Things you can do to help & encourage new bloggers

I’m truly tired of seeing bloggers who have been blogging for a considerable about of time with a considerable following trying to “keep their secrets“. Hun, you ain’t Dynamo. Bloggers who refuse to disclose how they get opportunities, what they’ve done to work with brands and those who straight up don’t reply to other bloggers on social media – not through being busy or having a bad day (I totally understand how overwhelming social media can be some days) – solely because they’re a “bigger blogger“. Huh? When did this strange, “there’s no room for all bloggers” mentality come into practice and how can we get TF rid of it?

I truly believe that every single blogger has their own, unique voice and we can all contribute to the community so that’s why I wanted to write a post today about how we can support new bloggers. Because quite frankly, I’m sad of seeing new bloggers unmotivated, uninspired and lacking help because “big bloggers” won’t get off their high horses and answer their questions. Sigh.

1. Politely tell them if they’re doing something wrong

We all make mistakes when we start blogging and more often than not, we still make mistakes even after we’ve been blogging for years. I certainly do, I’m always learning. It’s always helpful to be told what we’re doing wrong and some constructive advice but moaning at new bloggers or slagging them off on social media for it certainly isn’t going to help.

2. Include them in things

If you’re running a comment pod, a Twitter chat or some sort of project in which bloggers are going to be getting involved, I urge you not to overlook bloggers just because they’re new, only been blogging a few weeks or month and don’t have as big of a following yet.

3. Follow them!

Of course you don’t have to follow every new blogger, especially if their not a niché you read. We’re so not about fake engagement. But seen a new blogger who’s writing you enjoy? Follow them! Who cares how many followers they have or how long they’ve been blogging?

4. Reply to them

If you have a new blogger asking you a question on Twitter, don’t ignore them. I remember how difficult it was to make friends and engage with people when I first started – it’s incredibly intimidating and it takes a lot of courage sometimes to ask people things. If it’s not something you want to answer publicly, send them a private message.

5. Write helpful, informative blog posts 

If this isn’t your thing then that’s totally cool but when I was a newbie, I would have killed to find more informative blog posts about certain aspects of blogging. If you enjoy writing “tips” and “advice” type posts then that’s great! Perhaps cater one for new bloggers? Or include a break-down of things in the post for new bloggers to understand the terms. And most importantly, we’re done with the pushy, “you have to do this in order to be a good blogger” posts, okay?

6. Be a positive influence!

On your blog, on Twitter, in the world in general – be someone approachable, someone kind and someone that has a positive influence on new bloggers. The last thing a new blogger wants to hear is that they’ll never be successful or that there’s too many bloggers already and they might as well not bother. WHAT? What a load of hog wash! There’s room for everyone, all niché’s, all types of bloggers. Reinforce that.

7. Remember when and how you started

It’s a phrase as old as time… We were all new once. But it’s so, so true. We all started somewhere, with a little blog we didn’t think anyone would read. A Twitter account with barely any followers with no idea how to make friends or make people want to follow us. We all know these struggles. If you had a tough time when you started blogging, vow to make sure someone else doesn’t and if you have an opportunity to help that, please do.

Are you a new blogger? Do you agree with these tips or do you have anything else you’d like to add that you wish people would do to help and encourage new bloggers? Are you an experienced blogger with anything to add to this post? Let me know and let’s discuss!