I can’t believe its been a year since I started consistently blogging! As I mentioned in my Best of 2014 post, I started this blog when I was pregnant with Mila… wrote a few posts and then didn’t write again for an entire year. (here’s that post from last Feb)
Going into this, I knew content was king, but there are so many other factors I had NO CLUE about. I have learned so much this past year, I couldn’t possibly write them ALL down, but I did narrow it down.
Here are 6 things I learned in my first year of blogging:
- Comparison is the thief of all joy: This is true in life, and in the blogging world as well. When I first started blogging I was SHOCKED by how many others were out there. I had a few blogs I enjoyed reading before I even got into all this, but beyond that I had no clue. I used to think, “I can’t compare to this other fancy site… or those professional-looking pictures… ” It can be overwhelming to see what’s out there, but try not to let it get to you. There is enough room for everyone!
- Some people won’t get it: So what is a blog? What do you write about? Who reads it? Just a small sampling of the questions I was asked when I started blogging. (and sometimes still get asked today) I know a lot of my friends have no idea why I blog, and that’s okay.
- Be careful with sponsored posts: Once your blog starts getting popular, you will likely start getting offers to write paid posts. I got a lot of offers in a short amount of time. I was so shocked that people wanted to pay me *AND* give me free stuff on top of it, that I accepted almost everything. It was a HUGE mistake. I had a few weeks where I had a TON of sponsored posts, many on a strict deadline. The whole thing stressed me out. Now I am super picky when accepting sponsored posts and I am much happier.
- It’s blogging, not rocket science: Blogging is a way for you to express yourself. No one can write a post exactly like you… which is good, since there is a big chance you will be writing about stuff that other people have touched on before. For me, since I am a ‘mommy blogger’ this is particularly true. There are only so many mommy-related topics out there. We all
talk about basically the same stuff… parenting, potty training, crafts, pacifiers, bullying… it’s rare to have a post on a topic that hasn’t been done in some form or fashion. - You will get stressed out: Blogging is a lot of work. Writing, pictures, editing, promoting on social media… it is more work then I ever thought it would be. I really love doing it, so most of the time, it doesn’t feel like work. But there have been a few times when it did. So I took a break. When I have nothing to write about, or I don’t feel like being on social media… I will give myself a week off. I have done that two times so far and felt much better afterwards.
- Find other bloggers: This is probably the most important. There is an amazing community of bloggers out there. I didn’t realize that going into it. I have met so many awesome women through my blog and it is a very important factor if you want to grow. I love sharing great content from other sites, and in return, they share my stuff when it is something they really like. I met most of these women through SITS girls, I highly recommend all bloggers check them out.
So there you go! I still have much more to learn, especially on the technical side. SEO, photography, graphics… I could go on and on. Right now, I am just going to focus on writing posts that make me happy & hope the rest will just fall into place!
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Congrats on your 1 year anniversary! I found that belonging to blog groups is something helpful I learned along the way. Then you can learn from others 🙂
Yes I have a few fb groups i really like, mommy bloggers like swap is a great one!
Good job making it to a year!! I have been asked a lot why do all this work, who reads it, etc… I Love doing it! It gives you an excuse for me time. If I didn't love it I would never do it. Way too much work! You have a great blog keep it up!!
Than you! Yes so much work.. I think you have to love it to keep it going! Have a great week and thank you for all your support this past year! 🙂
Love this list and congrats on a year! And I couldn't agree more with #1…comparing yourself to other bloggers can make you feel discouraged
its a horrible feeling.. but once you let that go and just do whatever it is that YOU are doing.. things go much better! 🙂
Congrats on your Blogiversary! The biggest thing for me has been the connections I have made with so many amazing and wonderfully diverse women. Glad you are one of them!
I agree, we have a great group.. and I refuse to call it a blogiversary.. HA!
Congrats on one year! I feel the same way. There is so much to learn and sometimes it can be overwhelming-but I love it!! And there's no reason to compare yourself to others, you're right, there's room for everybody!
I know, there is so much more I need to do as far as the technical side and with social media… I made a list but then I look at it and think.. UGH! 😉
yep I can't do sponsored posts, way too stressful. Happy Blog-iversary!
yes I only do one a week now, and they are on my terms.. which makes it way better for me. Have a great week!
Great tips– You are a super blogger!
and it is all thanks to you!! 🙂 So grateful you pushed me to do this, I love it!
