STEPS TO BECOME A BLOGGER.

Lately, the most FAQ in my inbox/Instagram DMs are “I’m a new blogger, what are the steps to become a blogger?”

This got me thinking. We live in such an online world these days, we online shop, influencers have taken over traditional marketing, and Instagram is where everyone is getting their inspirations from. Am I right?!

I feel like bloggers/influencers are a big thing these days. And now, not only are we seeing bloggers out there, but we’re also seeing Instagramers. Like, literally JUST for Insta. Which is cool. They’ve totally made a name for themselves on Instagram, and that’s pretty awesome. Brands are begging to collaborate with them.

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE, RIGHT??

And if you’re not evolving with the times, you’re going to be left behind.

Anyway, I’ve been getting a ton of questions from new bloggers about branding, tips on the industry, website content, etc.

And because The Chic Confidential is all about sharing, I thought it would be a good idea to lay out some tips and trick for new bloggers, and share the steps to becoming a blogger. You know, things I wish I knew when I first started blogging.

I started blogging in University because I was in a fashion program and EVERYTHING was inspiring to me, and I needed a place to store all my inspos. After I ran out of pages on several scrapbooks, I decided it was time to move everything online. So a blog made sense. Back then, the blog was very fashion heavy. It was basically lots of OOTD photos and magazine cut outs that I loved. Since then, it’s evolved to more of a lifestyle blog with lots of different topics. I feel like more people can relate. You know?

Anyway, over the years I’ve done a lot of research about the blogging business, and the online world in general and I feel like I’ve grown as a bloggers/influencer. Of course, there is TONS more to learn, which is what’s super cool about the digital world. Things are ALWAYS changing and evolving.

Anyway, here are my steps to become a blogger:

1. Purchase a domain.

First and foremost, purchase a domain from GoDaddy. When I first started, I had .blogspot.ca at the end of my URL. No one will take you seriously if you don’t have your own domain. And think about your blog name before you jump into creating your blog. Embarrassing note: My blog was first called ‘These Shoes Were Made For Talking” when I first started. LIKE, NO. Just NO.

2. Take good photos:

Blogging is very visual. People love good content, but if your photos don’t match your content, no one will even read it. You NEED clear & catchy photos. Never put out a blog post that doesn’t have photography attached to it. You don’t have to have the latest SLR to get started. Cell phones do a great job these days. But wipe your camera lens and look at photography inspiration before getting started. Don’t half-ass your photos. And just know that lighting is EVERYTHING. Natural lighting people! It makes ALL the difference in the world.

3. Quality over Quantity:

ALWAYS.  If you’re not up for writing a blog post, DON’T. The last thing you want is an uninteresting blog post. Make sure your blog posts are always fun and interesting. Never boring. We ALL get writer’s block or are sometimes just not feeling inspired. It happens to me wayyy too often. That just means you need a break. So take one, get inspired somehow, and come back to it.

4. Find your Voice:

This is KEY! I struggled with this when I first started, because it’s hard! Sometimes I would write like a journalist (but I was NOT one) so it sounded weird. Other days, I would write in a story format, which was also weird, because it wasn’t me. Finally I decided to write like I speak, and well, that worked. It made sense to me, and people started to understand me and get to know the real me.

5. Be yourself.

Because why the fuck would you be anyone else? If you’re a preppy chick, embrace that. If you’re totally nerdy, then let that shine. If you want to get controversial in your blogposts, I mean, go right ahead. YOU DO YOU.

6. Engage with other bloggers:

If you don’t genuinely like or comment on other bloggers photos/posts, don’t expect them to do that on your page. I’m ALL about collaboration over competition. Yes, there are 5 million bloggers out there, and you need to find your light, but do it while rooting for all the other bloggers out there as well. I’m huge on engaging with other bloggers/influencers. It’s such a cool world to connect with people now. You can literally be BFFs with someone across the world through social media. I mean, if that’s not cool, I don’t know what is. Respond to comments, answer questions, tell people where you got those shoes from, help bloggers when they need your help.

7. Don’t blog for the sponsorships:

If you’re intention as a blogger is so that you can get free shit and travel the world, let me tell you, you’re out of your bloody mind! That’s just NOT how this works. If this isn’t your passion, walk away now. Because I blogged for free for several years. AND I’M STILL DOING IT. Sure, sponsorships will come once your following goes up, but that was never my intention. It’s great to have long term goals, but you need to have the passion/patience, because it’s a slow climb.

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Okay, so that’s my two cents on blogging.

BLOGGERS – what am I missing? Share in the comments. I hope this helps any new bloggers out there.

On another note, I’m actually speaking at InfluHints – a blogging/networking event on July 28th. It’s free to attend, so if you’re around, grab your tickets online. I’d also love to meet some of you!

Xx, kim

+ Also, check out my post on Overcoming Self-Doubt in 6 Steps.

++ Oh and my 5 Tips on overcoming writer’s block.