When I started blogging just over a year ago, I had zero expectations and absolutely no idea what the future had in store. As sad as it sounds, time went on and I started treating Global Garçon like my little digital "baby". Not only has it become my creative space, but it's become an awesome tool to stay connected with over 1,300 of you from all over the world. The saying "you live and learn" definitely applies to my journey so far, so in today's post I thought I would share the top five things I've learned from blogging.
1. Persistence and consistency is key
Many of you think you're going to be the next Aimee Song or Chiara Ferragni overnight. Unfortunately this isn't how things work. A ton of hard work, energy and time got them where there are today...What I've realized over the past year and a bit is that just like most things in life, persistence and consistency is key. Not only this, but developing your personal brand takes time. Yes, there's moments you'll want to give up or quit but you have to do your best to push through and keep on posting. That is, only if it's something you want to do.
2. Engage in two-way communication
In order to find and interact with many of you fabulous people I needed to reach out, comment, "like" and engage in two-way communication. Of course you can post something and wait for people to find it, but that's not 100 per cent effective is it? When you engage with your followers and other bloggers in general, not only are friendships built but you develop and build awareness of who you are and what you write about. After all, if people don't know your blog exists how are they supposed to read it?
3. Take the best photos you can
I'll be honest friends, there's nothing worse than posting horrible photos. By no means am I suggesting you invest in a $700 camera, but try and make sure you're taking the best photos you possibly can using what you have. I'm the first to admit that I've posted handfulls of cringe worthy pics, but at the of the day we're all learning as we go.
4. Do it for you
Don't blog because you want to reap the benefits. Do it because it's something that makes you happy, that you enjoy and that you love doing. If you're not in it for yourself your readers are the first to know.
5. Be authentic
Post about what you love, showcase the things you enjoy and be yourself. Don't try to hide who you really are and pretend to be someone that you're not.
Ultimately, blogging is an awesome way that I've found to showcase my interests and passions and connect with so many amazing people. If you're a blogger yourself, what have you learned?
XxGG
Have to agree with that last point. I write professionally for a few mags, so it's easy to feel pressured to use a voice that's not your own or "build a brand" when you're writing a personal blog. In the end, it's much more authentic to just let loose and be yourself.
ReplyDeleteBeing a student, I find it difficult to step away from the professional, essay type writing style and let loose. Although at the end of the day practice makes perfect right? Thanks for the awesome input Nicholas! Xx
ReplyDeletefab points and so true you have to do it because its what you enjoy to do and i deffo think you need to engage with others, theres nothing worse then bloggers who are non responsive its comes across as stuck up.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you can relate to my points Sonia! This post is a little different from what I normally post, but I thought I would switch things up a little. Xx
ReplyDeleteThats the best bit about having your own blog you can post about what ever you want because its yours and reflects you. Really enjoyed xx
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more. Thanks for the comments Sonia! Xx
ReplyDeleteGreat points! As a new comer, I need to keep this all in my mind. :)
ReplyDeleteBest, Albert | Palming Pebbles
I don't think anyone really knows where there blog is leading. It's a part of the beauty of blogging.
ReplyDeletehttp://windycitywardrobe.com
All of your tips are spot on and I think #1 is most important. When people ask me for advice I always tell them to be consistent & persistent and not give up.
ReplyDeleteI personally love being a blogger. The amazing people and experiences that I've had through blogging so far have been incredible. I would't know you otherwise Michael!
xo
Nathalie
www.WoahStyle.com
That's the number one issue I always see among "new" bloggers. They post one week, stop for months and apologize for not staying in touch ages later! Definitely a major no-no...
ReplyDeleteVery true isn't it? Over the past few months I've met so many amazing people like yourself that are extremely talented and I've learned a lot from. Thanks for being so sweet and taking the time to comment Nathalie! Xx
That's very true! You have the flexibility and the ability to decide what you post. Xx
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I was able to give you a bit of advice Albert! Have an awesome Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteThese are great, insightful points for budding bloggers! Being yourself is part of branding yourself, and though it can be hard when you see a lot of bloggers going down similar paths, it's important to remember. And two-way communication is super important (and fast, nowadays) for blogging. We never know how our paths may intersect down the road ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Alexandra! I could probably list at least five more but I decided to keep it short and sweet. You're completely right! Xx
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful post! <3 thank you so much for sharing. I have been needing to hear someone remind me what I must keep doing.
ReplyDeleteLove, Thays
www.sillycrazylove.com
My pleasure Thays! It's awesome to hear that this post is motivating you to keep on blogging. Happy Wednesday! Xx
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! I only started blogging a year ago too. There were times when I felt like blogging was a chore because I posted for the sake of posting. Recently, I've found that I've grown more fond of it because I've found more topics to discuss that are close to my heart. It feels great to share a piece of me with everyone. This post is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI felt the exact same way at times! I'd rather not post for four or five days than put something out there that I'm not 100 per cent proud of. Happy THursday love! Xx
ReplyDeleteI particularly agree with the fourth point- so true!
ReplyDeleteGlad you agree. Happy Thursday and thanks for the feedback! Xx
ReplyDeleteGood insight. I'm new to this blogging thing so thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteGood insight. I'm new to this blogging thing so thanks for the tips!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the world of blogging! Glad you found this post useful. Xx
ReplyDeleteYour blog is testament to your hard work and I am certain you are going places. Keep doing what you are doing xx
ReplyDeleteYou made my morning Samuel! Xx
ReplyDeletePleasure! It's always good to hear the meanings and motives behind other blogs xx
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing Michael, as a newbei blogger I needed to hear this. At times i feel like quiting but it's people like you, friends and other bloggers that encourage and motivate me. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteAww that's awesome! I'm glad I was able to give you a little encouragement to keep on blogging. All the best! Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post. I am new to blogging and took this as insightful and genuine. I do it for me and hope it brings a little bit of something to the folks that read it.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that you enjoyed the post! Even after blogging for a year and a bit, I still consider myself a "newbie". As time goes on we all learn how to write better, develop a blogging schedule, take better photos and so on. Thanks for commenting! Xx
ReplyDeleteI have just started learning, thanks for this post.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! You'll learn a LOT as you go. Xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this blog, It helps a lot and I agree with each point, specially that you have to do it for yourself and because you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting love! So happy that you found this post useful. Xx
ReplyDeleteReblogged this on Sabrina Francois.
ReplyDeleteI read your article and totally agree with you! Awesome tips :)
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