Blog Topics: Starting A Blog.

So far this year the email count of people asking for tips and advice on starting a blog has been at an all time high. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to respond individually to everyone unfortunately, so hopefully a blog post on my top tips will suffice?

WordPress or Blogger? Both have their pros and cons, but I chose Blogger as it seemed to be in a format that I understood better and I (read: boyfriend) wasn’t too shabby when it comes to html, so I found the layout fairly easy to tweak. The only thing is they both have limits on how far you can tweak before you need to move to wordpress.org – I’m still pushing that limit as far as I can as I don’t ever want to switch, but more on that later. Basically just have a play with both of them and decide what one seems most straight forward on the back end.

Lifestyle, beauty, style – What’s your thing? This will switch up a lot in the first few months whilst you’re finding your feet, but it’s good to give your blog a focus so anyone who subscribes knows what they’re getting. This will affect the name you choose too and can dictate your layout to a certain extent. When I started I’d just moved over from tumblr, and I loved Mariannan’s blog and wanted to start something like hers that had a lot of lifestyle. But for a long time, due to the fact that my photography wasn’t amazing, I didn’t have much money to do things and I didn’t live in an beautiful, all white apartment, my blog steered away from that and focused more on beauty. It’s almost come back full circle in the past year and now hosts lifestyle, beauty and style posts, but 75% of the time the content is beauty. I read somewhere that 25% of your content can be what ever you want, but for consistency it’s best to have one main focus for the majority of the time.

Finding your niche: In January 2013 I decided that I wanted to pour my heart and soul into my little website and make something awesome. I focused a lot more on putting my personality into my writing and quickly realised that I liked most of my posts to be in what I call “story mode”. Ever since I was really small I loved writing stories, which is why I naturally ramble (I even see the shock on people’s faces when they meet me IRL and realise I’m a story teller). So even the beauty and style posts mainly sit in lifestyle format. I also love taking lots of photos and like them to be really bright (read: white) and pretty. Every blogger has a different way of taking photographs and writing, and it took me a long time to realise that it’s the ones that have a unique combination that are most successful. So have a think, what’s your thing? If you’re not great at writing, but you’re great on illustrator and photoshop you can focus on beautiful photo tutorials or if you don’t want to venture into youtube but love filming you could make video GIF tutorials – I’ could be shooting myself in the foot here but there’s a big gap in the market for bloggers that do this.

Choosing a name: Don’t panic over this, most bloggers I know hate their blog names. Little fact: I actually still like mine. It followed me from tumblr, is completely random and means I’m able to switch the focus of my blog should I choose to as it’s so unspecific. But pick something that you like, whether it’s something that has a ring to it or something that sums up your blog. You can always change it after a couple of days if you change your mind. But once people start following you it’s best to keep it consistent. Oh and check no one else already has the blog name before you slap it all over your header and url!

Branding: After choosing your name it’s time to put it onto a header and get your blog layout up and running. This is the bit which will either suck you in or have you running for the hills. When I started H.O I was a marketing/graphics assistant, guess which camp I sit in? From the start I was determined that my header font should match all sidebar and button font as well as everything on my YT channel and email signature – nothing like bringing work home with you? Although you’ll probably change your background and layout a few times, it’s good to keep the branding there for your readers – it sounds weird but consistency really is key. It’s also a good idea to keep your blog name, twitter, Instagram, youtube and other social media handles as similar as you can so that readers can find you easily.

Blog design: When you’re starting out less is most definitely more, even once you start making small changes to the html it’s best to keep it simple and not be too hard on yourself. You don’t need to have fancy buttons or drop down menus to direct people to your other social media platforms – although it is important to have these – you can simply use text links in your side bar. No one expects your blog to look like a professional, dynamic website in the first place. But if that’s something you do want Blogger has lots of themes for more swish looking blogs in the Dynamic section – they’re my favourite and I actually wish I’d started off with one of those templates. I chose the template that is literally called “Simple” and worked from there by changing the HTML.

What the hell is HTML? Don’t ask me for the techie answer to this, that’s the OH’s remit, but HTML is basically the code you use to make changes to your website/blog/tumblr. Each blogging platform you use will have more complex html – for me Tumblr is a breeze, but most parts of Blogger html still baffle me. It’s important to remember that very few people actually know how to make the changes they have. They’ve just googled it. So if there’s something you want to change, try searching something like this “removing the photo boarder in the blogger Simple template” – one that I personally have googled in the past! If making changes yourself really has you heading for the hills, there are lots of Etsy sellers who will talk you through installing any of the lovely layouts you purchase from them. If you do make an changes it’s SO important to copy your code out and into a word document first, just incase you make any mistakes, you can then copy your code in again and it’s like it never happened.

Content: So everything’s all set up, now you need to put something out there. If someone comes across your site they’ll be far more inclined to check back if they can see that a) there’s a fair bit of good content and b) it’s being updated regularly. Back in 2011 I used to post twice a week, on specific days, I couldn’t have posted every day as I didn’t really have enough to write about and that’s okay. No one will expect you to start churning out blog posts every day from the start, but if you keep it consistent and tell people when to check back, you’ll gain regular readers. If you have a job then it’s best to prepare a few posts at the weekend and schedule them. If you’re at school then it’s a good idea to take advantage of your school holidays and build up a bigger pool of posts to schedule out incase you have lots of homework in the evenings/weekends. Take your time with your first posts and make sure you’re proud of them – people will be able to tell if a post has had love poured into it rather than being put together in a rush.

Now how do I get people to read my blog? We’ve all been there somewhere at some point with 0 followers. Drawing in new readers is really difficult and you do need to be fairly careful about how you do it – otherwise you could have the opposite effect. I personally am a massive advocate of letting your blog grow organically. I’ve never targeted people and asked them to follow me, nor advertised anywhere and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved through growing my little space by word of mouth. My tips would be to get involved in the blogging community, make friends, enjoy meeting new people and forget about the numbers. Sods law, once you do things will take off. But there really is the opportunity to meet so many like minded people when you start blogging. Follow all your favourites and then some new bloggers you don’t really know. Get involved in conversations, be friendly and helpful and keep the tone positive. Yes, having more followers than you could count is cool, but I’ve made friends through blogging who are so much more valuable than any number.

