My Ten Blogging Tips.

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Once

upon a time there was a girl. A girl who liked to blog. She liked it so much that sometimes it kept her awake at night as her mind juggled thoughts and ideas, when she desperately needed sleep. And then it got her up early in the morning, even before the sun had started to shine, with a head full of fresh ideas and new inspiration. Blogging allowed the girl to meet people near and far, and form friendships that may never have been. It allowed her to learn, and listen, and love in a whole new way. Blogging put a spring in her step. It opened up a whole new world. It made the girl see life in a whole different light…

That girl is me.

I haven’t been blogging forever. I’m no expert. I’ll put my hand up right now and tell you that. I’ve learnt things in my travels though. Things that I’ve found interesting. Perhaps you’ll find them interesting too…

1. Light Is Right.
Most of you won’t know this, but this blog started out with a black background. After weeks of wondering why my eyes were going fuzzy, and heading to bed with headaches most nights, I realised that my blog was making me ill. Black is not the new black. Black backgrounds are a little harder to read, in my opinion. If I come across a black blog, I usually don’t linger too long {unless they’ve already been put in my favourites}. There only a few blogs that I’ll hang around for that have a dark background. Light backgrounded blogs are most preferred according to a survey by Problogger too.

2. About Me.
I get so sad when I stumble across a blog I love, and they don’t have an About Me page. I’m reading your blog because you’re interesting… and I want to know more about you. You don’t have to give out too many details, if you’re not comfortable. Just tease us with a little bit. Taunt us with a photo, perhaps. You can put it in a post, back date it a few months and then link to it in your sidebar. While you’re there make sure you have a Contact page too. I might want to email you and tell you how much I like your blog.

3. Assume We Know Nothing.
If you do a post telling me that you went to Sue’s for lunch, over at that place that you love, and ate that meal that you always eat, and wore that dress that you wore three weeks ago, and then you went and did what you always do after lunch with Sue… well I’ll leave your blog not knowing much at all. And that’s a waste of both our time. So assume that every reader is visiting your blog for the first time. Give details, explain things a little more than you deem necessary. Make it easy for your new friends, to be long term friends {readers}.

4. Make It Pretty.
I’m not talking about flowers, and love hearts and dragonflies. I mean, make it readable. Don’t write in one whole block piece. Use paragraphs. Double space if you need to. Read over what you’ve written. Make it easy on the reader. And if it’s a really long post, why not break it up into two parts {that also saves you thinking of something else to write later on in the week – bonus!}.

5. No Text Talk.
OMG pls dont tlk in txt ppl.
Because quite frankly I’ll have no idea what on earth you’re talking about, and neither will Aunty Nancy. And we can’t have that.

6. Copycatting Ain’t Cool.
But what is cool is being inspired and creating your own little piece of goodness. Not only is that honourable, but it makes you feel good and gives you that glow. A glow that says, I did it my way, and on my own. If you come across something that makes your heart skip ten beats and you just want to do something similar then email the original blogger and say so. Ask what they think. There’s nothing more disheartening then seeing something that made you so happy {that you created by using your own brain cells and own special creativity} over on someone else’s part of the web. Not cool.

7. Have A Point Of Difference.
This is something you’re going to have to discover on your own. What makes you different to other people? What makes your blog different from the billions of other blogs out there? Be irreplaceable. Different. Unusual. Find a point of difference and go with it.

8. Be Consistent.
I feel like I should get my pom poms out for this one. Be consistent. Be, be, consistent! If you blog once a week, then blog once a week. Do you promise to blog daily, then blog daily. Whatever you do, make sure you are consistently doing it. People like to know what to expect and when to expect it.

9. Get Involved.
Get involved in the blogging community. Comment, comment, comment. Comment on blogs you love, and most of all your own blog. Create a community. Be part of a community.

10. Enjoy It.
I think it can be pretty obvious when the spark has gone from a blogger. You can tell that they’re scraping the bottom of the barrel for content, and really struggling to enjoy their blog. If you feel that way, take a break. It will do you wonders. Take a week off. Live a little. Let your hair down. Come back feeling fresh and revived. And if that doesn’t work, perhaps purchasing my eBook will {yes, shameless plug!}.


Other posts on the topic of blogging you might enjoy

107 thoughts on “My Ten Blogging Tips.”

  1. Fantastic tips Chantelle! Once again, you have inspired me. I have been very inconsistent with my blogging, and am in desperate need of a fresh new approach, so thank you for reminding me. When bubba has a sleep I will get to it. xxx

  3. These are great tips, Chanetelle.
    I agree with all of them, especially about being your own person and being involved.
    Oh and white backgrounds definitely! I find blogs with dark backgrounds hard to read. I tried it once and it lasted about 1 week. Couldn't stand it!
    Great post!

  6. Great post, thanks so much!

    I've taken a couple of things away, and now have some playing to do on my blog 🙂

    Looking forward to your eBook this afternoon!

