“I’m a blogging girl, in a blogging world! ” ~ Me
When I look over the last 4 years of my life there are few things that still remain. I’ve changed jobs, lost boyfriends and even quit my stint at being a professional intern. However, one thing that has stayed with me through the last 4 years is my love of blogging and this very blog. It still amazes me that my initial outlet for writing about fashion and style would still be with me after all this time.
I jumped into blogging (similar to everything else) a wide-eyed, busy tailed young adult ready to take on the Internet and after 6 months of posting and comments few and far between, I realized that maybe there was more to this blogging thing I didn’t know about. Famed blogger Sarah Wilson contemplates what she would have done differently if she started her blog over and while I can’t say I would do much, I do wish I would have been privy to a few bits of information on blogging.
1. Blogging is Work… no like forreal
When I started I was under the impression that all I had to do was dream post ideas and they’d magically be done. Boy was I delusional. Blogging, like any other worthwhile endeavor, takes a lot of work. Writing, editing, commenting, promoting, reading other blogs. If you are allergic to work or want readers served to you on a silver platter, then maybe blogging isn’t for you.
2. Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to blog… and that is A-Ok
Did I say blogging is like a full-time job? Because it is. But even with the hamster wheel cycle of “post post post”, life gets in the way and sometimes there’s just not enough time. And that’s ok. Feeling guilty about not posting is futile and if you really want to blog make it fit your life, not the other way around.
3. Change is good, in fact its the only way your blog will survive
Your blog will change, evolve and grow over time. Roll with it. Let go, let flow!
4. You will meet amazing people through blogging, be prepared to encounter greatness
They say Content is King, well for me Community is King! One of the greatest things about blogging for the last 4 years are all the talented, thoughtful, funny, stylish bloggers and readers I’ve encountered. Like women who write books (Michelle of Wicked Whimsy) or make cake hats (Marie) or are sisters in my head (Katrice)
5. Shut down the computer once in awhile…don’t even blog from your phone
Something I still struggle with, but disconnecting every once in a while is Chicken Soup to the Blogging Soul
6. Being yourself is the only prerequisite
When I first started blogging, I had a generic idea about what I wanted to write about. Snarky blogging was in full effect (Fug Girls) and I followed suit. While I can be snarky IRL, I wasn’t really being true to my voice. Honing your voice comes with time and the more you blog the closer you get to your true style.
7. There will be days when you hate your blog and want to murder it!
Resist the urge to hit the “Delete Blog” button
8. There will be days when you love your blog; over the stars in love
Cherish these days and funnel that love into great content and genuine engagement
9. Have as much fun as humanly possible
Fun first, blog later. This is my next tattoo. Seriously, having fun in life reflects through your blog. Write about what you love and what gets you fired up and it will come shinning through in your work
10. Blog cause you love it, not cause you want to make money
Not that making money is bad, or that making money from your blog is bad, but if that is the sole purpose for your blogging than you better go to medical school, its probably easier. Making money won’t sustain your blog, loving your subject matter will and you know what they say “Do what you love and the money will follow”.
“They” are pretty smart.
1, 2, AND 3, are things I didn’t know, but do now! This is a great list! It is so important to take a break from blogging every now in then; I’ve found a blog and twitter free weekend to be very refreshing. I’m only a few months in, but I used to get down a bit when I would miss a day of blogging. I realize that I don’t want to give forced post, I like them to be as authentic as possible! I just LOVE the community aspect of blogging, of which I was completely unaware of until I started blogging!
Thanks again for sharing!
Your welcome and I couldn’t agree more about taking breaks. It restores your creative juices so you can come back to your blog fresh. Thanks for the comment!
God, these are so, so good!
I’d add “Patience is necessary.” Because really, patience and hard work are the only things that will make anything happen!
Yes you need almost zen-like patience haha! Thanks Ashe
I’m feeling this list, and as a new blogger I appreciate the insight you are sharing. Especially about the hard work and time commitment, as you say it is worthwhile because it takes so much effort. Thanks!
You’re welcome Ann
So many of those things are things I wish I had known at the beginning, but have realized over time. In a way, its a good thing for everyone to experience these things themselves.
XXXO
Marissa
http://tastesandstyle.blogspot.com
I definitely learn through trial and error and get better as you keep blogging. Thanks for the comment Marissa.
