Participating in #Blogtober14 with Helene in Between and The Daily Tay! Today’s prompt: 10 things you’d tell yourself when you started blogging.
When I started blogging, it was just for fun. Honestly, I cannot even recall why I originally started blogging – it was years and years and years ago (in 2009 to be exact). That first year, I had a grand total of twelve blog posts. Twelve! It’s fun to go back and read through. But I think my turn to blogging must’ve been because I just had a yearning to put down all of my thoughts and ideas. To somewhat journal about my life. So, why on the internet you ask? Good question. I don’t know. I’m pretty sure it was my cousin who introduced me to blogging, and my world has been completely changed ever since. [THANKS, KIM!]
I only started seriously blogging (as in, engaging with the community and developing deep, meaningful [to me] posts) almost two years ago. Blogging for me really blossomed last year, and I’m so unbelievably thankful for that. It’s a passion of mine that has only grown, and I’m forever grateful for this outlet. The post that really took off this blogging adventure for me can be read here. It was January 7, 2013, and I’m so glad I took my frustrations to blog land. To write them out. But y’all, I laugh now reading that post. I’m able to see just how far I’ve come with this whole serious blogging thing. How do I know? Because I can answer every single question with absolute certainty that I was only first asking that day. I was desperate because it was something that I knew I would love and be good at. Well, I think I’m good at it anyway :). I’m still a work in progress…
Seeing as I hardly remember when I actually first started blogging in life, I’m going to focus on ten things I’d tell myself when I started blogging [seriously]. As in, after that January 2013 blog post.
[1] I’m never going to get the hang of this.
At first, I was obviously overwhelmed and super frustrated. I for sure thought that blogging was going to never take off for me.
It’s totally taken off for me, and I’m so glad that I stuck it out! I know I’m not as ‘successful’ as other bloggers out there who only started doing this a year ago, but I’m proud of where I am and am having a blast being a blogger! And who knows where it’ll take me?
It’s totally taken off for me, and I’m so glad that I stuck it out! I know I’m not as ‘successful’ as other bloggers out there who only started doing this a year ago, but I’m proud of where I am and am having a blast being a blogger! And who knows where it’ll take me?
[2] I won’t be a good blogger anyway.
I can’t write. I don’t have anything important to say. Who cares?!
That’s a lie I told myself to not be disappointed in the beginning. I’ve learned that I can write, and I’ve been told time and time again that I should be a writer. I’m now seriously contemplating writing a book and seeing where it takes me. Isn’t this what all bloggers do? Ha!
[3] How do I gain followers?
Okay, to be successful, I need followers. How? How? HOW?!
I just knew that I had to have people following me and my life for me to be good at this. Little did I know that they would come! Time and effort, friends…time and effort.
I just knew that I had to have people following me and my life for me to be good at this. Little did I know that they would come! Time and effort, friends…time and effort.
[4] Eh, followers and readers don’t matter anyway.
Who am I kidding? Followers and/or readers don’t matter. I’m doing this for ME!
This one is true. If you start blogging for others and not for yourself then no one will want to follow you. You’ve got to stay true to yourself to be successful. Otherwise, what’s the point anyway?
[5] I am going to blog every single day!
“Oh my goodness, this is awesome and I’m going to have a post every day!”
Ha! This one makes me laugh the most. Posting every day is near impossible, although some are quite successful. A few posts a week is perfection to me.
[6] I’m going to get involved in subscription boxes and linkups and giveaways like it’s nobody’s business.
This is so fun! Why didn’t I know about this bloggy world before?! So much involvement, how could I not get involved?
Yes, linkups and giveaways are fun and crucial part of blogging, and I’ve done my fair share. I also have a new linkup in the works, so be on the lookout for that! And subscription boxes aren’t crucial for blogging, but they sure are fun! However, this can all get overwhelming if you try to do too much too soon.
[7] Everyone will love me.
It’s me and my mind and words for the world to read. Blog land is awesome and people are SO NICE!
