Not a day goes by where I don’t receive emails asking me for blogging tips, or questions about how I got started in the blogging world. I’ve been blogging for seven years, but sometimes I still feel like a newbie. Blogging has changed over the years, and I try to keep myself on top of all the latest trends, but I also like to keep it simple. If it becomes too complicated, or competitive, then where is the fun in all of this? The simplicity of my blog is what makes it enjoyable for me. It’s my full-time job (yes, you can make a living off of blogging), so I do need to make sure I’m keeping up with the latest trends, but also making sure I stay true to myself. I like to be relatable and share all of my happy and no-so-happy moments. If I can help one person or turn someone’s day around, then mission accomplished.
Whether you have one reader or a million readers, blogging is so rewarding. It’s your outlet to create. You can share your collection of photos, travels, recipes, or special life moments with the entire world. I feel so incredibly lucky and fortunate that I have readers that enjoy my pages. These past seven years have been life-changing. I have met so many people through my blog, traveled to places I’d never thought I’d visit, and it’s truly made me a better person.
If you think blogging might be perfect for you but have no idea where to start, this post will come in handy.
There are so many costly e-books out there on “how to start a blog“, but who wants to pay for one of those? I’m sure you have enough things to pay for already. That is why I’m teaming up with Squarespace today to help you enter the blogging world with ten easy steps! When you’re ready to start a blog, set one day aside, and get to work because we are going to build this blog in one day! Oh, and don’t forget the snacks!
One of my friends is extremely talented with photography, putting outfits together, hair, makeup, crushing it in the weight loss world, and writes beautifully. I’ve wanted her to start a blog for so long. She wanted to start a blog as well, but like many, had no idea where or how to start. When Squarespace reached out to me asking if I’d like to collaborate, I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to create a blog for my friend, while showing you all how to build one too!
Squarespace is a great place to build a beautiful online home. I love that Squarespace empowers millions of local artists, entrepreneurs, and individuals by engineering sophisticated and elegant designed websites to share their stories with the world. I couldn’t wait to help Squarespace empower another artist by creating a blog for my friend!
We set Sunday aside and planted ourselves at the coffee shop to get to work! We like to keep it old school, so we brought our pens and paper! I’m a very visual person, so I still like to write things on paper and have them out in front of me. It’s easier to stay organized that way.
I created ten easy steps for you to follow to create your blog!
We used these ten steps building my friend’s blog, and it made the process very easy! Because I’m a visual person, we included step by step photos for you to follow!
If you plan on creating a blog along with us, I highly recommend Squarespace. My first 50 readers who use offer code “SIMPLYT” will receive 10% off their first website or domains purchase.
Let’s get to the fun part!
Anyone can do it and you don’t need any special design skills to build it beautiful.
1. CHOOSING YOUR BLOG TOPICS: Choosing your blog topics first is important. Everything revolves around the theme of your blog. Your colors, your blog name, your design and so on.
What do you want to write about? Choose five topics to work with. You can choose a Squarespace layout that allows you to have sub-topics in a drop menu. If you choose “Food n’ Fit” as a topic, you can have a drop menu with relatable topics below such as workouts, healthy recipes, weight loss, etc.
2. CHOOSE YOUR BLOG NAME: Choosing a blog name can be frustrating and time-consuming. It may come to you quickly or never come to you at all. I mean, it’s a pretty permanent choice, so you want to get it right. My blog name could have used a little more character, but it’s something I do not want to go back and change. I’ve built my brand around it already. I do like that my blog name doesn’t categorize my blog. I can blog about anything lifestyle related, which was my goal.
Write down your top five picks, check to see if they are available in the Squarespace domain search, and start the elimination process. We took a snapchat poll, and that helped a lot! It’s fun to ask friends for advice. Sometimes they’ll come up with something clever for you. Make sure your name fits your topics. You don’t want a blog name like “Healthy Gal,” if you’re going to create a sewing blog. It has to fit!
3. CHOOSE A WEBSITE TO BUILD YOUR BLOG: I wish I would have made it easy on myself when I created my blog. I had the headaches of installing software, applying security patches, worrying about bandwidth, and dealing with storage limitations. I still have to worry about the backend problems on the daily. I wanted my friend to start with Squarespace because she won’t have to worry about any of those issues. All she has to do is upload content, customize her design, and have fun! Squarespace is a creative tools company that helps you build your website, and it’s accessible to everyone. Squarespace also has an award-winning customer care team that serves customers 24/7 via email and live chat. We took advantage of that when we had some questions.
Once you sign up for Squarespace, you can choose from all kinds of free blog layouts. We wanted one that would showcase photos. You can play around with all of the templates. I think we went through about five before picking the perfect layout.
4. DESIGN YOUR BLOG HEADER: This gives your blog so much character! I alway appreciate a creative blog header. Now that you know your blog name and topics, you can create a design to fit your brand. I like to make a couple of different models to test out. Have fun with this. I like to change mine every season.
My friend used the Shibori template, which was one of the free ones!
