I try not to do too many “how to blog” posts because I realize (or at least assume) more of you are blog readers than writers. Also, I am not sure longevity in this “business” necessarily makes you an expert. Things are constantly changing, with new, really creative people coming on the scene who figure things out a lot more quickly than I did. But, I’m willing to offer my bits of advice and share my thoughts for new bloggers, if you want to know.
These thoughts are mostly for those that hope to turn blogging into a business. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with just blogging for fun. It can be therapeutic—and you never know just what might happen. But, if you’re going into it approaching it as a job, here are a few things to think about:
Saying that you need original content isn’t an original idea in itself but is important enough that it bears repeating. This doesn’t necessarily mean that every idea and photograph you post has to be exclusively yours (as long as you give proper credit, of course). But, if you want to stand out in a big world of blogs, you need to think about what you have to offer—as a writer, as a creative mind, as a person.
Think before you start. Decide what kind of blog you want to be in the long run. There’s a big difference in producing your own projects and just posting a pretty picture or a product round-up a couple of times a week. The work load is different. Your readership (and their relationship with you) will be different. There’s no right or wrong way to go necessarily; I think there’s room for both kinds of blogs. Just something to consider when you’re trying to grow a loyal readership.
It’s a lot different now than when I started five (short) years ago. There were fewer blogs, no Instagram (!), few blogs with Facebook pages, etc., and companies/brands weren’t looking at bloggers nearly as closely as they are now. But, while there are so many ways to get your blog “out there”, it’s also easier to get lost in the sea of creativity.
My best advice? Work hard and don’t get discouraged. Even if you’re producing magazine-worthy posts, your blog may not get noticed in the first month—or year. Looking back at my early posts and photographs, I’m not really sure why my blog grew sometimes. :) Again, I contribute some of that to getting in on the game early. I certainly didn’t know what I was doing. But, I did work hard. Like “drink coffee at 9pm after the kids went to bed and worked for the next five hours” hard, several nights a week. (I don’t do that nearly as much anymore. I’m getting too old.) I treated it like it was a job when I wasn’t making a dime—because I loved it so much. (And still do.)
Networking is also a huge part of getting your blog noticed. Get involved with other bloggers. There is always some kind of tour of homes (Fall, Christmas, etc.) going on that may bring new traffic your way. Or, link up to a popular event like Linda’s One Room Challenge, which has become a really huge thing. Submit your projects to bigger blogs or sites that match up with your target audience.
On the other hand, don’t be afraid to do your own thing if blogger events don’t feel like a good fit. Believe it or not, linky parties, giveaways, and “favorite posts” posts are not a blogger requirement by law. It may not fit the style of your blog, and that’s okay. I still say it goes back to consistent, quality content. Building relationships with other bloggers is great—and important—but providing good stuff for your readers is what matters most.
Just to clarify, I’m not talking about making your life look perfect here. I’m talking about posting quality photos, every time if possible. Design blogging is more visual than it is anything else (are you all even still reading this?!), so investing in a good camera—and figuring out how to edit your photos—is super important. Even if you’re posting a picture of your heaping mound of laundry, it should be a clear, well-lit photo. Good quality photos instantly position your blog as professional or amateur. I’ve learned this slowly but surely over the last five years. (I wrote more on that here.)
As I mentioned earlier, brands are looking at bloggers as they never have before. I think it’s an exciting thing that many companies are shifting their advertising dollars from traditional mediums to blogs. And with that will come opportunities to work with all kinds of companies and to promote all kinds of things. While it might not come immediately, you’ll probably be approached sooner than later. (Speaking of that, I’ve never approached a company first. I think it’s okay to do it, though, if there’s a brand that makes good sense for your blog.) I write all of this to say—be picky! It’s okay.
I think it’s so important to protect the integrity of your blog. While you’ll have lots of people give you suggestions on what to write about or what to peddle, only you know what you want your blog to be. This might mean saying no to companies—or even friends—but everything you post should line up with your long-term vision for your site. It’s incredibly hard to write about a product that you don’t love—so don’t. Readers can smell an inauthentic post a mile away, and protecting your relationship with them is way more important than making a few bucks in the short term.
