When I started this blog almost three years ago, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I was kissing goodbye to being a journalist after 20 years and leaping off into the world of self-employment. I knew how to write stuff. And I knew that I wanted to keep writing stuff. Fashion and beauty stuff.
Thankfully my web developer steered me in the direction of a WordPress blog. I say, thankfully, because at the time I didn’t know what a blog was but I quickly learned it was the perfect platform for me.
Since those early days I’ve learned A LOT.
But a blog is forgiving like that.
A blog is happy to morph along with you. And I’m not just talking about making changes to all the bells and whistles of a good design, although that is a little addictive. No, I’m talking about content and community. And the excitement that comes from moulding that content to meet your community.
When that clicks, the Bloggerverse feels like one very big happy playground. A playground where incredibly diverse and fab people hang out.
For me, I guess that clicking didn’t really happen until about mid-way through last year – yes, that’s right – two years after starting the Styling You blog.
That’s why I’ve decided to start weekly posts about blogging.
So many people start a blog and want it all to happen. Stat. But as the old Rachel Hunter Pantene TV ad said, “it won’t happen over night but it will happen”.
It will happen if you stick at it. [There have been times when I’ve been pushed for time and I may not have posted as frequently as I should, but I just kept going.]
It will happen if you chose blog a subject that’s close to your heart to write about. And that you write about it frequently. [In the beginning I wrote maybe one or two posts a week, now I aim for five to six. Finding your happy medium is up to you – just aim to be consistent.]
It will happen if you understand who your target readership is. [Thanks to Facebook’s Insights I can tell you that 65% of my readers are women aged 25-44.]
It will happen if you communicate with your target readership. [I love a chat, so it’s not a stretch to do this online, via comments on my blog or on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or Youtube. Wherever your readership hangs out, you need to drop in and say hi.]
It will happen if you communicate with other bloggers. [I make it a daily habit to read other people’s blogs and comment on them. Not only do you get to read some amazing blog posts, but you’ll make some damn good friends along the way – friends who will become your most loyal “marketing managers”.]
I don’t claim to know it all but I like to share what I do.
These blogging-specific posts will contain a little bit of my blogging journey – lessons learned and tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way. There will be a bit of general blogging advice plus plenty of specifics for fashion and beauty bloggers. Believe me you never stop seeking out and absorbing new ideas. Or maybe that’s just me and my inner geek talking?
It’s a particularly exciting week to be a blogger in Australia – this time next week, 170 bloggers and industry delegates will be in Sydney for the inaugural Aussie Bloggers Conference. [I’ll be blogging and tweeting throughout the day, you can follow along via Twitter with the official hashtag #ausblogcon2011.]
Apart from some serious(ly fun) networking, we’ll be all ears as panelists discuss a range of topics:
1. Creating content
2. Social media and you (yours truly is on this panel)
3. My blog, my story
4. SEO and blog monetisation
5. Building your blog community
Some of the bloggers attending have been blogging for years; some are new to the game. All have been bitten by the bloggers’ bug and are keen to learn.
Yes, the future of blogging in Australia is very bright indeed. Are you on board the swings or monkey bars yet?
If you have a blogging question you’d like answered in these posts, pop me an email: [email protected] – I’m just a keyboard tap away.
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This post is getting some new love thanks to Life in a Pink Fibro’s Weekend Rewind. Head on over to check out some more posts on blogging this weekend.
Comments 51
Hi Nikki,
I have been following you for a while and we’ve met ..both at AusBlogCon and Kerri’s book launch.
Your blog title rewound through The Fibro was a timely one for me to read.
Thank you for your insights. I am a teacher, so the playground title caught my eye. I feel like I am in Blog Pre School at the moment, but I do want to enrol at big school soon as I’m ready…all good wishes,and congratulations again on your super win..
Author
Ha, ha. Love that Denyse. I’d like to think that we all get to stay in preschool or prep – play-based learning is the most fun you can have! Thanks for stopping by.
I can’t believe I missed this the first time around. Thank heavens for the Rewind. Great post and I’ll be looking out for your series in the future.
Thanks for Rewinding at the Fibro!
Author
Thanks Al. After the conference, I decided to post every Saturday about some aspect of blogging. It’s been a great way to download some of the information that I’ve got stored in my head … and brings out my inner geek!
Sticking to it is so key to blogging. I’ve been blogging for just over a year and in the beginning i think could hear crickets when a new post went up. Thankfully, through joining relevant forums and networking, I now have a readership that I’m very happy with.
Stopping by from the Weekend Rewind. 🙂
Author
That’s so true, isn’t it. Once you start networking within the bloggerverse, then it starts to flow.
I’ve been blogging since the end of 2006, but it was only in late 2010 that I started hanging out in the playground – checking out other blogs, commenting, joining communities. Before that, my blog served only as an online diary that I didn’t want to show other people. But now, I’m having fun and getting addicted! 🙂
Author
I hear you. It was the same for me – started in 2008 but really didn’t get *into* it until two years later. So glad I did as, yes, it’s addictive, but I’ve also found some amazing friends and enjoy reading other people’s writing.
