If we ever meet in real life, I’m sure within the first ten minutes I’ll try to convince you to start a blog. I’m a big fan. This space has done wonders for me over the years so naturally I’d want to spread that blogging magic to anyone who will listen. So if you’re on the fence or just getting started, here are a few things to help you along the way.
Get yourself a blog template. I wish someone had told me about these sooner. The biggest mistake I see with young bloggers is a poor blog layout. Your content could be amazing, but appearance is everything with blog first impressions. The default options are garbage really, so find yourself $20-$30 and invest in your new hobby. Etsy is full of them (that’s where I found mine) and the creators are beyond helpful in providing tutorials and assistance in setting the template up. Blogging will look exactly the same to you on the back end, but will look oh-so-pretty for any new readers who might come your way.
Find blogging groups on Facebook to join to learn more tips and tricks starting out. Plus it’s a great way to meet new friends who share the same interests as you. None of my real life friends blog despite all of my best efforts, so it’s nice to have places to go to share ideas, issues, and find people to collaborate with.
Engage in the community you’re trying to create content in. I made this mistake for years. I sincerely thought, “If I write it, they will come.” They definitely did not come. So read other blogs and comment on them. Not with your own blog link, but actually engage with the authors. You’ll quickly become immersed in the community and you’ll find yourself getting more views in no time.
Don’t expect magic to happen overnight. I’m sorry. Tons of blogging advice gives the illusion that if you follow these tips you’ll be the next big blogger. And you might be. But there’s also a really good chance it’s going to take time and a lot of hard work to carve out a solid place for yourself in the blogging world. Don’t give up, but don’t expect to have PR companies filling up your email after just a few posts. Be consistent, create engaging new content, and be yourself. It may take time, but it’s about the journey more than anything anyway.