TLDR: Keep consistent and keep at it. Lot’s of people give up because there isn’t a noticeable amount of growth early on. But it’s a good idea to keep in mind that readers will want to see that you’re in it for the long haul and that you’re not going to post great content for a month and then suddenly stop. Once you’ve been around a while things will pick up. Just keep at it and most of all, love what you do and what you create.

170 Comments

  1. Jamie Mursell
    12 Feb 2014 / 1:51 pm

    I loved this post, short and to the point. Thank-you for the tips!

    mursblogs.blogspot.com

  2. cheyenne
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:01 pm

    lovely advice, thanks for sharing!
    xo, cheyenne

  3. Carli Bustamante
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:04 pm

    I love this post. I started with my blog recently so this really helps me. Thanks for sharing!

    http://lavidaseguncarli.blogspot.com.ar

  4. Sian Marie
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:08 pm

    A fantastic post, massive help to me as I've just started getting serious with my blog πŸ™‚

    Thank you πŸ˜€

    Sian
    xo

    http://sm-beautyblog.blogspot.co.uk

  5. Anya Bond
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:11 pm

    Thank you for writing this! I recently started my own blog, and while I originally wanted to focus on interior design, i've started to sway slightly off topic to more fashion/beauty/personal things. The 75/25 split is definitely a tip i'll keep in mind so I don't get too sidetracked! x

  6. Justine J
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:17 pm

    Great tips! Amazing post! xx

    Justine | BRIGHTON DREAM

  7. FadingPolaroids
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:18 pm

    Thank you so much for these tips! I'm just starting out as a Belgian beauty blogger and there's still so much I have to learn.. But just as you say in this blogpost: I just keep focussing on my blog, posts and making sure I write about things I'm passionate about. I try not to much to look at the numbers and just enjoy it all!

  8. Kitty Blackadder
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:20 pm

    Great post, thanks for the tips! My blog is only a few months old and yes some days it does feel a bit like talking to myself, but ultimately, I do it because I enjoy it – if nobody except my sister – is reading, that's still OK.
    This post also has made me think about content – like you said due to poor lighting, nobody to take photos for me and budget, I'm doing a lot of beauty reviews, but that's not where I want to be. Think I need to spend a little time thinking outside the box and spur myself on a little.
    Thanks again!

  9. Ellis Cochrane
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:22 pm

    I just started my blog a few months ago and this is such a helpful post for new bloggers! πŸ™‚
    I've met so many lovely people so far from getting engaged in the community!!

    Ellis Tuesday

  10. lynsey shepherd
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:27 pm

    This is really helpful as I have just started my blog this week, thanks.

    Much Love, Lynsey x

    www.lipstickmisfitt.blogspot.co.uk

  11. Zuzana Humajova
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:28 pm

    This is the most helpful post I've seen on the topic of starting a blog ;). You're the best.
    I've started my blog about 8 months ago and it's growing really slowly. It's probably my fault because I'm not consistent. But I really enjoy doing it and I'm glad I'm improving my english in the process.

    Blu Button Box

  12. Biancarosa
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:31 pm

    Brilliant post πŸ™‚ very helpful, I've tried to get back into blogging, but needs an awful lot of time management. I think blogging is just a great way to create another 'little world' where you can basically ramble about anything.

    BiancarosaΒ  // xoxo

  13. Rachel
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:37 pm

    Starting a blog at the start is always the hardest bit! I know what you mean about letting your blog organically grow, it is always so exciting seeing that more and more people read your blog!

    www.rachelsfashionpatch.blogspot.com

  14. Aimee Flanigan
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:40 pm

    I really like this post, particuallarly about followers. Other thank linking my blog in comments I find people asking you to follow them is really uncomfortable and puts a weird pressure on everyone. I can' even bring myself to put it on social media haha. Much rather people enjoy the content i've worked on than "follow for follow"!
    Lovely post!

    Aimee – AroundTwenty

  15. Speaking Prada
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:42 pm

    I couldn't agree more with your words! πŸ™‚ In fact, I obviously agree that a pretty layout, consistency, the name itself, the design and so on and so forth are essential to capture people's attention. However, for me, the most important thing is the effort bloggers put into their posts, because as you said, it's noticeable if certain post is made in a rush or if it had effort into it. Personally, I rather post less times a week but post things I am 100% happy with, than posting stuff I don't like. And I know how discouraging it is sometimes when we feel no one's reading our blogs (and I feel that I'm having monologues on my posts! haha). But honestly? Even thought this may sound very weird (and believe it or not), when I created a blog the last thing in my mind was the amount of followers I would get, OF COURSE, I get so happy everytime someone starts to follow me, but the main goal for me so to express myself and have a little place on the internet that I'm proud of πŸ™‚ OH MY, THIS is huge already! I'm sorry! I'm gonna stop now. I'm sorry for the rambling, but I just notice I'm one of those followers that follows your blog quietly and never comments and I thought this post could be a good one to change that πŸ™‚ Have a lovely day x

  16. sofia grigoriadou
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:43 pm

    that was a great post
    http://sofikasthoughts.blogspot.gr/

  17. Almeida
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:46 pm

    Great advice on blogging, thank you for sharing πŸ™‚ http://almeidas.se

  18. Brittany Seel
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:50 pm

    This post was so helpful. I started my blog about 6 weeks ago and I was so overwhelmed by all the different things you have to think about! I'm in marketing too so I had a good idea about SEO and the importance of content but I have no idea about design.
    Great post πŸ™‚
    Bea x
    Bea's Beauty Blog

  19. Hannah Cagney Lace
    12 Feb 2014 / 2:58 pm

    What an awesome little post Suz, I've found this incredibly helpful and I've had my blog for nearly two years!

