If you are a decorator/designer/stager and you need more business, (who doesn’t?) a blog is a great advertising medium for you and it’s free—except for your time of course. Writing a design blog on a regular basis also keeps you, the design professional, really current as I mentioned in this post; Why your Designer should be a Blogger. It’s like giving yourself ongoing continuing education every day.
Images from Ralph Lauren Home
Here are my best tips with all the links to the previous posts I’ve written all in one place so you can get started:
Blogger, WordPress or Typepad.
If you’re not sure which blogging platform you should use, read this post first: 10 Tips that will take your Home Design Blog to the Next Level.
Ready to choose the Name?
Read 9 Lessons from a Two year old Blogger. If the name that you want is not available, you can add blog to the end like I did. Colourmehappy.blogspot.com was taken so my URL is colourmehappyblog.blogspot.com.
Try to keep it as short as possible without dashes, etc. You might want to have it on your business card. Although you can always buy the .com URL and transfer it to your blogspot address. My business card says colourmehappyblog.com, I have also bought truecolourexpert.com which goes to my blog. My URL will change this year anyway because I’m switching to WordPress, so then everything will be under mariakillam.com which is currently just my design/portfolio website.
Now you are ready to start writing and will need to read this one: 10 Things Every Blogger should Know.
Determine your niche or area of expertise and write about that
If you’re confused and not sure, then just start writing. Writing will help you figure it out. Just don’t get discouraged if your number of readers don’t increase as fast as you’d like. Your readers either want to learn something or be entertained. A series of pretty pictures is usually not enough to keep them coming back.
If you don’t know exactly what your design style is, then keep writing, after a while it will become obvious by the photos you post on your blog.
If you don’t know exactly what your niche is, then keep writing. You’ll discover what you are passionate about by the posts you are inspired to write. And if you need an idea or two here are some blogs I wish someone would write.
Post pretty pictures
Beautiful images are still second in importance (besides your writing) to having a successful design blog. It is crucial that you consider each photo you post very carefully. Every photo on your blog tells a story about your taste and design aesthetic—whether it’s your photo or not.
Crediting Images
Link to where you found the image. If you find an image you like and aren’t ready to post it yet, open an email and save it in drafts with the headline of the future post in the subject line. Then cut and paste the URL into the email until you are ready to use the image. If someone has a more effective way of keeping track of the source, please post a comment below!
Advice for shooting your own Images
For photos that you take with your camera, the number one rule when shooting interiors is ‘Flash is not your friend’. It washes out colour and atmosphere and makes the room look flat and lifeless. Here’s a post I wrote on What Every Designer should Know about Photography that show a few good images of the difference between a novice vs. a professional photographers photos look like.
Kate at Centsational Girl recently wrote two excellent posts on shooting interiors here and here. Read them both and invest in a good camera, she makes recommendations on which one to buy as well.
How do your readers know if you can help them?
You need to let them know on each post, more on this here: Do you make this Mistake in your Business/Blog?
How do I make money with my Blog?
Well as you can see by the lack of advertisers on my site, I don’t focus on the advertising side of ‘monetizing’ my blog. $50 per month for a small photo ad—which seems to be the going rate on the design blogs–is simply not enough (in my opinion) to clutter up my site with ads. How I ‘monetize’ my blog is through my design and colour consulting services and my colour workshops. Your blog gives you credibility and establishes you as an ‘expert’ in your field. That is how most people make money from their blog. So don’t focus so hard in the beginning on ‘how this blog will make me money’ your focus needs to be on great content, period.
A blog without great content is pretty hard to ‘monetize’ so keep writing (have I mentioned that already?). If you still think that you will get rich blogging, read this post for a serious reality check.
How much time does writing a successful blog take?
This post, 6 Ways I’ve Grown through writing a Blog, will fill you in.
What to do with Negative Comments? This post outlines what I do with them and it’s personal for everyone.
Images from Ralph Lauren HomeIf you are reading this and you already have a blog? Please post a comment below and let us know how many months (or years) it took before you started making money from your blog and how; is it though consulting or advertising? Thank you – your comment contributes to us all!