Congrats! I have only done one sponsored post and I enjoyed it but wouldn't want to do more than one a month. I really like the SITS Girls too.
I think if it is for something you really like it makes it easy, but I accepted to many crazy things.. never again!
Wonderful post. I am coming up on my own first anniversary.
So exciting! It goes by quick! Have a fantastic week!
You are a blogging superstar and you did it so quickly! I feel like I've gotten to know you through your posts and you make some great observations and offer realistic tips in this post! Congrats on your blogiversary!
Thank you! Its been fun meeting so many people through all of this.. like you 😉 (even though you still refer to your kids age in weeks.. something I should have expected hence the name of your blog!! ha!!!)
Congrats. Wow. I can't believe its only been a year. From the posts and social media mentions I've read of yours, you seem like you've got it all figured out. I'm excited to see where the blog takes you in another year!
well thank you, but I have it faaaar from figured out! But I can see how it may seem that way, since I think that about other bloggers all the time! 😉 I'm excited for the next year as well! Have a great week!
That is great advice. I wish I had this post available when I first started my blog! The connections with others is super important.
yes it makes such a difference, I was lucky since I work with a few great bloggers so when I started mine they told me about sits and the importance of groups. I would have never known!
Thank you for this post. I'm a new blogger. I chose to start as an outlet, as a form of creative expression. I've also found it gives me some "me time" which is just so hugely important since I'm a mom that works full time as well. (Side note: I had the house to myself for 20 minutes the other day…I didn't know what to do with myself.) You have a great blog and this advice is great. Thanks!
.. Laura ..
Welcome to the blogging world! It is so much fun to have your own little 'nook' of the internet to call your own! I'm looking forward to seeing yours grow! 🙂
Wow, you have only been bloging a yera? I am impressed! I still have to keep reminding myself about #1. It's hard sometimes not to, but it really does suck the fun out of blogging. And I think I'm going to start calling myself a Digital Storyteller 😉
It is hard, I still do it sometimes.. and I love digital storyteller! ha!
I love these sentiments. I hope I am as satisfied at one year of blogging! I'm only on month 3 and sometimes I feel like some of my friends and family "just don't get it" or think I am strange. Then I meet many moms, like you, on social media and I feel better! Thanks for supporting me(SensitiveMommy), I am excited to see what else you have in store on WorkingMom Magic.
Well for being three months in I have to say your blog looks fantastic! You are doing an awesome job.. can't wait to see where you are in a few months from now! 🙂
bravo bravo. always a pleasure. you and kristen are my favs (from m-bloggers)!
Ditto!! 😉
#5 and #6 are so true! There have been many times that blogging has been super stressful…and took up more of the time I realized I should be using to sleep or get out of the house! I've realized that as long as I focus on the topics I want with the schedule I have I can make it work and not be overwhelmed!
I know, and its hard when you are feeling stressed and that you put it on yourself. Thats what I struggled with, now I have it more under control… I think. 😉
Congrats. That's a big accomplishment in just one year.
Thank you! It's been a learning experience for sure! 😉
Congratulations on one year… but one year?! Really? I could have sworn I've been following along longer than that!
Your tips are excellent and exactly what every new blogger needs to hear. I used to wrack my brain trying to think of "new" and brilliant post ideas and never could because it's ALL been done before.
Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Thank you! I was the same way, what can I write about that no one else has?? haha.. nothing.
Congrats on your blogaversary! So exciting! I love what you said about taking breaks… I get stressed out and need time away from the blog sometimes. It really is so much more work than you ever imagine before you get started. And I also love the mom bloggers I've connected with! They make it all so much more fun!
I agree, being part of a good, active group makes a huge difference!! i am thankful I have found some good ones! 😉
Happy First Anniversary! You got yourself and your readers such a lovely blog!
Thank you! I am having a good time with it!
I'm a new blogger, so this is handy! Thanks for sharing at the Bajan Texan Link up! 🙂
I am glad you found tips your could use! Thanks for stopping over.. have a great week!
Happy Anniversary. It can get overwhelming I am on a bit of a break at the moment and have slowed it down a little. It was getting too much and I want to enjoy and just blog for a bit. Your blog is great.
Julie
yes, I was getting really competitive with myself for awhile, I had to bring it down a notch more than a few times! 😉 Thanks for your support and enjoy your mini blogging break!
