I think this is something that has been done on many blogs before, but it’s always nice to get individual perspectives. I wanted to share my tips for new book bloggers, or maybe even useful tips for those who have been blogging for a bit longer!
- Social media is your friend. Twitter might be terrifying at first, but do not underestimate it! You can get the latest news and updates from authors and publishers, or even interact with them. Not to mention it’s the perfect way to get to know fellow bloggers – don’t be afraid to join in with conversations.
- Take part in memes like Feature and Follow Friday – but not all the time. Memes like this are a great way to meet fellow bloggers and gain followers, but they’re not a long term solution in my eyes. Be aware that many of the people who follow you through this will probably leave some pretty frustrating/vague comments, BUT you will also get to know some really great bloggers.
- Think up some exciting, original features, or make your own event. Original features really make a blog stand out. Combine your other interests with books to create something – or even have a feature that doesn’t involve books so you can blog about something else every so often. Even if you just share what you’ve been up to in the past month, films you’ve watched, etc.
- Don’t be afraid to be negative in reviews. After all, bloggers are there to share their honest opinion. Sure, of course the author and publisher want positive reviews, but they’re going to expect some negative ones too. Don’t lie just to please them!
- Beware of Netgalley! As a new blogger, Netgalley was HEAVEN. All these books! I requested SO MANY, and I still haven’t read every one. Although my Netgalley ratio is now between 70-80%, I have some books that I requested in 2012 and still haven’t gotten round to. Instead of requesting everything because FREE BOOKS, just request the ones you think you’ll definitely be interested in. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress later on (and three years posting about/worrying about your Netgalley ratio…).
- If blogging gets too much, or is taking up too much of your time, take a break or post less regularly. No-one is going to think any less of you for it. Blogging is supposed to be a fun hobby, so if it’s becoming the opposite then you need to re-think things. I’ve taken a few breaks myself, and always come back feeling much more positive and rejuvenated.
- And finally… blog for yourself. If you’re passionate about something, share it. Don’t avoid posting something because you think it won’t be popular. If you want it on your blog, put it there! 🙂
Rinn Reads 
I so agree with all of these points :D! Twitter is SO helpful when it comes to gaining a following and finding out about giveaway and what authors are doing 🙂 (if that makes sense xD!) I really didn’t want a Twitter but then I got one and it’s helped a lot! But all of these tips are so true ^^
It really is – at first I was pretty scared of it but it has been SO useful!
It took me a longggg time to get Twitter. I really held back on that one but got it this past summer and find it to be a lot of fun. I don’t use it as much as I should but it does have its benefits.
You are so on point with the meme comment! Same with Netgalley. I had a “must-push-button” compulsion a few weeks ago and I overwhelmed myself a little bit 😛
It has so many benefits 😀
And yep, Netgalley is sort of evil… although lately I’ve not been so interested in most of the titles available on there.
It took me a long time before I got familiar with Twitter. I opened an account and didn’t look at it for at least 1 year, but you are so right. It’s one of the most essential social media’s. Starting with memes is a great idea. It’s how I met a lot of people and how I got my first followers.
Definitely, and maybe others like Top Ten Tuesdays too 😀
I’m terrible at twitter. Its one of the things I need to be better at, and I just think a lot of my failure with it is I forget to check it. I also just used the regular twitter app, and never really looked at my list of bloggers. Too much noise!
Yeah I have abandoned it a bit til recently… do you use Tweetdeck? It helps SO much 😀
Fantastic tips, NetGalley is my downfall – I just can’t help myself but I am determined to get 80%!
Thanks Heather 🙂 What’s your current ratio?
All great advise. I think the last one is the biggest one though, as long as you blog for yourself then it will be worth it. That way you can take breaks whenever you want, post the content that you feel good about and it’s just more rewarding. I think it takes time to find your blogging voice so I think experimenting is good too.
And I agree totally about memes, I have met some of best blogging buddies through memes. And countless people who left a ‘great post, see mine here’ comment but you learn to see though those very quickly.
Definitely 🙂 If you’re posting stuff without any heart, or promo stuff all the time, you’ll feel pretty negative about your blog I reckon. And I’ve definitely experimented a lot with features over the past three years.