So after my Blogger Recognition Award post, everyone seemed to enjoy the advice that I gave to new bloggers, I thought about just creating a post of advice for new bloggers. Bloggers in every field are expanding so much day by day so I thought it might be a good idea to create this sort of thing. As I am a book blogger, I will try and give advice on how to do things for a book blog, but I will give some advice to other bloggers as well. Either this is for travel, lifestyle or beauty. So let’s start this advice post!
WordPress May Not be the Answer:
Most blogs use WordPress as a base to create content and to run their blog. But if everyone else is doing it, why should you? There are so many different types of platforms you can create your blog on. For example, Blogger and Wix. The platform you choose is up to you on what you want out of your blog; the look, the user experience has with your website. Each different platform has pros and cons, but if you prefer a certain look one provider is giving, don’t just switch to something everyone else is using.
Follow as Many Bloggers as You can on Social Media:
Even though this may seem like why am I mentioning this year it seems like something you would do, well I have to say I need to explain why this important. If you a lifestyle blogger, it is great to follow fellow lifestyle bloggers, but what about those others types of bloggers?
By connecting with different bloggers when comparing it to you, it will allow you to learn how they structure their blogs, show how they present their blogs, and might be able to give you ideas on what you might be able to your own blog.
Should I be thinking of self-hosting or getting a WordPress plan?
If you are a new blogger, you might be thinking about what you might do in the future. This would be about getting your own domain. But would you choose to use the WordPress plans or go to a hosting company (e.g. GoDaddy)? For me, who is looking about getting my own domain, I have found that by going to a hosting site would be a better option than to get one of the WordPress plans.
By going over to the hosting company, you would be able to do a lot more to your blog than you would if you were to go on a WordPress plan. I don’t know what other hosting sites you are using for your blog, but if you are using WordPress then I recommend you to look at hosting sites for your blog domain. WordPress, and possibly other sites, other you things that are more expensive than if you were to go elsewhere.
If you are looking to get your domain away from .wordpress.com or .blogspot.com, then I would also recommend you do your research on where you want to get your domain from and which site would host your blog. They are so much cheaper than if you were to go with a WordPress plan within the year BUT you will be able to change everything about your website without the limits put on you if you are on the free plan of WordPress.
If you can’t write, don’t push it
Even though blogging is counted as a hobby, it does become very stressful. Especially when you are dealing with your normal life stuff alongside it. Just remember there would be time periods when it’s okay to not write a post for your blog and times when you have just can’t get around to blogging. We all completely understand when life reasons come into play (e.g. exams, assignments, work).
Create a Schedule When You are Comfortable
I have been seeing a lot of bloggers saying this on social media about having a schedule. And I think my advice for this just to create one when you feel comfortable with writing blog posts. Blogging is amazing and it is a fun way to escape but having a schedule is very stressful. I would recommend new bloggers to create blog posts when they feel like they can do them. Do jump ahead when you are brand new.
Book Blogger Questions
It’s all about connecting with the right people:
Every book bloggers want one thing out of blogging, free books. But how does one acquire these wonderful things? The answer to that question is, connecting with the right people. Obviously emailing publishers for a certain book you want kinda works too. But with connecting with publishers, the people who deal with all of the requests, and connecting with authors on social media is another way to go around it. Use social media to its limits by regular updates and books or just anything you want.
Build Up a Good Portfolio of Work Before Requesting:
I’ve found a lot of bloggers, who have just started their blog talking about how they don’t understand people are being sent ARCs of certain books. I have found that most publishers will look at your blog and following to see whether you are:
1. Reliable with your blog, by having regular updates
2. Have enough evidence to show off your work
Honestly, when I first went to a publisher, I only had Instagram as a social media purely for my blog. but I had over 6 months of previous blog posts to show my writing style and of course the sort of books I read. I don’t believe publishers should have a lot of terms and conditions for bloggers, especially with new ones wanting to try ARCs out. Obviously, they would like the word out there about a certain book or series, but small bloggers can do that like big bloggers.
