All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

Are you desiring to create something meaningful? Are you interested in starting a blog and becoming a blogger? Creating this blog is one of the best decisions I ever made. Thanks to this blog is how I earn a living. More importantly, it’s how I can inspire or add value to peoples lives.

So you’re thinking about starting a blog, but you don’t have any idea where to start, right? Guess what—neither did I!

If your clueless or confused with all the choices, trust me I had no idea how to start a blog or how to be a blogger and I began Lovely Chicas when blogs where just beginning to become known.

If your wondering…How do I even start? How do I register a domain name? What is hosting? Which blogging platform should I use? How do I choose a blog theme? What is a plugin? What should I even write about? Don’t worry, starting a blog is much easier than you think. If I did it at a time where not much information existed, you can do it when you now have all the resources available.

During this special series I’m going to cover everything you need to know if you want to launch your own blog or website. If you’ve been thinking about the idea, maybe this post will be that final push of inspiration you need.

In this series we are going to cover everything as stated in this important source, from how to start a blog, hosting,  website platforms, branding, social media, content creation, monetizing, working with brands, email marketing, learning web designs from https://www.10xwhitelabel.com/white-label-graphic-design/white-label-web-design/, writing the perfect email pitch, proposals, media kit creations, terms, policies, legal aspects and so much more. It doesn’t matter if you desire to be a full-time blogger or if you want to start an online business or if you’re a model, actress, stylist, athlete, musician, physical trainer, artist, teacher or stay at home mom this series is for you.

First of all, I want to begin this series with a warning. Blogging is public; regardless of the fact that you have 2 or 20,000 people reading your blog.

Blogging or posting on social media comes with the cost of your privacy.

When you have a peek at these guys, you will understand that everything you post on this massive online community goes on record. It’s amazing to have an audience. I remember when I first began I would receive messages and emails from followers in parts of the world I would of never imagined read my blog. Though I’m very genuine with what I share online I use to share more personal content than I do now. It’s very important to keep certain things private especially in this massive social media era we live in where no one has a filter, and everyone has an opinion which they share without caring who they hurt. I’m especially careful with what I talk about and don’t talk about although a few people do still consider me controversial. Just in case I’ve protected myself with tons of legal policies and disclosures. Most importantly I keep in mind that my dad and sister read my blog. If I wouldn’t feel comfortable having the conversation with my family in person, I’m not putting it on the internet.

Having an online platform gives you exposure. Make sure you’re ready for that. While I don’t mind getting stopped at the mall or at a restaurant for a photo, I absolutely love meeting my followers.  Meeting you all in person is so special to me. It absolutely motivates me even more.

Quick storytime: On one of my visits to my parents house we were going out for a quick Walgreens stop but before leaving I insisted on getting dolled up and wearing makeup. My mom found it ridiculous and I told her, “Mom I always get stopped by a follower when I look like crap and that’s not happening again. She laughed and said, “Oh please no one knows you around this area.” Let it be known that the Walgreens cashier was a follower and in front of my parents said she was a huge fan. Now I was the one laughing at mom. My parents were pretty shook with that experience. They kind of still don’t understand what it is I do online, lol.

On the other side of digital exposure, it can be really upsetting to read negative, hateful and untrue things about you online. This territory also comes with a lot including envy, unloyal, backstabbing, opportunist people who pretend to be friends. I’ve learned to take the good with the bad. The positive ALWAYS outweighs the negative. What always helps me get through the negative is to remember why I began blogging. Knowing my intentions and that I have a bigger purpose in life always helps me overcome the negative aspects.

Before going any further take a moment to think about that.

Are you starting your blog or website with the right intentions?

To me blogging has been an amazing experience and has brought incredible opportunities, but its been a long process which has required a lot of work, sacrifice, effort, dedication, consistency and patience. For some it may be a frustrating process. I began Lovely Chicas as a creative outlet to share my thoughts and experiences in hopes of inspiring others. In a world full of superficiality and struggles it was my special place with no rules and no pressure. It was exactly what I needed at the time to pull me out of a deep depression I was in. Launching Lovely Chicas transformed me from a shy insecure girl to a fearless empowered woman.

If you want to find success in this digital world start with the right goal. Don’t make becoming famous or rich your goal because you’ll be disappointed.

Though it’s possible, but not too likely. Go into this with the idea that you want a creative space, an online business, to build a portfolio or you just want to have fun, there I can surely guarantee you full success. If blogging is your passion and you truly love it you’ve already become a successful blogger.

Now we are onto the first and most important step which is, just start. Whether it’s an online business, promotional webpage or blog you want to launch just start. Don’t overthink it, don’t wait for the perfect moment, just go for it and learn along the way. I began Lovely Chicas 8 years ago when blogging wasn’t a huge trend and social media was just beginning to rise. I spent almost 2 years waiting for the right time, learning and wondering If I should launch my blog. The fear of what others would think and failure consumed me. If I would have known everything I would accomplish I wouldn’t of wasted time or doubted myself. Besides you all have it so much easier today. There are is so much help online, many user friendly website platforms are available and of course you have me to help.

Your probably wondering….Is starting a blog or webpage even worth it because I have an Instagram and facebook account?

Creating and maintaining a blog does require a lot of work and dedication. Instagram is an already made platform with no work to truly put into it but creating good content. Instagram and Facebook are great but you should have a blog or webpage behind it.

First of all, it’s going to be a creative space that you can completely control because it’s yours. What you can do, and how you perform on social media is entirely dictated and controlled by someone else. Let me give you an example, Vine. So many people became instantly popular on Vine, made successful careers and then boom, vine was shutdown. This will eventually happen with all social media platforms. We see it now with facebook and instagram undergoing constant changes and horrible algorithm.

With a blog or website, you don’t have to worry about algorithms or any changes because you’re in absolute control. Social media should only be used to complement your blog or website.  I consider my blog my main priority it is what has brought true success, recognition and has made me a digital influencer.

While we are at it, let’s make something clear.

If you only have an Instagram with no blog you are NOT a blogger you are an instagrammer.

Do not confuse the definitions of those terms, I get very offended when an instagrammer is referred to as a blogger and I have no shame in correcting that misinformation. Sorry, I get very bitchy about that especially knowing all the hard work and sacrifice that goes into being a blogger.

A blog allows you to really express yourself beyond one photo you post on Instagram or Facebook. With a blog you have the power to inject your personality and stand out. It’s like an online diary where you share what you’re all about. In no way do I mean you have to disclose every private detail of your life, this isn’t a reality show but yes open up. Though it may seem scary because your being vulnerable in a public platform it will be extremely rewarding because it will allow you to connect with others on a whole new level.

Now if you are officially ready and fully decided to create your blog or webpage it’s time to go all in. This means choosing your blog name, getting a domain, choosing a hosting and platform, picking a blog theme, creating content your readers will love and more. Sneak peak information, for hosting I have always used Hostgator. I’ve never had an issue with them plus they offer 24/7 customer service and their support team is extremely helpful and friendly.

We are actually going to cover all that and more in our next part of this series which will be on Monday, August 10th. Make sure you’re subscribed to my blog so you’ll receive a direct email notification. Hope this first part motivated you to begin you blogging journey.

Be You, Be Lovely
Charlene Gonzalez

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By Charlene Gonzalez

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