how to start a blog

I thought it would be a good time to write up a new blogging advice post! It’s been a nice gap since the last one (which you can read here), so here we are again! This post is about dealing with something I personally deal with quite a bit and that is when a blog post goes wrong, or at least when it doesn’t go according to plan. It’s a really irritating situation so I thought it would be good to help out those of you who also suffer with the same thing. Let’s do this!

Don’t get in a fluster…

One of the biggest things I struggle with in this situation is getting stressed. When I have a perfect vision of how a blog post should be, I can get quite irritated with myself (and other people…) when it doesn’t go to plan. The best thing to do is to step back and think. Take yourself out of the situation and re-evaluate what you’re doing! This leads me onto the next step…

Put yourself in a different mindset…

Just like I said above, you need to think. Stop and think about how you could do things differently. Let’s say you’re taking outfit pictures; Is it the background that looks odd? Do you need to add an extra accessory to balance everything out? Do you simply need to tweak some settings on your camera?

Simple thoughts like this can help you decide whether the blog post has really gone wrong. Most of the time it’s just one small detail that’s out of place, so just ask yourself a few of those sorts of questions.

Change what you’re trying to achieve…

It might sound weird but the main problem may just be what you’re trying to achieve. Let’s say this time that you’re taking pictures of your favourite shoes and you might be wearing them on your feet in the pictures, and it just isn’t working; Why not include them in outfit grids instead? Pop them on a plain floor and do different outfits! Or maybe try and achieve a cool, abstract photoshoot by putting them on your hands and editing the way it’s put together.

It sounds weird but just changing the main look and feel of a post can totally shift how you’re feeling about it. It might not be the way you had imagined it to work out, but it might just be the way that works out best.

If nothing seems to be going right, don’t waste what you’ve already done…

I know the temptation of wanting to delete all of the pictures and throw away all of the notes you had already drafted up, but don’t! When it all seems to be going wrong, what you’ve done so far might be perfect for something else. Let’s take this blog post for example! You see these pictures I’ve used? Well, I didn’t get enough of them to make them into a full outfit post (you can see that here… different location!) but I kept the ones I had, and now they’re here!

Don’t waste good work, even if it doesn’t seem good enough in the moment. Keep those ideas, pictures and notes close by, to transform them into something else that is completely different altogether.

If you’re feeling under pressure, STOP!

Last but not least, if you really can’t help but get flustered, stop. It might just be that you’re rushing the idea, or it just wasn’t meant to be! Recently I was planning a blog post and because I was working with brands on it, I really got myself stressed over it not turning out perfect, so I ended up turning it into something I can manage; I took it from one great big post and chopped it up into a series (*cough* I mean my Fast Food Fashion outfit *cough*).

I really hoped this helped some of you! If it did, please make sure to leave a comment below! They’re now non-Disqus so you can leave one whenever and whoever you are! I’d love to know what you thought of these tips.

Every week my inbox is bound to receive a question related to blogging, and it’s hard to answer every single one individually, so I’ve decided today is the day that I shall answer them all, and for good! Obviously some of you might have different questions, but I know that these are frequently asked ones, so it should help the majority of you, whether you have a blog already, or you have only just started. Don’t forget to leave me any questions in the comments too, I will try and answer them all for you!

What is the best blogging platform?

In my opinion this is very personal. I’ve only ever tried WordPress because that is what my family has always used. I’ve tried Blogger when working on other people’s blogs, and it’s just too dated and fiddly for me. WordPress has such a nice interface! Definitely look up what would work best for you, I’ve also heard that Squarespace is really good too.

How do I get more views and readers?

This is probably the most common question from newer and older bloggers. There really is no simple answer, and without going off on a tangent, you must not forget that views don’t mean everything. Social media, SEO and advertising are three basic and amazing ways to get those readers in, so definitely have a Google search on those topics.

Do I need a fancy camera?

No! You definitely don’t. The latest smart phones and basic digital cameras all do the job perfectly. DSLRs are expensive and are not for everyone. I actually did a post all about this topic so definitely check it out. Don’t go splashing the cash without some research! Oh and for all those asking, I use the Nikon D3200 with the 35mm 1:1.8G DX lens!

(Recognise this ‘lens’? It’s the mug from my Christmas wishlist. SO COOL! Also, follow me on Instagram, yeah?)

How many times a week should I publish a blog post?

This is really up to you, and when your schedule says you can. Things like school, work and family are much more important so don’t let blogging take over other aspects of your life. Perhaps try and blog at least 2-3 times a week, and see if you want to increase or decrease that amount. You’ll find out what works best sooner or later.

