SO YOU WANT TO START A BLOG? TIPS FOR BEGINNERS + GIVEAWAY!

Hands down one of the bestestestest decisions I ever made! This is why anyone that comes to me for blog advice will always get encouragement and some tips to grow their blog. There has been a recurrent question I keep getting asked since I started blogging and it is "How Do I Start A Blog"...I did not do a post on this because I thought it was pretty basic...perhaps I was wrong. If you are looking to start a blog and don't know where to begin, you're at the right place. First of all read this post HERE. I have been blogging for over 6 years now and I am a FULL TIME BLOGGER  and this is how I make my income so my post can definitely help you. I have a lot of other blogging TIPS if you click HERE
If you've already started your blog but looking for how to get more readers then click HERE.  If you've not started the blog at all continue reading. 

CHOOSE A NICHE

This is your "Why You Blog". You need a topic that you're passionate about and you won't get tired of blogging about. If you are looking to start a blog but hand it over to someone else...well...it may not go very far. Also if you choose a niche that you're not passionate about, in a few months you would be "forgetting" to post or "not having enough time to post". There are so many Niches: Technology, Beauty, Fashion, Parenting, Religious, Politics, Food or Lifestyle if like me, you are Oliver Twist and cannot choose one! LOL

CHOOSE A NAME & REGISTER DOMAIN
Find a name that has a nice memorable ring to it. Keep it as short as you can and as fun as you can. When I started a blog it was called GISTDOTCOM and no niche. I didn't get the kind of advice I am offering to you. After about 4 years when "my blog found purpose" I rebranded to SISIYEMMIE.COM and it was a difficult change but ended up being a successful change. SISIYEMMIE is everything I love doing: food, parenting, stories, reviews, beauty, style, so that makes sense. The popular thing to do now is use your name.  

CHOOSE A PLATFORM
Nobody told me to choose between Wordpress and Blogger platforms, If I was properly guided perhaps I would have had my blog on Wordpress. My blog is on Blogger.com and it the advantage is that Blogger is FREE and if you want to customise it is cheaper than Wordpress. Also, it is easy to understand if you're not so techy. Wordpress however is more "professional" and have very nice themes but expensive: you have to buy a lot of plugins but if you can afford it, then go for it. I have been thinking of ways to port from Blogger to Wordpress...if I can be assured I would not lose my page views, comments on my posts, photos, articles etc...this is a 6 year old blog...there is a lot!

FIND YOUR VOICE
I like the simplistic style of writing laced with some humour. I like to write like I am talking to my friend. That is my voice. You need to find yours. When your audience reads a post of yours even somewhere else they should definitely know you wrote it. Think about Chimamanda Adichie...when you read anything she writes, you KNOW. I like humour, the world is tough  already and I don't want anyone to tight things to their chest while reading.

BRAND YOUR BLOG
You need to brand your blog so that it is memorable. Your brand is what people remember when they thin about your blog, it is what they associate you with, make sure you're leaving a great impression.  Branding still has to do with your voice, your style, your favourite colours, font, theme, personality. Get a logo if you can, I designed mine myself. I have a very popular post on How To Make Your Blog Pop, you should check it out. 

CONTENT IS EVERYTHING
Content is King. You can have a poorly designed blog but if the content is banging, your blog is going to skyrocket! So pay a lot of attention to the content you create. Create quality content that provides value. This post on How To Maintain Originality and Uniqueness In Your Blog will really help you. Banging Content = Banging Blog.

PHOTOGRAPHY
I subscribe to a blog immediate the images catch my attention! I love beautiful photos as I am sure you do also. Don't grab photos from google, take your own photos. I learned the hard way when I was almost sued for using a photo from google. Read about that dramatic eye opening experience HERE. Grabbing photos without permission is = stealing. Don't do it. If you notice, most of the images on this blog are mine. You can take your own photos or buy stock photos. 

VISIT OTHER BLOGS
It's like you moving to a new neighbourhood, you need to leave your house to visit your new neighbours and get a feel of your new area. You should visit other blogs and leave meaningful comments along with your blog url. Reach out to other bloggers and introduce yourself...asking for a shoutout may be a bit to much so don't ask for that. Once they begin to see how frequent your comments are, they will visit, as well as other commenters on that post.

