Blogging Tips: Starting Out & Growing Your Following

For some reason, the last few weeks have seen a staggering number of emails pop into my inbox, all asking similar questions on how to set up a blog and grow a following. In all honesty, I'm flattered that people think I am an expert (or someone to ask) about this topic, because I'm still very much learning myself but I thought rather than send off 30 + waffly emails, I'd collate all of my 'knowledge' into one mammoth post. Hopefully then, that's an easier way to share my experiences and tips in a beneficial manner.So, lets get started shall we? If you're reading this, you're probably the proud owner of a blog or in the process of setting one up, so perhaps it's best to cover the basics.

Starting out

What is a blog?Well, whatever you want it to be I suppose. The name 'blog' originally came from the term web-log, when the first users of the internet created their own space online to log their thoughts, experiences and opinion, on the web. When I started in 2011, I'll be honest and say that I didn't even know what a blog was. I just set up a website and started pouring my thoughts into it, without any real direction or aim. I didn't know the whole blogging community existed - and largely, at that time - it was still in the very early stages of the community you see now. Today, pretty much everyone and their dog has a blog. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't get in on the action too!But the blogging market is too saturated, I'll never stand out?Don't worry about that yet. I think because of the way blogging is nowadays, with the Daily Mail positioning it as some sort of 'get rich quick' method, everyone assumes that their blogs will easily grow, flourish and make millions overnight. You don't have to worry about finding your niche or standing out in the beginning. Focus on what you love doing (for me, it's producing great content that I love writing and spending time on my photography) and the niche will come. People read blogs because they want to invest in that person, because they're interested in you! So don't be too coy, make sure your personality shines. Your niche is the fact your blog is yours! No-one else can say that about their blog![ezcol_1third][/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third][/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_1third_end][/ezcol_1third_end]