Trying to grow your blog? This blogging advice is priceless! Nine successful bloggers share their top blogging tips for you this holiday season!
As bloggers, we have this amazing sense of community with each other. Can you imagine Ford and Chevrolet selling cars together? Or Coca-Cola and Pepsi sharing their secret recipe? Where else have you ever seen a group of people who are selflessly and consistently sharing their time and knowledge to help others grow their business?
We are entering into the holiday season this year clouded with the tragic events around the world. I wanted to change up my article this month to show a sense of appreciation to all of you. To give thanks that I’m a part of you. And to say that I look forward to growing with you. We might not have the answer to world peace, but we can continue to stand together as bloggers and help each other out.
I’ve reached out to my colleagues with the International Bloggers Association and asked them to share their #1 piece of advice they would give to fellow bloggers. Great blogging advice, gift wrapped just for you!
My best piece of advice is come up with name and niche first. This way you can buy the right URL and use the name for all social media. It will save you headache of rebranding later. – Nicki Lewis, Lewis Lane Designs
If you start getting overwhelmed and burned-out, take a day off. Don’t stress, just do it. You will feel much better with the world of blogging the next morning.” – Tina Ernspiker, Los Gringos Locos
“Always be honest in pouring your thoughts into your post. If your brain refuses to work after a period of time, take a break. Resume the next day going back in the same mode and continue writing honestly. Avoid using too many philosophical thoughts and tricky jargon, your readers will connect better with you when you keep your language simple.” – Kaancha Cheena, Fashionable Foodz
“Think about where you are going and how you’re going to get there. Set goals and recruit others to help you achieve them, especially if you want to monetize.
Goals – Make a list of what you want to achieve with your blog and what you want within the blogging community. These things can be a certain income a month, driving traffic or money to a cause, get bloggy friends to support you with a challenge, or even to have an online journal of your kids. Set them even though they will change a bit as your blog grows.
Objectives – Make an action plan with how you’re going to achieve those goals. Include hours / week to work on your blog, dates of items to be completed by, and have someone hold you accountable to those dates.
Before adding to your ever-growing to do list or your ever-growing lists of things to learn (there will be a lot), bounce it against those goals and objectives. If it doesn’t fit, put it in a parking lot. If it does fit, put it on your list to complete.” – Sarah Nenni-Daher, Ruffles and Rainboots
“Stay organized from the very beginning. Act as if you’re a business. Develop a system for organizing your computer files (& all files). Back-up your computer & your website regularly. Clear your email inbox daily. I’ve found that not keeping up with all of the boring techy stuff zaps my creativity. It’s virtual clutter that hangs over my head. Also to keep track of all expenses!” – Krista Pfeiffer, The Sunny Shadow
“My 3-Golden Rules for Bloggers: Rule #1: Always be grateful for the opportunities given to you – you are not entitled to anything. Rule #2: Professional etiquette goes a long way. Remember that your blog is your business and we should always practice professionalism when working with others. Rule #3: Dress the part while staying authentic to your own unique voice. There are MILLIONS of bloggers in the world. If you want to stand out and set yourself apart from the others (as well as gain a boost of self-confidence too), then dress the part of your own unique personal image. You are an original, not a copycat.” – Daisy Teh, The It Mom
“Do not try to conquer all social media platforms at once. You will be burnt out very quickly. Just set up an account and focus on growing one at a time. Because each one will take time to grow a following and if you spread yourself to thin you will have no time to blog. So I always stress start with the 3 main – Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Then take time to branch on out to Instagram, Stumble Upon, Flip Board, Periscope, Blab, and so on. – Haley Bradley, Haley’s Vintage Finds and Deals
“#1 Tip for new bloggers – just do it! Been thinking of starting a blog? Just go for it! Don’t wait till it’s perfect! Don’t wait till you learn it all! If you wait for that perfect moment you might never do it. Stop worrying, you can learn and grow as you go. Others want to hear what you have to share. Just get started, all else will fall into place once you begin putting in the work.” –Monica Encarnacion, NY Tech Mommy
I shared my top advice and resources in a recent article, “The Best Resources to Grow Your Blog When You Totally Suck.”
The International Bloggers Association is all about helping bloggers, both new and established. Their website is currently down for upgrades, but be sure to check back soon!
What about you? What is the best blogging advice you have ever given or received?
Holly Bertone, PMP is an author, blogger, and breast cancer survivor and advocate. She is the President and CEO of Pink Fortitude, LLC and Editor in Chief at the inspirational blog The Coconut Head’s Survival Guide. Holly holds a Masters Degree from Johns Hopkins University, a Bachelor’s Degree from Elizabethtown College, and is a Project Management Professional (PMP).
Holly is an Ambassador for the Tigerlily Foundation,was accepted into the National Cancer Survivor’s Day Speakers Bureau, and was named a 2014 Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women. She is passionate about reaching out to breast cancer survivors, and also volunteers for organizations supporting our military veterans. In her free time, she loves to garden, hit flea markets, antique stores and yard sales, and drink a cup of coffee on her back porch. Holly is married to a retired Green Beret, is a stepmother, and lives in Alexandria, VA.
Amanda Suazo (@suazgirl)
Sunday 6th of December 2015
Needed to hear these today--especially the day off one! Sometimes it feels like the work never stops and that I'm always obligated to do *something* for my blog, so I'm glad that I'm allowed to give myself that break. :)
Tania @ COOKTORIA
Saturday 5th of December 2015
Thanks for putting this article together and sharing the tips with us, Michelle!
I especially like the advice from Haley Bradley about focusing on a few social media platforms first, and not trying to conquer them all at once.
P.S. I was trying to follow you on Instagram as well, but the link you provided on "About Me" page is not working.
Michelle Nahom
Saturday 5th of December 2015
Oh, thank you for alerting me to that! I changed my handle to be consistent with my other social media...it's @dishofdailylife on Instagram!
All About the Child
Saturday 5th of December 2015
Awesome list. Setting goals and a schedule to get there is the one I struggle with the most. Thanks for sharing.
gigipoo
Tuesday 1st of December 2015
This is all great advice! Thank you!
Erin
Sunday 29th of November 2015
Thanks for all the tid-bits of advice from the bloggers. As a new blogger it helps to hear from people who have been there!