BE CONSISTENT 
You have to be present. Find a schedule that works for you. Perhaps every Wednesday? Or every weekend? It is good if you can post at least once a week. Initially I used to post once a week but now I post on my blog at least 3 articles a week and at least 2 videos a week. That is a lot of original content. Find your rhythm. Something that can help is a blog planner-I use my calendar on my phone but if you can get a fancy planner like the one Cassie sells (which I will be giving away one today) then that may help your plan your content in advance. 

SOCIAL MEDIA
"A blogger that cannot take advantage of social media, is that one blogger?" LOL. Seriously though you need to be on social media because it is the best platform to share your content since you cannot kuku carry your blog like gala and be hawking on the road. This is the next best thing! I began to focus on growing my Twitter and Instagram and soon after YouTube channel when I realised how important this was. Currently I have almost 50, 000 followers on instagram and steadily getting to 50, 000 SUBSCRIBERS on YouTube so I can definitely show you what I have been doing to grow my audience. For twitter see HERE and for Instagram see HERE. I will do a post for YouTube once I hit 50k so stay tuned.

BUNCH OF TIPS: Try not to compare yourself to other bloggers, you may begin to envy their wit and content. Blogging takes time to "blow", your blog may not be popular for a long time. You learn on the job, no one knows it all when they start blogging, with time you find what works for you and you tweak things here and there. I'm still learning!
GIVEAWAY
This post is getting so long...LOL. Sorry. If you want to win the blog planner then leave a comment with your name, a link to your blog and your location e. g I love this post and I want to win the blog planner, my name is Sisi Yemmie, and I run a food and lifestyle blog www.sisiyemmie.com. I live in Lagos. 

The winner will be announced next week, good luck!

61 comments

  1. I do love this post, Won't mind winning this one. My name is Tochi,I run an infotainment blog & I live in Rivers State

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  2. I do love this post and I'd like to win the blog planner. My name is Tochi.i run an infotainment blog www.tochisblog.com and I live in Rivers State

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    Replies
    1. I know you (but I have not seen you before in reality).
      You are Maryann Tochion (hope I spelt it correctly) on YouTube.

      Delete
  3. Hi sisi yemmie! First off all I am first to comment :D
    My name is Ashley and I blog over at www.ashleyesema.com about lifestyle, DIY, recipes and motivation. I live in Budapest, Hungary. I hope I win this planner! My location doesn't matter too because I will get it to me, don't even worry about that ;)

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  4. Yhello Sisiyemmie, I would love to win the blog planner. Been eyeing it for a while now. I love this post. Just the right 'blogging ginger' for the year ahead. I live in Port Harcourt and run a personal blog at www.tamiesalcove.wordpress.com

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  5. "It's like you moving to a new neighbourhood, you need to leave your house to visit your new neighbours and get a feel of your new area" this statement is the TRUTH!! Commenting on other blogs has been a great way to get others to visit my blog. I'm still working on my social media skills though.
    Consistency is sort of an issue for me but I'm trying to work on that. A blog planner will help me improve and grow my blog. My name is Temiloluwa, my blog is peoniesandrubies.wordpress.com and I live in Kano state. I'll love to win the blog planner. Thanks for the tips and God bless.

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  6. Hello Sisi Yemmie, I'm a constant follower of ur blog. I enjoy your videos alot and I love Tito cos he behaves exactly like my two year old. I started blogging recently but I still need to get a hang of it. My name is Efe and I really think this post is for me and as such, I would love to win the blog planner. Here's a link to my blog. Bless you.

    http://wwwtheeverydaylife.blogspot.com.ng/?m=1

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  7. Thank you for the amazing tips! I'd love to win the planner, it would be super useful :-). My name is Ms Mimi and I run a lifestyle and motivational blog ramblingsofmissmimi.wordpress.com. I live in Abuja :-)

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  8. Hello Sisi Yemmie, I'm an ardent follower of your blog, and your videos are so full of life that I look forward to them. and yes,I,m equally on the Redeemed fast too. you mentioned it in your last vlog and we can believe God together. More so,I'm in love with Tito cos he behaves just like my two year old. I started blogging very recently last year but I am still trying to get a hang of it. My name is Efe and I would like to win the blog planner. I blog at http://wwwtheeverydaylife.blogspot.com.ng/

    Thanks and God bless.

