This wasn’t the post planned for the day. But then I realised it’s our 100th post! I think that’s a big deal. Kinda. So I decided to write on Blogging. Seemed like just the other day we wrote this 50th post! Phew. In recent times, I’ve gotten a couple of questions about blogging. And rather than give piecemeal responses, I thought I’ll just answer on here. I’m no expert, but I’ve learnt you don’t need to be an expert to help. Everyone’s on the journey, so your perspectives are helpful.
I’m no longer surprised that almost everyone has a blog now. More so, when I heard the view that every leader should have blog if possible, as a great way to influence others. I also think we may have gotten to the point where having a blog becomes like just another social media, like your Facebook page or Twitter, but just one for longer thoughts. What do you think?
Anyway now to the questions:
1. Is your blog on WordPress or Blogger?
None. My blog is hosted on SquareSpace which I started out loving, then hating, then absolutely loving. There are so many advantages of SquareSpace. I haven’t really used WordPress or Blogger in detail. I only created blogs on both platforms and never went public with them. The one thing about Squarespace like they say, and I totally agree is that it’s difficult to create an ugly blog on SquareSpace. Their templates are clean and once you get the hang the hang of it, it’s quite easy to work around. Also it’s automatically optimised for SEO and mobile view. Eg. If you search “slow day at work” on Google, this post of mine on 8 Productive Things to Do On a Slow Day at Work shows up on the first page, as the 5th result! How cool!? Plus their customer service is amazing. Literally, a quick chat online and they help sort your issues. There’s a monthly fee (or yearly) though, but you switch up templates without any extra fee. I’m switching up my site soon all my myself. Fingers crossed, I hope it turns out right! A few downsides, but these are easy to work around and they are constantly improving.
2. How do you combine blogging with a day job?
To be honest, it’s quite tough. Because my day job as a Lawyer is pretty intense. But 8 months and I haven’t quit! First off, I stick to a schedule of 3 posts a week. I find that for now, that works for me. I may be able to squeeze in writing 4, but the back-end work of publishing and promoting is pretty stressful. At the beginning of every month I totally plan out all my posts. 12 for the month. Many times I end of tweaking and shuffling the arrangement or including new content, but at least there’s a base. Next up, I use my commute! I guess that’s the advantage of not driving to work. I type on my phone while on the way to work, on my Notes app, and I don’t need wifi for this. I email it to myself later at night and upload it online! Weekends are also great to get major work done as well. But I totally suck at blogging and promoting at weekends, and need to do better. This post on balancing a side hustle with a day job may also be helpful.
3. How do you leave comments regularly on the blogosphere and what do you think of other people leaving their links in comments?
Second bit of the question first. I think it’s totally okay to leave links on others post. I know it can be quite tricky and you’re wondering if people think “Oh, are you just reading my post to leave a link”. But it can be a great way to promote your blog, and as long your intentions are genuine, I think people are generally fine with it. I’ve met so many amazing bloggers via links they’ve left on my own or other blogs. I think of it as an online business card. Lol! Spammy or one word comments are usually frowned upon. I only recently started leaving comments on blogs when I started blogging. To be fair, I didn’t use to read that many blogs. Asides promotion, I’ve realised how much it means to the writers, and it’s a great way to share, give feedback and support. I typically comment using the same computer and if I’ve left a comment once, I’m constantly logged in, so this makes leaving comments easier!
4. Where do you get the photos for your blog?
I use a lot of free Stock Photos! If I had more time, maybe I’ll take my own photos and create posters. Or maybe not. For now though free stock photos work. Remember I wrote this post on “Why You Shouldn’t Use Photos from Google Images”. That’s still true. But stock photos are special kinds of photos that are free for anyone to use, because the photographers have designated them as such and there can be no copyright infringement. I generally use photos from a wide range of websites. See this article for 21 websites where you can get such free photos! That being said, it’s still sometimes hard to find a photo that ties in to your post. But we gotta make do! I’ve also noticed that there are very few stock photos of people with darker skin tones and so I’m making an effort to use more of those on the blog, which I did in this last post, this and this.
5. What apps do you use to create some of the posters on your blog and Instagram?
Although I don’t use a lot of my own photos, I sometimes create posters. Especially in recent times, for the monthly recap posts and the WeInterview posters I put up on my Instagram. Essentially I just use font apps, typing over (stock) photos. I use Vanilla Pen and Typorama mostly. They are free, but additional fonts and special features require an upgrade. I hear Canva is also great for making such posters, and I’m going to take some time to get the hang of it.