5. ORGANIZE YOUR BLOG: Now that you have a template and your blog header, it’s time to organize your blog and create topic pages. Making your blog easy to navigate keeps readers coming back. When I have readers tell me it’s hard to find something, I go out of my way to fix the issue immediately. I want everything to be easily accessible. I love that Squarespace has classy and clean looking templates for an organized blog. This step can take some time, but it’s crucial. While you’re organizing, make sure to add your bio and other key facts about your blog to the pages. 6. CREATE TEN GOALS FOR YOUR BLOG: It’s always important to set goals for yourself. Where do you see your blog going? What would you like to gain from your blog? Create ten goals and always keep them out in front of you while blogging. You can create an inspiration board or write them down on a piece of paper next to your computer. Create steps to help you reach your goals and think them through. Continue to question yourself. Ask yourself how you plan on gaining readership? How will you take the time to comment back to everyone? When will you ask for help? Will you have time set aside for blogging? Are you having fun? Setting goals can will be the key to your success.
7. CREATE A SCHEDULE: Creating a schedule is something I want to get better at. I’m a go-with-the-flow type of blogger, but I could use some structure. My friend has a 9-7 job and so scheduling in some time to post is important. Fill your schedule with days for editing and days for posting. Post a recipe on Monday, edit your photos on the weekend, comment back on Saturdays during your coffee hour, spend two hours a night on writing, etc. Blogging takes a lot of your time, so it’s important to use that time wisely. Know when you work better. I do not function well at night, so I try to get all of my blogging done in the morning and afternoon. Schedule some shutdown days as well. You can get burned out, so know when to step away from it all. You can write some posts in advance and have Squarespace take it live while you’re away. 8. CREATE & POST CONTENT: You have your blog built, organized, and now you’re ready to become a blogger. Once you hit “publish,” you’re officially entering the blogosphere. It’s OK to post a lot of blogs you have saved up on the first day. The more content you have built up before sharing, the better. You want people to browse and spend some time looking over your work. You wouldn’t want to give someone a resume or portfolio with one line. You want to provide an impressive smorgasbord of work. Take some time to upload your photos, organize your work, and build your blog beautiful! Don’t forget to add tags, categories, and catchy titles to your posts. Squarespace does a great job at helping you stay organized. The more you play around with your blog, the better you’ll get at it. And never hesitate to contact the Squarespace customer service team for help! 9. CONNECT YOUR BLOG WITH SOCIAL MEDIA: Congrats. If you’re at this step, you’re officially a blogger! Once you have about 8-12 live posts, connect your blog with social media. Social media can you gain readership while spreading your work with the world. Encourage your family and friends to share, add your social media badges to your Squarespace blog, pin all of your photos on Pinterest, tweet links to the latest blog posts, add photos to Instagram with tags that fit your blog to find new readers, share your work on Facebook, etc. Since Squarespace uses a form builder to collect analytic data, you can track the growth of your blog. You can keep track of which posts are popular and where your traffic is coming from, and use that information as a tool to continue the growth! I always notice that my readers love recaps and “how to” blogs, so I try to create that type of content as much as possible.10. NEVER GIVE UP!: This may be the last step, but it’s the MOST IMPORTANT step. There are so many abandoned blogs out there because it’s so easy to get discouraged, and I still fight it. I see people start blogs and have a large readership overnight, and then I start to question myself. The only question I should be asking myself is, “what can I do to get better?”I started this blog for me. It doesn’t matter how many people are reading; it matters if I’m enjoying it. If you continue to write for yourself, you’ll never fail. Just create! You may deal with an unwanted commenter now and then, but use that as motivation. Never let negativity in and always continue stay positive during the process. Building the blog and starting is the hardest part! You got this.
And just like that, we built my friend’s blog in under three hours! She has a couple weeks worth of posts to complete before she goes live, but she’s on her way! I’m so excited to see what she creates and a huge thank you to Squarespace for working with us during the process! If you want to create a blog, use code “SIMPLYT” to receive 10% off your first website or domains purchase on Squarespace! 🙂 This is only available for the first 50 readers! Let me know if you need any help during your blog building process!
Questions for you!
1. Have you ever dreamed of starting a blog?
2. What do/would you blog about?
3. Do you have any advice you’d like to share for new bloggers?
Thank you, Squarespace for sponsoring this post! & All opinions are my own!
Krista says
This is awesome!! I love that you broke it down to each step– it’s so overwhelming sometimes, and I’m constantly trying to come up with. We goals for my own blog. I blog about food (restaurants we visit & post recipes I cook/bake), trips my boyfriend and I take, and healthy living. I had a blog while I was in college, but it was definitely not as focused as mine is now.
In terms of tips for new bloggers, id definitely say to get or stay active on social media, especially IG & Twitter, and link your blog to your profile! also, when the time comes, you can monetize your blog with a bunch of different things, but Amazon Associates & Google AdSense are both pretty cool.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Krista!
