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Dear Eva,
Beautiful blog! I am an aspiring Blogger, and I am struggling with how to focus my blog on a particular genre– and how to stand out among others?  How did you determine the topics you blog about?

Many thanks for any input!

– Ms. Blogging Betty

Dear Ms. Blogging Betty,

Thanks for the blog love! This is a question that I actually get A LOT!  Although my blog is very young (I’ve still only been doing this for under a year!) I have learned so much very quickly.  One of the most important things I’ve learned is how important authenticity is in engaging your readership and growing your numbers.

What do I mean by that?  Don’t start a blog just to have a blog!  You should be blogging because you feel you have something to say/show/demonstrate/create that will put something positive out in to the Universe. And because it is something that you totally LOVE.   My best piece of advice for choosing a genre is to think a lot about what you genuinely care about.  Is there a topic that you will gladly stay up until two in the morning researching or writing about?  I would go with that!  Because girlfriend, you will be up until two in the morning working on your blog.  A lot.   Also remember that a lot of areas of our life are very multifaceted– You don’t have to pick just Food, or just Fashion, or just crafting– but make sure that there is a common thread between them.  If you can illuminate for yourself why you love all of those categories, and how they fit together in your own life, then you can probably make that clear to your readers also!  You are an individual with your own set of interests, but what blogging has taught me is that there are many people out there in the world just like you!  And that’s a great thing! The odds are if you think something is cool or fun or interesting or challenging, there will be others who will agree with you.  And here’s the bottom line: blogging takes up A LOT of time and energy.  You need to make sure that the genre of your blog is something that will spark your interest through the stress (and ups and downs) of maintaining it!

In terms of standing out I will give you the one word answer I have heard a million times, and that has given me the greatest results: CONSISTENCY.  Even if you can’t commit to blogging new content every single day, you need to choose which days you will have new content, and you need to stick to them!  If your readership can begin to rely on a certain type of content at a certain time throughout their week, they will come to depend on you and be loyal to your blog!  Also, pretty pictures are important.  If you can, invest in a great camera (I have the Panasonic Lumix and love it) and download some photo editing programs such as Adobe Lightroom (the one I use).  The best way to stand out is just by having interesting, visually beautiful, and consistent content.  If who you are as a person (and what makes you unique) comes through well in your blog, people will find you!

Above all, remember that blogging is a process.  You won’t find your voice overnight– like with anything, Blogging is a trade and one that is learned over time.  Commit to learning from your mistakes, listening to people’s constructive criticisms, and be true to yourself.  You will discover quickly what works for you and what doesn’t!  Cheers to learning, I am right there on the road with ya!

I wish you all the best,

xoxo

EAM

Photograph by Nina Suh for Love And Lemonade Photography