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Last Updated on June 27, 2019 by karissa ancell
I love blogging and social media. It has become such a big part of my life over the last three years since I started my blog. I never would have imagined that this would have happened but one thing I’ve learned about life is that you never know where life is going to take you and you can’t really plan for what is going to come. I always felt so lost when it came to discovering a passion in life. I could never commit to a major or a job because nothing was ever the right fit until blogging entered mt life and I’m so grateful for that.
If you aren’t already I’d love for you to follow me on Bloglovin.
So here are some simple and easy to apply blogging lessons and tips to help out all you beginning bloggers and even some that might help the more advance bloggers out there. I have to remind myself I have a lot of knowledge now and am not really a beginner anymore.
1. Be open to learning.
The internet and blogging is always changing and evolving so you will never know it all. If you aren’t open to learning you will fall behind.
2. There is nothing wrong with making an income through blogging in my opinion.
The important thing is that you write for your readers and yourself first and to make money last. If you are only trying to make money you wont come across as genuine.
3. Sometimes you will get burned out with blogging.
I have a few times and sometimes just unplugging for a weekend will leave me feeling refreshed and ready to get back to it. Sometimes a longer break is necessary.It might hurt your blog but you have to take care of you. I’ve only done this once. When I lost someone close to me I fell into a depression and stopped blogging for a few months till I had grieved and healed a bit. I think it’s better to do that then to put out mediocre posts that you don’t really care about.
4. Try new things.
I’ve done weekly series, monthly challenges, etc. Not everything was a success but to grow and build your blog I think you have to take risks and push yourself to try new things. This also includes taking risks with the types of posts you write. Which may mean being more vulnerable and sharing more deeply personal posts. Or taking a chance and writing a post on a controversial topic, which can either turn out great or make people angry.
5. Images are important.
I’m not a great photographer but I’m working on it. I also create a lot of images through using stock photos and Canva. People need something to look at and each post needs to contain at least one image. The image I used in ย this post was created with Canva.
6.Write what’s important to you.
Life is full of interesting thins and I like reading about a lot of things but I don’t blog about them all because I try to only blog about what’s important to me and what my passions are. So my blog focuses on lifestyle, family and blogging. You can’t do it all or write about it all stick to what matters to you.
7. Spend time on social media.
Growing a blog means getting your work and your posts in front of new readers and the best way to do that is by using social media.
8. The thing with social media though is you can’t give 100%to all of them.
There is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and more! The method that works for me is to study my blog traffic, see what’s bringing me traffic and spend the bulk of my social media time on those platforms.
9. Give automated social media schedulers a try.
I use Buffer for Facebook Twitter and Google+ and I use Tailwind for Pinterest. I pay for each of these,though they do have free versions. It saves me a lot of time to get all my social media scheduled and ready in one chunk of time. Today I spent about an hour and have all my pins for the next two weeks scheduled. I will still pin here and there as I find things but I know I have pins going out everyday no matter what, same for the other platforms.
related post: How to schedule social media
10. Keep a running list of blog post ideas.
As you think of a new post topic add it to your list. This will come in very helpful when you want to sit down and write. You can just check your list and pick a topic. No brainstorming ideas first.
11. Use an editorial calendar.
I started using one this year and although I could use it more even just starting to use it has made a big difference and has kept me more organized which is important to growing my blog.
related post: How to use an editorial calendar
12. Blog on a regular schedule. My schedule isn’t set in stone but I try to blog most days. I always do my weekly linkup. You want your readers to know when to expect you to post. So whatever works for you, one a week, 3 times a week everyday. That’s up to you but try to be consistent.
13. Keep your blog design fairly clean and easy on the eyes.
Lots of clashing colors and fonts are going to turn readers away. You want an easy to read and clean blog. I prefer no more than two fonts and two or three main colors. They say readers make the decision to leave or read your blog in less than 5 seconds so first impressions really matter. So make those seconds count.
14. Learn SEO and use it.
I’m not great at SEO but since the beginning of this year I have been researching it and using what I learn and it has made a good jump in my blog traffic. Not a huge leap but I’m going to keep learning and my next blog investment is an SEO class I want to take. To learn about SEO and check out the class I want to take visit this blog here.
