1. Content is key: It doesn't matter if you blog once a week or 7 times a week if your content isn't relevant no one will read it. I blog for myself and don't really care what is on trend, I always say write what you like and like what you write but sometimes you need to write about what's on trend to bring some new readers in. Once they've seen a trend post they'll often stay to see more.
2. You need to be passionate: If you're not passionate about what you write you won't want to write. It's easier said than done, I've often lost passion with my blog and it sometimes feels like a university assignment thinking of something to write about but when you sit back, relax and think of something you love the words just flow from your fingers.
3. You need to be mobile friendly: Most of my readers use their mobile, as such it is important to be mobile friendly. Have you ever tried to do online shopping or read something on your phone and the website isn't mobile friendly? It's annoying right? Well it's the same for reading blogs.
4. You won't be famous overnight: If you're thinking that all bloggers grow to success overnight and it's easy to get millions of followers you're sadly wrong. It just doesn't happen like that, of course for some they gain followers easier but it's all about content, social media sharing and networking, all of which take time. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day, it will take time and you'll see the followers and readers grow.
5. Blogging costs money: This is sort of attached to number 4. Many believe as soon as you start blogging you'll be rakin' in the cash and 100s of companies will want you to be the face of their brand, well guess what... Blogging really isn't like that. You need to spend money to make money. Depending on where you blog (i.e Blogger/Wordpress) you need to pay for - your domain name/web hosting, theme (optional), image storage and advertising (optional).
6. There are so many rules: There are so many written and unwritten rules surrounding blogging. From follow and no-follow links to ASA and copyright regulations. Did you know that it is against Google's rules to use a follow link to a company that have paid you or gifted you an item? I didn't know that at first. I've had so many companies ask me to change links as Google have told them off for essentially paying for advertising and not declaring the fact they paid for the advertising.
Is there anything you wish you knew before you started blogging?
Great post, an interesting perspective. I agree with all of your points although i've been blogging for a few months now and i haven't spent any money on it.
ReplyDeleteBecky | www.thebiglphotogrpahyblog.blogspot.co.uk
Oh great tips my dear, I'd agree with all of the above. I wish I would have known about scheduling posts on twitter when I first started out in 2012 - saves me soooo much time!
ReplyDelete#ukbloggers
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the rules for definitely! i wasn't fully aware of them in the beginning. i wish i knew how much time it actually takes to get one blog post up and juggling it with a job etc then id be more organised
ReplyDeleteI wish I had known how time-consuming it can be. What started almost on a whim now consumes huge amounts of my time. Good thing I enjoy it
ReplyDeleteSome great tips here. I didn't realize how addictive blogging can be. x
ReplyDeleteGreat point about it taking time to get known. If you want to be a professional blogger then you have to treat it like a job.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I get frustrated with is Blogger. I wish I learnt about it before using it, so then I didn't have to keep going through my posts to change something. Ie.. Photos, links and changing things to suit legalities. But.... I do enjoy it. Just wish I started years ago.
ReplyDeleteThis is a super post. I wish I knew a few of these pointers... However i wouldnt change a thing of my journey.
ReplyDelete- Heena, www.icynosure.in
Keep on posting.. I'm sure many readers will like to read.. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://cre8tonebabe.blogspot.com
It is really great post, these are sure the key points for success in blogging.
ReplyDeletei didn't know about the rule in number 6! but does it help if we mentioned it's an advertorial or sponsored post in our blogpost? i always do that and till date have no companies coming back to me, asking me to change the links.
ReplyDeleteI agree, so many rules... you can get banned easily! I wish I would have known how important going to other blogs and commenting, interacting was. I spent so much time on my blog but not enough on the social aspect. It really gets your blog out there, inspires you and brings more traffic.
ReplyDeleteyou need to be personalized too..not over writing ads and campaigns and write more on day to day stories too to let reader know more about u.....
ReplyDeleteYou did remind me of my old self when I know nothing of blogging. Haha =D But it's never too late.
ReplyDeleteAmazing tips! Wish I had somebody to guide when I had just begun blogging :)
ReplyDeleteAgree with you, specially that money point! already spend $$$$ and spending $$$$ to improve my blog but still i can only dream about income... lol
ReplyDeleteyet atleast im passionate about it so im surviving.
love this second series about blogging!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely agree with all the points :)
http://popiahc.blogspot.com
Agreed Charlene! I spend more money on the blog than making any! I guess that's coz I do have a passion towards writing and fashion
ReplyDeleteStyle..A Pastiche! recently posted.. Yoga
I agree to each and every point dear. This is a great article for newbies.
ReplyDeleteFatemah Sajwani
http://whatfatemahsays.com/
Awesome read!! I agree with all the points you mentioned!!
ReplyDeleteLol I agree about the rules - really I don't get it all even after a year! :)
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