In the beginning of my blog (October 2010), I was so nervous. I really did not feel like I could do it, which is why I started it. I feel that if I am afraid of something or I “can’t” do it, I will work my hardest to accomplish it. I am so happy with the way my blog is, with the wonderful people I have met, and with all of the amazing readers I’ve gained (you guys are the best!!). This week’s Friend Friday is about the five hardest blogging lessons we’ve learned from the beginning, and how have they helped make us a better blogger.
I haven’t been blogging that long, but I have learned TONS of stuff.
- Leave genuine, respectful, and real comments.
- This is so true. I haven’t met anyone yet that likes “Great blog! Follow me and I will follow you!” comments. It just shows that you are looking for followers and not readers. I’d rather have someone who will read my blog rather than just a statistical number.
- Be yourself.
- How uncool is it to pretend to be something you aren’t? So uncool. No one likes a fake.
- Have a blog that is easy to navigate, people friendly, and easy to read.
- I cannot stand blogs or websites that load up and there is so much going on, you can’t find where to read or what your supposed to read. It’s just way too overwhelming. I will close that site faster than the Road Runner (from Wiley Coyote – sorry, it’s still one of my favorite cartoons!).
- Promote yourself, but do not go crazy.
- Meaning definitely promote your posts on Twitter, Facebook, IFB, etc. Network everywhere. Do not only network & promote yourself. Try to build relationships with your fellow bloggers. It’s really fun, you meet amazing people, and it helps you better than anything.
- Get involved with your blogging community.
- This has helped me so much, I cannot stress it enough. One of the first things I did when I started blogging was join IFB. I learned so much just by simply reading discussion threads, joining groups, and by reaching out to other bloggers. I like to think of our little community as one big family. Not everyone gets along, there are ups and downs, but all in all, we are all here to help and support each other. As it should be.
Again, I want to say thank you to all of you, my readers. I feel like I could say thank you a thousand times over, and it still would never be enough. You are the reason I blog. All of your wonderful comments, support, just overall awesomeness is something I’ve never experienced in my life.
What an amazing post! I completely agree and have learned the same things since i started blogging about two years ago. It is so important to maintain friendships with other bloggers and your readers. I have been on like a couple breaks from blogging but I always made sure to tell my readers so they don’t feel like i abandoned them you know?
Sarah Jane R.
http://www.sarahjanerstyle.com
Great lessons!
“Have a blog that is easy to navigate, people friendly, and easy to read.” YES. I couldn’t agree more. I am such a stickler about it!
Lovely post. I agree with everything you said. It is so nice to “meet” new people in this way. I do feel like I have friends, not just readers or bloggers that I read. Have a great weekend!
These are great lessons — wish I’d known them when I first started blogging! Congrats on accomplishing so much with your blog thus far!
The-Loudmouth.com
Twitter @theloudermouth
Birthday Blog Event
these are great pointers indeed, the best thing to do is ENJOY blogging, create good content and take some time to develop relationships – makes blogging a lot more fun too