Oh yes, I know. The subject we’re not suppose to speak about. But, we will anyway. . . Yes, it’s possible to make a good income blogging—but not at first. And possibly not ever. If you approach it with that mindset, you won’t be disappointed and may be pleasantly surprised. I know I didn’t make a penny the first year and very little—if any—the second year. Making money all boils down to driving traffic to your site, which brings in ad revenue (through ad networks) and attention from companies (which can lead to sponsored post and paid collaborations). But, driving traffic to your site ultimately depends on posting good content and getting your blog name out there—all of the things I mentioned above. It’s all one big circle really. If you don’t know where to start, apply to an ad network like Google Adsense.
Another option is to accept individual sponsors (Etsy shops, smaller companies, etc.) and put their ads on your sidebar. This is a great way to make a little money and to work with other businesses. I did this until recently. The main reason I no longer work with sponsors is because of the admin time involved. Working solely with ad networks and companies on an individual project/post just makes more sense for me right now. But, if you’re starting out, I do think sponsors can be a good thing—and maybe a way to cross-promote your businesses.
I hope this was helpful. I’d love to hear more of your thoughts if you’re a new (or seasoned) blogger.
A few other posts I’ve done about the business of blogging here and here.
Great tips. I’m taking a class through the Inspired Bloggers University right now about growing my blog, but there aren’t any other DIY/Home Deccor bloggers in the group, and I do think there are differences in our niche. My blog was growing quickly a couple of years ago, but I let it slip and went more the way of “lifestyle” and it has suffered since then. I’m trying this year to get back to what works best for me – DIY projects and decor projects around our 100 year old farmhouse.
Thank you so much for sharing this information. It helped me put into perspective how important it is to find your niche, which is something I have been struggling with even before I finally started my blog. I was wondering if you could suggest an average amount of posts new bloggers should strive for each week?
Thanks you again!!
I think when growing a new blog, the more the better. I would aim for 4-5 times a week, depending on the kind of posts you’re creating.
As a long time reader and very new blogger, this was all good to hear. My blog is less than a month old and I’m not worrying about the ad/social media/making $ side of things, just trying to find my voice and *try* to get some better pictures. I know that, as a reader, I can tell the bloggers who blog for the love of sharing vs those who are only in it as a business. Passion comes through the page.
Great advice! I was wondering if you were willing to share a few blogs you’re loving these days? Everyone loves a good recommendation and this community seems to be growing exponentially. Do you find yourself reading one niche over another? I’ve landed in the “dad blogger” category since I started blogging a few years ago, but when reading I tend to branch out more.
Thanks for the incite Emily. I’m a year and a half in now and am definitely still trying to figure it all out. Always more to learn… But this post helps with a few of those.
The best promise I made to myself about my blog was that–if I wasn’t having fun, I’d stop. I’ve taken weeks off here and there, but I always come back because I enjoy it! And for me, that’s key. I don’t (and won’t) have a big blog (I don’t have the patience for nice pictures…) but since I am having fun, I just can’t quit. :)
Great tips! I especially love the photo/editing suggestions. It’s always so hard for me to get the “look” I want for my photos. Thanks for the inspiration!
xo-G
This is a terrific approach to the topic. I’ve read a few, from successful bloggers of very different stripes, over the last several years, and am constantly learning, but you nailed the central issue clearly: we have to be true to ourselves. I’ve been blogging daily for about three and a half years now, and because I have what might be the blog equivalent of an old fashioned variety show (posts on art, food, poetry, music, DIY, travel, world peace—you name it) I’ve known since the beginning that it would be put out strictly for my own discipline and pleasure. After all this time, and a slow growth of highly varied readership, it’s still great for those two things, but I know the intensity of the work that it takes to keep the content fresh daily, particularly given that all of the content is my own art and writing.
All of this is to say that one of the reasons I’ve happily remained a subscriber to your blog for quite a while now is that I respect the quality and consistency you’ve managed to maintain, the variety of beautiful ideas and expressions of them you provide, and the forthright, transparent approach you have to what you do and why you do it. As a longtime university art/design (/other) teacher in my previous life, I especially love the explication of your processes, just as you’ve done here in describing both your progress and your reasons for it on the business side.
Thanks for all of the good stuff. Long may you wave!
Kathryn
Kathyrn–thanks so much for your kind words :) Glad you enjoy it.
