Always write about things that you want to write about, things you're passionate about and things that make you happy! Being yourself & having fun with your content is one of the most important things because when you're having fun with it, it'll be a pleasure to read and to share in your enjoyment of it!
Twitter is such a great platform to interact with a huge variety of people. Set up an account for your blog & start taking to people you would really like to get to know more. Start following some of your favourite bloggers and interact, more often than not they'll reply! There are also weekly blogging chats that are a wonderful way of getting to know new people and discover new blogs.
Make it easy for readers to subscribe to your blog by placing your google friend connect/bloglovin' widgets in a really visible place. Also place links to any other social networks in an easy to spot place too!
Large, clear photographs are something I really appreciate when I'm reading a blog. This doesn't mean you need to have a fancy camera, there are lots of affordable point & shoot cameras available for under £100 and if you have a phone with a nice camera on it, that will work wonderfully as long as you're shooting in a nicely lit space. Don't worry about being super professional, I really enjoy simple snapshots because they feel more personal & I know others feel similarly - you don't need to be the next Rankin! Again, have fun with experimenting and learning new things!
If you have captcha enabled on your comments it can occasionally deter people from leaving a message. Those pesky words and numbers are often almost impossible to read & it can feel like a bit of a chore having to fill them in. If you're worried about getting a lot of spam comments, consider putting them on approval. I do this on my comments, partly so I can be sure I don't miss any & can reply, but also partly so I can delete the spam that gets past the filter.
We all have those times where life gets in the way or we just don't want to do something & if you're not feeling it, then never feel like you have to post something because absolutely you don't. When you start forcing it, that's when it can start to feel like a chore and this is supposed to be a fun thing! It doesn't matter if you post something every other day or once a week, but try to be as consistent as possible.
Please don't ever be put off by the possibility of mean spirited comments. I remember being quite upset the first time I received a comment that was just plain horrible, but it actually really helped me develop the ability to not care about what other people think of who they think I am. A blog is never going to represent every single part of your life or facet of who you are, but some will make judgements of who they think you are and they might simply get the wrong end of the stick. Constructive criticism is an entirely different thing and I think it's important to take those kind of comments on board but anything that's just mean - ignore & delete! Not everyone is going to like you/your blog/the way you write and that's okay!
Don't focus on the numbers or the possibility of freebies because in the grand scheme of things, that's not even close to being one of the most important parts of blogging.
Be careful with how much you share because the internet isn't always a nice place. Please don't include pictures of envelopes with your address showing, I'm sure it's not the worst thing in the world but I'm a little bit of a worrier and I would hate for anything terrible to happen! Don't write about anything in a public place that might come back to haunt you in the future, if you're using your full name be mindful of future employers who may google you!
It's hard to get noticed but if you love what you're doing, people will see that & your readership will grow. It's great to have goals and aspirations for your space on the Internet, but don't get disheartened if things take time to start happening. Make your journey positive one, try new things, find your voice and enjoy it. Remember, everyone starts at the beginning.
What's your number 1 top blogging tip?
Love, Jennie
xoxo
Great advice! Thanks for sharing x
ReplyDeletewww.lornaswishingwell.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you for reading! xo
DeleteBlog because you like to blog and not blog
ReplyDeletebecause you want to gain followers etc c;
So I think point 1: Have fun is important!
Xx
Definitely! xo
DeleteSome great blogging tips, it really does get stressful to be a blogger but it is really enjoyable too!
ReplyDeleteJackie | fashionxfairytale |
Very enjoyable <3
DeleteGreat post, and some great tips :) x
ReplyDeleteCatherines Loves
Thank you! xo
DeleteI've just started out and posts like this are incredibly helpful just for little tips and tricks. Might be glaringly obvious to a seasoned blogger but for newbies maybe not so. I think my best blogging tip would be not to send your link to everyone and their mother, leave a nice comment and if they want your link they'll ask for it, or more often than not be able to find it themselves xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you're enjoying blogging so far! <3
DeleteThank you very much for all the lovely advice! ^_^
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that it's important to interact with people, and this includes leaving comments on their blog posts like this one. All bloggers know how much time it takes to write a post, so a little thank is always appreciated! :)
I agree, plus it's really nice commenting on posts too, all about sharing the love <3
Deletefab tips Jennie :) xx
ReplyDeletethank you sweet! xo
DeleteThanks for these tips, they're all so true :). I have been blogging for several years (I think even over 4 years now) and if I had to do it for the numbers or the money I should have quit a long time ago. I think the blogging itself and the blogging community are so much fun to participate in!
