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The 5 realities I’ve learnt from 2 years of blogging

Blogging, it’s a skill, it’s a hobby and it’s a job. I’ve been writing and running this blog for two years now and in that time it has grown. I’ve also learnt a lot too. It takes times. It takes patience. And it takes commitment. For anyone who has started blogging or is thinking about setting up about a blog, I wanted to share 5 realities to blogging that I’ve learnt throughout my blogging journey. This is not a scary post, it’s about being realistic and managing your expectations. Setting up a blog, writing and promotion is easy, but getting to where you would love to be may not be quite so easy.

Be Brave

From the very first step of setting up your blog and publishing it, you are being brave. It’s a huge step just to make that first leap – from publishing your first post to promoting yourself on social media. Now keep going. Next up it’s telling your family and friends. Don’t be scared about doing that, the more that you can shout about your blog the better. You’ll find that their support is great for your success, as the more that your content is shared, the better it is for you.

Next up to being brave is getting yourself out there. By that I mean attend blog conferences, write your About Us page and Media kit, pitch to brands and PRs. Always keep in the back of your mind – What’s the worst that can happen? Nothing. They can only say No. However if this does happen, don’t be disheartened, just keep going and don’t let it knock your confidence.

Don’t Expect Miracles

If you expect to make a quick buck from blogging, you’re wrong. You may have the odd brand or PR contact you in the beginning, but if you want to monetize your blog you need to keep going with it and pushing it. I’ve found that in my two years of blogging the last 6 months have been a success for me. By success I mean it’s making money, and making more and more money every month.

That has only come with hard work, by blogging every day, promoting myself, sharing content, guest posting, building my DA and social profiles. It’s all about raising your profile, getting yourself out there, and building your brand. Don’t be frustrated by this timeframe, you may monetize your blog sooner, but I know that brands and PRs do not come knocking on your door the moment you publish your first post.

It Takes Time

Building up your social profiles and followers takes time. I started my blog only using Twitter and quickly built up my follower numbers. I regret not starting Facebook and Instagram sooner as they have been the slowest platforms to grow, through no fault of my own, they are just notoriously difficult to grow. So the sooner you start working on your social channels the better, and to remember to use them all to promote you, your blog and your blog posts. Yes, you might feel a little weird doing that at first, but the more you do it the more you get used to it. Plus each social channel could become a vital traffic source for your blog.

Explore signage

Keep Going…..Don’t Give Up

This is true. Don’t ever give up. If you ever find yourself losing your nerve, worried about what to write about, concerned about a comment you’ve received, or just having a moment of self doubt, just keep going. I’ve learnt that under these circumstances it’s best to take some time out. This only has to be couple of days, but just step away from your blog for a bit, don’t think about it and then come back to it. You’ll instantly come back with more rigor and fresh ideas.

Don’t Compare

Lastly don’t compare. From the very beginning I used to compare my blog to others. If you’re doing this then stop right now. Remember that you might be comparing your beginning to someone elses middle. Remember that we all blog for different reasons, and someone might have very different reasons for blogging than you. Don’t worry if you haven’t got XX number of Twitter followers or you’re not in the Tots 500 like other bloggers. I’ve learnt that the only way to reach those milestones is to work hard and push my blog, and then I stopped comparing myself to other bloggers. To maximise your time on your blog, it’s best spent focusing on what you do well and how you can improve your blog, rather than looking at what others are doing.

So having spent just over two years running this blog I have learnt a lot about blogging. I know that money or whatever you define as blogging success doesn’t come right away. I know that it takes hard work, determination, positive thinking and confidence. And lastly I know that there is still so much more to learn. So if you’re reading this and having a blog wobble, keep going!

