I don’t consider myself an expert on blogging but I have been around for a while now and I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned.
When you come into the world of blogging you start to find like minded bloggers in groups and at conventions. New bloggers always ask how they can make their blog big, get loads of visitors and make lots of money. The answers they are given are generally the same, but I’ve been giving this some thought and although I don’t actually disagree with the answers, I would like to expand them a little.
If You Build It They Will Come.
If you use Social Media you should definitely have a look at Tim’s post which tells you the 7 Dont’s of Social Media Etiquette for Bloggers. Don’t get it wrong, you want it to work for you not against you.
Great advice and it's interesting that you've found that new bloggers these days want to know how to get big and make money. I wonder are there any new ones out there who began blogging because they wanted to write?
I do think it's become a bandwagon these days. I know I didn't start blogging to become big or make money….and I've not made it big either, probably because I'm unsociable, lol.
If new bloggers are creating a blog purely to make money there are far more effective ways to earn money on a 'cost per hour' basis than doing this! I do earn money from my blog and it is my full time career however at the start, the hours I put in for the best part of 2 years with no pay to show for it meant that had I not been passionate about expressing myself through this medium, I never would have stuck to it. I think that a passion for communicating is a key ingredient to blogging, and a willingness to evolve which comes naturally as your blogging progresses. I started out as a creative outlet, then I started to get free products to review or days out, then I started earning money, then the bigger brand collaborations such as travel opportunities came, but it wasn't about the money at the start and I think that this honest and organic approach attracted the opportunities rather than blog content that is contrived as a means to an end. Readers will know the difference and vote with the click of their mouse as to what they choose to read online.
I think you are spot on Nadine, you should aspire to an honest and organic approach, your blog is your personality not a means to an end.
Great tips for anyone starting out. I think people really underestimate the time and energy that goes in to maintaining a blog, for mr it's so much more than a job!
Yes, people really do! I know when I first started blogging I'd just have my say and then leave it. I'd never have thought of promoting my post, or linking to other sites etc. etc.
Some very good points here. I started blogging without a niche and then sort of fell into it. I look back at some of my old posts and cringe now
My first blog was very very personal and I just let everything pour out. I hold back a lot now.
I make money from my blog, but I don't think I will be able to let my husband give up his job for a while yet (for that read ever).
Oh, no don't, then you'd have him hanging over your shoulder all day asking when you'll be finished working on your blog 😉
Thanks for all your tips.
Great tips for anyone who's thinking about starting a blog. I'd also add never underestimate how time consuming all of the above can be!
Tell me about it, too much time… well, actually, you could have a word with my other half about how long it all takes!
YES! I have had in on my wish list for a couple of years now, improving my photography skills. I am still looking for a reasonably priced course!xx
me too Oana, I just don't think I've got what it takes.
Very useful advice there, am still trying to find my voice or a niche lol! But hanging in (just about!) x
Five years and I've still not found mine 🙂
Great advise. As a blogger I am always learning and looking to improve my site. I want my readers to love it. I don't think that there is such a thing as a great blogger, I believe that there is a blogger for every season!
I know what you mean, I think maybe I should have made it more clear that by great, I mean someone popular with lots of followers.
Blogging is sooo time consuming and that's what people who don't do it really don't understand. I am constantly chasing my tail!
Wow so much great advice I think I need to reread it and take notes. I have been trying hard as a newbie blogger myself getting my blog posts out there without being too spamming and getting more people to follow me. I wish my stats would grow higher but I know this takes time. Thanks for these. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me and the continual support. #sharewithme