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!
Behind-the-scenes |
A little editing |
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.
Melissa Matters says
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.
Lauren says
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!
Learning Mamma says
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
Lauren says
I am glad it helped.. I think setting goals is really important.. even if it is just one small goal for the week.. π Have a wonderful weekend!
Ai LTM says
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!
Lauren says
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!
Talithas Take says
Great post. I also think joining communities such as Media Bloggers, SITS and link-ups are important part of blogging.
Lauren says
I totally agree with SITS, I included them in my first blog post. I need to do more linkups!
Christina Boyer says
Great tips. I think Facebook groups are the best! They have really helped me since starting my blog. I love SITS too.
Lauren says
Yes they can be overwhelming at first, but they are a great way to find new blogs and get your blog out there!
Natasha Hanneman says
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!
Lauren says
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!
Natasha Hanneman says
So true!
Rebecca West says
Great post. As a new blogger I'm amazed at how much I'm learning as I go! Your tips are very helpful!
Lauren says
Yes I still learn new things everyday! Its crazy!!
Ashley Pitt says
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! π
Lauren says
I totally agree with you!! I am always learning and changing… blogging is a crazy world for sure! ha!
Rebekah Harris says
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:)
Lauren says
I hope you found some of the advice helpful! Have a wonderful weekend!
Rebekah Harris says
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:)
Rebekah Harris says
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:)
Theresa says
Great tips for newbies! I agree with Rebekah, it's always great when we share our tips and support each other.
Lauren says
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!
Alana Parenting from the Heart Blog says
This is an AWESOME post!!! Loved it! I'm not in bloglovin but am tempted now.
Lauren says
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)
Reena Lewis says
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?
Lauren says
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 π
MAPLELEOPARD says
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
Lauren says
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?
Ana says
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!
Lauren says
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. π
Tarynn Playle says
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!
Lauren says
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!
Kristen Hewitt says
Really good tips! I wish I had a different name for my blog, thinking of blowing it up and starting over. We'll see!
Lauren says
Really? I think you have the best blog name! It is so memorable!
Tricia Goodmama says
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!
Lauren says
I didnt use it for a long time, and now I am like.. why did I not take advantage of this sooner!
Jennifer - The Deliberate Mom says
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
Lauren says
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a wonderful week!
Caitlin says
These are great tips!! Thank you sharing!! I will be utilizing them for sure. Great blog!! π
Lauren says
Thank you! And thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a great week!
Heather Aguayo says
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
Lauren says
I think with blogging there is ALWAYS something to improve on and learn. It can be overwhelming at times… π
Melissande says
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!!!
Lauren says
Thank you!! Yeah I am really glad I love my name too.. I never realized HOW much I would be typing it! π
Shellie Bowdoin says
I enjoyed your list. I appreciate your point about setting a goal. Thanks for joining the #OMHGWW Linkup!
Shellie @ShellieBowdoin
Lauren says
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are having a wonderful week!
Motherhood and Merlot says
Love this! I think choosing a name is so important because it seems to be the first thing that catches people's attention. π Great post lady.
Lauren says
Yes I agree!! I hope you are doing well with your sweet little bundles!
Aileen Brian Van Pelt says
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.
Lauren says
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! π
Megan Van Weelde says
Great tips. I love interacting with other bloggers through Facebook groups ?
Lauren says
Me too! π I hope you are having a wonderful week!
Theresa A says
Those are great tips! Your photos of the dipped cookies really draw the eye. Photography is so important.
Lauren says
I have a lot of work to do in the photography arena.. but I am def trying more! π
Angela Cruz says
Excellent advice!
Lauren says
Thank you! π
Erin Vincent says
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! π
Lauren says
I avoided it for a long time too. but it makes it so much easier to go through my favorite blogs!
Erin Vincent says
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! π
Vashti Q-Vega says
Great tips! I'm not a new blogger but I like reading these type of posts because you can always learn something new.
Lauren says
There is always something new to do or try as a blogger.. I have a neverending to-do list! ha!
Kimberly Lewis says
Great post! I get so excited each week to see what you have been working on because itβs 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
Lauren says
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! π
Cakes and Kiddo says
Thanks for these great tips. I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Katy says
I love these tips- they're actually useful and not just cheerleading!
Jaclyn says
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!