I’ve been blogging over at Victoria’s Vintage ever since I graduated from university in 2011, and looking back, I can honestly say I’ve learnt so much along the way. What started as a little corner of the internet to share my bargain buys, DIY projects and competition wins slowly turned into something much bigger. Blogging has shaped my career, introduced me to incredible people, amazing experiences, and taught me skills I never expected to have.
If you’re new to blogging, thinking about starting, or even feeling a bit stuck, here are some of the biggest lessons I have learnt after more than a decade of blogging.
About the author: Victoria is based in Milton Keynes and has been writing her lifestyle blog, Victoria’s Vintage, since graduating from university in 2011. She began by sharing her love of bargain hunting, interior design projects and everyday life, and over time the skills she picked up through blogging have helped shape her career in digital marketing.
8 Blogging Tips From A Decade Of Experience Share on X01. Start blogging for the right reasons
I didn’t start blogging because I thought I would get loads of freebies or make money straight away. I started because I genuinely loved writing and sharing what I was passionate about. Blogging takes time and patience, so if you expect instant rewards it can be disappointing. The bloggers who stick with it are the ones who enjoy the process and love telling stories.
Once you have put the work in and built trust with readers and brands, blogging can lead to some amazing opportunities. I have been lucky enough to enjoy meals out, hotel stays, gifted products, and even a holiday to Sicily. But those all came years after I started blogging and were never the reason I began – but it still excites me even now when a brand reaches out to me!
02. Network with other bloggers and make friends
One of the best things about blogging is the people you meet along the way. Networking with other bloggers isn’t just about commenting on each other’s posts – it’s about building genuine friendships.
I’ve made one of my best friends through blogging, and she was even a bridesmaid at my wedding, which still amazes me to this day. From blog events to Twitter chats, blogging has been a great way for me to be more sociable and make new friends. Support other bloggers and do not be afraid to reach out – you never know where it might lead.
03. Share what you are genuinely passionate about
Your blog does not need to fit into a neat little box. Write about the things you genuinely care about, whether that is fashion, travel, home projects, thrifting, lifestyle or something completely different.
When you’re passionate about a topic, it shows in your writing and your enthusiasm comes through. Some of my favourite posts over the years are the ones where I was simply excited to share something, not worrying about trends or ads with brands.
04. Learn some basic SEO skills
SEO (search engine optimisation) can sound very technical, but learning the basics is incredibly useful. Understanding things like keywords, headings, internal links and meta descriptions can help your blog get found by people who are actively searching for the things you’re writing about.
You don’t need to be an expert overnight, but if you build on it over time it will be worthwhile in the long run. SEO has helped my blog reach readers far beyond social media, and it’s a skill that has been valuable outside of blogging too, as it helped give me a headstart when I was looking for my first role in digital marketing.
05. Include your blog on your CV
This is something I always recommend when you’re job hunting. Your blog shows enthusiasm, commitment and creativity. It also shows that you can stick with something long term, learn new skills and put yourself out there.
I have lost count of how many interviews where my blog became a talking point. Employers are often genuinely interested in it, and it helps you stand out from all the other CVs. Blogging demonstrates passion, which is always a good thing.
06. Use a reliable web host
One lesson I learnt the hard way is the importance of using trusted brands, especially when it comes to web hosting. Years ago, I was with a dodgy web host who suddenly disappeared, and my blog disappeared with it. It was stressful and something I never want to experience again.
That’s why I always recommend using a reliable web host like Lyrical Host. They quite literally saved me, and knowing my blog is safe is a weight off my shoulders. Your blog is something you put time into, so it would be heartbreaking to lose it all.
07. Don’t just use AI to write your content
AI definitely has its uses, and I’m not against it as a tool to help bloggers. It can be handy for brainstorming ideas, planning a structure, and helping you spot typos. But when it comes to actually writing your blog posts, I would always recommend that you do the leg work.
People read blogs because they want personality, opinions, stories and a human touch. They want to hear from a real person, and that’s how you build your own personal brand.
08. Be patient and enjoy the journey
Blogging can feel slow, motivation can drop, and you wonder if anyone is even reading your blog. Sometimes life gets in the way and you don’t feel like writing a post, or you might run out of things to write about. That is all normal, so don’t give up!. What matters is enjoying the journey and recognising how far you have come.
When I look back at my early posts, they’re very different from what I write now. Blogging is a learning process, and that’s the fun of it. I love being able to look back at what I was up to when I was in my 20s – it’s like an online diary!
If you are thinking of starting a blog, or you are already on your blogging journey, my biggest tip is this – do it because you love it, and everything else will follow.
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