Things I've learnt about blogging..

When I first stumbled across the world of beauty blogging I had just finished sitting my GCSE exams, and my Mum had some how bribed me to show up to prom offering to buy all my make up along with my prom dress (which I managed to rip within ten minutes of getting out of the car). Make up had never played a huge part in my life until I began researching products for prom and happened to stubble across blogs.  Needless to say I had no idea what I was doing when I started out - I still don't half of the time but I wanted to share some of the things I've learnt from the world of beauty blogging with you guys, because it honestly means so much to me that you take the time to read my blog.

English doesn't have to be your strong point - To be honest I've never been amazing at English, I mean I've always been okay with it but I really struggle with aspects of it even now.But to blog you don't need to be amazing at everything English wise, I think at first like many I was so so worried about causing a spelling/grammar error on my blog - but that's where spell check and proof reading comes in. In all honestly if you  love what you do your readers will be able to see your passion for it and respect you for that. I also think its important to find your own style of writing/posting, It may take a while for that to happen - But that's fine as long as you're comfortable with the way you post! I'm more likely to remember you for being different than a copy of someone else!

Comments are important - For me, seeing the same old faces pop up in the comment section makes my day, and I know the same goes for many other bloggers too which is why I always try to leave comments on their blogs. But comments are just as important on your own blog too! I always read and respond to comments because I always want to take my readers feedback on board aswell as answer any questions they may have. People have taken the time to comment on your posts, so why shouldn't you take the time to return the favour and respond to what they are saying? While we're on the subject of comments word verification is something so many bloggers hate but so many (like myself a few months ago) are unaware even exists! Basically if you have no idea what I'm talking about I recommend you look at this post I found online, which explains exactly what word verification is and how to turn it off if you wish to do so.

You don't need a fancy camera - I use my iphone 4 to take my images, I have done since I got it although you need to work out what works best for your camera. Let me refer you to this lip post I made back in April, Since then I have learned so much more through other bloggers and with the same camera my lip posts now look like this  - I'm still looking to improve my posts constantly but knowing that I achieved that in the space of just six months leaves me feeling quite proud and hopeful for what I can achieve in the  six months to come. Please let me know if you'd like to see a photography post, I am no photographer I assure you but I may be able to teach you a thing or two about blog images.

You don't need to be a millionaire - I kind of have to say this considering the tittle of this blog, but before I had my own blog I would look at others and think how can you afford to post about a new product  everyday?! But somehow over a year later here I am amazing (and completely disgusting) myself that I manage to post about different products pretty much everyday. Blogging is an amazing way to find really good cheap high street buys, aswell as amazing offers through things like magazines which occasionally offer amazing freebies.

Social networking is important - I'd heard about #bbloggers chats for a while now, but they just didn't interest me. I'd never had a twitter and I had no plans to change that. Although when I got the the point where I was happy with the way I posted (but also looking to improve) I finally thought to look into these chats, and even join in a little. If you don't already take part in these chats I highly recommend that you check this blog out, you'll meet such lovely people and get a chance to really help each other out. I'd also recommend that if you don't have a twitter for your blog that you seriously consider it. I honestly think it was one of the best things I could have done for my blog when I finally gave in and signed up because you really get a chance to interact with other bloggers and even brands who are a lot of the time more than happy to tweet about your review!

Dont force yourself - This may seem silly to some, but when I first started  becoming serious about blogging I would force myself  to post pretty much everyday which meant my whole blog really suffered! These days I manage that anyway, but it's nice to not feel beat up that I didn't manage to post on a particular day, because I always know there's tomorrow to come back better than ever with pictures and a review I'm proud of! 

I really hoped you liked this post and it helped some of you out because I honestly loved writing it! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask in the comments or even contact me on twitter (@Summers_beauty). I'm not saying that the list above is something everyone should run there blog by, but they're they things that have helped me really come out of my shell in the blogging world and I really hope they help some of you too! Before I finish , feel free to leave me your blog links because I love looking at them!

(All images link back to where I found them - Be sure to check them out because they're all beautiful)