Deciding to become a blogger is a really big deal. The real deal, in fact. It’s exciting and can lead to a range of different avenues in life. But at the same time, it can be daunting. You might find that you’re afraid of getting started. That you’re actually worried about how you’re going to be able to come up with content ideas. Or if anyone will take you seriously enough. And they will. They always will. As long as you love what you’re doing and you’re willing to put the work in. Sure, you’ll get stressed out at times. But it’s worth it if you’re passionate.
Now, this all applies no matter what kind of blog you have. Or what you’re writing about. Or, even whether you’re a full-time blogger and running it as a business or you’re just getting starting and doing it as a side hobby. Because even veteran and high flying bloggers like Susie Lau had to start somewhere! Yet, to keep you calm and make sure that you’re enjoying this, it’s good to start off on the right foot. And this is quite often where some people struggle.
So this is what we’re going to work on today and what we’re going to work at. Because everyone gets stressed out and lets things get to them, it’s just natural. Yet if you’re someone that wants to forever love what they do, you need to make sure that you’re able to keep calm and run things well. Let’s take a look at the fifteen things you need to remember in order to do this.
1. Consistency is key
Let’s kick off with consistency. Because this is where some bloggers can fall short. They start, they stumble, they lose track – and then those dreams of doing something with said blog die. Yet when you post daily or stick to a set posting schedule, then things start to happen. Traction takes place. And all of this can happen when you just make sure that you’re doing the work on a consistent basis.
2. Take the pressure off
Next, you need to let go of any comparisons you’re making. Or of what you ‘should’ be doing. Or what you think others expect of you. Let that pressure go and just do what suits you. Don’t overthink it. Don’t strive to be perfect. When you aim to just write, you will get better over time.
3. Passion is still important
But do you know what does matter? Passion! Passion always matters. So what if you’re not the world’s most notable editor or even someone who’s someone in the literary circle? If you have a passion for your work, for what you’re writing about, or what you want to work on, then this is going to drive you to new heights. Remember that.
4. Just write
Next, you need to just write. Try not to overthink it. Just sit alone with your laptop and be. Allow yourself to let the words flow – on whatever you want. Because when you do take the pressure off and you let your passion guide you, it’s much easier to believe in yourself and just get to work. And that’s really what you want.
5. It’s okay to be original
At the same time, it’s more than okay for you to just do your own thing. Don’t worry about following the crows or about doing what anyone else is doing. Just do you. Write your way. About topics you care about. And be authentic. The more original you are, the more chance you have of somebody actually connecting with you anyway. And what could be better than that?
6. Find your voice
Next up, you’re going to want to make sure that you take the time to find your voice. To find a way of writing or talking that just works for you. To make sure that you’re getting your personality of your blog’s ‘branded’ image out there. Feel comfortable with how you write and the language you use. All of this is going to help your reader connect with you.
7. Share and share alike
And make sure that you’re shouting from the rooftops about what you’re doing. That you’re able to share what you’re doing online and that you’re more than okay with having people share your work too. But also make sure that you share the posts of others too. Networking with other bloggers and people in your niche is a great way to grow and also get more interest in what you’re doing too.
8. Design works
Another thing to note, is that it’s cool to care about your design. If you want your blog to look a bit more professional and you want to find a nice design, then run with it. It’s absolutely okay to do that. Don’t feel as if you have to stick with a subpar design because you don’t know how to find or invest in a better one!
9. Help is okay
When you’re a writer, or when you’re blogging under your name, it’s natural that you’re going to want to do everything yourself. Or even feel that you should. But, this just simply doesn’t have to be the case. Because if your talents lie in writing and you struggle with everything else, it makes sense to get help. From hiring an SEO & web design agency to working with an accountant, these people can add value to what you’re doing. And that’s forever going to be okay.
10. It takes time
The next thing that you really need to keep in mind, and that you might find you need to tell yourself a lot more, is that it does take time. And yes, this is in the sense that it takes time for you to write blog posts and publish them. but also, it takes time for you to establish a following and for you to get noticed. It will not happen overnight. So be patient because all of your hard work is going to pay off.
11. Your big break is coming
When things don’t always seem to be going well, it’s really easy for you to think that you’re struggling. That you should just give up. But if we all gave in when things got tough, nobody would get anywhere in life. So keep going. Keep going like you KNEW your big break would happen when you publish the next post or make the next move. Believe that you’re just one step away.
12. Be persistent
And this is why it’s important for you to just be persistent. For you to keep on going and to do what you’re doing for the love of it. For the love of your niche or for writing or the whole process. Just love the journey. That’s all you can do. The more persistent you are, the easier you’ll find it all to be.
13. Be innovative
Next, you need to absolutely challenge yourself to be more innovative here. It’s a way to make sure that you’re moving with the times and that you’re actually able to start making waves with what you’re talking about. From new content ideas to different platforms, try to shake things up. Don’t be innovative for the sake of it. But if it works, it works.
14. Have fun
So the next thing that you will always want to remember is just to have fun with it. Writing is fun – no matter how serious the topic. And you need to treat it as such. Don’t let yourself get all stressed out and feel pressured. Remember that you can blog for fun even if it’s your career. If you enjoy what you do and you’re passionate about your niche, always make sure that it’s fun for you.
15. It’s not the be all and end all
But then also, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re not taking it all too seriously. Because there’s nothing like putting too much pressure on yourself to ruin a good thing. And this is why you need to make sure that you know that blogging isn’t the be all and end all. Never take yourself too seriously and you won’t get upset easily. Don’t compare yourself to others here as that’s a sure fire way for you to end up wanting to quit, losing your momentum, or just all out feeling rubbish.
So, there you have it. The fifteen things that every blogger should remember. It’s really easy to just open a page and write. And that’s definitely how things should be. Yet, that’s not always the case. Because in reality, it’s just far too easy for you to get caught up in competition, for you to judge yourself too harshly, or for you to just let yourself loose the passion for what you’re doing. But when you’re able to remember each of the points, you’ll find it all the more easier to love being a blogger and all that goes with it.
And the best part? All you have to do is refer back to this list and you’re always going to find it easy to stay on track.