10 BLOGGING HACKS

YAY to anything that makes life easier, especially when it comes to blogging! Along the way, I've picked up a few blogging hacks to help out.. The tips & tricks below are just some of my favourites for hacking this blogging lark! 

 1. IFTTT

One I've used loads in the past. I think I found this through LLYMLRS ages ago, but it's still one of my favourite blogging hacks. IFTTT is full of 'recipes', which means you can set up actions that will occur when something happens - if you have a flick through the site you'll soon work it out. I think the most popular for bloggers is 'Post your Instagram photos as native Twitter photos', which means that when you share a picture on Instagram it will automatically post it on Twitter as a proper image, rather than the annoying Instagram link. The only thing is you have to remember to switch it off when you don't want to share something on Twitter, or if you want to use a different caption. There are loads of other really useful recipes on IFTTT, so it's worth having a browse. 

2. iPiccy

I haven't got anything too fancy when it comes to photo editing... Instead, I just use free editors online. My favourite is iPiccy, one I've used for years. It has all the editing features I need (I mostly change exposure and saturation, as well as getting rid of any 'growing a second head' pimples) and it's also really easy to work out... I know my way around Photoshop, but I definitely take the scenic route. For me, this does everything I need.

3. Tracking Codes

I use tracking codes mostly for work (social media), and when it comes to analysing results I find they're the best way to really suss things out. Basically, it sticks a little bit of code on the end of your link, which can then be tracked in Google Analytics. It's a bit fiddly at first, but once you know what you're doing they're easy. I start with URL Builder, and fill in Website URL (your blog post link), Campaign Source (which platform you're using to share the link - e.g. Facebook, Twitter), Campaign Source (if it's a link on social media, I just stick 'Social' in there) and then Campaign Name (something unique to the post - for this one, I'd go with 'blogging hacks'). Create your URL, shorten it (I use Google Shortener), then you can follow how it does over on Google Analytics. To find your tracking links on there, head to Acquisition > All Traffic > Source/Medium. Then you want to click on Secondary Dimension (above the list of data) and type Campaign, which should come up as an option. You can also search for specific campaigns in the search bar. This way, you can see all the info about any clicks on these links. Aaaand if none of this makes sense, this page explains everything in detail. 

4. Website Speed Test

Okay, so I'm crap at utilising this one, but it is useful if you want an overview. I never even thought about how long it takes a blogger's site to load until someone mentioned it to me. We've all clicked off something when it takes an image a portion at a time to reveal itself, and this is where speed testing comes in. You can find plenty of these sites via Google, which will give you an idea as to how your site is performing. Image size can be a big deal, so lowering resolution is something to think about - definitely one I need to work on! 

5. Scheduling. 

My. Bloody. Life. I feel like everything I do is scheduled, but it is one of my favourite things in blogging. With working full time, I have to get a lot of things scheduled in as I usually just don't have the chance to put things out live. For Twitter, I mostly use Tweetdeck as it's pretty basic and does all I need. Hootesuite also has an option for scheduling Instagram, although it does come up with a notification you have to click through to share it - Instagram still wants us to be 'instant'. BOO. 
Tweetdeck / Hootsuite / Buffer

6. Selfie sticks.

Errrmygaaahd I love a selfie stick. They're just so useful for blog pictures, because let's face it, our arms just aren't long enough. Maybe we'll evolve? Anyway, I think a selfie stick is one of the best blogging purchases, as they're good for more than just the posey pictures. I use mine a lot for getting shots from above, or just to make sure my hand stays steady when trying to take a fiddly photo. I recently upped my selfie stick game (lol) with a newbie that can handle the weight of my DSLR... Essentially it's a tripod that I can hold. Marvellous stuff. 
Heavy Duty Selfie Stick

7. Appropriate hashtags. 

I'm an inconsistent user of hashtags, but I do think a bit of hashtag research to find relevant ones is a good idea. I love a good flick through hashtags on Instagram, so I try to think about the ones I go for then apply that to my images, where appropriate. It's a good way to actually get some useful interaction on social, rather than it just being a quest for likes. 

8. Google Autocomplete. 

Autocomplete is the most underrated BFF any blogger can have. If you're not into the whole SEO business (it still takes me a good while to get my head around most of it), then a quick Google search can be really helpful. Seeing what Google suggests for particular search terms is a great way to get some ideas. Have a go with 'ladies outfits'... For that you get weddings, races & graduation. That's a start for some blog post ideas!

9. Mini tripods. 

Extra handy for on the go blogging, when your big old tripod really isn't going to cut it. I'm not brave enough to whip one of these out in Starbucks for the ultimate candid coffee shot, but for travel in general I find these are really useful. I've used mine on quieter streets in town for a quick shot of my shoes, and at friends' houses when I've been staying over.  

10. Whitening tools.

I wanted to save this for my updated 'How I Edit My Instagram Pictures' (it'll be up soon!), but seen as this is probably my favourite hack right now, I thought I might as well throw it in here too. I get quite a lot of questions about getting a good white background on pictures.. So, here's how. You know how teeth whitening tools on editing programs/apps that get rid of the yellow for shiny, bright white? Wham, bam, thank ya mam. The whitening tool on Facetune I use for just about all my Instagram pictures, getting rid of any yellow tones and brightening everything up. I found this tip through watching 'White Instagram Theme' videos on YouTube and have been utilising it ever since. 
 youtube / bloglovin / twitter / facebook / pinterest / tumblr / instagram

x