    Hannah
    cagneyandlace.com

  20. Kellie Stupart
    12 Feb 2014 / 3:04 pm

    this is such a helpful post for me. i started my little blog 2 weeks ago and think i have about 5 followers haha but it's so nice to know you started out the same way and very encouraging. your blog is so nice and you deserve the happiness you get out of it πŸ™‚ xx

    http://justlikeehoney.blogspot.co.uk

  21. Alana Duffy
    12 Feb 2014 / 3:05 pm

    Such a great post πŸ™‚ so many good and useful tips to take away from it, thankyou!
    Alana x

    www.dual-beauty.blogspot.co.uk

  22. Daniela Maria
    12 Feb 2014 / 3:20 pm

    Thank you for this amazing post, Suzie. You've shared so much information in such a read-able and interesting way!
    You and your blog deserve to be big, you really do write some amazing posts.
    Daniela x
    danielascribbles.blogspot.co.uk

  23. lia concadoro
    12 Feb 2014 / 3:21 pm

    thanks for all the tips this helped allot! love your blog your very inspiring xx

  24. Amelia Holly
    12 Feb 2014 / 3:24 pm

    This is a great post. I get downhearted as a new blogger who doesn't get many views – but I enjoy writing so I don't make it a big deal!

    ameliaholly.blogspot.co.uk

  25. Darby Shade
    12 Feb 2014 / 3:29 pm

    Such a helpful and insightful post! I only started blogging last month and I'm really enjoying it so far. I'm definitely still trying to find my niche though – my 75%! It'll come soon hah πŸ™‚

    Darby xxx

    www.darbx.co.uk

  26. Ellie Patterson
    12 Feb 2014 / 3:49 pm

    Love these tips Suzie! I started my blog at the end of January and have found that posting regularly to be rather tricky, especially as I'm coming to the end of my final year at school and I often move between my parents and boyfriends houses. For me, I find it's taking the photos that I find most time consuming and I often find that it is so dependent on the weather. Having read your blogpost, I'm going to take full advantage of this weekend (and hopefully the good weather) to take photos of all the products I'm hoping to do blogposts on.

    Definitely going to relate back to this for the future when I find myself lacking motivation. Great post!

    Ellie x
    http://ejpats.blogspot.co.uk/

  27. Isabelle
    12 Feb 2014 / 3:54 pm

    I've had my blog for a good nine months now, but I'm still at sporadic page views. Admittedly, due to health reasons, my posting has been far from consistent but now I'm trying to post more regularly, but the fact that I'm having very few readers is a bit disheartening… I love reading your blog (as well as those like Anna's and Lily's) for some motivation though!

    Iz xo
    http://thebeautyfloss.blogspot.co.uk/

  28. Jessie
    12 Feb 2014 / 3:58 pm

    Great tips! I agree with most of them. I'm at a crucial juncture now with my blog because I want to have a professional layout designed but I'm contemplating the overall look and color scheme. I guess in the end though, especially with a starting blog, content is what matters so as long as I continue to do this, the rest will hopefully follow. The way I try to grow my blog is by supporting others and joining certain challenges amongst bloggers. It seems to be kind of working at the moment.

  29. Kathryn Chalk
    12 Feb 2014 / 4:06 pm

    Veryyy good post! I am still yet to find my niche πŸ™‚ but it's all a bit of fun and a hobby

    kathrynscupcakes.blogspot.co.uk xx

  30. Emma
    12 Feb 2014 / 4:34 pm

    Thank you so much for this post, it's definitely something I needed! I've been following your blog for quite some time now and it's one of the first blogs that inspired me to start blogging. It's been amazing to see HO grow as big as it is now, even extending to YouTube. Keep up all the wonderful work Suzie!

    Xx
    Emma
    Life is Bettersweet

  31. Catherine M
    12 Feb 2014 / 4:34 pm

    Great post! I found this really helpful, I've been blogging for just under 4 months now and I'm enjoying it more and more as I get used to it! I definitely need to work on posting content on consistent days each week though as I tend to just post randomly! πŸ™‚ x

    CatherineSarah

  32. Kasope
    12 Feb 2014 / 4:40 pm

    This was so helpful, I've had my blog about four weeks ago and kind of guessed my way around things but this was so useful!

    http://clothing-conscious.blogspot.co.uk

  33. WillowTea
    12 Feb 2014 / 4:43 pm

    Love this, such good advice and so helpful. x

    willowtea.blogspot.co.uk

  34. Rikki Poynter
    12 Feb 2014 / 4:46 pm

    I found it much, much harder to tweak on WordPress than Blogger, and I didn't want to pay $30 a year just for smaller than basic stuff.

    RIKKI POYNTER
    // RIKKI POYNTER MAKEUP

  35. Axelle P
    12 Feb 2014 / 4:53 pm

    Love this post! It's as if you read my mind, because I just started my own blog this week!

  36. Sara Chergui
    12 Feb 2014 / 4:56 pm

    Really nice tips !
    Sara,
    http://thecrimeofashion.blogspot.fr

  37. Ellen UnderWater
    12 Feb 2014 / 4:59 pm

    This was such a helpful post, thank you! I really enjoyed fiddling about with my layout until I got it just how I wanted, and although I don't have very many followers I still enjoy putting up posts and I guess that's what counts!

    ellenunderwater.blogspot.co.uk

  38. Hope Butler
    12 Feb 2014 / 5:01 pm

    So helpful, thankyou for all the lovely advice. H x

    www.hopesgone.blogspot.com

  39. Merve Ersoy
    12 Feb 2014 / 5:07 pm

    This is really great post! I hope,you do the same thing for youtube? Thank you:)

  40. Chloe and her notes
    12 Feb 2014 / 5:43 pm

    Great advice πŸ™‚ I didn't realise how much time a blog took up until I started mine, really glad I did it though.

