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5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Blogging January 22, 2019
As a blogger and marketer, I have a unique perspective about how to run a successful blog that will have dedicated readers and will be brand-friendly. Blogger Love is a series dedicated to helping new and seasoned bloggers develop their blog. In today’s post, I’ll be sharing the 5 things I wish I knew before I started blogging.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Blogging
1 | There will never be a perfect time to start blogging
How often do we hold ourselves back from trying new things because we are waiting for the right time, the most high-tech equipment, or the best resources?
Throughout college, I told myself that I wanted to blog about the beauty industry. However, I always felt like I was lacking something. I said that I would start when I possessed more industry expertise, more product knowledge, a fancy camera, chic looking backdrops, or a picture-perfect apartment. All these “things” I needed were holding me back from going after what I wanted.
The truth is that there is never a perfect time to start blogging. Our lives will never be perfect. Instead, we have to find the time to go after what we want. Then, we need to pursue our passions without reservation. Ultimately, if we want something badly enough we will make it will happen.
One of the things I wish I knew before I started blogging was that I did’t need anything but my passion and ambition (and maybe coffee).
2 | Stay Organized & Plan Ahead
When I first started blogging, I flew by the seat of my pants. I wrote down blog ideas in my bullet journal. Also, I planned to write posts to coincide with major events or new releases. However, I wasn’t thinking about my blog content as a whole.
I thought that as long as I could pump out 2-3 posts a week, others would find my content and follow me. As a result, my content felt inconsistent and my schedule was disjointed. However, I failed to plan my posts ahead of time. In fact, I’d go through periods where I was posting 2-3 times a week. Then I’d go through lulls where I’d post nothing.
Also, my actual content lacked cohesion. For example, if you were to look back at my old blog post, you’d discover that there are long periods where I seemingly focused on singular topics. For example, there were periods where I only wrote about simple living, smart consumerism, or beauty. As a result, my blog lacked an identity. My inability to plan ahead negatively affected my blog.
One of the things that I wished I knew before I started blogging was the importance of planning ahead of time to running a successful blog. By planning ahead of time, I am more capable of writing, editing, and shooting photos for my posts and Instagram. Moreover, by staying organized, I am capable of bringing balance to my editorial calendar.
Regardless of whether you prefer physical planners or e-planners, staying organized is vital for keeping a consistent blogging presence.
Ready to Take on 2019
3 | Find Your Niche
A question that plagues all bloggers is whether or not you need to stick to a niche. First thing is first, what is a niche? According to Merriam-Webster, a niche is “a specialized market.” In other words, it is a highly focused market that hones in on one realm of expertise.
Here’s why you should try to find your niche:
- We all have certain topics that we are most passionate about
- We all have content we are ”experts in”
For example, I personally love engaging with content that focuses on beauty, wellness, and marketing. Also, as someone with two marketing degrees, half a decade of work experience, and a ton of experience trying new beauty products, it is easy and enjoyable for me to write about these topics. My passion is clear in the content that I write.
It is easier for me to write about these topics and it is easier for me to find others who share these same passions. I’m able to make a greater impact by blogging about highly focused topics that interest me.
Furthermore, all successful websites have a solid SEO strategy. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. In layman’s terms, SEO is how your website ranks in an organic search when someone is looking for information on a search engine like Google or Yahoo.
There are a multitude of things that bloggers can do to positively impact how their blog ranks on an organic search page. Focusing on a niche will help search engines to better understand what your website’s specialty. Strong SEO will make it easier for others to find your posts.
4 | Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Self-comparison in the blogging community is a deadly poison that will kill your confidence and ambition. Everyone grows at their own pace depending on their niche, their promotional tactics, and the time invested in their blogs.
For example, blogging lends itself well to those who love to read and write book reviews. Why? People who love to read books tend to enjoy reading reviews about up-and-coming books and are often quite skilled at writing. In comparison, cosmetics is more visual. Fans of beauty content tend look to visual-rich platforms like Instagram and YouTube for inspiration.
One of the things I wish I knew before I started blogging is that blogging should be internally motivated, and not driven by the desire to ”grow stats.” Stats are one way to measure success. However, they aren’t everything. If you focus on making genuine connections and steadily work towards your end goal, you’ll see results.
5 | Have Fun & Make Friends
Last, but certainly not least, blogging should always be fun. If writing makes you feel anxious or depressed, something has gone wrong. Write content that brings you joy, not just content that you think will produce page views.
Blogging is inherently social. One of my favorite aspects about blogging is the ability to connect with and make genuine friendships. I look forward to reading what my friends post. I am so blessed by their constant encouragements and support. It sounds cheesy, but the blogging community truly is so supportive of one another.
One of the things I wish I knew before I started blogging was that making friends doesn’t have to be scary. As someone who is naturally shy, leaving comments on others’ posts was terrifying at first. However, after a year of blogging, I am more confident in leaving comments and interacting with others. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple tweet or a word of encouragement to spark a new friendship.
