Winstead Wandering

Prone to Wander

3 things I learned from my first year blogging

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Blogging is hard, and there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there. Here are 3 things I learned from my first year blogging.

I’m taking a short blogging break to soak up time with my sweet newborn baby. Things won’t be silent around here, though; I’ve got some awesome bloggers lined up to step in and share some great content. Today, Reeve from Girl on the Verge is here to talk about one of my favorite topics, blogging.

Blogging is hard, and there's a lot of conflicting advice out there. Here are 3 things I learned in my first year blogging.

3 things I learned from my first year blogging

  • Don’t start blogging to make money

    When I first began blogging, it was more of a way to showcase my writing for future employers and get noticed online, than it was about my joy of writing. I struggled to know what to write and would sit staring at my laptop, unsure how to begin a post. Because my standards were so high and lofty (let’s be honest), I was petrified that I would write something that wasn’t perfect and didn’t showcase my best work. I created my blog and immediately wanted to have hundreds of followers, “top post” analytics, and a thriving commenting community. After a month, I realized that if I really wanted to write and create a community from my blog then I would have to put aside perfection and just be me. My blog posts changed from trying to be professional and put-together, to real, vulnerable, and uniquely me. And – that’s when the comments and community began to form.

    DO: Start a blog because you love to write or you love fashion or ____ and you are so passionate about it that you will continue to enjoy creating blog posts for YOU, not for readers or popularity.

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When You Don’t Know What to Blog About

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What do you do when you don’t know what to blog about? Here are five easy post ideas to fall back on when blogger’s block strikes.

At any given time, I have a running list on my phone of at least 20 different blog ideas. I seem to think of topics on daily basis; some I write down, others are gone before I get that chance.

What do you do when you don't know what to blog about? Here are five easy post ideas to fall back on when blogger's block strikes.

Despite the seemingly endless stream of content ideas, I still find myself without a topic sometimes. Usually, it’s because I can’t seem to make any of those other ideas come together into a post. I’m just not “feeling it” with them, so I need something fresh.

When I can’t make one of those posts happen, but I don’t know what else to write about, I often turn to one of these ideas.

When You Don’t Know What to Blog About

Revamp Your Old Content

If you’ve been blogging for even a few months, you probably have some older posts that either a) you aren’t super proud of or b) were published before you gained most of your followers. I have several recipe posts from my first few months with this blog, as well as a bunch of recipes from my old blog, that just don’t have the kind of pictures my posts have now.

I love taking one of those older posts, redoing the photos, and publishing it again. Not only do I get to update an old favorite, but I get to share that favorite with an audience that has changed so much since I first began blogging four years ago.

Write a Roundup

What do you do when you don't know what to blog about? Here are five easy post ideas to fall back on when blogger's block strikes.

Roundups are super popular, and with good reason: they gather a bunch of great links in one convenient place. In my blogging opinion, the best roundups include at least a few links of your own. If you’ve been around for a while, it’s possible you could create an entire roundup using just your own recipes.

If you do choose to use other bloggers’ posts, just be sure to get their permission or read their policies first.

Do a “Life Lately” Post

Even if you typically don’t blog about personal stuff, it’s still fun for readers to get a glimpse of the writer behind the blog. You can give an overview of what’s happening in your life without getting too personal; you can share your current favorite TV shows, list a few goals, or give a shout out to the best blog posts you’ve read lately.

Posts like that are something I wish I did more often. I do share personal things sometimes, but I so enjoy reading about the current happenings of other bloggers that I’d like to give it a try myself.

Reintroduce Yourself

Most bloggers have an About Me page, but it might not be something you update often, and it probably isn’t a place readers visit too frequently. To give readers an idea of who you are, write an About Me post. It shouldn’t be a carbon copy of what you have on your About page; instead, make it fun or themed. Write a little about how or why you started blogging, share how you developed an interest in the topic(s) you write about, or create a list of random favorites.

Share Your Favorites

A post of your favorites is the perfect way to tell readers more about you while also providing them with useful content. What kind of favorites you share are up to you, but the possibilities are pretty endless: cosmetic products, 90’s rap songs, recent blog posts, cat videos, Friends memes, fall sweaters, kitchen hacks, novels.