Good tips. There's so much to learn it can be really overwhelming but I keep reminding myself to have fun with it too!
great point! it is supposed to be after all… I needed to remind myself that a few times over the past year! 😉 Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Congratulations and Happy First Birthday!!!! WaHoo!!!! I could not agree more with you on comparing yourself with other blogs, it's a big No NO… 🙂
I too am amazed at the whole blogging community it is such a wonderful thing to come about by writing…. I love the new blogging friends that I have made….
PS, I love reading your posts, they are beautiful.
thank you so much! I really appreciate the compliment and your support! i hope you are having a fantastic week!!!
Happy blog anniversary! Hope your having a great week. 😉
Thank you! 🙂
Congratulations on your first year! It will always be a career milestone, so hold it dear! Good post – stopping by Project Parade and pinning to Pinterest!
it def flew by… I guess I am in for the long haul now! Thanks for taking the time to stop over and comment! 🙂
Such great things and u agree 100%. My 1 year anniversary is coming up too! ? Thanks for these great insights. You're one of my favs! ?
I think it is so funny we both started this right around the same time! 🙂
Happy 1 year!! These are great tips!! I am super picky on my sponsored posts as well. Too much can really be too much and it burns you and your audience out! P.S. You won my GREAT Donut Blogiversary giveaway! Would you mind emailing me your address so I can mail it out to you (jen@practicallyperfectprincess.com)
I am just seeing this! haha! I am so excited.. I LOVE donuts!!!
Thanks, this was a great post. I just started blogging a few weeks ago and I already feel so overwhelmed, sometimes in a good way, sometimes not so good! Congrats on making it through a year!
Thank you! I tried to check out your site just now, but I had trouble getting it to load.. I will try again in a few days! 🙂
Congratulations on blogging a year 🙂 Thanks for linking up to Pin Worthy Wednesday, I have pinned your post to the Pin Worthy Wednesday Pinterest Board.
thank you! I will be back this week.. I hope you had a great weekend!
It was interesting to read this… I have learned some of these same lessons this year… and I have many other lessons to learn yet also. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this.
I hear ya, I feel like I will never stop learning when it comes to this crazy blogging
I like the bullet about accepting sponsored posts. I'm not that popular yet, but when I am, I will not accept just anything. I see bloggers do this and I think they are dumbing down their site by accepting these paid gigs to push just about anything. I refuse to do this. It will have to be in line with what my readers would want to know and something I personally support. Stopped over from Shine, glad to meet you. Let's connect via social media too!
I learned the hard way for sure.. NEVER again. I am so selective now. I just stalked all your social media and followed you!! 😉 Have a great week!
These could not be more true, especially number one! Thank you for sharing this;) I love that we are all on our own adventure with blogging and that it is just that, OURS!
Yes, once I realized that.. it made the whole blogging thing much more enjoyable. 😉
This was my first time on your blog, and it was a great read for me – very interesting stuff! I'm learning all about blogging in my social media class at Penn State, and it's very refreshing to get a new perspective from a real blogger, and a mommy blogger at that! (I can relate to the mommy part) I think it's great that you've come so far in only a year!
Thank you! i think that is so interested that they teach classes about social media now.. man am I old!! 😉 Thanks for stopping over and taking the time to comment.
This is some great advice. I've been too scared to accept any sponsored posts. Congrats on your 1 year blogiversary
Don't be scared, just choose wisely and if you have ANY questions or concerns just ask them before you accept the post. 🙂
"It's blogging, not rocket science." LOVE it! It can be easy to start taking this whole thing a little too seriously. I'm in the process of getting back to why I started blogging in the first place: for the love of writing. Yes, there's other stuff that goes into it, but getting bogged down in stuff that isn't that important kills the joy.
In the beginning I was getting so stressed out about posts and finding original stuff to post.. until i finally realized that we all post the same stuff and it really doesnt matter! 😉
This is my second month of blogging and your tips are spot on! (: Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Visiting from http://www.andieconn.com/kindness-challenge-week-two-give-someone-book-impacted/ and would love a visit back!
Welcome to this crazy blog world! I am going to check out your site right now! 😉
Great advice, I have had a blog for a few years but became a sporadic blogger after my son was born two years ago. My New Years resolution was to blog consistently and to try and grow my blog this year so I am bookmarking this on Pinterest to go back to.
