Big & Little Network

Awhile back I signed up to link-up with bloggers that have been blogging for awhile and could give some sound advice to a new bloggers, like myself.

Basically I got paired up with a "Big" Erin @She's A Big Star (go check her out immediately, her blog is fantastic). As I touched on two days ago I was having a lot of beginner blogger concerns...like how to I stay interesting, how to I get people to want to follow me, how do I improve my blog since I am the least tech savy person on Earth, and blah blah blah.

Erin has been so wonderful sharing her insight on her blogging style and what works for her. I have already started making improvements to my blog, but her key advice was staying true to what I want my blog vibe to be. 

I thought I would take some of Erin's advice and add in some of what I noticed to help others who are just starting out as a blogger.

1. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF-
I have been given this advice over and over and over again. Some people may have started blogging as a source of income or to meet tons of new people. I, however, started blogging as a creative outlet. I talk none stop and I think the people around me appreciate me yapping at something other than them ha! I am 100% honest here and share only what I feel is relevant to what I am currently doing in my life. 

2. Share the love-
I have personally noticed that the more I venture on to others blogs and share how exciting their posts or blogs in general are they will return the favor. I am a daily reader of many, many, many blogs. I of course want to spread my thoughts to everyone, but I also love the community of being able to see others thoughts and ideas. Receiving sweet comments on my posts that I work hard to put together makes me feel good so I want to make sure I put time into the comments I leave for others as well.

3. Link-Up-
I have personally learned so much during this Big & Little link-up, that I highly suggest everyone join one! MANY bloggers do weekly link-ups that you can join just put adding your link to their page and placing a button on your post for that day. It is a great way to meet others who are also trying to find new blogs. If you are a Southern Blogger click my link-up button to the right and you will find endless bloggers in the Southern states that do link-ups in their areas!

4. Don't stress having the coolest blog-
This was my concern earlier in the week. I want EVERYONE to love my blog, well guess what that doesn't work that way. Going back to rule #1 be true to yourself and followers will come. And these followers will be genuine. Erin said something that really hit home with me, you want a relatable blog. Some people may have the perfect hair, friends, make-out, outfits, but they are the ones that are harder to be relatable too. Not that I and many others don't enjoy those types of blogs too, but that just isn't who I am and that is okay!

And the last piece of advice Erin gave, but it was my favorite...

5. Turn your captcha off! That is the annoying little thing that pops up when you are trying to read a comment that gives a series of letters and numbers to put in. I didn't even realize I had mine on. You can turn it off by going into your settings, clicking comments, and then switching the word verification button from yes to no. This one made me laugh, because it is so true, people hate commenting when they no someone has one of those!

I hope this helps new bloggers, like myself. I love blogging and really hope I can keep it as a creative outlet for a very long time to come. 

Any other suggestions for me/for other newer bloggers?

AND

Remember to check Erin out at www.Shesabigstar.com. Last, come back tomorrow because I finally carved/painted/drilled our pumpkins, made goodie bags, and will be working on our costumes, so get excited!