Blogging FAQs
WHAT CAMERA DO YOU USE TO TAKE YOUR BLOG PHOTOS?
I use my Canon EOS 1200D Digital SLR with a EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens.
DO YOU EDIT YOUR PHOTOS?
Yes, but only to brighten them up or add some depth and texture to them to make them more interesting. I do not edit things out or cover up blemishes etc on people.
WHO DESIGNED YOUR BLOG?
I did, although its a working progress, so it might be obvious that a professional didn't design it for me! However, the design was a template available to me on Blogger when I set up my blog.
WHY DID YOU START BLOGGING?
It just gave me something to do. But I love writing and journalism. My dream job would be writing magazine articles for top, best selling magazines or write a main newspaper article in the Independent or something. It's sad I know, but it would seriously be a dream come true. I didn't start blogging in the hope it would end like that for me. In fact, the thought of working up a portfolio didn't even occur to me, I was just inspired my people already in the blogging world. So that's how it all started and I'm still going after 3 years :) Although I now have a job in content marketing as a copywriter. Read more about me here.
IF I GIVE YOU MONEY, CAN YOU BUY THINGS IN ENGLAND AND SEND THEM OVERSEAS?
I don't partake in custom buying I'm afraid.
I WANT TO START A BLOG, BUT WHAT WOULD I WRITE ABOUT?
My first blog post was all about my experience with bullies. Yours doesn't have to be that sombre though. Maybe do a 'get to know me' tag, or '20 facts about me' tag. Introduce the reader to who you are and what your domain is. If you want to write recipes, make it a food blog.
If you're into fashion, make it more fashion-based and so on. You don't have to stick to one topic area either. My blog doesn't follow a particular domain. Just highlight that in the subtitle of your blog or in your first blog post. The more you write about, the more interesting your blog becomes and it also targets more people.
CAN I ADD YOU ON FACEBOOK?
I don't accept people on Facebook who I don't know, so in answer to that question, no. But you can reach me in other ways, including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. There's also an email you can reach me on, for that info see the 'PR Information' page.
CAN YOU GIVE MY BLOG A SHOUT OUT?
Again, it's not something I do, because if I did, everyone would want one and I don't want my blog to be cluttered up with spam messages telling all my followers to read someone else's blog. If I particularly like someones blog I may recommend it to my followers, but I probably won't give a shout out to someone who simply asks for it, sorryyyy.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW BLOGGER?
I would say to make sure you write something regularly, or as often as you possibly can. But make sure you keep a journal so you can plan posts and not be stuck for ideas. Also, try and keep a schedule so your followers know when to check back. If you're having bloggers block, then have a read of other people's blogs for inspiration.
Also, don't be afraid to ask for help, whether you need someone to take some outfit-of-the-day photos or some action shots of some sort, pull in a family member or a friend to give you hand, it will make your life so much easier and not stressing out over camera timers etc to take the perfect picture.
Something else I would say is to not feel disheartened if you don't get an immediate following. I've been blogging for 12 years now - long enough to know that followers don't just appear over night. You have to be dedicated and respect your followers.
If you aren't going to upload when you say you will, let them know on Twitter. Don't leave them in the lurch like some bloggers do. This is because your readers will soon give up ever checking back to see if you've published something new.
Above all, make sure you enjoy what you do. If you don't enjoy blogging after a month, quit, don't waste time and energy on something that isn't helping you or that you hate. You may wish to come back to it at some point. So my advice to you is not to delete it. Just write a small post letting everyone know you're taking a break, they'll appreciate the update :)
