Blogging Tips for Any Beginning Blogger

3 things to consider before you start blogging

1. Have a vision 

2. Schedule your content 

3. Don’t get lazy 

Believe it or not, blogging has been a “thing” since the 80’s. A blog, short for weblog, is a website that hosts different types of content, like articles, pictures, videos, commentary and links, shared by one or more authors, usually about a particular subject.. What started off as a social tool to express yourself online, has evolved into a much bigger opportunity for anyone, anywhere, looking to build a strong online presence and community. While some may view blogging as just a hobby, for a young entrepreneur, it can be a great asset to defining your brand, connecting with your core audience and finding new leads for your business. If you have been thinking about adding a blog to your brand or business website, here are 3 things you should consider before you go all in. 

1. Have a vision for your blog

With more people using the internet and starting blogs every day, it can sometimes feel like information overload; which is why your blog needs to have a clear niche that stands out. Just because you can literally talk about anything, doesn’t mean that you should. Find something that you are knowledgeable and passionate about; then figure out who your audience is and the best way to share your message with them. You want the topics you discuss to be in alignment with your overall brand identity but also be clear, relatable and valuable to your audience. It is not hard to get started, once you know where you want to go. For example, if you decide to take a vacation, you have to consider your destination, mode of transportation and where you’ll stay because these factors are going to shape your overall experience. When it comes to starting a blog, you want to consider your message, content and audience to reach destination success. It requires a lot of effort and minimum resources but can turn into an online empire if executed correctly. 

2. Schedule time to create, post and edit your blog

Now that we know where we are going, the next logical question is WHEN? There is a time and place for everything and when you first step into entrepreneurship, you will have a lot less time for leisure than you probably anticipated. This is why I stress the importance of creating a schedule for your blog, so you that you are less likely to fall behind. Schedule time to brainstorm, create content, edit and post your blogs. Schedule time to respond to forum questions, comments and concerns from your community. Schedule time to build your brand if you really want to be successful. Finding space in your day or week for this may sound overwhelming, but it's less about the blog, and more about time management. When the time is right, and your content is ready to go, there are even apps, like Canva, that you can use to schedule content to post automatically across your different social media platforms. Take control of your time by creating a content schedule that works for and not against your current lifestyle. 

 3. Don’t get lazy 

 By any means necessary, please do not get lazy. Blogging is a great way to create a community, interact with friends, followers, fans etc. Online communities can grow very strong and they can help or hinder the direction of your business. When you put yourself out there and finally build a following, there will always be people looking for you or to you for inspiration. Do not let them down. Similar to my second point, when something is scheduled, it is expected by your audience. Just like their favorite show or podcast, they know when and where to look for you and trust me,  they will. Rome was not built in a day, so neither will your blog or business and I wish I understood this when I started. I want you to understand that it may take time to get it right, but the irony is that only time will tell. You do not have to be great to start but you have to start (and don’t stop) to be great.