Blogging For Beginners

This question… ohhh, this question. I get this question more than any other question, I think. Since it’s the question with the most in depth answer, I figured a blog post would be best. Ya can only fit so many words into an Instagram DM reply. Lol.

I have only been blogging for a short time and quickly realized that it is different for everyone. Everyone puts in a different amount of time, and has different strategies- there’s no perfect equation. I, for one, certainly do not have the magic trick, but I feel like I am doing pretty dang good for a newbie. I want to keep it short and sweet- & helpful.

1. Be engaging. This is so important! With Instagram algorithms all over the place, the best thing you can do is show Instagram that you are here, and you aren’t going anywhere! The more you interact with other bloggers/followers, the better! Show other bloggers the same love that you would want in return. The more you connect with other bloggers, the more you are networking yourself. You aren’t the only blogger in the world, and it helps to have some girls by your side that you can connect with.

2. Consistency is THE key!! I can’t tell you how many people ask how I increased my following so fast.. and then I look at their Instagram and they have one picture posted a week. You are special and people will like you, but the followers aren’t just going to flock your way.. ya gotta work for it. Be consistent! Post every day and show that you are there and that you are serious about your blog. People want to connect with you.. and when they don’t see you, they loose interest. Make them see you! Post your heart away!

3. Be real. I would say 99% of women/girls in America are the everyday, working, middle class person…. they cannot afford the lavish/perfect lifestyle. I am one of those girls, and I know that I skip right over bloggers that are no where near my life style. Be real. Show them that you are personable and connect with them. Side note- if you are not one of those girls.. more power to you! Just realize that people are more willing to purchase more items from your links, if they are reasonably priced items. Just my two cents.

4. Don’t be scared to be different. If you think something is cute, don’t be scared to show it off. People follow you because they like you and they respect your opinion- so don’t don’t be afraid to be different!

5. I 100% recommend using bluehost.com for your website! It’s practically free to use and is the best one out there! It’s tricky to get used to, but the customer service line is awesome and very helpful!

6. Don’t do things that aren’t ‘you’ just for a following or to make a buck. If a small company reaches out to you for a collaboration, make sure you like the product before jumping. I get it- collaborations are exciting!! But you want the trust of your followers… don’t promote something that you wouldn’t spend your own money on.

7. If you are not on with a company like RewardStyle, make sure your followers have some way to find your clothing. Either linked through a blog, offer links through DM’s… something! It’s hard work, but will be worth it in the end!

8. Pay attention to peak times on your Instagram. Everyones is different but I can tell you that NO ONE’S is on a Saturday Night at 9PM. You have to think about how many people are actually on Instagram at one time. Weekends- most people are hanging out with family/kids/church. 3 in the afternoon- most people are still working and have about 2 hours left. 9 in the morning- most people just got to work and don’t have their phone out. If you are posting at the wrong times, you will always have bad engagement, because no one is seeing your post. Instagram uses the first 10 minutes of your post to determine the analytics. If you do not grab enough attention in that 10 minutes, it will continue to be slow. Post at times that people are on their phones and can interact with your content.

9. Everyone grows at a different rate- some faster, some slower. I am always hesitant to respond to the question because everyone is different. It all depends on how much work your put in and how much you are willing to learn.

10. I always get asked how long it takes to get on with ‘Reward Style’ or ‘Like To Know It’- honestly, I think that is different for everyone also. I can tell you that if you get denied, you have to wait three months before reapplying. Been there, done that. Don’t jump the gun- make sure you have a solid following and a good system. When you apply, you want to know 100% that you will be accepted! Rome wasn’t built in a day… or was it Greece? Idk.. either way, you cannot expect it to all come at once. It will come, trust me.

Okay, so this post was nothing fancy. No life changing tips… this is typically what I would tell someone that asked me on Instagram. I promise, when more information and tips come to light- I will keep you guys updated. But most importantly, blogging isn’t about the free products or the money.. it’s something you need to be passionate about. Be passionate about what you promote and what you say because people will notice that, and will stick around for that.


 

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Leave a Comment

8 Comments

  1. 3.20.18
    Nikki Anderson said:

    Thank you for this ?

  2. 4.16.18
    Deboraa said:

    Thank you for sharing this!

    • 5.1.18
      admin said:

      Thank you for reading it!! XOXOX

  3. 10.7.18
    Haley Rae said:

    Great post! Very informative 🙂

  4. 10.17.19

    Thank you so much for these tips! I am a new blogger and feeling a bit overwhelmed, but excited! Love reading your content!

  5. 11.5.19
    Katy Bell said:

    This was some of the best advice I have read, and as you stated- it’s real and not some fancy answer. Appreciate that!

  6. 2.11.20

    Katy.thank you for all you tips, they are much appreciated and your recipes as well! I have one question if you can DM me. What is the oldet blogger here, or are there none? Thanks much, wondering if there was a need for them or no??

  7. 2.27.20
    KendalJo said:

    Love these tips! SO helpful for us who are just starting out! 🙂

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