You asked, so I am answering! One of the common technical questions I get is, how do you start a blog? And what kind of camera do you use? So I wanted to share my updated version of this post that I shared in 2016!
I remember searching for this topic years ago when I wanted to start my own blog. It seemed like such an undertaking and an unattainable goal, yet here I am, walking into Year 3 of stephtaylorjackson.com. Anything is possible if you really put your mind to it!
I wrote a fashion blog in college, however a few years ago I got the itch to start back up again. I love to write and create content and I love fashion, so it feels natural to me.
I am going to focus on “how to start a blog” today, I will share about cameras and other things I use in a following post!
Below are my top 8 tips on starting a blog:
1. Define your why
Why do you want to start a blog? It’s a basic question but knowing why you want to do something and why you started will keep you grounded.
2. Identify your niche
What is it that you want to say? Who is your audience?
I am all about fashion, beauty and some lifestyle, but what about you?
3. Start creating content that is uniquely you
I added the “uniquely you” part because you have to be you. If you create a blog that is mirrored off of someone else, you’ve already lost your voice.
4. Create content in batches
Having content on hand and ready to post at all times is important. Once you establish a schedule, it’ll be easier to get into your groove. My schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday with an occasional extra post thrown in here and there.
I rarely post #ootd photos because most of my content is shot ahead of time (confession: and also because I wear leggings 90% of the time when I’m not styling a look). I shoot every week, sometimes more than once, but find a schedule that works for you.
5. Establish a web presence
You will need a website (domain) and I would definitely recommend having a social media presence. I know a lot of bloggers have cute blog names, but I just could not come up with anything I liked, so stephtaylorjackson.com is what I became and I couldn’t be happier with it.
I use Squarespace for my blog, but I know a lot people who are super happy with other platforms. Just find what works for you!
6. Focus on quality and creative content – the rest will fall into place
Everyone starts somewhere. Don’t get caught up in numbers, yes it’s hard, even for me at times, but create quality content that you’ll be proud of.
Side note: I cannot stress the word quality enough. My iPhone only took me so far, then I had to get serious.
7. Do the legwork, don’t take shortcuts
There will be times when it feels like everyone is winning but you, I’ve been there. But great engagement and high quality content will take your further than a number. Take it from me firsthand, shortcuts only hurt you and take a lot of work to dig yourself out of.
Learn SEO, research trends, be consistent, perfect your craft – that’s how you win.
8. And lastly, always remember – community over competition
There are so many bloggers in the world, and from the outside looking in it probably seems like an over saturated market, but I promise it’s not. Why? Because if you’re being true to you, then no one can offer what you have to offer. We are all unique and there’s room for us all to shine! I have so many blogger friends and we all bring something completely different to the table. That’s the beauty of it!
I hope you found this post helpful. I am always available for questions if you have them so shoot me a message HERE or via email!
Thanks for reading!
XO – Steph