That’s all folks! For those that asked, I hope the responses are useful. Any other questions, I’m happy to answer in the comments!
Now to you readers! If you blog, why did you start blogging and how many posts have you published so far? What’s your latest ‘small’ or ‘big’ blog achievement? What other apps / tricks help ease the blogging process?
If you don’t blog, do you think you’re likely to start one soon? If not, why not? We’re essentially talking blogging today – so please share!
pS: If you could, please let me know how you found my blog! and maybe send me some feedback / what to improve on or what you’ll like to see more of? Oh, one more thing, pretty please subscribe and let’s hang on Social Media: @KacheeTee
Love,
Kachee.. Xx
You should also read:
Berry Dakara
October 9, 2016 at 22:39Oooooh, I like this.I think everyone knows why I started blogging by now, and I’m almost tired of telling the story – to share life, in summary. But I have 749 published posts so far, in 3+ years of blogging. In my mind, I want to blog 4 to 5 days a week, sometimes even 6, but laziness won’t allow me to be great!I didn’t know you used Squarespace – I thought it was WordPress, but maybe I should have a rethink. I really want to leave Blogger :-|www.berrydakara.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 9, 2016 at 23:09Hahahaha. I know you started with your NYSC blog, and then just couldn’t stop! 749 is impressive! Honestly, I want blog every week day. If I could draft the post and someone else finishes it, that won’t be so bad.I know a couple of people have moved from Blogger to WordPress and others from WordPress to SquareSpace. We could chat about it, and you get two weeks free trial, to see what you think.
Azu Happiness Ezinne
October 10, 2016 at 06:06My blog is 15 days old and I have about 32 published posts. I think I have all the time to make blog posts because I’m yet to resume school. And when I do, I’ll find a way to strike a balance between school and blogging. I started blogging because my friends suggested it, they love my Facebook posts and felt i could do better. tho I never really gave it thought until I read your Instagram post where you said ” …..are there a thousand YouTube channels? Still create yours. Are there a thousand blogs? Still create yours… I was worried who might be interested in reading what I’d write and your post pushed me to take the giant stride. I’m glad I did. For now I’m using blogger and maybe I’ll switch to WordPress. Who knows?Good morning Kacheewww.ezinnesdiary.blogspot.c…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 09:4615 days and 32 posts! That’s amazing Ezinne. Well done. I think many bloggers started from Facebook notes as well. Wow! Can’t believe that Instagram post made you start yours.! Thank God you did. There’s always room for your own talent and voice. Well done! Xx
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 10, 2016 at 07:30Thank you! For some reason I thought you had been blogging for longer, until I saw your recent post and it looks like we started blogging at about the same time. It’s so so not easy, that’s what I’ve come to realise. We have to keep pushing! Have a great week Funke.
Uzoma | Don't Touch The Hair
October 10, 2016 at 07:55I realized when you asked about blog achievements that my blog is turning 3 this month. 😁 I’ve published 344 posts so far. I started my blog to share the ups and downs of growing out my hair. I thought it may be useful or helpful to someone. Lately, I’ve been slacking on the consistency of my posts. ☹ I’d like to get back to 3 posts a week.CreateHer Stock has some free photos of black women. There’s also a paid option. I can’t really remember how I found your blog. It may be twitter or I say your comment on another post. I’m glad I found it.😊Don’t Touch the Hair
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 10, 2016 at 08:04Yay! Congratulations!! Sometimes I wonder if I’ll still be blogging in two years. 344 shows a lot of consistency!Your tips are very useful. I think I’m finally embracing being natural, so I’ve been up and about searching for tips – and your blog provides many! Follwed you on Pinterest for Inspo as well. Well done!Thanks for letting me know CreateHerStock! Will check it out. And thank you for that last line 😬😘
Uzoma | Don't Touch The Hair
October 10, 2016 at 16:03Thanks Kachi!! Maybe we’ll see that hair soon. 😁
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 10, 2016 at 16:06I actually have it out this week! I hope I remember to take a decent photo. I’ll show you!
mosimi20
October 10, 2016 at 09:41Although my blog is over a year, I just started blogging consistently this year (not sure how many posts I have published so far). I can’t post more than once a week due to my schedule, so whenever I am free I tend to prepare as many posts as possible. I have been thinking of moving from wordpress.com to SquareSpace, hopefully by the beginning of next year I would move on.For photos on my blog, I usually ask for permission (since reading your post on copyrights) from the owner if possible else I just reference the source. For the posters on my blog, I now use Canva which is pretty amazing and very easy to use.https://eattechtravel.wordpress.com/ || Where in Nigeria do you want to visit?