Let’s connect on social media: Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin’
Did you enjoy my list of the 5 things I wish I knew before I started blogging? Consider checking out this helpful post full of Twitter tips or this post on how to write a kickass blog post.
Do you agree with my list of the 5 things I wish I knew before I started blogging? What is something you wish you had known before you started your blog? Please let me know in the comments below.
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Jess says
January 22, 2019 at 7:17 amI needed this as I am new to the blogging world! Thank you for sharing your wisdom :)!
The Newbury Girl says
January 22, 2019 at 10:24 amThank you so much for your kind words! <3 I hope this will be helpful for you!!
Jess says
January 22, 2019 at 11:44 amDidn’t mean to comment twice it didnt show up so I thought it didn’t work!
The Newbury Girl says
January 22, 2019 at 11:49 amNo worries – I’ve done the same thing before. Thank you for leaving me a comment! 💜
Jess says
January 22, 2019 at 7:19 amI loved this! It really helped guide me since I am new to the blogging world! Thanks:)!
Rachel says
January 22, 2019 at 10:54 amThanks for this! One of my biggest struggles is organization. Can you recommend any specific planners or eplanners? Thanks 🤗
The Newbury Girl says
January 22, 2019 at 7:37 pmFor Instagram, I like using the Preview app to plan out my feed. For blogging I use a combination of bullet journaling (which I make myself) and then a random planner that I bought from Marshalls!
andshedidblog says
January 22, 2019 at 1:03 pmThanks for sharing! As a relatively new blogger, I often struggle with planning out my posts. Your advice on staying organized was very helpful 😊
The Newbury Girl says
January 22, 2019 at 4:26 pmThank you so much for your comment! <3 Wishing you all the best with your upcoming blog planning and content!
andshedidblog says
January 23, 2019 at 9:29 amThanks!!
kattieh says
January 22, 2019 at 3:54 pmThese are definitely things I wish I knew before I started blogging. Not comparing myself to more successful bloggers is something I really struggled with. I’ve really enjoyed making new friends through blogging!
The Newbury Girl says
January 22, 2019 at 4:25 pmThank you so much for your comment, Kat! Self-comparison is so hard – but making friends through blogging has been the most rewarding thing about blogging for me so far!!
Alex | california pollution says
January 22, 2019 at 4:15 pmGreat post! Wish this had been around when I first started. Good thing there’s still plenty for me to learn. Thanks for sharing!
The Newbury Girl says
January 22, 2019 at 4:24 pmAw thank you so much for your comment, Alex! <3 I wish I had read some posts like this & connect with other bloggers sooner, too!
theadventuringemily says
January 22, 2019 at 5:43 pmThese are excellent tips!
midnight.wink says
January 22, 2019 at 6:15 pmGreat post with awesome tips! The scheduling thing is a big one for me. I really need to get into the habit of pre-planning my posts!!
The Newbury Girl says
January 22, 2019 at 6:48 pmIt honestly helps so much – especially when you are trying to plan out certain reviews or content variations!
Jenni says
January 22, 2019 at 6:48 pmLoved and needed this! Actually just did a similar post, but I enjoyed yours more. I definitely have work to do to mine- always do. Great advice! 😊
The Newbury Girl says
January 22, 2019 at 7:43 pmThank you so much for your comment! 💜
Jenni says
January 22, 2019 at 7:44 pm😊
Michelle M says
January 22, 2019 at 8:11 pmThis is such an informative post. I am just starting also and this has very useful information. Thank you for sharing xoxo
The Newbury Girl says
January 22, 2019 at 8:27 pmThank you so much for taking the time to read and comment! 💜
A Blissful Life says
January 22, 2019 at 9:25 pmThese are great tips! I definitely agree that waiting for the “perfect time” to start blogging is not a good idea. I do think it takes some practice to truly figure out what works for you so it’s best to just get started!
justthegameoflife says
January 22, 2019 at 10:57 pmSometimes we all need the little reminder to not compare ourselves to others in the blogging community. Especially if we are just starting out and are still learning things!
The Newbury Girl says
January 22, 2019 at 11:06 pmSo true! 💜 Thank you for your comment.
Vinchelle Versher says
January 23, 2019 at 12:26 amI loved this! I definitely like this advice!
The Newbury Girl says
January 23, 2019 at 12:28 amThank you so much! ☺️
glamourwithchristine says
January 23, 2019 at 1:56 amIn the beginning, I was really planned out and had things done in advance. But now that we have been busy with the house, I’m writing a post at midnight the night before it goes out! Hahaha! And sometimes I miss one. 🙁 I’ll be happy when things can get back to normal.
Christine xx
The Newbury Girl says
January 23, 2019 at 9:30 amAw well it’s good that you’re still putting content out there & hopefully once things will calm down and you’ll have more time to plan ahead! ☺️
glamourwithchristine says
January 23, 2019 at 9:39 amGoodness… I REALLY hope so. Lol!
