Advice about Starting & Promoting a Fashion Blog - See Post #1 for Thread Rules

[lovely lethargy]

There isn't a hosting site that is better than the other; it just depends on which one you are most at ease with and on what you plan to do with your blog.

As I blog on Wordpress, I can answer your questions about this website. I started blogging last summer and didn't find it confusing or tricky at all. You can choose between more than 100 themes to find a look for your blog and it's easy to blog on there. Also, there is no need to host images on flickr.

Blogger is essentially the same. I opened an account on Blogger as well before I started writing my 1st post. I stuck to Wordpress just because I felt more at ease with it.

People who use Tumblr seem to do so because they post mostly pictures and less text.

Just based on my first impressions, I like Wordpress much more than Blogger. I think I just perceive Wordpress as a much more comfortable blogging site... Forgive me for not being very specific, but is there anything that does bother you about Wordpress? I'm thinking I'd probably go with it... Also, it seems as though your blog is fairly popular. Any advice on how you got started? I really have no idea where to begin.

Thank you so much, by the way, for replying.

 

[FrenchCactus]

Forgive me for not being very specific, but is there anything that does bother you about Wordpress?

I'm globally satisfied with Wordpress, but there are a few things that bother me:
- You can choose between more than 100 themes, but you can't customize one, unless you have knowledge of CSS/HTML maybe
- Because of an issue with Java, you can't install Google Analytics if you blog on Wordpress and if you use Statcounter (which I do), there are some information which can't be given. You can still have a lot of information on stats with Wordpress and something like Statcounter so it's not that big an issue.
- You can't have ads on your blog, meaning you can't monetize it.
- More personally, I write in French and English and wish I could have a double version of my blog in seperate languages like Garance Doré (not that I'm comparing myself to her ), but that's not possible using Wordpress.com

Also, it seems as though your blog is fairly popular. Any advice on how you got started? I really have no idea where to begin.

It's nice to know it has that image
- I started blogging last August and before I did anything I read the whole thread on TFS on Advice about writing a blog and the other one on How to design a blog, and wrote down everything relevant. It might seem like a long process, but trust me, there is a LOT of useful information in both threads.
- Read blogs on blogging like The Blog Tyrant, Daily Blog Tips, ProBlogger Blog Tips
- I also took the time to think about what I really wanted to do with my blog. I believe in having a niche and trying to bring something new to the blogosphere. For example, I wanted to emphasize the fact that I'm French and showing things most people don't have access to. That helped me to define the identity of the blog and what direction I wanted to take. And of course, blog about what you love while keeping readers in mind.
- After I got started, my blog got Freshly pressed a couple of times. That means a particular post was featured on Wordpress.com's front page http://wordpress.com/#fresh Blogs that get Freshly pressed get a lot of exposure: the 1st time that happened I had more than 2,000 views in a day (and my blog was only 3 weeks old) and when that happened again a couple of weeks ago I had 1,800 views in a day and 1,175 the next. A large part of my blog's subscribers started to follow the blog from there and it globally helped to get more views per day. That was totally random: I didn't do anything in particular for my blog to get Freshly pressed.
- Another important thing is to network: comment on blogs you like, reach out to bloggers if you have any technical questions, thank readers who tweet on or link to your posts, use Twitter to promote your blog and get to know more bloggers. That way I have built a very small but loyal and fun community and it makes the whole blogging experience much more enjoyable.
- I read somewhere that your blog is not about you but about your readers, and I completely agree with that. Of course you're going to write about yourself somehow and you should blog on what you're passionate about, but pay attention to what your readers like and keep them in mind when you write your posts.

Thank you so much, by the way, for replying.

You're welcome!

 

[Style Souk]

I'm sure someone has brought this up in a previous post, so please for give me if this is a repeat. I was considering starting a blog, most likely fashion, though I'm considering various ideas. There are quite a few sites to host on, but I wasn't sure what site is best? Some people say wordpress is confusing and a hassle, some people don't like blogger, some use tumblr although it's not the best blogging site, etc. I need opinions and feedback. If I start a blog, I want it to be easy to format the look and easy to post. Also, I see that a lot of people encourage hosting images on flickr, but I was wondering if a Pro account is necessary?

Hi Lovely Lethargy... :0)

Well, to try and help answer your question, I've kept a blog on Wordpress for the better part of a year. I also keep a Tumblr page for pictures.

It's all a matter of personal taste - and no platform is 'better' than any other - but I chose Wordpress because it was aesthetically appealing to me. The free themes are attractive and effortless to use.

I'm illiterate when it comes to CSS/HTML - and, heck, my old Macbook is pretty much powered by a donkey - but even I have found Wordpress a joy.

They have a comprehensive range of educational resources/tutorials to help you along and a support team who seem fairly efficient. For example, I had a problem a few weeks ago and was unable to review my posts before publishing - within an hour of writing to their support bods, Wordpress had replied and fixed the problem.