Take a Break

When I feel stuck, I usually try to push through because that’s how I’m best able to find my way back to creating content. There are times, though, that I take that inability to write as a sign that I just need to give my brain a break. It’s okay to rest your blogging muscles for a while. Don’t force writing; it’ll happen eventually, but in the meantime, there’s nothing wrong with taking a breather for a few days to recharge.

What do you do when you don’t know what to blog about?

What do you do when you don't know what to blog about? Here are five easy post ideas to fall back on when blogger's block strikes.

The Truth About Blogging for Money

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Don’t believe the “starting a blog is a great way to make money” hype. If it’s something you’re really interested in, read the truth about blogging for money first.

Don't believe the "starting a blog is a great way to make money" hype. If it's something you're really interested in, read the truth about blogging for money first.

I’ve seen too many blog posts lately claiming to walk the reader through the simple steps it takes to begin making money by blogging. It’s easy, they say, to turn a writing hobby into an income-earning venture. You can begin making a side income just as quickly as if you were to go get a part time job.

Imagine you read this job description: “Part- to full-time position available. Must have ability to write, interact with readers, manage social media, brainstorm post ideas, collaborate with others, track business income and expenses, and more. Additional responsibilities will be added with little or no advance notice. Pay varies and may be nonexistent for several months, after which it may be inconsistent and intermittent.”

Who in their right mind would apply for that position? Probably only people with a deep love of writing and another income to rely on as they waited for the money-making to kick in. While it’s completely possible to make even more than a full-time income through your blog, it doesn’t come quickly and it doesn’t come easily. There are some truths you need to know before you venture down that road.

The Truth About Blogging for Money

It will take time from other things

Anyone who blogs with the goal of making money will tell you this: blogging requires sacrifice. Sure, you can schedule time to write posts, you can work blogging in around other obligations, and you can vow to only spend time on your blog after your kids are in bed. You might even make that work.

Sooner or later, though, you’ll have to decide between blogging and that other thing. Reading a book, going out with friends, folding laundry. If you have a job- even if that job is staying home with your kids- blogging will have to fit in around all that stuff. If you’re truly committed to making money with your blog, you’ll find yourself saying “no” to other things.

If you enjoy what you’re doing, it won’t seem like such a burden. That’s why blogging has to be special to you.

It can’t just be a hobby

Blogging as it was originally designed doesn’t have to be time-consuming. You write a little about your thoughts and feelings, post a few unedited personal photos, and post. It’s all like an online diary you write in whenever you want.

Blogging for profit is a whole different beast. You need to post at least a couple of times a week, and sharing only personal updates won’t bring in much of an audience outside your friends and family. In addition, you need clean, bright photos. The internet is a visually-focused platform, so excellent photos are what will drive readers to your site.

If you hope to make money blogging, it has to be a passion. You have to love to write. You also have to enjoy other aspects of the work, too: engaging with readers, wading into the technical side of things, scheduling social media posts. Blogging takes a lot of hours and it has to be something you like to do.

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5 Reasons I Read Your Blog

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5 Reasons I Read Your Blog: what makes a reader return to your blog again and again? Here’s one blogger and blog reader’s take.

I read a great post a while back from Chelsie at Hey There, Chelsie. She was pondering the negativity among bloggers, particularly the proliferation of “This is What You’re Doing Wrong” posts. As I was reading, I couldn’t help but agree; I’m over negativity as a whole, not just in the blogging world. A lot of my time is spent wondering, Why can’t we all just get along?

I do think those posts can be helpful (full disclosure: I even wrote one myself a while back), but only if they’re accompanied with practical ways to fix the perceived wrongs, and if they aren’t written as a personal attack.

Chelsie’s post got me thinking about the flip side of things, though. Why don’t we write posts about the things we do like? Why don’t we call out the bloggers who are killing it with authenticity? Blogging doesn’t have to be a repeat of high school, with the cattiness and the backstabbing.

With that in mind, I decided to compile my list of reasons I choose to read a blog. These are my own personal reasons, and I promise you can not do a single one of these things and still have a dedicated readership. Really, I’m just one person. What do I know?

What makes a reader return to your blog again and again? Here's one blogger and blog reader's take.

5 Reasons I Read Your Blog

You’re Real (and Imperfect)

I understand that there really are people who have it all together: cute clothes, perfect makeup, adorably dressed kids, Pinterest-worthy home decor. And that’s cool, it’s just that I can’t relate. What I relate to is messy and imperfect and learning.

