After blogging for a little over a year, I have been starting to get emails from women who are thinking about starting a blog and want my advice. Many want to know how to get started… or they just started a blog and want to figure out how to get more readers. I am super honored that people even take the time to write to me & I always write back and try to give the very best (and truthful) advice!
I received a number of these emails this month, (more than I usually do) so I decided to dedicate an entire post to new blogging tips and tricks. This is kind of like a part 2 for my 6 Things I Learned in my First Year of Blogging post. I in NO WAY think I am a blogging expert of any sort… but I am going to share the same advice that I share with the ladies who email me and hopefully I will help out a few new bloggers.
1. Choose Your Name Carefully: This is SO important. Like REALLY, REALLY important in my opinion. If you are thinking about starting a blog, you should try to select a name that represents what your blog is about. If you can’t think of one, make sure you select a name that has some sort of meaning to you and that you like it A LOT. I say this because you are going to be typing out your blog name more than you ever dreamed possible. Try to keep the name short and memorable. Jot down a few of your top contenders, and do a web search to make sure there isn’t another blog with the same name. Then head over to GoDaddy or a web domain site and see if that name is available as a .com. You don’t have to buy a domain name to start a blog… but you should know if the name you choose is available.
2. Claim Your Social Media Accounts: Before you actually START the blog, take the name you selected and make sure it is available on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. If your name is available on those sites, there is a good chance it will be available on Periscope, Pinterest and Google+. Social media such a HUGE part of becoming a successful blogger these days. People need to be able to find you. Now some bloggers will debate me on this, but I think having your social media match your blog name is a must. Most people remember my blog name, Working Mom Magic. So when they search for me on twitter or instagram they simply type in Working Mom Magic and I pop right up. If I was Working_MomMagic or my name, it would be much harder to find. If you can’t match your social media handles to your blog name, consider a new name. No joke.
3. Check out Bloglovin: When I first started my blog, I ignored bloglovin’ since I didn’t really see a point. Now I love it and I wish I would have started using it sooner. All it does it put all your favorite blogs in once, easy-to-find place. Why do you need this? Because you should be commenting on other blogs you enjoy. This helps you to get your own blog out there and you can see what you like and don’t like about other blogs. It can be very inspiring to read what others bloggers put out there and helps to give you ideas for your own blog.
4. Join Facebook Groups: There are TONS of blogging support groups on Facebook. You can find groups for every type of blog out there. I really like Mommy Bloggers Share and Grow Your Blog. I am also a member of a few smaller groups. Just don’t post your content unless you can really participate… or you will be (quickly) tossed out of the group.
5. Use Nice Pictures: I lived in a hole for way too long when it comes to how important pictures are for your blog. I still am pretty lazy, I only use my phone, not a DSLR… but I have stepped up my game in other ways and noticed a huge difference. Make sure your pictures are large and clear. I really like Canva and use it for almost all of the ‘title pictures’ for my blog. I know I still have a long way to go when it comes to pictures… but if you are a new blogger, take a moment to check out how your favorite bloggers showcase their photos.
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| Behind-the-scenes |
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| A little editing |
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| Finished product! |
6. Set Goals for Your Blog: Each month set a goal for your blog. Take a moment to think about what you want to improve and write it down. It could be growing your Facebook following, a 25% increase in pageviews, adding new share buttons…. whatever. Just set that goal and then think of ways to accomplish it. Every month I have a few goals set specifically for my blog… sometimes I reach them all, others get put on the next month’s list again. Either way, it really helps me stay focused and it gets results.
So there you go, my newbie blogger tips! I hope this helps at least a few people, and my inbox is always open if you have other questions! (workingmommagic@gmail.com)
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Thanks for the tips! A lot of my social media is under my name but that is a great idea to have everything under your blog.
It can work for some people, but I know I get so frustrated when I look for a blog I like on twitter (to find stuff to share) and I can't find it since they have the craziest name!
Thank You so much for this…i am starting out & these really set me on a focussed track. The last one I need to follow diligently. Love your blog a lot.
learningmamma.blogspot.in
I am glad it helped.. I think setting goals is really important.. even if it is just one small goal for the week.. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
So helpful! I agree about the importance of a name and checking its availability. There are some things I regret about mine but I feel a bit stuck. Oh well!
yes just do your best with what you have, but for newbies, I think they tend to forget about social media and worry about just starting the blog… so hopefully this helps them!
Great post. I also think joining communities such as Media Bloggers, SITS and link-ups are important part of blogging.
I totally agree with SITS, I included them in my first blog post. I need to do more linkups!
Great tips. I think Facebook groups are the best! They have really helped me since starting my blog. I love SITS too.
Yes they can be overwhelming at first, but they are a great way to find new blogs and get your blog out there!
This is such great advice. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us Lauren! I can't believe you have only been blogging for a little over a year! You are an ol pro sister!
I am glad you found it helpful!! I still have so much to learn myself, I think you can always learn more as a blogger.. it never ends!
So true!
Great post. As a new blogger I'm amazed at how much I'm learning as I go! Your tips are very helpful!
Yes I still learn new things everyday! Its crazy!!
I agree with all of these. I think the great thing about blogging is that you always learn and improve, and it's so awesome to see how people write better posts as they find their groove. And BTW, I'm using a phone for my pictures too. Good stuff, Lauren! 🙂
I totally agree with you!! I am always learning and changing… blogging is a crazy world for sure! ha!
Great tips! I am just starting to promote my blog and get more readers. I am so thankful for other bloggers like you with more experience that are willing to share what has worked for them! Linking up with you at shine hop blog:)
I hope you found some of the advice helpful! Have a wonderful weekend!
