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When I started this blog a little over a year ago, I pretty much had no clue what I was doing! I figured if I was going to do it I should just take the plunge. I’m so glad that I did, and I’m still learning so much everyday. There really are so many aspects to the blogging world and so much to learn. Sometimes it’s learning as you go, but it never hurts to have a little insight. So here are five things I would recommend having when you’re thinking of starting your own blog.
1. A Platform
Starting a blog, you need some sort of platform to create the layout and content for your site. When I first started my blog I used wordpress.com. It was budget and user friendly, which was a great opportunity for me to learn at first. Almost a year later I decided to change over to wordpress.org. The biggest difference between the two was that I’m more in control of my site on wordpress.org. I had to get a host, which I used Blue host. WordPress.com is a little more restrictive on what you can do, but I think it’s great for those just starting out. If you google wordpress.com vs wordpress.org it’ll explain in depth what the differences in them are.
2. A Good Camera
Blogging and social media are based a lot off of the pictures that you’re posting, so you want to make sure they’re good quality. Now this can be debatable because camera phones have gotten so much better! I’ve heard girls say they use their camera phones for most of their pictures, which I sometimes do too. Let’s face it, it’s so much easier to grab your phone and get the shot, especially with all of the editing that can be done right on your phone. When I have a planned shoot I do like to use my Sony DSLR. The pictures come out so crisp and clean and there really is something to be said about a good quality camera. If it’s not something you have in your budget at the moment, that’s ok! Research different cameras and see what you like best, take your time and make sure you get one you feel comfortable using. I’m still learning how to use mine! It’s all about trial and error.
3. Social Media Platforms
Social media has been the best way to get my blog recognition. In today’s world social media is such a big thing, and one of the best forms of advertisement. Whenever I have a new post on my blog I hop onto Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter to share that I’ve posted. For me Instagram and Pinterest are the top two social media platforms that I have gotten the most action. It can be hard to find the time to manage so many different accounts. I have accounts on each of these platforms, but I focus most of my attention on the ones that I feel are getting the most interaction.
4. A Planner
Call me old school, but I still love writing things down. I love getting a new planner at the beginning of the year, it’s such a fresh start! Now that I have started blogging, I don’t know what I’d do without my planner. It’s how I plan out all of my content, make my to do lists, keep track of all of my collaborations etc. I’m also one of those paranoid people that worry if something were to electronically crash I’m in trouble! So head to Target (they have the cutest planners!) and get yourself organized.
5. A Smartphone
This one I think is pretty self explanatory. I could never be a blogger if I didn’t have my smartphone. It’s how I check all of my social media on the regular, take pictures while I’m on the go, check and send emails, sometimes edit my photos and more. I use my laptop quite often, but more than anything I’m using my phone for just about everything to do with blogging. In the spring I was looking at new cell phones and ended up with the Iphone 7 plus. I wanted the bigger screen and better camera for blogging. If you’re in the market for a new phone and thinking of starting a blog, that’s something to think about.
I hope this helped any of you girls who are looking into getting into the blogging world. These are definitely the 5 things I would tell you to invest in. For my girls who have already started blogging, what would you say were your biggest essentials?
**Also, don’t forget to enter the Salty Mermaid swimsuit giveaway!! There are still 2 more days to enter!**
Xoxo,
Danielle