How can I get brands to work with me?

Another answer which involves the words ‘don’t worry’, because you shouldn’t. When I started blogging I had absolutely no clue that bloggers could be sent things to review, or just generally work with them. But I know for some older bloggers, still not working with brands can be annoying if you have lots of ideas in your head.

Although some people may disagree, do you know why brands put Press and PR emails on their sites? So bloggers and members of the media can contact them. So many more brands are opening up to bloggers, so if you really want, send a polite and inviting email to them and introduce your blog and idea. If you’re waiting for brands to contact you, then it may just be that your blog still needs to develop.

Brands use bloggers as a form of advertising, so it’s very rare that they will send you something just as a ‘gift’, so don’t be sad if nothing comes. Wait until those readers are rolling in (this can take 2 months, or 2 years), and you’ll see brands rolling in too.

What on earth is HTML?

Coding! It’s the magical stuff that puts together quite a lot of your blog. There is also CSS which puts together most of the structure and design of your blog. I would probably recommend learning some if you have the time. Even if you just learn the basics like how to center an image through HTML tags, or how to change a HEX number in your CSS. It’s really simple stuff that can be vital to the blogging process. If you need some extra help, check out Quack HTML. I’ve found it super handy!

P.S There is a new video going up (or already up) on my YouTube channel… yeah only took me since last summer!

Ever since I did my LFW At Home post, I’ve been really inspired to do ‘list posts’. I find them a really easy read on other blogs, so I thought why not do another? Today though, I thought I would talk about blogging. I get so many questions about blogging whether it be on Twitter, Instagram or by email, you guys just want to know the ins and outs of blogging. So today is for those thinking of starting their own blog, or perhaps for those who are new bloggers who just ‘don’t see the point’.

1. It’s a hobby…

Blogging is a fabulous hobby. In fact, it’s more than a hobby, it’s a project. That’s exactly why I started mine, for something to do in the summertime. Okay, it is a bit like a full time hobby at times, but that is if you want it to ‘lead somewhere’. Blogging has no rules, and I think that is something we ignore… You can write and do whatever you want! I believe in this little circle of beauty, lifestyle and fashion bloggers, we forget that we’re not the only bloggers. There are science, art, language, relationship, university and whatever you want bloggers! You can blog when you want, what you want and how you want… It’s just like every other hobby, there are no boundaries!

2. It’s a learning curve…

There are so many things you can learn from blogging. It’s not just writing like you might think… Blogging teaches you about language, grammar and spelling, social media, PR, coding, site design, photography, culture, admin and management, the blog topic you write about, and believe it or not, yourself! Now if that isn’t making you want to start a blog, then I don’t know what else will. I didn’t even know that brands sent products to people before I started! I had literally no idea what a page rank was and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would know what an f/ stop was either!

3. You can gain new connections…

Whether it be new friends or possibly your future boss, blogging opens thousands of new doors. Even just tweeting in Twitter chats starts a conversation with a new group of people, and just like in ‘real life’ this can lead to even more. I have met and chatted to loads of lovely people from all around the world who genuinely support me and want to help out in making my goal become a reality. I’ve worked with brands who I used to shop at all the time, and I have made some amazing friends.

4. You can record your life…

Just like a diary, a blog means you can look back on all the memories you have captured and shared. This can be fashion related, so you can see all the outfits you have recorded over the years, or lifestyle related, with all the days out that you took your readers on. I’m most looking forward to seeing how my style has developed, which is such a nice benefit to writing this site!

5. It has it’s rewards…

I’m not going to lie, I like to be honest so… I enjoy getting freebies from time to time. This isn’t a reason to start a blog… at all. It’s just a bonus, us bloggers have to be upfront and say we enjoy receiving parcels. If you want to, and once you get to a certain stage, brands will be interested in sending you things to try out. If you start a blog for this reason.. well it will be obvious and most likely people will just think of you as a freebie hoarder. Also not really a ‘reason to start a blog’, but a bonus, is the opportunities you get, including being in magazines, on TV, radio and designing things with brands. These things don’t come easy though, you have to work hard for them, and I really want to make it clear that these things are bonuses. 

I hope you enjoyed this short little insight into why many people start blogging. I honestly couldn’t say a bad word about blogging. It has made me look at certain things in life in a new way and made me such a more care free person. I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the people who have made my blogging journey a whole lot better, you guys rock!

Psst.. 10 days until the launch of my new blog design! Eeee! You can see a snippet on my Instagram!

