It's actually a little over a month that I started this blog, but this last month has been where I have been obsessed with creating daily content. Content that I'm actually quite proud of and I'm not afraid to admit that. There are so many things that I have been and still am learning, but it doesn't overwhelm me as much as it has in the past.. thank goodness. I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings on some particular elements of the "Blogging World" and whether you're new to blogging or an old-time blogging-pro, I hope you may be able to relate.
Blog Style
From experiences with having old blogs (a long time ago) I knew that I wanted something that would hopefully stand out and have more of a simple but effective look. For the longest time I couldn't make templates work and I eventually worked out that if I was going to feel proud of what I was showing and felt that my blog related to me and my style, I had to invest in a template from other sources. This source happened to be Pipdig and I have never looked back. They may be a little pricey for some people, but their designs are flawless and customisable. You can also find widget codes on their website, which have been incredibly useful.
Content
I'm quite a shy girl in the real world and it was a big deal for me to write my own content and put it out there for everyone to see. Blogging sadly still has that reputation for being lazy and you are automatically branded as a Zoella-wannabe and yes I do really enjoy watching her on YouTube and reading her blog.. what's your point? If anything my content has been the biggest outlet for me, especially after a tough year (not another blogger with anxiety!). There are so many things that bloggers in particular are judged for and I'm trying to get to the point where I don't give any thought to the concept of "What will people think about this?"
The things I write about are 100% me and my thoughts and that's how it should be. I feel quite proud of myself for what I've been sharing and I never say that out loud. Other bloggers should be damn proud too.
Photos and Themes
Taking photos is one of my favourite things to do. I love playing around with angles and working out where to put certain products etc. I have no clue what I'm doing but I'm having a blast. I even bought a reflector to make me feel a bit more professional.. still no clue but I'm glad I have one. Now.. Instagram themes. Am I the only one who heard someone say Instagram theme and thought "What the heck is one of those?" I recently searched Pinterest for themes linked with VSCO (photo editing app) and having tried some out, I have finally come across a theme that I am happy with. If you would like to check it out, it's here.
Confidence
My confidence is slowly but surely growing and I hope to continue building it up. I think it's quickly assumed that if you have some type of social media, you are very comfortable in yourself, maybe even a little "up yourself" but that's just not the case. In all honesty one of my biggest areas of confidence-issues is when writing about beauty products. I love make-up like many other people, but I'm no pro at it. I still watch tutorials on the best eyeshadow looks, can't do a cat flick to save my life and I can feel like a right idiot. But I love reviewing products and trying out the latest palettes so I'm going to carry on and enjoy myself.
Community
I don't know many bloggers, certainly not on face-to-face terms but since exploring Twitter groups and various Instagrams, I have really felt a sense of community and I get the feeling that bloggers stick together. I am yet to find (although I'm sure there are cases) bloggers being bitchy to each other and if I'm being honest, that's what I thought I would see a lot of. I actually feel a sense of belonging and although there isn't any strong friendships that I have built up, I am happy to be in the online blogging environment.
SEO
What the hell is SEO I hear you ask. I am still getting to grips with the whole "search engine optimization", but I think I'm getting there. This is something I have never given a second thought to in the past but it is important for your blog to grow. I've been naming my photos, adding descriptions.. all that jazz but if anyone has any "simplified" methods and advice, I would appreciate it.
Stats
Stat's is like my biggest concern on a day to day basis and I know that's not a good trait. Stat's don't encourage me to change the way I write or what I'm sharing, but I am only human and of course it does pull on the heartstrings slightly when your effort isn't as popular as you thought. This of course grows over time and I completely understand that, but as I said.. I'm only human.
Money
This is where I feel so many in the blogging world are divided. I do honestly believe that your blog has to be a hobby and something you absolutely love to do, otherwise it will be clear to readers that your intentions are elsewhere. Here's the but. I'm going to put it out there and say I would love and have thought a great deal about whether this blog could become a full-time job in the far future. Is it wrong to think about doing something you adore as a career? In my opinion no! Maybe that statement will cause a bit of hate and I hope it doesn't but I don't want to feel like I have to hide that. I'm not daft, I know this would take huge amounts of effort, tons of time and a good couple of years or even more. I believe that you take out what you put in and I'm ok with that. Nothing is guaranteed but what a dream it would be.
So there's my whole thought process of blogging so far. I have never felt so positive about something I am doing. My blog has quickly become my baby and I am very protective of it. I hope it continues to grow and my content continues to reflect me and my personality. I have never been one who knew what they wanted to do in life, but I feel like this is 100% me. Anyone out there wanting to blog and doubting themselves? Just do it!
