I've been blogging over 8 years. Yes that's right. I started blogging back in 2010 when I was in graduate school and didn't really know what I was doing. Back then, many bloggers were basically just saying what their day was like, photographing their food ( nothing fancy with crazy filters ) and a few fun things in between. Now, blogging has taking so much more meaning, so many sponsors and so much more competitive between others. Some days my mind is literally blown by all the social media we have ( because I blogged prior to Instagram and Facebook had just started to come about ).
There are a lot of mistakes I've made along the way of growing my blog. I know many of my friend are looking for advice and ideas on how to get started ( and the number one piece of advice I get ) but for those of you who have already started and are unsure where to go from here, this is where I wanted to take the time and share a few mistakes that have really made me stop and think over the years.
1. Being Someone Else - I've tried really hard over the past few years to be someone else on this blog. #RealTalk here. I'm not the best cook ( oh self doubt ). I'm not looking for the next best fashion item. I'm actually an awful DIY ( but I can attempt ). So what am I really good at and it's taken me 8 years to figure it out? Connecting. I love connecting with others, learning what makes people share their #bestlife and promoting it. Connecting with others makes me so happy, so inspired and best of all, keeps me waking up and doing what I love right here on this little blog. It's sharing your moments and not just the highlight reel. ( Clear out that clutter ) too if needed.
2. Not Communication Well - Sure this blog is all about writing and sharing my thoughts ideas, but sometimes I just throw things together and it doesn't even make sense. When I went back to look at those posts, I thought, why on earth did I even publish this?! Well, I realized some of the content was so bad because I was exhausted writing it. Now for me, I'm not a night person ( you all know 9pm is my bed time ha ) so getting up early is the best time for me to write. My favorite thing is getting up, making a cup of coffee, going to my office and writing. It puts me in the mood to share what I need to say and then come back to it later. I also realized I need to communicate to my friends too. They are always such a huge investment in helping to support my blog.
3. Invest In Yourself - Back when I started blogging in 2010, I never had a goal insight. In fact, I didn't even know you could make money blogging until a few years ago! I decided that I wanted to set aside a budget every year to spend on products, education, services and helping to better myself and my blog. I ended up realizing that the time it took to invest in myself, was worth the outcome. I've always loved photography but never had a great camera until three years ago when Zach bought me one. Now I realize how much time it takes to properly use a camera, edit and more! Look at what you want to buy, what you need help with and what will help you achieve the goals you have set. Do your research and see what you can do today!
4. Go After Your Passion - Again, I'll attempt in certain areas to share my passion for food ( because I mean, we all have to wear clothes ha ) and DIY projects but truly, my passion comes from this community ( and coffee + traveling ). I want you to write down 5 things your passionate about. What makes your heart soar? What makes you want to wake up in the morning? Go after that! Find your strengths and ask for help along the way. We all aren't in this alone that's for sure!
If you think wanting to become a blogger, DO IT! And I'll be here to help any way I can!
Other Articles You Might Be Interested In:
Why I Want To Read Your Blog
3 Secrets To Grow Your Instagram
The Secret To Gaining Followers
