BE-LAVIE: THE JOURNEY & USEFUL TIPS ON STARTING A BLOG
I’ve read blogs for many years, I’m talking way back when blogs were not heard of so much and many people never understood their point or purpose. However, I always found them real, intentional and actual experiences that I could relate to and inspired me to experience a product, a destination or a restaurant. It was no surprise then that one day I decided on starting a blog and exchange writing scientific publications for blog articles.
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How It All Began
Taking a few moments of rest at a secret lagoon, on a hike along the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica back in early 2017, I knew it was time to start the blog. The chronicles I’d been mentally storing for the past couple of years, when I’d read about the trials and tribulations of some of my favourite bloggers. It was easy to envisage starting a Blog in such an idyllic setting with inspiration all around me but the minute we got home I knew that the hard work was about to begin.
The Reason
I started Be-lavie to share my travels and foodie jaunts around the world as friends and family always wanted to replicate my itineraries. I’m quite an adventurous traveller and love to immerse myself into slightly ‘out of my comfort zone’ kind of experiences. A bit like the time we took off and spent almost two months on an around the world trip.
I also needed a creative outlet due to a stressful career in clinical research so Costa Rica, friends and family requests coupled with a change from my 9 to 5, I decided 2017 was the year of the blog.
But boy it wasn’t exactly a walk in the park…
What’s In The Name?
Choosing a blog name was not so difficult for me as the majority of my friends and family call me Be and I was reluctant to have a name that would tie me to one particular niche so opted for two further words, la vie, which in French means life. I’ve always loved the sound of the French language!
Be-lavie – ‘the life of Be’ but sounds way more beautiful in French right? Non?
Blog Set-Up
After buying the domain name, researching a host, securing the social media handles and required plugins and security options required for the website it was time to get to know how it all works. After a good few weeks of researching and quite a steep learning curve, the penny finally decided to drop!
Branding
I wanted a simple clean logo which resembled a passport stamp but not so obvious incase I may change niches, so had one made by a small start-up graphic designer on FIVERR
Next came the tagline, which would sum up my blog niches perfectly…
‘Travel, Lifestyle & Sustainability with Sprinkles of Luxury‘
Lets face it, I had a real income and I’d had enough of my backpacker days so for me luxury meant just spending a little more upgrading and having actual luxe items like a great remote location, fine local foods, a rain shower and a very comfy bed. I wanted to incorporate my love for choosing responsibly and sustainably with authentic experiences so combining all this I concocted the above tag line!
Although this tag line is used in much of my branding, I have incorporated ‘Be-lavie – Travel & Eco-living’ in much of my social media as it’s more succinct to what the brant stands for.
I chose a light blue as my primary colour, to invoke tranquility with dark grey for fonts and then complimenting intermediate hues for shade fillers and the like to create a mood board which included font styles and icons. My vision was to create a cohesive aesthetic for my brand, which would stand out and attract a certain audience who were inspired by my content.
Travel was always going to play a big part in Be-lavie, therefore I shared my ethos of adventure with my audience via a quote I live by. This is the reason I travel intentionally, to educate myself and learn something new by experiencing the destination like a local.
Writing Blog Articles
The biggest learning curve had to be intentionally writing blog posts, selecting keywords and adopting an SEO strategy that works. I hadn’t quite envisaged that writing a blog post is not just about the writing but in convincing Google that you are an expert in your area! Definitely a work in progress but so rewarding.
Social Media
With the ever-changing social media platforms, it is imperative to keep abreast of changes and current trends and to grow a meaningful community that engages in content and a place to advertise and build up confidence and consistency for be-lavie. An on-going process!
Although to date Pinterest (search engine rather than social media) has been the biggest driver of traffic to Be-lavie, at around 60%. It’s also great if you like being creative and producing beautiful imagery that lasts a lifetime on the platform.
Launch
1 July 2017
Be-lavie was officially launched and the real hard work started!
Accolades & Opportunities
Since launching, I have been shortlisted for a few accolades including the UK Blog Awards, Post Office Food & Drink Travel Blogger as well as winning the Pinterest UK Best Story Pin for my educational efforts in sustainable travel and eco-tourism.
I am now a Pinterest Creator and part of their inspiring community. As well as writing and researching for Be-lavie, I contribute regularly to Whistle Magazine, ROL Cruises and numerous publications plus making regular appearances on BBC Radio Leicester, chatting about sustainability and travel trends. I’d have never have envisaged starting a blog would lead to some fantastic opportunities and collaborations.
Be-lavie has given me the opportunity to collaborate with some fantastic brands, including Belmond Hotels, Qatar Airways, Hyatt hotels, and Six Senses to name a few and to meet my all time travel adventure hero, Simon Reeve! He even asked if I’d go to Japan for a show with him, we have a mutual yearning to visit the country!
One of my stand-out moments was when I met Chef Cyrus Todiwala and we discussed eco-friendly practices in the restaurant and fisheries industry, in his kitchen. He introduced me to a couple of apps where I could keep an eye on sustainable methods!
Currently, I am working freelancing in digital content creation which incorporates my love for responsible travel, writing, social responsibility projects, photography as well as sourcing eco-friendly initiatives. A lot of the work I secure is through this site and word of mouth. The rest of my time is spent providing advice on a consultancy basis in clinical research, namely oncology.
My once side-hustle and creative outlet has now become a monetised dream for which I will always be grateful for the lessons I learnt early on and discovering I needed to focus on the business side of things as a priority is something I will always be proud of.