I so hope I can make it to the conference next year!
Author
I hope you can too! Will be even better because more and more bloggers are really getting a feel for what they are doing and where they want to go (if they want to go anywhere) with it.
Nikki,
as a blogging newcomer (visiting after rewinding at Fibro), this is such a great post. Your tips are practical and make sense as I learn the balance between quality and quantity. And how great to be able to benefit from the words of wisdom from so many great Aussie bloggers!
Cheers
Author
thanks Leanne … and good luck with this blogging caper. It’s a whole of fun and a great place to be.
Our posts have a similar message but such a different style. Isn’t that just the epitomy of blogging? My story, my way. Your story, your way. I love it! I have been checking you out regularly since we met at the ABC (and visiting today from the Fibro). I may make an appearance out of trackie dacks any day now x
Author
Haha! Yes, I think that’s one of the things I love about blogging. While sometimes we have similar points to make, it’s quite an individual thing how those points are made! I’m wearing my version of trackies today – leggings!
I love this post Nikki – and wish I had read one similar when I started my blog. I’ve come to realise that successful blogging for me is all about creating community and connections so that I can learn from others in my field and share my own experiences. Communicating with your readers not only helps to build community and attract and keep readers and the feedback you receive in return motivates you to keep on keeping on.
Hi Jenny – thanks for stopping by … it’s so true what you say and it’s what I’ve learned along the way too.
Hi Nikki,
Thanks for this post. It all makes logical sense, but it’s always good to see it right there written in front of you.
Thanks,
Kirst
Author
Hi Kirsten, thanks for stopping by and yes, it all makes sense – I just wish someone had guided me in my early days.
Excellent tips. Thanks:)
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thank so much, Kim
Great post 🙂 It is really encouraging to read that It Will Happen.
Look forward to meeting you at the conference.
Author
Looking forward to meeting you, too, Carly!
Great news Nikki! I can’t wait to read your blogging posts. We can all learn a lot from you!
P.S. Super devastated that F21 top isn’t avail anymore!!!
Author
I know – I think I would have bought up a bundle!
Fabulous idea Nikki! I am so eager to learn from the blogging doyenne that you are and will eagerly await these posts x
Author
Thanks so much, Donna … I don’t claim to know everything but I’ve learned a bit and continue to learn. And I like to share!
I look forward to reading the posts to help in along my blogging way and to also seeing you at the conference.
Author
Claire, you are SO on my dance card at ABC – see you very soon!
Blogging is a journey indeed. It’s been a journey for me too. From something focused just on my business, to something that morphed into an outlet for me to express how I feel and share what I like/dislike! 🙂 And boy have I learned a lot. Even from YOU! 🙂
Interesting reading, Nikki. I don’t blog, but I love to read them.
I totally agree that interaction with your readers via comments makes a huge difference, I love being able to ask a question, or make a comment, and getting a reponse. It helps build connections. You are great at doing this, Nikki!
Author
Thanks Paula – and I so love it when I log on and see you’ve visited and left a comment!
Looking forward to reading your insights into blogging!
I can’t believe the stuff I’ve learnt since I started blogging… who’d have thought I would be learning and using code like css and html let alone the big scary php!?!?!?
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Hi Kate, it’s so amazing, isn’t it? The stuff we never thought we needed to know but now do. It’s unleashed my inner geek!
Great post, Nikki. 3 years is not so long, you’ve done great for just 3 years!
Author
Thanks so much – yes, not so long so very happy with all achieved to date!
I can’t wait for next weekend, its going to be such an incredible combination of learning, meeting, laughing. I don’t blog for the readers, I started blogging for friends and family and along the way have made new friends!
Author
Sarah – it’s going to be AMAZING! So many friends we haven’t met yet!!
Awesome, Nikki! Absolutely, simply, cannot wait to read more of these posts! LOVE how you say, “A blog is happy to morph along with you”! And you’re so right regarding your topic – your topic has to not only interest your readers but interest you.
I think you have the communication part down pat – I can’t think of another blogger I know who is as active as you when it comes to commenting! What’s your secret to managing this and finding the time?
Author
Ah, yes, Bree, thank goodness a blog is “morphable” – that’s what I like most as opposed my former life as a print journalist. Once it was published, that was it!
Great post, Nikki! What I love about blogging is that it’s always a learning process. Looking forward to all those sessions on ABC. See you in Sydney!
Author
I know, you never stop learning, do you? I think that’s why it’s so addictive … well that’s my excuse! See you in Sydney.
Love this post Nikki, it’s been great to watch your blogging journey and learn from you. Well done on committing to this, blogging is such a great way to connect and share. Love your work
Jeanne x
Author
Thanks so much, Jeanne … love your work too!
Great post Nikki. Your blog is the perfect example of finding a niche market and sticking to it. I may need to come to you for some advice shortly… I have a few ideas of my own…
Author
I love ideas, Bianca! I think we’re going to be brimming with them after next weekend.