1/17/14

Sabrina Says: Blogging 101

I have received a few messages lately inquiring about how I started this little blog of mine. Now I've given you a few explanations of why I started it and the original purpose, but I feel like I've been in the game long enough to actually give some sound advice.


So here are my top tips for starting a blog. Let me know what you think!

Tip 1: Direction 

When I first started my blog it was a jumble of random stories, pictures of projects and life updates. I really didn't know what I was writing about. I would just write whatever came to mind and push publish (I still kind of do that). Now I have a general direction of what I want my blog to be. If I had to describe my blog in 3 words it would be these: Personal, Life and Style. I know the term "Lifestyle Blogger" is very vague and that's why I choose to separate it. My goal is to always be open about my life, I enjoy sharing experiences in hopes someone else has experienced the same thing and BOOM connection made. I always want you to walk away with the feeling you know me just a little bit better with every blog post. So that takes care of the "Personal" and the "Life." As for style, I just really like clothes and shoes and make up. That's all. 

Tip 2:  Go for it

Start your blog now. Seriously. Write two or three posts and then share it to the world! Let your friends read it, share it with your family… get it out there! I say write a few posts first and then share it, so your readers will stay on your blog longer. It builds interest and helps them get to know you a little better. 

I use Blogger as my platform. I have a template that was purchased off Etsy from Pink and Lola. I really loved her designs because of the simple and clean lines. 

Since the birth of my blog I have changed my name (it was originally Sabrina in the City), the colors, the entire design and the URL several times. I suggest you pick a name and STICK WITH IT. Also… make sure you stay up to date on the status of your URL. Read about that fiasco HERE

Tip 3: Put yourself out there

Find blogs that are similar to yours. Blogs that you aspire to be like, people you want to be friends with, and big name blogs. Write meaningful comments and put your URL in them. It means SO much to me when I receive a sweet comment (or hilarious one, for that matter) and I'm able to click a link to take me right to their blog. I immediately get to see who they are. This is very important when making connections through blogging. 

Some of my best friends were made through this blog. I talk to these girls on a daily basis and have even flown across the country to meet them. It's really incredible the friendships you can make when you really take an interest in people. The girls that I've connected with are all smart, hilarious, strong and successful in many different ways. We all learn from each others experiences and laugh at each other along the way. I would have to say this is the most rewarding thing about blogging. 100%

Tip 4:  You probably won't make money (at least not right away)

When I first started blogging I had no intention on making money. I knew it was possible and I knew there were professional bloggers, but I really didn't think I could be one of them. 

Let me be clear with you. I do not make a substantial amount of money from my blog. What I do have are partnerships with companies. In exchange for my blogging services I receive clothes and such. I do not get paid to talk about brands and I will never put anything on my blog just for the sake of free stuff. 
The point that I am at right now took about 3 years, and it was very organic in nature. 

So, if it happens it happens. Do not go into blogging with the expectation of making the big bucks. I hope you do, just be patient. 

Tip 5: Make it pretty

Post quality photos and quality writing. Photos are what really engage readers and the writing is what keeps them coming back.  Plain and simple. 

Tip 6: Be Social

Instagram. Twitter. Facebook. Allllll of those things. Try to pick a username that can be the same on all platforms. It makes life SO much easier! 

Tip 7: Tell secrets

Some of my most popular posts are the Ghosts of Boyfriends Past series. I think the reason why people love them is because we have all had crazy break up stories, horrible first dates or at least know some one who has. Revealing stories that are personal and somewhat shocking let people in on something that not everyone knows. People love secrets, I know I do. So reveal them. Maybe not all of them. Maybe not all at once. But do it. Share a story that's hard to tell. Share a memory that holds a special place in your heart. Challenge yourself to be more open, more honest. The result will be something that greater than you could ever imagine. 

Sabrina Says has become a place for me to share. There have been times I've had tears streaming down my face as I type or times where I've erased the entire post. But there have also been times I can't stop giggling or I'm SO excited to share a post I wish you were all here to whiteness me writing it. 

For me, blogging is something I look forward to. Something I love and I hold very personal. This blog has helped me grow. I hope it can do the same for you. 

I hope these tips are helpful as you start your blog. Please feel free to ask any questions, I will do my best to answer! 

Thank you for all your support in voting for me to blog at WWDMAGIC! You know you can vote everyday?? Please and thank you! 


Happy Friday, Friends! What are you doing this weekend? I'm making special waffles. You know how I feel about waffles. I'm stupid excited!

I will leave you with this picture from my brothers wedding. My wedding gift? Pshhh… I gave them a wedding rap.  Any guesses what song?



7 comments:

Unknown said...

Great advice! Now, is there any video of this wedding rap?? Cause I wanna see that!!

:)
xx

www.momentaryreality.com

Unknown said...

Lol. I did a rap at my brother's wedding too! Boom shake shake the room. What was yours? I've only just discovered your blog. It's lovely.

Amy Willingham said...

I just love you Sabrina! Thanks for making me smile everytime i come your blog!! I always enjoy your style and reading about all your funny adventures. as for the lady who was asking you all the questions about what you are doing with your life. Just wait... she will see sooner or later. Then she will think to herself. OH, she is doing something....

people. they can so rude.


www.amyleetales.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Great advice for someone like me just starting off!!

www.dreamingofleaving.com

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Blogger said...

Just received a cheque for $500.

Sometimes people don't believe me when I tell them about how much money you can make by taking paid surveys online...

So I took a video of myself actually getting paid $500 for doing paid surveys to set the record straight.

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