A Few Tips For Starting A Blog
A few tips if you’re planning to turn a blog that started out as a hobby into a small business…
Related Articles To Starting A Blog
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Neha
I lovely read. Mine was totally the opposite. Didn’t know what blogs were (even though I probably read many for travel tips) and someone told me to start one and I rolled with it. Definitely love the sharing aspect of a blog… learn so much right?
Bejal
NehaThankyou Neha. I completely agree, they’re a wealth of knowledge and it’s great that people share their honest accounts of experiences on them as well as so many fab other things.
Jo
It’s so interesting to hear how everyone started on this travel link up.
Bejal
JoIt really is great to learn how bloggers you’ve followed for a while started out in blogging and what they’ve achieved!
Harpreet
Wow, what an inspiring journey Be! You are one of the most disciplined people that I know of and you inspire me to no end- so lovely to see what prompted you to start your blog. Love the tips you have shared, definitely going to use some of these in my own journey!
Bejal
HarpreetThanks so much for reading Harpreet. I’m So happy to learn you found this inspiring. Your blog is beautiful and you’re an accomplished writer. It’s always a sheer pleasure reading and wanderlusting through your content. I hope the tips do help some what and let me know what you do!
Binny
Loved reading this and adore your branding – I definitely associate the colours with you! Loving reading why everyone started!
Bejal
BinnyThanks Binny! Oh the calming blues! Yes me too, such a great blog post topic!
Sammy Summers
I absolutely loved reading this and I absolutely love your and your blogs! Your blog is so professional you should be very proud of yourself! Have always adored following your exciting adventures… also you have collaborated with six senses you are officially my idol!! so pleased i found you xxx
Bejal
Sammy SummersAww thanks so much Sammy, that’s a lovely thing to say! Oh yes Six Senses in Thailand, they’re a great brand and was pretty special! Right back at you lovely lady. It’s been a pleasure following you. B x
Diary of a Londoness
Fab tips for aspiring bloggers, and love your journey, Be. Congratulatins.
Bejal
Diary of a LondonessThankyou Scarlett and for your continued support!
Kerry LifeandLoves
This was so interesting to read! I think I only discovered your blog about 18 months ago, but have enjoyed following along. I always think of you as one of the most disciplined bloggers. You hustle so hard daily, and I admire your dedication. Oh and of course, your beautiful photography! I am in awe of it!
Bejal
Kerry LifeandLovesThankyou so much Kerry for such kind words and your support throughout the journey. It’s been great getting to know you through blogging too and look forward to many years pf blog fun! Thanks so much for your beautiful words, I’m flattered x
Angie Silver
I was so lovely to read your origin story! What a gorgeous meaning to your blog name!
Bejal
Angie SilverThanks so much Angie. It’s been great getting to know you through your blog too since we met a couple of years ago!
Rasha
What a lovely read and I love how much thought went into the name, branding, and tagline! I was the complete opposite and just winged everything…I definitely need to start building SEO writing and I’m trying to get my Pinterest in order!
Bejal
RashaAww thanks Rasha for reading and for your kind comment. I thin you did a pretty good job at winging and Pinterest is a slow burn and think I’m following you so look forward to seeing your content on their soon!
Emmalene aka A Brummie Home and Abroad
Wow, I’m guessing writing for a blog is VERY different from writing scientific publications! I’ve never clicked the “La Vie” part of your blog name, and yet it’s so obvious now – I love that idea! Great tips for new bloggers too – wish I’d had that sort of advice back in the day x
Bejal
Emmalene aka A Brummie Home and AbroadOh yes 100% different and way less stressful to be honest. Thanks so much for stopping by and reading and I know right, wish we knew all this stuff before but hey ho, we’ll put that down to the steep learning curve! B x
Deepa Rodrigues
Such a lovely read Be! Your passion for what you do really come across. How much you’ve done and with such consistency since starting your blog is such an inspiration. I need to go and start working on my blogging after reading this! xx
Bejal
Deepa RodriguesThankyou so much Deepa! I love writing blogs and photography as you know so love it. I’m so glad this inspires you and can’t wait to see and read your blogs. I’m sure they’ll be fantastic as you’re such a professional at what you do! B xx
Scott
Love your blogging Journey, it’s really inspiring and well done on all the hard work. 🙂
Bejal
ScottThanks so much Scott and for all your support over the past few years! B x
Camilla
Such great story behind your “brand” and name. Really great tips and I love reading what you write !!!
Bejal
CamillaThankyou Camilla thats’ very kind of you and for your support always!
Annmarie
I loved reading this so much you write so beautifully xx
Bejal
AnnmarieThanks so much Annmarie and for your support with reading my posts! B xx
Louise Victoria Riis
You know that I’m a big fan! You are a really talented writer and an amazing photographer! I love your passion and authentic approach. Also I think your name idea is absolute brilliant!
Louise x
Bejal
Louise Victoria RiisAww thanks so much Louise that’s super kind of you and so glad I found you through blogging and instagram. B x
Tanja
your blog name is unique, definitely. oh wow, you had a really professional approach about starting your blog. well done
Bejal
TanjaOh thanks Tanja and I kind of wanted to do things from the start as I know that it’s harder fixing things along the line. Thanks for your kind comments.
Welltravbrit
Great to read about your journey Be and so interesting to here how intentional you were in your approach to blogging. Beyond the logo did you have someone design your site or did you do it yourself?
Bejal
WelltravbritThankyou so much for reading and stopping by! No I only had teh logo designed for me and everything else I did myself and customised over the years.
Emma ????????✈️ (@LondonKiwiEmma)
I LOVED this window onto your journey Bejal!
Bejal
Emma ????????✈️ (@LondonKiwiEmma)Thanks Emma! I really enjoy writing the blog.