So if you’re interested in starting a blog or have maybe been always told you should, DO IT! Why not?! Blogging is hard to maintain at times, but always worth the effort! It’s always nice to look back on the things you wrote and benchmark progress in your life. Plus, I guarantee you’ll become a more effective communicator in the process. My blog isn’t perfect or famous, but it’s something I genuinely enjoy! I’ve become a better writer too, so bonus!

So how to start?

First (and the hardest step), figure out what you want to write about. What’s the purpose (or if you want to get really specific, mission statement) for your blog? Will it be short term specific, like about a semester abroad or a specific topic? Or are you looking at a longterm all purpose blog? This blog is the latter and my statement of purpose is “a blog by a twenty-something about the little somethings that make life great.” Pretty simple, but it helps me focus.

Second step is making it! I use WordPress, which is the most effective platform in my experience, but maybe you like Blogger or prefer Tumblr! It’s all good! The point is to just write!

Figuring out a title and layout is hard sometimes, but it can be fluid. If you don’t find THE perfect name or design right away, it’s okay. You’ll figure it out!

Finally, write, write, write! Figure out something you like doing (like me and my gif love) and then just do it! Try to post 3 times a week and especially in the beginning. Consistency in the beginning helps the blog to actually stay around! I’ve had wayyy too many half finished blogs with 5 months of posts.

And like Field of Dreams, if you build it, they will come. Don’t make your focus be on getting views or readers. I believe that if you’re doing something you’re truly passionate about, excitement is contagious. Focus on the foundation and blueprints first, not the wall color.

If you decide to join the blog club, let me know! I’d love to read your stuff & get you to guest write here!