Thank you 🙂
The hardest part is sticking to it when you first start! It always looks easier on the outside, but very time-consuming!
Love your tips!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I already have a blog, but this is really helpful for beginners. As for me, I blog about my life in Hong Kong and pretty places to visit in general! Like a travel blog, but mainly focused on Hong Kong. Check my blog out if you have time! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
You have a wonderful blog. I love how crisp and clean your photos are! I can tell how much you love architecture!
I often take a look at your blog when you comment to see what you’re up to!
xo-taralynn
Kate says
This is perfect timing! A couple of months ago, I bought a domain name…that’s as far as I’ve gotten. I think my biggest stumbling block is my first post! Should it be an introduction to myself? A regular ‘ol blog post? Help! After readying this, I’m excited to get mine off the ground. Good luck to Becca! You’ll have to let us know when she goes live
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Kate!
Those are all common thoughts. When you first start, I would just focus on writing what you want! Have an “about” page with everything about yourself and then maybe do an intro post later on. When people come to your site, they want to see what your blog will offer! Share your stories, recipes, your photos, and anything you have interest it! Having more content is better than nothing.
Good luck! Please le me know when you start blogging. Would love to read!
Taralynn
Katelyn says
Hi Taralynn!
Thanks for this post. Casual thoughts of starting a blog have crossed my mind over the years that I have followed your blog, but never any thing to serious. Now, I’m thinking.. maybe I should give it a little more thought 🙂
I am not even sure what subjects I would blog about – but this post is very thought provoking.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katelyn!
Blogging is definitely fun, and something you can do for yourself as an outlet. It’s fun to go back and see how you evolve over the years.
You blog about whatever YOU’RE about. 😀
Everyone has a talent and a story to be told!
Taralynn
Amanda|The Kitcheneer says
Such great advise! You inspired me to create my blog (almost 3 years ago) and yes! SO important to never give up! I swear that it still crosses my brain from time to time!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Amanda!
I’m so happy you have your blog because you are an inspiration and I’ve always been in love with your recipes! I’ve been following you before I even started my Simply Taralynn!
Giving up can be easy because it’s not fun when your readership isn’t huge or other bloggers are passing you quick, but you have to go back to why you started and why you continue to do it! FOR YOU!
I hope you always continue to blog.
Taralynn
Cassie says
Thanks! This is great. The details are really helpful for newbies!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Cassie! Glad you found it helpful.
Samantha Staffa says
Hi Taralynn!
Love this!
I love everything you wrote about Sqaurespace. I currently have a Wordpress blog that I was planning to have my domain through but after some research and your post I am wanting to use Squarespace instead. Do you know how to transfer content?
All your thoughts and help are always appreciated! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Samantha!
Thanks!
You may be able to contact one of their customer care agents and see if they recommend a plugin to transfer. I did that when I left Tumblr!
Shannen says
Yay! I love this post! So much wonderful advice. And I’m excited to see Beccah blog! I have restarted blogs about four times now. My biggest problem was that I was trying too hard to model it after other blogs that I wasn’t in it. So I restarted once more a couple months ago and I’m really starting to fal in love with it. I don’t have a huge following, but that doesn’t matter to me. I decided to just blog about my adventures in life whatever they may be. But if I had any advice it would be #10 never give up!
Shannen | ☕?
thegreenmugadventures.wordpress.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Shannen!
Thank you! 🙂 I think Becca’s blog will be so cool! She is very talented.
You definitely don’t want to model your blog after other blogs. Just keep evolving into the coolest version of you! Things fall into place over time. The following doesn’t matter at all, as long as you’re enjoying it! A following will grow overtime.
Never giving up is the big one for sure!
Can’t wait to check out your blog!
Taralynn
Hannah says
This is so helpful!! I recently have been trying to grow my blog with more lifestyle posts as well as posts on my videography business. This information was just what I needed to make sure I’m doing everything right!! I love your blog and have followed it for years! Thanks so much!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Hannah!
Glad this is helpful! So cool you have a videography business. Keep up all the good work!
& thank you following! Means so much 🙂
Taralynn
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
thank you for sharing these tips!!! i’ve recently re-vamped my blog and am ready to get things really moving so your advice is well-taken 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Jordan!
A re-vamp is always fun! I’d love to read your blog! Link me 🙂
xo
Alexis Molzahn says
Girl!!
Thank you so much for posting this! I have been wanting to start a lifestyle blog but have been trying to figure out the best way to go about it!( so many in & outs)
I am definitely going to use your steps and squarespace!
xoxo
Alexis
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Alexis!
Just take some time this weekend and get to it! You won’t regret it 🙂 Blogging is so much fun!
Good luck, girl!
-Taralynn
Lindsay Edwards says
Awesome tips! I use Squarespace to host my professional portfolio for work and it’s definitely the most clean and user-friendly platform I’ve ever used. I’ve taken a small break from blogging to re-charge and re-focus. I’m excited to make my return this year 🙂 As always, love love love reading your blog (Especially your reallllyyyy long recap posts–that’s when I grab coffee and lounge on the couch. It’s the best!!). <333
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Lindsay!