While this is true (le duh!), there are some harsh critics out there. While I haven’t been victimized by them just yet (it’s coming, I can just feel it), I know of several other bloggy friends that have suffered. It’s like anything in life, if you’re public and putting yourself out there, heart and soul like bloggers do, you’re going to be judged.
[8] It doesn’t matter how my blog looks. It’s a way to show my personality and character!
I want big, bright, and bold!
Wrong, wrong, wrong! It matters how your blog looks. Mine was super chaotic and way too bright when I first posted about my frustrations last year. Thankfully, I’ve learned a lot along the way and now have a blog that’s easy on the eyes and still shows my personality. And the best part, I created it entirely by myself! Well, with the help of my techy brother and dad of course ;).
[9] I’m going to keep it fun.
Motivation and inspiration is awesome, so why not share it?
While motivation and inspiration is absolutely awesome and necessary, it’s not everything. I’ve learned that it’s important to talk about reality, and that includes the bad days and not so happy things.
[10] Just keep at it. Perseverance is key!
As with anything, great things take time. And some failure.
Yes, yes, yes! It definitely took some time to get things going and really understand all things ‘blog’, but it’s been so worth it to keep at it.
Who am I kidding? Followers and/or readers don’t matter. I’m doing this for ME!
This one is true. If you start blogging for others and not for yourself then no one will want to follow you. You’ve got to stay true to yourself to be successful. Otherwise, what’s the point anyway?
[5] I am going to blog every single day!
“Oh my goodness, this is awesome and I’m going to have a post every day!”
Ha! This one makes me laugh the most. Posting every day is near impossible, although some are quite successful. A few posts a week is perfection to me.
[6] I’m going to get involved in subscription boxes and linkups and giveaways like it’s nobody’s business.
This is so fun! Why didn’t I know about this bloggy world before?! So much involvement, how could I not get involved?
Yes, linkups and giveaways are fun and crucial part of blogging, and I’ve done my fair share. I also have a new linkup in the works, so be on the lookout for that! And subscription boxes aren’t crucial for blogging, but they sure are fun! However, this can all get overwhelming if you try to do too much too soon.
[7] Everyone will love me.
It’s me and my mind and words for the world to read. Blog land is awesome and people are SO NICE!
While this is true (le duh!), there are some harsh critics out there. While I haven’t been victimized by them just yet (it’s coming, I can just feel it), I know of several other bloggy friends that have suffered. It’s like anything in life, if you’re public and putting yourself out there, heart and soul like bloggers do, you’re going to be judged.
[8] It doesn’t matter how my blog looks. It’s a way to show my personality and character!
I want big, bright, and bold!
Wrong, wrong, wrong! It matters how your blog looks. Mine was super chaotic and way too bright when I first posted about my frustrations last year. Thankfully, I’ve learned a lot along the way and now have a blog that’s easy on the eyes and still shows my personality. And the best part, I created it entirely by myself! Well, with the help of my techy brother and dad of course ;).
[9] I’m going to keep it fun.
Motivation and inspiration is awesome, so why not share it?
While motivation and inspiration is absolutely awesome and necessary, it’s not everything. I’ve learned that it’s important to talk about reality, and that includes the bad days and not so happy things.
[10] Just keep at it. Perseverance is key!
As with anything, great things take time. And some failure.
Yes, yes, yes! It definitely took some time to get things going and really understand all things ‘blog’, but it’s been so worth it to keep at it.
So, there you have it! 10 things I used to tell myself when I first started seriously blogging. I’ve learned that I’ve learned a lot in the past year and a half as far as blogging goes! And I’m proud of where I am and praying that this blog only grows as time goes on.
How long have you been blogging? What have you learned?
3 Comments
I totally said so many of these things! Especially about followers and blogging everyday! Great post!
I totally agree with your list. I had so many of those same thoughts go through my head!
xx
Can I say that I've entered TONS of blogger giveaways and I've never won anything!? Gahhh!
Happy Monday! 🙂