Getting Your Blog On!
I have thought about doing this series for a while now. Here is the premise behind this series and basically in a nutshell it is learning about writing from the bloggers who write on a daily, weekly, monthly basis. This will be a 4 part series.
How Did You Get into Writing a Blog?
I have talked about my experience before in previous posts, but I will give a brief recap. I got into writing a blog out of frustration. I know what you are thinking why would you take on something that frustrates you, but it was frustration in a good way; pushed me.
I love to travel and take photos of my travels, but I had no way to combine the two until I heard about blogging. I would upload my photos to a photo sharing site with captions, but other than those captions there was no real content and did not explain the whole travel experience. So that is what frustrated me and moved me into the blogosphere.
What I have learned:
- Start with a blogging platform that is FREE – try it out
- This lesson came as an afterthought after many months of blogging – define a schedule for posts (i.e. once a week, 3 times a month, etc.) – decreases burnout as well as writers’ block in the beginning phases
- Utilize the Tool to Schedule Posts Out (days, weeks, months, etc.) – LOVE It!
- Continue to Update Your Blog (Monthly to Quarterly basis) – keep it fresh and new
- DO NOT Give Up unless you WANT to
January 11th, 2013 at 7:42 AM
The basic single requirement for successful blogging is this: passion.
If you are not passionate about blogging, then your initial enthusiasm will wane and you will find it an effort.
Other advice: Write often. Write well. Use lots of photos. Engage with your readers. Focus beyond yourself.
January 11th, 2013 at 8:49 AM
Audrey -
Great Writing Tips – thanks so much for sharing! I know for me I starting writing better when I wrote on a daily basis and really took the focus beyond myself and reached out to my readers. That is when the magic happened!
Happy Friday:) – Renee
January 11th, 2013 at 7:54 AM
I loved the ability to interact with people from all over the world…it became a forum on my favourite passion – travel! There are people that I feel like I know after following their blogs for over a year – I would love to have the chance to meet many of them. I have met one blog friend and am making plans to meet another in Feb! Such an amazing community!
January 11th, 2013 at 8:51 AM
Anita -
Great Writing Tip – thanks so much for sharing! The blogging community is like one worldly bear hug:) You broaden your world to new places and cultures; learning how other people just live their daily lives. It is AMAZING!!!
Happy Friday:) – Renee
January 11th, 2013 at 9:23 AM
My blog was definitely born out of a need to communicate – my thoughts were clogging up my head and I was having a hard time functioning with all these pent up words! Now, it’s all about sharing – stories, pictures, musics, opinions – the brilliant take between myself and the fab people that I get to meet through wordpress. (Such as your smashing self!) xx
January 11th, 2013 at 10:25 AM
R&RAN -
Ahhhh – thanks so much sweetie:) I love your writing flair and just how you put it out there to share. Really makes me want to share more of myself in my writing. Thanks so much for sharing!
Happy Friday:) – Renee
January 11th, 2013 at 4:33 PM
I think bogging is such a great way to meet others of the same interest. I keep the blog fresh by being eclectic and posting regularly. It took awhile to turn on sharing and subscriptions though. Never thought people would be interested in a garden blog.
January 11th, 2013 at 4:42 PM
Garden -
Totally agree with you in meeting people with similar interests and just sharing those interests! I love learning, especially new things:) I love your blog and your photography is AMAZEBALLS!!!
Happy Friday:) – Renee
January 11th, 2013 at 4:44 PM
Loved hearing how you got into blogging. I was constantly talking about food and beer and either out of annoyance or love
my boyfriend told me I should start a blog. He was my original inspiration and now it is all the food and beer I get to try and of course all my readers that inspire me 
January 12th, 2013 at 7:08 AM
Lilly Sue -
Glad you found your inspiration and love your blog:)
Happy Saturday – Renee
January 11th, 2013 at 10:15 PM
I wanted to share my thoughts and my art never realizing I really had so much to say even if some of it wasn’t very interesting at times! I love the interaction with others outside the circle of family and friends who you work and play with. Now I realize it is more about as I say ‘shining a light into the dark’ trying to give others some hope or at the very least a moment of respite. You never know who may need what you have at any moment this side of heaven. I believe in the ‘ripple effect’! Life is meant to be shared!
January 12th, 2013 at 7:09 AM
Mark -
Love it – “life is meant to be shared”! Thanks for sharing:)
Happy Saturday – Renee
January 12th, 2013 at 8:14 AM
Thanks Renee! At first it was more about me, but now it seems it is more about reaching out to others in some small way. Happy Saturday to you! ~M
January 12th, 2013 at 1:49 PM
Mark -
I started about the same way and within 6 months was writing for my readers:)
Take Care – Renee
January 11th, 2013 at 10:47 PM
I started blogging at the urging of my friends who loved my stories, anecdotes and little observations. As I grew old(er), I realized I wanted to write about other stuff so I put up my current blog. I’m enjoying it so far. Best part? Meeting new friends like you not just in my city but all over the world. Like Anita, I too recently met a blog friend in person and we chatted like we’ve known each other for months (which in a way is true).
January 12th, 2013 at 7:13 AM
Tita Buds -
The blogging community is an added BONUS when you start your own blog:) Love meeting, sharing and learning from other bloggers.
Take Care – Renee
January 13th, 2013 at 11:16 AM
My blog is so different from most. My topics are varied and I never blog on specific dates even though I do post at least twice a week…I guess I am lucky to have my loyal readers.
January 13th, 2013 at 4:06 PM
Karen -
I love the variety of your blog and like that you shake it up twice a week:)
Have a Great One – Renee
January 13th, 2013 at 4:12 PM
This is a fantastic idea, and I know those out there just starting out blogging will really benefit from your expertise.
January 14th, 2013 at 8:22 AM
Thanks so much Bella – glad you think it is a fantastic idea! I am working on developing a page on blog writing, but wanted to see if it is of any interest with my readers first.
Happy Monday:) -Renee