15. Do You.
What I mean is figure out what makes your blog and your posts interesting and keep writing those posts. There are a lot of blogs and a lot of bloggers but there is only one you. So figure out what makes you special and unique and incorporate that into your blog and use it to help you stand out from the crowd. Be you and Do what makes you you because I know you are awesome at something or in some special way.
So this is some of what has worked for me and my blog and of course there is so much more. The world of blogging is amazing and there is so much to learn and I hope to keep growing and blogging for years to come. If you liked this post and find it helpful I would love for you to share it and pin it. To share blogging tips with all the bloggers out there. Thanks!!!
Janet Vinyard says
Hi Karissa, Great tips! Thanks for sharing! Hope to try some of them ASAP! Blessings, Janet
Kim~madeinaday says
Great tips!Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on Twitter! Have a great week!
Kim
Pamela Shank says
Thank you. My blog is only a year old so I am truly learning things every day! I appreciate posts like this from other bloggers that have been thru the same thing
Jamie @ Medium Sized Family says
I try to make sure I am blogging to help my readers solve problems whenever I can. It’s a great motivator for me and keeps it fun. And if you are being truly helpful and generous when you can be, the money will naturally follow. If you’re all about chasing the dollar, it won’t be fun for anyone!
Thanks for these great tips!
Katie says
Ah – really great tips! They all are, and as you said we should always be learning, so I am taking some tips from this post and going to continue working to make my own blog better. Thanks for sharing this, found you at Merry Monday!
Ryno Dekker says
Dear Karissa! Thank you so much for this great post.
My post is very new and I have been feeling terribly overwhelmed with it all. There is so much to do and so many strings to keep together and manage. Thank you for sharing your experience!
I do have a question (if I can be so brave), but is there one single tip that you can give that brought you the most growth and success on your blog? Especially during the beginning.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Nicki Lewis says
Thanks for sharing these great tips. My blog is fairly new, and I feel like I struggle getting my post out there. Had to recently move my blog to a new provider, and lost all my original post. Have been trying to really get this new one off since I have spent so much time setting it up. Find it hard to find time, and not sure where I should be focusing most of my time.
Nicki Lewis recently posted…Adding Social Media To Your Blog: Tuesday Tutorials
Gail Akeman says
Great tips. Write what you want to write is true.
Gail Akeman recently posted…Smartsource 10/11 Coupon Insert Preview
Lindsay says
Thanks for the tips! I really need to learn more about SEO!
Sharon, The Mayor says
Wow! This is a great post on what any blogger needs/needs to be reminded to do. Thank you for posting.
Sharon, The Mayor recently posted…Top 10 Things To Do In Napa
Kelsie says
I’m thankful for these tips, and definitely see how they can be of good use. Love the tip to “do you”. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if others like our content if it isn’t really us!
Karissa says
I’m glad you liked the tips!
Yasyfin says
Thank you for sharing us your tips. I really need good tips to make reader attracted to my blog and your post give me an answer ๐
Karissa says
Your Welcome!
Breann says
Wow! This is hugely helpful. I’ve read several “tips” write-ups, but I really enjoyed this. I bookmarked a few of your suggestions. Thank you for the honesty and transparency. I’ve been blogging for just under two months, and it’s overwhelming. #wineddown
Breann recently posted…Ten Fashion Commandments for Boys
Charissa says
Great tips Karissa (and love your name ;-)). I was too overwhelmed with trying to keep up with all the social media so I started focusing on just Pinterest and have seen my numbers jump in just a month. #15 about being you is such a great reminder, since there are always so many people out there in your niche, but your audience wants to hear your voice. #AnythingGoes
Charissa recently posted…20 tips how to pay cash for college that you need to know
Jhuls says
These are very helpful and informative. I have made some series on my blog. I tried my best to write it earlier, but work has gotten in the way – I haven’t been doing it for months. And I feel disappointed about it. I haven’t been pinning a lot, too, but with your tip, I think I’d go back to that. Thanks for sharing. ๐ #TotallyTerrificTuesday
Jhuls recently posted…Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings
Clare Speer says
I’m a pretty new blogger – and these tips are helpful! Thanks for sharing! It helps!
