Talking Shop: Blogging Tips

My 2 year blogging anniversary was not too long ago! It is definitely the longest I have ever stuck with a blog and you would assume I know my shit by now. I don't think there is a definite way of blogging but I have some little nuggets of knowledge.

Take a shit-ton of photos

Take pictures when you are wearing something cute, when you cat farts, etc. You know, take lots of them. I have a constant backlog of photos to work from and could probably blog for the next month without having to take another photo. I organize photos into folders that will become photos that I use for a blog post. Every few months, I go back through all my photos and pick from the outtakes or randoms and those become my B Sides. I like to take advantage of when I am feeling inspired or refreshed and take lots of photos during that time because I might need them later when I having an off day or too tired.

Make somewhat of a plan

I am not a big planner or organizer and don't actually follow this rule all the time. But I do have a Google Calendar that I use to map out blog posts. You can quickly add them as an event by clicking on the day. I have started to make an event for every blog post I have ready, plan to do, is just a brainstorm or a sparkle in my eye. I put them at the end of the week. Then when I am ready to do some serious adult planning, I can drag them to the day I will probably post it. Even though I have a lot of photos ready to go, doesn't mean that I don't still blog on the fly sometimes. Sometimes, I think of something at work and then post it during lunch. I like to keep things real and passionate as well as share pretty photos.

Be real

I love DIY's and recipes and some blogs are focused on that and that's ok. I take a different approach. When I post a recipe or DIY, it is because I am fucking hungry and lazy and want to make some strawberry tarts. I figure I am not the only one and share with you guys! Also, text only is okay. I started posting without photos occasionally and I surprisingly received some awesome feedback and started a conversation with my readers. I take my blog seriously and I don't at the same time. I don't depend on my blog as my primary income or to promote a brand. Having a lifestyle or personal blog gives you freedom to be yourself! Take advantage of it! I am not worried about upholding a reputation or representing my company, so I blog to express myself, write out my feelings, share photos, document my life and sometimes make a statement. I still consider myself a blogger. I enjoy the work that goes into it, the results of a curated post, telling a story and watching my blog grow.

Create a pattern

I like to have weekly and regular features. I have Sweet on You Sunday, This Week on Instagram Snapshots, I am Proud of My Size Link Up, Happy Caturday, B Sides, Thrifted Finds, Stay in and Watch a Film, Month in Review, etc. Some of my features don't get visited very often or I forget or don't find the right space for it. I have also ditched some features like Work Through the Pain Wednesday, Owl of the Week and Style Crush. I stopped doing Sweet on You Sunday when I was posting daily drawings and lists, but then went back to it when I felt like I could fit it into my schedule. Having features helps me but you don't have to do it. Remember, you don't have to follow any rules. Fuck rules. Oh, I also tag/label my posts like crazy. I have more tags than I probably need but I like to be able to reorganize my blog easily or find posts easily. For example, I have a tag Our Kittehs. Anytime I post a photo of our cats, it gets tagged. Because I like to look at my kitties. It is probably overwhelming for someone else to look at all my tags but that is why I have simplified breakdown of categories that my posts fall into on the left side of my blog. My point is, patterns are easy to follow and people like them. So however you do it, find your rhythm so you don't feel too scatterbrained or random. Which brings me to my next one.

Change is okay

Yes, patterns are good but you are allowed to change! My blog has changed and evolved the same way I have. I like change and enjoy challenging myself. I feel like we are all complex and have different sides of ourselves. For me, blogging has been about letting my different sides come out. That means that sometimes I ditch ideas and create new ones out of the blue. I like pushing the limits and want to be part of a revolution. If you are into that too, then don't blend in too much. Make waves and don't be afraid to change. I also don't like to give my whole life story right away and tell you everything about me upfront. I rather like my blog to be a journey, revealing the things that make up me. I don't apologize for my blogging habits and I don't talk about blogging all the time. For me, this seems redundant. It is like turning on the TV and only find shows about producing television. Not quite as interesting as say, a documentary on whales or an episode of Friends. Okay, bad metaphor, but you get it!

But you are the boss of your underpants and could do as you please. These are just some of the things that worked for me and you can take it or leave it. I don't want to be a bossypants. We can all find our niche!

P.S. If you have any questions about blogging or how I do things, I will be sure to respond to your comment.

- Rachele