    Jodi

  10. Its always good to get new tips about blogging ..great advice ..thank you. i would love for you to pop around to my blog soon to see whether i'm on the right track so far :)hope to see you there Xx

  12. I just love your blog!

    Whilst I have no real interest in starting my own blog, reading those tips made me realise why I enjoy yours so much:

    * Consistency – I love knowing there'll be a new post when I get to work, and {hopefully} one when I check back after lunch.
    * You made it purdy – I also love the way the blog looks, it's such a refreshing space to visit.
    * Your're irreplaceable – you have such a distinctive, positive voice. Your spin on life always makes me smile.

    Thanks for adding some sunshine to my days!
    T

  13. Hi Chantelle, thanks so much for taking the time to inspire us, support us and guide us in the land of blog. As a relative 'new comer' your tips are invaluable to me. I'm hanging out for your ebook – now that's going to put a smile on my face today 🙂

  23. Great tips! I actually was thinking the same thing just the other day about the whole “black background” thing.

    A woman I know who is a FABULOUS designer has a black background on her blog…I've actually been tempted to say “I love your blog, but the background makes it difficult to read. Would you consider changing it?”

    But that seems rude, so I haven't said anything :/ Thoughts on the subject?

  24. i completely agree on the black background. i have literally clicked “ba-bye” out of frustration from trying to read a blog that has a black background… there's a reason the newspaper is black on white.

    and i wrote a very long About Me… ha ha! i figure i love knowing about people so why not dish to those who feel the same.

    i love this post!
    you're so cheeky! xo

  27. I couldn't agree more about the black background and thought it was just me. I have a white background like you and black font- my resaon being newspapers have been popular for quite sometime now- for a reason!

  30. Thanks for the tips, the point about consistency really struck a cord with me. I really struggle to post consistently. Sometimes i'm daily, sometimes weekly, and at my worst it was a month between posts!

  34. I totally agree on the About Me!!! I hate when I'm like .. what else? Where can I go? And the only thing is a fairly blank Blogger profile? ::shakes fist::

  35. Hello lovely Chantelle,

    I have been asked to write a post as a guest blogger and I have been thinking about ,,what to write about…I am considering doing a similar post like this one…Tips on blogging….as I really dont feel that qualified to be writing about Interior Design just yet…at least not until I get my medals ; )

    So…just want to check with you first that this is ok…as I dont want to be guilty of point No 6, of course my tips will be my own fresh tips..from my point of view..but I wanted to run it by you first cookie…just out of respect so that you didnt think I was being a copy cat ; / Anna x

  38. Thankyou. I've read a lot of blog tips and ideas and these are original and something to think about. I think they're more personal. Much appreciated.

  40. Thank you so much for these tips.. I've just started writing a blog and must admit I have been struggling and you've given me plenty to think about. I think the biggest problem I have is that I always feel a bit silly writing it sometimes as I have no followers to write to.. I haven't been doing it long though. Any tips on how to get your blog out there a bit more?
    thanks!

  42. Okay… so usually I lurk, and don't comment. But after reading your top 10 tips, I know I need to comment. Thanks for sharing your insights, and making me laugh. Yes, even your top ten tips are funny. I love your blog. xx

  44. Hi Chantelle
    I am a first time visitor to your site and i have to say how lovely it feels. Thanks for having me.
    I've just started my own blog this week and am in the midst of that sleeplessness you described – constantly thinking, writing, editing in my head. I'm just traipsing around the worldwide web for tips on blogging and found yours. Thank you – they're insightful and practical. I'll try to put them to use. Thanks again. Georgie

  45. I just recently started blogging and I happened to come across your blog. These tips are extremely helpful and your blog is just adorable in general!

  46. Hi Chantelle!

    Thank you for an inspiring and helpful post!

    I created my blog at the end of my maternity leave and have only recently gotten back into the habit, after being swamped with a combination of work load and managing the logistics of baby/work/personal life. In other words, my blog has been sorely neglected for a long while and I do not have many followers. Now I know that's no real crisis of any sort, but I wouldn't mind the occasional feedback. This post gives me the confidence boost and pointers needed to continue with revised goals.

    Ps. Your blog is very pretty as well.
    Thanks, and take care!

    Greetings from Tonje

  47. This post is a must read for all bloggers. I love it. I love how it is written with your personality too, not just another blog advice post. 🙂

  48. THANK YOUUU for sharing!. I feel so very luck to have stumbled upon your fabulous blog spot!. just love it!. keep up the awesome work. 🙂 newly devoted follower.

  49. Chantelle,
    I need to thank you again. Your blog inspired me to start one of my own and I feel as if a weight has been lifted. A place I can speak and say what I want.

    Also, your blog is amazing. I find my self stuck at the computer until 2am reading back into your archives. Please if you have a chance check out my blog. Feedback from somebody as talented as you would be a dream come true!

