My tips on starting and growing a blog

I always get asked questions on how to start a blog, and this may sound simple but honestly, the best thing is to just start. There are so many reasons why we put things off (and some valid of course) but many times it’s the fear that holds us back. We ask ourselves if we will get judged for putting ourselves out there on the internet and we wonder what other people (especially people in our real lives) may think of us. But, honestly, if you want to start a blog, just start. Continue reading for some tips and tricks on starting and growing a blog and some influencer data trends expected in 2022.

Is having a blog worth it in 2021?

Many might wonder if having a blog in 2021 is even worth it, and I think it is. While some have amassed huge growth on social media platforms such as Instagram, the users don’t own their content. Thus, it’s quite scary to think that if the app closed or got hacked, their content would disappear with it, but it’s true. That’s why I think having a space on the internet that you can call your own is valuable. While I may have stepped back from publishing on here as much as I used to (balancing work, blogging and full-time University is a lot). I still think it’s relevant. Please keep in mind that these tips on starting and growing a blog come from my own experiences. However, with that said, I wanted to share some things I’ve learned over the years.

Choose a blog platform

Think about what you want to blog about and why. Then, do some research before landing on your chosen blog platform. There are tons of platforms out there such as WordPress, Blogger, SquareSpace, etc., and different hosting websites (Bluehost, GoDaddy, etc.,) to choose from too. Fun fact, way back in the day I used to host my blog on Blogger and switched over to WordPress. Specifically, I use WordPress.org for my website and host through Bluehost.com. These websites are both super user-friendly and offer great support if needed.

Think of a name

Next, you will want to think of a name. I would recommend thinking hard about this because I know so many bloggers who have changed their blog names over the years. In fact, my blog used to be called Girl in Betsey (there’s a little description about that in my About Me) but switched it over to my name which I know many have done too.

Working with brands

It can be hard to reach out to brands and it can feel awkward at first. But, if you really love what they’re doing in the space and you feel you could add value to them, there’s no reason not to send an email or DM on Instagram. While email comes across as more professional, sending a quick hello in a brand’s DM isn’t a bad idea. This can be especially helpful if you want to get the best email address to reach out to.

If you would rather not connect with brands directly at the start, you can sign up for influencer networks that act as the middleman between the influencer and the brand. There are tons of resources out there to investigate that specify more about how to reach out to brands. Some networks will even feature their roster of bloggers which is an awesome way to spread the word about your blog.

Consistency is key

Consistency is important when trying to build your blog. It’s essential for your readers to know when to expect new content from you. I know it’s easier said than done but if you can map out a schedule that works for you (you can start slower at the beginning and build yourself up), I think that’s a good start. Much like consistency with blogging is important, consistency on social media is important too. If you don’t know when to post, check out your Instagram Analytics (if you have a Business/Creator Instagram account that is) and it will let you know when your followers are most active giving you the best days + times to post.

Social trends to watch out for in 2022

The online landscape has changed tremendously in the past few years and there are some trends to watch out for in 2022. While blogging is a great way to ensure you own your content, video in 2022 will be crucial. Platforms such as YouTube and TikTok will be top of mind for bloggers and marketers alike in the new year because video is key. We have seen this trend happening already with Instagram Reels taking over in the feed. If you are hesitant to get into video, start with posting some IG stories and go from there.

As brands step away from sharing content on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, these networks will continue to see declining engagement. This is especially true with the influence of video-sharing apps such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok taking over. Personally, I still use both networks as I find there are different audiences on both. However, keep in mind these are the predictions for 2022 as you start mapping out your blogging & social media goals for the new year. I hope these tips on starting and growing a blog helped and my DM’s are always open if you have more questions!

Are you planning to start a blog? What tips would you add to this blog post? Let me know in the comments below!