Blogging Wisdom I’ve Acquired Over the Years

The sharing of my  blogging wisdom is just basically another way of saying “X things I’ve learned” or “X number of mistakes I’ve made in blogging”

I should also include a disclaimer that I’m no blogging guru or expert. But I think since blogging is still a relatively new industry compared to the traditional ones,  the definition of a blogging expert can be open to interpretation.  I wouldn’t be surprised if formal educational institutions offered blogging as a diploma or a degree in the near future.

Laugh now, but just you wait, someone will have a degree in blogology or bloguistics (I like the second term better. What about you?) and they’ll be working toward their masters. That will be the official way to showcase your blogging wisdom.

Since I’ve been blogging for several years, I guess that gives me the right to share my own personal experiences and views about blogging. I will pass on my very small amount of wisdom to you all.

1. Get Ready To Be Judged For Your Opinions, Decisions and Actions

Since you are publishing on this public forum known as the internet, people from all parts of the globe will eventually find you and judge you internally or externally. They may agree with you or they may completely disagree with you. As someone who used to greatly care about what others think, blogging has given me the freedom to express my views and be proud of the unconventional person I am. It takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there and share personal things that most people don’t want the world to know.

 

2. No Matter How Many Follow-Ups You Do, Sometimes People Just Won’t Respond

I should note that I am guilty of not responding to every inquiry I receive. A lot of them sound the same and start with Hello Admin or Hello MakintheBacon Team. My name is on the sidebar. Please use it to make the message seem a little bit more personable. If they really wanted to partner with you, they would send a more personable email and follow up if needed.

I’ve followed up a few times with people, mainly because we had been in constant conversation, working out the details. It’s the worst when they don’t respond to you anymore after all that work. Unfortunately, I’ve had that happen to me on several occasions. Unless you’re waiting on something important or trying to finish up a project, then it’s a time to move on type of thing.

End rant.

 

3. Make Your Own Opportunities

Don’t expect them to fall into your lap. I did. If you really wanted that opportunity, you’d go for it. Think of the great things you’ve achieved in your life. They weren’t handed to you. And if they were, I hate you. No, I’m just kidding.  I believe it pays to show some initiative.  Patience was never really a virtue I got around to anyway.

Ask and don’t be afraid to ask ( I actually am still afraid and even more terrified when I hit send, but I still do it anyway. If they don’t answer, time to move on to the next potential opportunity).

Cast your net out far and wide.

 

4. Don’t Give Up Entirely

At least not right away. You’ll probably want to after a few months. Blogging can be similar to a very long marathon. In case you didn’t know, I really hate running. I can knock it, because I’ve tried it one too many times and felt it was torture every time. Blogging is actually a marathon I prefer to run and I pace myself.

Yes, you will see many bloggers sprint past you and lap you. Several times.  They could have been putting in more training than you. Or maybe even had a coach. Or a better coach.

I think it’s okay if you feel the need to give up for a few days, weeks, months or blog on and off for several years like I did. Hopefully, you will find your own rhythm and be able to lengthen your stride.

If it is not working out for you and you know you have given everything you’ve got, then by all means quit.  Absolutely nothing wrong that. As long as you do it strategically. But if you have the slightest feeling in your gut that you may be onto something and that there is potential, try and stick with it.

Keep on throwing that spaghetti to the wall.

Or whatever pasta you prefer.

 

5. Blogging Will Change Your Life in Some Way, Shape or Form

Yes, marriage and having children are life-changing.

So is blogging.

I know I’ve probably overpreached this one, but I sincerely believe it. While you may not change careers or become an entrepreneur, there’s not denying that starting one may have already changed your life somehow.  Even if it hasn’t yet, it probably will in the future.

A blog is no longer just your online diary.

It becomes an extension of you. Your own personal brand.

For me blogging, has helped me develop many different skills,  take bigger risks, meet like-minded people in real life, change careers and  generate a bit of income.

It’s changed my personality (A bit) and my outlook on life (A LOT).

 

6. It May Possibly Take Over Your Life

With what little free time you have. However, this may cause you to put more emphasis on productivity, time management, planning, organization and making time for yourself.

I’m not a very social person to begin with and prefer to spend time by myself.  I actually have severe social anxiety and often get overwhelmed at big gatherings or events. Or when I have absolutely nothing in common with people I am talking to. I struggle so much with small talk.

There are just some days when I prefer to work on the blog. Sorry. That’s the truth. But I will peel myself away from my laptop now and then to take advantage of human interaction. And then use my phone to capture the moment so I have proof I socialized.

7. What May Work for Everybody Else, May Not Necessarily Work For You

Just because so and so swears by a particular method, doesn’t mean it’s the only one that will work. Try it and if the method doesn’t work, then you can dis it.

If something does work for you, you can swear by it.

There are a ton of social media channels out there and if you’re new to the blogging scene, you may tempted to be on all of them. While I am on several – Facebook, Twitter, Google +, Pinterest and Instagram, I’ve found Facebook and Twitter have given me the most traffic. So I focus on those two.  I barely use Google + and Pinterest.  I do however, have this new found obsession with Instagram and want to Instagram moments of my not-that-exciting-life more. To be honest, I just think having several social icons on your blog makes it look more visually appealing.

But what do I know?  I’m no blogging expert.

 

8. You Will Improve The Way You Communicate To Others Through Your Writing

If you actually read through my first few blog posts and compared them to my current posts, I would hope you see the huge difference in my writing style. The layout of the blog post itself is better. It’s not just one or two massive paragraphs with no images.

I’m trying to infuse my personality more and share more of my personal experiences. Especially the not so great ones. I know this is something I should have done from the start, but like many new bloggers, I was terrified of publishing posts and remained anonymous for 3. 5 years. I commend those who had the courage to reveal their identity and share their experiences (good and bad) right from the start.

9. Your Blog and Its Focus May Change Over Time

And that’s perfectly fine. Companies rebrand themselves all the time. When I first started, I was mainly interested in finding additional ways to save money. Now I am more interested in side hustles, entrepreneurship and technology.

 

 

Do you have any blogging wisdom you’d like to add? Can you relate to any of the points I’ve mentioned?

 

Need some to keep you accountable and provide that support for launching a blog?  I can help. 

 

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