Thanks 🙂 Glad you have had luck with Squarespace. I was VERY impressed with it’s platform. VERY user-friendly. Breakfast are necessary. I always schedule them.
I love hearing that you read my blog with a cup of coffee! That is what inspires me to continue to write!
Thank you for reading and commenting!
xo-Taralynn
Lisa Alexander says
This post inspired me to start writing on my blog again! I started it last year but have been so busy I haven’t been able to keep up with it. Blogging is super fun but sometimes “life” just gets in the way ya know?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Lisa!
I’m so glad you’re going to start writing again! I definitely know what you mean about “life”, but just schedule a post a week! You can do it 🙂
Taralynn
Siobhan says
I had always thought about blogging but never really did anything with it until last year. I started a book blog called iamabookdrunkard and have really enjoyed it. It is a small blog, only about 40 followers but it has really made me enjoy reading even more than I did before. I love connecting with other readers and share my thoughts on books with them. I am not a consistent poster at all, which I know is one of the reasons my blog hasn’t grown very much, but I am okay with that right now. I just like having a space where I can write and share my book reviews and recommendations with friends and family.
I’m not an experienced blogger by any stretch of the imagination but my advice would be to comment and interact with your readers and other blogs as much as possible. Instagram is also a fantastic community, for book bloggers especially. I have discovered a lot of bloggers and beautiful book pictures through the bookstagram community.
Thank you for sharing this post! Any advice is helpful advice when it comes to blogging 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Siobhan!
That is such a cool idea for a blog. Love that you took your hobby and turned it into a blog. Very cool 🙂 I think 40 followers is great and I’m sure it’ll keep growing! It’s great to connect with others around the world, especially while discussing topics that you are all interested in. Your blog sounds awesome!
I think commenting with readers is SO important. I WANT to know who my readers are, I want to know what they are up to, what they like, or what they have been through. I get a lot of the same comments and I feel like I know them. I feel like if I were to meet up with them for a cup of coffee it would feel as if I knew them forever. I love the relationships I have created just by commenting back and getting to know my readers. I also love that they are so real and open with me! I don’t think I could keep writing it weren’t for them giving me encouragement. They have gotten me through so many rough patches and I can always count on them. Commenting back takes maybe a couple minutes and there is no excuse to not give that to a reader!
Instagram is one of my favorites because I’m a visual person! I agree + those hashtags! 😉
Thanks for commenting and sharing your blogging adventures with me!
Taralynn
Lisa says
Have you ever dreamed of starting a blog? – I have thought a lot about starting a blog since following yours, my week is not complete without your blog, I started one but it’s nothing compared to yours and have had zero people look at it. I would just want to blog about my life as a mom that is trying to figure out this whole parenting thing. 9 years in and I still feel like I am screwing up. i would also to blog about my journey to getting healthy. Your friend is lucky to have you helping her out.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Lisa!
That just put an instant smile on my face! Thank you 🙂
Starting a blog and sticking to it while having no readers can be discouraging, but you have to keep it up! You’ll eventually gain readers over time and you need beautiful content to share with them! When you’re writing, just thinking about all the people that may come across it! I think you have a great idea for your blog. You should definitely start spending a couple days a week writing lifestyle posts and your journey as a mom! I think that is so relatable for others.
Keep up the positivity!
love,
taralynn
Brooklyn says
I use Wordpress but have heard great things about Squarespace!
I love how to posts, but my favorite of yours are definitely the long recaps 🙂
ALSO, I’m so excited that Becca is starting her own blog! I will definitely be reading it. I’ve been following her on Instagram for so long now, and love all of her photos. She has a very unique style, and I love it!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Brooklyn!
Thanks 🙂 & I love your blog! Inspires me to travel more.
She will be so happy to see your comment! I’m excited for her to blog as well!
XO
Brooklyn says
Thank you so much!
Izzy | pinch of delight says
Love this post!
I recently started my blog (pinchofdelight) and defiantly find the importance in staying motivated!
Thank you for these great tips. x
Izzy |http://www.pinchofdelight.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Izzy!
I can’t wait to check out your blog!
xo & welcome to the blogging world!
love,
taralynn
Kendall says
LOVE THIS!
Thank you for posting these great tips. I can’t wait to get a blog started! Your blog has always inspired me to use my love for writing and photography to start a blog!
Keep up the great work, you rock!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Kendall!
I’m excited for you to get started. It’s such a fun process!
I can’t wait to become a reader!!
xo
Tammy says
I just signed up for Squarespace and can’t wait to get started!
Taralynn McNitt says
Have fun with it! xo
Haley Ellen says
Thank you for these tips! I’ve been blogging off and on for the past few years, but I really want to take my blog to a more consistent and productive level. This is very helpful!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Haley!
Scheduling is key if you’re having a hard time with consistency! I’m so guilty of that!