One of last month’s advertisers, Flora from Pretty Little Things To Do, to be precise is here to talk to you about her blog, fashion and all things lifestyle! Take it away Flora!
(Images courtesy of Flora Pick)

What inspired you to start your blog?: Probably reading successful blogs like ‘A Beautiful Mess’ by Elsie Larson. I saw how big something relatively easy to make could become, I think I just thought: ‘if she can do it why can’t I?’. I guess that another aspect of my inspiration was my ambition to become a journalist. It’s been my dream job for quite some time and as I’m still too young to work I wanted to come up with a way of sharing my views easily. 

Why did you choose fashion and lifestyle?: I chose my blog to mainly focus on fashion and lifestyle because those are the kind of things that interest me and they’re already big parts of my life. Fashion is just so fun to write about because there are so many different looks, styles and opinions and it’s constantly changing. 

What are your top tips for starting a blog?: I know that this is what every blogger says, but it’s important: Blog about what you love. There’s no point in forcing yourself to write about something that doesn’t interest you, you want something you can stick with. But always think: people visit their blog for a reason, what’s the reason they want to visit my blog? Their are so many blogs on the internet that it’s hard to get noticed but if you are unique people will listen. Also, have a design you love because it will draw your readers in. My final tip: Network! Make friends with other bloggers on Twitter, Facebook, Email- whatever! Most bloggers are friendly, just like you Tolly!

What are you’re blogging targets for this year?: To write posts more often- currently I’m too lazy, include more of my own photography- again, the reason I’m not doing that is my own laziness. Pay to get my blog professionally designed- I’ve found someone but just need to decide what I want and save up and learn html coding- I think it will really help me to develop my blog.

Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: You (Tolly) obviously! You were one of the first bloggers I made proper contact with. Kat – I know Kat (distantly) in real life. She’s friends with my mum and her blog is probably one of my favourites ever. Florence – I haven’t actually made contact with Florence yet but I recently discovered her blog and I love it! Blossom – Blossom is a wonderful new blogger who is just starting out!

What trend are you most looking forward to working, this S/S 13?: Definitely belted vintage dresses, they are something that I would love to wear anyway so I’m pleased designers have put this style on the catwalks. 

Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: New Look because it’s not just good for on-trend styles but also for simple wardrobe bases. It may seem weird but I can never go into a shop without picking out a nice vest top (yeah, kind of odd) and new look just have loads of cute things like that. As I’m 12 and pretty much broke all the time I find It’s the best place to get fashions that fit my budget. 

What’s your favourite piece of clothing you have ever bought?: Even though I didn’t strictly buy them myself (they were an amazing present from my mum) I’d have to say either my jack wills playsuit or leggings. I honestly don’t have many expensive clothes but the ones I do have I wear all the time. The playsuit is white and lacy and just a really cute thing to throw on on rare sunny English days. And the leggings work in loads of different ways whether it’s casual or dressy.

Who is your favourite lifestyle brand and why?: My favourite lifestyle brand is definitely Hambledon. They are a relatively small business run from a shop in Winchester very close to where I live and sell all sorts of cute stationary, make-up and (admittedly expensive, but gorgeous) fashion. I could pretty much make up my whole wish list out of stuff found in this shop. If you are down south make sure you visit it!

What’s your personal style and what do you do to work it?: I’d probably say that my personal style is a bit quirky, eclectic but a bit preppy. I love chunky knitted jumpers, shorts, and brightly coloured tights/ weird leggings. I also like to accessorise- I own a ridiculous amount of hats, and hair stuff. I love my massive- and I mean massive- red bow hairband because it goes with anything in a sort of weird way!

MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW FLORA’S BLOG HERE!
Follow on Twitter too!

P.S Tomorrow (July 10th) is my (TDP’s) feature in Girl Talk Magazine! I’d love if you could pick up a copy! Make sure to tweet me a picture too! Thanks guys!

Once again I have another fellow blogger answering some questions about blogging and fashion! I hope you enjoy it, and if you want to hear anything from certain people, do let me know! Take it away Stephanie…

1.    What inspired you to start your Blog?: My friend started a blog a little while before & just the whole “online diary” really interested me.

2.    Why did you choose fashion?: I didn’t really at the start, it was very much a beauty blog and it still stands with beauty at the moment. I started my outfit post’s a little while after and they’ve just grown and grown. I enjoy reading them on other blogs, and have just felt they’ve improved through the years.