Happy New Year my lovelies! Thank you for reading my blog.
If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk in, contact me.
Related posts:
Does your Blog Header reflect your Personal Brand?
Who Else wants an Inspired Website?
Profits that are Hiding inside your Website
New to this Blog? Click here ; Follow me on Facebook and Twitter; Become a True Colour Expert
Great tips here: I definitely need to remember the paragraph reminding readers of the services I offer!
For anyone just starting out, I really would recommend beginning with WordPress, not Blogger. I just made the switch (as, I suspect, most business-oriented Blogger-users eventually do), and it's an ongoing headache to get everything transferred correctly.
I read your posts on blogging when I first started out last winter. I think they got me off to a good start. Thanks for being generous to share your experience…not everyone is! By writing a good blog, trying to be consistent with it, and marketing it as much as I can, I know that my business has been positively affected this year. People I have been marketing to read it regularly and have become clients for the first time. I even got press in the Dallas Morning News because of my blog. Using the blog with Facebook. Linkedin and Twitter keeps me in front of my local audience on a daily basis and I'm perceived as an expert in my community. I've sat on trade panels and written newspaper articles because of my blog. I do not plan to monetize my blog either. I am building a wordpress blog under Sally J. Designs that will link to Divine Distractions, but it's slow going. I don't think WordPress is as friendly to image heavy blogs as blogger is, but I'll get there. Blogging has changed my marketing to it's core, and I can't wait to see what the new year brings. Thanks, Maria.
Maria another thoughtful post with so much wonderful information. Thank you for your willingness to share all of your knowledge.
I am so new to blogging and to the computer for that matter the only reccomendation I have is more internal.
I think it is a good idea to make your own personal mission statement and go to it everytime you waiver in your style of blogging.
Staying true to who you are and what you stand for is very important to me.
This is not a technical reccomendation but one that has made blogging more fulfilling and pleasureable to me.
Great post, Maria
fondly,
Kathysue
don't make any money yet…but i wanted to say thanks for your tips…you were one of my inspirations for starting a year ago.
Great post Maria! I just sent you an invite for Pinterest, which is a great tool for saving pics (and the links to their sources, more importantly) for later use. I just started using it, but it's great, and I think it will make your life a little easier. Plus, you're likely to find other great inspiration there too. Win-win. 🙂
Wow! Thanks Maria, great information. Thank you you for all the time and detail you put into this. Can't wait to start.
I agree with you, Maria! Another thoughtful post. Hug
Hi Maria, I don't know if I'll ever do ad space, either. The blogs I enjoy reading the most have the least visual clutter, and I really like that. I don't like to feel "sold to" when I'm reading for education or enjoyment. I hope it will support my business in the coming year, as I keep fine tuning. To new bloggers, I say: beware the time drain. It takes a tremendous time commitment both to get started and to get established. I underestimated that aspect. I was also under the impression when I was considering writing my blog 8 months ago,that I could make money with it on its own. I quickly dismissed that illusion and continued on because I discovered how much I love doing it, and the community of bloggers. I've learned a lot. And, my clients who read it learn something, too, and that's why I do it.
Very good blog Maria. You might want to add one more thing to your list – keywords. That's what I do on my blog – it's keyword based blog which is how I determine what to write about. It's like blogging through the eyes of a client.
It's all about variety. Great pictures (hopefully most of them coming from you) fun reading and keywords to attract the search engines when you rely on social media for clients like it do.
Good luck with your new blog.
SO INFORMATIVE1 thank you for taking the time to share your expertise. I am not trying to generate income from my blog, rather, it is an extension of my website: Interieurs.com, where I show a more personal side of myself through design, travel, stories… (it took me many years to be open about my lifestyle) but my clients read and follow my blog…so i guess I should look at all the hours spent as a reward. The most important part of blogging has been meeting other creative people through the blogs.
Maria,
Terrific post.
I would encourage other bloggers to leave comments on other blogs. It is a way to show that not only are you interested….but also not just in it for your own blog. I have gained so much from leaving comments, from reading other blogs and from Informative posts.
