Little blogging tips part 3
Suzannah's blogging tip #7: Use real photos.
I love Instagram as much as the next blog reader, really I do, but Instagram collages alone do not a complete blog post make. I looooove seeing your Instagram pics on Twitter, but I really want to see primarily camera photos, no filter, on your blog posts. Preferably original content, when you can, of course! Maybe throw in a few Instagram shots but don't go crazy. =)
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| Not too many of these |
Suzannah's blogging tip #8: Don't overdo it with blog design.
When I first started, I got really excited about free blog templates and color schemes. Then I realized, when I looked at the blogs I really respected and was inspired by, they were mostly focused on content, not gadgets and bells and whistles. It is personal taste, of course, but I realized I preferred a mostly plain layout with a few personalized items like my header and matching buttons. It is pretty much true, though, that a white background is easiest for the eyes, with black or dark text, and that too many images can be confusing. Look around at what you like and do what you can with your blog. I don't have the much design skills I needed to make my headers, etc. but until I was ready to have one made, I made due with one I put together in Picasa!
Suzannah's blogging tip #9: Mix it up with content!
It is part visuals, part content, of course... in addition to the tips above and in these posts, think about quality, varied, largely original content. They say "content is king," meaning, original content is what gets you noticed. But if you can't post original content all the time, you don't have to only post pics of things you've done or made or worn. Combining those posts with others (inspirations, fave links, weekend updates, whatever it is) can make your blog more fun to follow. Always something new and exciting to check out!
So that's what's been on my mind of late. Any other thoughts about tips for new bloggers?
I like and agree with your blogging tips. I definitely need to get better about posting varied content. I usually tend to focus on "ta-da" posts about what I've sewn, but this means that if I have nothing new to show, I have nothing new to post! (Currently the case -- I haven't posted in two weeks and I'm getting anxious about it). I'll take your post as a friendly nudge to try something new!
ReplyDeleteCool! Yes, get creative--maybe an inspiration post? This is the classic problem with crafting and sewing blogs--if you don't have time to make something, uh... no easy blog post! But good luck and have fun!
DeleteI completely agree that photos do not make a blog post alone. Quality content is so important. Even if I don't post for a day or two, that's okay. As long as each one of my posts has something to offer my readers. That's what's important
ReplyDeleteGood points!
DeleteI love your posts, but I wish you would allow full posts in google reader again. I'm about to start deleting blogs that do not do this and I would hate for yours to go away. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that, would hate to lose you! I find my pageviews go down so much when I don't allow full posts, and I feel I owe it to the great small business sponsors I have to bring people TO the blog and really engage here!
DeleteHope you stick around and check back to the blog when you can! You can also follow me on Twitter, FB, etc. if you want the occasional notification about posts and new content.