I had been brainstorming what to share about blogging that I’ve learned over the last two years. I thought about the obvious things like make sure your blog names domain name is available. This is something I think y’all have heard a few dozen times. So, I thought it was time to think outside the box a little. So, here are the six things I think you should do before starting a style/fashion blog.
Six things to do before you start a style blog
1.Make sure you have a few blog posts already done, and ready to go. It’s really easy to get overwhelmed as a new blogger with social media posting, editing blog photos, writing blog posts, and brainstorming for future blog posts . So, having around two weeks of blog posts ready to go makes it easier to stay on top of your blogging goals. If you know you want to start a blog start spreading the word that a style blog by you is in the works on all your social media channels. You should also make sure you have a web host for your blog, I use Hostiserver so give them a try!
2.Let your readers know what to expect from day one. What I mean by this is let your readers/followers know what your blog posting schedule is going to be. Bloggers schedule blog posts five days a week, three times a week, or one day a week usually. There is no hard rule on when you have to post, but whatever you choose try to stick to it because the quickest way to lose peoples interest is to not post when you say you will. This may sound like it’s not a big deal because you have a brand new blog, and are thinking who is going to really care this early on.The thing is you don’t know whose reading your blog, and if you say you’re going to post you need to try your best to be there. Otherwise communicate with your followers/readers a few days before you’re taking off so you’ve tried to let them know. I also, try to reiterate it on all my social media channels.
3.If you want to start a style blog, start taking outfit photos now. Practice makes perfect. Even if you’re using an iPhone camera practice, practice, practice posing so that it becomes more comfortable for you. Especially if you plan on working with a professional photographer. This could really help speed your shoots up. Which in the end could possibly save you time.
4.This is going to sound clique, but be you. Don’t try it imitate anyone else. There’s already someone else out there that is that person/blog, and people will know when you aren’t authentic. So, don’t try to just say what you think people want to hear. Say what you want to say. I know this can be hard at times, but my advice is to brainstorm ideas, and then brainstorm some more. If you are going through a dry spell try to remember why you started blogging, and think about your voice. This happens to all of us. I usually brainstorm with lots of coffee refills.
5.Okay this one is for all the perfectionist. Your blog, photography, etc. is never going to be perfect. So make it good enough, and put yourself out there. Waiting for perfection is one of those unattainable things. I know, because I kept thinking if I do xyz then it would be perfect, and in reality I just needed to start.
6.Success at blogging takes time, patience, and sometimes luck. What I mean by luck is sometimes blog posts will go viral. Which is amazing!! It might also be worthwhile for you to start using something like WordPress Hosting – daily backups as this is a system that can help you make your blogging life a lot easier. Though bloggers shouldn’t depend on that, you need to put yourself out there, create unique blog posts, and be you. My advice is success comes with time, and perfection isn’t the measuring tool for it. So make something you like, put your name on it, and market the heck out of it through all your social media channels. If you do find your blog is struggling to make its debut, I would recommend involving a blogger outreach specialist to help guide you in lifting your blog off the ground. Also, don’t be too proud to ask for family, and friends to help spread the word.
6. Join the blogging networks and communities. Most bloggers want to help you succeed. All you have to do is join the work, and listen and learn. This one is something I wish I had done from day one because I have met some really amazing blogger ladies that are so sweet, creative, and awesome!! One of my favorite blogging groups is the Facebook group called I’m So Blogging It. It was created by Brittany Ashmore from The Ashmores Blog.
Thanks so much for stopping by!! These are a few tips that have helped me. If ya’ll have any tips that have worked for you please share!!
Julie says
Yes to blogging networks and communities — conferences too! I’ve attended a few and made some wonderfully supportive blogger friends.
Ashley S says
Girl, such great info here! Love this hugely!
ashley peavey says
Such great tips!!
Brittney Baxendale says
These are such great tips. I really wish I would have wicked up on some posts before I started.
Jenny says
These are fantastic tips! thank you!
Virjinia Harp says
I love this! It definitely has helped my blog to make connections and join communities.
val says
LOVE the ISBT FB group 🙂 Great list!
Melony says
Thank you so much for your blogging tips! I myself would love to start blogging. I’ve been thinking about it since the company I worked for closed down. I now have time to interact with my kids and would love to stay home with them and work from home. I know blogging will change my life.
Annie says
So many great tips, I know when I started out a little over a year ago I was completely lost!
-Annie
http://www.discoveringyourhappy.com
Angel says
Love this! And the ibst group
T Cunningham says
What sort of planner/ organizer do you use?
AngelaAmores7 says
Right now I’m using an Erin Condren Planner plus a cute planner I picked up from Target. It helps me divide time lines for projects I have coming up.