So many people want to start blogs, but don’t really have a clue as to what it takes. Many bloggers don’t share the day to day struggles of blogging and how stressful consistently creating new content can be.

We decided to shed light on the behind the scenes effort and dedication it takes to run a successful blog by sharing the main tools/tips you may need to get started.

Listed below are just few tools we’ve learned along the way. With these tips, we hope to ultimately help you to either enhance or start your own blog.

1. BE PASSIONATE

• Be excited and enthusiastic about what you are blogging about.
• Have a purpose for your blog because that’s what keeps the site going.

2. MAP OUT TIME  

• Be willing to work the 5 to 9 after you get off your 9 to 5.
• Be willing to sacrifice some free time during weekends, holidays, birthdays or vacations.
• Late nights and/or early mornings are required.

3. INVEST YOUR MONEY

• Have a budget for your blog.
• You have to be willing to invest money in your blog in order to eventually yield  a return on your investment.
• You will need money for things such as:

1. good camera/ camera phone
2. products for blog reviews
3.  Outfits and/or creative decorations/settings for posts
4. “Random” Outings/Trips you will take
5. Tutorials (How-To’s)
6.  Site maintenance for website/blog

4. BE CONSISTENT

• Set weekly goals.
• Create a schedule.
• Outline ideas.

5. MODERNIZE

• Be current, stay up to date on recent news and popular culture.
• Read/Review other bodies of work that inspire you to keep your creative juices flowing  like:
  • books,
  • magazines
  • Vlogs
  • Other blogs
• Create various social media handles to expand your blogs platform. Even if you do not plan on tweeting tomorrow, it it best to just create the account. (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc)

•  Sync all social media accounts to your blog
• Create an email address specifically for your blog

6.   BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS

• Invest in either a quality camera or a camera phone
• Find good lighting
• Practice editing skills
• Commit to a consistent filter

7. WRITING SKILLS

• Be creative, think outside the box.
• Figure out your writing style.
• PROOF READ (grammatical errors ruin any dope blog post, TRUST US we’ve experienced this firsthand Lol)
• Makes necessary edits, when needed.

8.  BE WEB SAVVY  

• Practice Photoshop or some sort of graphic design/photo editing app.
• Some web design knowledge is key.
• Learn to properly navigate the back-end of your blog/website.

9. BRANDING KNOWLEDGE
   • Pick a memorable blog name.
   • Create an overarching blog hashtag.
   • Identify your blog trademark (what is your site/blog known for).
   • Protect your Intellectual property.
10. NETWORKING SKILLS 

• Interact with your readers and followers.
• Create a subscription section for your blog.
• Attend events that align with the vision of your blog.
• Create business cards, handouts, or paraphernalia to handout.

Overall, these are just a few tips that have worked for us. Its a learning process, so don’t stress the process.

We really hope all 10 of our suggestions can help YOU! 🙂