Great tips! I am just starting to promote my blog and get more readers. I am so thankful for other bloggers like you with more experience that are willing to share what has worked for them! Linking up with you at shine hop blog:)
Great tips! I am just starting to promote my blog and get more readers. I am so thankful for other bloggers like you with more experience that are willing to share what has worked for them! Linking up with you at shine hop blog:)
Great tips for newbies! I agree with Rebekah, it's always great when we share our tips and support each other.
for sure! I know it was so confusing when I got started.. and when I would email the blogs that I liked, I felt so much better when they wrote me back!
This is an AWESOME post!!! Loved it! I'm not in bloglovin but am tempted now.
The app is really awesome.. since it streams your feed so you can comment right from your phone when you happen to find yourself with free time. (doctors office waiting room, etc)
Great post! As a rookie blogger, I am glad I am doing a couple of these things, but I know I could be doing more, and of the things I am doing, I know I can put more of an effort. I will look up Bloglovin' and search for some Facebook groups. The thing with FB is that my domain is not my name, which is a requirement under the FB plocy. Any recommendations?
You can create a 'fan page' so it is under your account but it is your own page specifically for your blog. That way people dont have to friend request you.. they just 'like' the page 🙂
This is a fabulous post, thanks for sharing! I guess I can't call myself a newbie for too much longer, one year coming up soon! The picture thing is what stresses me the most, I am soo not techy, so getting them edited etc is kicking by butt!! I tried to use canva to create a cover page for my facebook fan page and twitter cover, it went fine, but will not upload :/…would like to know how to create a signature for my posts…oh so much to learn! My new design is up btw! Have a great 4th Lauren! Valerie
I LOVE the new look of your site! So clean and classic! I feel like I am always learning something new or wanting to do something to my blog! It's crazy, isn't it?
Such great tips for those starting out! I think setting goals each month is huge!! I used to work without having any goals in mind since I kinda wanted to grow everything overall. But narrowing it down definitely makes things more doable!
Yes the goals have helped me a lot! I used to feel overwhelmed with everything I wanted to do for the blog… now I just select one of two things. 🙂
These tips are great!! I'm not surprised at all that you get emails for advice. When I first started, your blog was one of the first ones I found and it has always just seemed like you really know your stuff. I love the before and after photo you shared-it's true, photos are so important! It's something I feel I'm constantly working on!
You are so sweet!!!! Your comment just totally made my day! I struggle with photos all the time, I just don't have the time to put into them.. even though I know they are so important!
Really good tips! I wish I had a different name for my blog, thinking of blowing it up and starting over. We'll see!
Really? I think you have the best blog name! It is so memorable!
Oh I love all of these tips! I always loved reading your blog. Honestly, I got on bloglovin right away, but almost never use it. I should really get back into it because you're right. It can be difficult to find your favorite blogs on Facebook!
I didnt use it for a long time, and now I am like.. why did I not take advantage of this sooner!
Fantastic tips Lauren!
I used to have my social media under my name but a couple years into blogging, I claimed my blog name – whew!
I like Bloglovin'. It keeps me organized with the blogs I read. Although I haven't been on there for over a month. Eeek! I should get back at it!
Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a wonderful week!
These are great tips!! Thank you sharing!! I will be utilizing them for sure. Great blog!! 🙂
Thank you! And thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a great week!
Fabulous advice – good to know I'm on the right track and that there are still things I can implement, too! Thanks for the post!
Heather @ milkmomology
I think with blogging there is ALWAYS something to improve on and learn. It can be overwhelming at times… 😉
I love your point about the name! I think this is SO important. I'm glad I didn't choose something that couldn't grow with my blog.
Your oreo picture!? Get out. It's phenomenal! I'm pinning and reposting this as you have such awesome tips!!!
Thank you!! Yeah I am really glad I love my name too.. I never realized HOW much I would be typing it! 😉
I enjoyed your list. I appreciate your point about setting a goal. Thanks for joining the #OMHGWW Linkup!
Shellie @ShellieBowdoin
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a wonderful week!
Love this! I think choosing a name is so important because it seems to be the first thing that catches people's attention. 🙂 Great post lady.
Yes I agree!! I hope you are doing well with your sweet little bundles!
These are great! You are doing amazing as a blogger in such a short amount of time. Love the props in your photo. I need to work on my decor, more.
Yes photography is something I really need to work on, but it takes so much time so I am selective with what post I focus on the photography for. I dont have time to mess with it every single post ha! 🙂
Great tips. I love interacting with other bloggers through Facebook groups ?
Me too! 🙂 I hope you are having a wonderful week!
Those are great tips! Your photos of the dipped cookies really draw the eye. Photography is so important.
I have a lot of work to do in the photography arena.. but I am def trying more! 😉
Excellent advice!
Thank you! 🙂
Great post! I've found all of these tips to be true….except the one I've been avoiding, Bloglovin. Ok, you've convinced me. To Bloglovin I go! 🙂
I avoided it for a long time too. but it makes it so much easier to go through my favorite blogs!
Great post! I've found all of these tips to be true….except the one I've been avoiding, Bloglovin. Ok, you've convinced me. To Bloglovin I go! 🙂
Great tips! I'm not a new blogger but I like reading these type of posts because you can always learn something new.
There is always something new to do or try as a blogger.. I have a neverending to-do list! ha!
Great post! I get so excited each week to see what you have been working on because it’s always AMAZING! Thank you for sharing this with us. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm, so we can party!!!! Lou Lou Girls
aww thank you! I have been struggling to keep up my posting schedule this summer… so I feel like my posts are few and far between! 😉
Thanks for these great tips. I look forward to reading more of your blog.
I love these tips- they're actually useful and not just cheerleading!
Love this list – I have read a lot of "New Blogger" tips, and they all sound the same. This one has fresh points that are definitely useful! Can't wait to follow your blog!