    I love reading other people's to get an insight into an alternative view, a product I've never tried or see a place I've never been.

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge πŸ™‚

    Chloe x
    www.chloeandhernotes.com

  41. Maddy
    12 Feb 2014 / 5:57 pm

    Great tips, this post was so so useful! x

    Maddy from UNSTITCHEDD
    β™₯

  42. FjΓ³la B
    12 Feb 2014 / 6:05 pm

    Lovely post! You have some great tips that i'm going to try!

    purple–flamingo.blogspot.com

  43. BoardingTogether
    12 Feb 2014 / 6:08 pm

    I really enjoyed reading this post. Mostly because I'm a new blogger and am always looking for new tips and trying to pinpoint what I could work on. Thanks for the great tips!

  44. The Simple Wishlist
    12 Feb 2014 / 6:28 pm

    Ahhhhhhhh thank you SO much for doing this post! I'm going to sit and read it properly a little later on. I have to admit I'm guilty of the emailing you, and I feel bad because after figuring out how to get my basic 'style' I realise you wouldn't have been able to tell me, obviously! Now I'm getting to know my blog I'm hoping to build the design :). I've actually since changed my blog name already, and I'm only 13 days in! Too many details, sorry! But thanks for doing this blog post :). xx

    http://thesimplewishlist.blogspot.com

  45. Emily Knott
    12 Feb 2014 / 6:43 pm

    Thank you for sharing! I find it interesting to read bloggers advice on how to start a blog. I have been blogging for under a year I put my all into my blog and love every second of it! Nice to find something I genuinely enjoy doing!

    www.britishbeautyaddict.com

  46. sara iqbal
    12 Feb 2014 / 7:04 pm

    thanks for the post it was helpful..i've started my blog a couple of months ago and its nice to read tips here and there and implement it..thankqsoomuch!

    http://sarazbeautytonic.blogspot.co.uk/

  47. Lori Mac
    12 Feb 2014 / 7:22 pm

    What a great read – you can tell you put so much time and effort into your posts. Thank you for this – very helpful! xx

  48. Gladys Bovo
    12 Feb 2014 / 7:26 pm

    I always love reading your blog, it's easy to understand (i'm french by the way, but I don't need google traduction to read you) and it's "friendly". I'm mean, like you said, you are a story teller and we can guess that you love what you do, you write for us like we are friends and I like it πŸ™‚
    And this post was really helpful, thank you Suzie πŸ˜€ πŸ’•
    www,hey-glad.com

  49. MΓ©lane x
    12 Feb 2014 / 7:31 pm

    Thank you for this post, it is super helpful!

    xo MΓ©lane
    Selfhelp | Inspiration | Motivation

  50. Lily llyloves
    12 Feb 2014 / 7:46 pm

    This was such a good post. As I am new to blogging x

    llyloves.blogspot.co.uk

  51. Sophie
    12 Feb 2014 / 7:47 pm

    This was a great post! Definitely going to stock-pile both blog posts and videos next week (half time) so I have plenty to post in due time!! Xo

    http://jolifromwithin.blogspot.co.uk/

  52. Anonymous
    12 Feb 2014 / 7:53 pm

    I have been considering starting a blog but I am terrified. I don;t know a thing about HTMl, headers, boarders, etc. it's all greek to me. but after reading this I think i am really considering giving it a go. Thank you

  53. Lauren Wanders
    12 Feb 2014 / 7:55 pm

    Super helpful post!

  54. The Girls Next Door UK
    12 Feb 2014 / 7:58 pm

    Great tips- thanks! We started our blog 4/5 months ago and are still trying to work our way around everything x
    thegirlsnextdooruk.blogspot.co.uk

  55. littlebitofstardust
    12 Feb 2014 / 7:59 pm

    This is really good advice! I started my blog late last year, but really want to start putting more into it this year πŸ™‚

    www.littlebitofstardust.blogspot.co.uk

  56. Alice
    12 Feb 2014 / 8:12 pm

    Such good tips thanks!! After years of reading blogs I've finally took the plunge to create my own. I love reading your blog so thanks for the advice
    Alice xo

    www.alice-shesthunderstorms.blogspot.co.uk

  57. Aimee Carmichael
    12 Feb 2014 / 8:20 pm

    Great post! I've just recently started up my blog and these tips where really helpfully. Thanks for all the advice

  58. Tia
    12 Feb 2014 / 8:23 pm

    Thanks for sharing your advice, Suzie! xo

    http://tiaelisabeth.blogspot.ca

  59. Alyson
    12 Feb 2014 / 8:27 pm

    Lovely tips. As a new blogger, I've been struggling with finding a niche and getting new readers…you definitely touched on all these points and they're all super helpful. Thank you so much, Suzie!

    xx Alyson
    Beauty Vanity

  60. casuallyawkward
    12 Feb 2014 / 8:28 pm

    Love these kinds of posts, great tips!
    Casualllyawkward

  61. Victoria Williams
    12 Feb 2014 / 8:37 pm

    Very helpful post! I started a blog about social media, youtubers etc but feel a bit lost in a world of fashion and beauty bloggers. I originally started blogging about fashion first but I don't have the equipment or money to keep up with all the fashion and beauty bloggers that are already so well established. I post every Sunday but definitely want to try and make them more frequent, especially after reading this πŸ™‚

    Victoria from SocialVix

  62. thriftylilpixie
    12 Feb 2014 / 9:04 pm

    Great posts, really helpful, honest and easy to put into practice thanks!

    http://thriftylilpixie.blogspot.ie/

  63. Casetti
    12 Feb 2014 / 9:21 pm

    This makes everything so much clearer! Thank you Suzie! x

    Alice | Casetti.blogspot.co.uk

  64. Lys
    12 Feb 2014 / 9:37 pm

    This post is full of helpful advice! Thank you!