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  9. This post came in very handy.
    ive been on blogville for a while (very long time actually) but consistency has been my problem.
    I decided to start all over this month and I'm taking it very seriously this time. schedules and all.
    I would love to win the blog planner but I already got one (I told you I am taking it seriously), I am yevandy , and my blog is www.becomingyeva.blogspot.com i live in Lagos. :)

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  10. Great content and creativity is key, thanks sisi Yemmie, www.fatisticinfo.com, Kano State.

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  11. Your blogging tips are of course always top notch especially since you've made a success out of it.I want to win the blog planner, my name is Cheechee and I run a beauty and lifestyle blog www.cheecheelive.com. I live in Lagos.

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  12. OMG I love this post and i am a huge fan. I want to win the blog planner, my name is Merlissa and I run a lifestyle blog www.merlscorner.wordpress.com I live in Lagos.

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  13. Hi Sisi Yemmie! I love this post and I want to win the blog planner, my name is Bukky Alabi, and I run wedding and bridal blog www.thenaijabridesoutlet.com . I live in London

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  14. Great Post Sisi! Totally nothing like finding your voice. It's such a learning process but we keep tweaking daily! I'm definitely an Oliver Twist like you - I love to talk about so many things!

    KacheeTee.com || Bloglovin'!
    Hey Bloggers || 3 Incredibly Important Questions to Ask Yourself

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  15. Na wa o I no quick show for this one anyway better late than never so I love this post and I want to win the blog planner, my name is Erica, and I run a parenting, motherhood and lifestyle blog www.supamoms.blogspot.com I live in Delta

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  16. Sisi, you always wow me with you posts. Simple yet loaded.

    thexemplary.com

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  17. Yemisiiiiiiiii...blogger of life; always dishing out value. My blog was on blogger too but moved it to wordpress last year September. I lost page views (everything, *sobs*), lost some comments and all the pictures; but all my articles were retained. I had to manually add back the images to each post but I'll be honest - moving to wordpress was one of the best decisions I made because my blog (now a website) looks more professional and I can now add some extra bucks to my charges for packaging. And guess what? From September till now, I have had more page views than I did on my previous blog.

    To be honest, you don't necessarily need to move to wordpress cos your blog is doing extremely well on blogger (I love the new blog design). But incase you ever decide to move to wordpress, find a VERY GOOD web developer who can retain most of your work. Kudos dear... kisses to TITO. Where can you be found in this Lagos oooo, I need to do a collabo with you.

    Check out my website www.lynnvillle.com

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  18. Hello sisiyemmie.My name is Opeyemi(also known as chayil).I love your blog and you have been my mentor since 2012.I was inspired by your blog to start a blog in 2013 named sisinurse.blogspot.com but due to the hunger to blog about other issues other than health,I created a new blog named chayilnotes.com which is all encompassing and allows me to write about all issues ranging from health to lifestyle to inspiration/motivation and many more.I live in lagos.

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  19. I love this post and I want to win the blog planner. My name is Abimbola and I run a food blog at www.favouritefoodies.blogspot.com
    I live in Abuja!

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  20. Awwww...sisiyemmie, you know we've been together since I can remember. Please let me win the blog planner. I love this post. My name is Emete and I will pretty love to win the blog planner. I blog at www.liveinibadan.blogspot.com and I live in Lagos(my siblings), Ibadan(my school) and Ogun State(my parents)...:)

    www.liveinibadan.blogspot.com

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  21. There are a lot of points I missed out when I wrote "How to start a blog" and that makes me love this post even more. I want to win the blog planner, my name is MaryAnne Theodore, and I run a personal and lifestyle blog www.maryannetheodore.com.ng I live in Akwa Ibom.

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  22. Everyone loves your blog,i mean who doesn't?. I think I am the smallest and least professional person here. I have been obssessed with you,your blog and even your YouTube channel, since I was 14. I really don't want to participate in this giveaway on seeing the other people and going through their blog but I might as well just try my luck

    My name is Ugoha Treasure P.J,i am 15 years Old(will be 16 by August) I reside in Rivers State,Port Harcourt. And I blog at www.tezzyexpress.blogspot.com(i know it has only one post since June 2016,but dat is how you know that the struggle being a teen and having the passion for blogging with unsurpportive parents in Nigeria is real)

    Even though I don't get to win,i hope to see you one day.
    I love you so much.

