I had originally planned to write today’s post as an instructional manual on how to be the world’s shittiest neighbor. And I assure that’s coming later in the week because really, who doesn’t need that information and also, I’d be a terrible person to withhold it from you now that I know all the secrets. But when I saw today’s prompt from Helene and Taylor’s #Blogtober14, I had to get on it.
Today’s prompt is “10 Things You’d Tell Yourself When You Started Blogging”. This one is a big one for me because if I were starting a blog now, I’d probably do everything different than when I started 3 or so years ago. I mean, I’d still write and all that, but I’d have a completely different focus and I’d approach it in a different manner. I’m also confident I’d have a different attitude towards blogging which would probably change everything.
The good news is that blogging is fluid and you can change direction anytime you want. So I’m working on that. And as I talk to myself as a new/old blogger, here’s the lessons I learned and what I keep reminding my new blogger self.
- Bloggers are friendlier than you think. Even though someone has a huge audience, they will still take the time to talk to you. Reach out to them and let them you know you like what they do. You never know what can happen.
- Not everyone will like what you have to say. That’s fine. There’s enough readers to go around and some are bound to enjoy your writing.
- Be considerate to your readers. Respond to their comments. Engage with them. Post regularly. And if you need to abandon you blog, write a quick note thanking everyone and letting them know you appreciate their months or years of support.
- Have a life. Blogging can take up all the time if you let it. But you can’t let it. You still need to enjoy life and have experiences and not ignore all the real people even though blogger friends are usually way better. In fact, doing all of that will make you an even better blogger.
- Stats don’t matter as much as you think. Yes, likes and shares are indicators that what you’re writing resonates with readers. But they’re vanity metrics. The real value is in the community and the relationships and the content you create. You can’t always measure that in numbers.
- Be authentic. Even if you’re writing as a caricature or fictional version of yourself, be honest in that voice. Readers can tell when you’re bullshitting them. So don’t do it.
- Never share anything you’re not comfortable with. There are people who will want to work with you but only under certain circumstances or they might try to pressure you to write about a topic or a person you don’t want to. It doesn’t matter. Don’t let them bully you. If you don’t want to share or write something, don’t. Your blog, your space, your rules.
- Set some ground rules. This is a follow-up to number 7. How do you want your blog to look? What do you want to write about? How often do you want to write? What’s your commenting policy? What social media channels do you want to use? How do you want to interact with readers, bloggers, and brands? How do you want to brand yourself? This will certainly all evolve over time but always keep this in mind. This is how you’ll present yourself and your blog to the world and it’s okay to have complete control over it.
- Define your purpose for blogging. Everyone starts blogging for a different reason. Some do it for fun, some do it for work, some do it for platform building, and some do it because they think it’s a way to make millions of dollars. All of those are fine (albeit maybe not entirely realistic) reasons. But you need to know what your reason is and who you’re writing for. Once you establish that, everything else will eventually fall into place.
- Have fun but don’t pressure yourself. If done right, blogging can be one of the most fun choices you make. You’ll interact and form relationships with people you never thought you would. You’ll have weird, interesting experiences. You’ll learn all kinds of new skills and tricks and vocabulary words. You’ll get free shit! But if you start taking blogging too seriously, or if it becomes more of a chore than fun, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate.
I could definitely add another 10 items to this list, and maybe I will one day, but I’m curious. Other bloggers, what would you tell yourself if you had a Deloreon and could talk to your new blogger self?
I think these are perfect tips to follow! I agree, stats aren’t everything and I rarely look at mine. And I am glad I took a chance and started commenting with others because I have made a lot of great friends (like you, duh!)
Nadine recently posted…Weekend Shenanigans
I’m so glad you started commenting because you are one of my favorite blogging friends!!!
Your last point is what I’ve really strived toward with my blog. I want to keep my blog as a fun thing, not an obligation. I think it’s so great to remind ourselves of this!
Great list! 🙂
I’m not a professional blogger and therefore feel no need to obsess over it being perfect or having an amazing strategy or whatever else all the pros do. I love to write and this is a fun outlet for that.
Stats mean zero. Really.