  65. Little Red Head
    12 Feb 2014 / 9:51 pm

    This is such a great post, thankyou. Your one of the people that has inspired me to start my own blog which I did at the end of January. I do often wonder if anyone is reading the thing but the main thing is I'm really enjoying doing it.

    xx

    www.abeauty-fulllife14.blogspot.com

  66. Mara Almeida
    12 Feb 2014 / 10:26 pm

    Amazing tips! I do love when blog posts get a little personal and share a story πŸ™‚

    BLOG | TALKING PICKLES

  67. Charlotte Evans
    12 Feb 2014 / 10:51 pm

    Wow this is a popular post! I'm so glad I read this, I've been having a bit of a mid blogging life crisis and haven't been feeling very motivated or inspired, you got it exactly right with the find a niche comment,I've been trying to appeal to everyone and in doing so I fell out of love with blogging! Now I'm feeling really motivated to start again and post quality over quantity. Thanks for such a great post πŸ™‚

    Charlotte http://www.everinmay.com xx

  68. Chelsea Leigh
    12 Feb 2014 / 11:03 pm

    Really helpful blog post! Thanks so much for this!

    http://www.chelsealeigh.ca/

  69. sstyled
    13 Feb 2014 / 12:27 am

    thanks this post is really helpful. im just started my blog:)

  70. A red lip and a nude shoe
    13 Feb 2014 / 12:49 am

    Great post, thanks for the tips! πŸ™‚ xo

  71. Ada
    13 Feb 2014 / 1:03 am

    Thank you! I'm basically in my beginnings and it's always good to get some advice!:)

    I almost thought there was something wrong with me that I didn't do it as other bloggers – aka I don't chase any followers and instead hope that people will eventually come on basis of my content. Which leaves my quite sad since my first comments were only asking for following back.:(

    http://againstfashion.blogspot.hk

  72. STACIAMIA
    13 Feb 2014 / 1:03 am

    Really helpful post! Thank you πŸ™‚

    http://staciamia.blogspot.com.au

  73. Simplybeautifulelegant
    13 Feb 2014 / 1:40 am

    great post!
    xx
    daniella
    simplybeautifulelegant.blogspot.com

  74. Amber Hunter
    13 Feb 2014 / 3:27 am

    I'll be reaching my first year blogging in May and it's still lovely to read posts like this. Not only are they encouraging but it's so nice to read from someone more experienced than myself. It's honestly always such a joy to read your blog and see your photos Suzie so (not that you probably need to hear it haha) but keep up the amazing work!
    Amber
    Lovely Notions

  75. Katrine
    13 Feb 2014 / 4:02 am

    This is such a helpful and great post! As a newbie to the blogger community, I can honestly say this post is very informative and useful of how to start a blog and enter the blogger world. Love it!!

  76. Visceral Maze
    13 Feb 2014 / 4:42 am

    finding my focus was the hardest part. I am still struggling. but I think I know what I like for blog design and I do it myself googling it!

  77. Zazie Bibi
    13 Feb 2014 / 7:27 am

    Love this post, really great tips πŸ™‚ xx

    A Little Treat | Beauty & Fashion Blog

  78. Daniela Martins
    13 Feb 2014 / 8:38 am

    thank you so much!

  79. Sarah Zinc Moon
    13 Feb 2014 / 10:08 am

    Great post – thank you for sharing! I am a newbie having only started blogging 4 months ago…but am loving it! It is a bit disheartening not to have many visitors, but as you say, we all have to start somewhere! I love my photography too so am enjoying having a focus through my blogging!

    http://www.zincmoon.com

  80. Vanessa P
    13 Feb 2014 / 10:58 am

    Great summary and helpful advices! Great job! <3

    Vanessa
    www.pureFASHION.tv

  81. Megan Close
    13 Feb 2014 / 11:45 am

    Wow thank you so much for this post! It's so useful!

    It is true, gaining followers and a readership is a long old process but if you stick at it I think they will just come naturally.

    www.myprettyapparel.blogspot.co.uk

  82. Aerin Downs
    13 Feb 2014 / 12:18 pm

    Great tips suzie :)!

    BerrieBlogs – Beauty Blog x

  83. Stephanie
    13 Feb 2014 / 1:25 pm

    Fabulous tips, thanks so much for sharing! πŸ˜€
    Stephanie
    http://missstephanieusher.blogspot.co.uk/
    Follow @ bloglovin: http://goo.gl/VYmLfM
    Xxx

  84. Calu
    13 Feb 2014 / 3:08 pm

    Great post Suzie! Really helpful! I was wondering if you could tell me how you managed to align the text and the images, because I've googled tons and I can't fix it! My best wishes πŸ™‚

  85. DorothΓ©e Thomson
    13 Feb 2014 / 3:09 pm

    Great Post – My part I've been blogging since 2010 and had a few "stop the Blog" I started with photography and step by step went for Style & Fashion, it took me a while to find my style on my blog and I'm never sure if the posts that I am writing are a bit pathetic or not …
    I used to live in Australia but I'm from France and When I moved back to my home sweet home 2 years ago I saw a massive growth and honestly I cannot explain as I never change much stuff around that time unfortunately I stopped when I found a job for a few months ( NEVER STOP , KEEP THE FREQUENCY OF THE POSTS ) and then started again, in between I had to change Blog's name and called something a bit more easy to remember…
    You are right to say most blogger dont like their blog's name & it takes a while to grow organically ( Am the same never asked anyone to follow 4 follow and I'm pretty strong on this) I will add to never stop the frequency of the posts cause that's killing the audience and this is what happened to me now I struggled to come back …Any way I still blog cause after all I started for the fun and never really expected something more than this…
    Love it for what it represent to you and not for what it can bring !

    x D

    http://www.lejournaldedoro.com

  86. Lois G.
    13 Feb 2014 / 4:49 pm

    Hi there!
    Please check out my blog and follow. I will follow you back πŸ˜‰

    http://bloglovin/atothechic
    http://atothechic.com
    Thanks πŸ˜‰
    Lois G.

