Yesterday marked one year since the launch of this blog! First off, thanks so much for all of the support I’ve received this past year. It truly means the world to me. I’m still a rookie when it comes to the world of blogging, but a year is long enough to learn some valuable lessons. Here are six pieces of advice for new bloggers and micro-influencers in 2019.

Stay Consistent

You’ve probably heard this before but I’m here to say it again. Imagine a new subscriber, follower, or reader of yours becomes familiar with your content and comes to like it. They genuinely look forward to your posts, but a few weekends or months after you launched your blog or channel, you decide you need a break and stop posting. Inconsistency affects growth. The same way you won’t see changes to your skin if you don’t follow a routine, it’s going to be really difficult to expand your platform if your own readers don’t know how often to expect new content from you. Now, if you took a break to prioritize your mental health, that’s of the utmost importance. But otherwise, try as best as possible to set a goal, be it weekly or bi-weekly, and stick to it.

Don’t DM the Companies In Your Comments

No but actually. The companies in your comments that are saying they would love to have you on their team if you just send them a DM, are truly bots and scams. If they truly wanted to work with you, they’d message or email you like serious companies do (be sure to have your email in your bio or linked on your page so they can do that!) These companies have probably found you because of the myriads of hashtags you use to gain engagement. Truthfully, I don’t think these brands are worth diluting your influence and relationship with your followers.  The same idea applies to companies who want to collaborate with you but give the caveat that you have to pay for shipping. Thank u, next.

Stay Ready So You Don’t Have To Get Ready 

For the ideas to come, that is. I’ve had content ideas come to me in the shower, on the subway, and at lunch with a friend. Don’t let the moment pass because you don’t want to disturb the mood. Get the idea down. Then, manage your time efficiently to draft and edit. I draft posts on the subway ride home and I’m even writing this post as I’m getting driven home from church. When a good idea comes to you, don’t let it go.

Genuinely Engage With Your Audience

I know I need to get better at this one. The people who comment on your pictures, compliment your work, or ask for your opinion, do you know their name? Do you know anything about them? When I comment on my favorite influencers IG posts and they respond to me by name, in a weird way, it makes me feel seen. Don’t just focus on engaging with other influencers, make sure you’re showing love to the people who support you.

Pay Attention To Your Stats

Once upon a time I used to avoid looking at my site stats because I was afraid to see how low they were at the time. Silly me. For one, everyone starts from somewhere. Before you get to the thousands of views, likes, and followers, you had to start at none. Take time to analyze the stats. What posts did or do well? What doesn’t do as well. For me, I know that my makeup selfies tend to get more love on Instagram than any lifestyle shots I take. On my blog, my skincare and dating posts have consistently done better than any other topic. Does that mean I’m going to post only selfies on the gram and dating posts on my blog? No, but at least I have that awareness.

Maximize Your Reach

I’m no longer satisfied with Instagram being the primary source traffic to my blog. When Instagram was down for a day back in March, plenty of bloggers came out the woodwork citing the shutdown as a primary example of why blogs are still relevant. If Instagram was gone tomorrow, how else would you drive traffic to your blog? Now, I’m paying a lot more attention to SEO and even trying to dabble in Pinterest to make sure I find other ways than just Instagram to draw more people to my blog!

SHARE YOUR ADVICE FOR NEW BLOGGERS AND MICRO-INFLUENCERS IN 2019!

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

#EniGivenSunday