Last night was the first time in forever I didn’t have my weekend post scheduled. I had to finish it this morning. I might do that more often. It was very freeing. LOL
SMD @ Life According to Steph recently posted…TWTW – first in October
I sometimes get so lazy with my posting and when I write. I used to be compulsive, making sure the post was scheduled and ready to go but I’ve loosened up a bit. It’s just a blog. No one will explode if my post is late.
I’m with you on stats on mattering, at this point I can’t remember the last time I even checked mine. I’m just here to have fun and hang out with my online friends!
Kelli recently posted…Picture Practice: Building
I do check mine, sometimes out of habit and sometimes out of curiosity. But I definitely don’t emphasize them as much as I used to.
Such great advice especially to someone (me) who is coming up on my one year anniversary of blogging. Blogging really can take over your life if you let it right? I’ve recently scaled back a little and it does feel nice to get a little bit of your time back! Thanks so much for linking up on Friday!!
Amanda Elizabeth recently posted…Weekending The One Where I Got All Fancied Up
Scaling back is necessary every once and awhile. Helps you refocus or recommit or just refresh yourself.
I can’t believe you’ve only been blogging one year. You’ve done a fantastic job!
Oh yes. Stats and numbers don’t even matter. I don’t display my follower count on my blog and I don’t even have the Google Friend Connect widget on my sidebar either. And I only talk about what I want to talk about at the moment. I stopped doing link ups and what everyone else is doing. It’s been so much easier!
Natalie recently posted…Five Perfect Fall Dates
I don’t display my follower count. I don’t see the point, at least not for me.
I do linkups because sometimes it helps with post ideas or to break through writer’s block. And it’s fun to engage with other bloggers that way.
Very interesting. My Stephanie started me reading everyone’s blogs because of her blog. I love reading about all of your lives!
Keep on blogging!
Love, SMD’s Momma
And we love when you read! Thanks so much for all your support and lovely comments!
I got a little obsessed with stats for a while, and then I realized — this isn’t for money. I don’t have an entrepreneurial bone in my body. I’m doing this for relationships and as a sort of digital scrapbook. I need to ignore the numbers and just write what (and when!) I want.
Sarah @ Beauty School Dropout recently posted…October Goals, and September Goals in Review
I do check my stats but now instead of focusing on them, I focus on engagement and relationships. Those are so much more important.
Number 1 is so true! I have been so amazed at how friendly and engaging bloggers are, even some of the ones that have a huge following will respond to my comments and even comment on my blog, which always blows my mind!
Julia recently posted…I’m back!
Bloggers really are friendly! I probably would have stopped a long time ago if they weren’t.
Blogging really can take over if you let it. I think to just have fun and not take it too seriously. Being consistent and honest is the best policy.
Kerry recently posted…I need a vacation from my vacation
I agree. If you’re not consistent and dishonest, it’ll be hard to form relationships and get any enjoyment from blogging.
It is essential to form boundaries so it’s not your whole life.
“Don’t feel bad if you don’t post”. The 7-days-a-week posters can get boring. Absences create a little mystery, right?
Also, the most basic writing skill we teach our children: Write with voice. No one wants you to sound like a 12 year old girl when they’re reading your blog post.
Kristin recently posted…My go-to snack
The bloggers who post 7 days a week amaze me. I don’t know how they come up with that kind of content! I sometimes get stuck coming up with 4 days per week!
these are all perfect tips; esp #2. when i started blogging seriously (and by that, i mean stalking the shit out of everyone), i was all offended and whined about people ignoring me. now i look back and face palm while thinking: jesus christ you stupid bitch, get a grip! LOL
kathy@vodka and soda recently posted…my kind of perfect
I did the same thing. I don’t know why I expected everyone to love me. I have a certain audience. That’s okay.
Finding your voice and not putting pressure on yourself are so very important when it comes to blogging. And giving yourself breaks. I think, like anything creative, you sometimes need time away from your creative outlet to recharge yourself sometimes.
Great blog here, Jana!
Jaina recently posted…My mum’s bean salad has a new fan
Yes! Taking breaks is so important for creativity. I highly recommend it.
And thank you 🙂
I love this and its so true. I feel like there are a couple bloggers out there that I read and comment and never respond to me and I’m not gonna lie, I get butt hurt about it. 🙁 But alas, I have a lot of readers that I really love and apparently they like me too so I’ll stick with them. 🙂