I’d congratulate you for starting a blog, but buying a domain and choosing a layout doesn’t make you a champion yet. Yes, I know it’s hard– but it just gets harder.  The hardest part of having a blog is coming up with consistent content. Shit ain’t easy. I know people who have had very successful blogs that have given up. I’ve had my blog for 5 years, most of the time it feels like a blessing, but it often feels like a burden.

Coming up with article ideas can be tough, especially considering so many topics have been exhausted. What you have to remember next time you feel like there is nothing left to write about— your experiences, although sometimes *basic* are unique to you. While some articles have been written 100 too many times: reasons why your BFF from home is your BFF for life… there is always an undiscovered angle.

getting over writers block

Sometimes it takes clearing your head to come up with a great story. If you take the train to work, consider taking a notebook and pen with you, and using your phone only for background music. Just start listing article ideas.

Once you find something you think you can work with, retract back to your 4th grade english class. The topic is in a bubble in the center, and sub-topics are attached. Brainstorming is no joke. You don’t become a literary genius overnight. Brainstorm, brainstorm, get off Instagram, brainstorm, get off Facebook, brainstorm.

Timing is key, obviously

I cannot stress this enough. Do not post everyday. You are not a fully-functioning magazine staff. You will most likely not be able to come up with 365 articles a year. That shit cray. Set realistic goals for yourself, and hold yourself accountable to meet them. For many people that might be 1-2 times a month, there is nothing wrong with that. Just be consistent. I post a minimum of once a week. The longest I’ve ever gone without posting is 2 weeks. Sometimes it feels like a force, but it’s like going for a run– you’re always happy in the end.

Ask yourself the tough questions

If you’re not being entirely honest/authentic, people will not relate to you. There is no point in looking like you have your sh*t together when you don’t… none of us do. People aren’t reading your article because they think you’re super cool, they’re reading it in hopes of gaining something. Nobody cares about your perfect life, people relate to imperfections and raw emotion. What do people really want to know about you?

write about what you know

 Look, if I were to start a sports blog, the only reason you’d read it is to make fun of me. If my boyfriend were to start a fashion blog, people would be immensely confused. You don’t have to be an expert, but it helps to be known for what you’re writing about. If you’re the girl whose constantly trying new workout classes and actually cooking Pinterest-worthy health food– THERE YOU GO. To help build your expertise, read more content. Understand what’s poppin’ in the blogging community. Don’t copy other publications, but the only way to know if your material is relevant is by knowing what else is being put out there.

do cool shit

If you’re just going to be a basic B who shops at Urban Outfitters and is *literally obsessed* with Starbucks, blogging probably isn’t for you. If you’re adventurous, eager to go to new places and try new things, blogging might be for you. I like to think of myself as a journalist. Try conducting social experiments; like going on dates with people you met on a new dating website. Eat at new restaurants, wear clothes that you don’t see on everyone else. Then write it down, right away. Unless you’re living a cool life, you certainly won’t have a cool blog.