| Blogging is really time consuming
| It's not a competition but sometimes it feels like one
| Ignore what everybody else is doing
| There's more to a successful blog than the content
| Some people take blogging way too seriously
| You can change your mind but you might have to explain yourself
| Quantity is just as important as quality
| You shouldn't read so many blogs
| Always offer opinions, not advice (unless you know what you're talking about)
| Early posts will become embarrassing
| Comparisons are hard not to make
| At times you will doubt yourself and your content
| People who say they don't care about "the numbers" aren't being entirely honest
| There will be times you will want to give up
| Mistakes will be made
| Always remember why you started
I am right now struggling with nr 2, I know it's not a competition, but it can feel like it.
ReplyDeleteAnd about offering opinions, not advice. I can be such a know-it-all in person (not my best side) and am always afraid it might shine through.
Ps. love your lists. They are so precise and to the point.
"Early posts will become embarrassing"! Soooo true! Hahaha! But am not deleting them, just because. (:
ReplyDeleteThank you for the advise, great post! xx
ReplyDeleteIoanna | www.hearting.co.uk
Found myself nodding along to all of these - great list!
ReplyDeleteLove this. Deffo no.8 I was reading so many at one point. Which made me anxious about the quality/content of my own. Now I just read a handful that I love. Great post xx
ReplyDeleteMost definitely - especially the first one! I sometimes think we're crazy to take on a hobby which is so much like work, but it's addictive! I definitely need to cut down on the number of blogs that I read - it makes the comparison part harder and means I spend more time consuming than creating!
ReplyDeleteFantastic tips, I think it's so important not to compare yourself to others and just write about what makes you happy!
ReplyDeleteBramble & Thorn
I totally agree with remembering why you started. I just want to share what I love and my life with like-minded people and I don't see myself ever straying away from that and becoming a brand or a business. I think above all, blogging should be fun and enjoyable, so when I start to get caught up in the numbers or comparing myself to people, I give myself a friendly reminder of why I shouldn't give in to such a toxic way of thinking.
ReplyDeleteI think it's only natural that when people see their blog grow, they get excited. I know I do, but it's definitely not how I define my blog or what makes me happy to blog. I think with those people, you can always kind of tell though!
I don't necessarily agree quantity is important. Like you said, blogging is time consuming and I don't blog as much as I'd like to. I wouldn't care if someone posts once a month just as long as I love their content and I actually enjoy them more than some that post daily. I could easily spend all my free time blogging, but there are other things apart from blogging that I enjoy too or need to get done, so I try to keep things balanced. Everyone's lives are different. :)
Loved this and totally agree with every point you made :) I find it hard not to read other blogs however and always take inspiration from those I look up to in the blogging world!! However this can also put pressure on you and make you feel like your own content is not good enough but I have learned that everyone is different and that's what makes blogging so enjoyable to be able to experience different lifestyles xx
ReplyDeletewww.krystelcouture.com ♥
Also you don't need a lot of money to have good content, you just need to enjoy it and be creative!
ReplyDeletexx
Ana Leote
Love this. Have been working on my blog 6 months now, and I can already relate to so many of these comments!! Lilly xx http://alittlelilly.blogspot.nl/
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the quantity thing. I guess that it's important to grow an audience in the beginning but I do not think it's necessary to run a good blog. I rather read a good blogpost about something interesting than weekly favourites (although I love monthly favourites).
ReplyDeleteEverytime I've wanted to quit (doesn't happen that often, anymore), I not only remind myself why I started but ask myself if I would miss it. The answer is always yes, so I keep blogging.
ReplyDeleteTick, tick, tick! I know my blog is hmmm...average, far from 'wow'...but gives me some sort of satisfaction and motivation to develop myself and my blog. Nope, it's not a competition.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the above. I didn't know that bloggers were such elitists when I started, but I've fallen for blogging far too hard to stop now. It really amazes me how you manage to producte such high quality content in such a quantity.
ReplyDeleteElina | missblueeyes.com
Thats such a nice and honest insight :) Being new to it all I cannot tell if any of these are the case for me- I know hardly anything about the blogging world and to me everything is just fun and frolicking at the moment.
ReplyDeleteHowever, one point I can already tell is that some seem to be taking it all way too seriously and seriously pushing their blog to be a business. It is great for people who's blog is their business after many years of work, but some people I see online seem to push themselves to it and I just think their efforts could be better placed elsewhere really, as it makes their content so dishonest... xx
Seven Days
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!! I especially related to the one that says that it's not a competition, but it sometimes feels like one! I try not to get caught up in all of the craziness, but at times it's hard not to.
ReplyDelete~Sara
Most of these also pertain to life in general and not gonna lie, I really need to see this. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely agree on all of these!
