IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO START A BLOG | 8 Tips for New Bloggers on How to Start a Blog and Take it to the Next Level

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.- Proverbs 22:29.

Hi guys! Welcome to today's post. Get some hot chocolate or a cold drink to sip as you read, it's a fairly long post.

When I started out blogging I was desperate for a creative outlet because I am passionate about the arts. However, with time and because I've invested a lot of time and money into this, I began to drift towards the concept that I can make a living out of my hobby(isn’t that everyone’s dream?)
The question as to whether or not starting a blog in 2018 is late will have have a lot of answers from different folks.

I feel that starting a blog now is both harder, and easier. It is harder because the competition is steep, and you must stand out and be consistent in publishing quality content for your audience. It’s easier now because a lot of things have been simplified. And, there are a lot of bloggers out there willing to assist and give you tips on how to succeed, and do better. A lot of bloggers are gradually becoming open minded in sharing what they know. These are mostly things pioneer bloggers didn’t have. They had to learn all they know through very trying experience.
Honestly, I have had this post in mind to share with you in order to know your thoughts on this subject. It struck me this month when someone asked me "are you happy with this hobby? 
What do you want out of it? Is it a hobby or a business?"

Basically, it all depends on what you want out of your blog at the end of the day. 
#SpeakingIntoExistence this blog will feed me, and pay my bills this year. I don't know or care to know how but it will happen.

I feel that as a blogger, once you've reached this stage, it means you've transitioned from your blog being just a hobby to it being a business. 

Babe, I encourage you to keep reading this post, because I have several tips to share with you. WORD OF CAUTION: I'm no expert in blogging these are just some tips I've learned on the way. I've been blogging since 2013 but started lilyofnigeria in 2016. However, I am still learning, so be kind enough to share your thoughts on this post, abd personal tips with me :)

1. You have to be determined and intentional. Make up your mind, and give it your all. It's your business after all. This includes finding a solid name you'll stick with and be proud of in five years time *wink*

2. Make a plan, and have a structure. If you fail to plan, you have planned to fail. Leave NOTHING to chance. Let me give you a heads up of what mine are:
What goals do you hope to achieve?

Top 3 professional goals and personal goals on a long and short term basis.

Three helps you fine tune your priorities so that you don't get too carried away.

Honey get yourself a media kit! Google it and create your own. Notice how I said "create your own". Dont go to another person's blog and lift off theirs it's not cool bruh. Besides their analytics a FAR different from yours to do you.


3. Invest, invest, invest. Your money, time and engagement. If you engage with other bloggers, they'll engage with you too. Your money shouldn't be spent on irrelevant things. You should consider spending it on props for pictures, camera, tripod, hosting, domain name, editing tools and so on. Remember to be prudent in spending. If you won't be needing it in one year's time don't bother. When it comes to investing your time createcontent that will stand you out. Research on how to make your brand stand out.


4. I know you've heard this, I'll tell you again maybe you'll listen to me BUY YOUR OWN DOMAIN NAME. You will be happy you did. 
Imagine working SO hard, and three years down the line you find out some sponger bought it, and now requires that you buy it back from them. God forbid!


5. Get a good host company. And if you use a blogger account you can always redirect your own domain name back to blogger.


6. Keep an open mind so that you learn new things, and meet new people that'll help you grow.


7. REACH OUT! When in doubt or ignorant, ASK QUESTIONS, and answer when people ask you. If you have answers to What other close bloggers have been asking share it with them, no man is an island. And, you won't gain any points for being a hoarding bastard. 


8. Try, try, try again. Try again babe, don't be scared. Go back to the drawing board, tick off methods that didn't work out well for you. You can replace those methods with the new ones you've discovered, and give it another go.

Remember, you're in this to win this!


Fam, don't forget to help me share this post with your friends and family, and subscribe.  I won't be a content creator without your support. 

I hope you enjoyed today's post, and it's useful to you.
I have one question, how do you pitch your blog to brands to get them to work with you? Please comment your answer. 



I am always grateful for your support. I pray the week ahead brings good news to all you've been expecting lately.

All my love,
Lily of Nigeria.


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This brand is based on Psalm 45:13.