Allegra Caro says
January 23, 2019 at 2:24 amI feel this is so relevant! It is is necessary to stop pushing ourselves too hard, as you said. I especially relate with the comparison part: yoy should not compare yourself with people who has been in the industry forever and are well established brands. Even so, this is something I find myself doing too frequently.
Thank you so much for sharing. It is great too know we are not alone.
The Newbury Girl says
January 23, 2019 at 9:29 amThank you so much for your comment! 💜 I’m glad that you were able to relate!
Nicole says
January 25, 2019 at 2:24 amReblogged this on Nicole's Notebook and commented:
Helpful read for those getting into blogging like me!
aisasami says
January 26, 2019 at 12:45 pmWonderful post. It is hard to do #2 for me as I have weeks where I can do 2-3 posts but some weeks, I can’t do anything as I am sick, I am dead tired from work, or work is eating me away. I am trying to post at least once a week but my hope is 2-3 posts.
The Newbury Girl says
January 26, 2019 at 12:57 pmThank you so much for this comment! 💜 I agree that work & life can really make it hard to be consistent. Posting once a week is a wonderful goal and I’m excited to see how you accomplish this on your blog this year.
aisasami says
January 26, 2019 at 1:10 pmWell, the other problem is that I have so much content planned for the week. But just exhausted from a job hinders that creativity.
The Newbury Girl says
January 26, 2019 at 1:12 pmTotally understand – hopefully your job will calm down (eventually) so you can continue to share all of that creativity with the world. 🌎
The PhD Mummy says
January 27, 2019 at 4:28 amSolid advice here, particularly about making friends and not comparing yourself to anyone else! Thank you for linking me to this through Twitter 🙂
The Newbury Girl says
January 27, 2019 at 9:34 amThank you so much – making friends has really been key for me! ☺️
Morgan says
January 27, 2019 at 6:57 amGreat post! I especially like #5….if it’s not fun – what’s the point? I feel like if you don’t enjoy it, it’s palpable in your posts. Nicely written. Couldn’t agree more. Happy Sunday!
-Morgan @ http://www.mommyaboveall.com
The Newbury Girl says
January 27, 2019 at 9:33 amThank you for your comment, Morgan! 💜
Des | itsbetterinheels says
January 27, 2019 at 7:01 pm“How often do we hold ourselves back from trying new things because we’re waiting for the right time, the most high-tech equipment, or the best resources?”
^ THIS. WAS. ME.
I wanted to start a blog for the longest time but have always made excuses as to why I need to put it off. I finally jumped the gun last year and I am proud/glad that I did! I love the creative space I have and being able to share my thoughts in this HUGE blogging community feels pretty good. I enjoy engaging with bloggers of all niches! And you’re right, bloggers are the most supportive group I’ve come across lol. Great post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, loved it!
xx, Des
The Newbury Girl says
January 28, 2019 at 4:40 pmHi Des – thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful comment. I’m so glad to know that you were able to relate and am happy to hear that you’ve also found the blogging community to be supportive. I’ve taken a look at your sight and it is absolutely gorgeous! <3
Ran | Travel & Lifestyle says
January 29, 2019 at 3:22 pmLove this post! I can relate to all the items, especially to #4! It’s so hard not to compare yourself to others esepcially when you see that their photos are better than yours, their blog designs are better than yours, etc. But I realized that once you see that it’s your own uniqueness that makes your blog worth visiting and reading, everything will be alright. ♥️
The Newbury Girl says
January 29, 2019 at 3:59 pmThank you so much for your comment! <3 It really can be so hard not to compare, but having a sense of strong community certainly helps. And I agree that having your own voice is so important – happy blogging! <3
wetsyjanice says
January 29, 2019 at 4:44 pmGreat Post! Thanks ☕️🖤
mariexceline says
January 30, 2019 at 5:18 amIt’s taken me ages to find my niche and I’m not even sure if I’m 100% there yet or not!
The Newbury Girl says
January 31, 2019 at 12:40 pmI’m sorry for the delayed response – this comment got caught in a filter! I think that is totally natural since our blog is a small reflection of who we are and we change over time!!
mariexceline says
January 31, 2019 at 12:44 pm😊
Accidental Blogger says
February 9, 2019 at 8:58 amThese are some very helpful tips. Thank you for sharing ♥️
The best tip is to make new friends & interact with them. It really helps a lot 😊
The Newbury Girl says
February 9, 2019 at 11:14 amI’m so glad that you found this helpful! 🙂 Making friends and interacting is truly the best part of blogging!! It took me a while to build up the courage to do that, but now I’m so happy that I’ve put my shyness aside.
Accidental Blogger says
February 9, 2019 at 11:47 amThat’s really great ! There’s no need to be shy here 😉
Glad to come across your blog.
Have a great weekend 😊