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 09:44Yay! Come over to Squarespace.. although WordPress is great too, so be sure before making the move. I’ll prob need to pick your brain on Canva if I get stuck.
Cynthia Abayomi
October 10, 2016 at 09:49I found your blog via my sister. She referred me here and i have been hung.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 10, 2016 at 10:27So you said! Hope you’ve referred some people too. Loool! Have a great week Cynthia!
Abby
October 10, 2016 at 10:04I’ve had three blogs that I’ve deleted now. Lol. The only one left is gathering dust somewhere on blogger nailsbyabby.blogspot.com. Haven’t been back there since 2013. 🙈What I admire most about you is how you respond to almost every comment on your blog. It’s a whole lot of dedication really and I’m amazed at how you do it.I’ve read and followed quite a number of blogs but I almost can’t read a post of yours without dropping a comment. You really have the hands with this blogging thing. Well done!🙌🏾Found your blog via the twentysixco website.Have a great week ahead!Xx
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 10, 2016 at 10:32Abbby!! You’ve cracked me up so much! I just left a comment on your blog. Looool! Not sure why you stopped oh…. 2013 sha, Never even knew what a blog was in 2013.Thank you Abby. You already know how much your words mean to me. I guess I look at replying comments like responding to an SMS or similar message, because I’m always logged in on my phone. Ohhh. TwentySix website! Niceeee. For some reason I thought it was Twitter.Have a great week Darling!
Olaa Bobade
October 10, 2016 at 10:20I used to feel that way too anytime I embed links but I felt what has to be done and I actually stopped for a while. Just used to put my blog url but I’m back to school now and I’ve realised putting direct link to a post makes promoting it easier. I love the idea of putting up more than one post in a week but when I think about how stressful promoting them would be, I just stick to one and it’s been working! I love your consistency Kacheeeee. And oh, I really enjoy commenting on other blogs. It’s fun. Have a great week. http://www.laitanbee.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 10, 2016 at 10:26Thanks you Laitan!!! I actually do enjoy commenting on other blogs and I look forward to the reply. Just annoying I have to go back to the post to see the reply many times. That’s why I like Disqus – you get the reply immediately if you’re signed up! People are often inclined to click on direct links rather than general URLs, but I do both, depending on how I feel! Honestly, even with 3 posts a week, I still have so much to write about. Lol!Enjoy school. and I’m sure you’ll find a way to balance both!
Brenda Mobebi
October 10, 2016 at 11:34Wow, this is an amazing and helpful post. Have been learning how to blog for almost a year during the weekends but it seems everyday new things are added. Sometimes what you learn from someone, another would say anything and get you all confused.Had to start mine and I think I am learning better being my teacher and student.Good post and I just got to learn about Squarespace.. Thought is just WordPress and blogger alone we have.Brendascouch.com
Brenda Mobebi
October 10, 2016 at 12:22I started blogging fully with my domain in September 2016. Before then, I have been learning the kills and art of blogging from a friend who also couldn’t cope with her career and blogging. Learnt a few things though that are helping me. Not until you mentioned it here, I never knew or heard of SquareSpace, I thought its only WordPress and Blogger platform we have.I am still learning and hopefully in six months time, I should be better than I am today. Also, combining career and blogging ain’t easy and that’s why I post twice a week. I am enjoying it as it gives me another impression about my real self in another light.Thanks for the tips and all those who have commented, I am happy to read your inputs.Brendascouch.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 09:43Thank you so much Brenda. i agree with being the teacher and student. We just keep learning all the way. Blogger and WordPress are probably the most popular ones, but there are a few others as well. Definitely combining both career and blogging is no easy feat. Twice a week is pretty good! Well done.
Phiona
October 10, 2016 at 13:48Thank You Kachee, I would like to start my own blog but how to start is still blurry to me! Hopefully 1day I will overcome my hesitation…in the meantime I am enjoying your posts 😊
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 09:41Maybe I can share some tips on how to start. Hmmm. There’s never a perfect time, so just start!
