A year ago, on this day, I started to really blog about books (yes, today is sort of my blogoversary). And since then, I’ve learned quite a few things, things I’ve wanted to share with you guys for a while.
#1: Quality over quantity
I would rather read one well written, thoughtful post than ten awful, rushed ones. In fact, it is the bloggers that have the one well written post that I am more likely to follow, not the one that has all these poorly written posts because they were aiming for a certain number. DON’T SUCCUMB TO THE PRESSURE OF POSTING OFTEN IF IT MEANS YOUR POSTS WON’T BE THAT GREAT!!!!
#2: Design don’t matter as much as content
This is a piece of advice I certainly wish someone gave me when I first started blogging. You have no idea how much time I labored over my design. I’ve spent all my free time working on my design instead of working on posts. Design is important, but not as important as your content. People won’t follow you or revisit your blog just because you have a pretty blog. No, they will only do all those things if you have good content.
#3: Be social, don’t be afraid to interact with people
This is an important one. I probably wouldn’t be where I am if I haven’t met any good blogging friends. They play a really important role. And even though you may not know them in real life, the most important part is that they understand what blogging is like and what it means. Not only can they help you with blogging problems, sometimes they might help you promote posts or special things you are doing. Don’t really know how to make friends? I suggest you get a Twitter if you don’t already have one. More details in this post: Investigated – Blogging Friends.
#4: Don’t be afraid to ask for help
This one kind of goes hand in hand with #3. Asking for help isn’t as easy as it sounds (well for me it isn’t). The whole part of having to suck up your pride and admit you aren’t as good as you think you are is a bit difficult. But asking for help can help you solve problems faster and more efficiently. Having problem with your design? Reach out to a book blog designer and ask. Have questions about ARCs? Chat up an experience blogger on Twitter. Those are just examples, but from my experience, people are always eager to help and most of the times they can provide better solutions than you can come up with by yourself.
#5: Do what you want, and have fun
Probably the most overrated piece of advice, and yet the most important. Don’t be afraid to be unique and different and whatever you do, DO NOT let blogging become a chore. It should be something you love to do. Don’t feel pressured to posts certain posts or include certain things on your blog because other people do it. Just because they only post memes and blog tours, doesn’t mean you have to. Just because some people post reviews everyday, doesn’t mean you have to. As long as you enjoy doing it, you are all set! People have said this before, but I’m going to say it again. If you are only blogging to get ARCs or money, or even to gain popularity, you are doing it for all the wrong reasons and should take a step back. There is no fun to blogging if there is only selfish reasons for doing so.
I personally think that design is really important since really, it’s the first thing you see but you’re right, you shouldn’t stress over it. These were really good tips!
Laura @ Music Plus Books
I completely agree with your points about quality and not letting blogging become a chore. I think it’s important to go at your own pace and to write what you want to write.
I personally think that design is important since it’s the first thing that people see. They’ll be turned off by various factors before even reading the post, but like you said, it’s not something that should be a source of stress.
Definitely, blogging shouldn’t feel like a chore and if it starts becoming tiring/stressful, maybe a break from it might help.
Somehow design is what makes me decide whether to go on and read a blog. If it’s very jarring or completely defies my taste, I’m already clicking on [x] before I see the first word. Though I do agree that design is not everything. If a blogger uses a standard template that doesn’t allow for much of a personal touch, I don’t mind all that much because at least it doesn’t hinder the readability.
Plus, if I really like the content, I’ll just subscribe to the feed or follow on Bloglovin’ since I can still have access to what a blogger has to say 🙂