Taralynn
Amanda says
I have a gluten free blog!
https://amandasgfappetite.wordpress.com/
Taralynn McNitt says
That is great! I will definitely be checking that out!
Thanks for sharing, Amanda!
Kailee says
Love the “don’t give up” part. Sometimes it is super discouraging perusing blogs that seem SO flawless and make you feel like yours is terribly amateur (even though mine technically is haha – but still!)
Also – I may have missed it – but what blog name did Becca end up going with?! I want to check it out!
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s seriously the biggest step in blogging.
I still consider mine an “amateur blog” when I look at other bloggers, BUT, you should only be comparing your blog to your blog the day before! Growth is something that comes with time! Just stay positive and don’t let discouragement creep in.
She chose “Epilogue B”
😀
Harriet says
Thank you for this post!!! I have been considering starting a blog over the last year, just like Becca I work 7 -5:30 , so I am trying to figure out how I can work a blog into my life.. I would love to blog about: my health and fitness struggles, travel, food and recipes, and through a bit of diy/interior design (my line of work) and vehicle restoration in the mix. As each year my dad and I restore a vintage car and sell it for profit (sometimes). A couple of questions I have are: 1) do you need to have a good computer to start?? I have an old mac book that works well and don’t really want to update just yet.. 2) do you contact companies about sponsorship?? As I work along side 4 large companies and I love there products to bits..
once again thank you for this post!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Harriet!
That really is hard, and that is why I feel very fortunate that blogging is my full-time job. I think the best thing you can do is take some time to yourself at night and blog. Blog before work and after. Spend your weekends blogging with coffee or a glass of wine on the porch! Make it a hobby.
You should have a computer that you enjoy working on. Seems silly, but I started out with a GIANT chunky HP back in the day and it was awful lugging that thing around. I love working on my MAC and it’s made blogging much easier. A good computer can come in time. If you have a place to log on, you’re fine! Your computer would work for blogging. Fancy material makes no difference when you’re starting out. I don’t contact companies, but I make sure to tag my favorite companies when I use their products to get their attention. I am also signed with an agency now that takes care of all of the back end work with companies and it makes it much easier.
xo
Jordan says
Wonderful post! You inspired me to start my blog — it’s still in it’s early stages( I think about a month old now!), but I love the creative aspect that goes into it. It also allows me to connect with family and friends that I don’t see as often as I would like.
I started my blog to focus on and motivate my running goals, but had hoped to blog about my life — so it’s also including my roots. I absolutely love it and it does keep me running (so I have continuous topics to blog about)! Thank you SO much for the inspiration to just do it!
Good luck to Becca and I’m sure she will do great with you being her support and cheerleader!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Jordan!
That is awesome to hear. Happy one month to your blog 🙂 & welcome to the blogging world.
I think it’s cool that you have a platform that has collections of your work and pieces you want to share with the world. You can show your friends and family what you have been up to.
That is great! A blog really does help with running and it connects you with other runners who are more than happy to help you reach goals. I have met so many inspiring runners. They push me on the daily to keep it up!
I’m so glad you’re loving the blog world so far! just never give up!
& Becca will do great!
xo
Taralynn
Linda @ The Fitty says
Great tips! Definitely not a 1-day job with everything to do but I love that you broke it down into steps so that it’s feasible steps.
Taralynn McNitt says
The blog can definitely be built in one day 🙂 Not necessarily dolled up though!
Taryn says
You are so inspiring! I am in awe of everything you share with us, and I have loved your blog for years. Thank you so much for this info!
Taralynn McNitt says
Wow. Thank you for the kind words! That means so much to me. xo & you’re VERY welcome!
Becky says
“Don’t call me becky” – that gave me a good laugh! My name is also Rebecca (I’m assuming Becca’s is too) but I go by Becky and i HATE being called Becca! Becca works for some people, like your friend, but it is SO not me!
Taralynn McNitt says
Lol she is the totally opposite of you! She doesn’t like when people call her Becky haha. One time some stranger called her Becky and I’ll never forget the look on her face! She loved that name, but the blog was already taken, which is why it’s important to have backups!
Jill Ardueser says
Thank you so much for posting this, I actually recently started a blog with Squarespace and love how easy it is to customize my site to my needs. I’m still in the early-early stages of building up posts before I go live, and I’m glad that that was one of your tips. I hope to have my blog live in the next couple of weeks, and with the help of these tips, I think I’m on the right track at this point.
I can definitely attest to the fact that finding the right name for my site was a bit of a headache because it took me almost a week and a half to find one that I felt really good about.
Thanks again for posting things like this!!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re Welcome!
Glad you’ve had success with squarespace.
You sound like you’re doing everything right and I hope you share your blog with me once it’s done! That is very exciting.
The blog title is so hard. It really is! lol I mean, it’s the first thing people notice/see!
& YOU’RE SO WELCOME! XO
Marissa says
Hi Taralynn,
I love your blog! I have followed it for years!
I have enjoyed trying the recipes-also love that you are now gluten free as I am too!
