Hi There!
It's been one full year since I started blogging, and honestly, I can't believe how fast the time went by! Actually, it's been more like a year and a week, but who counts, right? Anyway, the first year of any major event -- and starting a blog definitely qualifies -- is usually remembered in some way, and although I was fortunate enough to be able to mark the occasion by hosting a giveaway with some blogging buddies, I also wanted to write little post about it. So, I'm just going to list a few things that I learned during my first year of blogging.
Research, Research, Research
I have to admit that I kind of jumped into blogging without understanding everything about it. I still don't understand everything, but I learned a lot along the way. Even though I had read some blogs before I started my own, and I had even written content for some, I didn't know just how big of an undertaking blogging really was. There are millions of blogs out there and numerous options in terms of blogging types, designs and styles. After I started my own blog, I began to really notice what I liked about some other blogs, and then I started trying to improve my own.
Buy your Domain Early
Ideally, you should buy a domain and then start a blog. But, how many of us do things right the first time? I'm still on Blogger, but I just recently switched to a custom domain, and although it wasn't really difficult, I did have to change all of my links and ad tags, and I had to start over in terms of ranking. This may not even be a problem for everyone, but if you do want your own domain name, you can avoid any hassles if you do this early.
You can Find a Tutorial for Almost Anything Online
Pictures are Important
This may not apply to all blogs, but for many DIY, food and lifestyle blogs, it's important to have awesome photos. And really, you don't have to have a top-of-the-line camera! My first pictures were pretty bad, but after reading everything I could about staging and photography, I was able to improve the way they looked -- with the same camera! I use PicMonkey for editing and graphics, and I don't have the upgraded version. Oh, and you definitely should watermark your photos!
The Charm of Home says
Great tips! I agree.
Sherry
Sheila E says
The first year presents many learning opportunities. I am at one and a half years...and have made so many nice blogging friends. The house and home niche is a very nice one...with lots of Fun and helpful people. [email protected]