I’ve been blogging for four years, and almost every month I say I’m going to quit…
SO many nights I would “drink coffee at 9pm after the kids (my daughter) went to bed and worked for the next five hours” hah! But something about this little medium just draws me back in. I’ve monetized, but probably not to the level I could have or some might say that I should have. I’m trying to find the balance of seeing it as a creative outlet and as a side business.
I’ve been following your blog since 2011 and can honestly say it’s among a small handful that I’ve stuck with even as my styles and tastes have changed so much in that time. I think one of the reasons your blog grew and has had staying power is the fact that you are so transparent and REAL.
Glad you’re sticking with it. You have great style :)
Thank you so much for this post which, for me, felt really timely. I’ve just come back to blogging and while I do want to connect it to my very fledgling business a bit, right now I find that writing is what makes me happy when I’m not actually designing. Your post, especially regarding photographing piles of laundry, felt like you were talking right to me. I’ve always appreciated your sincerity. It’s why your blog is still a daily read. Thanks again for your insight.
Loved this post. I like hearing the insight of people who I admire in blogging.
Great post. I really feel like stressing the “original content” issue. It stresses me out when people do round-up posts all the time and live of featuring other’s creative work.
Great post, Emily. Agree with everything you said. Always love being over here.
Emily I love your posts. Always insightful. I guess I always wonder if you can make a good living blogging or its good side money but hard to be the bread and butter for your income. I know there is huge blogs out there that probably make significant money but in your experience is that really rare?? I know this is a transparent question but I have always wondered.
Found this to be very interesting. Thank you for the report!
Been blogging off and on the past 5 years, but only for fun.
As you wrote I also think it´s important to stand out and find your personal blogging style. I´m working on that in 2015, trying to live with less and simplify, sharing my progress with my readers.
What happens when you’ve been blogging for 3 years and absolutely nothing has come of it… not many followers, seemingly no interest… (sure I took some breaks here and there after being discouraged). Does that mean I just don’t have the blogger bone in my body? :)
Emily: There is a reason why I read your blog consistently. Up until last year, I didn’t even read a single blog. I have stumbled upon a few design blogs over the past few months (since starting my own blog), but your content stands out. I appreciate your insight, originality, and authenticity in your work and your posts. Although my blog is more of an extension of growing my design business, these tips definitely go hand in hand with what I aim to accomplish. Thank you for sharing. ~Carol
Thank you, Carol :)
Thank you, Emily! This post was definitely of interest to me. I started a blog because I knew it was something I wanted to do, but I have stepped back from it most of the time and mostly thought about it (where I want it to go, what I want it to be). My biggest hesitation with proceeding is that it drives me crazy that my blog doesn’t look professional. I’m honestly just not willing to put in the long hours required right now. Sleep and enjoying my babies are my priorities right now, but I eagerly look forward to making my blog both professional and successful in the future. :) I eat up all the tips offered by seasoned bloggers I admire, like you. :)
I love when you blog about blogging! Thanks for your thoughts and advice.
Emily, I wonder if you might offer some kind of consultation to those of us who are not as experienced as you are? I SO appreciate the information you’ve shared here, but I would LOVE to chat with you while you are looking at my blog and pick your brain. Ever-so-gently, of course :) I would be happy to pay for such a service – just wasn’t sure if that may be something you would do, or something you would rather not use your time for? I’m interested to hear your answer :) Either way, this is one of my favorite spots to come for inspiration…for blogging and life in general! Thank you :)
Hi Kristen–You are sweet to ask. I’ve never offered any type of blog consultation. I’m not sure I know enough “techy” stuff to help past the content part :)
Hi Emily, thanks for the lovely mention. You are one of the first blogs I discovered. I agree with everything you wrote. One of the ORC linkers was featured in Good Housekeeping! So much talent in blogland.
Emily, I always find you so insightful. This post was exactly what I needed to read!
Thank you for your wise words! xo
Thank you, Emily, for sharing all of your thoughts and lessons. I’ve had my blog for about 2 years, but I have only taken it seriously (and have been trying to monetize) for about a year. I’m not a super outgoing person so it has been hard to network with others, however, as you said, it is very important to meet other bloggers. And things change so quickly that it is hard to keep up. Yet, I truly love it. And I won’t give up! Thanks for sharing all of your insight.