Saying that, I have encountered some (minor!) downsides...

Wordpress do not allow advertisements to be placed on their free themes. It is therefore only possible to monetize a blog if you custom design one or upgrade to their premium package.

Also, there's an issue with Java which makes it impossible to install Google Analytics. Wordpress do offer statistics for your viewing figures, referrals, etc but this can be quite basic.

Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK getting your blog started! :0)

 

[Style Souk]

French Cactus: I've just visited, and fallen completely in love with, your blog. It's seriously WONDERFUL! :0)

 

[FrenchCactus]

French Cactus: I've just visited, and fallen completely in love with, your blog. It's seriously WONDERFUL! :0)

Aw thank you! I admire how well you write, I wish I could get to that level (working on it!)

They have a comprehensive range of educational resources/tutorials to help you along and a support team who seem fairly efficient. For example, I had a problem a few weeks ago and was unable to review my posts before publishing - within an hour of writing to their support bods, Wordpress had replied and fixed the problem.

I agree with you on this. Wordpress forums are really helpful and people are quick to respond. The "Happiness Engineers" (as the Wordpress support staff is called ) are really friendly and you can see they care about you having a good experience on Wordpress.
​

 

[lovely lethargy]

Blog Post Content

I know there are some serious bloggers on tFS and I was hoping to start a good discussion. I know there are a few threads with tips on starting a blog and designing and such, but I was thinking about something a bit more specific.

Where do you start your posts? How do you work on focusing your content? Where do you get inspiration for blog posts (surroundings, your opinions)? Have you found some topics are too over done or others that should get more attention? How are you unique in the big, wide blogosphere?

Obviously everyone has a different niche and a different focus, but I think these are good questions to get the ball rolling. I hope everyone else can add to the discussion. If you have any questions of your own, please add them!

Other helpful blogging threads on tFS can be found here, here, here, and here

Mods, I hope I posted this in the correct place. I apologize if I haven't.

 

[lovely lethargy]

It's nice to know it has that image
- I started blogging last August and before I did anything I read the whole thread on TFS on Advice about writing a blog and the other one on How to design a blog, and wrote down everything relevant. It might seem like a long process, but trust me, there is a LOT of useful information in both threads.
- Read blogs on blogging like The Blog Tyrant, Daily Blog Tips, ProBlogger Blog Tips
- I also took the time to think about what I really wanted to do with my blog. I believe in having a niche and trying to bring something new to the blogosphere. For example, I wanted to emphasize the fact that I'm French and showing things most people don't have access to. That helped me to define the identity of the blog and what direction I wanted to take. And of course, blog about what you love while keeping readers in mind.
- After I got started, my blog got Freshly pressed a couple of times. That means a particular post was featured on Wordpress.com's front page http://wordpress.com/#fresh Blogs that get Freshly pressed get a lot of exposure: the 1st time that happened I had more than 2,000 views in a day (and my blog was only 3 weeks old) and when that happened again a couple of weeks ago I had 1,800 views in a day and 1,175 the next. A large part of my blog's subscribers started to follow the blog from there and it globally helped to get more views per day. That was totally random: I didn't do anything in particular for my blog to get Freshly pressed.
- Another important thing is to network: comment on blogs you like, reach out to bloggers if you have any technical questions, thank readers who tweet on or link to your posts, use Twitter to promote your blog and get to know more bloggers. That way I have built a very small but loyal and fun community and it makes the whole blogging experience much more enjoyable.
- I read somewhere that your blog is not about you but about your readers, and I completely agree with that. Of course you're going to write about yourself somehow and you should blog on what you're passionate about, but pay attention to what your readers like and keep them in mind when you write your posts.

You're welcome!

Thanks so much for all the insightful help! At this point in time, I don't have a problem with not being able to monetize my blog, so I think I will stick with Wordpress. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I generated a bunch of visits and then regretted the choice? That would certainly happen just admonish my attitude now. Just kidding... I doubt that would actually happen. : P I followed your advice and haunted the various other threads on tFS yesterday. Boy, is that time consuming! But, like you, I found a lot of helpful information. I have yet to read blogging blogs, but I think that's the agenda for today. I think what I'll have the most trouble with is deciding on a niche and identifying what exactly I want to do with it. Right now, I want a blog because a) there isn't any writing extracurricular at my school, b) I love fashion, but don't have a great ability to express that daily as I love in a very, very, very small town, c) I'm hoping it will be a good project to improve my writing while being good fun and d) hopefully, eventually, it could be something to mention on an applicant for something. And, of course, a name will be ridiculously hard to decide. I think networking sounds like to most fun. As for keeping your readers in mind, I think I shall, but my main focus will be myself (please excuse my seemingly self-obsessive attitude). Thank you so much for all of your help!