3. What are you top tips on starting a Blog?: Pick a good name that is universal and you will love even when you’re 50, you have to be proud and want to hate your blog. Basic layout’s and an interesting header will get you a good start, and remember to keep your images big!!

4. What are your Blogging Targets for this year?: Just to keep growing Stephanie Dreams, both with my readership and with what I can do with it and the people I work with.

5. Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: Paige Joanna and Briar Rose are both stunning blogs (and friends) that I met and found in 2012. I love finding new blogs all the time & I think it’s important to read and comment on a lot. Both to get inspiration and also become a team member of the blogging world.

6. What’s was your favourite trend from 2012?: I love the mini bags and also the monochrome trend.

7. Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: Primark is always good, but generally I’m not good at bagging a bargain. I think super markets are doing well for their fashion though, George at Asda is my favourite.

8. What’s your favourite piece of clothing, accessory etc that you have ever bought?: I think my “Whole lotta Rosie” headbands from Crown & Glory are. I adore them and think they look amazing.

9. Who is your favourite designer and why?: This is so hard. I’m not “High Fashion” in any way, and I find it hard to relate designers to real life style and clothing. I adore Matthew Willimason for his prints and gorgeous colours though, and I love the See by Chloe range also.

10. What’s your personal style and what do you do to work it?: I really HATE this question, I honestly don’t know what style I have. To describe it is the worst! I like being fun and laid back, I will be wearing tights 90% of the time and love to be creative with accessories.

So you can get a feel for Stephanie’s blog, here are some screenshots…

Stephanie has over 1,000 Blog Followers, 2,441 Twitter Followers and over 100 Facebook Fans, that means she has over 3,000 Followers combined! I am sure she is going to get much bigger!

Thanks so much Steph! Please feel free to leave a comment on which bloggers you would like to see here! Also, if you leave a question, I will add them to the questions list! Or Tweet me!

One of my favourite blogs is Who Is Hanna, so I got in contact, and asked whether Hanna would do a Q&A for you guys, so as you probably guessed, she said yes… so, here you go!

1. What inspired you to start your Blog?: I’ve always liked to express myself through texts, and always felt a need to kind of “document my life” – so I decided to start a blog. 
2. Why did you choose fashion?: I started my first blog in 2008, and kept on blogging for a couple of years without my blog really being a “fashion blog”. It was just a blog where I shared pictures from my everyday life, sometimes pictures of what I was wearing – but mostly a lot of text. It was first in 2011 that I really decided to write a “fashion blog” – and that after having several blogs on different blog-platforms and kind of realizing that fashion was my passion, and that it was what I wanted to focus on. 
3. What are you top tips on starting a Blog?: Just start one! Choose a blog-platform, pick a name, start blogging… Blogging should be fun, so keep it casual in the beginning. 
4. What are your Blogging Targets for this year?: This year I want to, like every year, get more readers. I also want to make my blog better, and maybe start posting better – but fewer blog-posts. 
5. Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: I follow a lot of blogs, but my absolute favorites are: Fashion Vibe, Tuvamalmo, Jueniffer, Shopping & Fashion, Sincerely Jules and The Hurting Hearts. 
6. What’s been your favourite in 2012: My favorite trend in 2012 was the “sporty” trend. I love sneakers, caps, baseball tees and anything Nike – so it’s been a really good trend for me. 
7. Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: H&M, for sure. You can find anything there, for such cheap prices that it’s ridiculous. H&M is also very trendy and “up-to-date” and I like that. 
8. What’s your favourite piece of clothing, accessory etc that you have ever bought?: Probably my black H&M jeans. They’re in the model “super skinny, super low waist” – and seriously are the best jeans I’ve ever owned or tried on. They’re probably also one of the cheapest pairs of jeans I ever bought – which makes them ever more awesome. 
9. Who is your favourite designer and why?: Alexander Wang. Oh, everything he designs is just perfect… I also like Balmain, Acne, Helmut Lang, Tibi, Elie Saab and Isabel Marant. 
10. What’s your personal style, and what do you do to work it?: My personal style is very simple. I like wearing denim, black, white and leather. A typical “me-outfit” would be: blue or black skinny jeans, black boots/booties, a white or grey loose tee, a simple necklace, a simple bracelet and a leather jacket. 

Just so you can get a feel of Hanna’s blog here are some screenshots, and also the link to get you to her fabulous site!…

VISIT Who Is Hanna? HERE. FOLLOW Who Is Hanna? HERE.

 Thank you very much Hanna for the answers, because I know it will inspire all the people thinking of starting a blog! Merci!