How to Start a Travel Blog
If you already have a travel blog and want to improve it, and are aiming to become a top travel blogger in India, here are some tips for you to consider because there is so much more to travel blogging than just travelling.
Know your voice: What would you like the focus to be on in your travel blog? Would you like to write about places of interest, or do you want to focus on the culture, lifestyle, and cuisine of the place you have visited? Your blog should define your perspective and individuality making it unique and different from the rest of the travel blogs in the blogosphere.
Being authentic: There are a lot of travel blogs, and to be honest, not many of them are that interesting or encourage travelling; it is hence important that the content of your posts is original and reflects you ~ your style, personality, individuality, and creativity ~ so that it stands apart from the rest. You should also be innovative in the manner that you present content to ensure your readers come back to read more.
Take a break from the run-of-the-mill type postings: Always try to post content that is not found on other travel blogs. You can have innovative methods on how to combine your writing with pictures and maps and make it visually attractive to your readers. The content you provide should be fascinating and in-depth so that readers know that the resources and details available about places on your blog are the best.
Keeping it simple: Keep your blog simple and easy to navigate. There should be no clutter of advertisements and widgets on the site which can be distracting to visitors and take their attention off from the post.
Commenting on other blogs: This is a good way to get noticed and also make your presence felt in the blogging industry. Be choosy when it comes to commenting because there is no point to this if you do not share a relationship with the blogger in question. Apart from appreciating your comment, said blogger should return the investment you have made by reading and commenting on your posts.
Make your presence felt on Social Media: Being active on social media is extremely important if you want to get noticed. That means not just commenting on others’ posts, but responding to comments made on your posts, and also sharing blog links written by another blogger {if you think it is good}. I understand that this activity can be time-consuming, but if you are efficient and have a proper plan in place, then the number of hours spent on the same can be reduced.
Here are a few ways to utilise your social media platforms effectively so that your blog is noticed.
- Facebook: Follow Me On Facebook! You can decide on the number of posts you would like to post per day/week and follow that up with a timeline that will give the best results, by testing initially. Captivating pictures with interesting captions always draw attention. Ensure you tag yourself in the pictures so that your friends see them.
- Instagram: Follow Me On Instagram! Posting a picture a day with neat descriptions attracts viewers on Instagram. Do not forget to use hashtags, and tag the location to attract more visitors to your account. I use quite a few hashtags, around 20-25 usually so that my post connects to a wider audience.
- Pinterest: Follow Me On Pinterest! You can create your page and share content and pictures, and manage those using Pins, Pin It, and Pin Boards.
- Twitter: Follow Me On Twitter! Likewise have a couple of postings on Twitter along with some pictures. Your postings should be consistent and regular, so time them accordingly.
Posting photographs of yourself: You should not be afraid of posting your pictures on your blog because many times the connection is more palpable when readers see your photo.
Patience and perseverance: Travel blogging can take up a lot of time, especially because you need to create content that stands out. Most of the time bloggers give up because they do not have that kind of time to invest. I would advise you to be patient ~ you will find it rewarding.
Finding that connection with your readers: Travel blogs should not be about the mundane, like what you wore or what you ate, but about the stories that will make the place come alive to your readers enabling them to visualise themselves there. Many travel blogs end up being personal diaries which can be the cause of their non-popularity.
Timing the posts: Consistency is the keyword here. Your blog posts must be timely and regular so that readers do not forget you, and you will be able to make your presence felt online regularly.
SEO {Search Engine Optimisation}: SEO is an important topic and it is required to drive more traffic to your blog, as well as increase ranking in search engines. It will also enable Google to list your posts at the top of searches by using specific keywords.
Ignore negativity: There might be negative comments on your posts with readers criticising you for your content ~ pay them no heed. If there are negative comments, delete them, or have an option where the comments need to be approved by you before they can show up on the post.
Now that you know how to work towards growing & improving your travel blog, you can work towards your goal of becoming a top travel blogger in India! Be patient. Put in the time. And you will reach your goal!
You’re really the best (superior to all the rest!). Should you need a buddy to hang out with in Rajasthan when you’re here ~ get in touch!
Sounds like a plan, Reyansh.
Thanks for being real, and thank you for the informative post, Vikram! It’s unquestionably what I needed. I began blogging a few months ago, as my wife and I are taking a year to explore the world. 🙂
With so much competition, there’s no sense in trying to be a copycat. All the best, Robin!
Thank you for this straight talking post. It must be so fun to capture beautiful locations, once-in-a-lifetime memories, and have something to share on your blog and platforms! Great tips, you’re amazing! 🙂
The writing doesn’t matter that much. It’s the story, the idea ~ that’s what needs to be outstanding!
I appreciate how you always keep it real. Love this blog and the life you’ve chosen to lead with your adventures! There’s a lot my over-planning, checklist-obsessed self learned from this spontaneous post… Thanks so much for this, Vikram.
Thanks for the good thoughts, Pranjal.
Great post! I truly believe you need to invest in your blog to make it work. Life is good and new opportunities are on the horizon… Looking forward to all that is to come.
Investments done in the right areas yield results, Deepal. All the best!
I have always appreciated the “realness” that comes across in the writing on this platform, Vikram. Right now content creators must take a MASSIVE pivot to make meaningful connection with their audience. And that means, listening to your community and seeing where they’re at.