I think finding a niche or having a mission is so important!
pve
Wonderful thoughts and tips for us Maria!! Thank you for always taking the time to teach others, I learn something every time I visit your blog and that is one of the things I love most about it.
Nancy xo
This is a wonderful post! While my blog isn't new, it is pretty small, and I learned so much from this post, and the links you provided.
Thanks for taking the time to share with u! 🙂
What a wonderful post, Maria! You are so generous with sharing advice, and I know that I – and many others – have been the very lucky beneficiaries!
I've just started using Evernote. When I save an image with it, it also saves the URL.
xoxo!
Traci
PS – I also loved Kate's post about photography. Add one other thing to my "to learn" list!!
Maria, I've been subscribing and reading your posts and you are so very helpful. There's much to learn about blogging, it seems effortless for so many, but it's a chore for me! I am enjoying having my voice heard (even if it seems I'm the only one listening!). I'm looking forward to learning more and improving my blog and the information I provide. Your tips are great and much appreciated!
As usual a great post. Your section about photographing interiors resonated with me because I'm hopeless at it and now I know why- I need a new camera and I need to forget my flash. The other point that hit home was choose images wisely because they will be connected to your design sense. I need to improve! The time you spend writing your posts shows in a quality product. Thanks for your generous sharing.
Always love reading your posts and helpful advice. I think large pictures help too. Happy New Year.
I'm new to blogging and I've found your advice so useful. I chose WordPress and I've now mastered the basics after a few weeks of practice. It's true that you just have to start writing and everything comes into focus. I certainly need to follow your advice on photographing my work – my next priority. Happy New Year Maria.
Maria, Thank you so much. Great information. I am fairly new to blogging. I started in August and am blogging about my journey through design school and all things in between. I really enjoy your blogs and facebook posts.
Wow,so much great information, Maria. Thanks for the great links too. With the start of a new year, it's a great time for those of us who have been blogging for a bit to refresh and maybe make some changes for the better! Best wishes for a great 2011!
Maria, whenever I see an image that will be useful for a later post, I file it with the web address as its name, then save it in a directory under specific ideas for postings – that way I can source it even if it has been ages in between. This is a fabulously honest post!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Maria. Just finished my first blog – after changing everything about 20 times…ok, maybe changing it 25 times. I found writing was the easy part, it's getting the right header, font, links, etc. that's difficult for me.
I've printed out your posts on blogging, have them scattered all over my desk with notes scribbled all over them. Too funny!
Great advice, Maria.
I just started my design blog in 2010 and I'm a bit overwhelmed because I'm so not good at it yet. But your post made me want to keep at it!
Thank you!
Tricia
http://www.brilliant-nest.com
Hello Maria!
Thanks so much for writing this post to help out all of us fellow bloggers. I have had my blog for 2 years now and I feel like it has given me validity as a new designer and helps people to have confidence in my skills. However, I am still struggling with the fact that blogging takes SO MUCH TIME and it feels like my readers don't appreciate it. I rarely get comments or interaction from them. Do you have any ideas on how to get more feedback from people? I want the blog to be more of a conversation rather than me just talking to people that may just be looking at the photos.
Any thoughts are appreciated!! 🙂
Hi Maria
As Catherine above said – Pinterest is a great way of keeping track of images and the webpage that they came from. It used to hugely annoy me that I couldn't find where I got the inspiration from and started using Pinterest recently.
EA
A picture is worth a thousand words, Use pictures in the blogs it will yeild very good results.
Another great, informative post. I will take your advise about storing the info in a draft. I have bits of paper all over with the resources of what's on my desk top. I have tried to comment and have conversations in order to get other bloggers to link. I have found that to be a little harder than expected. But~ I'm lovin and learnin it!
Thanks for such an informative article, it's been very useful.
Wishing you Happy New Year, May u always keep in heart the special beauty and cheer of New Year.
what a great post maria, you are ever so smart! loving your blog still too!
Oh Maria, thank you thank you thank you for this most interesting post! I will file this post and now and then I will look back at it! You are incredible and so generous sharing this with us!
Thank you!!
xx
Greet
PS I don't want to have advertisers. I have add some Belgian companies whoe are interesting to visit (to me).
