I’ve been blogging here for about 2.5 years, although it has only been regular for the past 1.5, and I’ve learned a fair amount through it. So I thought I’d share what I’ve learned in the hopes that it helps someone else!
1. Not everyone will like you and/or your blog, and that’s okay. Of course you want everyone to love everything you do because you put hard work into it, but it’s not going to happen. There will be people who like what you post, but they aren’t crazy about you. And the reverse will be true and there will be some people who just flat out don’t like you. It may not feel like it if you get negative comments or feedback, but it’s all okay.
2. Quality is better than quantity. It is so much better to write 2-3 incredible, mind-blowing posts a week than 4-5 okay ones. You’re more likely to attract regular readers this way, as well as increase your overall street (blog?) cred.
3. But quantity (aka consistency) is pretty important, too. Obviously you should post whenever you want, but it will be a lot better for you if there’s some sort of consistency. That way, your readers know to go to your blog and expect x amount of posts a week. This will also boost your views.
4. Time management is an art. Make the most of your time to get the most done. The vast majority of bloggers have a full-time job that isn’t blogging, and while blogging is a fun hobby, you don’t want it to take up all of your free time. If you don’t live life, what will you have to blog about, amiright?
5. Networking > Competition. Technically, any blogger who posts something similar to you in your niche is your competition. But they can really help you rather than hurt you. Get to know each other, help each other, work with each other. Doing that can really help you more than viewing them as competition ever could.
6. Trying to be someone you’re not isn’t worth it. You can only pretend to like a certain thing or to be a certain way online for so long before it gets to be too much and you give up. Your blog is your space on the Internet, so be yourself. If you don’t normally act a certain way, don’t act that way on your blog. Besides, being yourself can really help you. People come to blogs for the content, but they stick around for a while because they like how you present that content. If they don’t like who you are (see #1), then they won’t become a loyal reader, but would your really want someone who doesn’t like you to read everything you post?
7. The world will not end if you don’t meet a self-imposed deadline. So cut yourself some slack, spend time with your family and friends, and don’t let some website rule your life.
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Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.
I have definitely learned some of these lessons. I don't think I always remember them…but I have learned it for sure.
I'm starting to learn these lessons slowly but surely. Some of them have been harder than others but it's good to know I'm not alone in some of the feelings and experiences as a blogger.
I agree with networking > competition. I see fellow bloggers as friends & inspiration, which is why I'm always confused when competition & negativity comes up. Also, time management is definitely an art. I probably wouldn't be able to have a blog if I was working part time on top of my full time school load, so I'm always in awe of people who appear to seamlessly juggle it all!
Jenny
fromthedeskofj.com
Amen to the last one!
These are so spot on Kate!
Great post. It really is like a part time job and if you let it consume you all the time it really becomes a regret. No one wants that about their little place on the internet.
These are great reminders, especially the self imposed deadline one. I'm a somewhat newbie to this, so these are excellent tips and lessons, thank you!
That was a brilliant post to read! I'm new to blogging so your post was just what I needed to read, right now! Great lessons, thanks for writing!