So you want to be a blogger? | Here are some tips.

A lot of work goes into blogging and it can be exhausting, there is a lot to consider when it comes to committing to a blog and I use the word committing heavily when I say this. Some people use blogs for different reasons which are perfectly fine. I've seen blogging grow very fast over the years and seen bloggers come and go. Some love it and some of them decide it's not for them, others realise that they can't make it work because they thought it would be easier. I don't have the greatest blog and I don't rely on photos too much because of what I write about (unless I'm doing a sponsored post then I will try my best to take quality pictures). For me blogging is more about expressing myself without having to physically speak, it gives me something to focus on other than worrying about every other little thing in my life. I've taken more breaks from blogging than I can count but I've always come back because it's something I want to stick too. If you're serious about wanting to make a living out of blogging and you're new to it there is a lot to consider, I still have a lot to learn in terms of blogging but I would say blogging isn't the main priority in my life as I have more important things to worry about but I would eventually like to grow and make it a priority at some stage. So if you're new to blogging, here is some stuff to consider:

1. Will my blog grow straight away: This is something that will be down to you and how much time and effort you put into your content. It's a very long and hard road especially if you're expecting your blog to grow overnight.

2. Don't expect others to think of posts for you: It's fine doing a poll asking your followers what they will be interested in reading on your blog but you need to take into account that you don't have to go off what others like to read. This is something that represents you not your followers and if you're stuck for something to write then perhaps you need to sit back and relax and wait for an idea to come to you. Writing a post that is forced never looks good and will come across as forced in your writing.

3. Research SEO: This is something I'm always looking into and learning more and more about all the time. If you're serious about your blog then make sure SEO is one of the main things you research. I'm not going to write about it here seeing as there are so many great posts online for beginners where you can read about it.

4. Don't be afraid to join blogging groups: These groups were created to help one another, ask for help and promote your blog (if that group allows you to) but don't go as far as asking for people to help you with every aspect of your blog all.the time. People have their own to concentrate on and can only help to an extent, those who take the time to help you out with things are making time to help you so try to listen to what they're saying and take on their advice instead of coming back and asking the same thing all the time.

5. Don't obsess over how many followers you have: It's bloody hard to grow when it comes to followers, but what you have to remember is just because your number isn't huge doesn't mean people aren't reading your content. Your follower count can grow depending on how you promote yourself and how much you choose to interact with people.

6. Photos do matter: I'm not the best at taking photos but I have got better over the years, work on your photos for your blog and make them clear so people can see them properly. Looking at overexposed and dark photos isn't that appealing to people but we do understand it takes time and effort to learn. It has been said before that people who read blogs won't read much of a post if it's just writing, I wouldn't say that's true for me but apparently, it keeps people reading and looking at other posts for longer. Don't randomly take pictures from google, they can belong to anyone, make sure you find a site that allows you to use stock photos but doesn't over do it, no one wants to see a blog with just stock photos.

7. Give different options for people to follow you: Not everyone has a bloglovin account or a google + account, I have a number of ways for people to follow me from a facebook page to a twitter account, some people will follow you on all forms of social media some will only follow on 1 or 2 forms.

8.  Before you ask to work with brands: Make sure you have content to show them so they know what your writing is like and can work out if you fit the kind of people they do work with. There is no point in emailing brands if you have nothing to show them, It's a waste of your time and their time.

9. Work out what your niche is: This is very important as it helps people determine whether or not you're something they would read. If you blog about a variety of things that would make you a lifestyle blogger, if you focus on beauty then you are a beauty blogger etc.. Once you know what you're niche is, start using hashtags for it such as #bblogger - beauty blogger, #lblogger - lifestyle blogger, #fblogger - fashion blogger, you get the idea right? If you're not sure what the hashtag would be for your niche ask other bloggers.

10. Write post ideas down: I have a notepad on my phone full of post ideas, as soon as an idea comes to me I write it down so I don't forget. I have so many different draft posts on here and on my phone, I should probably try to finish a few of them.

11. Share links to your posts: Post them on your twitter, facebook, Instagram you name it, the more you get your blog links out there the more chance people will read it. You can't expect people to just know you've posted if you don't let them know!

12. Don't complicate your layout: When I first started I had so many different widgets and buttons on my blog, it looked a mess and I cringe when I think about it. Keep it clear and easy to read, if you want people to be able to find your social media outlets get yourself clued up on how to add social media buttons on your blog.

13. Don't spam people: I hate being spammed especially with people constantly telling me to check out your blog, chances are I saw the first tweet don't keep sending me it constantly because I will end up muting you. If I like your content and blog I will give it a follow if not then I won't please respect that.

14. You don't HAVE to have a domain name: If you're planning on growing your DA (domain authority) then, by all means, get your own domain but if your blog is just a hobby and that's it then it really doesn't matter if you have a domain or not, I only got one after 2 years of blogging.

If anyone has any more tips feel free to leave them in the comments