I’ve been blogging for 3 months now and I must say it’s one hell of a ride. It’s hard, especially when your readers are expecting you to deliver good output like your first article, or your second, or even your third. You put so much effort in building your content, crafting each article with blood and sweat just to publish quality blog posts. And no regrets ‘coz all the hard work paid off with the overwhelming traffic from readers for just 1.5 months and recognition from Best Cebu Blog Awards as one of the #TopCebuBloggers.
I was lucky enough to be invited by Cebu Bloggers Society’s Vice President (Guada of supercebu.com) to be one of the speakers in this year’s CBS Talks: Back to Basics. I was hesitant at first but after knowing that my topic is about inspirational keynote, then I accepted it with positivity. In my mind, I presupposed that this opportunity will somehow be an instrument to the realization of the “INSPIRE” aspect of Vivomigsgee’s tagline: Drift, Snap, Share, Inspire.
And so, for all those aspiring writers and bloggers who missed the CBS Talks, just want to share with you my talk’s highlights.
Part I – Why I blog?
It’s as simple as “What’s not to love about blogging?” versus a more difficult one “Why blog in the first place?” There are a lot of reasons why each blogger are blogging but I narrowed it down to my top 3 personal reasons I blog.
1.) Express Yourself and Share Your Passions
It serves as a platform for me to voice out my ideas, thoughts, and photographs. We all have something to say, even if we don’t think of ourselves as writers or speakers. Whether your passion is fashion, travel, cooking, politics, photography, or technology, blogging gives you a place to state what’s on your heart, an opportunity to connect and network with like-minded individuals who share the same interests.
Unleash your “creative” side thru blog and connect with others who believe in you.
2.) Refine Your Writing Skills
Honestly, I’m terrible at writing. But they say practice makes perfect. And with minimum experience, I begin to believe that the more you write, the better you become at it. When you write on a regular basis, you tend to review and proofread your work, sometimes you may get feedback from readers, then your skills will eventually improve overtime.
Being a good writer is not a prerequisite for a successful blog. If I can do it, so can you!
3.) You’ll Inspire Others
Blogging not only helps you grow personally, it also changes the life of your audience. Since blogs are accessible publicly via web, on many levels, it leaves an impact to the readers. Make a difference in the lives of others by sharing your time, ideas and photos to the world. The first time that someone reached out to me to say that they consistently read my blog, and that what I wrote helped them, was a very meaningful moment. I realized then that I could make a difference in people’s lives. It made me feel great, and it motivated me to keep writing.
Others will find inspiration in your blog… and it’s beautiful.
I joined Cebu Bloggers Society, the premier blogging organiztion in Cebu, because I feel that with Cebu Bloggers Society, you can connect with like-minded diversified talents, help you out in juicing up your skills with its in-house programs (CBS Talks) while advocating one purpose ~ to make a positive impact to YOU.
Part II – S.U.R.E. Tips To Successful Blogging
1.) Strategy
Be a strategic blogger. Have your own writing technique. Tell great stories but not too overdramatic. You can be informative or direct to the point! Avoid redundancy. Just be you. Your style will be a reflection of who you are as a blogger.
2.) Unprecedented
Be unique. Write something that nobody has done before. Don’t be afraid to tackle on weird or unusual topics. Bend the rules, unleash your creativity, break the internet.
3.) Relatable
Be relevant! Blog to your target audience and write it with a heart. Research always and know what topics are most likely to click with the readers. Make it interesting but don’t sacrifice relevance.
4.) Experiment
Be open to expansion. Focus on your niche but don’t just stick to it forever. Say you’re a travel blogger, you may want to consider on exposing yourself to other niches by writing a blog about events or product review. Just have fun with it!
Now let me ask you, are you ready to become a blogger? Claim it with enthusiasm and say SURE! Cultivate motivation and determination, both will drive you to reach the top. Motivation keeps you moving, determination gets you going!
For better visuals, you may want to take a look my prezi presentation or download it for academic purposes.