I especially agree with points one and two – I often let myself get overwhelmed by big blogs and compare myself when I shouldn't. My friends and family don't understand blogging – they wonder why I spend so much time on it when I don't make any money. I guess it's because it's a way to keep my brain in gear whilst at home with my son and it feels great to create something of my own.
I know it.. when kids come around it is so hard to find time to do anything!! That is why I love to blog, too.. it is my own little place on the internet that is ALL mine! 😉
This is a great list. You've pretty much covered all of it. Congrats on your first year!
Thank you! Its been a fun one.. I hope you are having a great week!!
Congrats on 1 year!! Im 3 months in and absolutely loving it 🙂 Best wishes for a prosperous blogging future!
Congrats on three months! Isnt it so much fun! I loved it right away as well.. so I can't wait to see where you are in a few months from now!
Happy 1 year of blogging!! Wish you many more successful blogging. I can definitely relate to your list 🙂
Thank you! I appreciate you stopping over and taking the time to comment! 🙂
Happy first year blog-iversary! Congrats!! Your list is totally spot-on. I'm still relatively new to the 'consistent' blogging scene, but a few of these points really resonated with my own experience.
Thank you! Its been fun.. I cant wait to see what the next year will bring!
Happy one year! Like you, I had blogged before, but I'm also approaching my one year of consistently and "publicly" blogging. I learned many of the same lessons you learned! 🙂
Yes I think lots of people start blogs and then forget about them for a bit.. its so overwhelming at first!
Congrats on making it a full year! I have been blogging for just over a year myself and I totally agree with you, there's quite a learning curve! Such a fantastic list, all so true! I think the most important thing I have found so far is connecting with other bloggers, sometimes I think we all mostly write for each other!
Thank you so much for sharing with us at #MommyMeetupMondays! Hope to see you again next week!
Your post inspired me to take the leap into starting my own blog… now I just have to find the time to do it! Thanks for sharing!
You will find the time.. I write up posts on my phone while sitting on the couch some nights! 🙂 I am glad you are taking the plunge!!
Thank you for this post! I am actually experiencing all of these things at once right now. For example this is my first time co-hosting a blog hop. While very exciting, it is time consuming. While going through these great posts, I also start questioning my own blog, like "am I a good blogger?" or "maybe I need to be more crafty". Everything you said here is so true. This first year (I am about 4 months in) and it has been full of ups, downs, and wonderful connections with other bloggers. Thanks so much for sharing! #shinebloghop
I co-hosted the shine blog hop once!!! it is the only time I ever did anything like that.. I loved it! Yeah not comparing yourself to others is hard.. for example I keep it pretty 'light' on my blog.. I dont really like to write deep, emotional posts.. but sometimes when I see them I think, "maybe I should start sharing more stories like that.. " lol
Congratulations on your 1 year blogiversary! Blogging has really taught me a lot in the seven months that I've been committed to it and I'm sure that there's still a lot I need to learn #MommyMeetUpMonday
yes! I still feel like I have so much to learn.. I dont think it will ever stop!
Reaching the one year mark is a great milestone. Congrats. Recently I started reading your blog and I really love how you captured the joys and struggles of blogging in this post. I've been blogging for a couple of months. Sharing your life and providing quality content is challenging but I've been enjoying the work. I was definitely apprehensive at first but now I look forward to writing and hopefully, gaining more traffic. Your advice is truly inspiring and an excellent reference and learning piece. Thanks again!!
Thanks for stopping by!! Have a great weekend!
Wow your year and my year looks so much different! I began my blog about 10 months ago and just wrote, wrote and wrote from my heart without focusing on joining network groups or connecting with other moms. I think I have great content now, but readership could be better. But it did get me into Huffington Post as a regular contributor! Anyhow, glad to find you. Hope we can connect and I'd love to learn a thing or two about growing readership. Please check out my blog at http://www.mommy-diary.com!
I just stalked your blog and all your social media.. I LOVE it all.. I love the clean look of everything!!! And how awesome to get on the huffington post, that's a goal of mine. Also I think it is crazy you and your hubby were married 2 days after me.. we celebrated our 10 year in Nov as well!
This was very nice to read. Especially the part about comparison. This is something I am struggling with on a daily base. But you will never be satisfied if it gets the best of you. Blogging should be because YOU want this. And it is so nice to read that written by someone else. A conformation/motivation.
