How to blog smarter not harder
Blogging. I am only 2 months-ish away from my first anniversary and I've realised in this short time, that you can help yourself when it comes to staying fresh, focused and motivated. I'm using my blog envelopes as inspiration this year but my obsession with blogging has resulting in me reading daily blogs from others.
On a daily basis I will check in on:
I have some other favourites who I know will post every few days like
- Awesomeville
- See Vanessa Craft
- Totally Tates also better known at Mummy Daddy and Me Makes Three
- Meagan's Musings
- and I hope to read lots this year from Claire at Blue Daisy
I have got into a habit of posting everyday, which I love. Something new for regular readers to check in on and only one post a day that doesn't clog up people's inbox!
I have some golden rules for helping you blog that I try and stick to:
THINK BOGOF blog posts
Don't give it all away in one go! We are off to America next month and I will post the three days we have planned as three posts and a separate post for my holiday shopping list, a travelling without children guide and no doubt several afterwards documenting our visit.
At New Year we had to cancel our plans as Sammy was poorly but I still managed to talk about our cocktail ideas, upcycled mini bar and I'm still to post my How to do Tapas menu!
I have used our wendy house in lots of my posts but have never explained the reason we have it, which is worthy of a post in itself.
A blog is all about letting people into your life, so share!
USE YOUR PAST & PRESENT
It's easy to get caught in a trap of posting about the here and now, meaning more pressure to type up events as they happen and think of something new each day or week. But we all have great memories to share that happened way before we all discovered blogging. I am desperate to share my sister's hen weekend as a prelude to her baby shower I am planning for March. I have never posted about our wedding, her wedding or the boys births or Christenings, which if they were happening now would be all over this blog. If you are stuck - look back.
I posted recently about my 30th even though I will be 31 this year! Crumbs!
BE TRUE
I have stopped reading a few blogs which seem to only post reviews and giveaways. I never get a true feel for their writing style and it can sometimes feel like they would go to the opening of an envelope! Some people court publicity, asking for review opportunities and do great self promotion but as I started this blog with no expectations that's the way I'd like it to stay .... for now!
USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY
One of the blogs I read religiously joked the other week about their father not being able to breathe without the girls blogging about it!
I am in awe of the people who blog anonymously, whose partners are in the dark about their cyber world. I LOVE talking about this blog and adore hearing comments back, good and bad. Although constructive is better! I am amazed by the people who read my little on line adventure and I am so grateful. I am pretty sure my father in law reads it regularly, he reeled off word for word a comment someone posted at Christmas. For those of you that do, you are my inspiration!
I look at almost everything we do as a potential post!
BEST FRIENDS VS BLOG
The best tip I read was not ot use your blog as your best friend. If you need a moan ring someone!
I love reading about lovely things. Every post from The Start Up Wife makes me smile and keeps me reading more.
USE YOUR OWN WORDS
I never use the word however in real life conversations so I don't know why I have used it so often in blog posts. Starting now, I want to only type the words I say. Hopefully this will lead to more engaging posts with readers who will be able to identify and understand me. The virtual and real life me.
TRY A PHOTO A DAY
If in doubt post a photo. A photograph can be interpreted in a hundred different ways. These were my photos from today (and one blurry one from Sammy)!
Sammy's Photo
Today
Today
Today
Today - treat tea
Moose on the stairs
Moose sitting like a gentleman
Happy Friday!
