TOP TIPS FOR BLOGGING IN 2016

. BLOGGING IN 2016 : WHAT’S NEXT? .

We all know blogging has changed beyond recognition since most of us started 4 – 5 years ago, it’s become a successful commercial industry in its own right, bloggers are now influencers, and our content is no longer diary entries, it’s high gloss, editorial worthy features, which brands are desperate to be a part of. Because let’s face it, the integrity blogging has grown up with, makes it the ultimate platform for brands to reach consumers, and for readers, the perfect place to get brilliant, genuine & personal content all day, everyday.

I’m so proud to have been a blogger throughout this crazy journey, and whilst my little old blog has a long way to go versus the mega stars out there, I can certainly say i’ve experienced the shift & love what this little part of the web has become. But as quickly as the industry grew and commercialised, it’ll continue to evolve, change and adapt in years to come. So today I thought i’d take a little moment, to think about what’s next for the blogging industry next year and most importantly my top tips for blogging in 2016.

. TOP TIPS FOR BLOGGING IN 2016 .

Quite clearly the best thing about blogging, and the main reason for it’s phenomenal success is the integrity of the bloggers and the genuine, real, personal content that’s produced … and not only that, now the quality of editorial produced makes its continued success a ‘no brainer’. But as we think about the year ahead and what’s to come, I think there are 5 key things all us bloggers must maintain & think about for the future.

#1 CREATIVITY

The reason I love to blog & the reason I believe blogs are so successful is of course partly down to the wonderful and unique creativity they all ooze, from the editorial or reporting style, to the quality of photography & visuals (not to mention movie worthy videos or instagram feeds), to just the unique personality that shines through on each and every individual blog.

In 2016 I think having & defining a unique sense of creativity & style is going to be increasingly important. The blogging world is now so vast that having your own identity has never been more important. Of course seek inspiration from others out there, but be true to your own passions, style, photography & creativity. It’s what will help you stand out & continue to grow.  There’s no space for copy cats & a lack of integrity!

#2 SOCIAL KINGS

The social world has continued to boom. Who knew anything would ever rival Facebook, but lets face it Snapchat & Instagram have done just that. In 2016 I think social will continue to become increasingly important to bloggers & their brands, so defining your own social brand & being sure to have a regular presence on your social channels will be key (and not just a presence, but engaging & being part of the community too)! For me, I haven’t embraced snapchat, firstly I can’t bloody use the thing, but secondly, for me, I prefer to focus on my photography & editorials so my blog, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter is enough to think about. But I have no doubt that staying on top of up and coming social channels, and really showing your personality, creativity & blog brand across all your channels will be even more important in 2016.

#3 AUDIO | VISUAL

If i’m honest with myself, youtube & video content is going to be a huge part of the future, but unfortunately at this moment in time I don’t have a youtube channel, largely because I simply don’t have time. However if I did have time I would love to start a quality video content series probably focussed on travel, street style & photography, but at this moment in time it’s (alongside snapchat) the one element of blogging that I haven’t really embarked on. Video content is something people love to engage with and something increasingly brands want from bloggers to help build out their own content strategies, and I don’t think this will change in 2016.

#4 BRAND PARTNERS

And on that point (brands), I think bloggers will continue to have fantastic collaboration opportunities with brands and if anything I think it’ll become even better, stronger & more longer term partnership opportunities, and not just one off features. The commercial side of blogging is one of the most fantastic things to come out of the last couple of years, despite the fact that most bloggers (like me) started their blog as a hobby, the fact that they can now be rewarded & run their blog as a full time career through partnerships with their favourite brands is just brilliant. Truly brilliant. And I hope, and believe this won’t change.

#5 INTEGRITY

But the most important tip for 2016, and something that I believe will continue to be integral to the success of bloggers and the blogging industry, is integrity. Integrity of the blogger or influencer, integrity of the content we’re producing and integrity with the partnerships and commercials that we embark on. Integrity is what made blogging so popular and successful in the first instance, and it’s what will maintain & continue the success into the future.

So there you have it, my mystic meg prediction for the future of blogging, and a few thoughts and personal tips for blogging in 2016. Of course there’s no right or wrong, and so I would really love to hear your thoughts on blogging in 2016 & what you think the future of blogging includes?