OOTD - My Advice To New Bloggers

Lately I've been getting lots of messages and emails from people wanting to start a blog, or bloggers who are just starting out and want to know if I have any tips. While I'm definitely no expert, when I think back to the first year that I started La Petite Noob there were definitely things that I did that I'm thankful for, and regret. I truly believe that your first few months of blogging are so liberating, and that being a new blogger is one of the most fun times in your blogging journey. Here are my tips and advice to new bloggers.

Dress - c/o laut, Shoes - c/o Le Chateau

Look at that back detail! This dress is absolutely stunning and handmade in Bali!

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment With Content

So you have a blog, and you're anxious to get started.  Unless you have one particular topic that you don't want to waver from for your blog, use this time to explore creating a variety of content to see which one you and your audience enjoy most.  When I first started, I covered everything under the sun from drink recipes, outfit posts, travel guides and more personal posts. While I mainly focus on personal style now, it was through all of my experimentation that I figured out what I actually enjoyed writing about and how I could connect with my readers. I found that having only few people reading my blog gave me a creative freedom to create whatever I wanted, and it was through that process that I truly found my voice as a blogger.

Audience First, Sponsorship Second

I think it goes without saying, but when you're first starting out focus on growing your audience and readers before even thinking about sponsorships or receiving product. As you progress through your journey, you'll realize that your most valuable asset as a blogger is your relationship with your readers and their trust so focus on building that. You also may not receive product or sponsorships for your blog for some time (I didn't for almost 2 years) so focusing on your readers will bring you the joy that you need to remain consistent and avoid burnout.

Be Consistent With The Amount That You Post

It's difficult when it seems like you're writing only for yourself, but it's so important to have a consistent schedule when you first start out blogging. Sticking to a schedule and promising yourself that you will post at least once a week will help to make blogging become a fixture in your routine, and will help to attract readers. I know myself that I love stumbling upon a new blog, and am so much more likely to follow if I see that they post consistently. Couple this piece of advice with experimenting with your content, and you'll be pumping out the blog posts in no time!

Just Start

It sounds simple, but my biggest piece of advice to new bloggers is to just start.  Sign up for a blogging platform, download a template to get yourself a layout and just start. I remember that I wanted to start a blog for years before I actually did and the biggest barrier that held me back was myself. I wanted to make sure that I had the right camera, the right look, the right space to blog in - I was so focused on the little details that they ultimately held me back. It wasn't until I just started, and began to create content that everything began to fall into place. My original blog design looks nothing like it does today, and that's okay - you'll evolve and change as a blogger to find your true voice and style; but you can't do any of that without starting.

What do you guys think? Do you have a blog, or are just starting? What have been your biggest challenges? Maybe you've been blogging for years and have some tips of your own. Let me know!

xo Joëlle

Photos by the lovely and talented Bettina Bogar