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  23. Your articles has always been a bracing-up encouragement for me most especially when I watched your first video about Blogging. I started something different than the regular blogging, I write contemporary drama & incorporating it with bookphotography.
    Tomie Badmus is my name,I live in Ogun State and I blog at hauwwaeve.wordpress.com

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  24. As always, very insightful post. I'd like to win the blog planner, heard so much about it from other bloggers. My name is Chisom, and I run a Wedding and Events blog www.coralconfetti.com.ng I live in Lagos.

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  25. Hi. My name is Ugochinyelu Anidi and I run a book review blog for children called Pint-sized Bookworms. It's available here https://ugochinyeluanidi.wordpress.com
    I post reviews of local and international books along with information on where and how to buy the books and fun activities and games kids can play with them. I also have posts on tips for reading with kids, bookshops and libraries for kids, basically info on how to encourage and sustain a love for reading in kids ages 0 - 12.
    I loved this post because I found it very informative, especially in the area of generating traffic. The other posts linked to it were great too. I would like to win the blog planner because I need all the help I can get and I hope you find my 'grains of jollof rice' interesting enough to give the planner to me.

    Best wishes

    Ugochinyelu

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  26. Hi. My name is Ugochinyelu Anidi and I run a book review blog for children called Pint-sized Bookworms. It's available here https://ugochinyeluanidi.wordpress.com
    I post reviews of local and international books along with information on where and how to buy the books and fun activities and games kids can play with them. I also have posts on tips for reading with kids, bookshops and libraries for kids, basically info on how to encourage and sustain a love for reading in kids ages 0 - 12.
    I loved this post because I found it very informative, especially in the area of generating traffic. The other posts linked to it were great too. I would like to win the blog planner because I need all the help I can get and I hope you find my 'grains of jollof rice' interesting enough to give the planner to me.

    Best wishes

    Ugochinyelu Anidi

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  27. Hello ma. My name is Opeyemi. I live in ogun state and school in osun state. Am 18 and I run a beauty and lifestyle blog. Am really obsessed about your blog. I love the creativity behind each post. I admire the realness of your blog, the fact that a typical nigerian can relate to each content. To be honest I haven't seen a blog as real as yours and this really inspires me. I also a fan on your youtube channel and I really look forward to meeting you one day. Am a makeup artist and aspiring skin esthetician. I love everything about skin and beauty. My love for skin really inspired me to open a blog but I possess difficulties with photographs, time (it's really been hard jogging with school) and creating more content. I have a lot of ideas but putting it together has been challenging. My blog name is www.estheticme.wordpress.com and I would really be joyed to win the blog planner. Am rest assured that your blogging tips will make a huge difference in my blog. Pls help me out. Thank you so much.

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  28. hello Sisiyemmie, first of all I would like to say thank you for sharing this essential tips. I'm a new follower and also a new blogger . my name is Stefania, and I run a blog that honestly touches everything at https://irukablog.com I currently live in London.

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  29. I have read so many blog posts on "how to start a blog" but truly yours is outstanding because you obviously have written out of experience. Sisiyemmie, I so need to win this blog planner like kilode, it will help move my blogging ministry, I like to blog and I believe a blog planner like Cassie's own will enable me to become more consistent. I love everything health and beautiful lifestyle and this blog planner will definitely a kick in the but for me to be more consistent and share my passion with this world. My name is Lois and I run a healthy and beautiful Lifestyle blog on www.loisyassat.com. I live in Zaria.

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  30. Hello sisiyemmie, my name is Stefania I'm a new follower and also a new blogger . I love the beautiful tips you have shared. I run a blog that speaks about everything at https://irukablog.com I live in London.

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  31. Hi sisiyemmie, i love this post and I want to win the blog planner, my name is Titi, and I run a beauty and lifestyle blog. Alongside an Architecture blog www.titiajblog.wordpress.com I live in London.

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  32. Great Information about blogging. Just too perfect. Nice one Sisiyemmie.
    100 Likes for you from http://www.kaysalam.com

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  33. Wow Sisiyemmie nice job! I am oladosu faith. I run a blog www.oladosufaith.com I live in Port Harcourt.

    Tochi from rumuolumini. Leave a shout out. We stay close

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  34. Beautiful piece I must say.