Maria- your continuous hints and tips on blogging truly speaks volume about you! It shows how much you want to give back and share what you've learned… probably because you know there is not a lot of advice for beginning design bloggers. Thanks for the inspiration and the taking the time to reveal your "best of the best" shortcuts!
Traci
Maria this is another of your incredible posts. As you know I concentrate on art, artists of all genres, events, and design.
I do have a select few sponsors, however have my site set up so that IMHO it does not look cluttered.
Images are so important. Your readers really do want to see the eye candy and the unique creativity that is out there!!
Happy New Years!
Xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Maria- Again, so informative!I'm so happy I found your blog- I'm new to this so all the info really helps! way to go.
Happy New Year! Julie
Maria –
On images a link back to the source is not legally sufficient. Get permission to reproduce from the photographer or the magazine that owns the rights or you may log on find a missing picture and a nastygram from your ISP about DMCA violations. You may get a bill for usage from the photographer at the usual commercial rate. Or a copyright violation notice and offer of settlement from a lawyer.
It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's going to ruin your day.
Getting the picture via another blog does not release you from your responsibility to get permission to reproduce, nor your liability under copyright law.
Maria, You have been like a blog mentor to me. I always learn something from your posts. As you said blogging is like a continuing education course. I learn from the comments too, so my advice to those starting out is get out there and comment. Then, don't get your feelings hurt because you don't immediately get comments, just keep commenting. That takes as much time as writing posts but in the end it is worth it. Slowly you will acquire blogging buddies. It's like anything in life you have to give to get. In the end you will receive all kinds of benefits from blogging that you never even dreamed about in the beginning. The one thing that still surprises me is that my most loyal readers are my clients and friends, which I am very happy about, but they comment the least. They always tell me in person that they are following and enjoying but just don't take the time very often to comment. They are also intimidated about commenting. That's why most comments are from other bloggers. We're a brave bunch.
thanks for this post maria! i have been wanting to start a blog for a while, but can't decide what to write about. i like your advice to just start writing and work it out as you go!
Hi Maria,
Great post! I just want to let everyone know I would not be here in blogland if not for Maria. She is the one who inspired me to start my blog and I have been learning from her ever since. One of her best tips I picked up from her was using Live Writer. So easy. Thank you so much for sharing Maria!
Thank you so much Maria, being new to blogging myself this post has been quite a blessing. Such an inspiration!
Happy new year.
Yancey
Hi Kara,
The way to have your blog be a conversation is to comment, comment, comment on other blogs, it takes a lot of time but it's really the only way. That is on my 10 things every blogger should know post as well.
Maria
One of the most informative post ever and I feel really grateful for it.
I've started my blog in September and it's growing so fast! What I have to say about that? I feel BLESSED for having all of my reader and I consider many of them, my friends.
2 tips: 1) when choosing a name, try to use 2 words max.. it's easier to remember. Mine is HOMEBUNCH.COM (Home (easy) Bunch (fun).. it's a fun name and it's easy to remember.
2) Be yourself! Don't try to copy anyone else. My blog is very simple, I don't pretend, I speak from MY HEART. I am very honest and I keep it simple.
That's how I am.
Thanks again, Maria.
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Excellent advice, Maria, for new bloggers and really anyone who's been doing it for any amount of time. It's opened up worlds for me, but as far as money making I'm definitely not there yet. But just one year into it, I didn't expect to be. What it does though, is establish that you know what you're doing and as a designer I feel that will attract and maintain loyal clients!
Wow, the comments section is thriving! Great tips for saving URLs & images – Evernote & Pinterest noted, thank you! I too have developed a pretty adhoc approach and that is to screensave images that catch my eye, saving them under a file named 'To Blog' in Picasa – I find storing them this way quite useful when it comes to looking back for inspiration but I am very keen to explore Pinterest – check out Honey & Gill's page (serious wow!)
Lazy Gardens made an interesting comment regarding permission and legalities and although I know it's correct procedure I just can't imagine going to the pfaff of waiting for a response, can you? That said I would advise other bloggers to always seek permission BEFORE using images from Flickr – I tend to write posts on the spot and then drop them a line to say 'I've your image & linked you, here – if it's a problem let me know!' and on both accounts I received quite angry emails back. So, now I email them first, forgetting about that post whilst waiting for the green light.