Praise Abu
October 10, 2016 at 14:49Hi KacheeeI love how you described embed links as an online business card which is true because that’s how I found your blog. It makes it super easily to network with other bloggers and find new blogs. I admire your consistency, 3-4 post in a week that’s goals for me. I wish I can get the hang of this whole blogging thing, still struggling with the whole thing but I seriously can’t complain. The feedback & support that I receive makes the whole journey worthwhile.Thanks for answering all these questions they were truly helpful.My Style Look Book Series
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 10, 2016 at 14:53You’re welcome! Seems like a bit of people struggle. I may actually start doing some posts related to blogging, so we can figure out to work around it. Will that be helpful? Please send me a message if you have any particular concerns! Xx
Praise Abu
October 10, 2016 at 15:08Thanks Kachee*inserts big hug emoji* You are the bestest.My Style Look Book Series
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 10, 2016 at 15:11Big Hug right back! Don’t forget to send me the message. 😊
Amakamedia
October 10, 2016 at 15:18Nice article, KacheeTee. Congratulations on your 100th post. It’s not a joking “mara” mehn.I also think everyone should have a blog. Like for real! The importance of blogging (for personal development) cannot be overemphasized.Nobody asks you why you use Disqus?The Ten Commandments Of A True Blogger.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 10, 2016 at 15:24Thanks Hun!! I do agree with you. I have a draft post on all the ways blogging has changed me. Hahaha. They did actually re Disqus. I think that deserves a separate post on its own! 😅😅
Dami
October 10, 2016 at 22:04Kachee Kachee!!! You are one hardworking blogger I admire, You drop good comments on almost every blog I know and I keep wondering how you do it, but now I know lol, typing on ur way to work…hahahaha. i am sure going to try that too. Lovely post hun. Grabbed a thing from itBohemian Style / Boho Chic
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 11, 2016 at 07:01Dami! Thank you. On my way to work and replying this. Hahaha. 😘
Chinelo Okoli
October 11, 2016 at 13:15Congrats kachi. For me, the challenge is the time to write, cos 24 hours is too little for me. Anyway i like the fact that squarespace is auto SEO optimised. I am on blogger and i still don’t really get the hang of getting my blog SEO optimised. I found your blog on a comment you left on Punch Newspapers online. So you see the value of leaving blog links on other blogs. I have found other blogs that way. I do wish i started blogging earlier tho.Nelo’s Halo Blog
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 11, 2016 at 14:13Oh wow! I don’t even read Punch newspapers like that. Interesting! I wish I started earlier too, but I believe the next best time is now 😊😊. We have to try to prioritise – I know 24 hrs is not enough.
Chinelo Okoli
October 11, 2016 at 14:37Prioritise she says? with a child to care for (dont forget the hubs), a full time job, a freelance writing business i’m trying to build on the side, my sanity, etc. Lol. We can only do our best at the end of the day.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 11, 2016 at 14:41Lool! Those are def more important I think. So we do our best and God will do the rest! 😘
DamiLoves
October 11, 2016 at 16:18Congratulations, you’ve done an amazing job, and you’re so consistent!!Ah… indeed, blogging is certainly a full time job and it takes grace to perfect the balancing act. I was shy about leaving links in comments in the past, but now I just do it! ✔️I look forward to reading post 200.Why he doesn’t love you
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 09:41Thank you Dami! I was shy at first, but shyness is overrated. Lol. I undereestimated how much work it will be, but I love it!
Bubu Green
October 11, 2016 at 16:54Congrats Kachee! That SEO feature of your platform is so so important. I wish I had that as an option when I kicked off. WordPress is a great platform though. Another thing I love is how comments are seen immediately and you sometimes reply immediately. About why I started blogging: My life experience has been in the media sector. My mentor suggested I start a blog, way back when I was interning as a Radio-host but I had other plans in my head. Now I live in the Middle East and live a sedentary lifestyle, I had to pick it up so my brain doesn’t rot. Now I’m wondering why I didn’t start all these while. One thing about blogging, even if you say you want to quit, so far as you have good stuff out there, your readers and your conscience won’t let you. The more you exercise your mental strength, the more creative juices you get. It never runs dry. Loving it! And hell to da na-na, blogging can’t be compared with the other social media platforms. It’s easy (kinda ) to create but not easy to run.http://www.bubusboulevard.c…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 11, 2016 at 17:31Bubs! The ability to reply to see and reply to comments immediately is a separate Disqus feature and it works on all platform including WordPress! You just substitute it for your default commenting system. I should do a post on it – but feel free to search the web for how to switch if you like.I didn’t mean the blog is the same in terms of managing. Lol.! Not even close. i just meant in terms of people wanting a larger space to air their thoughts!
