I’m refreshing this older post because I have learned a lot since I originally launched Central Florida Chic. I’ve learn even more since this post. And a trillion times more in the past year. I think these 5 blog tips are really helpful no matter what part of the blog journey you are on.
5 Blog Tips from Ashleigh Axios
Who is Ashleigh Axios? Ashleigh was the creative director and digital strategist for the Obama White House. One could say that’s kind of a BIG deal! Former President Obama set up the first Office of Digital Strategy during his time as President, which made Ashleigh the first ever creative director for the White House. Not only is that a huge accomplishment but, Ashleigh also landed the job in the White House within 5 years of graduating college. I first saw Ashleigh at a presentation in 2018 where she gave some amazing tips that are not only great for a blog, but any marketing you may do. Check them out below:
Narrow In on An Audience
You know, I probably read this a million times before I launched my blog. Everything I read said this is so critical to building a brand and marketing yourself. Ask yourself, who are you creating content for? Fashion lovers? Bargain shoppers? Travel gurus? This really is the most important of the blog tips – Find your niche and stick to it.
Not every post has to be for one audience. However, you should generally post for your main audience. As a general rule of thumb 75% of your post should be in your niche starting out. Of course, the more you blog grows the more of a dedicated audience you will have. When that happens you can start to broaden your horizons and take more on.
See Failure As Good Data
Scientist think this way all the time, don’t they? So why shouldn’t bloggers, also think this way? Often times, I’ll get caught up in my failures and shortcomings that I forget to actually learn from them. If I actually took the time to analyze why something didn’t work I’ll be able to fix it and avoid having a “next time” situation. Like the tip says, it’s good data, and data can only lead to knowledge and improvements. Likewise, use your success for data too.
View Platforms As Distinct
To put it simply, tailor your content for each social platform. Each platform is so immensely unique that you don’t do yourself, (or that platform) any justice by using the same content on every single one.
People don’t go on Twitter to see your images and people don’t go on Pinterest to search for the news. Because of this our content should be tailored for each platform. This means developing graphics, images, tweets, and post that fit the platform format. Without doing this we aren’t getting the most out of marketing on that platform as we could. We all know that social media platforms are different, so why do we treat them all the same?
Create and Share the Real Moments
How often to we get caught up in the perfect post that we start to become fake? I can think of quite a few times I’ve seen the “fake it till you make it” mentality and it’s just not convincing. A quick example: I’m a Florida blogger, so I follow a ton of other Florida blogs. When it gets to be fall the entire community of fashion bloggers quickly takes a turn for fall fashion. I’m all for this, but if you’re a Florida blogger, you cannot approach fall the same way bloggers in New York, or Chicago, or Virginia approach it. You know why? Because I know you are melting underneath those jeans, long sleeves, and coat. You can’t just ignore the fact that it’s still 90 degrees outside in Florida while it’s in the 60’s most everywhere else. Through being honest, and real with your audience you’ll create a much better bond with them then through following everyone else’s trend.
Take No Shame in Latching On
What Ashleigh meant by this is, sometimes you can’t do it better than someone already has. In this case, you might as well hop on the trend because it’ll bring about the best results. She used the example of hashtags. If #tbt #wcw #mcm and so on are already established great hashtags you should use them instead of trying to make a similar one that will probably not catch on like those. There’s no shame in using established media to promote yourself. Your life will be so much easier when you’re not trying to come up with the next trendy #.
My Blog Tips
Like I said, I’ve learned a lot more since I originally published this post so here are just a few of my tips for blogging.
- High Quality Images: I still fall short on this at times but, if you’re blog relies on images (like a fashion blog does) you want good photos. Don’t know where to start with your own? Check out Unsplash for free stock imagery.
- Learn SEO: This is so important in getting people to your blog. A quick and easy way to start learning SEO is by installing the free Yoast SEO plugin for word press.
- Create a Content Calendar: This will help you post consistently and up your SEO game with some keyword research. You may not always stick to your calendar but it’s better to have one and change it up than aimlessly posting.
- Don’t Half Ass It: If your hearts not in it, or your hearts in it for the wrong reasons, readers will know. Let your passion really shine & don’t be afraid to be yourself.
