Monday 6 April 2015

My One Year Blogging Anniversary♥

On Friday 10th April 2015, my blog will be one year old! I posted my first ever post a year ago that day, and that post is still up actually! Over the past year, I've learnt things about blogging, which I thought I'd share with you, whether you're a blogger, an aspiring blogger or just a regular reader of my blog. In no means am I an expert blogger, this is just what I find is best for my blog. I've also got a little Q&A at the bottom! This post is a little different, but enjoy!

1. Be Unique.

This is definitely the most important part of blogging. I'm a beauty blogger, and there's millions upon millions of other beauty blogs out there, so for mine to be noticed, I have to have unique content. Whether that's unique with photos, blog layout etc, it's best to be different for people to find your blog interesting. Are you telling me someone's wanting to read 10 blog posts reviewing the exact same products and basically saying the same thing?

2. Blog about what you want.

Every single time that a make-up brand brings out a new product, there's a guarantee that a huge majority of beauty bloggers will review that. Don't feel pressured to review it as well! Of course you can review it whenever you want, but don't blog about it just because everyone else is. Blog about it in your own time. If you're wanting to blog about a make-up item which everyone raved about years ago, go for it! Chances are there's new people out there looking for reviews on it! It's your blog - blog what you want!

3. Don't be afraid to show off your content.

Now talking from personal experience, I was nervous to what everyone would think. I didn't really tell anyone about my blog, which is silly, because my blog wouldn't have grown this much if nobody knew! I promote and share my blog on all my social media (which is always linked at the bottom of my posts.) People are usually glad to find new blogs to read, well I know I am. By sharing your blog, you're a) increasing views and b) helping people find your blog. It's a win win situation for everyone!

4. It's not all about the number.

By saying number, I mean amount of views each post gets and total number of pageviews. I think this is a point which people get worried over. Blogging is NOT all about the numbers you receive. Of course it's nice to see your blog grow, which it does over time. trust me. For me, blogging is something I do because I enjoy it, and I love sharing the products I love with people to help them find new products. I've had my blog for almost a year, and I have over 13,000 page views. It takes time to grow your blog!

5. Enjoy what you do!

This is probably the most important part of blogging. Whether you blog about beauty, fashion, food etc, enjoy what you do. It's like the quote, "Do what you love and love what you do". If you don't enjoy blogging, then why do it?

Instagram Question & Answer

@bearbeauty00 
 What made you want to start blogging?

I started blogging simply because I wanted to share products I love with other beauty lovers!

Who is your favourite blogger?

Oh that's so hard! I've lately found some amazing new blogs which I love. A few of my favourite blogs are : RaspberrykissShy NatureMagpie JasmineFashStyleLiv and The Perks Of Mollie Quirk.

What blogs inspire you?

Basically all the blogs I mentioned above! All the blogs I read inspire me, but three of them are definitely : The Sunday GirlFleur De Force and GabriellaLovesxo.

How did you design your blog?

All I did was choose a layout design from blogger and then changed the settings around to what I liked and chose a pink background! Simple really!

What's your favourite thing about blogging? (For example, helping people make good make-up choices or taking photos or having an excuse to buy new things).

Definitely knowing that people like my content, especially when they leave me comments - I love comments! I think that having the excuse to buy new make-up as well, although I've been quite good and haven't bought any in ages! I also like giving recommendations to people who are looking for new products. Another thing is collaborating. I've done a few collabs with some fabulous bloggers and it's so fun!
What has been the hardest thing about blogging for you personally?

I think sharing my blog to people. I was worried of what people would think, as are many bloggers at first. But now, I look back and think, why was I so scared? There's nothing wrong with having a blog. It's something I love doing, so there isn't any point about being nervous! I have the most amazing people who support me for having a blog and I'm so grateful. I often have people ask me about my blog in confidence, and even tell me they're thinking of buying a product which I reviewed, it's a good feeling knowing I've gave them a good impression on the product!

What's the most satisfying thing about blogging for you personally?

Like I said above, probably helping people find new products to try!

Would you ever consider YouTube if enough people requested you to do so?

Oh, I don't know! I like the whole aspect of sitting down and typing, otherwise if I was to film, I'd most likely get tongue-tied!

Where do you see your blog in 5 years time?

I'd like to still be blogging! If I am, I hope my blog has grown lots!

What do you use to take photos?

The camera I use is the Olympus VG-170!

How did you gain followers and views?

I share my blog on all my social media, read other people's blogs and comment, and I follow people and they sometimes follow back.

