer if needed?
- Photo props?
- Etc.
These are all important things to take into consideration as well when gathering your resources and budgeting yourself to how much you are willing to be spending on your blog.
Tip #5: Be Active Across All Social Platforms
My last piece of advice when getting started blogging is to be active across all social platforms. You never know how someone is going to find you so it’s definitely important to be active and consistent across all platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, even YouTube or TikTok as well.
While a majority of my engagement and traffic comes from Instagram and Pinterest, I’ve made it a goal of mine this year to work on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube more since I’ve kind of neglected those accounts over the past 2 or 3 years. (It can definitely be hard to be consistent and active across all platforms)! I’ve even had brand deals come from brands finding me on Twitter and YouTube (some of my accounts that actually have lower engagement than others), so you really never know how someone is going to find you and why being on all platforms is so important as a blogger.
I’ve linked the planner that I use and other outfit details below if you’re interested!
Thanks for reading and I hope this post is useful for those of you reading looking to start your own blog!
XX
Kelsie