Blogging is an amazing hobby or job to have. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, blogging is a valued and respected industry (by most) and it has incredible perks and benefits; mentally, creatively and sometimes financially. It’s no wonder that there’s more bloggers now than ever before! Personally, I think that’s a great thing and I’m all for the mindset that the blogging industry can always use a new and fresh voice. So today I wanted to share some blogging tips for beginners!
Photo by Katie Harp on Unsplash
Blogging isn’t easy. Most of us will tell you that. And when I first started blogging back in 2013, I wish I had more advice on what I was doing. I winged it for a good 3 years until I finally began putting 2 and 2 together and getting my blogging act together. It kills me that I didn’t take my blog seriously much sooner than I did. But I definitely would have benefits from more blogging tips for beginners back then.
So if you’re a new blogger, looking to grow your blog and understand the world of blogging, you’re in the right place! I’d recommend checking out my Beginners Guide To Blogging and my Beginners Guide To Growing a Blog Following for more advice all in one handy place to help you grow your blog and thrive. But now, let’s get onto these blogging tips for beginners!
8 blogging tips for beginners and things to remember when you start a blog:
You don’t need a niche but if you want one, that’s cool
If you only want to talk about one particular topic that you’re passion about and where your expertise lie – wicked! If you want to blog about a little bit of everything – cool! Branding is much more important than having a narrow niche. And it’s always worth remembering that you can be your own niche.
It’s okay to take inspiration from people but copying their work is plagiarism and the un-coolest thing you could do
Strictly speaking, plagiarism is an act of fraud and is defined as “wrongful appropriation / stealing and publishing” of someone else’s work. We’re all going to find bloggers we’re completely and utterly inspired by – heck, there’s so many amazing bloggers out there it’s hard not to be inspired by them. But please, please, please don’t copy!
Looking up to other bloggers is normal but don’t compare yourself, it’s the thief of joy
Ugh, I’ve been there babe. Trust me. I’m still there. I think it’s natural and human nature to compare ourselves to others. Not just in blogging but in every day, mundane life as well. It’s something that none of us can avoid. But if we can get ourselves into a good head space where those comparisons don’t negatively affect us then that’s a good step.
Eventually working with brands is amazing but it’s not just about the free stuff
If you’re starting a blog just for free stuff then just stop. Please. Bloggers work incredibly hard to get to the point where brands actually want to send them stuff to review and pay them for their time. It’s definitely okay to start a blog with the intention of turning it into a job and making money from it but remember your values.
Related: How To Start a Blog and Make Money
You won’t get along with everyone and that’s okay
you just won’t. It’s literally impossible. Did you get along with every singe person you went to school with? Every single person you’ve ever worked with? No, probably not. You’re not going to see eye-to-eye with everyone you meet in the blogging community and guess what? That’s fine! With so many people doing the same thing, personalities are bound to clash. So you do you, they can do them and you can both get on with it peacefully.
You will experience creative blocks
There will be weeks where you can’t think of a single idea for a blog post. There will be days where everything you write sounds stupid and ridiculous and there will be times where you cannot string a sentence together for the life of you. But again, these times will pass. If it happens, step back, take a break, don’t think about it and don’t force creativity.
Related: How To Stay Creative With Your Blog
Be careful of sleazy brands
There are some incredible brands out there who work exceptionally well with bloggers. But… for every amazing brand, there’s a sleazy one right around the corner trying to take advantage of you. Research brand etiquette before agreeing to anything. If they want you to buy their products for a product review or they’re not willing to pay for a sponsored post, don’t do it!
Related: Working With Brands As a New Blogger – What To Watch Out For
Lastly… Have fun. No exceptions.
As soon as you’re not having fun and enjoying blogging anymore then it’s time to have a re-think. So when you start your blogging journey, remember that. Blogging is supposed to be enjoyable. A creative outlet, a way to virtually meet like-minded people and a way to showcase your work. Just because it’s hard work sometimes, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t still be fun.