    Dani xx

  51. Hi Chantelle
    Firstly just wanted to say I love your blog, I've been reading for a while now and really appreciated your honesty and the freshness you bring to blogland!
    Secondly I've just mustered up the courage to create my own blog and wanted to say THANKS for this post on tips for blogging – invaluable advice from a person who's clearly being successful in establishing a credible and interesting blog space!
    Thanks again
    x

  52. I just wanted to ask about the 'be consistant' issue. Do you think you need to 'announce' how often you write, or just make sure that however often you write, you continue to do so?

  58. Thanks for the tips. Your blog has given me the boost I needed to give blogging a go. I have plugged them on my blog, I hope that is okay.
    Cheers, Kirsten.

  61. I came over after joining the #JANphotoaday challenge and googled where it originated. So firstly thanks for that wonderful idea! Then I got sucked into your great site and have been reading for quite a while! Thanks for the inspiration and useful tips here. I must admit I'm a lazy blogger but reading this has definitely given me food for thought.
    Getting involved in the blogging community is something I am terrible at, and I am now going to go and work on my “About Me” page 🙂 I'll definitely be coming back to read more of your stuff.

  62. Thanks so much for these tips! I am just starting out, a blog virgin is what I am! I will def. take your advice

  66. I started my blog in Jan 2010 and you can definitely tell when I wasn't feeling it anymore, it went from bad to worse. I just started blogging again and it doesn't feel forced anymore. Taking a break is the best advice!

  73. Hi Chantelle,

    I'm not a mummy (yet), but i am an aspiring blogger and love your simple, honest but intelligent writing style! Thanks for the advice. I'm sure i will be referring back to it regularly.
    Georgie

  74. Hi FMS!
    Thanks for the tips! Still getting started with this blogging caper…so much to learn! But, am enjoying it and hoping to make a blog that people will enjoy reading as much as I enjoy putting together. You are so right about the colours…I previously had mine on a blue background with white text, but have since changed it to black text on white and it makes all the difference! A lot fresher (I think!). There must be a reason all those books are printed with black text, too! Thanks again, more playing around to do!
    Yorkes Girl

  76. Hi Chantelle,

    Your blog is awesome and some excellent tips for us newbies! I have just started a blog in the last few days. I used to have my own website a few years ago but geocities closed down so I have started a blog now instead. I find writing is a very theraputic way to work through my feelings and “brain dump” my stress and its always lovely to get other peoples comments on your own thoughts. At the moment mine is based on my journey since my seperation last year and Im finiding it is helping me work through the healing process. If your interested in having a look you can find it at:

    http://findingmyselfyoung.blogspot.com.au/

    Oh and Im also doing the Feb photo a day challenge on my facebook page. Excellent idea!

    Love your work
    Toni xx

  79. Hi there! I've just discovered your blog and it's like one of those moments where the light comes down through the clouds and angels sing “Hallelujah”. I've been so bored with my blog and wanting to make it a lot more interesting as I'm growing my business. Thanks so much for your amazing blog…. I just want to sit here exploring, but I really should go do something more productive. 🙂

  80. These are some great reminders!

    Also, as a graphic design student, I can absolutely agree w/ you that black text on white (or light) background is much more readable. White on black is much less readable, as is color on color. I forget the exact reasoning why that works that way, but it's definitely a proven “rule”! 🙂

  81. These are some great reminders!

    Also, as a graphic design student, I can absolutely agree w/ you that black text on white (or light) background is much more readable. White on black is much less readable, as is color on color. I forget the exact reasoning why that works that way, but it's definitely a proven “rule”! 🙂

  87. thanks so much for the great tips! 🙂 i have been blogging on and off for the past 2 years or so, and now i am ready to try to regularly update my blog 🙂 am actually doing tips #8 and #9 now! 🙂

  90. Thanks for the insight….I just started a blog 2 weeks ago and LOVE it and LOVE that others are enjoying it. I just came across your blog tonight. I love your pic a day challenge! I'm gonna do it. Thanks!

  95. I love that bloggers like you are sharing their tips! Thank you so so so much. I agree with 'About Me' too.

    I've started blogging in February and it's been such a great outlet for a SAHM. This month I've named my days so I stay on top of my ideas and prep the writing/images/set-up before my final edit then click on 'Publish'. It's such a time-saver!

  100. Thanks for the tips! Even though I like writing about things in my life, having a good about me page has just seemed weird for some reason. I guess that'll have to change soon!

  107. W O W.. JUST W O W.
    It has been 2 years, since i purchased your eBook: something to blog about..
    And life got in the way, so I didn’t begin blogging like i once intended.
    So here I am a dozen late nights later, because I cannot sleep. And made the decision to finally get my blog going, thanks to you Chantelle.
    And this post was the final piece to me saying ‘YES, YES, YES!!!’ (not in the Meg Ryan, type of way!)

    So lets hope it kicks of, and I am not to far off making it public, and have you pop on over, due to being a big inspiration and all!

    Again, I thank you.. You amazing women.

    Ciao, for now.
    April xx

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