  87. Alex
    13 Feb 2014 / 5:32 pm

    This is such good advice. Thank you for writing it.

    www.adventuresinldn.wordpress.com

  88. Megan
    13 Feb 2014 / 6:58 pm

    Great tips here, especially the 75% Beauty or style and 25% whatever else! Definitely keeping that in mind.

    La-receta-de-la-belleza.blogspot.co.uk

  89. Anie Inspired
    13 Feb 2014 / 9:24 pm

    Tips that I needed to hear! Thanks for sharing!
    And good luck to all my fellow new bloggers out there! Don't give up!
    — Anie from Anie, Inspired ^_^

  90. Anonymous
    13 Feb 2014 / 10:51 pm

    Great tips, thank you!

    What camera do you use?

  91. Chrystin Gloria
    14 Feb 2014 / 1:12 am

    What a helpful and inspirational post! Thank you! Sometimes I feel like I'm writing my blog only for 3 people to read, but I know I've got to keep on going!

    http://amateandarottweiler.blogspot.com.ar/

  92. Dirty Blonde Ambition
    14 Feb 2014 / 4:07 am

    Great post!!! Love it — great points!

    xx Lauren // Dirty Blonde Ambition

  93. Eleri Roberts
    14 Feb 2014 / 3:40 pm

    I completely agree on the followers front, I have less than a 100 followers but it doesn't matter at all, I just like chatting makeup and making friends and feeling inspired – and that's what blogging should be about I think πŸ™‚ Great tips! xx

    Eleri Roberts

  94. chloe harris
    14 Feb 2014 / 5:01 pm

    such a lovely and helpful blog post thankyou x x

    http://500daysofchloe.blogspot.co.uk/

  95. meingehaekeltesherz
    14 Feb 2014 / 9:11 pm

    i loved this post so much. I'll try to realize some of your advices while learning to host my blog.:-) thank you sooooo much
    Yours
    Jasmin
    http://meingehaekeltesherz.wordpress.com/

  96. Feather
    14 Feb 2014 / 10:15 pm

    Yes, this is helpful and reassuring. Thank you! I will be trying some of your tips. πŸ™‚

    Feather http://www.crescentmooncollective.com/

  97. beautopiaxoxo
    15 Feb 2014 / 2:43 am

    Thanks for this post! I just started blogging and am have a little difficulty getting it going so I really enjoy these posts that are dedicated to those starting out and such. πŸ™‚
    http://beautopiaxoxo.blogspot.com/

  98. Carolyn Hernandez
    15 Feb 2014 / 6:40 am

    I love posts like this! I wish their were more of these when I was starting out πŸ™‚

  99. lovedbyhollie
    15 Feb 2014 / 8:36 am

    This is such a useful blog post! I only started my blog 2 weeks ago and am having so much fun writing! I'm looking forward to getting involved in the blogging community too – a welcome escape from the daily grid!
    www.lovedbyhollie.blogspot.co.uk

  100. Justine Nielsen
    15 Feb 2014 / 8:47 am

    Thanks for the tips! This was encouraging… I've been an on and off blogger and just picked up again recently. Hoping to keep up with it this time πŸ™‚

  101. Koki bri
    15 Feb 2014 / 9:07 am

    Thank you for this post! It was really helpful:) www.kokibri.blogspot.com

  102. Victoria Eales
    15 Feb 2014 / 9:48 am

    Extra tip for everyone on blog names, I used my grandmothers names as I figured I would never hate it!!

    Victoria
    FlorenceandMary.com

  103. Zoe Miller
    15 Feb 2014 / 9:57 am

    I think this post was the kick up the bum I needed to get back into blogging again! Brilliant tips πŸ™‚

  104. Katie Albury
    15 Feb 2014 / 12:11 pm

    This is really good and so kind of you for sharing. I'm fairly new to this blogging lark and it is so time consuming that you really have to separate your goals and remember that you are doing it because you love it, rather than stressing over how successful or not it is…! Great advice and you have made a newbie blogger feel a little reassured!

    Katie x
    http://www.missenchanting.co.uk/

  105. Gabrielle Crystal β„›oseℬonniee
    15 Feb 2014 / 12:21 pm

    Lovely camera <3

    β„“Ξ± β„’ΞΉcΟƒrΞ·e – β„’a vie est β„“a petite β„“icorne.
    * GIVEAWAY *

  106. To infinity and beyond
    15 Feb 2014 / 1:41 pm

    V helpful! Thanks
    www.heartbeatfaster.co.uk

  107. Rachelle
    15 Feb 2014 / 2:46 pm

    Awesome post Suzieβ™‘β™‘β™‘ ty soso much!!!

  108. sophiemayra
    15 Feb 2014 / 3:36 pm

    after seeing this post ,you interested me in your blog, so you got another follower πŸ™‚

  109. Amy Walker
    15 Feb 2014 / 3:55 pm

    I just started my blog Jan 2014 and this article is really helpful! Thank you!! ps I have 2 followers and that makes me happy! ha ha One my mother in law one I don't even know πŸ™‚ I of course follow myself because I like to see how it shows up on bloglovin.

    Hugs! Amy Walker
    http://amykiddwalker.blogspot.com/

  110. Grace
    15 Feb 2014 / 5:04 pm

    I'm just learning how to blog and found your suggestions extremely helpful. Thanks!

