Hey! Here it is, my first blog post!...well, kinda. I tried out this blogging thing about a year and a half ago. I needed an outlet and a way to get out my creative energy, and it seemed as if a blog was the best idea I could come up with. But it flopped. Not in a total waste of time and space kind of flop, but the kind of flop you have when you have no idea what you're doing, no vision and no purpose. So needless to say, starting over new (<---first tip, don't be afraid to start over), I've learned a couple of things along the way and I'm giving you all the tea.
Be okay with being yourself.
I'll admit, looking on Instagram and on pages of other bloggers, can be a little discouraging. It may seem as though they have everything under control. They have the perfect house, perfect lighting, and all of the best staged poses and filters for their perfect kids. Stop comparing! In the world of blogging, people are going to like you for the same reasons someone else doesn't. It's all about being relatable. You are dope, regardless of what others may feel. And in staying true to yourself, you'll find those that are meant for you. Find your niche, and stick to it. It's what makes you, you!
Start sooner than later.
It has been about a year and a half since my first "blog", and even now, I'm still here trying to perfect my craft. I said that to say this: If you're waiting until everything is "right", or until you know "everything" there is to know about blogging, then you'll be waiting forever and you'll never start. The world of blogging is fast-paced and ever changing. It's best to do your research and make the leap now. If this is something that you want to do, then make a plan to make it happen.
Don't go broke trying to keep up.
In the teaching realm, we have a saying- Meet the child where they are. And in blogging, it's no different. You need to meet yourself where you are. If you do not have the extra funds for a fancy new camera or the newest trending outfit, then don't try to give off the impression that you do. People can smell fakeness through the screen! There are tons of free apps for picture editing and content making that you can download. I myself have used a $28 tripod and some $8 Bluetooth clickers to take my pictures by myself for the longest. And if you know me personally, then you know that about 60% of my closet comes from thrift shops, Goodwills, and clearance racks in department stores. And nope, I ain't too proud to admit it! It's all about making good with what you have and can afford now. If things go well, and you begin to monetize your blog (or brand), use that money to invest within yourself.
Have realistic expectations.
This is something that YOU want to do. Hold firm to that. Things are not going to pop off right from the jump. Friends and family aren't going to be your biggest supporters right off the back. Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself first, and your supporters will follow. Are you consistent? Are you blogging about interesting and relatable topics, or are you just putting out a bunch of nonsense? Your readers, your subscribers, they have to be earned. Don't expect anything from anyone, but rather push yourself to perfect your craft.
My last 2 cents...
While all these steps may seem simple in nature, I'm here to tell you that it is still a lot of work. But if you want it enough, you'll find ways to work smarter, not harder, and make it happen. What's holding you back? Let me know in the comments. I'm here to help! I'm no guru, but one thing I've learned as a blogger is that collaboration is definitely a part of that working smarter idea that I mentioned above.