Thanks for taking the time out to read, Parulben.
I think at the core of it you just have to be honest and recognise for yourself and anyone you follow that many things can be true at once. By the way, how do you manage such a smiling face and oozing energy, particularly after long and tiring periods of travel?
I really love what I do, Nidhi. And being an NLP coach helps.
Vikram, you’re an inspiration to me, and as a fellow traveller I am hoping to proceed in your footsteps in order to traverse the world. Today I remembered a fun day in Singapore, this evening I’m catching up on news and community charity efforts, and tomorrow I’ll be planning where I want to go by the end of the year… that’s how I’ve been going, a day at a time! I hope to meet you and Tanya someday…
Glad to help! Reminiscing and dreaming is fine so long as people are still speaking to their audience in a way that resonates with the times, Gautam.
I appreciate the honest insight, Vikram. And although it’s demoralising to hear that the travel market is saturated, it’s encouraging to know that as long as you’re authentic and unique, you will undoubtedly become a success stat!
There is always room for unique work, Nishvika.
I have read numerous posts on travel blogging, however your tips are simply the best! In spite of the fact that my blog is just a side interest and I’m not planning on making it a business, your blogger tips dependably motivate me to improve my blog regardless of whether I’m a professional travel blogger or not. 🙂
You don’t have to be a professional blogger to enjoy travelling and blogging, Pankaj. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing these tips! I have been following Urban Diaries for quite a while, makes me almost feel like I know you and Tanya personally, haha! Thanks for remembering those of us who are still standing…
You’re welcome, Bhrigu.
I adore your blog and I believe you’re absolutely right with your advice. When you love what you’re doing and if you stick to it regardless of how hard it may be, then you can be successful!
I agree. Good luck, Naresh!
Absolutely agree, your content is great and thanks for the tips. I really appreciate reading your blogs, Vikram and Tanya! And, there is this rather amusing thing that I do when I’m reading ~ your writing comes out in your voice in my head! 😀
Haha! My pleasure, Richa.
Fab tips ~ as always. Your insights leave me hungry for more than just travel… Definitely influenced me to ponder on what my uniqueness is with my blog. Here’s to the future, Vikram!
Re-read this post ~ quit stressing over what everyone else is doing. And put some personality into your blog,.. that is something no one can copy!
These are such great tips! This world has so many hidden magical spots that I want to explore! I always have a visit planned. Even if it’s a long time from now, it gives me something to look forward to. Ultimately, nothing beats immersing in a new culture and cuisine!
I couldn’t agree more, Ali.
Very realistic insights! I have a tip to share on travelling per se ~ one of my favourite things to do is read visitors guides. I grab them wherever I go! You can often find them available for free at rest areas, welcome centres, and local restaurants. 🙂
Thank you for sharing, Nishchae. Visitor guides are so full of information. I really like it when history is included.
Stop wishing for the life you desire, create it! This holds so true for you and Tanya! It’s also true that nothing good ever came from stressing out! Life is short, make the best of the time you have with people and places you love!
You can work AND take a vacation – Tanya and I do it all the time, Swathi. Haha!
I absolutely love this. It resonates a lot… Whenever I am at a cross roads while making a decision, I ask myself this question: Does this support the blog I am trying to create? And, in the spirit of my current vacation and adventures, I want to say ~ thank you for your informative posts! Keep it up!
You are most welcome, Subrat.
Appreciate these blogging tips, Vikram. When it comes to travelling, I always say YES! Travelling and writing about my travels, helps me create the life I desire. It opens my mind to so many new experiences, learning lessons, cultures, and more! Thank you for sharing.
Visualise your highest self… now start showing up as him, Yuvaraj.
I’m loving your life! ❤️ One of the best things about travelling is when you can do it with your partner. You are so incredibly blessed to see the world with the very special Tanya, whom I simply adore! When seeking my perfect partner, I will make sure that she sees the value of something like travelling. There’s no settling here.
Tanya and I don’t always post about our daily life, but in our daily life I am a huge believer in celebrating everyday. Open your eyes to what is around you and make most of the time you have, Dharmendra!
Just what I needed as I get close to launching my blog. With travelling being such an important and big part of your life, I’m glad you’ve made an effort to share these expert travel blogging tips! Buckling in because I have no doubt I’m about to receive some top blogging hacks! 🙂
To travel is to evolve. ~ Pierre Bernardo. I like to think that the same applies to blogging…
Fantastic photos, and such great tips! Honestly this is great advise even if you’re not new, especially when it comes to transforming your brand, boosting traffic and positioning yourself as an authority in a saturated market. I’ve got a Facebook group that I’ve kind of let die and I’m thinking I should resurrect it now…
I’m so glad you found this post helpful, Krishna. Yes, get that Facebook group running again.
Keep killing, Vikram! Thank you for teaching me the true foundations of growing a travel blog in this day and age. I’m FINALLY pursuing my dream of putting together short stories with travel advise on my blog!
So glad you found this useful! Here’s wishing you the very best, Bisi!
Great tips and wow, those pictures are incredible! On that note, Pinterest is an incredible platform that you should definitely use if you’re a blogger. And it’s definitely about progress, not perfection. You’ll only get better by consistently doing.
Thank you for sharing, Soni.