Today is a special day.
On August 27, 2012, I nervously hit publish on my first post after nearly a year-long hiatus from blogging.
Yes, friends, today is my one year blogiversary here on Spoons. I’ve been in [and out] of the blog world a little longer than that, but it was one year ago today when I really decided to commit to blogging and take things a little more seriously.
Blogging has become such a integral part of my day that it’s honestly hard to imagine life without it. Seriously. When something exciting happens or I come across an amazing product? One of the first things that crosses my mind is “Ooooooo! I can’t wait to blog about this!!” And the connections… oh man the connections. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to interact with like-minded people on a daily basis – to be inspired and learn from others, and to inspire and share with others.
I thought about doing a giveaway to celebrate this momentous occasion (humour me), but one thing that bothers me about giveaways is that only one person really benefits… I’d rather offer something that multiple people can [hopefully] get use out of, so I thought I’d share some blogging tips, tricks, and tidbits that I’ve picked up over the last year or so. Now, by no means am I trying to suggest that I’ve got it all figured out – Lord knows I still have plenty left to learn – but I really enjoy reading these kind of posts, so I figured it would be a good idea to write one as well.
And without further ado, here are 9 thoughts on blogging. Why 9? Because a 10th one never came to me…
Blogging requires a lot of time and effort. I think one of the biggest things that people fail to realize before they jump into blogging is how much work it actually takes. Between writing posts, taking pictures, editing, planning, engaging in social media, answering e-mails, and commenting on other blogs, blogging can easily take up as many hours as a part time job. You need to decide if a) you have the extra time to spare, and b) if that time is worth spending on blog-related matters.
Blog because you enjoy it. At the end of the day, blogging is just a hobby [for most of us], not a job. The last thing you want to do is get yourself to a point where blogging starts to feel like a chore – that’s when it’s a good idea to take a step back and re-evaluate your approach. This might mean taking a small hiatus or posting less frequently – whatever it takes to re-ignite your passion for it. I know it’s easy to get caught up in the mentality that you need to post every.single.day to be successful, but this isn’t the case at all. When it comes to blogging, quality always trumps quantity. Your readers will know if you’re posting just for the sake of posting, so don’t sacrifice the quality of your blog just to meet some imaginary posting schedule pressure that you place on yourself. That being said…
It helps if you take blogging [semi] seriously. Don’t go stressing yourself out over it, but try to fall into some kind of general routine. Set aside a certain amount of time to devote to blogging and use that time to write and engage with others. Work on improving your photography and writing skills, and try to keep a consistent posting schedule. Again, this doesn’t mean that you have to post every day, but try to get something up a few times a week so that your readers know when to expect a post from you.
Keep a blogging notebook. I have a Moleskin weekly planner that’s basically attached to my hip. I love it because one side is a weekly calendar while the other is blank notepaper that’s great for jotting down ideas. Every Sunday, I devote some time to planning out posts for the upcoming week so that I have a general idea what I’ll be writing about. I also use it to jot down random ideas whenever they pop into my head, as well as keeping any blog related notes.
Social media is kind of a big deal. I neglected things like Twitter and Facebook for so long because I had no idea how to use them properly so they just ended up overwhelming me. That and I didn’t really think they made a huge difference when it came to blogging. Big mistake. Not only is social media a great way to engage with others, but it’s also a perfect way to get some exposure to your blog. Sharing random pictures from your day on Instagram can help people feel like they know you a little better, and sharing your posts on Twitter and Facebook is a good way to get more traffic. It’s also a great idea to tweet about posts that you enjoyed from other bloggers – they might just return the favour and introduce more people to your blog as well.
Open yourself up to the possibility of criticism. The blogging community is a great place full of supportive people, but not everyone is going to agree with you or like what you have to say, and that’s fine. You’ll never be able to please everyone, and trying to do so will only rob you of your true voice and make you resent the whole process. Be yourself and write for yourself; if someone has a problem with it, so what? Judgment is an unfortunate reality not only in the blog world, but in life in general. Don’t let it get to you because only you are in a position to accurately judge yourself; and sometimes that’s not even the case.
Be aware of the negative influence of others. It’s easy to fall victim to the comparison trap, whether it be with body image, diet, exercise, or something like blogging success. It’s a hard thing to avoid, but being aware of it makes it easier to catch and hopefully stop. Some good words to live by are “don’t compare your behind-the-scenes with someone else’s highlight reel.” Most bloggers focus on the positives and avoid mentioning the negatives. You don’t know what else might be going on, so don’t assume everything is all sunshine and rainbows. People are people, and everyone’s life is full of ups and downs.
Just because it’s online, doesn’t make it legit. There is a lot of information out there in the blogging world, and for every piece that’s useful, you’ll come across ten [or more?] pieces that aren’t. Learn to read critically and don’t take what you see written on the pages of a blog as being written in stone. There’s nothing wrong with being inspired and trying out new things, but don’t cling to something that doesn’t work for you just because it worked for someone else. Trust yourself and follow your own rules.
