So, you’re thinking about starting a blog?

Good for you! There are a few things to consider, tips and helpful information that I didn’t know about before I began, so I thought I’d share with you my list of things to keep in mind before jumping on this fast-paced blogging train. 😉

{This is part 1 of my blogger series! I will be updating you all periodically with tips on getting started with blogging. If you’d like me to cover a specific topic or have any questions you’d like me to answer, please feel free to write them in the comment section!}

1. Figure out what your blog is going to be about.

• Are you a foodie that enjoys experimenting with new recipes? Are they healthy, gluten-free, paleo, grandma’s old recipes, or a mix of all the above?
• Are you a lover of all things fashion? Does window shopping just not do it for you and you have the desire to broadcast your adorable wardrobe & provide helpful links to the looks you style?
• Are you a self-proclaimed DIY project tackler that has boxes of glitter, hot glue, fabric, yarn, and HGTV inspiration currently running through your mind?
• Are you a travel addict that is lucky enough to explore the world and has ventured to different areas that you’d like to share your gained wisdom about?
• Are you a bookworm that jumps into a new read more than once a month and basically call any book store, big or small, your 2^nd home?
• Or, do you fall somewhere in the mix of it all and want to create a lifestyle blog that touches on everything and anything?

Whatever your passion is, there is a blog family for you to fit into. That is the beautiful thing about blogging- you do not necessarily need to choose one specific platform and stick to it 100% of the time. However, the more specific your blog is, the more specific readers will be bookmarking your site and coming back every few days to see what you’re contributing to their topic of interest.

2. Understand that blogging takes time and money.

Sure, I was aware that blogging, like anything else in life, would take up time, but I just did not realize how much time went into everything. On average, each blog post will take you a few hours to complete from start to finish. If you think about it, you need to brainstorm the ideas, purchase needed materials, create your said project, take pictures of the progress, edit those images, put them online, all while engaging your readers with creative copy.

I’ve heard from a range of people that ask me about my blog that they are only interested in blogging because there is a potential to gain an income. While that is true, most blogs take up to 2-3 years to begin making a profit, let alone break even on what you are blogging about.

If you’re a food blogger, for example, you are going to constantly be purchasing a range of ingredients to provide your audience with new recipes. Without a blogging income yet, you need to ensure that you are actually blogging for the right reasons… which brings us to my next important point.

3. Ensure that you are blogging for the right reasons.

“…Wait, the right reasons?” That question typically comes up next. I cannot stress this enough: having a blog is SO much fun. I have a blast thinking of new content, creating it, then sharing it with you all. However, I blog because I LOVE to blog. I’ve always had a passion for reading, writing, and editing, and a blog platform is where I can actually put those passions of mine into good use.

If you don’t enjoy the actual blogging aspect of owning a blog, chances are it won’t work out and your blog won’t last very long.

On the flipside, if you’re looking for a creative outlet to broadcast all those talents and ideas that are floating around in your head, a blog is a great way to do that. Think of it as your own personal online diary (without all that drama from your middle school years). Your blog is yours. It should reflect you and your passions.

4. It’s okay to change your blog’s focus.

When I first started blogging, I was focusing strictly on healthy foods. I was in college at the time, so I was also blogging about how to make tasty healthy food on a budget. While my blogs primary focus is still on food, I also filter in some unhealthy recipes, DIY projects, my latest travel adventures, dining out/reviews, my friends & family, as well as fashion looks and tutorials.

As you grow as a blogger, so will your interests and your comfortability with writing about new topics. Don’t be afraid to rebrand yourself from time-to-time; if anything, it gives you a fresh look and brings along some new followers (aka online friends!) 🙂

5. It’s important to market yourself

While it would be awesome if you could just create your blog, write your posts, and people would magically find you, that is not the case. You will need to dedicate sometime into marketing your brand, your blog, and your overall persona as a blogger.

This can include:

• Creating a Facebook business/fan page for your new site
• Tweeting about your new posts with a direct link
• Making an Instagram account dedicated to your blog & your content
• Pinterest! Pinterest! Pinterest!

Remember, nobody cares as much about your blog as you do. This is your baby/brand/passion so market it as such. Of course, this doesn’t mean be in your face and annoying with posts, but give others the outlet to find your content on multiple platforms around the web.

{Be on the lookout for Part 2 of my Blogger Series! If you’d like me to cover a specific topic or have any questions you’d like me to answer, please feel free to write them in the comment section!}