How To Start A Blog

There are lots of blog posts out there at the moment saying that blogging is dead. And yet we are all still doing it. I know we are an instant gratification generation, meaning we want quick fixes of entertainment. The feedback I have been receiving is that we are watching instagram stories above all other types of social content. It’s quick and it is easy. But just because lots of people are moving their focus away from blogs onto purely social media platforms, doesn’t mean that it is too ate to join the party. I still read blogs, especially on style and interiors. When I am completely stuck on how to use a new camera for example, it is blogs that I turn to. So if you are in the ‘maybe baby’ stage I am here to give you the nudge.

Just do it.

Where do you start?

The obvious place is to choose a blogging platform. The most popular ones are WordPress and Blogger. Both of these give you access to lots of different themes to make your blog look  the way you want it to. I started with the free version of WordPress. Though it did take me a while to understand how to add plugins and widgets, it is a relatively easy platform to navigate.

Blog Name

Consider a name that is something that can grow with you. I started out wanting to blog about interiors and that is where Within These Walls came from. I do wish I had chose something shorter purely for the embroidery on straw bag possibilities but ya know, hindsight. Also it is worth thinking about whether you have the same name across your social platforms.

Genre

Arguably the best blogs are ones that are about a specific category. However I think as long as you are unique, that you have a point of difference and you aren’t just mimicking someone else you admire on the internet, then you will have a place. Talk about whatever you want. Huge piece of advice moment… Dont worry that no one will want to read it. If you put the effort in you will find your audience.

Social Media

I fail to spend enough time nurturing all of my social media. My twitter and Pinterest are a little bit like my legs in the winter. However the place where I find the most joy and community is Instagram and that is reflected in the time I put into it. Most of my blog traffic comes from instagram so it worth dedicating time to other platforms to help grow your blog readership.

Read

Read, read and read some more. Read other blogs, click through links on Pinterest and read the content. That is where all the inspiration and all the opportunities to connect are. The more you read and comment on other blogs the better relationship you will form. Having support and friendships in the blogging world makes it not only an easier place to be but also a nicer one. I have made some really lovely friends who will happily answer my questions when I am stuck and that is so needed when you are new to something.

If you are interested in a more detailed post on how to start a blog, or want to know something specific then just let me know.

Cara