What I wish I knew before I started blogging


When you start blogging you will start to notice things that you wish you did or didn't do, as well as
basic things you wish you knew before you started blogging. For me there is too many to list, that an
outsider or even another blogger, would never think of because how we present ourselves. So much
has changed over the 5 years that I've been blogging and more thought goes into what is posted.

When I started I didn't know you could get sent products for free, or even get paid to blog, never 
mind getting invited to attend events and seeing products before they launched.

Be yourself
The main thing I have and will always say is to be yourself. There are so many things that I bought,
in regards to makeup, that were the popular product and new in at the time, that I just HAD to do a
blog post on. However I didn't want the product in the first place, and I've spent hundreds of pounds
over the course of blogging just because I wanted to fit in. If you love something that came out years
ago then talk about it, if you don't want to get the latest makeup or fashion item then don't. Be
yourself and don't do things just to fit in with what everyone else is doing. 

Pick your name wisely
Thankfully my blog has always had the same name; Lea-Mai Carter but there are so many stories of
people choosing a random name because it's all they could think of and then regretting it months or
years later. I knew by sticking with my name it was always going to be relevant, because it's
everything to do with me and what I love. If you're name is Dogs and Books then you will feel the
pressure to stick to writing about only that. Pick your name wisely and sit on it for a bit. 

Have the same social media names
This isn't a must but it definitely helps when everything matches. I had to change a few of my social
media account names, and thankfully they're all the same or as close as I could get. Instagram and
Twitter (@leamaicarter), Pinterest (@leamaic) and Facebook (@leamaicarter24). If blogging is
something that you want to do then check if the name is available on all/most social media platforms.

Be consistent but don't put too much pressure on yourself
Reading this might sound like they contradict each other slightly, but there's actually a big line in
between them. There are so many bloggers out there that it's important to be consistent and post
regularly. I don't mean posting every single day, but posting once or twice a month can make a big
difference and still get you noticed. However saying this, it's also important not to put too much
pressure on yourself. Blog when you want and when you can, don't do it because you feel like you
have to. So many bloggers, myself included, have a schedule because that's how the type of workers
we are, but there are so many times when I can't find any inspiration to write so I just don't. Having a
routine can be important and beneficial but don't feel like you have to stick to it constantly. 

xoxo
Lea-Mai

12 comments

  1. This is a great post! I've been blogging now for just over four years and I am still learning so much every day! I wish I could put less pressure on myself but it's me!
    Rosie
    loverosiee.co.uk

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    1. I'm the same with putting too much pressure on myself. I think it's because there's so many people blogging, that it's sometimes hard to stand out x

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  2. when i first started my blog it was called "the ol' razzle dazzle" which is the name of my favourite album - defo a copyright issue there haha! x

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    1. My first ever blog was pink panther or something I think. Ironic since I've never seen it! x

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  3. I don't think you will ever stop learning when it comes to blogging, it is always evolving.

    I had a different blog name for about 5 years before I changed mine, I loved it but out grew it if that makes sense? I am much happier with this one now.

    Amy x
    The July Rose

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    1. So many things to learn every day. Your name represents who you are/were at a certain time, even if you regret it now! x

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  4. When I started blogging I made so many blunders and now I look back and it gives me a lot of pride to see how much I grew!

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    1. Me too! So many errors, but glad I made them x

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  5. Haha I remember my first blog name, was not ideal ! x

    Joyce | www.joycelauofficial.com

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  6. I started off so consistently 6 years ago, but life gets busy, and social media becomes easier as opposed to writing a blog post

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    1. It definitely is, I love writing which is why I think I've managed to keep up with it x

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