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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.

  • It’s going to be lonely in the beginning

    It’s really hard to write, and write, and write and not get comments or see your views increase. It helps to remember that no one’s blog became popular suddenly overnight at the beginning. It takes time, it takes a lot of unread and unseen posts. There is no easy way to get through the beginning of blogging, it’s just one day, one post at a time. A sure-fire way to never grow your blog is to give up or post less-frequently because no one is commenting or engaging in your posts.

    DO: Post regularly, regardless of comments or views. Maybe don’t pour your heart out and write 2000 word posts in the beginning, but put time and effort into what you write. This will show your readers (and future readers) that you are going to stick around and that it’s worth it for them to invest in your blog. Post at least once a week, use high-quality images, and share your post to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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

  • Connect with others

    I heard this one a lot in the beginning and did it ignored it. I had eyes only for my blog and what I was writing. Let me tell you – it’s a total game changer when you reach out to other bloggers! While I was desperate for comments and page views so that I didn’t feel like I was writing for only myself, it helped when I took a step back and looked at the bigger picture. We write to create community, to touch other people and to make a difference.

    DO: Search and find blogs and women that are similar to you, read their posts, and comment, share on social media, and continue to show up! Follow a variety of blogs: popular ones, semi-popular, and start-ups like you. Find facebook groups geared toward connecting bloggers and interact with other’s comments and ideas. Reach out to new and established bloggers and ask to guest post. When commenting, write a couple sentences; don’t just comment “I love this!”

Remember, as you begin to blog, that it is a process and it takes time! Continuing to be your real, authentic self, engage with others, and focus on your passion for blogging (not the outcome), will help you to enjoy blogging no matter how many people comment or visit your blog.

The most important part? Just begin.

Reeve Currie is a twenty-something writer who is passionate about women, daily life, and cats. A lover of books, yoga, and coffee, you can find Reeve writing on her blog or her second obsession, Instagram. (Otherwise she is probably trying to bring the plants she keeps killing back to life.)

Connect with Reeve on Facebook!

Check out my blogging page for a ton more posts related to all things blog.

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

Comments

  3. Hi Reeve! I agree with all of your points. I started blogging for accountability and sharing what I was learning and it was really helpful (to me and eventually others!). I’ve found blogging growth to be “slow and steady” and something I’ve really enjoyed.

  4. Definitely the truth! It’s so lonely in the beginning, especially when you feel like you’re only blogging for yourself and maybe a few friends. You’ve gotta keep at it!