Any tips for new bloggers?

I'd pretty much just say all the steps I said above; be unique, blog about what you want, don't be afraid to share your content, it's not all about the number and enjoy doing it! For me, I would also say have a schedule. You can dedicate one day for a post to go up, like me, or post one a week, but let your readers know you blog once/twice a week. By informing your readers on your ideas, people will check back each week/that day to see if there's a new post.

A question a lot of people often ask - working with brands. It's definitely something which takes time to gradually happen. I first got the opportunity to work with the lovely Lee Stafford back in January. Since then, I've worked with a few brands. I think you should have your blog for almost a year before considering doing it. Brands are interested in how many pageviews you have, so it's a good idea to have quite a high number. I was the one to contact the brand myself, since there's so many blogs, they might not look through them all. People often think it's not a good idea, but I've worked with brands by contacting them myself. However, please, do not just email the brand in the hope of "free items". They're doing it for you to share their products on the blog. The brand have to earn trust in you!

This is just from my own personal experience. Each and every blogger is different and has experienced something different. I've only blogged for a year, but my blog has grown so much - over 13,000 pageviews, 100 bloglovin followers, 1900+ Instagram followers and 200+ twitter followers. Thank you all so much! 

I hope this post has given you an insight into blogging. If you're interested, then I think you should go for it!

Do you have a blog? Or are you thinking about starting one? Leave me a comment, as well as your link so I can check out your blog!


70 comments:

  1. Thank you for including me in your post :D

    I really agree on blogging about what you want instead of trying to keep up with the crowd, as well as the fact you have to love it as it's so much work!

    Congratulations on 1 year of blogging and good luck for the next year of your blog xx

    Magpie Jasmine | Zoeva Brush Set Giveaway

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    1. It's no bother, been loving your blog lately!

      People don't actually realise how much work goes into blogging, although, I do love doing it!

      Thank you so much xxx

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  2. Thank you ever so much for mentioning me! I love your blog, it's so cute and I adore the content too! Happy Blog Birthday!

    (Almost 14K page views, wool!)

    Mollie xxx

    www.theperksofmolliequirk.blogspot.com

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    1. It's not a problem! Thank you so much! I know, can't believe how much my blog has grown! xx

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  3. I really liked this post, a lot of bloggers who do similar posts like this on blogging advice, my favorite would be time to build your blog. Thanks for sharing all the tips and advice! They will always come in handy!

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    1. Thank you! Yes that's also a good piece of advice! There's an endless list of advice for blogging, well in my opinion! No worries, hope they help x

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  4. This is so awesome, congrats girl!! I hope that my blog can last that long!! I love to blog but I'm starting grad school in June and it will be hard to devote as much time as I do now! You are an inspiration! Great tips xo
    http://inspirationindulgence.com

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    1. Awww thank you so much! That's so nice, aw! Good luck for your blog in the future! You could always pre-write posts and pop them up whenever you're free! xx

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  5. Happy 1 year anniversary!! I am coming up on mine next month as well. Doesn't seem possible! Great post!

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    1. Thank you! Oh, happy 1 year blog anniversary for you too! I know, feel like I just started blogging last week! Thank you x

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  6. Happy 1 Year Blogiversary!! I agree with all your points. I love blogging and just write about what I enjoy as I find you put your best work into what you enjoy :)

    http://planetvikki.blogspot.co.uk

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  7. Congrats on your anniversary. As long as you enjoy what you blog about that is half the battle!

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  8. awesome post!!! I think it's important to be yourself throughout the whole process.

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  9. Hey Congratulations! Great advice too.

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  10. You are so right, its great to have such an honest blogger. You have the right intentions at heart, well done:) x
    http://kirstyjennifermeenan.blogspot.co.uk/

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  11. Congrats on your one year!! Your advice is wonderful and so spot on. I've had my blog for a little over 8 months and it honestly still feels like the beginning. Sometimes it's hard to not get caught up in the numbers, but then I remember how much I love blogging and keep going. Such a great inspirational post!

    xo
    Sami || TheClassicBrunette.blogspot.com

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    1. Aw thank you! I hope it helps you grow your blog! I honestly cannot believe how quickly my first year has gone by! Yeah, I get you with the numbers, I used to think nobody read my posts but they do! x

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  12. Happy 1 Year Blogiversary! Mine is coming up next month and I'm actually so amazed at how quickly the first year goes!
    Your advice was spot on - I used to be so scared to branch out and do anything unique with my blog and now the new posts and different ideas make it a little different from everyone else - which is a good thing!!
    Thanks, just what I needed today!
    Renee C.
    seetheworldinpink.blogspot.ca

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    1. Thank you! Oooh, happy 1 year blogiversary to you too then! Yes, my first year has gone by so quick! Of course! I'm always afraid to do a post a little different to usual, like today, but I usually like how it turns out! Hope this helped! x

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  13. Hey, I had my blog since 2012 but started back seriously blogging in February this year. I really love doing this because I like experiencing life and writing about it. I also have a YouTube channel, my channel and blog work well together.

