Ever fancied a bit of blogging? Or maybe you’ve always seen yourself as a new potential blogger? Well, this week I had a fantastic call with one of my pals. She’s thinking of setting up her very own blog. I’m so excited for her! I know she will be fab. I think she’s just said to me one of the nicest things I’ve ever heard from a grown-up…”You’ve inspired me so much, I’d love to start a blog too”. Wow, what a cool compliment. When I started Lucky Things I had no idea I’d be inspiring others to do the same thing.
I know many people (bloggers and my peeps) have supported me in launching Lucky Things and particularly as Lucky Things has grown into something I didn’t expect it to. So it’s my turn to give something back to support other budding bloggers.
Having blogged for a little while now I thought I’d share my top 7 things to think about when setting up your blog.
- Think of a blog name that will last…Your blog name is your brand. It doesn’t have to be totally unique but it helps if its something catchy. Do you want your blog name to be obviously linked to the main theme of your blog? Is the blog about being a parent, music-lover, fashion addict, foodie or a range of things? You don’t want to have to change your blog name in a few months’ time because it doesn’t feel right or it could narrow your exposure. Grab a pen right now and start jotting down all of the blog names you can come up with. I think I came up with about twenty in the end. Ask people for their thoughts and move on quickly if they start questioning why you’re starting a blog! I actually say “lucky things” a lot so the blog name felt just right.
- Sort out those social media platforms and handles…Once you’ve decided on a blog name, check if you can register your own domain name (I used Fasthosts) plus account names on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat and Pinterest. This is a priority. You don’t have to start using and producing content for all of these social media forums right now but it’s important to get the handles registered ASAP. A top tip (from my hubby Mr.H!) is to keep the name of all of your social media handles the same. Not essential but it does look slicker and its much easy for followers to remember your brand.
- What are your blogging goals? Do a bit of strategic thinking. Why are you starting a blog? Who would you like to be your followers? Why should people follow your blog? What will they enjoy reading about? Can you offer a different perspective on things? Do a mind-map or good old list on what your new blog is going to be about (plus any ideas for achieving this).
- Start writing! If possible, it’s lovely to launch a blog when it has a few posts on there for your first followers to enjoy. Then people can get a flavour of what you’re about and who you are as a new blogger. Don’t worry if your first follower is your mum, dad, grandma, partner or of course your bestie. We all started with just a few followers.
- Think about your About me/About us page….It’s important that you have this is a static page on your blog when its launched. People will always want to know more about you as a person. Think about how much you want to share? Can you share any funny things about yourself? If it’s a parenting blog, tell readers a bit about your family. What are your interests (and don’t say the typical things people mention at the bottom of their CV!). Share the interesting facts about yourself. I really liked doing the 20 facts about me challenge. It’s a great way for readers (and others who think they know you) learn more about the person who’s set up the blog.
- Why not?...There is always more room for another blog. That’s one thing I learned from the BritMums Live 2016 conference. Sitting in a room with another 500 bloggers made me realise, blimey, there really are a lot of us bloggers and this is just one small gathering compared to the rest of the global blogger population. The social media outer space is limitless. It’s not a magazine rack in your local newsagent where there’s a limited amount of shelf space for magazines. As I explained to my mum the other month, I now have my own online magazine. Please please please don’t let self-doubt kick in and prevent you from setting up your blog. That’s what happened to me three years ago. I didn’t set up a blog as I was wondering if people would want to read it. One of my followers now grabs herself a cup of tea before reading my posts (in my own little Lucky Things blogsphere, that feels like I’ve made it ha ha!).
- Keep going, you’re nearly there… Remember you don’t have to do everything now. Blogging can feel like an endless hobby or job. You don’t have to publish new posts each day. Stick to what works for you, your lifestyle, your priorities and your other commitments. Don’t be overwhelmed but the world of social media. You will be able to build on your social media forums and no worries if it takes a bit of time. Break up your initial tasks and take one step at a time. Think about how you’re going to launch your blog? Can you use your current Facebook , Twitter or Instagram page to spread the word? If things get too much and you’re not sure what to start on next, contact another blogger or even better find a blogger mentor (we’re a pretty nice bunch so we will be more than happy to help). We are all here to inspire and learn from each other (however cheesy that sounds). Next thing for your “I’m going to start a blog” list – check out the date for the next blogger conference. Newbies are super-welcome at these gatherings. You can read more about how much I enjoyed BritMums Live in June 2016. I’m looking forward to heading to my second bloggers’ conference in London, BlogFest, on 12 November 2016. There is also Blog On in Manchester on 24 September 2016.
