500 Posts And Counting!

Hello,
I hope your holiday was fun with family and friends! Was Santa good to you? Christmas with the fam was awesome, we have a 9-month old and a 7-year-old so it is always a blast watching the kiddos open gifts. I really hate to see them grow up! But this here blog sure is growing up – today is my 500th, nope 502 blog post. Yeah baby!!! I still find it hard to believe but I am about that blog life, for real. I’ve learned a few things after blogging 500 posts. Let the mini-mini class begin.

1. A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Invest in a good camera because pictures draw readers to your post. Some bloggers would disagree since the big boy cameras are very expensive and sometimes tricky to use. By big boy, I mean a DSLR – digital single-lens reflex camera which means your pictures will be more crisp and clear – more professional looking. Yep that is the difference a DSLR camera makes in blogging. Yes, content matters, but good content AND good pictures is a winning team for any blog post. I’m still using an OKAY camera but a GOOD camera is my next blog investment.

2. Slow And Steady Wins The Race

You do not have to post everyday, but you do have to be consistent. Start out posting 2 or 3 days a week. This gives you time to figure out your blogging voice – who are you? why are you blogging? what are you blogging about? Here is a good article on finding your blog voice. Once you nail that, you can increase your posting to 5 days or even 7 days if you’re a beast!! I started out with 3 days and now I’m at 5 days, mostly 5 days. Figure out what works for you and werk it!

3. Be A Student of Blogging

To be a better blogger keep learning. There is no shortage of blogging resources on the Internet. Continue to hone your skills by reading articles, attending blogging conferences, participating in writing challenges or photo challenges. All of these activities will improve your blogging skills! Now I mentioned blogging conferences, which can be expensive, especially if you want to travel to a different city. But still totally doable. Start saving now to attend a conference!! These have been invaluable in brushing up on the blog posting skills I am comfortable with and gaining new skills AND meeting other bloggers! The blogging world evolves so stay abreast of the current trends and technology by schooling ya’self!

4. Social Media Is King

Gosh, I so struggle with this one. But you must have a social media presence. Pick one or two and work those two. I am present on the biggies – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and now YouTube! I’m still trying to embrace Facebook and Twitter, but love, love, love Instagram and Pinterest so I focus a lot on those two. And I just started YouTube videos, which have been a riot to create! Don’t be afraid to dip your toe in any of these. If you can, use your blog name on all social media so your readers can easily find you. The key is Engagement. Respond to comments and likes, engage your readers and don’t forget to engage the brands you love too!

5. No Blogger Is An Island

“Reach out and touch somebody’s hand”, love that song! Build your tribe. Engage other bloggers, visit their sites, leave meaningful comments, shout them out on your blog, or propose collaborations! Blogging is a huge community of creative people. Find bloggers that inspire you and learn and grow together! Oh the fun you will have and the super cool people you will meet.

What a ride and looking forward to 500 more posts in 2015! What are you looking forward to in 2015?

Anything in particular you’d like to see on robincharmagne? I wanna know!

Enjoy the last 3 days of 2014!!!

Link parties{here}.