Since this is one of the biggest questions I get from you all, I decided it was about time I did a post all about it! I started my blog in February of this year, so I have only been blogging for a little over six months now. So, let me preface this by saying I am no expert to blogging, but I wanted to share with you all a few tips that go a long way when starting a blog!
TIP #1: Be Real
This is the biggest thing I can emphasize when starting your blog. If you are not true to yourself, others (your audience) will be able to tell. When I first started it was really hard to not get caught up in what a lot of other bloggers were saying or posting about, which is a very hard part that comes with blogging. You have to remind yourself that you are different from everyone else and you need to express who you truly are to your audience. So be real and authentic and your audience will notice.
Tip #2: DO NOT buy followers
I feel like I may be one of the only bloggers be honest about this, but hey someone has to say it. Dont buy followers…….just dont do it. Yes, you will come across some brands that say they only work with bloggers who have x amount of followers are more, which is extremely frustrating, but it is not worth it. For the most part, brands do notice if you are buying followers or if they are truly real, engaged people. It is WAY more about engagement (comments and interaction) than it is the number of likes of followers you rack up. Think about it this way: who are you really posting for if they aren’t really people…
Yes, it takes a while to build up your blog and your followers, but it is completely worth it in the end. You want to build trust with your followers and with brands that you work with. So take a deep breath and really interact and listen with your followers that you do have, participate in some giveaways to show your appreciation for your followers, and do not compare yourself by numbers.
Tip #3: Engage, Engage, Engage
Continuing on about my last point, engaging with your followers is the number one thing that separates successful bloggers from the rest. The great thing about Instagram is that you can like comments, which I LOVE! I take the time to go through each and every one of my comments, read them, like them, and if they ask a question I will reply! Engage with your followers and show your appreciation for them. I personally really like to get to know my followers and have actually become really good friends with people I met through my blog! đŸ™‚
Tip #4: Quality over Quantity
This is huge and mainly applies to pictures you post. When you are posting pictures on your Instagram/blog, quality is so much more important than how often you post. Think Pinterest worthy pictures. You want to always put your best work out there and if you are just adding pictures to get a picture up then you aren’t doing that. Someone will decide within a few seconds of clicking on your profile if they want to follow you or not, so make sure your front page (or the most recent pictures on your Instagram) all mesh well together and is your best work!
*** I use a Nikon D3330 with a 50mm 1.8 lens and my Iphone 7 plus for all my pictures**
If there are any other questions you all have, feel free to leave them in the comments below or send me an email!
Cheers,
Nicole
