Look this is a beginner’s guide to blogging. So, if your an old hat at this game, you’ll probably want to scroll along to another article. The key to blogging when you first start out is to get your basics covered and just ask lots of questions.

Brand

You could use your name if you wanted. But, my advice would be to create a brand and think of something that will out live your present situation. Re-branding can be a real ball ache however, most bloggers (especially parent bloggers) end up rebranding at some point. I wouldn’t get too wrapped up or sentimental about your brand/blog name. Just keep it simple, unique and easy to reproduce i.e. across all your social media platforms. Whatever name and logo you decide on, it needs to fit into a profile shaped thumbnail and pop!

Content Creation

Next on this beginner’s guide to blogging is content. You want articles that are evergreen and that will come up in online searches. This is why reviews are common practice as they drive traffic to your site. Focus on topics that are niche, rather than popular. The best way to do this is by writing about what you know. Whether that’s reviewing the make-up in your bag or the struggle you’ve had to find the right buggy, think about topics that people are searching for, but that not a lot of people are writing about. For example ‘Joiee Baby and Toddler Double Buggies’ or ‘ ‘Child Friendly Blepharitis Remedies’.

Engagement

Make sure your topics and images evoke engagement. And then engage back! Whether it’s having an opinion on current affairs or just sharing your experiences, make sure you don’t just brain dump and walk away. Ultimately whatever you create needs to grab peoples attention and make them want to comment.

Collaboration

Collaborating with other bloggers is a great way to garner relationships within the industry and broaden your network of followers, readers and people invested in sharing your content. However, the true value of collaborations when it comes to blogging (especially as a beginner) is the collection of backlinks on other people’s sites. This will not only help drive traffic to your blog, but will over time increase your Domain Authority (DA).

Network

It’s surprisingly easy to network amongst bloggers and influencers. Attend as many events as you can, by searching ‘blog events’ in your area or joining facebook blog groups for your region/city. If you don’t seem to be able to find any events, why not consider setting up your own. Alternatively join networks like the Tots100 or Hibs100. Sites like these list off and rank blogs and their creators by type. They also host events and awards as well as acting as ‘middle men’ to bloggers and brands.

Posting

Post regularly and Pin the shit out of everything! Honestly if there’s one piece of social media you aimlessly devote your time to, make it Pinterest. Just 5 minutes a day will not only help boost traffic to your page, it’ll also give you lots of ideas and inspiration for your next article.

I really hope this beginner’s guide to blogging has helped. One of the hardest aspects of blogging I found was cracking the code! I’m still not there and every days a learning curve, but it doesn’t hurt to share. Sharing is caring, share your tips in the comments below. Go on, I dare you!

Much love,

Berrit x