This time last year I made the resolution to finally start a blog. I can’t believe I am now here a whole year later sharing this post with you. I have learnt so much over the past year and met some really nice people through blogging. I want to share some of the main things I have learnt and general advice for new bloggers.
Things I have learnt in my first year of blogging
Stop comparing yourself to others
Everyone has a different path in life. This is the same when you begin blogging. When you first start you will most likely meet and interact with others who have also just started. All of your blogs will grow at different speeds, don’t let it put you off if your blog growth has a slow/steady pace. Just keep making good quality content and interact with others in the community.
Not everyone in the community is nice
Unfortunately, not everyone will get along, that’s life. I have witnessed a lot of drama on Twitter since I have been on there. It really has opened my eyes to how people can be. The arguments can be childish and sometimes people will gang up on others. My advice? Just to stay out of it, don’t get involved and watch what you are writing on Twitter. If there is a chance what you are writing could offend or hurt someone, don’t post it.
It’s okay to take a break
After blogging pretty consistently throughout 2017 I took an unexpected break in December. Guess what happened? Nothing! Everything was just as it was when I left. If you don’t feel like blogging or are overwhelmed with things in your life, take a break. It is better to clear your head and save writing content for when you are in the right head space.
Set yourself goals
I didn’t start doing this until later on in 2017. I found when I did set goals, I subconsciously put in more effort to achieve them. Setting goals also help you stay on track, plan posts and grow your blog. Read my post on why goals are so important >> here.
The blog niche debate
There are a lot of different opinions on blog niches. Should you stick to one topic or blog about what you are passionate about? I personally feel you should blog about whatever you are interested in. After all, it is YOUR blog and YOUR space on the internet. If people enjoy your posts and style of writing, I think they will enjoy reading something a bit different. There are so many blogs out there nowadays why not give your blog a unique twist.
Make a realistic post schedule
When I first started I posted inconsistently, I have also had months where I posted every day. You need to create a schedule that fits with your own schedule. Blogging every day is hard work, I left my full-time job in June 2017 and still struggled to get posts up every day. Don’t worry about what other people are doing, create a schedule for yourself and your readers will know when to expect posts and will return.
Don’t get caught up in stats – focus on quality content
It’s great to have goals in terms of growth but it can also demotivate you when it slows. Focus on the quality of the content you are producing and maximise the channels you use to promote it. You will find readers! If you are frustrated with an element of your blog or want to improve something – give yourself time and PRACTICE! No one starts out taking really great photos (unless you are already a photographer). Blogging is a huge learning curve, you will look back at your blog in a few months and see how much you have improved. If you enjoy it, don’t give up!
These are the main points I have learned over the past year of blogging. Of course, I have learned a lot about the things that go into blogging such as; photography, social media managing, SEO, graphic design & image editing to name a few. If you find yourself struggling with something please feel free to reach out to me. I’m definitely not an expert, but I am more than happy to try and help!
My Top Five Most Read Posts in 2017
Blogger Resources:
How To Create Blog Post Graphics
5 Ways To Stay Productive Whilst Working From Home
How To Add Hidden Pinterest Images To A Post
How To Center Align Social Media Embed Posts
Why Go Self Hosted? 4 Benefits For Your Blog
How To Make Your Blog or Business Idea A Reality
How To Create A Link In A Blog Comment
Thank you so much for the support over the past year. I have truly met some amazing people who always have the nicest things to say and are always encouraging. Instead of getting involved in negativity online go and say something nice to someone, it will make their day.
28 Comments
Congrats on one year!!! I can’t wait to see more content from you.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much Courtney!!! xx
Congrats on 1 year!
I completely agree with every point you made above. I think not comparing yourself to others is a big one … This is something I’ve really been trying to work on ?
I hope you have another incredible year of blogging during 2018 and I’m excited to read more of your content ❤️
Thanks so much Charlotte! So excited for what this year holds xxx
congrats on one year! I’ve loved reading your blog and can’t wait to see where this year takes it! x
https://www.brynnieblogs.com/
Thank you so much Brynnie!! That put a smile on my face 🙂 Let me know if you want to see anything in particular! xx
Congratulations on your one year! I totally agree of all this especially to the things that you should not compare yourself to others and to focus on quality content. I lack on ghose two departments. I hope this year will be different.
Xeph | multiverse
Thanks so much Xeph! It definitely takes some work on the whole comparison side of things. I like to unfollow any social media accounts that make me think negatively about myself. Or I just think everything probably isn’t as it seems anyways so I don’t need to compare myself at all! xx
Congratulations on one year!! Beautiful blog!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com
Thank you so much Lauren! xx
Congrats on your first blog anniversary! You do make some really good points and I hope you’ll have a great next year blogging wise. Your blog looks lovely and really like your style of writing.
Lea, xx
Thank you so much, Lea!! I really appreciate your feedback! xx
These are some really thoughtful lessons, and happy anniversary! As a side note, I would absolutely love to read a post on what you’ve learned about the technical side of blogging regarding SEO, design and things like that – I’m sure others would find it helpful, I know I would! xx
Rachel | kyvbey.blogspot.com
Thanks Rachel!! That’s a great idea! I touch on some of these points in some of my posts like how to improve your DA score etc but I don’t have any individual posts dedicated to the topics alone. I have been a little stuck for post ideas lately so will definitely consider these!! xx
Happy first anniversary! Only two months in myself and I’ve found it really tough to not take ‘bad view days’ personally. This is such a wonderful and helpful post!
Thank you so much for reading! Check out this post: https://hayleyxmartin.com/increase-blog-traffic/ – I share my tips on how to improve traffic. It won’t ever be consistent and you WILL have good and bad days… but there are ways you can influence more traffic. Good luck with your blogging journey! xx
Oh blogging schedule, blogging schedule, where art thy blogging schedule? I’m honestly still so bad at this (partly because I have no time, partly, mainly, because I’m a queen in procrastinating), I really should get my act together… Anyway, happy blog-anniversary! May many follow and be as insightful as the first! I think also an important one for me is that you shouldn’t be afraid to show your blog to the world! Although it’s not perfect, it’s something you’ve created and should/can be proud of!
Cheers to more blogging!
Love,
Dominique
http://www.fashionedbypluche.blogspot.com
My schedule has changed alot haha!! I currently don’t really have one – I am just trying to post at least once a week.
I completely agree with your point about showing your blog but it is different for everyone. As it stands only my family and one of my friends knows about it. I wouldn’t mind sharing at this point in time as if anyone wanted to look, I have a load of content and am happy with my writing etc. It’s definitely a factor that’s different for everyone. If you feel you could be put off because someone may criticize it, then I would say keep it to yourself whilst you grow and improve your blog!
Thanks so much for reading Dominique! xx
Wow congrats on one year – that’s sch an achievement! And thank you for sharing all of the different lessons you’ve learned, it was really interesting and inspirational to read. Good luck for the next year of blogging!
Heather xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
Thank you so much Heather! Looking forward to what I will learn this year – after all it only makes us better 🙂 Have a great 2018 xx
Congrats on the one year Blog anniversary! Not everyone in the community is nice… that’s SUCH an important point to remember xx
Thanks Jenny! The majority of people are super nice… just have to remember not everyone has good intentions…sad but true xx
Congrats, a lot of bloggers don’t make it that far!
Beauty & Colour | Vegan Lifestyle Blog
Thanks Caitlin! It has been a huge learning curve! xx
Happy Anniversary!
irinathayer.com
Thanks! xx
wow! happy 1 year anniversary!! all the best in the future, xo
veronicaestevao.com
Thank you so much Veronica! xx