Filter what you post. Remember that what you put online is available for anyone to see. You don’t know who’s reading your blog, so be sure that what you put on there is something that you’re comfortable with having everyone see. And keep in mind that what is once on the internet is always on the internet…
. – . – . – .
In closing, blogging is great and I can’t see myself giving it up anytime soon. It makes for a wonderful creative outlet and introduces you to some pretty fantastic people. That being said, it’s definitely not all sunshine and rainbows, and requires a good amount of commitment and a strong sense of self. Basically, it’s like everything else in life – it can be good or bad, depending what you make of it.
If you’re a blogger, what are some of your blogging tips/tricks/tidbits?
If you’re not a blogger, have you ever considered starting one?
Very nice blogging tips. In fact, I found some points very helpful. Insightful ideas and thoughts to become a successful blogger. Thanks for sharing
This post is worth everyone’s attention. When can I find
out more?
LOVE your blog. You’re such a great writer and this is a great post!
Great post and happy blogiversary!! A full year blogging is quite the feat, you should be proud – congrats!
My one tip – give yourself a break – it’s easy to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be constantly improving our blogs, but I believe it’s important to sit back and be proud of everything that you’ve published and accomplished! Best of luck with the growth of your blog 🙂
Oh wow! I can’t believe it’s already been a year since you made your big comeback and the sun started shining in my life again! 😉 Seriously though, I’m SO glad you decided to start blogging again! You’ve always been one of my favorite bloggers and your posts are so uplifting, encouraging, and relatable! I love that you put together this little compilation of blog tips. I’m going to be doing one as a guest post for Amanda (Semi-Health Nut) soon and I have to say some of the things I plan on mentioning, you nailed right on the head!
Sorry I’m a tad behind but wow I didn’t realize you took your blogging break that recently. I guess I had thought it was longer then that ago. Anyways-these are all really great tips. I agree about taking it semi seriously…once you get off the wagon, it’s hard to get back on!
Great post!
Happy Blogiversary!
I loved the fact that you gave hints and tips rather than a giveaway it’s a fab idea for a celebration 🙂
X
Happy Blog-iversary. I really like your tips, especially the one where you say it’s a lot of work. When I first started, I had no idea the time commitment I was taking, but I’m still glad I did it.
One tip I would say is to post pictures of yourself from time to time. It helps the reader see who they are engaging with and stay connected. On that note, it might be time for another selfie.
That’s a really great tip. I avoided posting a picture of myself for the longest time because it just felt like being way too exposed, buuuuut people really do enjoy being able to put a face to a name. And it’s probably high time I put a few more selfies up as well.
Oh my god I can’t believe it’s been a year. I remember when you wrote that post about needing a break and then disappearing for so long. I never thought I would see your name pop up on google reader again (and as one of my favorite bloggers, you can imagine how sad this was for me). But alas, one year ago you came back with a roaring energy and drive to make blogging work for you in the healthiest way possible. And. You. Did.
You should be SO proud of yourself. I sure am!
Whoo, happy blogging anniversary! Greats tips, it’s all about being real, but it is also good to keep in mind things like time dedication and commitment. 🙂
Thank you so much for the tips! I just started blogging and need all the help I can get, haha! Love your blog 🙂
First off, BIG CONGRATS on the one year anniversary! I was so excited when you came back into the blog world last year! I really love your writing and you always have such insightful things to say! Secondly, AWESOME blogging advice. This is all stuff that is so great to be reminded of. It’s so important to keep in mind not only why you’re blogging but if what you’re saying is making a positive or negative impact on those who are reading!
Happy Blog-birthday!! I am so glad to have found your blog because you have such a clear and clever voice and your posts never fail to leave me motivated or uplifted (and when all else fails you love to pile your cereal into messes too!).
Thanks for sharing some great tips! And for continuing to post positive and delicious (positively delicious?) thoughts 🙂
Awwr thanks so much, Sarah 🙂
Happy Blogiversary!
I totally relate to these tips. I’m certainly a “hobby-only” blogger and don’t have a large readership, but even so, it’s a lot of work and can sometimes be all-consuming. It’s good to be reminded that blogging should be both fun and something to which we put our best efforts. Aaaand…I need to start jotting down ideas in my blog planner/notebook instead of just carrying it around! Ha.
Happy blog b-day!! I’m so glad that I found your blog…. you are such a clever writer and I always get me thinking with your posts. I can pretty much relate to all of your blog tips. Blogging is fun, but it definitely takes time and work.
I can’t believe this blog has only been a year for you? like i am totally surprised. Great tips!
You seem like you have been blogging for years!! Great job, you always make me laugh when I read your stuff! Thanks for the tips too, I really need to get a notebook to jot down ideas for writing 🙂
Happy one year of being back in the blog world! Have I mentioned how glad I am you decided to come back to blogging? I probably have, but I’ll say it again anyways. 😀
These are all great tips! I really need to start keeping a blogging calendar like you so that I have a rough idea of what I want to post each week. I just wing it, which means that sometimes I have like a million post ideas for a week, and sometimes I have none haha.