I actually ended up doing a project on your blog in university. We were looking at blogs, media, etc. and how they get their messages across.
I have started a blog and over the past year been sporadically posting which is not good (I know). But hoping after school is done (2 years left) I will have enough posts “banked” already that once I start posting consistently readers will have some other posts to read.
My question to you is how you connected with social media. Did you use your personal social media or did you create new social media accounts for your blog? I would not want to “annoy” my current social media followers if the blog wasn’t necessarily interesting to them.
Anyways thank you for writing I always look forward to reading your blog. You are inspiration!
Hoping one day my blog is as popular as yours! 🙂
Marissa
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Marissa!
Thank you for following my blog all of these years!
& I’m also happy you like my recipes! yay! p.s. if you have any GF recipes that are your favorite, I’d love for you to share! 😉
I’m sure it’s hard to balance school with blogging. I know it’s hard, but set a couple hours aside each week!
I actually didn’t get “social media” until after my blog, which is nuts. BUT, i started a long time ago when social media wasnt as big as it is now. I actually got instagram for the first time in 2014. I think you should use your social media platform to get your foot in the blogging door! I doubt they wont like it.
& thank you so much for the kind words.
xo xo xo I have no doubt your blog can be anything you want it to be!
Love,
taralynn
Jessica says
Thank you so much Taralynn for creating this post. I’ve been thinking of starting a blog for the past couple of months but just didn’t know where to start. This post was so helpful and your steps right on point.
Taralynn McNitt says
Youre welcome Jessica! Have fun with it 🙂
Erin says
This is so great! I recently started a blog but was feeling discouraged without much direction. I made lists of topics and goals and made a schedule and am feeling like a better blogger already! Thanks for this
Taralynn McNitt says
That is so great to hear! If it makes you feel better, I STILL GET DISCOURAGED. Just use it as motivation to grow!
Virjinia says
I love this! I just started my blog last year and I have a question. When it comes to working with brands, do you just reach out or do you have certain criteria before reaching out with a company?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi There!
I don’t reach out anymore, but I like to tag the companies in hope that they’ll take notice. Alway keep your email where it’s easily seen so companies can contact you! If you want to work with a company, don’t be afraid to reach out though!
Andréa says
Hey Taralynn! Your posts always make me feel like I can accomplish more, I’ve been reading along for years and you have always been so motivating and relateable! It’s my first time commenting and I really just wanted to ask for your opinion. I’ve dallied with the idea of starting my own blog but always end up feeling overwhelmed because I feel like I have too many subjects to write about! So I suppose my question for you would be- how do I find a focus when I love so many subjects? Does a new blogger have to begin with a focus? Or is there a way I can blend it all in without it feeling too chaotic? Hope that makes sense! Thoughts?
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi There! 🙂
Thank you so much. I think you and I totally have the same issue. There are so many things I want to write about too! That is why scheduling and not “labeling” your blog may work for you! Make it a lifestyle blog so you can write about ANYTHING you want, but have a schedule, so you know what you’ll write about first. Sometimes I don’t and I have about five blogs in the works (like now) You don’t need a focus. Maybe have FIVE TOPICS and little categories that fall under the topics. If you see my main menu bar, you’ll see I did that. Sometimes the chaotic blogs are the fun ones! 😉 xo
Heather @ Polyglot Jot says
Great post! It’s hard to be a blogger in the beginning as you’re growing your audience. I think focusing on content and engaging with other blogs is a great start! Also, thinking ahead and being consistent will help to grow the audience too. If someone knows you’re going to post every Tuesday and Thursday, they will keep coming back for more! 😀 I wish I had this post when I had started–what a great resource!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Heather!
It’s definitely hard in the begging, but easy to give up.
You are spot on with all your tips!
I should definitely interact with more blogs. Youre right.
Wht says
Have you ever worked with a company for free?
Taralynn McNitt says
Absolutely! I work with companies for a free a lot. Especially first starting out. It took me three years before I ever started getting paid by companies. I was a nanny most of my blogging career. I never shared that with my readers because I wanted privacy for the family. But, working free for companies YOU LOVE is ver important at first.
Cara says
Your blog is the reason I started mine. I’m addicted to my morning coffee and Simply Taralynn blog read. When you don’t have new posts, I read all of your old ones.
Taralynn McNitt says
That makes me so happy to hear! 🙂 I will have a new post up for you today! xo
Rachel says
I am absolutely addicted to your blog. Everything is so inspiring and exciting. I’m thinking of starting a blog as a hobby . How do you earn an income ? I would need to get better with my Grammer hahha
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks, Rachel. That just put a smile on my face.
You can earn income with ads and sponsored posts. It takes a while before things like that happen. I turned blogging into my full-time job after the three year mark. I’m actually awful with grammar and writing, which is why I try to include more photos to make up for it! There are apps out there that help, or a friend that can help edit!
Amy says
This blog post is EXACTLY what I needed. I think I will start with Squarespace. Thank you!
