Happy Birthday to Me!

Birthdays are usually a time for reflection. To look back over your life, how you’ve got to this point, would you have done things differently and how you wish to move forward. This year I am only looking forward as I could have huge news in the next couple of weeks... So rather than reflect back on how I reached the lovely age of 24, I thought I’d reflect on life as a blogger for 3 months. 

The main lessons learnt while blogging are;

Don't let writers block stop you

Write for you. I’m sure you’ve read this before on a number of blogs. Every blogger needs reminding of this every time they have a wobbly moment. There isn’t a set of rules to personal blogging. Let your writing reflect your personality. Share the things you love. Create your own rules, try not to let another blog that you read devotedly cloud your own little space. 

One of my first SLR shots

Invest in a good camera. The easiest way to create content is through images. What is the story behind the picture or your thoughts on the object or place in the image? I always have a camera of sorts close to hand, be it my phone, compact digital camera or my new SLR. Get it to the habit of taking photos and you’ll never be stuck for content. Since posting images with the SLR I am much happier with the quality and the look and feel of my blog. However SLR’s are quite pricey but don’t fret, compact digital cameras are so so reasonably priced and take brilliant pictures. 

You’ll never have enough time. I could easily sit and write, tweak my layout, edit photos and tweet all day and night. Blogging is time consuming. Like with anything you enjoy, you want to spend all your time and efforts nurturing. Know this when you start. I started out with an unrealistic idea of how I would manage my time and found myself pretty deflated quickly, as you may have read here. 

It’s all about the content. Forget blogs that look as though they have been designed by a world class graphic designer, it’s the content that counts. Great content will keep readers coming back for more. And where you are in it for viewing numbers of not, sometimes it is nice to know that what you are writing engages others. I can’t help but get excited when I reach a new stats record or when someone comments on a post. 

Connect. One of the best things about blogging has been making connections with other bloggers. There is so much to learn out there and so many bloggers who have been around for a lot longer who have experienced new social media platforms and trends. Listen and learn as much as you can! You can also forge great friendships. After all, all bloggers have a least one thing in common – your blog. 

And finally…Enjoy it.  

I’ve learnt so much these past 3 months. Things that have helped my career, like learning more about how people connect online. I’ve been inspired by other bloggers and my readers which has been the highlight. To know you have inspired at least one other is a very special feeling. 

Enjoy your weekend! 

L x

My birthday was actually last Friday - however wireless technology hadn't quite reached the area we were staying in Devon, hence the late post. I'm back online!! Hurahhh!