Namaste everyone.
At first, I had mixed feelings when I signed up on Hive. I was onboarded by my friend, 
It was one day on, and two weeks off. 😄
I bet most old users also had that “this isn't sleek as I thought” experience.
So I’m going to drop some little something to help you on your journey. But bear this in mind, I'm not sharing this because I'm smart or I've mastered my way around Hive. Not at all. I'm sharing this cos I've been really clumsy with my handle on here.
First thing first, Breathe!
Yea. You were probably baited with the same line, “you're gonna earn money writing.” And sure you will. But first, breathe. It's going to take time building your wallet. This is work! 😀
I'm sure you've done your introduction post, cos that's about the first content you’re gonna write here. Hive, I guess, is not some random platform you just get signed up on. You had a guide. Ain't so?
Next thing, Choose your Convenience
I talking about your preferred dApps. Somehow, I chose ecency frontend. I just don't know why. The same way I stan Ronaldo, even if Messi is a football Goat. Exceptional players, but I just dope on one. I don't just really know why. 🤷
Also, choose your convenient royalty free photo plug, either Pixabay, Unsplash just choose your convenient plug, especially as a newbie.
Second next thing, Get Cozy With Writing Tools.
Posting on Hive is just about pouring out your heart. But you have to do so with accurate communication. So you need some apps to Grammer check your writing. Google Docs and Grammarly are recommended. Take it easy when writing. Hive doesn't demand haste, just originality, and some standards.
Third Next thing, This Isn't a Place for Junk.
I guess that's why Hive was frustrating at first. Here isn't like your other social media handles. Things on here are curated, and curation demands accountability, and rewards quality. Get ready to keep your head up and clear. You don't have a timeline where you dump trash. Everything here screams originality. And that takes us to the 👇
Fourth Next Thing, Connect.
You are gonna find a lot of communities where you can join in and build your profile and reputation by sharing your thoughts and connecting with others. Earning isn't the main goal here, cos upvotes are not guaranteed. 😉 Yeah, get that.
Hive ain't about you and you alone. Real people are here, and you cannot build a hooooge wallet alone. Be intentional. Make up your mind to enjoy coming on Hive everyday, not just to come check your balance or claim rewards. But to register your presence and be helpful to others.
Selflessness has its own reward. 👌
Plus, you'll learn more as you engage with others.
There are many communities you can join depending on your interests and personal choice. Too many will bore you. Start with a few. Join in on prompts and weekly Contests. It's a great way to sharpen your mind and writing skills. But read their rules first, and follow their guidelines. Every community has their own rules. This is one of the reasons I love Hive. There is no “anyhowness” here. 😄
And, yeah don't forget the #ecency waves, or leo threads are there too. They serve as “What's on your mind?” space for your quick thoughts and ideas.
Another Next Thing, Learn Proper Tags For Your Post.
I struggled with tags a lot. As in, a lot. 😀 Every post has its own relevant tags, depending on the title and content. As I read other people's posts, I also learned what tags they used under their posts. Sometimes, I just take screenshots or write them down.
Final Next Thing, Have a Goal.
Now that you're here, why do you wanna keep being here? Hive offers you a lifetime opportunity to earn. But believe me, the money won't come as you wish. Are you here for survival, withdrawing every now and then? Or do you want to scale, grow your reputation and your wallet?
Remember, I’m not advising you because I'm made here, but because I know how it feels as a newbie. You are going to, want to, quit! 😀 It was this year I made up my mind that I'm gonna up my Hive presence. I'm gonna show up everyday even if it is to just read and comment on other people's work.
Truth is, you learn from others to develop your own. And consistency will help you achieve that.
Hope your Hive keys are safe. You can't recover your account if you misplace them.
Hope you find this helpful.