Blogger Spotlight: Keep Calm It’s Only a Blog

An interview with Lauren Percival, author of beauty and lifestyle blog, Keep Calm it’s Only a Blog. She spoke to us about how she uses social media for outreach, hitting a Twitter milestone and what new bloggers, like herself, should keep in mind when starting a blog. 

Why should people read your blog? What makes it different? I think that my blog has a great mix of lifestyle, beauty, wish lists and health/weight loss. I love to write about my personal experiences, journeys, all things beauty – mixed with a bit of humour!

How do you measure the success of your website? I measure the success of my blog by the comments, and positive feedback I receive from readers – If I help or relate to just one person, then I have succeeded!

What’s your favourite blog and why? I love Milk Bubble Tea by Becky – her photographs are always flawless, she always gives her honest opinion and she really connects with her readers. She seems like such a lovely person and is the queen of shabby chic!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a blog? Write about what interests you, things that you love, things that you didn’t like and don’t be afraid to write about sensitive or taboo issues. Promote your blog via social media, you can reach a wide-array of people and all of the bloggers are always lovely and very welcoming.

How do you work with marketers and PRs? I haven’t had my blog very long, only a couple of months – so I haven’t worked with many companies but I am always friendly, courteous and give my honest opinion. There’s no point in raving about a product you were gifted, that doesn’t work for you or isn’t relevant to your blog.

How do you use social media to promote/share content? I promote my posts via Twitter and always tag any companies I have featured.

Can you list the best practices for blogger outreach? Social media is the best way to connect with bloggers, companies, PR’s (Twitter and Instagram are the best for me). Always be friendly, I always tend to reply to emails that are addressed to me personally, rather than a mass email – starting with Dear Blogger.

What has been your blogging highlight? I think my blogging highlight would have to be reaching 1,000 followers, I couldn’t quite believe that 1,000 people were interested in what I was writing. I am so grateful!

What will be big in your blogosphere in the coming months? I haven’t got anything huge planned, but I am going to continue writing about my life, my weight loss journey, healthy lifestyle tips and the whole lot of beauty products I keep hoarding!