  111. Kazzie Ice
    15 Feb 2014 / 6:34 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this info. I have pondered starting a blog for about the last 2 years,( I make a lot of greetings cards etc) ….. but to be truthful, it has scared the living daylights out of me.Having read this, it still scares me to death, but, makes me more eager to at least give it a go! My youngest son is fairly HTML savvy so he (I hope!) will help me out quite a bit! Going to save this so I can keep coming back to it! TFS xx

  112. Kayla Blossom
    15 Feb 2014 / 8:56 pm

    Great post and really good advice. Thanks for sharing. xx

    http://purpleblossomslife.blogspot.ca

  113. Janay
    15 Feb 2014 / 9:23 pm

    Such a great post, really helpful advice. I think this is exactly what I needed to see. I've been trying to work on consistently putting up posts and it is difficult, but it does bring in more views and whatnot! Just have to keep that in mind and plan ahead

    http://lovemelightsout.blogspot.com

  114. claudia verloop
    15 Feb 2014 / 10:06 pm

    This is just the best advice!

  115. Leonie Whitehead
    15 Feb 2014 / 10:10 pm

    Great post, its really helpful since i've just started my own blog. Thanks x

    http://decembersdarling.blogspot.co.uk/

  116. Vanessa Pulver
    15 Feb 2014 / 10:32 pm

    Great post. I've just started my own blog. I'm so thankful for this good advice. I've zero followers at the moment, but I'm of good cheer =)

    xx Vanessa

    http://frombernewithlove.blogspot.ch/

    • CrafteCathe with Fibromyalgia
      15 Feb 2014 / 11:15 pm

      This is the best advice I've read on starting a blog. Thank you so much. I haven't started one yet and I am definitely not computer savvy. I would need big time help, but I at least have a base that you made me understand. I have read countless blog advice articles and this is the first one that makes sense. Thank you for being concise and making it sound like something I could do and not impossible. It was kind of you to give us all this information, also. You are greatly appreciated and a great instructor. Thanks, Cathey

  117. Sarah
    15 Feb 2014 / 11:44 pm

    Awesome post!! Thanks for sharing all your tips!

  118. Emily Jeffery
    16 Feb 2014 / 12:24 am

    I had wanted to start a blog for years but didn't have the time whilst I was at Uni, but I launched in December and have been absolutely loving it. It means my family don't have to listen to me go on and on about my latest fashion and beauty finds I can just write it all down for my small little group of followers on the internet. Thank you for writing this post it has been incredibly helpful and well written and to the point.

    http://wednesdayswwpink.blogspot.com.au/

    xx
    E

  119. Kimberley Sta-Maria
    16 Feb 2014 / 1:01 am

    Great and helpful tips! Thank you very much!

  120. Tianna Gallinaro
    16 Feb 2014 / 1:39 am

    Thanks for the great tips!!!
    Tia | www.bigcitytyro.com

  121. Linda
    16 Feb 2014 / 4:07 am

    Thanks for the thoroughness of your tips!

  122. Nicole
    16 Feb 2014 / 4:44 am

    This helps a lot! Thank you, I just started a blog recently!!
    Nicole – http://helloavocado.com

  123. princess
    16 Feb 2014 / 5:40 am

    Hi this post is really helpful ! i will definitely follow your tips. thanks for sharing it πŸ™‚
    http://itsprincessa.blogspot.com/

  124. Danielle
    16 Feb 2014 / 7:38 am

    Thank you for sharing your tips! Keep up the good work.
    Danielle – http://livethedutchlife.wordpress.com

  125. Holly Bee
    16 Feb 2014 / 9:10 am

    Such good tips (:

    http://hollybumblebeee.blogspot.co.uk

  126. Daniela Vasco
    16 Feb 2014 / 9:48 am

    Really nice post. Thank you for sharing.

    Xoxo,
    Dani

    www.lifeloverbydani.blogspot.be

  127. Libs Smile
    16 Feb 2014 / 10:22 am

    Thank you, these tips are really helpful xx
    http://materialisticandadreamer.blogspot.com.au

  128. Whatlouiseisloving .gmail.com
    16 Feb 2014 / 10:27 am

    Fantastic post full of such useful tips. I find html so daunting! Thank you x

    www.whatlouiseisloving.com

  129. materialgirlxx
    16 Feb 2014 / 1:08 pm

    very helpful!thanks πŸ™‚

  130. Charity
    16 Feb 2014 / 2:04 pm

    Loved this encouraging post! HTML scares the $%^* out of me πŸ˜‰

    www.lifeafterbaseball.net

  131. Celia Becker
    16 Feb 2014 / 2:05 pm

    I am in the 3rd month of publishing my lifestyle blog called After Orange County. I love it! But, I can use all the advice I can get. Thank you for sharing.

  132. Patricia Cacanog
    16 Feb 2014 / 2:07 pm

    Very helpful! Thanks a lot i'll definitely try these tips πŸ™‚

  133. hazel
    16 Feb 2014 / 4:01 pm

    Great tips! I actually want to redesign my blog and make it simpler! I find that minimalist designs (like yours) are actually more pleasing to the eyes. Which translates to = people not wanting to click the X button right away! haha πŸ˜€ I've been really thinking about it for the past few weeks and hopefully I can find time to do it!

  134. Shelly Porter
    16 Feb 2014 / 4:27 pm

    Very informative and too the point. I'm considering it….thanks a million!