I honestly believe by having a good amount of blog posts to show off to the publishers when you give them a link to your blog will help them be more inclined to work with you.
Be Patient when it’s about ARCs and Review Copies
Obviously receiving ARCs or review copies is a great thing about book blogging. Things come in all good time. This can also be said about review copies and ARC’s. People go through stages from time to time. You will reach a point where you will receive requests, it will just take time.
If you want to start receiving arcs/review copies, there two companies that I’ve found quite useful. However, I don’t know if they ship outside of the UK, so if you are outside of the UK, you may not be able to use them.
These are:
Don’t use Social Media just for books:
Obviously, Bookstagram doesn’t really fall into this section. But with Twitter, you can honestly tweet about anything. On my Twitter, I do a whole range of things, from complaining about work, book talks, and maybe about food too. Don’t just purely use social media about the one thing your blog is about. It can be really boring from time to time.
Hope you enjoyed! Till next time readers!
foreverthewanderer
June 26, 2018 @ 3:17 pm
This is some really good advice! I’d definitely agree with your points and have been using the same points to grow my blog! Thank you for this great post ❤️
Empress DJ
June 26, 2018 @ 3:49 pm
Excellent advise – but after a soul-sucking experience and as they are still holding my subscriber list hostage, I would warn anyone and everyone away from GoDaddy.
Amy
June 26, 2018 @ 4:14 pm
I would as well. I just used GoDaddy as an example. They are so bad.
thisisoneforthebooks
June 26, 2018 @ 3:49 pm
What an insightful list!! 🙂 I agree with the whole schedule thing, it makes me too anxious to have a set schedule, so I usually just post whenever I can a couple times a week and it has taken the pressure off immensely!
Lauren Becker
June 26, 2018 @ 4:17 pm
Great advice! I definitely use social media, especially Twitter, for a variety of things. I think it’s a fun way to really get to know bloggers.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Jo Linsdell
June 26, 2018 @ 4:25 pm
Great advice!
Kiss Like a Girl
June 26, 2018 @ 4:45 pm
Awesome advice!
flora_the_sweaterist
June 26, 2018 @ 5:53 pm
Great compilation! “If you can’t write, don’t push it” is my favourite rule, I guess. There has been a lot going on in my life and I just couldn’t find the energy to post anything. But when I do write a review, I want it to be good. Not just tolerable because I could barely bring myself to open the internet. I used to feel ashamed about not having a predictable schedule, but I realised that it’s more important to enjoy blogging than to stress about being perfect in every aspect. So, ever since I let go of perfectionism, blogging and I are getting on pretty well 😀
bookwormscornerblogspot
June 26, 2018 @ 6:01 pm
Good advice. I have to say that I use WordPress and am very happy with them and also you can type in plain text then switch to a HTML view and tweak your posts. (I haven’t used others but at the moment WordPress feels like the right one for me)
Quitterstrip
June 26, 2018 @ 9:08 pm
This is really great advice- even for bloggers who are not just starting out. I’m still debating what I want to do with my blog hosting vs upgrading.
Veronica @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf
June 27, 2018 @ 4:15 am
Wonderful, helpful post. I’ve only been using my twitter for purely book related tweets but I can see your point in using it for everything to get your personality out there. Good advice taken and will be acted on. Thank you.
Jo ~ Beyond the Lamp Post
June 27, 2018 @ 11:46 am
I’m trying to give myself a break about not always meeting the schedule I set for myself. Some things just take longer than others, and pushing them won’t always get them there faster.
Amanda McGill
June 27, 2018 @ 3:00 pm
Totally agree with you!
ericarobyn
July 1, 2018 @ 1:23 am
WONDERFUL tips!!
Erica | Erica Robyn Reads
bookswrthreading
July 3, 2018 @ 6:28 pm
I’ve been blogging for just over a month and I’m finding that the huge rush of motivation I had in the beginning is definitely starting to wear off so the tips that you offered – esp following bloggers – are going to help me develop a sense of discipline that’ll keep my blog alive.