5 IMPORTANT THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TO IMPROVE YOUR BLOG AND INCREASE TRAFFIC

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Every blog is different. Just like we all move at our own pace the same goes for our blogs. There is no sure-fire blueprint that will get you 40,000 followers in a day. However, there are ways that you can gain an audience who engage and enjoy your content, without having to spend a lot of money or selling your soul. Here are a few things I have seen make a difference in growing my blog.

BE THE READER, NOT THE CREATOR 

The first thing is quite obvious, but something many of us may overlook: look at your own blog, not as the creator, but as the reader. Ask yourself the following questions: Would you follow your own blog? Do the social media links work? Does the content interest you? Is the follow button obviously placed? Hopefully, yes is the answer to these questions, but, if not then make the necessary changes to make it a blog you would follow. It is a small but significant step. An example of this is I don't have a logo, which to me, and by extension to my potential audience, is off-putting. Consequently, I am taking steps to create a logo that will accurately represent my website and complement my blog.

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ESTABLISH TURN OFFS

After establishing whether as a reader you would follow your own blog, a further step is identifying what turns you off following other blogs? For me, it is if I see they haven't made a post in more than a week. Posting regularly, shows you are an active, creative blogger; consistency is key. Moreover, if a follow link is not visible on the page that reduces the chances of me following the blog in question. Bloglovin' is currently my addiction and I use this platform to follow blogs and stay up to date with their content, so linking your blog to Bloglovin would be a great place to start as well.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Content is crucial, so ensure you are happy with what you are putting out and proofread obsessively. The content should be interesting, informative and well-written. Avoid grammatical errors and spelling mistakes by running a spell check through Word. Images are just as important as the words, be cautious about over-editing photos as it can decline the quality of the image. When writing reviews of products, be sure to include the product link, swatches and if possible a before and after image. Lighting and quality of camera can affect the quality of images and if taking a good photo is not possible. Don't include one. The images in this post are taking from massive Tumblr accounts to show you the kind of images that appeal to the masses. Flat lays are gold; composition is something you can play around with, but stick to taking photos in natural light and altering only the contrast and brightness to start.

ENGAGE 

Blogging is better with a community, so claim your blog on Bloglovin' and any other platforms that you like. Use social media as a tool of interaction not just mindless self-promotion. There are #bbloggers and #fblchats happening regularly that you can join. I am such a hypocrite because I rarely engage in conversations on Twitter, essentially I use Twitter to express my thoughts on the latest Made in Chelsea episode, but I should. Leaving genuine comments on blogs that you like and social media posts is a great way to get people to visit your blog.  Always reply to your comments as well, as much as you can at least. It's just nice, even if commenters don't check back; it shows you care.

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PROMOTION

'Blogging is 20% content and 80% promotion'.

I could not agree with this more. Promote, promote, promote! I use Instagram, Twitter and my Google Plus profile to promote each post. I find posting in Google Plus communities increases my page views and reading the content of other bloggers and commenting as well as leaving a clickable link increases the comments on my page. I leave a direct link to a specific post in my Instagram, so when I talk about that post in a caption interested parties will be directed straight to that post. I tag as many blogging communities as possible when I create a tweet for a specific blog post to increase the chances of it being retweeted and reaching more people. Promote on all your social media accounts but keep your content diverse, going back to establishing turn-offs, it is a huge turn off for me if someone's Twitter feed is pure promotion and nothing else. Instagram, in my opinion, is the best platform to promote.

Thank you so much for reading; I hope this post was helpful. The best advice I could possibly give anyone to achieve success in absolutely anything is just to give it your all. Don't give up and keep working and you will get there. It might not be quick, but it will definitely be worth it. Take care.

What tips, or words of wisdom, can you share, as a reader or a blogger yourself?

Love ❤

Kiran

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