Mary Hill says
I like the tip about keeping a running list of blog post ideas. Coming up with regular posts is hard for me. Thanks for sharing your tips.
Mary Hill recently posted…Beach Scenes: Nature’s Sculptures
Abby says
I love these, Karissa! Especially #10: I never know where or when blogging inspiration will strike!
Abby recently posted…roasted red pepper hummus
Lisa says
Thanks for sharing these tips. I found your post on hit me with your best shot and I knew it would be a good read. I am a new blogger, so this really helped! Thanks! Lisa @ wiggles & whimsy
Lisa recently posted…The vacation is overรขยยฆ(but I promise there is a beautiful silver lining)
Karissa says
I’m glad you found my blog. Welcome!
talent hounds says
Great tips, I’ll have to try them out ๐ Stopping by from the Monday hop, come say hi.
Steph says
Thanks for sharing your tips. I, too, am always working on improving my images. SEO has been my latest big focus.
Steph recently posted…Wonderful Teachers are Just Regular People in Disguise
Kim says
I am new to blogging so any tips I get are helpful. Thanks for sharing…I need to learn SEO too.
Kirsten Toyne says
Great tips. Thanks for sharing this. It is good to hear others ideas on the topic as I am fairly new to it.
Kirsten Toyne recently posted…Name Your Strengths- The Summer Holiday Self Worth Challenge Part 4
sue says
I think the hardest part of blogging Is time! Not enough of it. You have covered some great tips here so we can all take away some helpful ideas. I must try Buffer which I haven’t heard of so thanks for sharing your post with us at #AnythingGoes
sue recently posted…Anything Goes #17
Horace Williams Jr says
Great tips for any blogger Karissa! From one stroke survivor to another. by God’s grace. Thank you for sharing the knowlrdge. I definitely need to check out Canva. I have been on a bit of a “blogging break” this weekend so I get what you are talking about here. I agree with you that you do need to write about your passions. That will come across to your readers and they will see your sincerity on the topic Thanks again for sharing. May God bless you and yours in all your endeavor!
Horace Williams Jr recently posted…Rescued My Heart from Drowning in Despair and Doubt
Anne says
Love your tips and have seen quite a few of your pins popping up on my Pinterest feed. Happy to be following you! Just wanted to let you know the Bloglovin’ link you have within your post isn’t your updated blog. Found you through your social media buttons on your sidebar though!
Anne recently posted…Friday Favorites
Jonathan Key says
This is all great advice. I particularly hear you on the burn out. I blogged for 30+ days straight with The No Spend Challenge and it was brutal. I also totally agree about having good images. Bookmarking this post!
Jonathan Key recently posted…Elevator Pitch [Day 1 of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog from Problogger]
Danielle says
I love the ideas you put forth in this post!!! I really want my readers to know about this too! I want to share this in my weekly series called “Roll Out The Red Carpet Thursday” – I share bloggers’ amazing posts that I’ve found during the week. I hope that’ ok! Have a great night!
Hil says
Thanks for the tips! I am new to blogging, only have a few months under my belt but I liked the suggestions especially going out of your comfort zone and trying new things. I will be using some of your ideas and hope to make my blog better too.
Hil recently posted…Cloth Diapering
Mary Gilbert says
Pinned! Thanks for sharing on Wine’d Down Wednesday
Erlene says
Great tips. I’ve been trying to keep a list of ideas for blog posts and it helps remind me of things to write about. I’m also in a blog burnout at the moment and have taken a short break to clear my mind.
Erlene recently posted…June Hobnob – A New Huge Blog Hop!
Sheena says
Learning SEO is next on my to do list.
Sheena recently posted…May Growing Your Blog ~ Monthly Update
Stacey says
I love these tips. I just started blogging “publicly” recently and I feel like there just isn’t enough time to learn everything yet!
Stacey recently posted…Balancing Weeknights and Weekdays
Karissa says
You will keep learning as you go and no blogger knows everything, there is always more.
