I’ve had this Blogging 101 idea percolating in the oooool’ noggin for awhile now and am so happy to finally start sharing it with you! I get emails almost every day from readers or new-to-the-scene bloggers wanting advice on everything from sponsorship to writing to design. While I’m by no means an expert and am still far from many of my goals, I am above all else an eternal student and as such, I’ve amassed quite a few tips, insights and tricks that help with blogging.
As most of you know, I work full-time on top of posting 4-5 times a week. It is a lot but it’s also incredibly rewarding – I’ve learned to treat the blog as not only a passion project that makes all the hard work worth it, but also a little business that has continued to grow. I wouldn’t be able to do this without the tips and tricks I’m going to be sharing on a weekly basis over the next month or so! So without further ado, here’s Week 1:Finding Your Why and Your Vision – don’t miss the worksheet download at the very bottom of this post!
{ Poppin notebooks and office accessories – my absolute favourites! }
{ a happy and clean space makes a world of difference for quality of work! }
While I didn’t go to school for marketing, my recent professional experience in the industry has helped me approach the blog with a whole new perspective. Obviously, when I started the blog three years ago fresh out of university with a Psych BA in hand and the goal of becoming a full-time writer, I didn’t exactly go through the process of assessing and defining the foundation of my brand with marketing tools in mind. I didn’t have a brand to speak of…I didn’t even intend on having a personal style blog! I’m pretty sure my second post was about how cool Elaine Benes was, complete with a picture of her doing that incredible dance. But actually. So long story short, I never went through the very important process until recently of determining what makes me unique and what my vision for the blog is. Fortunately, I’d created a mission – I wanted to track down a hard-to-achieve career, which I think was what largely served to fuel me through many blogging-related hiccups and fails.
Let me just say this much: working as a reverse engineer isn’t as easy as mapping out some things from the beginning. Yes, things will inevitably change. My goals have changed, my content has changed and my aesthetic has completely 180’d. But whether you’re just starting off now or are just needing to tighten up your direction, take this as an opportunity to give meaning to the work you do as a blogger. Even if you have no hopes of ever monetizing your blog or turning it into a professional endeavour, who doesn’t want to give more value to anything, even if it’s just a hobby?
This worksheet will take 30 minutes of your time tops – you can open it up as an image below or download the PDF here. And while you’re feeling inspired to delve more into your why and vision, be sure to check out some of the resources I have listed below too!
Oh and PS – loving this sheer plaid number from LOFT? If you’re in the Vancouver area, be sure to check out the Park Royal location’s grand opening tomorrow! Happy Thursday everyone – let me know if you have any questions, requests or feedback!
Eating a cupcake in one bite sounds perfectly note worthy to me!! 😉 Love this post and all of your insightful questions, Alex!! I've been meaning to do something similar on my blog… hopefully soon!! And will I see at you at the LOFT sneak peek tonight? Hope so!!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I typically read your blog for fashion but this post has some great blogging tips. I absolutely agree a clean flowing work space is essential. I too am a sucker for great office accessories!
This is a great post and just what I needed. My blog is merely a hobby at this point, but I think some concrete and attainable goals will help me not lose track and plus, with the new year coming up I mine as well start that goal list now 🙂 So thank you for posting this!
Hey Alex! Christie told me about your Blogging 101, I'm super excited to check out all the great info and resources you've provided; I'm already nerding it up and printing out your PDF's 😉 thanks in advance for your guidance! –Kathleen
Eating a cupcake in one bite sounds perfectly note worthy to me!! 😉 Love this post and all of your insightful questions, Alex!! I've been meaning to do something similar on my blog… hopefully soon!! And will I see at you at the LOFT sneak peek tonight? Hope so!!
xo
By The Shore, a life + style blog
Thanks for sharing your experience. I typically read your blog for fashion but this post has some great blogging tips. I absolutely agree a clean flowing work space is essential. I too am a sucker for great office accessories!
this is great! bookmarking the post for future reference. appreciate your insight & tips, lady! 🙂
xx, Lily on Fillmore
This is a great post and just what I needed. My blog is merely a hobby at this point, but I think some concrete and attainable goals will help me not lose track and plus, with the new year coming up I mine as well start that goal list now 🙂 So thank you for posting this!
Great post! Thoughtful, honest and practical advice.
http://www.fatfreefashion.com
This is wonderful!! That worksheet is a great idea!
~Sara
This is amazing info! thanks soo much for sharing xo
You are pretty! so stylish pics
http://www.facebook.com/AmandaChicFashionRoomLounge?ref=hl
twitter & instagram : @fashionrlounge
Fashion room lounge
A chic kiss 😉
Great tips! Love that lipstick!
~Ashleigh {Dazzle by Day}
http://www.dazzlebyday.com
such a great post! thank you for sharing. I'm already to work on that worksheet…
http://www.thecasualclassic.com
I love these pictures! Your desk is great! I love glass desks.
Great Tips! Thank you for sharing!
Love and Blessings,
Lacy
http://www.chosentheblog.com
thanks for this post, your blog is an inspiration and your tips are valuable.
You are such a breath of fresh air, Alex. I am continousloy inspired by your authenticity.
Keep it up!
Love,
Emily { http://www.elle-em.com }
Hey Alex! Christie told me about your Blogging 101, I'm super excited to check out all the great info and resources you've provided; I'm already nerding it up and printing out your PDF's 😉 thanks in advance for your guidance! –Kathleen