    Here is my blog link : http://danielleartstylefashion.blogspot.com/2015/02/mac-attack.html

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    1. I bet you're so glad to have got back into blogging and doing it seriously again! Blogging is great fun, and I love it. Yeah, I bet it's sometimes good to have the two! x

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  14. Love your Anniversary posts and tips!! I got started in February with my post Blueridge Beauty on Facebook and Blogger!!

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    1. Aw thank you - hope these hope you with your blog then! x

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  15. Happy Blog Anniversary! I remember when I pressed publish on my very first post, I was terrified! lol With how many blogs there are in our niche, it's definitely important to be yourself and be unique. Great tips! :)

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    1. Thanks hun! Haha you aren't they only one, I was like that, plus I didn't really understand the whole blogging thing at first anyway! It can be hard at first definitely, but with the right logic and everything, it pays off! Thank you x

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  16. Happy Blogiversary! I love this post and I love all of the blog details you've included too. Thanks for sharing and happy blogging <3

    xo Brigette from brigetteramos.com

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    1. Thanks Brigette! That's sweet of you! Hope you enjoyed x

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  17. Great post and congrats on blogging for the last year :D I completely agree about doing it if you love it, otherwise it comes across in your writing and whats the point! xxx

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    1. Thank you! Yea you can tell straight away by someone's blog if they're not enjoying it! x

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  18. Congratulations girl!! You are doing a great job, keep up the good work! ;-) <3

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  19. Happy one year blogging anniversary. Your blog is awesome. Keep it up! :D

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  20. Excellent advice! I hope the years to come bring you and your blog much success. Keep up the good work.
    www.divaandthedivine.com

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  21. Congrats on blogging for a year and thanks for sharing everything that you've learnt :)

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  22. Congratulations Jasmine! I definitely agree with the first thing you said, you really have to find your style and figure out how to present things in a different or unique way!

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  23. Congrats with your anniversary, hopefully there are many more blogging years to come! xo

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  24. congratulation honey!!!!! this is a important day for you and your blog! ;)

    Check it out my new
    post: http://www.honeyandcotton.org/cheap-and-glamour-wedding-dress-only-in-cocomelody-com/
    Big Hug.
    Nunù.

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  25. I love to see how blogs grow throughout the year! My blog has grown so much and I have learned so much through blogging! My posts when I first started were horrific!

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    1. Especially if you've read them since the start! Ahah aw me too, I'd have about four different fonts and they just weren't good! x

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  26. Happy blogiversary! #3 is a tough one for me, too. Thanks for encouraging the rest of us! This seems like a very happy place to be :)

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    1. Thank you! Hope you become more confident in sharing your blog, and that you keep blogging x

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  27. Thank you so much for mentioning me :) It means a lot! Amazing blogpost and love the blog xx

    Lauren | shynature.blogspot.co.uk

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  28. Wow this blog post really helps meh gave me a lot of inspiration for my blog🌸

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  29. Congrats with your anniversary! And you are so right about those blogging tips, love it! X

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  30. Congrats for your first blogging bday!!
    Emma
    www.emmalovesfashion.com

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    1. Thank you! Wow, 3?! That's amazing, happy early blogiversary! x

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  32. Happy Blog Anniversary and thank you so much for including my blog!! You have made so much progress and engagement in just one year and I can't wait to see what the blogging future holds for you!!...xx

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    1. Anytime - I truly love your blog! Aw thank you so much xx

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  33. Happy Blog Anniversary, it's been over 5 months since I started blogging, and love the whole process of designing the blog to taking pictures and reviewing, it's all so much fun and full of creativity.

    Sam|| BeautyDetour

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    1. Thank you! I bet you're so glad you started blogging, because, I can tell you now, I am so glad I started! x

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  34. These are some of the most fabulous tips! Congrats on 1 year blogging :)
    Love, Amie <3

    thecurvaceousvegan.com

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