  135. Katarina Chebenova
    16 Feb 2014 / 5:59 pm

    perfect post, I like when bloggers share the tips to get better

    http://theshortiesfashion.blogspot.co.uk/

  136. eileenbb
    16 Feb 2014 / 6:11 pm

    Wonderfully helpful post. I 've been wanting to start a blog for ages. Determined to follow through armed with your great tips!!! Thanks from Guam

  137. Jessika Chan
    16 Feb 2014 / 6:15 pm

    Thanks for the sound advice! πŸ™‚ I really am glad I found your blog!

    http://jessikachan.com

  138. Karen Barlow
    16 Feb 2014 / 7:05 pm

    Thanks for the great post. I have been writing my blog for about three years & I was getting frustrated that it still hasn't got many followers although people send me emails & comments telling me they like it? You've given me lots of tips here, the most important possible being hang on in there.Rome wasn't built in a day!
    Karen x

  139. Jamie
    16 Feb 2014 / 7:39 pm

    I've been seriously blogging for about three years, but it's always good to get a refresher to stay the course. Thanks. πŸ™‚

  140. Zerah Cassady
    16 Feb 2014 / 8:02 pm

    Thanks Suzie! This is so perfect since I just started my own blog aswell. Why don't you check it out?

    http://zerahcassady.blogspot.de/?m=1

  141. NC
    17 Feb 2014 / 2:24 am

    Great,
    learn much about starting ~~rthx~~

  142. moneymaking pillars
    17 Feb 2014 / 11:28 am

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  143. Charlotte Philpotts
    17 Feb 2014 / 5:14 pm

    Such a helpful post! Great tips x

    amuchprettierpuzzle.blogspot.com

  144. Joana Martins
    18 Feb 2014 / 7:50 am

    Great post! Actually I've wanted to write a blog for a long time, and I admit that I've started one and dropped off, but my life have changed a lot for the past months and i feel like is now or never. This have given me so much hope and support, thank you πŸ™‚

  145. Eli Dumas
    18 Feb 2014 / 1:13 pm

    Excellent post, so well written and easy to comprehend. I'm having a bit of a hard time now and again with the language barrier but I started writing my blog just to improve my English and I'm very happy I took that decission.

  146. Barbara Morden
    18 Feb 2014 / 3:33 pm

    Great tips! If you ever have time I'd love it if you wrote some tidbit about creating tabs on blogger. I seem to have troubles with this.

  147. itsannamegan
    19 Feb 2014 / 1:25 am

    This is a great post! So nice to hear that others have similar difficulties when they are starting up too. It is definitely a process that takes patience!

  148. Anouk
    19 Feb 2014 / 5:48 pm

    Great advice! Thanks Suzie! And you're right, I've only had my little blog for half a year, but I've met so many lovely people in this community and I wouldn't change it for any number of readers!

    http://beautyandrambles.blogspot.be

  149. Beauty By Bungi
    20 Feb 2014 / 10:08 pm

    very helpful, great post thank you for sharing.

    As a new blogger myself this is just what i needed to read

    lizzie xx

  150. Natalie B
    21 Feb 2014 / 2:51 pm

    Wow thanks for the great pointers, super helpful and I will be putting them to use. www.girluniterpreted.co.uk

  151. Sophie McIntyre
    22 Feb 2014 / 9:27 am

    I loved this post. It's given me a lot to think about and also brings home that it's not about who is reading, but that you love what you are posting. Thanks!

    Sophie xxx

  152. Kat
    23 Feb 2014 / 10:15 am

    I love blogs (especially yours, seriously) and I really, really want to do this myself. But I don't know what to focus on since my life is not that interesting and I am the worst and posing for photos.

  153. Lydia Bonser
    23 Feb 2014 / 1:40 pm

    Thanks so much for the help!xxxxx

    ohmygoditslydia.blogspot.co.uk

  154. Michelle
    23 Feb 2014 / 10:53 pm

    Hi, thanks for the post. Very helpful!
    www.mforlamode.blogspot.com

  155. Basima Johani
    25 Feb 2014 / 5:57 am

    like it

  156. Katie Brown
    27 Feb 2014 / 12:05 am

    This is so lovely, helpful and encouraging πŸ™‚ Thanks Suzie xx

    http://k-b-beauty.blogspot.com/

  157. Love and Everything
    08 Mar 2014 / 4:42 pm

    This is such a good and inspiring post, it has made me finally make my own blog and I thank you for that.. I've always been worried about what people think but seeing posts and videos similar to this it had made confident that I can do it xx

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  159. Courtney Vivian
    16 Mar 2014 / 10:25 pm

    This is really great advice. Reminds us to blog because we love what we are writing about, not because of the popularity.

    I love your blog by the way! You are so adorable and beautiful! Living the life I hope to after I graduate from college πŸ™‚

  160. justsem
    22 Mar 2014 / 10:40 am

    Thank u so much for this post!

    http://justsem.wordpress.com

  161. amoments
    28 Mar 2014 / 12:54 pm

    Thank you for great sincere tips!
    I also started my blog after reading Marianna's for a while, which is quite common as she inspires a lot of people. But the strange thing is that I always say to other people "I want my blog to be organic". So I guess we share the exact same idea how we want to grow.

    All the best to you!
    a.moments

  162. Alannah
    20 Apr 2014 / 4:18 pm

    This post is so so helpful, it's just what I've been looking for. Time to get working on my layout which has definitely had me running for the hills before!

  163. Travelsmoothie
    13 Jun 2014 / 2:07 pm

    So genuinely written. Thank you.

    My blog is my baby and I treat it like one too πŸ™‚ I think growing organically is much better as you get dedicated followers and they start feeling like part of the family.

    http://www.travelsmoothie.com

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  165. Salha Abuhayar
    24 Sep 2014 / 7:44 pm

    Thank you so much for these tips!
    I started my blog last month and I post once a week. I think I really need to work on the Header.
    Again, thank you so much for the tips πŸ™‚

    http://salhaabuhayar.blogspot.com/

  166. hannah cozens
    24 Dec 2014 / 3:51 pm

    Can definitely relate to this post. When I started out I hated my blog name so I just changed it to my actual name. I still haven't been able to figure one out that I don't despise

    www.hcozens.blogspot.co.uk

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  168. Morganator
    20 Jul 2015 / 9:28 am

    Thank you for sharing this! Where did you get your blog name from?
    http://justmorgs.blogspot.co.uk

  169. The Fitness Menu
    25 Oct 2015 / 6:40 am

    I enjoyed the part about growing organically…I think its scarier to do so but so much more worth while. Just needed a little bit of inspiration…thanks Suzie!