All I know is that I’ve just written this post with a whole lot of blog love. Remember, we are all creative and people love reading about others’ experiences. So I’m hoping I’ll soon be able to tell you about my pal’s new blog. Now she’s told me about her initial blog plan, surely she can’t back out now! Just kidding, as I appreciate how it takes time and energy to set it all up.
If you’re a blogger, what top tips do you have for setting up a blog? What did you find helpful when you were a newbie blogger? What do you love about blogging? Why do you think others should start a blog?
If you’re a blog fan what do you love about reading blogs? Go on, the more comments, the merrier.
If you found any of the above tips helpful, I’d love to know more. If you’d like any friendly pointers about blogging and my own experiences, drop me a little hello.
If you’re not really interested in being a blogger, you can still feature your writing on my Time to Shine series. Just send a message to sunita@luckythings and we’ll take it from there. Enjoy Lucky Things everyone, hope you pop by again soon.
If you like the sound of the Lucky Things Blogger series, you may also enjoy reading
Finding sources of inspiration for your blog posts
7 reasons why I love the Instagram community
Celebrating my first #BML16 BritMums bloggers’ conference
Such a wonderful list, it’s not easy to begin from scratch, these are really helpful #thelist
Ah thanks so much Petite Library. I wanted to feature a mix of things as its not just about the techy stuff. It’s also about how you feel about blogging. It takes courage and organisation!!! Thanks for stopping by via #thelist Hope you get a chance to explore Lucky Things X Sunita
Great tips Sunita. when I started blogging 3 months ago I barely knew anything about blogging.. it’s helpful reading this post, thanks for sharing #TheList
Thanks Samsam. Wow you’ve only been blogging for 3 months? Your blog is incredible. I love keeping up with your latest posts. Well done as its not easy starting your own blog and being a busy mama! Enjoy your weekend Lovely hearing from you again #theList X Sunita
These are fantastic tips 🙂 #thelist
Ah thanks so much! I’ve picked up so many things along the way so it was a good time to share them! Enjoy blogging too X #thelist
Great tips for newbies – I would also add to be consistent! #thelist
Thanks crummymummy1. That’s also a cool tip for the list #thelist
Some really great advise . I am off to Blog On at the end of the month and cant wait !! It will be my 1st Blogging conference. I really like the 20 facts about me. I may have to do that in the future #TheList
Hey there. Great you’re off to BlogOn. Bet that will be a good one. That’s cool it’s your first conference. Well I nominate you to do the 20 Facts About Me challenge. No rush but looking forward to reading it! X Sunita #theList
Great tips – particularly ‘Just start writing’! I think I dithered for ages, trying to perfect things before publishing. Once you’ve got a few posts published, things start to come a bit more easily. I would also advise people not to be shy about promoting your blog – whether it’s via social media, linkys, word of mouth, make sure you’re telling people! I blogged almost in secret for around 3 months, only sharing my posts on twitter and not joining any linkys – it took me 6 months to set up a facebook page as I was worried that friends and family would find it. Turns out, them finding it was such a positive thing – I’ve had loads of support from people! #TheList
Hey Katy. Lovely to hear your advice and top tips! Thank you. You’re so right about talking about your blog. #theList
It’s only natural to feel a bit nervous. I felt like that when I went to BritMums in June. But as soon as you get there you’re so busy and lots of people go on their own. You’ll have a great time going round all of the stands and sessions! Have fun coming up with your 20 facts about you. Sounds like you’ll have some nice me time next week (fingers crossed!)
These are great tips – for newbies and for all of us!
“Remember you don’t have to do everything now.”
Yes! I often get frustrated with this, as I normally very determined in my goals, but often struggle for time. You are so right that we have to focus on what we can, but there is always time for more!
Thanks for sharing. x
Hey Little Fish, thanks so much for your comment and for stopping by Lucky Things blog. I’m glad you liked the post. As with lots of other things it’s impossible to do everything. It’s also about not putting pressure on yourself. Lots of small things can be milestones too. I’ll check out your blog soon too. Hope to see you again around Lucky Things. X
Great tips, glad you are enjoying your blogging. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x