Melissa French, The More With Less Mom says
Always changing, always evolving. I like this about blogging. Thanks for posting. Hello from Totally Terrific Tuesday.
Lara @ Mommykazam says
This is a great list! I am just now dabbling in schedulers, I love buffer and will definitely have to give tailwind a try. You’re also so right about images! I’m anything but a photographer, but I’m learning what I can as I go (I definitely have to go back through a lot of posts and retake the crappy imagery).
Lara @ Mommykazam recently posted…[Giveaway] Microsoft Surface 3 Giveaway Contest
Jane says
Thank you for sharing these tips. We are still pretty new and it’s helpful to get the perspective of an experienced blogger. Would you be able to elaborate on your “editorial scheduler” suggestion? Thank you for sharing at #MeetupMondays!
Jane recently posted…Transforming Yard Sale Finds: Upcycled Mirror and Bar Stools
Melissa Matters says
Thanks for the tips! I’ve been hearing a lot about Canva lately so I’m going to check it out. #MeetupMondays
Melissa Matters recently posted…How to Get your Kids to Read More this Summer (and Actually Enjoy It)
Cecile says
Very great tips, there will help me a lot! Thanks
Cecile recently posted…Mes objectifs – Juin 2015
Ashley Tukiainen says
Thank you for these tips! I’m on the tail end of a several month long burn out phase where at best I could manage to publish one post a week. I wish at the beginning I had someone to tell me that it was ok to take some time off. And you’re right, there is no way to do ALL the social media ALL the time without using a scheduler. I just signed up for hootsuite last month and it’s made a HUGE difference
Ashley Tukiainen recently posted…How To Eat Healthy With A Busy Schedule
Tianna says
thanks for sharing all these helpful tips!
Tianna recently posted…Fitspo Wellness Wednesday | What’s Your Biggest Challenge?
Lisa Kniebe says
Great tips thanks for sharing !
Lisa Kniebe recently posted…Would You Take Your 11 Year Old To A Pink Concert?
Emily @ Morning Motivated Mom says
Great tips! I have been considering finding a Pinterest scheduler, so maybe I will try out your suggestion.
You certainly follow along with a clean, simple look. Your blog is easy on the eyes and uncluttered!
Emily @ Morning Motivated Mom recently posted…Free Printables List and Linkup
Cathy says
What great encouragement and advice! Tweeted to share these great tips! Thanks so much for sharing this great post on Making Memories Mondays!!
Cathy
GiGi Eats says
A blog schedule is of the UTMOST importance for me!!! Otherwise I would NEVER post!
GiGi Eats recently posted…This Chick Gets A Makeover: Chick-Fil-A
Jody @easypeasymom says
Thanks for all the great tips! As a new blogger I feel like there is so much to learn. Thanks for sharing!
Visiting from the Do Tell Tuesday blog hop.
Jody @easypeasymom recently posted…5 Quinoa Recipes To Try Today
Michelle James says
Hi. Thanks for these tips. I feel pretty good about most of these except I have not started an editorial calendar. I read about them but have yet to get one going. I need to. Thanks again.
Michelle James recently posted…Wifi Password Printable
Erica @ Coming Up Roses says
I cannot even adequately express how much I agree with all of these and how important they are!! Karissa, have you considered becoming a VIP for the New Year, New Blog program??? (http://nynb2015.weebly.com) You’d be such a powerhouse in the group!
cominguprosestheblog.com
Trish says
These are great tips. Thanks so much for sharing them.
Amanda Evans | Odds & Evans says
Great list of tips! I am looking forward to the fall when my son goes to preschool so I can have more time to finally really buckle down with blogging. Thanks for linking up at MeetUp Monday, and hope to see you again next week!
Amanda Evans | Odds & Evans recently posted…MeetUp Monday Link Party Celebration!
Jhoveleen says
These are certainly great tips. Continuous learning is one of the keys that we need to stick on. Thanks for sharing.