Hi Lovely Lethargy... :0)

Well, to try and help answer your question, I've kept a blog on Wordpress for the better part of a year. I also keep a Tumblr page for pictures.

It's all a matter of personal taste - and no platform is 'better' than any other - but I chose Wordpress because it was aesthetically appealing to me. The free themes are attractive and effortless to use.

I'm illiterate when it comes to CSS/HTML - and, heck, my old Macbook is pretty much powered by a donkey - but even I have found Wordpress a joy.

They have a comprehensive range of educational resources/tutorials to help you along and a support team who seem fairly efficient. For example, I had a problem a few weeks ago and was unable to review my posts before publishing - within an hour of writing to their support bods, Wordpress had replied and fixed the problem.

Saying that, I have encountered some (minor!) downsides...

Wordpress do not allow advertisements to be placed on their free themes. It is therefore only possible to monetize a blog if you custom design one or upgrade to their premium package.

Also, there's an issue with Java which makes it impossible to install Google Analytics. Wordpress do offer statistics for your viewing figures, referrals, etc but this can be quite basic.

Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK getting your blog started! :0)

Thank you, as well, for offering some insight. I think I've settled with Wordpress, despite any set backs.


Everyone here is so wonderfully helpful and I truly appreciate it.

 

[Susanna-Cole]

I've attempted to change my blog template (here), except now all my entries sit too far to the right in my main background/frame? Do any of you know how to fix this and center them in Blogger or using a CSS code or such?

 

[McClaire]

^ OMG I loooooove it.
If you are using the template design feature on blogger try shrinking the width to fit the photos, that should even them out for some reason it's the way it's set up because if you go into it manually and make the width bigger then it's setting allowed it will put them a little to the right. That's what it does to me so I adjusted it a little smaller and it made it center. Don't know if everyone does it like that but it's easy.

 

[ChampagneEtHeels]

i've been thinking of making my own blog for a while now and the only that's stopping me is that i don't know what to put as the name. for some reason, i can never think of names that are any good. help please?

 

[j'adore_couture]

^What about your screen name?

I started a blog with a friend a while back and now have taken on the reins solo. It's not a personal view blog so posts are slow to pile up and it may not be the most interesting depending on taste.

Nevertheless, would you mind giving it a look and giving me some feedback? Overall I'm quite happy with the progress of it so far.

CLICK HERE FOR BLOG, THANKS

Oh, another observation, do you all acknowledge the sources of images on your posts? I've talked to a few people who've been helpful with admonitions of legal trouble with not citing image sources.

 

[ChampagneEtHeels]

^What about your screen name?

I started a blog with a friend a while back and now have taken on the reins solo. It's not a personal view blog so posts are slow to pile up and it may not be the most interesting depending on taste.

Nevertheless, would you mind giving it a look and giving me some feedback? Overall I'm quite happy with the progress of it so far.

CLICK HERE FOR BLOG, THANKS

Oh, another observation, do you all acknowledge the sources of images on your posts? I've talked to a few people who've been helpful with admonitions of legal trouble with not citing image sources.

it's not too blah? i have an idea, but i don't know if it sounds any good.....

I like it! I find it cool that you have interviewed models (how did you do that, by the way?). Aside from that you have a personal touch on it that makes it so accessible if you get what I mean.

 

[j'adore_couture]

^Keep in mind that the name of your blog can always be changed (and without much damage if especially if you have very few readers at the beginning).

Does anyone else have any critique about my template or whatnot? Blogger really isn't the best in terms of design . Love tumblr's setup for it but don't think my blog is appropriate for its tumbling functionality.

 

[Susanna-Cole]

^ OMG I loooooove it.
If you are using the template design feature on blogger try shrinking the width to fit the photos, that should even them out for some reason it's the way it's set up because if you go into it manually and make the width bigger then it's setting allowed it will put them a little to the right. That's what it does to me so I adjusted it a little smaller and it made it center. Don't know if everyone does it like that but it's easy.

Oh, thank you kindly! I'm pleased as punch that you like it so much.

I took your advice and went back to the template width, and noticed if I stretched it out more (as far as it'd go), it balanced the posts a little better, though they're still slightly off kilter. Then my banner was off centered, however, I found a fix in CSS for it. Thanks for your assistance!

Do all the template widths go only to 1000 px? Anyone know?

 

[Susanna-Cole]

i've been thinking of making my own blog for a while now and the only that's stopping me is that i don't know what to put as the name. for some reason, i can never think of names that are any good. help please?

It's good you've put though into it, I somewhat regret not thinking twice on my blog's name, seeing as it's now, more or less, irrelevant.

My advice for the URL is to maybe use your name. It does have to be your full name, but maybe you first and middle, or first and an initial of your middle or last, or your first and last, etc, lots of combinations could be had...