If that’s what you put out there on your blog, I’m going to recognize that and be drawn to it. I do love beautifully-executed photos and successful recipes, but I also have a deep appreciation for Pinterest fails, parenting mishaps, and raw honesty.

You Share Useful Information

This one is kind of obvious, right? If I glean useful information from your posts, I’ll keep coming back for more useful information. But here’s where I’m a little different from a lot of readers: I prefer posts with some meat to them. I love recipes, tips, step-by-step tutorials, that kind of thing. I enjoy glimpses into your personal life, too, but overall I read to get information.

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what i learned from my most popular blog posts

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Writing blog posts that people want to read doesn’t just happen; it takes intention and planning. Here’s what I learned from my post popular blog posts.

Writing blog posts that people want to read doesn't just happen; it takes intention and planning. Here's what I learned from my post popular blog posts.

September was a huge month- by my modest standards- for Winstead Wandering. My little blog was viewed more than 10,000 times, and I had a few really popular posts.

I’m beginning to learn that popular posts don’t always happen by chance. Sure, sometimes  a post will explode for seemingly no reason; more often, though, we can analyze the components of a successful post and, at least in part, duplicate that success.

Here’s what I learned from my most popular blog posts of September:

homemade buttermilk ranch dressing

homemade buttermilk ranch dressing8

This is one of my favorite posts because it’s one I continue to make. A lot. As a food blogger, I rarely make the same recipe multiple times because, if I’m going to create something in the kitchen, I want it to be something new that I can share here. This is one recipe that’s sticking around.

what I learned

This post, even though it’s a simple salad dressing recipe, was years in the making. I’ve been dissatisfied with store bought ranch dressing for as long as I can remember. It doesn’t taste anything like the kind you get in restaurants, and that sucks. When I finally decided to make my own, I did it because I wanted a better option. Sharing the recipe here was almost an afterthought.

I learned that you should write what you know. This is something I’ve mentioned before, but the success of this recipe is a great reminder. I didn’t ask readers what recipes they wanted to me to make (although I’ve done that before here); I made a recipe that I knew would make my life better. I shared that recipe here and people happened to agree.

Similar posts: roasted red pepper hummus and easy roasted ranch carrots

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5 (more) favorite blogging resources

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5 favorite blogging resources to help busy bloggers- and who isn’t?- be as efficient and organized as possible. I bet you haven’t heard of some of these.

5 favorite blogging resources to help busy bloggers- and who isn't?- be as efficient and organized as possible. I bet you haven't heard of some of these.

 

I wrote a post a while back sharing my five favorite blogging resources. The more I thought about my list, though, the more resources I kept coming up with. I knew I couldn’t stop at just five.

Here are five more favorite blogging resources.

1. podcasts

Podcasts are the new Discman. I listen to podcasts while I cook, while I shower, while I work out. Basically, if my hands are working, but my brain is relatively free, there’s usually a podcast on. Granted, with two little ones around, I don’t always catch all the information, but I love that I can learn about writing great content, optimizing social media, or pricing sponsored posts, all while doing other things.

My two current favorite podcasts are Launch Ladies and Brilliant Business Moms. Both are packed with brilliant nuggets of information for any blogger or entrepreneur.

2. pin count

Ever wonder how many times your posts have been pinned? This awesome tool allows you to paste a URL and see how many times it has been pinned. It’s the easiest way I know of to get the pin count for your posts, and a it’s a great tool to determine which posts and photos are most appealing on Pinterest.

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5 favorite blogging resources

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5 favorite blogging resources to help busy bloggers- and who isn’t?- be as efficient and organized as possible. I bet you haven’t heard of some of these.

5 favorite blogging resources to help busy bloggers- and who isn't?- be as efficient and organized as possible. I bet you haven't heard of some of these.

 

Blogging is hard. You’re supposed to be active on 17 different social media platforms, read and comment on other sites, take award-winning photos. And, oh yeah, you’re supposed to write authentic, engaging content, too.

Sometimes, it feels like I’m being pulled in so many different directions as a blogger. Yes, I love it, but I work full-time outside the home and blogging is technically just a hobby for me. Here are five tools I use to make sure I get the most out of the few hours I do have to devote to my site.

1. coschedule headline analyzer
I first learned about this neat tool from a useletter (see #3 below). Basically, you enter in what you think you want your blog post title to be and coschedule analyzes it based on a bunch of different factors. You can tweak the wording until you get a title that, according to the analyzer, people are more likely to read.

