In this digital age, at one point or another, we are all faced with the same reality that we are reliant on an online presence. Whether our online presence is used for fun, business, communication, research or reviews, we have all realised the many benefits the internet has to offer. It also paved the way for the modern-day writer, the “blogger”.

A blogger is defined as a person who keeps a web log (blog). They publish a regular record of their thoughts, opinions, or experiences, shared and then read by people all over the internet. The rise in the popularity of blogs comes from the credibility one gets from reading personal and relatable accounts of events, occurrences and fads. Readers are now looking to blogs to stay on top of the latest tech updates, hippest new restaurants, trendiest fashion tips and so much more.

One of the most rewarding investments is traveling, but deciding where to go and what to do can be rather stressful. Travel bloggers, however, have made it a lot easier with first-hand accounts of their own travels, which often include travel tips, experiences, downfalls and adventures. The travel blogger is here to inspire and educate readers. So, how do you become a travel blogger?

Here are some top travel-blogging tips from South Africa’s top travel bloggers:

Di Brown – The Roaming Giraffe
Be prepared to work really hard for very little reward in the beginning. It takes time and effort to build a brand and an audience. Focus on what you are good at and learn new skills if required. Invest your time, money and effort into your blog if you are serious about it.

Ryan Enslin – My Lime Boots
Above and beyond absolutely everything, I say authenticity, authenticity, authenticity. You have to write stories that mean something to you, on one level or another. I try and infuse a sense of who I am into each and every story I write. If a place has special meaning to you, write about it and cover it. Share the things that touch your heart, because in turn they will touch a reader’s heart.

Heather Mason – Two Summers
If you want to start a travel blog, you need to love more than just travelling. You must also love writing and photography, and be willing to work hard to craft highly visual, beautifully written posts. Quality words and images are what set the top bloggers apart from the rest.

Anje Rautenbach– Going Somewhere Slowly
Start a blog because you’re passionate about something, not because you want to make money from it. Monetizing your blog is one endless long road. Passion trumps money. Find your own unique voice and be honest. Post regularly.

Dawn Jorgensen – The Incidental Tourist
Just do it. Think of a name. Register a domain and put up that profile pic and first post. Don’t be put off by the notion that you need to be travelling to exotic places and spending lots of money in order to have something valuable to contribute. We should all be tourists in our own backyards, sharing recommendations to our favourite attractions, beaches and restaurants. That would make a good foundation for a travel blog even before you take that road trip.

Sara Essop – In Africa and Beyond
I’ve always been passionate about travelling and writing. In 2013, I decided to combine both my passions and start a travel blog. Which brings me to my first point – you have to be passionate about travel blogging before starting a travel blog. Don’t do it just for the reward. Although there are many rewards, it takes time to build a good reputation before you can reap the rewards.

Verushka Ramasami – SpiceGoddess
Write about your travel experiences by first becoming a local explorer of your city and country. Read, read and read some more. Find travel blogs from around the world to read. Blog because you are passionate and not with the aim of making money. This does not happen overnight.

Lauren Manuel McShane – The Travel Manuel
While content is king, instead of posting every day or even three times a week, rather post twice a week, but ensure that the quality of your writing (grammar and storytelling) plus images are strong. People will stay longer on your site and keep coming back for helpful resources and strong posts.