X
You are not alone, trust me I still compare myself all the time.. but I just am going my own road on this one.. so I can't get caught up in what others are doing! Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!
happy 1st year of blogging, and so true… comparison is hard to put aside but it really is the thief of joy! I use that expression all the day. Love what you're doing here, and I totally get blog life. 😉
alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
You were one of the blogs I was reading before I ever got into blogging!! I worked with Lindsey Cohen & Ellie Bodner and they always posted your stuff! I've been obsessed ever since! 🙂
I've just started blogging and this is incredibly helpful. I do find myself comparing to other mommy bloggers and their beautifully designed pages. Thanks so much for this post. I will be following.
Hi Lauren, this is a great post, thanks for sharing your experiences. I am six months into blogging and can completely relate to some of what you have said ("What do you write about?"). I found your post at Turn it Up Tuesday where I am currently guest hosting. This is my pick of the week and your post will be featured at next week's party! Congratulations on this and your one year blogging anniversary!
So true! I've been blogging for eight years and I am still learning new things about blogging every single day!
Ahhh the dreaded SEO. After the first of the year I felt there was so much pressure in bloggyland to find a direction for my personal blog. I finally realized that if my blog is going to truly be personal then it's going to go in whatever direction I go in, which is all over the place. Feels so good to figure out what I'm doing while still having no clue. This is such a great post. Happy one year anniversary and thank you for sharing at #MommyMeetupMondays.
I LOVE this post because I can relate to so much of it! I just started blogging in October on a whim…it was never something I'd even thought about before. I absolutely love it and am having so much fun but it really is so much more work than I would have ever thought.
I also try not to compare myself to other bloggers because I know I can't just turn into a huge success overnight. However, the Virgo in me wants to be a huge success right off the bat even though I'm still just learning as I go.
One of my favorite things though is just how supportive other bloggers are. You'd think it would be very competitive since there are so many of us but it seems to be just the opposite. I LOVE that!
Thanks so much for this post! It just reinforces everything I've been feeling since I started 🙂
YES! I am a Virgo… so I totally understand where you are coming from since I was the same way!
These are great points. I had the same problem with sponsored posts. I know do up to one a week. No more. Thanks for sharing with Turn it Up Tuesday.
Thank you for the great advice! I'm new to blogging, and I'm having so much fun learning everything from bloggers like you! (I'm soaking it all in!) I loved your second point- it made me chuckle! I read a post by Life PreKARIous the other day called 4 Things Not to Say to Bloggers… and it was spot on with what you talked about in that point- and was pretty dang funny! "but who reads your blog?"… hahaha!
You are very welcome and the blogging world is so fun and so crazy.. I still have A LOT to learn!
I am also coming up on a year with my blog and many of the tips you mention are spot on! I would also add that in my first year of blogging, I learned the importance of reading your analytics and paying attention to which posts resonated best with your audience. Numbers don't lie, and can help you create the best content for your readers. Keep up your great work!
Yes that is so true! (although then every post of mine would be about Trader Joes… hahaha)
Thanks! This is perfect and helpful as I am in my first year of blogging. Any tips are appreciated!
Finding other bloggers has definitely been the best thing I have done so far. I'm still just getting started, as I've only been blogging for a little over a month, and I worry that my blog will never be popular enough to get sponsored posts, but I'm just taking it one day at a time!
Thank you so much. As a total newbie, this is really helpful.
Hooray for 6 months! I'm approaching 4 months and have learned all of those lessons as well. Some days I get really overwhelmed at all of the other bloggers out there, but I enjoy what I do and that's all that matters! I also had no idea about the amazing blogging community out there waiting for me! I've made so many friends!
xo, Chelsie @ Life with Rosie
"Comparison is the thief of all joy", YES! So true.
I totally agree with all of this. I'm in my first year and it is so overwhelming. I love it but man- it's exhausting some times. And yes, there are people who just don't get it. I blog because I love to write. I'm always doing something or seeing something and thinking I should write about that 🙂
There is a lot to blogging. I like your ending to throat. Write what you love and hope the rest falls into place.
This post was very helpful!! I'm almost through my first year of blogging as well, but I have't stayed dedicated throughout this entire year. I'm definitely going to be checking out The SITS Girls, thanks for sharing your tips 🙂
Kayla | kaylablogs.com
Thank you for posting this! I’m a new blogger myself and I could relate to everything you’re saying 🙂
For everybody out there who thinks about blogging – go for it. It is a minimal financial investment and it is all about putting in your knowledge and time.