For instance, after learning my lesson in naming with my Blogspot blog, I made my URL for my Tumblr "susannacole" so that I could change the name (and I have once) and still have the URL as the same, and something easy to remember for readers that stays relevant.

The URL is actually much more important than the name, as this is how your readers find you and where subscription feeds are pulled. You can, of course, make your URL name the same as your blog name.

 

[Susanna-Cole]

^What about your screen name?

I started a blog with a friend a while back and now have taken on the reins solo. It's not a personal view blog so posts are slow to pile up and it may not be the most interesting depending on taste.

Nevertheless, would you mind giving it a look and giving me some feedback? Overall I'm quite happy with the progress of it so far.

CLICK HERE FOR BLOG, THANKS

Oh, another observation, do you all acknowledge the sources of images on your posts? I've talked to a few people who've been helpful with admonitions of legal trouble with not citing image sources.

Yes, I post a link list of photographer credits at the end of each entry, as well as, code each image to link back to the photographer's site when you click on it. Oftentimes, I talk to the photographer, ask permission, or see if they'll send me a selection of their photographs in a larger format for an entry. All artists will appreciate proper credit. If you're unsure of who an image is by, you can use sites like TinEye to see if you can't find the actual creator of the image or artwork.

If you first found it on another blog, you can source that blog, as well, though I don't think this alone is substantial sourcing or necessary if whomever you're crediting isn't the creator of the content your reposting.

As for your layout:
Perhaps make the blog header a little bigger? It looks a little lonely with all the white space around it and the wide blog content below. A wider/larger header would give your blog a more cohesive and balanced feel. Of course, that's merely my two cents, others may differ in opinion.

 

[lovely lethargy]

i've been thinking of making my own blog for a while now and the only that's stopping me is that i don't know what to put as the name. for some reason, i can never think of names that are any good. help please?

While I like your screen name, you may wan to consider other routes as well. I know how you feel - I'm very indecisive when it comes to names. I spent a good two days trying to think of one for mine. I would suggest you put your music library on shuffle and listen to the lyrics while you work on something else, like laundry. I did this and since I know most of the lyrics by heart, phrases and words I liked stuck out. I then scribbled these down and saved them for later. Then, list the phrases and think of names using the other words you like. I'm not sure if this is a good system for everyone, but it worked out well for me.

Nevertheless, would you mind giving it a look and giving me some feedback? Overall I'm quite happy with the progress of it so far.

CLICK HERE FOR BLOG, THANKS

Oh, another observation, do you all acknowledge the sources of images on your posts? I've talked to a few people who've been helpful with admonitions of legal trouble with not citing image sources.

I like the overall look of your blog, but it is a bit plain. I would suggest a bigger header and a thinner sidebar. Also, this may just be personal preference, but with all of the pictures you have posted, I would center my posts. Also, maybe add some more padding on the sides? Honestly, though it looks fairly good. Just add some splashes of color and I think you're good.

I haven't started blogging yet, but I fully intend on acknowledging the source of any images I post, probably at the end of the post. I don't think it's right not to credit at all.

 

[McClaire]

Oh, thank you kindly! I'm pleased as punch that you like it so much.

I took your advice and went back to the template width, and noticed if I stretched it out more (as far as it'd go), it balanced the posts a little better, though they're still slightly off kilter. Then my banner was off centered, however, I found a fix in CSS for it. Thanks for your assistance!

Do all the template widths go only to 1000 px? Anyone know?

Yes they do however if you want to make it bigger press control F and search for 1000 in the 'Edit html' section, it should take you to something that looks like this:

]]></b:skin>

<b:template-skin>
<b:variable default='930px' name='content.width' type='length' value='1000px'/>
<b:variable default='0' name='main.column.left.width' type='length' value='0px'/>
<b:variable default='360px' name='main.column.right.width' type='length' value='0px'/>

I think it's the 1000 is the one you want (only if the width on the Template Designer width set on 1000 too) you can change that to 1200 or whatever and it will change the blog layout. I usually test one of them by adding a number and previewing it to see which one I'm looking for but it's definitely one of two I highlighted. Hope that makes sense.

 

[Susanna-Cole]

Yes they do however if you want to make it bigger press control F and search for 1000 in the 'Edit html' section, it should take you to something that looks like this:

I think it's the 1000 is the one you want (only if the width on the Template Designer width set on 1000 too) you can change that to 1200 or whatever and it will change the blog layout. I usually test one of them by adding a number and previewing it to see which one I'm looking for but it's definitely one of two I highlighted. Hope that makes sense.

Oh, hurrah! If my eyes don't deceive me, I think it's all evened up now. You are marvelous! Thanks so much!

Now I must go anxiously check it on other computers/screen resolutions and see if it still looks decent.

 

[McClaire]

^ Looks fine and even on my end! You're welcome, I'm glad I could help.