I think people should forget about monetising; that should not be focus. Write a great blog about things you love and if you get it right the money will come.
Great post as always, Maria. Happy New Year to you!
Maria, I always enjoy your post on blogging, they are so helpful. I don't make any money from advertising but I do get clients from my blog. My goal for this year is to post more often.
Thank you for sharing your advice and your own experience with blogging. This post has really got me thinking about what direction I want to see my own decorating blog go. I will be revisiting this post a few more times again I'm sure!
Alexandra
Good advice. I am a ghost blogger meaning that I write blog posts for other designers and retailers who do not have the time and/or writing ability to write their own so it is difficult for me to say when you will start earning $. What I will say is that Maria is right in that it takes a lot of time, dedication and knkow how to write a successful blog so my advice is to just keep plugging away and if it is your passion it will work out. If not, hire me!
Great advice as usual Maria. Blogging has been a roller coaster, many ups and downs with a lot of learning in between. Finding my voice took me a while and I have a lot to learn about photography but when you forget to stress out about how many followers you have, etc, and write for your enjoyment, then blogging is fun:)
Great tips, Maria! Happy New Year.
Hi Maria! First off, I love the Dalmatian picture! I used to have one, they are beautiful! Second, I have had my blog for about 2 years. Just recently switched over to wordpress from blogger, and I am happy with my decision. Also, I used the Blog Butler to help with the transition…Thank you for all of your great insight! I have been blogging for awhile, but do not have advertisers, and am still learning everyday!
A nice blog with all the useful matter with main issues,it is the great blog compared to others blogs. Thanks for giving such useful information keep up the good work man.
Maria I've read the backlinks, and as a four-month newbie blogger I found some great advice.
One little bit of advice I might add is if you are going to invest time in a blog, it's nice to see it in print. I'm looking into Blog2book.com and Blog2print.com
Loretta
I really regret starting with Blogger as it's completely outdated and hard to use!
Great tips! I love reading blogs but, frankly, once they get too big and start feeling impersonal or unresponsive to their readings, I drop it and look for smaller, newer blogs.
I always check out the blogs of my followers and join their blog rolls. I think reciprocity drives blogging forward.
Thank you so much for this post! It is one of the best blog posts I have read in a long time! As a design blogger myself, I have long thought, "If I could just make a living from my blog…" Your insights are fascinating and are prompting me to do some much-needed soul/career searching. Thanks again!
Thank you…I'm still trying to figure all of this out!
Just started blogging for fun, personal, and then started incorporating it into my web site. Unfortunately I did it in iWeb and there is not the ability to post comments, big piece missing! Working on making that part work…
You tips were thought invoking!
Wonderful tips as always Maria!!
xoxo Laura
I've been blogging for two years and haven't made any money or gotten any decorating jobs out of it. I must be doing something wrong!
When I save a picture from the Internet, I include the name of the source in the name I give the picture. So if I save a picture from your blog, I'd call it something like "yellow sofa colourmehappy.jpg". And I have different folders for different pictures.
Hi Maria,
I'm new to your blog just came across it this past weekend. But what a way to start the New Year, lots of inspirational and substantive info for your readers. I have committed to jump start my blog after being away for a year. I moved across country etc. and lost focus 🙂 However this article was just the thing I needed. Thx for your energy and all you put into a great blog. I even subscribed! :)You'll be hearing from me often. Thx again
Robyn
Thank you so much Maria for your generosity and talent, I am an interior designer and a blogger since July. I need all the help I can get, I have the impression I have been doing this for a century now. I have no idea how you can monetize your blog, but if I encounter a good site with good advices, I will recommend it to you. In the meanwhile, have a great year, health and happiness and a bit of free time to enjoy it.
xxx
decogirlmontreal
Hi there Maria! I have just started a design blog!!! Your site has been a great inspiration to me! please check it out at
http://www.camilladesigns.blogspot.com
Please tell me what you think! x
-Camilla
I'm probably a bit late for this conversation but the easiest way I've found for saving photos and sources is to pop them straight into a Tumblr account. You can set it to have a click trough link to the original site and also tag it however you want for future searches. If you add the 'Share on Tumblr" button to your bookmark bar it is literally 3 clicks and you've saved the photo and the link. It is saved on Tumblr servers too so if it is removed from the original site, you still have it.