Taralynn McNitt says
Youre welcome! Good luck 🙂
Jen says
I would love to start a blog about nursing school and my fitness journey but am too shy too try lol. How do you get past the shyness?
Taralynn McNitt says
There is no reason to be shy. If anything, a blog allows you to be open and talk about anything you want! 🙂 Maybe keep it private, write a ton and when you’re ready share it!
Tara H. says
Taralynn,
Great post! I recently started my own blog, which you have already given me some helpful tips on, but I was wondering how you get businesses or companies to approach you? Or do you approach them? I would love to partner with some amazing people but not sure how to do it the correct way. Thanks in advance!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Tara!
Welcome to the blogging world. It took me years to build up the readership and views to start working with companies full-time. Usually I blog about my favorite products and tag them in hopes they’ll take notice. In the past, I would approach them, but now I work with an agency that takes care of me in that department. I think reaching out to a company is great if it fits your blog and you want to share the love with your readers!
Emily says
NUMBER TEN IS SO TRUE!
Taralynn McNitt says
Indeed!
Brittany says
Hi Taralynn,
I’ve been looking forward to this blog since you mentioned it was in the works. Thanks for sharing it with us!
I have my own small personal business in travel planning, and have a travel blog to go along with it. My question to you is how you built up your reader base and started monetizing your blog over time? I would certainly be interested in a “creating and growing your blog” series, if you decided to do that 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Brittany.
No problem!
My readership came the more I posted. I shared a lot on tumblr and other social media outlets. I started monetizing a long time ago with google adsense and then learned newer ways to monetize as the years went on. I think it could be a cool series I may write about monetizing next.
Aggy says
This is awesome! Thanks for doing this blog entry. I would love to read Becca’s blog and also hope she does a post on her meal plans and workout routines because she looks amazing and get transformation has been great.
Taralynn McNitt says
Absolutely!
She is totally working on it! 🙂 She has her whole schedule planned.
ella says
I love how you do not compare your blog to other blogs. You have always stayed original!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks ella!
Anonymous says
Thanks for the post!
Taralynn McNitt says
youre welcome!
Sarah says
I started a wine and food pairing blog back in August, and I think, Taralynn, that you hit the nail on the head with your #10 step… NEVER GIVE UP!!! I am at the point right now where I love blogging, but am not getting as much readership as I would like. I would love to turn blogging into a career, but am at the point where I don’t know how to grow it. As you said, you’ve been doing this for 7 years. It takes time! I hope my blog can one day be as successful as yours!
~Sarah
http://www.grapepairings.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Sarah!
I can’t wait to check out your blog 🙂 Never giving up is actually one of the hardest steps, but you’ll eventually be where you need to be if you keep at it!
xo
Taralynn McNitt says
I just wanted come back and comment on your blog! I really really love it. Makes me want to drink wine 🙂 I love your layout and I love the theme! I’m sharing it with my mom!
Sarah says
Thank you! I’m glad that you like it! Love yours, too!
Melissa FitzGerald says
Thanks for posting this! This gave me so much motivation to finally start “the blog I’m gonna start soon” that I’ve been talking about for years! Kind of like Becca’s, mine is going to be a lifestyle blog — MOSTLY for weight loss/meals/fitness stuff, but I’ll blog about fashion and makeup and whatnot too! I’ll make sure to link you when it’s all done. I’m super excited! I FINALLY came up with a perfect name that isn’t taken and fits me so well, too. Eek!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is so great, Melissa!
I can’t wait to check it out 🙂
Jen says
Such helpful hints! I’m in the beginning phases of my blog and scheduling is definitely key!
Thanks for sharing!
Taralynn McNitt says
No problem!:) Good luck with it all! xo
Cate says
Best blog
Taralynn McNitt says
Aw thanks!
Carly says
I love this post! I’ve started (and sadly neglected) a couple blogs over the past couple years. This post may have just inspired me to dig up my blogs and make them my creative outlet once again. 😉
Number 10 is SO important!
https://adventuresarebettertogether.wordpress.com
http://www.carlyscookies.com
Can’t wait to see what Becca’s blog becomes!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Carly!
Neglecting blogs is common, but you can always pick it right back up!!
xo
Jaime says
I have always dreamed of having a blog.. but I think my thoughts are too unorganized! Anytime I have tried to start one, I just think that I am too random! I would like to write about budgeting in your 20’s, food, daily life, etc…. Like I said, I might be too all over the place for the blogging world but I bet it would be such a stress reliever! I am one of those people that has to write what I think, and it seems like that is what blogging is all about. Thanks for the post!
Taralynn McNitt says
I think unorganized thoughts are totally normal. The great thing about a blog is that you can organize them there! 😀
I’M SUPER RANDOM too. Theme blogs get boring, so I think you’d be awesome!
Monica says
Hi Taralynn!
What are you thoughts on Wordpress vs. Squarespace? Specifically for blogging? I have been wanting to start a blog, but I am unsure of what platform may be best long term. Any help would be much appreciated!
Also, I love your blog and have been following for years!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Monica!
