I’ve only been blogging for a few months but I’ve already learned so much in the process. Here are few tips that I thought would be useful for budding bloggers…
Write about what you love
Write about something you love, otherwise you’ll show no passion in your writing. And if there’s no passion, your content will suffer, so find a topic you are comfortable with and only write about that. I am obsessed with clothes and shop nearly everyday, so my writing solely concentrates on fashion.
Focus on marketing
Don’t just launch a blog and hope that people will come without any marketing effort. Leaving comments on other posts is a great way to establish relationships and attract readers to use site. Personalised comments show that you are genuinely interested on what they have to say and that you actually took time to read what they wrote. Whatever you choose to do, just get out there and market yourself like mad.
Images are vital
Images help to break up text and add visual interest. When writing a creative blog, images are essential so provide as many as possible and give your audience lots of things to enjoy. Just make sure the background is appropriate in your photos- no messy bedrooms/bathroom pictures with toilets in shot! I like brick walls for a urban, street feel or garden backdrops for added colour. I’ve also learned the importance of lighting- natural is best.
Don’t worry about negativity
Occasionally you may get the odd negative comment on your blog. Don’t let it put you off or scare you away from blogging. Any comments you’re not happy with can be deleted or responded to positively. Despite what people say, it’s very rare that you’ll face negativity so don’t worry about it too much.
Encourage interaction
Ask for feedback, respond to people’s contributions, build a community and be nice. People love to interact, so make sure you’re friendly and welcoming.
Provide easy reading
Research suggests that people view and scan web pages rather than read every last bit of copy. Therefore, try and keep your articles as easy, quick reads. Provide lists wherever possible and break up the text. Bear in mind, bullet points or lists will hold readers’ attention more.
Keep it regular
Try and keep your blog updated with at least two articles a week. Otherwise, write as frequently as you can!
Avoid clutter
When designing your blog, try and keep the layout clean, fresh and uncluttered. Avoid adding lots of unnecessary features. Keep it easy on the eye and you’ll please your blog visitors and have them coming back for more. Opt for simple, clear fonts that are easy-to-read.
Get social
Don’t neglect social media like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram- they’re all INVALUABLE. Update your followers and fans with your latest post. Don’t forget to tell friends and family about your blog- their support will keep you going.
Spell checking and proof-reading
Before you hit the “publish” button, it’s crucial you check your spelling and proofread your article again and again. It will be very embarrassing if a reader picks up that you’ve spelled Armarni not Armani. Get someone else to proofread for you if you have the chance.
Believe in yourself
There is a reason why you have visitors, so believe in yourself and keep writing fantastic content.
AND FINALLY…
With hard work and time, your traffic will increase. And if it doesn’t, that doesn’t mean you’re not a good blogger- as long as you’re enjoying writing your blog, you’re successful.