All great points!!! Couldn’t agree with you more!
Click here to Win a Dress
♡ from © tanvii.com
Thanks Tanvi!
I think I can agree with all of these!
Great post! I have been blogging for a year and it’s a lot of work. Fun work but still work. I wrote this week a post called: Accountant by Day, Fashion Blogger by Night about my struggle of doing both.
- Marie
It is work but most certainly fun! I will check out your post. Thanks for the comment!
Number 1! I totally thought I would write a post and that people would come to me but now I know that I have to work to build that community and it has been awesome so far
Haha, I think all newbie bloggers have the “Blog and They Will Come” idea. I know I did, but learning to build a blog and community will help bring readers to your blog.
You’re blog is adorable btw
Haha, definitely! And thank you very much! =)
Hi Lady,
Iam new to your blog and boy am I lovin it!!! Its funny and informative, I’m thinking of starting my own blog and this post is going to be really helpful. I will keep all these tips in mind once I start on my Journey.
Thanks and Blessings
Lee Lee
Thanks Felicia and I wish you luck on starting your blog. Let me know when it’s up so we can be blog buddies
I love this and can relate to just about all of these. My tip is if you are not feeling inspired. Don’t blog. Move away from the computer and come back later. When you feel inspired, share it with the world.
Lee
x
That is a great tip Lee and I couldn’t agree more. When you’re not feeling it, it shows.
Perfect post! Glad to inspire…and I agree with every bullet point! Blogging is what you make it; it is at the end of the day work, the longer you blog the more it evolves and encompasses your life. Before you know it that’s all you talk about, it takes time and patent. Blogging is like your baby you have to nurture it so that it will grow in to an independent entity!
xoxo,
Vogue & Vintage
Stay Chic
Stay Chic
I’ve been blogging for a few years but started my fashion blog last september. Blogging about your personal experiences is COMPLETELY different from blogging about an industry or interest. If you want to do it right/use it as a platform for something else, so much time goes into doing research and writing. I enjoy it immensely but I wish I’d known that-and that home internet access is a MUST!!
excellent! thank you for sharing, i agree with you wholeheartedly!
Very cute post!! I agree with everything on here!
I really love this!!! All very true
Keep up the good work because I am following on your footsteps.
[...] 10 Things I Wish I Had Known About Blogging [...]
Everything on this list! Before I was blogging about fashion I did delete my blog, I don’t regret it but it’s something I’ve had since I was 13. Now I feel like I’ve really found my blogging purpose and I’ve never felt the urge to delete it even though I’ve gone through different styles.
LOVE THIS POST! I totally agree with these points! Especially hating your blog and wanting to murder it! lol Then loving it the next day! haha.. oh, blogging.
Haha, blogging is a rollercoaster ride of emotion!
i came across this list at such a good time- I have been blogging for only ONE week now and am glad to have these tips now, i’m armed and ready when those ‘delete button’ days come by…
thanks so much!
Haha, Congrats on starting your blog!
This was really useful – more a reminder of some things I know allready as well as a few new tips. I’ve just started a new blog so I’m hoping to keep it going, as my old one used to stutter about – fresh start for me I think!
Great post, I have been blogging on and off for the past year, and the comments and appreciation seems as you said few and far between, it’s hard to stay motivated 100% of the time. Networking is the key and meeting other like bloggers and helping eachother spread the word!
I literally only started blogging yesterday and already feel like I’m devoting my whole life to it! This advice is brilliant, I’ll try to remember
[...] 10 things I wish I had known about blogging. I especially like #7 and #8, there will be days when you hate and want to murder your blog, and there will be days when you love it like nothing else. [...]
This is very good advice Fajr. I know we are just starting ours and taking babysteps. Thanks for sharing your advice. Blogging can be confusing and scary…first thing you say is who will read this, and am I making sense.
Truer words could not be spoken
i like your post and your point of view
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I just found your blog and I’m glad I did. I have a passion for fashion and writing and I am so glad that I found you and read this. I am truely inspired. Thank you.
Wow. Nice blog. I really love writing but men, is it hard. Plus, I always keep editing and editing until I finally end up deleting the post. Finally got the courage to post one. Still on my 2nd one. I hope I have the courage to post it. Thanks for the pointers.
I do
ten times!
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