Wordpress is great, BUT you have a lot of issues on the backend. You have to pay a ton more for hosting (I pay around 300 a month) and the security can be tricky. I think Squarespace is less stress for sure.
& thank you so much!
Amber says
Hey Taralynn!
Back on this same subject, can I ask if you are currently using WordPress.com or WordPress.org?
Thanks as always,
Amber
Sasha says
I have been reading your blog for so long and never make it around to commenting, but all that changes today!
If you are comfortable sharing a link to your friends blog I would love to follow along with her too! I love your site and I am sure I would love hers too! Good honest down to earth content is good for the soul 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Sasha!
Thank you so much and I appreciate the comment. They always make my day!!!
Her blog is Epilogue B!
Jessica says
I have been following your blog for a few years, love it. This post was pretty simple and super helpful. I’ve been thinking about doing a lifestyle blog for a while but I’m stuck on the name. Have ideas for post and everything expect the name. ?
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks Jessica!
The name is seriously so hard!!
Nic says
How did ya’ll figure out what designs were free?
Taralynn McNitt says
They have an option for free layouts when you’re designing! Just click “free” 😀
Haylee says
Hi, Taralynn!
I’ve been following your blog for as long as I can remember! I first started following your UndressedSkeleton on Tumblr forever ago, and I’ve loved seeing how your style has changed over the years. You’re a great writer, and I love your recipes!
I’ve been playing with a catch-all blog idea for about six months and intend on reviewing local restaurants, blogging during trips, writing beauty tips, and sometimes everyday life. I’ve played with Wix’s website for a while, and it seems so hard to organize and get all of the gadgets (such as website traffic monitoring, etc.) Is SquareSpace easy to navigate? And does it have any hidden added expenses for gadgets like that?
I love this post! I plan on launching soon because of this. 🙂
Chloe says
Hey Taralynn! I am just beginning my first ever blog. I have been reading yours for 6 years now and I always come back to it. What I love is the style and formatting of your blog. Could I ask, how do you edit your photos on all of your posts? They always look so creative and attractive with the patterns in the background, the font overlays etc !!! 😀
Thank you in advance,
Chloe (All the way from England!)
Ashley Grimes says
Hi Taralynn! I’ve been following your blogs since your Tumblr and am in love with the content you post, especially your photos! I have been trying to start and keep up with a blog for about a year now. I started one but quit posting when I got busy with senior year of college/graduation. Now I have a full time job that takes up most of my time. I feel like I could make time to write posts at night but due to being at work during most of the day light hours, I have no clue when to make time to take enough good quality photos. What do suggest?
Taralynn McNitt says
Use your cell phone! It’s a life saver. Edit right on your phone because you can do it anywhere! Use VSCO!
Alli says
Hi Taralynn!
I’m a longtime reader and I love your blog! I’ve thought about blogging in the past and so this post is really helpful! I have a question for you… how do you decide how much personal information to share on your blog? And do you typically ask your friends/family for permission to be included in the blog (especially in photos)? I’ve always thought about that as a potential obstacle because I’d want to include them but also respect their privacy!
I believe that you’ve mentioned in the past that you’ve had issues with people figuring out where you live and stalking you… I’d love to see a post on safety precautions to take when you are a blogger! I’ve also heard of bloggers struggling with trolls on their page and hurtful comments. How do you handle that?
Thanks! 🙂 Hope you have a great day!
Kimberly Costanza says
Hi Taralynn!
My sister and I have followed you for years, and I admire the honesty you share with your followers! You are a beautiful and courageous woman!
My husband and I recently started a blog about our journey through battling his severe anxiety and depression. We are still very new at this but I would love some advice, if you’re able!
Charity says
Hey Taralynn!
I just came across your blog and absolutely love it. I am a new blogger and this post really helped out a lot. I do have a question for you… What collage site do you use to make your picture collages in your blog posts? I’ve used a couple and I just don’t like the way they look. Thanks girl! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Picmonkey!!! 🙂
Jamie says
I love your blog and have followed you for years but have never been brave enough to comment! but, I recently purchased a domain and have been writing away preparing to go live. Do you think it is worth it to purchase themes or do you think the free ones are just as good?
Kylee says
HI Taralynn!
Loved this post as I too have been interested in starting a hobby blog. Now my question is, is it still possible to monetize a SquareSpace blog, as I’ve always read that WordPress is the way to go if you want to make money off of a blog?
Jamestinge says
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job.
Sarah Armstrong says
Hi Taralynn!
I reached out to you a bit ago about how you’ve inspired me to start blogging again. So I just wanted to say I’ve finally got my blog (semi) up and running and I mentioned you in a post as my inspiration: https://mindbodypowerlifting.com/dvsp-reasons-you-should-have-a-blog/
PS I know this post is from forever ago – I just found it super useful and really refreshing 🙂
Thanks for being so encouraging! I’ll reconnect on more recent posts going forward 😂
Taralynn McNitt says
It looks awesome!!