Earlier this month my blog hit it’s 3 year mark, but my blog isn’t nearly as big as some others who have been blogging as long – or even less than I have. I don’t consider myself a newbie, but I still make a lot of mistakes. These mistakes have helped me learn, and I welcome them even though it never seems like it at the time.
Let me share a few of the mistakes I’ve made, and some I’m currently still making!
Do what you enjoy
Do you enjoy writing, editing, reading, commenting, heckling, social media, blog design, SEO, marketing or photography? Decide which aspects of blogging you truly enjoy, and improve on them. Then, set aside some time to learn the ins and outs of blogging. When you’re just starting out you will most likely have to take care of all these things plus more but as you progress you may want to look into hiring a designer or adding more writers to your team to prevent getting overwhelmed.
Having a niche for the topics of your blog can be helpful too. Not only to keep your sanity, but to keep your readers coming back. This blog for example was intended to be about living green, healthy eating/weight loss, and parenting. Oh, also doll collecting, video games, software and electronics. Well, I’m a bit of a Misfit so for me it’s Okay. I intend to continue with a wide variety of posts because it just wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t.
Set a schedule
Easier said than done! Time management, or lack of, ties in so well with stress levels doesn’t it? I don’t have much of a schedule at this point but it’s something that I know I need to do to be able to successfully continue with my blogs (and mental health). I haven’t been able to get my kids into an organized routine let alone myself but it’s one of my goals and a work in progress for 2013.
Be open to learning and change
Things in the world are ever changing and the blog world is no different. Just when you think you’ve got something perfected, something new will come along to replace it. It’s so easy to get stuck in our ways but think of change as a good thing, and learn something new everyday!
Think things through
Before rushing off to send a review pitch to every company your browser lands upon, do a bit of research on the companies reputation and products. Make it part of your job to know you will be happy to stand behind their product whenever possible. Do the same research for companies that pitch you! Writing a negative review or receiving a product which is incompatible with your household can really run you down. Unless negative reviews are your niche of course!
On another note be aware that many top companies will be doing their research on you, as well. Some are completely against working with bloggers who have linked to adult websites in the past, even if it’s done tastefully (though most overlook it when it’s minimal). Be mindful of the things you post on social media outlets or forums, just as in life they can come back to bite you in the ass!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
There are numerous resource groups for bloggers out there full of peers willing to offer their advice. Reach out to them! The button below will give you a start. If all else fails, Google knows everything.
And my number one piece of advice:
Start with your own domain instead of with a .blogspot or .wordpress and so on. It costs around $10 a year if you go the cheapest route and the investment will be well worth it if you plan to stick it out for the long run.
Happy 3 year blogiversary! That’s such an achievement. I haven’t been blogging for very long but I’ve learned so much in the past few months. I think your tip about not being afraid to ask for help is so key – I’ve learned a ton from other bloggers in support groups.
Other bloggers are the best! I can always scour Google for the answers but there isn’t anything quite like the direct interaction and friendships that can be created with other bloggers.
Great advice and for sure I think owning your own domain is an absolute must! Thanks for joining us in the All Canadian Link up!
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These are all fabulous tips! I would also add–don’t compare yourself to other bloggers or you’ll drive yourself nuts! Lol
Great post! Definitely agree to pay the $10! I did that right away, so when I just switched from Blogger to WP I didn’t lose my 20 months worth of posts!!!
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Great tips. I agree your own domain is very important
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Happy 3 year anniversary! I love all your tips!! I try to blog for myself which seems to work!
happy 3rd anniversary! and thank you for being so open and honest about making mistakes–not many people would do that. I started mine in August 2012 and enjoy writing–so that’s what I do to de-stress at night. I’m still green and appreicate the help!
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I’m the same as you, I started 3 yrs ago but I am not nearly as big as others, I considered it a bit of a hobby and a fun activity. I wasn’t into the competition. Now that my boys are a little older and I have extra time I take it more seriously and I’ve started to really grow my blog and business.
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Great tips! I started on Blogger and it was pretty costly to switch to WP. I wish I had researched that first.
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Not necessarily costly if you do it yourself, but it sure is a pain to do!
This is really great advice. I am coming upon my three year mark and some of these things I do, some I need to work on. Thanks for the tips!
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