I might not have been blogging for as long as many of those who take part in the Friend Friday series but even I sometimes get emails from new bloggers asking for advice. I find giving advice difficult at the best of times and particularly when it comes to my blog. I really don't think my blog is all that successful but I am fiercely protective of it and proud of what I have managed to achieved with it. From now on, however, I will be able to point anyone seeking my advice to this post.
Another hot topic amongst those bloggers who contribute to the Friend Friday discussion each week has been the idea of constructive criticism (see last week's Friend Friday post) and how to ask for constructive criticism from our readers on content and layout, etc.
1. How has your blog changed over the months/years you've been blogging?
My blog has changed massively. Not just aesthetically. My blog began as an outlet for my random ramblings but has developed into something far more structured with a number of series, some of which have been running for nearly ten months (see, Style Icons). This has not only made me more disciplined in my blogging but has also meant that my readers know what to expect from my blog from day-to-day and week-to-week.
2. What was the one thing you did wrong in the beginning and how have you changed that?
It wasn't something I did so much on my blog but I used to obsess about the number, or lack, of visitors coming to me site and comments that said visitors weren't leaving. As soon as I stopped worrying, they both took care of themselves.
3. When you visit a blog what's the greatest turn off? The thing that makes you close the tab?
A blog that is too busy does not make me engage. By this I mean one which has lots of little articles all over the home page and that you have to click to enlarge to read and then go back to the home page again to find another. It's a personal thing, in fact it is probably more of a personal lazy thing.
I'm also less likely to go back to a blog if it's not been updated for a week or so.
4. How did you find your voice?
It was a natural process really to feel comfortable with what I was writing and finding my own style to express it in. I think that my blog works best when I am writing about things that interest me and that I would want to read myself.
5. If you had three pieces of advice to give to a new blogger what would those be?
Read, read, read. Other blogs. Decide what you like and what you don't like and use this knowledge to build a blog that is right for you.
Enjoy it. If you are blogging for money or fame or freebies then you are doing it for the wrong reason and likely when they don't all come quickly you will give up. You have to enjoy writing your blog otherwise it will show.
Join a blogging community/group. From Independent Fashion Bloggers to British Style Bloggers to the lovely Friend Friday group, they all have something to offer a new or established blogger. Not only will they encourage people to visit your blog but they will provide invaluable advice and support.
Keep it short. I know that personally I catch up on my blog reading over a cup of coffee and as such, shorter posts are better and I am more likely to engage with a couple of shorter posts that one long one. Instead a writing one essay length post, why not spread a few shorter ones out throughout the day?
Give a little link love to receive it. Regularly visit blogs you like and that are in your niche and comment, comment, comment. Most bloggers will be curious enough to go check out your blog at least once and if they like it, they'll keep coming back. Remember, too, to link, link, link to other blogs, chances are that if you do this enough, others will return the favour for you.
I know, I know, it said three pieces of advice. I promise, this is the last one:
At the IFB conference in New York during Fashion Week, Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere told the audience:
"What she looks for in other blogs: a great name, a good header (her first header was too literal: cupcakes and a goat for cashmere!), and simple layout (white background and black text).
You can set your blog apart with attention to details: make your own buttons, good banner.
If you’re passionate about what you’re writing about people will respond, but there are no short-cuts! It takes time to build an audience."
This response might also be applied to question three.
What are your thoughts on making it as a blogger/starting out as a blogger/keeping your blog fresh after a few years?
I'd also love to hear any of my readers thoughts on my blog (please don't be too brutal!). Are there things you love to read, things you hate to see again and again, anything you'd like to see that I don't already do?
For any bloggers out there - old-timers or beginners - remember that you can join the Friend Friday discussion over at Modly Chic. And while you're there, check out the other contributions to this week's topic.
Hope you all have a very Happy Friday.
*UPDATE: This post has also come to my attention and is a wealth of advice for new - and established - bloggers.
**UPATE II: Another post that provides some brilliant advice for those just starting out and wanting to make money from blogging.