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  35. I'm obviously late on the giveaway but I really enjoyed this post. I run a beauty and makeup blog
    http://www.dobzifingers.com/?m=0

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  36. I love this post and I want to win the blog planner, my name is Sheri, and I run a lifestyle, motivational and travel blog http://www.abusybeeslife.com/ I live in Austria.

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  37. I love this post and I would love to win the blog planner, my name is stephanie, and I run a motivational, fashion and lifestyle blog.I stay in Lagos but currently serving in akwaibom,
    https://belleestephany.wordpress.com/

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  38. I love this post and I would love to win the blog planner. My name is Lara Balogun and I run a food blog: http://www.habbiescookbook.com/ I live in Lagos.

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  39. Anyi Yemi mo gbadun bloh yin gan oooo!
    www.saeedahwits.com

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  40. i luv this post and i want to win blog planner my name is solomon temple and i run a lifetsyle blog thanks for inspiring me
    www.itouchlifeblog.blogspot.com

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  41. I so much binge on your youtube channel like kilode 😊..and all other social platforms you are on. I love this piece so much.My name is Dorcas and proudly plus size.I don't have a blog yet but I find this tiPs very useful and will surely make good use of it once I get over procrastination spirit 😆. I would live to win the blog planner as it would be useful for me as I start my Food,beauty and lifestyle blog www.dorcasplussize.com So watch out y'all.

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  42. Hi Sisiyemmie. Great stuff. Na the work wey you dey do be this. I blog at www.indulgingheartmatters.com.

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  43. Hi sisiyemmie, i know am posting this comment so late but better late than never, right? my name is Hader Otaki and i just recently started a blog of my own, something i have always wanted to do but time was the bitch. my blog haderotakisblog.blogspot.com is new and the niches are things am very passionate about but am still learning about the setups, things like how to get adsense, backlinks etc. so i think i need someone who has been in the game to show me some ropes, thou reading your posts here are very good ropes, so thanks for the heads up.

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  44. Great Post. I love it my name is Egwuenu Gift and i run a tech blog at giftegwuenu.wordpress.com i will love to win this to gain more exposure with blogging i'm new to this

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  45. forgot to say i stay in lagos.

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  46. Beautiful and educating piece. I am into NCD awareness and general health awareness. I am Ifeoma Elekwechi @ generixpharmaltd@blogspot.com

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  47. wow, actually this is the first time i am seeing ur site, and i live what i see.....i love the concept..the idea and all, and right now, all i wanna do i work harder. I own a blog trendingnow.com.ng, just about few days old. I really aspire to b like you.

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  48. Thank You for the advice Aunty Yemisi...I have a question, im about to start my personal blog and i'll like to ask if it's ohk to give it a name that doesnt have any of my names in it?

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    Replies
    1. Yes it is. Just think long-term, so nothing foul or too unprofessional etc, if brands want to do business with you, such things might put them off. Hope this helps

      Delete
  49. I actually saw a post on twitter and followed the link and here I am. Your words were beautiful and it inspired me greatly. I mean I love writing, and one of my biggest dreams is to show my writing to the world. To be honest with you I'm quite a lazy writer, especially with the fact that I'm currently working on my masters dissertation so I don't really have time. Anyway you post gave me the will hope and determination to take up my writing and blogging seriously. I mostly write creative and fictional works. I blog at http://hassiesblog.blogspot.com. Continue the good work! I know the giveaway is over but I could do with some advice. Cheers.

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  50. Hello sisi Yemmie, thanks for your tips. It will be amazing if I won the blog planner. I live is Abuja and my blog is a lifestlye blog (beauty, life, faith, food etc), I'm too opinionated for one niche. My blog is bibilamour04.blogspot.com.

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  51. Hi SISI Yemmie, your tips here are so timely for me as a new blogger on the block. Thanks
    I am a travel and lifestyle blogger www.mygatehub.com

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  52. Hello Yemi. I've been stalking you for so long, yours was one of the first blogs I found by Nigerians in Nigeria when I got back. You also inspired me to start my YouTube channel. I own a new blog where I talk about DIY sewing, fashion & style. www.chi9ja.com is my home, though I'm chi9ja across most platforms. I'd love to win the blog planner.

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  53. Sorry forgot. I live in Enugu.

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  54. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
    Bachelor's degree in journalism

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Your comments are like delicious grains of jollof rice to me: please feed me! Send me love mail sisi@sisiyemmie.com / Official business@sisiyemmie.com

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