I’ve been at this blogging game for about 4 months now and I cannot believe how much I have learned and discovered in that time period. Who knew that this blogging world had so much to offer. Who knew how much strategy was involved? I originally started this journey inspired by a friend to merge my creative outlets. I had no idea that I would find even more ways to get creative. Or that I would find so much passion in this.

If you’re reading and have been following along with me, you’ll notice my The Autumn Girl has had a bit of a makeover. I hope you enjoy it! I’ve been working with engineers all weekend to upgrade my blog to a more aesthetically pleasing site. I thought it was time.

Here are a few things I have learned since blogging:

• As competitive as the blogging world can be, every blogger I have met has been very supportive and helpful. Everyone seems to want to lift each other up. I’ve even had a few bloggers (friends of friends) reach out to ME and say, “hey! I’m a blogger too! If you ever need anything, let me know!” <– What? Yes. People are that cool.
• Social media is an extremely powerful tool. Through facebook, twitter, and especially instagram, I have found really neat connections with people, discovered images that inspire me, and met people going through similar journeys. It’s so awesome. The hashtag is genius.
• Pretty pictures matter. Images that catch your eye matter. Our photos are one of the ways we establish our feel, our look, our style. I can’t tell you how much work goes into making a cohesive Instagram feed…OR a pretty picture! Well actually, I can and I will. In just one second.

Let Me Answer Some Questions You May Have:

• Do you get writer’s block often? Do you find it hard to come up with things to write about?

Sometimes I wonder how I’m going to continue this trend of writing 5 posts a week. But I haven’t hit that wall quite yet. And I’m not sure I will. What I do to keep at it is constantly jot down notes. If I’m away from my computer and think of something, I’ll send myself an email. Or I’ll start writing a post and save it and come back to it when I’m ready to write more. I get tons of ideas while walking the dogs or going on a run. Or driving and listening to a good tune. Or talking to people! People are so inspiring…

• What’s your favorite thing to blog about?

It’s hard to say. What I love to write most about is happiness. And tributes to people I love. And share quotes that resonate with me. And moments or people or things that inspire me. But I have a passion for fashion and photography and have loved where this blog has taken me since exploring that world. I love to showcase things that involved style and home decor. It gets me excited.

• How much time do you spend on your blog?

Hmm. That’s a tough one. I spend a LOT of time on my blog. I feel like it’s always on my brain. I am constantly churning new ideas. And then I write about them. And edit those pieces. And sometimes delete them if I feel they are silly. Basically, I’ve made this blog somewhat of a job for me. The more work I put into it, the more I get out. And it’s a job I LOVE! #ROCKON  Basically, I can’t give you an hour estimate of how much time I spend on it. I can just tell you that it’s always in the back of my mind, and that there is always more that can be done. 

• I just started following you on Instagram. What did you say about a ‘Cohesive Feed’? And why do you post so often?

I remember when I first started following some bloggers a few years ago and was overwhelmed by the frequency of their posting. “Ugh, I just don’t care that much,” I would think. Simple answer to that my friends. Unfollow. It’s that easy. When you’re working hard to market yourself, you’ve got to consistently publish pictures and images. It’s how you stay relevant. It’s how you drive traffic to your blog. It’s how you create a following. I went to a workshop in November and one of the greatest lessons I learned was how to create a cohesive Instagram feed. You want your pictures to all carry a similar feeling or vibe that represents YOU. “Okay but I don’t have that gorgeous white side table that every blogger seems to have to display their pretty objects for optimal lighting”… OKAY but you don’t need it. Here’s a little trick my friends –> white posterboards <– No one knows the difference! For example:

• I’ve noticed you’ve posted quite a few pictures of yourself… What’s up with that?

The first time I posted a picture of just me, smiling, looking at the camera, thumbs up- I thought, “Oh my God, I’m doing this. I’m one of those vain people posting a picture of myself. Celebrities do that. And girls with no confidence. This is so tacky. I’m SO WEIRD. #Help”…. But it wasn’t like that at all. And after I posted my first solo shot, I felt liberated. I’m not pursing my lips kissing the camera like Kylie Jenner obsessing over herself. I’m displaying a look; a feeling; a vibe. And  I’m trying to show off an outfit, dammit! There are ways you can market yourself without obsessing over yourself.  And doing it strategically where you catch someone’s eye or appeal, well- it’s all part of this game! And it’s been so fun getting your feedback, guys! Really, it has.

• Any words of advice if I want to start my own blog?

DO it. Find what you’re passionate about. Start writing. And then let me know so I can be your #1 fan. 

Thanks for reading you guys! I would love your feedback. What have you enjoyed reading or seeing the most on my blog? What things do you like to write about? Have you ever posted a selfie/solo shot and what was that like? By the way, I have networked with quite a fantastic group of ladies in Chicago through #GirlBossesChicago and I can’t wait to share some of their blogs & writing with you! Stay tuned for an exciting post featuring some very talented women!

Cheers.

 

 

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