I’ve been blogging for 7 months now, and in this short time, I’ve learnt an incredible amount. As well as being a good hobby, blogging has given me some great skills that help in my line of work, and I’m really enjoying writing posts and everything else that goes with it.
I don’t think that “non-bloggers” appreciate how much work goes into it, I certainly didn’t before I started. I know that I’ve still got so much to learn to develop my blog, but here are 13 things I have learnt in 7 months of blogging…
Blogging will take over your life – You will constantly find yourself thinking “Ooh I could blog that” and making notes of possible blog titles or topics.
It takes a lot of time and effort to establish your blog – there is so much more to blogging than just writing a post and hitting ‘publish’, there’s finding/taking the right photos, scheduling social media posts, interacting with other bloggers, joining link-ups and twitter chats…
Whenever you go out for the day you’ll try to take photos that will look good on your blog – I have to keep reminding myself to pay attention to what we’re doing and seeing, and not just trying to frame a photo because it will look good in a blog post or on Instagram!
You’ll get addicted to stats – I’ve downloaded various apps to check my visitor stats, and am still at that stage where I check my phone religiously every time I publish a post.
You will be constantly amazed that people are actually taking time to read something you’ve written – I still can’t quite believe it when I see that people are visiting my blog or sharing my posts on social media because they like them.
Posting to social media is just as important as keeping your blog up to date – writing a great blog post isn’t enough, you need to make sure that you tell people about it as well.
Every spare opportunity you have you’ll start to write a post – I’ve downloaded the WordPress app and have written blog posts in the bath, in the car waiting for my daughter to come out of school, while I’m waiting for something to cook…
You will get to know some fabulous fellow bloggers – I’ve been lucky enough to chat online to some great bloggers whose blogs I love reading, and am hoping to meet some of them very soon.
You will learn a lot about social media, SEO and analytics – I already knew a fair bit about these things anyway, but it’s very different when you are using these mediums to promote something for yourself rather than for someone else.
When you read about other bloggers’ accomplishments and stats you’ll be in awe – I read blog posts about how many visitors other bloggers get each month, or how much money they are making, and I just can’t comprehend my blog EVER being that successful!
The more blog posts you write, the more visitors you will get – this kind of goes without saying I suppose, but I’ve realised that writing one post a week just isn’t enough!
But quality is still more important than quantity – I don’t feel comfortable just churning out loads of blog posts unless I feel that they will be of value to my readers.
You will want to give up your job to be a full-time blogger – Being a full-time blogger would totally be my dream job right now!
So they are just 13 things I have learnt in 7 months of blogging – there will hopefully be a lot more to come and I look forward to finding out what else I can learn in the next 7 months. Any advice welcome!
So true. You learn so many new skills via blogging and it really does take over. I’m not sure I would want to do it full time though!
I can relate to every single one of these. It was my blogaversary the other day, it’s been 3 years since i started blogging. It’s been a very up and down journey but i know i’m here to stay!
#brillblogposts
– Cydney x
I could not agree with you more. I’ve been blogging for almost the same amount of time (wow…how did that happen? I feel like I just started!), and all of these are SO true. Blogging is such a wonderful, crazy, wonderful journey!
Emma | http://www.creativexplorations.com
I can relate to all of THESE! It really does take over your life. Especially when you are out and trying to take the perfect picture. I am just starting to learn about SEO and it is a bit mind boggling! But I love blogging and wouldn’t change it for the world 🙂 x
The dream really is to become a full time blogger once you get a real taste for it. Stat watching in the beginning is crazy, I was like a loon refreshing when I began blogging lols
Wonderful post & I totally agree with all your points!
I am forever trying to capitalise on the littlest bit of sunshine for blog photos!! Congrats on sticking with it for these 7 months. It’s taken me well over a year to learn most of these 🙂 x
This is so true and I think every single blogger will be able to relate to this post! I can’t stop blogging haha and I don’t think I ever will either
Really enjoyed reading that and can relate! So love.y to find something that can bring you personal enjoyment and hopefully benefit others to. ?
So true, I am in the process of trying to be more business like with my blog and still stay authentic. Look forward to reading what you learn in the future.
Blogging opens your eyes to so much! I never even knew about how much it takes to run a blog! Yet it is SO fulfilling! #brillblogposts
Oh there is so much I identify with in this post – I think we have been blogging for a similar amount of time. I was totally naïve when I started out and thought it would be quite quick and easy, how wrong was I. I’d also never used Twitter or Instgram before. I was in the garden today and thinking man I wish I had my good camera with me! Plus any craft activity has an edge of please look good doing this. It is definitely a labour of love and also so rewarding!
Oh, I completely agree with so much here. I am constantly in awe of other blogger’s stats and successes. I wish I had the time to commit to my blog to make it equally successful but I just don’t. It is addictive though and I often stay up to the early hours of the morning commenting and writing posts. Hugs Lucy xxxx
People don’t realise how much goes on behind it! However I love learning so much, I have been doing it about 2years and I am learning something new everyday still!
Just by reading this, I can see how much you love blogging even with all its stress. My blog is still 4 months old, some days I don’t even get up to 20 page views but I love what I’m doing all the same.
I’m loving your blog! As a newbie, it is great to read about what I can expect..kind-of! Blogging is so addictive and I always find myself thinking “ohhh, I could write about this and that” and often forget to live in the moment
Yes and yes! So true in so many points. Blogging is just brilliant isint it!! Xx
OMG!!!! I super obsessed with this post! I’ve been blogging for 8 months and you’re 100% right!!! I’ve learned soooo much and blogging is sooo much work. I’m still obsessed with it tho 🙂
Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com