ReplyDeleteLauren x
Britton Loves | Fashion Lifestyle + Photography - www.brittonloves.blogspot.co.uk
I always love what you have to say. While it's very minimally worded, your writing strikes a chord with me every time. I love what you have said here, it's very easy to relate to all these feelings.
ReplyDeleteSofia | palelily.blogspot.com
So true!
ReplyDeletewww.eatwearwander.com
100% yes to all of these points! Xx
ReplyDeleteyes. to. everything.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything, especially about it feeling like a competition sometimes.
ReplyDeletenueyork.blogspot.com
I am still relatively new to this whole blogging thing and all of what you have said really has helped. I have started to think that it is a matter of numbers and reading way to many different blogs trying to be like them. I know i shouldn't but like you said it is hard not to.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for the post and I hope you have a lovely day!
I totally agree with this. Sometimes I get pressured if I see other bloggers posts as much as they can when I'm here trying to think what to post.
ReplyDeleteI think it's hard not to feel like it's a competition sometimes.. but it's best to try to brush those feelings aside. I definitely feel competitive at times, but what's really important to remember is: compete with yourself and no one else. Work hard to better your own content and ignore what everyone else is doing. You can only change your actions, not anybody else's.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're enjoy the blog - thank you for reading! :))
Me neither! I think it's great that old posts are embarrassing.. it means we're learning, changing, and improving.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it :))
ReplyDeleteFantastic! :))
ReplyDeleteI was reading wayyy too many at one point and then the comparisons creep in and you lose sight of what actually matters.
ReplyDeleteI think too many people are told "treat your blog like a business" to the point where they believe it IS a business, and it's not. When you start believing your blog is a business, you make decisions differently and it changes everything.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! 100%
ReplyDeleteToo many people think their blog is a business; it's OK to treat it like one, but actually believing it is a business is a little naive. It also effects the way posts are written, content is chosen, and decisions are made.
ReplyDelete"Toxic" is definitely a word I keep returning to lately. There are a lot of toxic people and situations happening right now.
In regards to quantity, I do think a growing blog requires quantity as well as quality, those two things come hand in hand. Unfortunately a lot of people switch off if someone doesn't blog regularly; readers seem to want consistent posts. But again, it's all about whether you want to do that or not. It doesn't matter so long as you're happy with the quantity of posts you're producing.
Having a good blog doesn't rest on posting regularly or having a large volume of posts.. but to have a blog that grows quickly and steadily, does. Those two things are different. If you don't blog regularly it's harder for your blog to grow BUT that doesn't mean your blog isn't good.
ReplyDeleteI try to avoid as much pressure to conform and I no longer compare myself to other people and their successes. I think we get confused when we see other people's blogs growing and their content changing and wonder why ours isn't "good enough." But it's all about personal growth. There is enough room for all of us.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I don't buy things to feature on my blog, I buy things AND THEN feature them on my blog. I think people believe you need to buy, buy, buy to create content but most of what I write comes from the things that surround me, my work environment, not my material purchases.
ReplyDeleteI really hope it helped! :))
ReplyDeleteI have had two moments where I thought "I don't want to do this/I don't want to be a part of this anymore." But now I've stepped back a little and reanalysed what I want my blog to be about and where I want it to go, I'm happier.
ReplyDeleteYou have to believe your blog is THE BEST, you have to have faith in yourself and your content or who else will? You have to radiant confidence.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a competition so why say your blog is "average"? Because that's comparing your blog to other blogs. Create the best blog you can and keep working on it, don't compare yourself - just push yourself to write the best content you can :))
I have been thinking a lot about this lately and I don't think it is elitist. If you think of it like school: you make friends with the people in your class; all the early bloggers all made friends, everyone who started out together are in the same "class"; their blogs grew alongside each other and they become good friends. People who started blogs a few years later made friends with the people in their own "class" and look at these older bloggers and wonder why they won't talk to them.. but the even newer bloggers look at this second class and wonder why THEY won't talk to THEM.
ReplyDeleteIt's not elitist, it's how life works. You make friends with the people in your class; you make friends with people who are doing the same things as you in the same social circles. From the outside it seems cold and mean, but from the inside you're not even aware you're doing it. Also: we all have friends who are closer to us than others. I have some friends I speak to every day but there are some, that I love just as much, but I don't speak to as often. That doesn't mean I'm horrible or mean, it just means we're not as close and that's OK!
I made friends with a few people who started their blogs at the same time as me because I could relate to them as our blogs grew - but I'm happy to talk to literally anyone who speaks to me - other people are more closed, but that's OK. Just talk to the friendly people :))
While I think there is a bit of snobbery and some resentment within the realms of the established blogging community, but I also think a lot of it is imagined. Either way, my opinion is, make friends not enemies. If someone is mean or rude or nasty, ignore them, they're not worth the hassle.
