You know what I just realized? I TOTALLY missed my Blogging Anniversary! Whoopsie!! It was 4 years ago in August that I started my blogging journey! I’ve come a LONG way since that very post… and I thought I’d share just a few of the things I’ve learned from blogging!
#1. Be real.
Be real from the get go. Be open, honest, be approachable, Be You! It seems like a simple thing, maybe even an over-stated thing, but its the best place to start. When I first stared blogging, I thought I had to have the perfect house, husband, posts, projects… but thats not always the case. The people that come here to hang out, are interested in ME (at least I think you are… you are right??) and thats what keeps them coming back!
#2. Be Ready to Learn.
Learn. Learn and Learn some more! Blogging is nothing if not a constant learning experience. Just when you think you’ve got something figured out, something will change – an algorithm, your favorite plugin, your life – its always changing and you will always have to learn something else.
#3. Take it with a grain of salt.
Shiz is going to happen. Its a fact. Your server will go down, you’ll lose a post, your computer will crash – yada yada yada. Its pretty much garunteed. Brace yourself, something will happen, but take it with a grain of salt… and maybe have a back up plan too 😉
#4. Get out of your comfort zone.
Blogging can definitely push out out of your comfort zone. It might be going to a conference, taking a class, learning a new skill or maybe pitching a company, but you will be challenged and pushed… and I think thats part of the fun… at least it is for me!
#5. Learn some more…
Yup. Learn some more. ALWAYS. Forever. And Never ending… as long as you’re a blogger or “content creator” you’re going to have to be open to learning.
#6. Get Visual
We live in a visually driven world. People don’t just want to read about something, they want to see it. Invest in yourself and your blog, a good camera, great lighting, fun backdrops, editing programs, classes… its worth the investment in yourself and your brand.
#7. Write it down.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a brilliant idea, known it was a brilliant idea and thought “Oh. I should write that down and blog about it” Only to not write it down and then COMPLETELY forget about that Brilliant idea altogether. #Blondemuch?
#8. Take a deep breath.
Refer to numbers 1-7… but seriously, when you’re felling overwhelmed, the best thing you can do is take a breath, pause and just breathe.
#9. Find your peoples.
Finding your tribe, or your “peoples” is pretty vital. Your peoples will keep you grounded, help when you’re lost or stuck and encourage you when needed. This is especially important when you hit a rough patch and need that kick in the rear to keep going!
#10. Don’t Stop Dreaming!
Never. Ever. Don’t. Stop. Dreaming! And when you think you’re dreaming big enough… reevaluate and DREAM BIGGER! I’m doing things now that were just a faint pipe dream 4 years ago. I can’t even begin to imagine where I’ll be in another 4 years… or even 10! Who knows!! All I know its it will be awesome!! And might involve a lot of travel… and coffee of course!
So there you have it, 10 things I’ve learned from blogging these 4 years! I’ve had my shares of ups and downs, failures and mistakes… but at the end of the day I LOVE blogging! Love. Love. LOVE it!!
#4. All. The. Time. I keep writing “first periscope” in my daily to do list. I still haven’t done it. Maybe today!
I just joined a periscope challenge for the Month of september! You can join in here >> http://www.girlonthemoveblog.com/2015/08/28/septemberscopers-challenge/
I LOVE this post – so helpful for new bloggers like myself. I also love that you used the word “shiz”. We are totally on the same word wavelength!
Thanks for sharing this post, Jennifer!! It’s really helpful, especially to someone who has just started blogging!
Congratulations on four years!!
Live it! And they’re sooo true especially the learning!
I’ve definitely reached the point where I’m ready to push more outside of my comfort zone when it comes to blogging. I have to agree that it’s best to go with the flow when it comes to all the various blogging changes that seem to happen left and right…
You know, my “peoples” quit blogging along the way and now I really need new ones! I definitely need to figure that out. It is definitely a never ending learning process for sure!
I can be one of your Peoples!! 😀
Such a great list. I’m pretty new, so mostly I’m learning, learning, learning. Who knew there was so much? It’s great reading your blog for inspiration too. Happy Anniversary!
Great list. I’ve only been blogging for 2 years now and I’ve learned to write down any ideas that come to my head. 🙂
This is a really great list! Happy blogiversary! I have unfortunately seen so many of my blog friends quit.. and it’s really about pacing yourself. I get burned out and discouraged and there comes a time when you really have to invest your time in prioritizing and balancing life with blogging.
I’m still working on that. And learning.. LOTS of learning!
Happy Bloganniversary! Four years of blogging is certainly an accomplishment. I’m not a blogger, just a reader, but I truly enjoy your fun posts. 🙂
Thank you so much Natalie! Its awesome readers like you that keep me going through the rough patches 🙂
Yes on writing ideas down! 🙂 I’m always on the lookout for a post idea that will “click” for my readers…it’s a balance between being authentic and being relevant!
Congrats on your 4th year of blogging. Those are all great ideas. I know I need to get more into writing down my ideas as they happen. I have great blog posts in my head, but don’t write them down, then forget.
Great post for newbies like me! I loved hearing you on a recent podcast I listened to on Boss Girl. I am learning so much from great people like you.
Yay! Glad it was helpful! Let me know if I can help with anything 🙂
So great!