Recently, several people have asked me why I started this blog and how I began. Blogging has become a favorite hobby of mine, so I'm happy to share! This post will go through every reason why and every step of how I started. Whether you're wanting to start your own blog and need some questions answered or you just want to know the reasoning behind Chiming In, I hope you learn something. Please feel free to send me questions or your own personal blog journey!
Why?
1. I love writing!
I started writing in a journal when I was in middle school. Writing out my thoughts and feelings is still one of the most relaxing and fulfilling activities to me. Basically, this blog is more professional version of a journal. Whether no one reads it, or hundreds read it, I always have fun creating each post. If you're someone who only enjoys writing every few months or gets tired of it easily, blogging might not be the right fit for you.
2. Confidence
I thought about starting a blog for several years. I even started planning one the summer before my freshman year of college. Just before I launched a website though, I realized the hard work it would take and I worried I didn't have anything worth saying. 2019 really changed my self image. I am discovering that it's okay to share my thoughts and ideas. People will like it or they won't... It's not up to me! I feel blessed to be able to express myself freely. If the only thing holding you back from starting a blog is other people's opinions, I would encourage you to let go of that worry and just be yourself. Other people will get over it.
3. Professional Writing Major
Being a professional writing major, I knew I would inevitably end up with a blog anyway. So why not start now?? This semester, two of my classes actually require that I have a blog of some kind, but it doesn't feel like homework to me. I've even enjoyed helping my classmates start their own blogs and websites. If you decide to start a blog, use it for fun AND for your advantage. Advertise your goals, passions, and personal brand and it could seriously help you find a job someday.
How?
1. Coming Up with Topics
Before I took the time to start a website, I spent weeks thinking of as many different blog topics I could possibly write about. I wanted to make sure I didn't put in all the work only to keep it going for two weeks and then get bored. I knew the timing was right because I quickly had two full pages of ideas for future posts.
2. Phone Notes to Journals
I started planning posts, Instagram content, and website design possibilities in the notes feature on my phone. When it got full and out of control, I moved everything over to a physical bullet journal. I started planning on paper because I could draw and erase and visualize better. I even used a sketch book to brainstorm title options and design what I wanted my logo to look like. This planning ahead helped the actual making of the website easier.
3. Making Sure I Wasn't Copying Anyone
When I finally came up with my topics and my name, I researched "chiming in," "chime in," and other similar titles over and over again to make sure someone else hadn't chosen that name already. I wanted to style my blog off of lifestyle blogs I enjoyed, but I did not want to completely copy anyone on content or branding.
4. Reading Other Blogs
This was probably the most helpful way to know how to start my blog. I read some really great ones but I also saw some that showed me what I did not want to do. I highly suggest using Google to find random popular posts, and looking at your friends on Instagram that might have started a blog.
5. Researching Creative Apps
I knew I wanted to use my own photos and designs on my website and on my Instagram account connected to Chiming In, but I wanted to keep improving. I downloaded Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and bought some presets on Etsy so I could edit my photos with better quality. I also downloaded Canva and Adobe Sketch to make my Instagram posts unique and creative.
6. Picking a Website Builder
I can't even count how many blog posts, articles, and reviews I read about which website builder was the best. I picked Wix because I liked all the creativity and freedom it allowed even on a free plan. The research helped me learn a lot about each platform, though, and the specific purpose of each one.
My advice for anyone wanting to create a blog is to do your research, find inspiration from other bloggers/social influencers, and don't be afraid to be yourself! Your ideas and perspectives are unique and should be shared with the rest of the world.
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