Ever since I started I life you, and after the blog’s one year anniversary, I’ve had many of you ask me several questions about blogging and how to start a blog. I cannot call myself an expert but there are a few general tips I can give you if you’re struggling to start a new blog. By now you have realised that having just an idea is not enough, you need a concept, subject points, specific topics you want to talk about and a lot, a lot, a lot of motivation and initiative. Whether your blog is going to be about photography, fashion, lifestyle, restaurants, food or traveling, the main thing to focus is content, and creating interesting things that people want to read.
It took me around three to four months to start I life you and it wasn’t an easy process. First I had to figure out what I wanted to write about – lifestyle – then I had to figure out the name, which honestly was the hardest part, and then start the process. So if you’re longing to start a blog, let me tell you my process and how I did it.
Figure out what you want to write about.
I know I said it before, but it’s very important to know what subject(s) you want to write about. Figure out the categories you may have in the beginning, or along the way. I started with a generalised theme of lifestyle and then started to understand where my strengths were. Write down everything you would like to talk about and try to see if it falls into a general category.
Decide between the many platforms out there.
There are so many platforms these days that help you with already built layouts and pretty much do all the work themselves. The most common are Blogger, which is the one I’m using, WordPress, Tumblr and so on. Make sure it suits you and your style – but don’t worry, you can change it in the future if you find that your style has changed.
Pick a name.
This can be the must struggling part for many out there. I know it was for me. It’s important that the name reflects what you are going to write about so that people know what they’re in for.
Search and research.
Not only for blog posts but also to evolve in your style, writing, visual assets and everything that constitutes your blog. I cannot tell you how many questions I’ve asked google since I started I life you. It never calls you stupid or ridiculous and you can ask it whatever and however because, I guarantee, someone else had that same question before.
Read other blogs.
Read other blogs that may interest you, have a similar subject or visual way you want to follow. I’m not saying here to copy exactly someone else’s style but rather inspire you to do something in your language and tone based on something you see and like. Even before I had I life you, I was reading several other blogs – always been a fan of the blogosphere – so when it came my time to do it, I was pretty sure about what I wanted to do.
Be yourself.
Don’t try to create an alter-personality – unless that’s what you’re looking for – but rather be yourself and hopefully people will read you for it. I’ve been told I’m quite funny through writing but I don’t think I’ve yet shown it on I life you. It takes time to find your language, your style and your way of breaking through these lines. Ultimately, if you keep doing this long enough, you’ll find it.
Be motivated and pro-active.
This goes without saying because you’re normally on your own. I’m lucky enough to have a person by my side who believes in what I’m doing, but I’m not always a well of motivation and positive attitude. Sometimes I hit a wall and want to leave everything behind. Think about why you started the blog in the first place, gain some perspective, get away from the computer and reboot.
Anything else you feel you need/want to know, make sure to drop a comment, email me or contact me through social media.