I shared on Instagram this week that I didn’t start my blog for three years due to self doubt. I worried about what others may think. I worried that I had nothing to add to the blogging community. I worried I didn’t have the right camera, laptop, equipment to start a blog. This self doubt and worrying for three years did nothing but push me back. If I would have started in 2016, who knows how far I could have gone by now.

Not starting my blog sooner is a huge regret of mine. I got so many messages that some of you want to start a blog but are unsure how or where to start. I don’t want you to have the same regret I do, so I opened a Q+A on my Instagram and Facebook pages on anything blogging related so I can help you guys out! If you want to start a blog, do it now don’t wait for the perfect timing. I was waiting for the perfect time which never came. There is no perfect time, there is only now.

How do you find the discipline to maintain it?

This is the biggest challenge I have with blogging – having discipline and staying consistent. When I first started blogging I said I was going to release a blog post weekly. I did it for the first couple of months but realized I was killing myself to get the posts out. I work full-time so usually only have the weekends to work on blogging material. You would think that’s enough but there is so much that goes into one blog post, never mind shooting content for Instagram. I was spending all weekend working on a post instead of enjoying life.

So I decided that plan did not work for me and tried to find one that does. I am still working on it, but my goal now is to post biweekly instead of weekly. What I do to ensure this happens is to plan ahead. I use my calendar on my phone to plan and set reminders when post will be released.

Lastly, I find the discipline because it’s just something that I really enjoy. I have been wanting to blog for over three years so there has been a lot leading up to it. It truly is a lot of work but something that I enjoy expressing my creativity with.

How did you get your IG followers up?

I started my blog about a year ago and since then my Instagram followers have doubled. That may seem like a lot but some people grow to 100K in a year. I try not to compare myself to others and how fast they grow and you shouldn’t either. Comparison is the thief of joy and it will discourage you while blogging.

The best way to get more followers is just by people seeing your page more. This means that you have to put yourself out there A LOT – you need to comment on other peoples page, repost, use hash tags, locations and tag brands. I have seen a lot of bloggers grow really quickly by having brands repost them.

What I have done to grow my account is mostly try to engage with others and comment on other Blogger’s page. The next thing I’ve done is use hashtags on my post and in my stories. Lastly, is by staying consistent on Instagram. Posting on your feed at least weekly and posting stories daily is important. Additionally, you should post videos of yourself on Instagram talking to your followers. Basically, in order to grow you need to be seen first and people will notice and remember you if you’re always in their face.

How do you come up with ideas for posts? 

I have had a list of ideas in my notes on my phone for blog ideas since 2016 that I have been adding too. Anytime I think a topic may help someone or it would be something I would want to know more about I put it on my list. If you are starting a blog, follow some bloggers and see what type of posts you do and do not like reading.

Also, there’s literally ALWAYS something to post about whether it be fashion, beauty, travel, holidays, etc. you just need to start thinking outside the box. For example, let’s say you were doing a weekend trip in Miami and wanted to post about it. From that one trip you can come up with over 5 posts: 1. Packing guide 2. Best restaurants in Miami 3. Which parts of Miami to stay in 4. Hair styling guide for humid weather 5. Weekend guide in Miami

Another way to find ideas is just what is happening in the world. If it is Super Bowl you can post recipes for the party or how you styled a game day outfit. If it is Valentine’s Day you can post about your love story or Valentine’s Day gift ideas. Posts don’t always have to be what you experienced, they can be in relation to upcoming events.

I want to finally start my blog, where should I get started?

1. Start following bloggers that you like on instagram and Pinterest. Subscribe to their newsletter on their blog and read the posts. This will give you inspiration for yours
2. Start a list of at least 10-20 post ideas and always add to it any time you think of anything
3. Decide whether you want to pay someone to design your site or if you want to do it yourself with a free hosting site
4. Watch YouTube videos or read posts on how to set up your site
5. Reach out to your favorite bloggers that you engage with and ask them for some advice. Most bloggers answer their DMs nowadays- it’s part of their job
6. Write your first post. It should be introductory about you and your blog
7. Start shooting photos for Instagram and your blog and have a ton ready to go for upcoming posts
8. POST IT. Stop delaying it if it’s something you really want to do. It doesn’t matter what people think. Life is too precious to doubt yourself and delay your dreams

What made you want to blog?

It sounds corny and cliche but I really just wanted to help people. I have spent tons of time on social media and I realized even though I don’t know these people, I was able to connect with people who shared experiences similar to mine. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone for once. That is not where I am at in my blogging stage now, but I would like to share more about my life and experiences in hopes to help others get through their own.

What social media apps do you use?

Editing photos: Tezza and Adobe Light Room

Plan my Instagram feed: Planoly

Fun Instagram stories: Story Art or Canva

Plan my blog posts: Google calendar

What is the most challenging part of blogging?

Geeze it is really difficult to pick just one thing. Blogging is 10x harder then I imagined it would be. People see the beautiful photos on Instagram, all of the events, or free stuff and assume that’s all blogging is. When you are just starting out, there’s countless hours that go behind on one post, or one sponsored post. It is basically like running a business and you are the CEO, the writer, the photographer, the editor, the accountant and social media manager. If you don’t show up and put in the work, you won’t succeed. So, what I find most challenging is finding and dedicating the time to work on my blog.

I hope this was helpful to you! Please feel free to email or DM me if you have any other questions on starting a blog. I would be happy to help!

Xoxo,

Francesca