Happy First Birthday to me 🎂
It is a long time since I have been in single figures but here I am a ONE year old blogger.
It took me a bit by surprise that my first post was back in June 2016, time flies when you’re having fun😃
I really enjoy the blogging world. I love writing and the freedom that writing a blog that is 100% mine gives me.If you are thinking ‘mmm… should I start a blog?’ the answer is a big fat YES!!
Setting up a Blog-first baby steps (in a kind of order!)
OK I am no expert, however I have learnt a lot in my first year, which may be of use to you if you are thinking of starting out:
Decide what you want to write about – and then try and narrow it down.
By narrow it down I mean think of your niche. For example a Beauty Blog could be about hair, makeup, skincare, nails etc. Of course you can write about them all – it’s your blog after all, no-one can tell you what to do. However you may decide to specialise a bit, or like me your niche may find you a few months down the line.
Think of a name for your blog and how often do you intend to post? I think it’s a good idea and discipline for you to set your self a posting day, that day your readers will know when to expect new content. (I post every Monday)
Think about a budget. You can set up a blog for free but you may decide to purchase a template just to help with the layout etc
(I use a template for my blog from Pipdig)
Do some research and read blogs. Be inspired by them but don’t copy them.
Photos – you should take your own photos, and you may decide you need an fancy camera – I thought I did but one year on I am still using my iPhone5.
Think of the structure of your blog. What are you pages going to be called?
Write you first post and get someone else to proof read it – checking for spelling, typos, grammar, and does it read well?
(A good first post could be your About Me page)
Try and keep your paragraphs relatively short – 3/4 sentences work for me. Put in some relevant photos and make sure you add Title and Alt tags to photos.
Social media, which platforms are you going to use?
You might like to think about using a provider such as Buffer which can help you schedule your posts (it’s free 😃)
Publish and then WORK! Work at getting followers, reply to every comment and email. Comment on others blogs, join some networks.
And finally
Remember it’s your blog, you are in control and only you can decide what to write say and do!
Enjoy the freedom and Blog On!
Happy blog birthday! I missed mine as I'm super unobservant…Jaynie Shannon | Beauty & Lifestyle xx
Thanks, time flies when you're having fun xx
Happy Birthday 🎂 🎂 🍾 🍾 🍸 🍸 🎈 🎈
thank you 🎂 and thanks for your support over the past year.Emily
April 2019 re number 3 – I am now on WordPress, but I can’t see a huge benefit TBH and re number 4 I am no longer with PipDig and I do NOT recommend them