ReplyDeleteBTW I love your bunny scissor and paperclip holder, where do you get all that bunny stuff? :D
I agree, it's a wonderful community to be a part of. Whenever I see anything bunny shaped, I'm there haha! xo
DeleteThis is brilliant, especially for a newbie like me :) Thanks lovely lady x
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading lovely! xo
DeleteFab tips for everyone
ReplyDeleteVictoria
FlorenceandMary.com
<3
Deletegreat tips jennie!I agree with every one xx
ReplyDelete<3 <3
DeleteLots of good advice here, I received a weird anon comment the other day and I did feel compelled to write a post on the back of it, but only because it made me think, not because it was mean and horrible or insulting. But on the whole I agree with you, I don't think you should take comments like that to heart at all.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think there's a difference between criticism and outright negativity! x
DeleteGreat advice :)
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteFab post Jennie, I completely agree - it's hard to ignore the mean comments but once you let them get to you, they've won!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, it's important to just ignore them! xo
Deletegreat tips! I especially like the first one, it's essential to have fun when blogging! :)
ReplyDelete-
Ester @ Drawing Dreaming
Definitely! xo
DeleteDef agree about the Captcha, find it so annoying to do, and the photo's are important to me, i@ll be put of a blog if the photos are blurry or unclear, or just really badly shot :s
ReplyDeleteDaniella x
http://daniella-r.blogpsot.co.uk
They're always so unreadable! xo
DeleteLove your tips, I agree with every single one!! x
ReplyDeletewww.daisydaisyxxo.blogspot.com
Thank you sweet! xo
DeleteMy number one tip is be sincere :) I hate it when you read blogs and you feel like the person is just trying to make money or get free products. (PS: I noticed your comment on my sisters blog - towanderandtoroam.blogspot.com, don't know why I'm bringing that up but I was like heyyy it's jennie!)
ReplyDeletewww.raspberphobia.com
Ahh yay, I didn't know she was your sister! <3
DeleteGreat tips! Thanks very much <3
ReplyDeleteLove from Jasmine at Rabbitwood
xo
<3 xoxo
DeleteI think that's great advice, your blog should be your space on the internet not what everyone wants it to be or what you think it should be. Thanks for sharing :) xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading <3
DeleteGreat advice :) I agree with you, it's important to enjoy blogging and be yourself :) xx
ReplyDeleteIt should be all about having fun! xo
DeleteI love these tips! Especially the one about simply having your comments approved. I hate having to type in those number/letter things. -Hanna Lei
ReplyDeleteI always get them wrong hehe! xo
DeleteI'm a total worrier too so I'd be really paranoid about showing my address to the world! I do use my full name for my blog so I've tried to keep it fairly professional since I first started whilst still being myself :) I think it's really important to be genuine and kind towards your followers and take a real interest in what they are up to too! Great post as always :) xxx
ReplyDeleteIt totally makes sense for you to use your full name because it's an amazing way to showcase your work! Your personality definitely shines through too <3 xo
DeleteThis is really nice. I'm struggling at the moment because my google friend connect widget isn't working and I don't know why, and it makes me sad because people can't follow me :( but I'll still blog, just because I love to do it. It's just a shame :( xx
ReplyDeleteThe perks of being a hipster - Christmas Giveaway! Essie, Bumble&Bumble, Sleek and more!
Oh no, that's such a pain!
DeleteI find post's like this really helpful! For me my problem with my own blogging is that I'm sooooo inconsistent! Seriously I need to try and change that! (new years resolution anyone?!!!) Also I also worry that my blog doesn't represent who am, which is weird because I post about things that I sincerely love and enjoy, it's just that I feel I love a lot more things than the things I post about (??? That's makes no sense!) I guess I'm just still developing my blog ... I should just stop worrying and post more!
ReplyDelete... OK enough of my rambling!
I'll definitely be using some of your advice! x
I think you just have to have fun with it, write about what you want and you'll begin to discover the areas you want to go with your blog as a whole <3
DeleteThis is such a great post Jennie! Your blog is one of my absolute favourites so it's really interesting to hear your tips - thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteJess xo
Aww thank you so much sweet lady <3
DeleteVery inspiring and thought provoking words Jennie; I think you've summed up blogging perfectly!
ReplyDeleteAt first I got disheartened and wondered if anyone, ever would read my blog & leave a comment but then it dawned on me that I should be making more of an effort to network, get involved on other blogs. I think it was a real lack of courage that stopped me doing that (amazing how un-scary it is now!).
So my first tip to new bloggers would be to network, join in and be brave! Also it's always enjoyable reading and discovering new blogs so it's a win-win really <3
Sophie xox soinspo
It is super scary to put yourself out there in the beginning, most people are so welcoming though so it makes it easier <3
DeleteSuch wonderful tips :) xxxx
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteThese are such amazing tips! I'm reasonably new to blogging myself and at times I've found it pretty difficult to balance my academic work with writing blog posts.