Jhoveleen recently posted…The Reason of Future Shop Closure
Rebecca Swenor says
These are great tips to help better a blog and should help many bloggers indeed. It is nice when we find what works for us. Thanks for sharing.
Dina says
I have been burned out from my blog. This summer I plan on taking a 9 day vacation and not working on that trip at all! I can’t wait.
Dina recently posted…Summer Spicy Slaw #12daysof
Rosey says
Images are important. I sometimes put up images that are not so great, like a recent post I did on my granddaughter’s birthday (blurry shots sent to me via email, we’re in different states). They are special to me, but to those who don’t know my family they just look like blurry shots. ๐
Uplifting Families says
These are excellent ideas and suggestions. I know that using social media is a must if your a blogger. You won’t get readers if you don’t.
I don’t use a editorial calendar at this point. I keep my schedule open for the most part so that I can keep things flexible.
So far knock on wood in the three years that I’ve been doing this I haven’t dealt with burnout. Sometimes I will get stumped on topics.
Also learn to say no to things that aren’t a good match.
Uplifting Families recently posted…Garden Activities for the Children this Summer
Nina says
Love all these tips! Really great stuff on time management and content. Thanks for sharing!
Nina recently posted…Chugga Chugga Two Two – Train Birthday Party Details
Photog Yogi says
Thanks for sharing such great tips! You’ve given me a few ideas for my own blog, so your post is much appreciated!
Photog Yogi recently posted…A Photographer’s Yoga & Meditation Journey
Michellette "MimiCuteLips" Green says
These are all great tips. I need to schedule Pins for Pinterest that would be really sweet for me. I always tell people that you will never stop learning when it comes to blogging. There is so much to learn and things change constantly.
Michellette “MimiCuteLips” Green recently posted…Fun in the ATL
Andrรฉa Jones says
I completely agree that images make or break a blog post. We live in such a visual world that it’s important. Great post!
Andrรฉa Jones recently posted…6 Re-Branding Steps for Small Businesses: How to Make Your Brand Work For You
Karissa says
Thanks, it does make a different.
lisa says
These are all great tips for bloggers. I try to keep my blog relative to me and my family. And pictures are so important for people to see on the blog!
Rebel Sweetheart says
These tips are all very helpful, especially for new bloggers. Thanks for sharing!
Rebel Sweetheart recently posted…Wordless Wednesday #134 | Hello, Chopper!
Elizabeth O. says
Awesome tips. Number 3 is so true. There are times that I thought I needed a break from blogging, but when I come back, it’s as if I can’t stop from writing.
Rachel says
Great tips! I think #1 is so important especially- it’s good to keep up with current trends and changes to keep things fresh!
Rachel recently posted…Philly Travel: Morris Arboretum!
Angie says
Great tips! I just recently started really paying attention to SEO and love the Yost plugin!
Angie recently posted…Spring OOTD and and Anjolee Ring Review
Kristin says
Great tips! I’m going to have to look into Canva
Kristin recently posted…Lupus Awareness Month: Know Lupus and POP
Jessica says
Great tips. I always love to read what others are sharing and how it helps them.
Jessica recently posted…DIY muscle relief balm
Sarh S says
i’m not a great photographer either, but photo editing helps out there.
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc. says
Love your tips! I am right with you when it comes to SEO… I’m trying to do better but it’s one more thing to learn! I’ll keep getting better though, we just have to keep moving forward!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc. recently posted…Found it at the Antique Store
Alisha Webster says
I wish I would have known about SEO when I first started. It would have helped so much now haha
Alisha Webster recently posted…8 Week Fitness Challenge: Week 6! Adding Skinny-Teatox
Jaclyn Anne says
Great tips! Thank you for putting these all together and sharing them with us ๐
I use Canva too, it is such a great tool!
Jaclyn Anne recently posted…Purifying Dead Sea Mud Mask Review
Kam Kay says
Some of these are really great tips and many bloggers can relate! Had no idea about tailwind. Thanks for sharing!
Kam Kay recently posted…12 Awesome Tips for Taking the Perfect Selfie
Debbie Denny says
I do most of these. Great tips for newbies.
Debbie Denny recently posted…On Top of the World in Hot Springs Mountain Tower!