People are taking blog to another level of seriousness. They start thinking their blog is actually a business.. which is naive. I have a lot to say about that, to be honest.
ReplyDeleteI think you're absolutely right, you said it perfectly: "their efforts could be better placed elsewhere."
Absolutely but you just need to step away and remember, if it's a competition what are we competing for? The answer is literally nothing.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed reading it!
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear! :))
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sofia. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the post.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDelete:))
ReplyDeletethank. you. ;))
ReplyDeleteI think that's the one that has really hit me lately. This isn't a competition so can we all pretending it is?
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely not about the numbers! Only ever compete with yourself to improve yourself :))
ReplyDeleteThere is a huge pressure to "be the best" or to compete (for what?) and really, blogging should be fun and enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteOnce they understand that, they will enjoy blogging even more!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I think the content is less engaging when it becomes more "businessy" and while I don't mind reading those "all about the latest beauty releases" types of blogs sometimes, I can't really connect with what is being said as I never feel it's personal. It becomes more about selling and marketing.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, that's very true and I actually have a blog post planned where I mention that, but growing my blog isn't my number one priority. Of course it's really exciting seeing your blog grow and I'll admit that sometimes I have felt bummed out when I haven't gained any followers for weeks or I've even lost followers. At the end of the day though, I don't feel like I should change for anybody because that's when I start thinking about the numbers and comparing myself. I just blog for me and it's more rewarding when I see my blog grow that way instead of trying to keep up with fellow bloggers and wearing myself out.
I am a newbie in the vast world of blogging and I find your posts very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI have realised that it is indeed time consuming, and most of the time I feel that I will never be up to the level of other blogs I follow. So I constantly have to remind myself why I blog, what benefits it has brought to my life so far and simply stop comparing myself to others.
Thanks for your wise words, Sophie :-)
I am a newbie in the vast world of blogging and I find your posts very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI have realised that it is indeed time consuming, and most of the time I
feel that I will never be up to the level of other blogs I follow. So I
constantly have to remind myself why I blog, what benefits it has
brought to my life so far and simply stop comparing myself to others.
Thanks for your wise words, Sophie :-)
I completely agree with you! This post was spot on. I'm new to blogging, but I never realized how much goes into a blog or even a post! It really does require a lot of time and commitment, but I remind myself why I started and in the end, I feel accomplished!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
http://blendedintoone.blogspot.com
I have just started blogging and I'm beginning to see all of these points! You are so right with each one haha, I'm new to this world and didn't relies just how much effort it all takes I'm not where i want o be on my blog just yet but I'm really enjoying it! - Thanks for the advice, its good to know other bloggers think and feel the same about he blogging world! :D x
ReplyDeletehttp://madgesmoments.blogspot.co.uk
Ahhh what a fab list! This resonates so much (mostly from my previous blogging time some years ago - which is now all removed from cyber land for numerous reasons!) I'm slowly trying to get back into blog land, slowly, as I want to, but currently loving the reading part as much (more?!)! Love the list - I will keep your advice / opinion ;) here in mind!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list! I can really relate with a lot of points here. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletewww.nizcherradi.com
As usual, such a great post! Every part of the list is completely valid. I'm really noticing lately that blogging is so time consuming AND it is a real challenge to accomplish your vision and make sure that everyone sees + gets what you wanted to convey in the first place.
ReplyDeleteTHIS THIS THIS! I literally agree with every single point you've made. Even though it shouldn't be competitive, I can't help but feel like everyone is out there to show off with their PR sample blog posts or being arrogant towards bloggers who aren't up to their level.
ReplyDeletebohorush.blogspot.com
Totally agree with the point about it being time consuming, before I started I never realised there were so many stages and steps to having a blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://justpoached.blogspot.co.nz/
Thank you for the warm words. Well, I try not to compare but it's a bit difficult not to. Ok, time to push myself then!
ReplyDeleteReading through your points here I put a mental tick next to each one, quite literally all of them applied to how I feel in regards to this subject.
ReplyDeleteAmy
Early posts will become embarrassing...Yes, very VERY embarrassing hahaha x
ReplyDeleteI like the 'Private life of a girl'. Nanna x
ReplyDeleteI noticed that it's pretty hard to grow an audience without posting a lot. Blogging daily is sadly no option for me. Writing bilingual is still a bit of a struggle for me, but I'm trying to be brave. Everything improves in time. ^^
ReplyDeleteReally like your honest tips. Thank you Sophie! :)
ReplyDelete