Since September of 2008, I’ve been writing in my little corner of blog-land. Ever so often, I meet someone who would love to write a blog, but they don’t know where to start. I do not mind sharing what I’ve learned on this amazing adventure!

I subscribe to the theory of abundance. There are so many opportunities, events, conferences, bloggers to meet, ambassadorships, reviews, and moments to write about, it will keep us all very busy for a very long time. There is a perfect place for you to pull up a chair and join this wonderful ride.

This adventure has taken me to Disneyland, Mexico, and San Diego. This little corner has introduced me to some of my dearest friends. This wonderful blog has become a legacy for my family to one day look back on and remember how well we loved each other.

I’ve recorded songs, taken photographs, and shared stories of miracles. This blog that started out as a journal is a snapshot of my world that I cherish as a way to communicate with my grandmother in Texas and friends across the world. I seize the opportunity to throw down words in moments of joy and thoughts that I may not ever be bold enough to utter out-loud. I work out my feelings and deepest thoughts in black and white. I share my favorite things and favorite people with you, and I cannot thank you enough for stopping by to say hello.

If I could go back 8 years and give myself a few hints to avoid the detours I’ve taken, here is what I would tell myself.

1. Choose a name that fits. 

Take your time on this. It is very hard to change it once you start using it. 

I’ve wrestled with this over the years. But then, I remind myself of where I started. I wanted to write my journey down, like the Psalms of the old testament. So Songs in my title, although I get a few emails wondering why I’m not writing about Katy Perry, works for me.

2. Be consistent

Now that you’ve chosen your name, check every social media platform you can think of. It makes things much easier if you are the exact same name everywhere. You also want to be sure that someone else hasn’t thought of your perfect name. 

3. Choose your colors

This part is fun! Start a bulletin board or a pinterest board with pictures that you like and colors that you love! I always have a hard time with this part. I like way too many things, so this is where I ask for help. I have a wonderful designer that I work with that helps me focus and return to my true color palette, not just what is currently trending and pretty.

4. Decide who you are writing to.

Go ahead, give this person a name. I like to pretend that I’m sitting in the living room with my grandmother, my college roommates, and my imaginary blog reader, Annie. My imaginary reader is between high school and late 30’s. She’s younger than I am, but on a similar journey. She loves her family and dreams of leaving a legacy. She is usually confident but sometimes needs that tender encouragement that we all seek.

When I write a post, I think of these people. Will this resonate with them? Why am I writing this post on this space? If the words I’m writing aren’t really addressing these people, then why am I writing it here? Would it be better in a private email to friends and family? Would it be better as a guest post on another site?

These questions help me keep the blog consistent. 

5. Be yourself. Authentically and bravely.

“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”
― Brené Brown

You have a special and unique story to share. Go ahead. Use your words and your story to reach someone that needs to hear that they are not the only one feeling those feelings. You have this beautiful collections of sand and stones and jewels in your hands that you’ve gathered along the journey. Open your hands and show us what it looks like. Spread it out carefully on the sidewalk in front of us. Let us know your everyday and your struggles and your joys. We will celebrate with you.

6. Share your passion with us!

What do you find yourself being asked about? What advice do people ask you for? Do they want your recipes or your tips on raising children? Do they always want to know where you shop or about the latest book you read? 

This is the area where people consider you the expert. Go ahead and share your expertise with the world! 

7. Ask for help

If design isn’t your strength, find a designer who you love working with and let them be the expert. If you don’t enjoy being on Pinterest, it is okay to ask a Virtual Assistant to take that over for you. This will give you more freedom and time to keep doing exactly what you love.

My dear friend Heather takes care of the design and WordPress side of this blog, and I’m so grateful for her insight and expertise! 

8. Do a test run with family and friends

Write down three adjectives that you want your readers to think about your blog. Then, invite your close friends and family to read a few posts. Ask them to give you three adjectives of what their impression is of your blog. This may take a little bit of thick skin, but it is so worth it. Before you go too much further, compare their adjectives to yours and see if you are heading the right directions.

9. Find your tribe

There will be a group of bloggers out there that you just click with. It will be so nice to talk to others in your profession who understand exactly what you are asking. I have two main tribes.

One tribe is a group of bloggers that lives here in Arizona. We support each other, promote each other, and edify each other. When one of us succeeds, we celebrate! When one of us is recognized as a professional, knowledgeable, ethical influencer, it makes every blogger look good.

My other tribe is a group of bloggers that I’ve met over the years through reading blogs that I enjoy or through conferences that I’ve attended. We have similar passions or faith. These bloggers make me smile just to think about. I wish we all lived down the block from one another.

10. Spread the word

If you are always on Facebook, then share about your blog on Facebook. If you attend a book club, let them know what you are up to! 

Some blogs spread like wildfire and some are a slow, steady burn. If you are writing about what you are passionate about, the numbers and opportunities won’t matter as much. As with anything in life, do what you love. Love what you do and do it well.

The best news about blogging is that we are still a new industry. We are getting to write the rules as we go.

I hope this helps! Please feel free to email me or comment with any questions.

This advice and much more will all be part of a new eBook. Find more information here: Act-On

Resources that I use and recommend:

My blog designer:

• Heather, Life Made Lovely

Blog Classes:

• Emily, Jones Design Company
• Holly, Decor8

Photography Classes:

• Ashley, Under the Sycamore
• Nancy, Ordinary Miracles Photography

Books:

• Becca Ludlum, Everything But the Posts
• Jessica Turner, The Fringe Hours

Blog Marketing Advice and Strategy:

• Blogging Concentrated
• Type A
• Blended Conference