Friday 3 February 2017

OOTD - My Advice To New Bloggers

advice to new bloggers

Lately I've been getting lots of messages and emails from people wanting to start a blog, or bloggers who are just starting out and want to know if I have any tips. While I'm definitely no expert, when I think back to the first year that I started La Petite Noob there were definitely things that I did that I'm thankful for, and regret. I truly believe that your first few months of blogging are so liberating, and that being a new blogger is one of the most fun times in your blogging journey. Here are my tips and advice to new bloggers.

advice to new bloggers
Dress - c/o laut, Shoes - c/o Le Chateau

laut appoline dress canada handmade bali
Look at that back detail! This dress is absolutely stunning and handmade in Bali!

advice to new bloggers

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment With Content


So you have a blog, and you're anxious to get started.  Unless you have one particular topic that you don't want to waver from for your blog, use this time to explore creating a variety of content to see which one you and your audience enjoy most.  When I first started, I covered everything under the sun from drink recipes, outfit posts, travel guides and more personal posts. While I mainly focus on personal style now, it was through all of my experimentation that I figured out what I actually enjoyed writing about and how I could connect with my readers. I found that having only few people reading my blog gave me a creative freedom to create whatever I wanted, and it was through that process that I truly found my voice as a blogger.


tips for new bloggers

Audience First, Sponsorship Second


I think it goes without saying, but when you're first starting out focus on growing your audience and readers before even thinking about sponsorships or receiving product. As you progress through your journey, you'll realize that your most valuable asset as a blogger is your relationship with your readers and their trust so focus on building that. You also may not receive product or sponsorships for your blog for some time (I didn't for almost 2 years) so focusing on your readers will bring you the joy that you need to remain consistent and avoid burnout.

starting a blog

Be Consistent With The Amount That You Post


It's difficult when it seems like you're writing only for yourself, but it's so important to have a consistent schedule when you first start out blogging. Sticking to a schedule and promising yourself that you will post at least once a week will help to make blogging become a fixture in your routine, and will help to attract readers. I know myself that I love stumbling upon a new blog, and am so much more likely to follow if I see that they post consistently. Couple this piece of advice with experimenting with your content, and you'll be pumping out the blog posts in no time!

laut canada

Just Start


It sounds simple, but my biggest piece of advice to new bloggers is to just start.  Sign up for a blogging platform, download a template to get yourself a layout and just start. I remember that I wanted to start a blog for years before I actually did and the biggest barrier that held me back was myself. I wanted to make sure that I had the right camera, the right look, the right space to blog in - I was so focused on the little details that they ultimately held me back. It wasn't until I just started, and began to create content that everything began to fall into place. My original blog design looks nothing like it does today, and that's okay - you'll evolve and change as a blogger to find your true voice and style; but you can't do any of that without starting.

advice to new bloggers

What do you guys think? Do you have a blog, or are just starting? What have been your biggest challenges? Maybe you've been blogging for years and have some tips of your own. Let me know!

xo Joƫlle

Photos by the lovely and talented Bettina Bogar
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23 comments

  1. You inspire me and love that you're always true to yourself. ❤️

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  2. Such great tips! Thanks for sharing. Also you look beautiful ����
    Www.fashionandbeautyinc.com

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  3. Thank you so much for your thoughts!! As a new blogger (launched dec 2016) I've been working on developing my voice and focusing on my readers. It's really easy to feel discouraged when the views are low, but your insights on creating a lasting relationship with them really spoke to me. Thank you so much for the encouragement! Love your blog and Instagram!!
    Kathryn
    www.myloveseatsofa.com

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    1. Thank you so much Kathryn, I'm so glad that you found this post encouraging! I totally remember when I would basically write blog posts for myself and my mom. Thank you so much for your support!

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  4. You're a true inspiration and I absolutely LOVED this post!
    Xoxox
    Maca

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  5. So inspiring!! Looking fwd to every post.xx

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  6. This was such a great post! I agree with all of your points, but especially the last one. I waited YEARS before starting a blog and looking back, I wish I had started sooner.

    Jackie
    Something About That

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    1. Me too Jackie! It's funny how we worry so much about every little detail before starting something new, but then look back and think we should have started sooner! xo

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  7. Love this post! I'm still a pretty new blogger (half a year), and I definitely focused on a consistent posting schedule at the beginning. It's encouraging that you didn't get sponsorships until 2 years after starting. I know that's not what blogging is all about, but of course it's exciting to get them ��

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    1. I was definitely so excited when I first started getting sponsorships! It's definitely okay to have sponsorship as a goal while blogging, but blogging out of passion will help to avoid frustration if they don't come right away!

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  8. i started my blog 3 months ago for a course i was taking and i'm determined to keep it going! thank you so much for the amazing advice x

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    1. Yay that's awesome Zoe! Thank you so much for reading xo

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  9. These were really great tips! I started my blog about 6 months ago and couldn't agree more :) thanks for sharing!

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    1. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the tips Nicole! Thank you so much for reading! xo

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  10. Thanks for the tips! I'm still trying to get myself out there but I know slowly but surely!
    - Desiree
    desireplusane.blogspot.ca

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    1. Totally! It all takes time, but as long as you're enjoying yourself then it will fly by! xo

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  11. I definitely want to do more OOTD posts but I'm in between jobs now so I sometimes feel like I'm behind or not stylish enough. It's one of the things I found to be quite stressful, is keeping up with the "latest" of whatever it is. It usually costs money and if you don't have it quick, you're late to the bloggging/posting party! So stressful

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  12. I started my blog just 3 weeks ago and couldn't agree more! I am so excited to see where this journey takes me! Thanks for all your tips :)

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  13. I started my blog a little over a year ago, but I had a hard time using the theme I had selected, it ended up looking messy and I couldn't change certain aspects. So I ended up not posting very often. This year I changed the theme and I am using Divi from elegant themes for wordpress, there is a visual builder which is much easier for me to use. I am going to take your advice and make sure I am consistent, and post at least once a week. Thank you for the tips!
    http://chenilleandchampagne.com/

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