ReplyDeleteThat can be so difficult! I like to make a list of blog things I'd like to do so I can plan my time a little bit better <3
DeleteGreat advice lovely!! x
ReplyDeleteThank you! xo
DeleteSuch great advice, Especially from a blogger as brill as you whoo!
ReplyDeleteAww! I'm not that good, just having fun with it! :D
DeleteAs with every post, you talk so much sense! Lovely post Jennie x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much lovely! xo
DeleteGreat tips Jennie! I need to get better at the whole Twitter thing, I always give it a go and then give up haha... but I really like the idea behind Twitter but I don't know why I constantly fail at it haha :)
ReplyDeleteI have a love/hate relationship with twitter, I don't use it as much as I should! xo
DeleteAwesome tips Jennie, # 1 is the best advice a girl could give! I also get worried when I see bloggers sharing snaps on Instagram containing their addresses! WAH.
ReplyDeleteTara xo
It really freaks me out, staying safe is so important! xo
Deletethis really came in useful. I'm one of the people watching at the numbers and wondering what am I doing wrong.
ReplyDeleteimeowlife. ,Dixx
It's not about the numbers, have fun with it! xo
DeleteThis is brilliant - such good tips for new and seasoned bloggers alike! My big tip would be PROOFREAD! You don't have to be the best writer in the world, but I can't bear a blog riddled with obvious and basic typos that a simple spellchecker would sort out!
ReplyDeleteMilly // Mini Adventures
I think that's a good tip. Writing perfectly isn't always easy for some so I don't mind spelling errors or using the wrong version of 'there' for example, but a read-through before posting is always a good idea, even though I'm guilty of not doing that sometimes myself! x
DeleteSuch great tips! I really enjoyed reading them and agree 100%! :) x
ReplyDeletewww.natalielovesbeauty.com
Thank you for reading! <3
DeleteGreat advice! I think it's really important to have fun with what you're doing. Thanks for the tips, I know they'll be helpful for lots of people :)
ReplyDelete<3
Deleteaww thanks. every little tip helps :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading sweet <3
DeleteSuch a great post Jennie.. very inspiring! You're right too, it really does have to be about more than just numbers, blogging is an amazing opportunity to be able to talk to great people who have similar interests and have your own little space where your voice can be heard
ReplyDeleteLeeannelle | Fashion and Beauty
..x
The interaction is wonderful, it's so lovely to have a place where you can talk about the things you love, with people that love them too! xo
Deletegreat tips! thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeletejasrinaprisca.blogspot.com
<3
DeleteGreat tips Jennie! We all need to remember to have fun with it! Blogging is meant to be fun I just take a step back or a break when its not flowing.
ReplyDeleteTwitter is so good for chatting & connecting with people.
http://www.letstalkbeauty.co.uk/
I do the same, sometimes a little break is all it takes <3
Deletegreat tips :) loved reading through them! i'm awful with twitter but should try to get better at it... i'd love to talk more to fellow bloggers! and definitely agree about the importance of big clear photographs and consistency - both things i've been working on improving too :)
ReplyDeleterachel x
blush&brunch
I'm not the best at twitter either, I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with it. You're photographs are wonderful! <3
DeleteGreat tips! I can never read those captcha things - so annoying when you really want to leave a comment. x
ReplyDeleteThey're impossible, I'm convinced they're getting harder too! xo
DeleteYou are like my big sister when it comes to blogging! I love how positive you are & how you appreciate your readers :)xx
ReplyDeleteAww that's lovely to hear, thank you so, so much! xo
DeleteA great list to set store by. I've already embraced twitter but I think consistency and photos are my main bugbear. Favouriting this post for future reference!
ReplyDeleteNell at And Nell Writes
<3 xo
DeleteGreat post! I've been kinda stuck when it comes to blogging. I really need to get on twitter and interact with bloggers again, it's been a long time since I've done that!
ReplyDeleteHaving a good chat with people that love similar things can be super inspiring <3
DeleteBlogging should never be about numbers like you've said. It should be more about making friends and having a community that you feel comfortable being around. And also over sharing is a bit scary sometimes. Who knows what people will use that information about.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's really important to keep some things back, just for yourself! xo
DeleteLove all the points that you've covered Jennie. The most important blogging tip for me? Stop comparing myself to other bloggers because it's a losing game. You're never going to win by constantly comparing yourself to someone's middle when you're only starting. I've had my blog for 2 1/2 years but I don't consider it 2 years old because I haven't blogged consistently but that's my aim for 2014. Hopefully by blogging more, networking more and just working a lot harder, it'll help my blog grow. Positivity wouldn't go amiss. :)
ReplyDelete