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Blogging Tips from a New Blogger


Hello Living the Creative Life readers! My name is Jessica and I blog over at Girl Booklet, which is a lifestyle blog with a little fashion and beauty! Today I am sharing my experience with you as a “new” blogger!

I began my blog on May 18th, 2012. I chose that date because it was my boyfriend’s and my one year anniversary! I wanted a special day to start my blog and I couldn’t think of a more special date than that (well other than my birthday - he he - but I wasn’t going to wait until next February so…) there you go! That’s how I came up with the date. Now for the name that’s a different story.



Creating a name for my blog was probably one of the hardest and most difficult things ever! I mean there are thousands and thousands of blogs and so a lot of names that I liked for my blog were taken or similar, but after all the thinking and name-creating, I finally came up with a name for my blog! I decided on Girl Booklet because my blog is like my diary. I write my opinions, my thoughts, I share my emotions, and things that are happening with my life.

Ever since I started my blog I feel like I have been introduced to a whole new world, but in reality my blog just opened my eyes to everything that is happening around me! I used to be really aware of the latest trends, and all the gossip from celebrities. Lol. But then I started my new job and since I am pretty much on my last couple of semesters of college so I have been very busy and not really have had time for anything. So now that I’ve started blogging I’ve gotten back to the game! I have been noticing different trends, not only from celebrities but from everyday girls like you and I. I have been reading magazines, keeping up with other blogs AND I have been watching youtube videos on ‘how to’s.” So you can say that I have been doing my homework.

Blogging has also given me the opportunity to meet some lovely ladies like Jen! The world is a pretty big place, but the internet makes it so much more smaller! I have had the pleasure of getting to know different bloggers from different parts of the world and my blog has been viewed by people from over 10 different countries! How amazing is that?!

So if you are thinking of starting a blog I say GO FOR IT! There is no reason why you shouldn't at least give it a try! Here are a couple of tips that will help you get started:

How to name your blog:

Like I said, it took me a long time to find a name that I was happy with and fit my blog, so DON'T RUSH ON IT! Take your time, play with names, words, ask for help from friends and family, and pick a name that goes with YOU and YOUR blog.

How to setup your blog:

When I started my blog it took me a while to decide how I wanted it to look, so I just played with it until I was truly happy. I also had help with the design, my friend Chelsea over at Yours Truly gave my blog a makeover a little while ago and she truly captured my blog and myself.

So if you don't know how to use HTML codes, or how to do designs, IT'S OKAY! There are a lot of tutorials on the web that can guide you step-by-step. There are also fellow bloggers like Chelsea who will work with you and create a blog design that best suits you and your blog!

How to gain readers:

I've noticed that a lot of bloggers worry about the number of readers, and let me tell you something, that's not what being a blogger is about. It's about having an opinion and saying what is on your mind, if you share your own thoughts and ideas, then the readers will follow.

But of course it never hurts to promote your blog, so set up a Facebook page, Twitter account, Instagram account, etc etc. for your blog. Be a marketer and promote your blog! Making a button for your blog and sharing it with other bloggers gives you more exposure, too! And the more you do it the better chance you will get of getting your ideas and opinions out in the world.

How to overcome writers block:

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has had trouble coming up with topics or even titles for my topics. Inspiration comes in many shapes and forms, if you don't believe me, check out one of my blog post's and see how I was inspired by a painting! I share things that are happening in my life, so I always have something to talk about, but when I want to do something different I look in different places for a new topic. All you need is to open your eyes and see what's around you. You will be surprised about how many random things can inspire you!!

Don't forget to cite your sources!:

Yes you heard right, I know that this is not school and you are not writing a boring research paper, but you still need to cite your sources! If you are posting someone else's work on your blog you better make sure you give them credit! We all work hard on our blogs so give credit where credit is due!

And the most important tip of all:

JUST HAVE FUN! Blogging should be fun and exciting! Not boring! And it should not feel like a chore! Be silly. Be creative. Be YOU!

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