HI Maria!
I am late on reading this particular post, but just had to let you know how helpful and inspiring it was.
As I've been blogging a mere 9 months (which is more like 21 years in blog years), I am still learning and growing. And, appreciate all the advise from you and the other tenured bloggers.
And, by the way, my mother (who is a non commenter) has mentioned your blog in particular to me as one she really loves. That's part of the fun…you really never know who's reading.
All the best,
Elizabeth
Thank you, Maria! I started a design blog a little over a year ago. After reading your info I changed a few things. I also got some great tips on how to take interior photos. Since I am starting off it is hard to afford good photographers!
Maria, You are so inspiring and such a giver.
I have just eliminated my static website and started 2 WordPress blogs. One on custom window treatments, I am a window treatment expert, and one directed more toward interior design and lifestyle in central Massachusetts.
I too have all of your posts bookmarked to refer back on.
Tip for you–Clip the photos you like but aren't ready to use into OneNote~the URL automatically carries over with them. You can organize them into notebooks too. A super tool for all organizing.
Thank you for being you!
All of this advice was so great – thank you for the original post and all of the helpful comments! I just started blogging in December, but I was mainly inspired by the great design blogging community that I had so enjoyed following! I am so glad to be a part of it now, wherever it may lead! Please check out my blog if you're interested – I'd love any feedback! It's about interior design, but inspired by my travels all over the world so it has a bit of a unique slant in that way – hopefully my "niche"! http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/
Thanks for these great tips. Love your blog. Must follow . . . can't resist! 😀
Warmly, Michelle
Thanks for sharing with us such wonmderful post, keep it up!
Thanks for sharing with us such wonderful post, keep it up!
Your post is really interesting, thanks for sharing with us such great ideas.
Great post! Thanks for all the tips! I recently started a blog, but only posted a few times because I got discouraged after seeing everyone else beautiful blogs. Finding your blog and reading your tips inspired me to try again. I linked to your blog and specifically this post in my first post on my new blog. Thanks again for the tips and new found encouragement!
<3
Kayla
Holy moly this post was a truckload of amazing, useful and fantastic information! Thank you for your help, suggestions and sharing!
Thank you so much for your generous tips and advice. I recently completed a Decorating course and have been stressing about how to start up my own business and blog as I really enjoyed the blog assignment we did in our last semester. I will definitely be referring back to your tips on starting a blog as I go.
Olga
Colour me Happy!
A Kiss
Paula Kasas
I’m new to blogging and to the computer for that matter the only reconmendation I have is more internal.
Staying true to who you are and what you stand for is very important to me.
This isn’t a technical reccomendation but one that has made blogging more fulfilling and pleasureable to me.
Nice post,
Natalia
Hi Maria
another great post! Thanks.
I agree the best blogs are visually simple & clean and have great content where you know that the blogger is there because they love writing and sharing.
I also agree that the blog should make money through selling services. The purpose of the blog is to help people to realize you are an expert in your niche.
I’m still working on that 🙂
-jg
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Many thanks for providing these details.
Hey Maria, thanks for this superb post. As a blogger I got answers for most of my querries related to blogging. I must say your blog just reflects your color profession!
I really want to make a great article on the baseball team website is from a series of articles in the beautiful story of a boy, is very useful.
Sarah Kensington
Hi there Maria! I have just started a design blog!!! Your site has been a great inspiration to me
Wow! Simply awesome! Thank you so much for this!!! I am a brand new stager/redesigner, and was wondering if I should begin… I guess the answer is YES!!!! This is so helpful! Everything I need is right here! Thanks again!!
Hi Maria,
Thanks a bunch for the information. I plan to follow your steps to create my awesome new blog!
Best,
Tonya