Claire x

5 realities of blogging I've learnt in 2 years Pinterest Pin

Pink Pear Bear

31 Comments

  • Kelly

    I’ve learnt so much from blogging, but I agree – comparing your journey to others is never helpful. I’ve learnt to be kinder to myself. I work 4 days a week, Georgia no longer naps and I can’t sleep if I use the laptop past 8… so health/happiness first, then the blog fits in. It means I’m not the best blogger in the world… but I do what I can and hold onto the fact that I’m doing it because I enjoy it. xx #fortheloveofBLOG

  • The Mummy Bubble

    Brilliant advice here lovely. Such true words, I think all bloggers starting out should read this. Just keep going is a the best advice xx

  • Vicky

    I am really struggling with not comparing. There are so many amazing blogs out there and it makes me regularly question what my mediocre setup is adding to the mix! I glad I came across this as it’s put mind more at ease. Thank you #fortheloveofBLOG

  • The Squirmy Popple

    Don’t compare is the hardest one to learn, I think! It can be so challenging to see other bloggers who are more successful and wonder why you’re not doing as well – but you’re right, it’s important to remember that you’re not comparing like for like. I know that I can’t put in as much time/effort as some others because of work/family commitments – and that’s okay. #fortheloveofBLOG

  • Noleen Miller

    Blogging for just over 8 months and it really does take time. Looking at other people’s blogs who have been established for years – I think I’m doing pretty good. However in saying that, it is hard work and a continuous learning process.#fortheloveofBLOG

  • Briony

    It’s hard not to compare yourself to others isn’t it, but life gets easier when you stop!! Great tips about this little old blogging world. #fortheloveofBLOG

  • Harry's Honest Mummy

    A lot of the points you raise resonate with me. Particularly the one about FB. I have a FB page for my blog but always felt really self-conscious putting myself out there with friends and family. To the point where I have stopped posting to it altogether. I guess I just have to remember that they didn’t choose to follow it out of sympathy hey? I just have to change my mindset I guess……here goes!

  • Hayley@ Mission: Mindfulness

    Love this post as it’s a bit different to the usual bits of advice for bloggers – I especially love your point about being brave and remembering that the worst that can happen is year hear ‘no’ or nothing. So what?! I need to be braver in general this year. Thanks for the tips #fortheloveofBLOG

  • Helen @talking_mums

    You’ve done an amazing job creating and growing your blog. The Christmas break hasn’t done me any favours I seem to have lost momentum with my blog. Very inspiring words though, I do intend to keep it ticking over until I can put in the time and effort again x
    #fortheloveofblog

  • Mum OverRun. Sarah Aslett

    This is all so true, I’ve been going for just over two years and I still find it terrifying sometimes! Trouble is in my opinion – you either go all in or it’s just not worth all the hardwork because the blog isn’t really you. It’s just strained version of you that then ends up feeling like hard work. #fortheloveofBLOG

  • Catherine

    This is such a great post! I have set myself some goals for this but just going to enjoy it and see where the year takes me. Your blog is brilliant and it shows how much excel,bet work you have put in! #fortheloveofBLOG

  • Mrs Mummy Harris

    Time is always important when it comes to blogging. Success does not come overnight and patience is key!! Patience is definitely important to us both over the next month with little ones appearing haha!
    #fortheloveofblog

  • Kate

    This is a great read! I’m 6 months in to blogging and still do it mainly for me. I figure if I blog because I love it, if it becomes more one day, then that is a bonus. If not ‍♀️

  • Lisa Pomerantz

    This is encouraging! Maybe someday I will earn a bit off this place where I write, vent, and hopefully make people think or laugh! You have made some great accomplishments! Thank you for sharing! #fortheloveofBLOG xoxo

  • sarah

    Me again! I have a question actually…im thinking of starting up a parenting/lifestyle blog but I am a bit wary of posting lots of photos/information about my children so much online. I rarely put pictures of them up on my personal facebook page but I’ve noticed that lots of bloggers put up images of their children doing various things. I know these make good pictures and gives variation to a blog but would it be detrimental for me not to include as many photos of them or is that what potential advertisers/followers look for for example? I’d really appreciate your feedback. Thanks x

  • Daddy Poppins

    This is just the pick me up I need. I’m coming up in a year and a 1/2 in and some days I feel like it’s going nowhere. But I’ve recentky put a big push on it and will continue to do so.

  • Louise Pink Pear Bear

    Great post Claire, spot on, especially the last bit, that’s probably the hardest thing and something I’m really bad for. There is always someone doing better, but I try and look back and see how far I’m come and all the wonderful things that blogging has brought me and be proud of that. Thanks for linking up to the #bigpinklink this week.

  • Now Known As Mumma

    What a great post. Thank you so much for all the advice. I love your blog but this one is particularly poignant for me as a new blogger, it is scary putting yourself out there! I have no idea how Linkys work or guest posts, but I’m giving it a go and will continue to do so after reading this. Xx

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