Happy Blog-a-versary & Blogging Tips

After a year of blogging on Fire Flies, I've developed as a writer, photographer and a person. I have loved the time I have spent here, and I cannot thank any of my readers enough for taking the time out of their day to read my ramblings. Rather than a September Faves, today will be a little chat about my blogging journey, a few tips and things I've learnt this past year...

AT THE START

When I first started Fire Flies, I struggled with content, images and writing. My posts were.... interesting. A year later, I've improved massively, and discovered a style I never thought I had within me. After plenty of googling, research and practice, I feel that I am at a happier place with my blog. I still have plenty to improve on, but I'm sure you'll all agree, my content has come on leaps and bounds in the last year.

I had a real mindset, of 'it will do'. Posts that I knew weren't good enough, I posted anyway. Pictures that were blurry and dull, I still put up. Bland, non- descriptive writing, was a starting point, that I've done my very best to build on. Use your mistakes as lessons, so you won't make the same mistakes twice. It's OK if your blog isn't perfect at the beginning, but do your best to slowly improve to make it as good as you possibly can. Try to reverse the mindset, into 'how can I improve it'.

HOW TO IMPROVE:

Google it. It seems obvious, but Google is your best resource. Whether you want to improve your design, photos or writing, you can find an answer to your query on Google. Below I will link some of my favorite posts on improving your blog in every way.

PHOTO BACKGROUNDS: Lily Pebbles, A Girl, Obsessed, Zoe London

WRITING STYLE: Elegant Themes, The Adventurous Writer

BLOG POST IDEAS: Go check out A Girl, Obsessed for a bunch of different ideas and other fab blogging tips. 25 Beauty Posts, 25 Beginners Posts, 50 post ideas, 50 more ideas, 25 Fashion Posts and 25 Lifestyle Posts.

DESIGN TIPS: Income Diary


WRITING:

Over the months, I have put as much detail and effort into my writing as time will allow. Enjoy and craft the text, adding as much description as you can. Definitely check out an online thesaurus, as expanding your vocabulary is a great way to add interest and discover a new writing style. Speak to your readers as you would speak to your friends, but try not to over share. Let your words flow and enjoy the experience, and why not pop on your favorite playlist or TV program on in the background to add a little more relaxation and comfort into your writing.

Always spell check and get someone to read it through for you. Often we miss mistakes, as we have written it, we expect to see the mistake. It also helps if there is something phrased in a particular way, that you understand, but someone else might not. This will allow a professional feel to your posts, and don't be afraid to re learn some things from school, such as grammar and homophones (there, their and they're).

PHOTOS:

In terms of photos, a fancy camera isn't essential, but definitely helps. I started with just using my phone, which was poor quality but worked well at the time. An IPhone provides good quality photos, so stick with that if you're on a tight budget. I upgraded to the Canon EOS 100d with 18-55mm lens, which I'm still using today. Dont feel afraid to look second hand, as there are some great quality cameras out there, with reasonable price tags. Do your research, read as many reviews as you can. If you do have a little more money to splurge, the 700d from Canon is highly rated among bloggers as an SLR camera. My favourite setting is the 'flower' or as its known technically, the 'macro' setting. This allows you to focus on certain items with a slightly blurry background and lovely bright, clear images.

Interesting backgrounds and arrangements are key to a good photo. Whether its a clipping from a magazine, a piece of patterned paper or bits and bobs from around the house, try to make your pictures as pretty as possible. Dont overcrowd your pictures, but make sure they are fun and match your theme.

Some of my favorite props are:

JARS - Up-cycling jars is a great way to add some cute and vintage chic to your pictures. You could paint them in chalk paint, attach ribbons or leave them bare. Either way, they are great little props to put products in arrange around.

TRAYS - Coloured or pattered trays add a cute and different look, so don't be afraid to include them. they can also make really nice backgrounds.

PLATES - Again, coloured and patterned plates are fab to arrange products on. If you don't have alot of plates, or they are all white, take a look round some charity shops or the supermarket to see if you can get some cheap. Charity shops are also another great place to find props.

NOTEBOOKS - Note books are great backgrounds and props, as you can stack, creating different dimensions, levels and space to arrange on. A variety of patterns and colors are great, but try to stick to a color theme, other wise things can get overcrowded and messy.

FLOWERS - A simple flower can make all the difference to a photo. Especially in Spring, flowers add that little bit of freshness and light to your photos.

FOOD - If you've got food around, feel free to add them in. Bear in mind your color scheme, keep everything uniform. Sweets, cake, drinks and fruits all work well in photos.

MAGAZINES - pictures torn from magazines make fab backgrounds. Pretty ads that perhaps relate to the product in question, make all the difference to a great photo.


DESIGN:

I am no design expert, but go with colors you are naturally drawn to,as your products and props will probably correspond. Try to keep this colour scheme across all social media platforms, to keep your branding professional and consistent. My current theme is bubbles, with pastel mint, peach, pink and yellow. Don't worry about playing around with different looks, it's OK to experiment. If you fancy purchasing a Blogger compatible design, check out PipDig, they have some lovely designs.


Congratulations for making it through this mammoth of a post, but Happy Birthday to Fire Flies, and if you are considering starting a blog- go for it!