One of my most frequently asked questions is if I have any advice on starting a blog, so here are my answers on how to go about diving into this world of blogging. First of all, you need to make a decision on which tool you’re going to use to help create your blog. Which do you prefer between WordPress versus Wix? It’s often a tricky choice for first-time bloggers to make but thankfully there are plenty of resources online to help break the choice down into easily digestible points for each.
DESIGN
-Don’t let the little things get in the way of your momentum, No shame in a template. If you don’t have design experience and you don’t have the cash to throw at a custom design of your dreams, just find a blog theme you like and go from there. (You can find lots of nice looking themes here.)
-Less is more. I have done a lot of blog design over the past few years, some very busy, over design or far too colourful and I always love the simple designs the most.
-Pick a domain name that fits your blog and what you are going to be writing about. If it’s a diary themed blog, then it could just be your name, just make sure it is representative of your content. Then you will need to find a web host for that domain name so that everyone can see your site! Many people will choose to use a service like hostiserver.com due to the extra features that come bundled with. Some of these may be handy to you, some of them may not. Consider this when making your choice. After all, there are many hosting services out there, and there are tons of reviews online: for example, HostGator vs SiteGround – Which Has Better Performance? Check reviews like this to make sure that you are getting the right service for you.
CONTENT
-Decide what your blog is about. Start by creating categories & writing down some post ideas. If you spread yourself too thin it will be difficult to stay focused and find inspiration. They don’t have to be topics that necessarily go together like PB&J. But if you decide that you post about dessert recipes & marriage advice, then you know that every week you need a new idea for those two topics. I would also suggest writing about something that you’re passionate about. Blogging is one of the many fun things to do online so make sure you’re enjoying it! If you’re dreading writing a new post every week, blogging isn’t for you.
-Always post with photos with your posts (because otherwise it’s snoooozeeeeeee). iPhone photos are fine, start somewhere. Don’t let not having an amazing camera or being the best photographer keep you from starting.
-Quality over Quantity. Posting regularly is important, when you start at least once or twice a week, but have standards for yourself. Don’t post just for the sake of posting. Feel proud about what you are putting out there.
-Launch your blog with content, how do people know if they want to follow along when all you have to show them is a logo and about page. Get 3 or more posts up and then start sharing it with your readers.
(Do I look upset here… I’m swear I’m not! I have what some would call “resting bitch face”. I’m a friendly person but I actually have to exercise my smile muscles before I walk through the grocery store so I don’t look like a… well.. bitch.)
COMMUNITY
-Get connected with other bloggers, instagrammers, brands, whoever it is that you feel that connection with online. Comment often, but be genuine.
-Don’t compete. Don’t compare. Someone else’s content or success has absolutely nothing to do with yours. If someone likes following blogs about Dessert Recipes & Marriage Advice odds are they are going to follow multiple blogs on that topic, so don’t get too caught up in what other people are doing. It’s really only going to make you feel worse and lose creativity.
I love how you fix your hair. Do you use a wand to give it that wave?
I love how you fix your hair. Do you use a wand to give it that wave?
I love how you fix your hair. Do you use a wand to give it that wave?
Great advice! I feel like these are good tips and not ones that necessarily would come into one’s mind when starting off. I’ve contemplated starting a blog more times than I can count but I definitely have gotten caught up in the small things like the design, etc. Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
I love the advise you give. Simple and easy to digest but also a recipe for greatness! Thank you for your post 🙂
I love the advise you give. Simple and easy to digest but also a recipe for greatness! Thank you for your post 🙂
I love the advise you give. Simple and easy to digest but also a recipe for greatness! Thank you for your post 🙂
This was very informative, thank you!! I’m actually trying to start my own blog so this was very helpful (still need enough pictures though haha) (I tried commenting this on Instagram but for some reason I’m constantly getting blocked? So anyway, thank you!)
Let’s see the kitchen reveal!!!
This is so what I needed to hear! I bought a domain name almost a year ago and I keep holding myself back from blogging…I’m not a photographer or have graphic design experience so I talk myself out of sharing ALL THE TIME. So thank you for your thoughts on this 🙂
This is so what I needed to hear! I bought a domain name almost a year ago and I keep holding myself back from blogging…I’m not a photographer or have graphic design experience so I talk myself out of sharing ALL THE TIME. So thank you for your thoughts on this 🙂
This is so what I needed to hear! I bought a domain name almost a year ago and I keep holding myself back from blogging…I’m not a photographer or have graphic design experience so I talk myself out of sharing ALL THE TIME. So thank you for your thoughts on this 🙂
I got caught up on the little things for so long, and I put off starting for years! Now I’m so glad I have taken the plunge and I’m learning along the way!
I got caught up on the little things for so long, and I put off starting for years! Now I’m so glad I have taken the plunge and I’m learning along the way!
I got caught up on the little things for so long, and I put off starting for years! Now I’m so glad I have taken the plunge and I’m learning along the way!
I’m so encouraged. Ive been following your blog since I was 17 (7 years) and have been so impacted by your life. Maybe if i start sharing my story some 17 year old girls will be encouraged too.
x J
I’m so encouraged. Ive been following your blog since I was 17 (7 years) and have been so impacted by your life. Maybe if i start sharing my story some 17 year old girls will be encouraged too.
x J
I’m so encouraged. Ive been following your blog since I was 17 (7 years) and have been so impacted by your life. Maybe if i start sharing my story some 17 year old girls will be encouraged too.
x J
Which good quality starter camera would you recommend that would suffice?
Which good quality starter camera would you recommend that would suffice?
Which good quality starter camera would you recommend that would suffice?
Bethany! This was just what I needed to hear. So easy to get discouraged in this bloggin’ business, compare yourself to others, and just need a break from social media. I love your message to stay true to yourself and post thoughtfully. Your blog and instagram are amazing! 🙂 xo. Kelly
Bethany! This was just what I needed to hear. So easy to get discouraged in this bloggin’ business, compare yourself to others, and just need a break from social media. I love your message to stay true to yourself and post thoughtfully. Your blog and instagram are amazing! 🙂 xo. Kelly
Bethany! This was just what I needed to hear. So easy to get discouraged in this bloggin’ business, compare yourself to others, and just need a break from social media. I love your message to stay true to yourself and post thoughtfully. Your blog and instagram are amazing! 🙂 xo. Kelly