Friend Friday: Blogging Baby Steps

I decided to join Modly Chic and a bunch of new blogging buddies in “Friend Friday” a weekly cyber-discussion that allows us to connect with one another and interact while sharing views on different topics.  

This week is all about Blogging Baby Steps.  Check out my responses below (and feel free to leave your own in the comments section.  I’d love to hear what you all think!)

1. How has your blog changed over the months/years you’ve been blogging?

I still consider myself a blogging newbie since I just started in April.  I definitely think my picture quality is steadily improving.  Before I’d just take one shot and leave it at that.  But now I really try to highlight the important/interesting elements of my outfits more.  I also try to incorporate more and more of my personality into each of my posts.  However, I do try and keep myself in check since I am terribly sarcastic and dry in real life, but that doesn’t always come across well on the interwebs (as I’ve learned the hard way over the years… sigh)

2. What was one thing you did wrong in the beginning and how have you changed that?

Since I was/am new at this, I think I spent too much time looking at what other people were doing and perhaps feeling like I didn’t have anything as impressive to share.  Now I realize that everyone brings something unique to the table, and while my blog won’t necessarily resonate with everyone, that’s ok.  In fact, that’s great, because I can focus more on honing my own personal style and sharing useful tips and information with the people who enjoy and appreciate what I have to offer.

3. When you visit a blog what’s the greatest turn off? The thing that makes you close the tab?

• Poor formatting.  Things like white words against a black background and really tiny, blurry photos.
• Fashion sites that are too trashy/gritty.  I know there’s an audience for that, but I’m not really into seeing pics of sloppy drunk people falling over themselves or taking pics on toilets and calling it fashion. 
• Too much focus on celebrities. Again, I know there’s an audience for that sort of thing, but I honestly couldn’t care less.  And if I do get curious, I can pick up a magazine or turn on the tv.
• Infrequent updates.  If the last post was more than 3 days ago, I probably won’t be visiting that site again because it’s a signal that the blogger isn’t really focused on the project… so why should I be?

4. How did you find your voice?

By just being me and writing about what I felt.  Quite frankly, all it takes is just being honest.  After that, the thoughts just seem to flow.

5. If you had three pieces of advice to give to a new blogger what would those be?

• Stick with it. Even if you feel like no one’s reading your blog, just keep posting.  I personally have made a commitment to blog for at least a year and evaluate where I want to take things after that. 
• Be consistent. Because of time constraints, a lot of folks can’t post daily.  That’s cool, but whatever schedule you do pick, make sure you stick with it.  I make it my goal to post everyday Monday-Friday before 10am.  I’ll also occasionally post on the weekend or later in the day as well, but I consider those bonuses outside of my regular schedule.
• Find your unique perspective. I think this one can be the most challenging, but it will also reap the most reward.  I’m still working that out for myself slowly but surely, but figure out what it is that you can offer on your blog that readers can’t find anywhere else.  Once you’ve done that, you’re golden.