2. link party list
One of my goals lately has been to participate in more link parties. I know they can be an awesome source of traffic, as well as a fun way to meet and interact with other bloggers. Pretty much any big blogger will tell you she got to where she is in large part thanks to link parties.

So how do you know who’s hosting parties and when? I use this huge list that my friend Brandy from The Dutchman’s Wife introduced me to. The list includes dozens (maybe hundreds?) of parties taking place every day of the week. You’ll never lack for places to party.

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5 simple ways to make your blog better now

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Here’s a list of five simple, actionable ways to help your blog. They’re all easy, take just a few minutes or less, and will improve your site.

Here's a list of five simple, actionable ways to help your blog. They're all easy, take just a few minutes or less, and will improve your site.

As bloggers, we all want to make our sites better. We want our content to be top-notch and we want our photos to be magazine-quality. There are dozens of websites and books out there designed to help you improve both of those things.

For all the big things you can do, there are dozens of small actions you can be taking, too. Here’s a list of five simple ways to make your blog better now.

include links to pins on facebook

When you share your mouth-watering recipes, or your brilliant parenting tips, or your life-changing cleaning hacks on Facebook, go ahead and share the link to the post’s pin, too. It’s all about making things as simple as possible for your readers and, for all those followers browsing from their cell phones, linking to the pin is the best way to ensure they pin it.

brag

Sometimes its embarrassing to talk about having a blog. For whatever reason, answering “it’s on my blog” when asked about a recipe seems boastful or like you’re just another bandwagon writer. Push past it, though. If someone genuinely wants to know the secret behind your DIY project, don’t be afraid to direct them to your site.

If you share your blog content exclusively on your blog’s social media accounts, try sharing a few of your favorite posts on your personal accounts, too. Your friends won’t mind that you’re sharing your passion.

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how to get fancy fonts on your computer

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Step-by-step instructions for finding, installing, and using any font you want to create premium worksheets, printables, photos, and more.

Step-by-step instructions for finding, installing, and using any font you want to create premium worksheets, printables, photos, and more.

If you spend much time designing anything on your computer, you know the standard fonts can quickly become boring and trite. If you want your creations to stand out- and who doesn’t?- you need to install fonts that go beyond the basics.

Finding and installing fonts is easy, fast, and free. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find a font you like and download
There are plenty of free font websites out there; my favorite is dafont, so I’ll use that one as an example. Browse your site of choice and decide which font(s) you’d like to be able to use on your computer.

Step-by-step instructions for finding, installing, and using any font you want to create premium worksheets, printables, photos, and more.

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five {more} blogging mistakes you’re making

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Are you making one of these five blogging mistakes? They’re actions that can drive viewers from your blog, but they’re all easily corrected.

Are you making one of these five blogging mistakes? They’re actions that can drive viewers from your blog, but they’re all easily corrected.

 

I wrote a post about a month ago called five blogging mistakes you’re making. That post was so well-received that I decided to compile another. This list is based on a few more of my own thoughts, as well as the comments left by others on that original post. Like the previous list, this one is written from the perspective of a blog reader, not an expert blogger (because I am not).

5 more blogging mistakes you’re making

you have a subscription pop-up

First, let me say that pop-ups asking viewers to subscribe to the blog can be done well. If I click around your blog for several minutes or express interest in a particular topic, it makes sense to invite me to subscribe to your blog or to a series pertaining to that particular topic.

But please, please do not set a box to pop up 2 seconds into my visit to your blog. How do I know if I like your content enough to receive emails about it? I don’t, so I’m not going to subscribe. In addition, sometimes those pop-ups are impossible to close on the mobile version of your site, meaning the only solution is to leave the blog entirely.

the solution: if you must use a pop-up, at least set to it show only after a visitor has been on your site long enough to get a feel for your content.

your posts don’t include a date

I can think of several instances in which an undated post has kept me from interacting. Maybe you’ve posted about a great deal, or requested recommendations for places to eat on an upcoming trip, or shared about a tough time you’re going through. In all of those situations, I’m going to look at the date the post was published before commenting or sharing.

If there’s no date, I’ll refrain from doing anything, to avoid looking foolish or spreading outdated information. Dating your posts is a simple step that can help your readers be more informed.

the solution: change the settings on your blog to show the month, date, and year each post was published.

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