Moptop Musings: Tips on Blogging

Starting a blog was one of the most spontaneous and best decisions I ever made. I never planned or dreamed it to become what it is and I think that is what makes it even more special. I didn't have a plan, or a guideline, or a mentor, or really anything to tell me how or what to do...I just learned as I went. So that's why I have decided to share a couple of my random, little blogging tips to hopefully help you get started on your blog or maybe just be a little guide or words of encouragement!

Let's start with the technical stuff first:

1. Take Your Photos Seriously:
This is what I believe is the ticket to a good blog! It's what represents you, so put your best photos forward ;) It took me awhile to save up to buy my first professional camera but it was so worth it. If you don't have access to a nice camera, ask around! See if you can borrow someones, or try and find a photographer to work with in your area. (That's also a great way to network!)

2. Set up Social Media Accounts:
Set up an account on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest...all the works, dedicated to your blog. This is a great way to keep your followers updated on your new posts!

3. Post your looks on other sites:
Lookbook and Chictopia are great places to show off your style and spread the word of your blog. I'm sure there are many other great sites as well (let me know if you know of any!) but you can always research some other sites! The internet is such a wonderful place!

4. Plan out your posts:
This is a vital thing for me. It's a way to keep your blog organized and making sure your being consistent with your posts. I usually try and plan out a day that I have off and use that time to take photos and plan some posts. Planners are perfect for this sort of thing!
Now for the motivational, heart to heart stuff!

1. Do It Because You Love It.
Ok, this might seem kind of harsh but I'm going to be totally honest. Don't start blogging because you are hoping you will be sent to fashion week on a private jet plane or to the bahamas wearing Michael Kors' new Resort Collection. That's what we all want of course, but I think a successful blog is about doing it for the right reasons. Blog because you have a strong desire to be creative, because you have a strong voice or idea that you want to share, because it's what you love. Those are the blogs that become truly successful and truly make a difference. Sounds really cliche but it's honest. (At least in my opinion)

2. Don't Get Discouraged, It Takes Time!
I remember when I first started blogging, I would actually get teased for my blog. A lot of the people in the city I used to live in didn't really understand the whole blogging thing. And I'm sure they thought I sounded really nuts when I told them that I just take photos of myself and post them on the internet. But I didn't listen to what all those people thought, I just kept blogging and just tried to do the best that I could. Slowly, with time, I started to see that more and more people were reading my blog and that is what encouraged me even more (YOU GUYS WERE MY MOTIVATION), and you will see that in time, your readers will grow as well! It doesn't happen over night. Just like anything, it takes hard work, patience, and being consistent!

3. Don't Compare Yourself To Others: This is something that is really hard to do. I find myself getting discouraged somedays and seeing how great other bloggers are and the amazing outfits they put together (especially since I'm a college student...I have a serious budget!), but what's the point? It's just a serious waste of time and energy. Instead focus your energy on what you want to do. Turn those negative thoughts into a source of inspiration and how you're going to better your next posts.

I hope this helps a little bit! I would love to get your feedback and any other questions you guys might have! I'm thinking about sharing different tips and such with these "Moptop Musings" posts! 

And good luck bloggers!