My blogging tip is to write when the inspiration hits. If I get an idea for a post, I’ll open up a post draft and just start writing. Even if I just write a paragraph, it’s at least a start. I find if I put it off, I lose motivation and inspiration.
Happy anniversary to this blog- I’m so thankful to have come across it. Your writing style, tips, advice and knowledge has been to helpful not only to myself- but I know many others out there! I’m slowly getting more active with the social media aspect, and hope it develops over the coming weeks! One thing I embrace is not to post for the sake of it- I’d rather read genuine content at a less often posting schedule than evidently forced ones!
ps did you hi5 grandma spoons for me regarding her beef recipe? You should, seeing its on the to make list again this week 😉
Social media is definitely one of those things that takes some getting used to. At first you basically have to keep reminding yourself not to forget about it, and sort of force yourself to post stuff until it becomes a habit. But it’s a great way to better connect with people 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! I really enjoyed reading your tips for blogging. While I love writing for my blog about living abroad, I work long hours and don’t always update as regularly as I would like to. But it’s so much fun, and a great way to stay in touch with my friends and family back home!
I never thought about giveaways in that way, surprisingly. But you’re right – and these tips are great! Happy blogiversary!
How funny! Just recently I was thinking of how glad I was to have you back in our lives (blogworld) and here you are! So thankful I’ve gotten to know you and connect with you–you’re a blessing! And these are great tips~I never actually THOUGHT of planning out posts though–although I do plan out recipes in my head throughout the week.
Aww Ellie… you’re too darn sweet <3 I've found planning to be invaluable when it comes to blogging. I like having a general idea of what I'll be writing about so I'm not left scrambling to come up with something at the last minute.
Congrats on a year of blogging! I love your tips so thanks for sharing them! I’ve had numerous blogs over the years and finally feel like I’ve come to a good place with my current one, which is still pretty new but I’m enjoying it more than any of the others I’ve written. Congratulations again!
Happy Blogiversary!
I would have guessed you’ve been blogging forever. You’re a total inspiration.
I was so excited to see your tips – definitely agree with doing it because you love it. It’s not just true about the actual blogging but true about everything that you blog about, and you’re a great example of that.
Thanks for keepin’ it real
-Georgie
Happy first anniversary! It’s amazing how far you’ve come in just one year! You are seriously (not trying to [almond] butter you up) one of my favorite bloggers, and I follow a lot. I’ve loved your humor, honesty, great recipes, and sincerity.
These are awesome tips that I will certainly keep handy as I am a new blogger (only 3 weeks old tomorrow!).
Cheers to one year and many more, Amanda!
Ha! Almond buttered me up… love it! Thanks Alison 🙂
I love this! I am not on Twitter yet, but maybe that will happen soon …
and my photography could DEFINITELY stand some improvement! 😉
Happy blog anniversary! Wonderful tips too. I especially liked your tip about opening yourself up to criticism- “Don’t let it get to you because only you are in a position to accurately judge yourself; and sometimes that’s not even the case.” Well said!
The tip I live by with blogging is to enjoy it and really join the blogging community.
I absolutely loved your tips – very practical ones. I started taking blogging seriously too and I dont see myself going back for a while now. My only motto: write and share about things/ideas/recipes you have truly enjoyed..Also its a great community to feel inspired and motivated everyday. Happy 1st years and cheers to many many years to come 🙂
Writing about what you enjoy is definitely a big one. Sometimes I find that I struggle with wanting to write about something that I know other people want to read about, and those posts never feel like they come out as well as they should. Words flow so much easier when they’re fuelled by a passion.
Happy blog anniversary! I am so happy I found your blog months ago and have been learning from it since! These were great pieces of advice. I love blogging, and love what it has brought me, but I do wish i would’ve seen some of these before I started! Haha I had no idea how much time it would require, but I love the time I spend on it!
I hit my one year anniversary this past July after taking a hiatus from blogging myself, and now, I can’t imagine my life without it. I think about my blog every single day, and like you said, it becomes a part of you when you’re passionate enough. I don’t even care I don’t make money from mine right now because the connections are what make blogging so awesome! Thanks for the tip on the Moleskin planner! I’m such a planner and calendar nerd and haven’t heard of these!!:) Great tips for all of us! THANKS!!!!! So glad to have found you!!:)
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! 🙂 These tips are fantastic–especially the one about time. Now that I have actual commitments (ahem, textbooks, I’m looking at you) I realize how much time I really spent on my blog over the summer, and while I do think it’s a worthwhile investment, I’m still in the stages of figuring out how to incorporate it into the little thing we call life. 😉
I think the time/scheduling thing is something that a lot of people struggle with – I know I did. But it helps to prioritize your to-do list and figure out what -needs- to get done on a daily basis, and what you can get away with putting off for a little while.