Corina Ramos says
Wonderful tips! I unplug when the fam is together on the weekend but I haven’t unplugged to relax in a while. I might do that soon :).
Keeping a schedule definitely helps me stay on task…that is a must-have for every blogger :).
Thanks for putting this together! Gladly passing this along. Hope you’re having a great week!
Cori
Corina Ramos recently posted…3 Exercises to Strengthen Your Back and Improve Your Posture
Liz Mays says
I know what you mean about social media. So many of us have our hands in all the pots and it’s difficult to do any of them well when you’re spread so thin.
Liz Mays recently posted…Discover Card Freeze Itโ | Stop New Purchases on Your Discover Card!
Jen K says
This is such a great list. Thanks for all the tips. I really need to set up a social media scheduler. This is something i do not do and it would help me so much.
Jamie says
I need to get better with schedulers for my blog. I usually just do things manually and probably take too much time.
Laura Jane says
Great tips thanks for sharing, I get blogger burnout too but we all try and cope the best we can, good to know that you take breaks too make me feel less guilty.
Lx
http://blogbehindthelook.com
Justine Y @ Little Dove Creations says
I love these tips! I really like the second one, I think earning money through your blog is definitely okay, it’s a lot of hard work after all! But you also need to be genuine to yourself and your readers. Really, I love most of these so I won’t talk about each one. ๐ Pinning for future reference!
Justine Y @ Little Dove Creations recently posted…say Hello to pediatric oral health care
Chelsee says
Great tips! I really need to work on SEO more and staying organized. I think being more organized would be with me getting so burnt out.
Chelsee recently posted…Clean your clothes more efficiently with a SWASH System today!
Ashley S says
Thanks for the tips! Sometimes I get that burn out so it is always nice to step back and refocus at times.
Ashley S recently posted…Go Silent for 60 Seconds with @IAVA on Memorial Day ~ #GoSilent
Nikki says
Love these tips! I need to pin them ๐ Thanks!
by Michelle Westbrook says
Great tips! I notice that when I keep a running list of blog topics as well as write a little every day, I stay motivated and inpsired ๐ You mentioned a few things, I need to work on. I am pinning this to share and refer back to.
by Michelle Westbrook recently posted…Pinterest Love #2
Sabrina says
These are such great tips. I really was unaware of planned posting sites. Totally checking into that ๐
Megan says
I don’t know a blogger who hasn’t gotten the burnout, but as a reader of blogs – reading the weekly and monthly posts can be a burnout, too.
Megan recently posted…DIY Mason Jar Soap Dispenser
Astrid says
These are some great tps. I tend to be annoyed by bloggers who seem to only want to monetize their blog., and I thought this was because I don’t monetize my blog. As fo ryour other tips, some are useful but as always, there will be things I just can’t do. For example, I am blind so can’t include a picture with every post.
Astrid recently posted…If I Had to Choose a Career Pathโฆ
Jamie says
Great tips!! There is so much to learn, and with things always changing, you have to keep up with it. Great to share this for those just starting out! ๐
Jamie recently posted…Arizona’s Natural Wonder – The Grand Canyon
Tabitha Lee says
These are some really great tips! I totally get blogger burn out sometimes. Unplugging is so important. We definitely need time to recharge and be inspired. ๐
Sarah says
These are some great tips! I really should invest in social media management, because you’re right, you cannot give 100% to each platform. It is just too much.
Sarah recently posted…Sports Themed Quiet Book, Pt. 1
Jess Benoit says
These are really great tips for blogging! I pinned it ๐ Thanks
Jess Benoit recently posted…Cook Something Up With Duck Commander Seasonings
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I get the blogger burnout completely. It seems like everything comes in to write about all at once. Taking a break is a good idea.
Pink Curlers says
So helpful!
Carmia @ Clementine Creative says
I love these tips, Karissa! I’ve heard a lot about Buffer and Tailwind and am curious to give those a try. Thanks for linking up at Hit Me With Your Best Shot!
Carmia @ Clementine Creative recently posted…Watercolour Circles {Free Clip Art}