Bubu Green
October 11, 2016 at 20:24Oh really? I know Facebook has a comment plugin similar to Disqus but thought all along Disqus was peculiar to your platform. Nice!xo
Precious
October 12, 2016 at 03:56Bubu, are you on self-hosted WordPress? There you will find GREAT plugins to help you with SEO. Go to your plugin directory and search for WordPress SEO. Choose one with great reviews and install. It will help you tons.
Bubu Green
October 12, 2016 at 04:42Yes, Presh! I’m on self-hosted WordPress. Thanks a whole lot. Will do just that. XO
Precious
October 12, 2016 at 03:53The 100th post is such a big deal! Congrats dear!!!I love how you have been consistent from day 1. And you have also stayed true to yourself, which is really important. I blog because I had a conversation with Jesus and He asked me to “write”. No jokes.My blog is my way to reach out to others with my gifts and potentials. It is my core. My eyes water as I write this because blogging has been such a huge blessing to me. Who would have known? I wanted a “real job” but blogging is more than that to me. I stay at home with my kids and watch them grow yet I am living fully. I am doing what I was made to do and it is so fulfilling! I will definitely die empty after having used all the potentials in me. Thanks to blogging!One big achievement for me is that I started receiving an income from my blog! Another big thing has been my recent move from Blogger to WordPress.Awesome job, Kachee!PreciousCore.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 12, 2016 at 09:40Presh you’re so amazing! And you ahev def been called to blog. Your passion shines through. Yes to making an income. SO so happy for you!
Jude Nnadozie
October 12, 2016 at 12:55Blogging was really the extension of one’s facebook or instagram page as you suggested. But the connection is gradually parting, and there’s a reason: With the entry of genuine bloggers like yourself, those who have no business anchoring a blog idle away from their devices. Instagram is there for them to share pictures and videos, Facebook there for chatter, and Twitter there for short senses… But to hold lengthy and engaging discusses is not everyone’s turf, so blogs should be rarer, and they will be..Congratulations on your hundredth!.I suppose that someday I’ll provide a rich source of photos for bloggers and everybody. I have an appetite for photography that I’ve kept trained on people for a little longer than I’d envisaged. With what you said about picture sources I’m encouraged to shift my focus to the abstract and shoot away..Cheers Kachee!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 12:10You should totally create abstract photos for us! Thank you so much for this comment. It was a pleasant surprise.
Jude Nnadozie
April 18, 2017 at 07:22:)just saw this
ugofrances
October 13, 2016 at 19:35Thanks for this post , i found this very useful, esp the apps yo use for posters as well as the sites for free stock photos!congrats on your 100th post , that’s no small feat. I’m yet to get the hang of blogging and thinking up enough blog posts to publish frequently..My excuse is that i have no time and i’m sticking to it * covers face* You inspire me tho,and whenever I come on here I remind myself that I should post often..
Memkoh
October 17, 2016 at 14:18Kachee, you’re an all-round amazing blogger. You have your way with words too. Keep it up!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 18, 2016 at 05:24This means so much to me coming from you!! Thank you. 💗💗
Oyindamola Abbatty
October 21, 2016 at 13:07100…That’s a lot. I told you I had more questions on twitter but firstly, I’m going to ask again “How do you combine blogging with a day job?” How? How? Lol, because I’m still wondering. Your consistency level is something else. Where do you get the inspiration to write from? What do you use to drop your site name because it always appears as a link not a url?yorubachic.com
Lara Teshola
January 10, 2017 at 07:35Very helpful tips… I launched my blog on the 1st of Jan 2017, I have 8 post up already. Started blogging because I felt it was time to share my experiences and knowledge to help someone out there live intentionally. My biggest achievement with the blog so far was “STARTING” and had about a 1000 views on the day I launched. Not figured out any app yet to ease the job for now, hopefully would find some pretty soon. http://www.larateshola.com