The View From Here: Blogger Advice
This weekend was a whirlwind of excitement with Texas Style Council and the boys visiting my parents, and I can’t wait to share what I learned with you this week!
Today’s question is: What Advice Would You Give to a Beginning Blogger?
This can be a tough one, but I’m going to keep things simple: Just Have Fun! Seriously, while blogging is a commitment, it should be something you love to do and look forward to each day. There are so many different reasons why people start blogs, and you don’t have to have a business plan or branding in place when you start. Really, it’s okay not to know what the heck you’re doing.
As corny as this sounds, blogging is kind of an organic process and will grow with you over time. That’s definitely been my experience, and I’m still learning new things daily, too.
It’s good to have a basic idea in place and know your blog’s general purpose, but I also think it’s okay to go with the flow and figure things out as you need to, not all at once, necessarily. If you love what you’re doing and can’t wait to jump on the keyboard every day, then you’re definitely on the right track. Write for yourself, because that way, your real voice will shine through and, in this crazy world of ours, it’s just too exhausting to try to be something you’re not.
Don’t forget to support fellow bloggers, because they are your online friends, and you’ll be rewarded with followers and relationships in return. That is one of the greatest blogging rewards, I think, and it’s amazing how many new friendships are forged across continents. Take this little collaboration with Shayla, for example!
Blogging is about connecting with your readers, first and foremost, so relax and enjoy yourself, and things will fall into place. I promise!
Be sure to check out Shayla’s response, too, as we are nearing the end of this part of our conversation. We’ll be taking a break for the fall, but plan to return early next year.
Hi Catherine!
Great advice. I had a wonderful time at the conference, too. I agree that the biggest takeaway was, ‘love what you do, and don’t do it unless you love it.’ Don’t blog about what you think you should be writing about or what you think others want to read. Your unique voice and interests are what makes a blog compelling.
The other thing that struck me was how overwhelmed I was by the kindness in the blogging community. Everyone was so supportive and not the least bit competitive. I enjoyed talking to girls who are just starting out, like me, as well as some of the blogosphere veterans.
Hi, Miro! Yes, there were so many great messages, and I agree that everyone was so nice and friendly. If you think about it, we are all sort of like co-workers in one big business. 🙂
[…] sure you head over to Walking with Cake to read Catherine’s take on this question! And as usual, I’m all ears for your own […]
I sometimes struggle with the “write what you love” thing, because I have a variety of interests that I’m happy to share, but I’m in a phase of life in which a lot of my friends are into home decor and remodeling, and while I like reading about it, the idea of doing any kind of renovating or fixing up of my own house sounds SO BORING. So I think about what other people want to read sometimes instead of focusing on what I want to write. I’ve been trying to do better about that lately, but it’s a hard balancing act!
Hi, Allie! I think it’s great to consider your readers, but it’s okay to let your own opinions shine through, too. You could always write about how boring home decor is to you, and what you like to do instead. 🙂 I hate cooking, so recipes and cooking shows, books, etc. never keep me interested. To each her own, I guess!
Great post! I do wish I always had known my interests would change when I started blogging and that it would be ok to branch out instead of being reluctant to do that for so long. I wish I had visited with you at the conference! Maybe we’ll both go next time or we can plan a blogger lunch…without children, or at least without mine. My boys don’t seem to think other people eating is important.
Thanks, Marie! Hopefully we’ll see each other next time, and the blogger lunch sounds fun. My boys are totally the same way and they barely eat some days! 😛
I like the ‘take it easy and don’t worry too much’ approach. I’m a planner so it’s tough for me to do, but I find I worry so much about stuff that doesn’t even end up mattering because of that!