Blog Style
From experiences with having old blogs (a long time ago) I knew that I wanted something that would hopefully stand out and have more of a simple but effective look. For the longest time I couldn't make templates work and I eventually worked out that if I was going to feel proud of what I was showing and felt that my blog related to me and my style, I had to invest in a template from other sources. This source happened to be Pipdig and I have never looked back. They may be a little pricey for some people, but their designs are flawless and customisable. You can also find widget codes on their website, which have been incredibly useful.
Content
I'm quite a shy girl in the real world and it was a big deal for me to write my own content and put it out there for everyone to see. Blogging sadly still has that reputation for being lazy and you are automatically branded as a Zoella-wannabe and yes I do really enjoy watching her on YouTube and reading her blog.. what's your point? If anything my content has been the biggest outlet for me, especially after a tough year (not another blogger with anxiety!). There are so many things that bloggers in particular are judged for and I'm trying to get to the point where I don't give any thought to the concept of "What will people think about this?"
The things I write about are 100% me and my thoughts and that's how it should be. I feel quite proud of myself for what I've been sharing and I never say that out loud. Other bloggers should be damn proud too.
Photos and Themes
Taking photos is one of my favourite things to do. I love playing around with angles and working out where to put certain products etc. I have no clue what I'm doing but I'm having a blast. I even bought a reflector to make me feel a bit more professional.. still no clue but I'm glad I have one. Now.. Instagram themes. Am I the only one who heard someone say Instagram theme and thought "What the heck is one of those?" I recently searched Pinterest for themes linked with VSCO (photo editing app) and having tried some out, I have finally come across a theme that I am happy with. If you would like to check it out, it's here.
Confidence
My confidence is slowly but surely growing and I hope to continue building it up. I think it's quickly assumed that if you have some type of social media, you are very comfortable in yourself, maybe even a little "up yourself" but that's just not the case. In all honesty one of my biggest areas of confidence-issues is when writing about beauty products. I love make-up like many other people, but I'm no pro at it. I still watch tutorials on the best eyeshadow looks, can't do a cat flick to save my life and I can feel like a right idiot. But I love reviewing products and trying out the latest palettes so I'm going to carry on and enjoy myself.
Community
I don't know many bloggers, certainly not on face-to-face terms but since exploring Twitter groups and various Instagrams, I have really felt a sense of community and I get the feeling that bloggers stick together. I am yet to find (although I'm sure there are cases) bloggers being bitchy to each other and if I'm being honest, that's what I thought I would see a lot of. I actually feel a sense of belonging and although there isn't any strong friendships that I have built up, I am happy to be in the online blogging environment.
SEO
What the hell is SEO I hear you ask. I am still getting to grips with the whole "search engine optimization", but I think I'm getting there. This is something I have never given a second thought to in the past but it is important for your blog to grow. I've been naming my photos, adding descriptions.. all that jazz but if anyone has any "simplified" methods and advice, I would appreciate it.
Stats
Stat's is like my biggest concern on a day to day basis and I know that's not a good trait. Stat's don't encourage me to change the way I write or what I'm sharing, but I am only human and of course it does pull on the heartstrings slightly when your effort isn't as popular as you thought. This of course grows over time and I completely understand that, but as I said.. I'm only human.
Money
This is where I feel so many in the blogging world are divided. I do honestly believe that your blog has to be a hobby and something you absolutely love to do, otherwise it will be clear to readers that your intentions are elsewhere. Here's the but. I'm going to put it out there and say I would love and have thought a great deal about whether this blog could become a full-time job in the far future. Is it wrong to think about doing something you adore as a career? In my opinion no! Maybe that statement will cause a bit of hate and I hope it doesn't but I don't want to feel like I have to hide that. I'm not daft, I know this would take huge amounts of effort, tons of time and a good couple of years or even more. I believe that you take out what you put in and I'm ok with that. Nothing is guaranteed but what a dream it would be.
So there's my whole thought process of blogging so far. I have never felt so positive about something I am doing. My blog has quickly become my baby and I am very protective of it. I hope it continues to grow and my content continues to reflect me and my personality. I have never been one who knew what they wanted to do in life, but I feel like this is 100% me. Anyone out there wanting to blog and doubting themselves? Just do it!
It so does not look like your first month of blogging!! Girl your nailing it!!!
ReplyDeleteI would have thought you where at it so much longer! Well done xxx
Thank you so much! Xx
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