Why Blog?

Recently I was  fortunate to have the opportunity to help a fellow blogger with some design elements on her blog. I was so flattered that someone (anyone) wanted my help to get them started, because I still have so much to learn about blogging and the blogosphere! It’s so motivating to know that someone out there is really interested in what I have to say. (Besides my family, because they totally hang on to my every word!)  WHAAA ??? Does that just mean you all are just as crazy as me?? Probably. :) All this really got me thinking about blogging and why someone would want to blog.

Do a Google search for just about anything on the internet and one of the top ten results is most likely a link to someone’s blog post. The Blogosphere can be a wonderful place for creativity and inspiration on just about any topic you want. It can also be full of competition and can sometimes make a person feel quite small in such a big world. So if you are thinking about starting a blog or have been blogging for a short-time, you make ask yourself, why blog??

There’s lots of reasons to start your blog! But you need to know the ups and downs and the ins and outs before you dive in. I tell you this, because I ‘m your friend and I want to help you. These are things I wish I knew a year ago before I got started. :)

Blogging takes time!

When I started blogging, I imagined some of my favorite bloggers snapping some pictures while they completed their greatest projects, writing a few words about it, hitting publish and life was good! Bah! Let me tell you what it’s like on this side of the screen, umkay?

Bloggers work hard! Harder than alot of day jobs I know. Writing a post is only a small portion of what it takes to be a successful blogger (notice I said successful).

While some can sit down and write a blog post in about an hour, if you’re a bit of a perfectionist like myself here… um, we are going on 2 hours right now. :)

And it’s not just the writing that takes time. It’s also photo taking, photo editing, and researching topics. (not to mention the actual work involved in completing a project).

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But what do I talk about?

Anything and everything! Most people start a blog to connect with family and friends. I started my blog to record our projects, events, and adventures in life. If you go back to my first post, I started this blog with our daughter’s 1st birthday party. At the time, I had intended that this blog would serve as a journal for her of what life is like growing up. (Um, non-stop DIY projects, experimental dinner nights, and funny pictures of her daddy talking about HomeGoods gift cards??)

One of the greatest things about blogging, is that it will help you find your passion.

If you have started a blog already, or considering it, then you already have an idea of what you’d like to share. I can promise you that no matter what you decide to write about, there is someone out there that will be interested in what you have to say. It’s crazy! I know! You just have to find them. And that’s a topic for another post. ;)

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How often should I post?

Once a day, three times a week, once a month? Whatever works for you and your family. Let me say that again… whatever works for YOU and YOUR FAMILY.

I’m so lucky to have a great husband and family that understand tolerate my decorating A.D.D. and actually encourage me to keep up with my crazy busy life. It’s so easy to get started and then you’re  finding yourself in front of the computer every night for hours. Hello blogger burn-out!

Set realistic goals, for yourself and for your family.

You will learn so much more!

I like anything that keeps me thinking and I like a challenge. When I started blogging, it didn’t take long to realize that there is so much to learn about. You don’t have to be an expert in any particular field to be a blogger, but you do need to be willing to learn and research your niche. Never stop learning.

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Let your ego go.

Never fails… you finally write your “best post ever” and hit that publish button and wait. and wait. *Crickets*

Blogging can be very humbling. As much as it can be a great place of community and support, you can also feel like the smallest person on earth in comparison to some of the bigger bloggers. Don’t compare yourself, okay? ‘Nuf said.

The post that you think is your best ever either a) has yet to be discovered on the web  or b) might have already been done.

But you know what hasn’t been done? It hasn’t been written by you, in your words, your perspective.

If you want to be a successful blogger, let the ego go and let other’s help you.

Don’t blog for the money.

Lots of people hope to make money with a blog. And that’s fine, but don’t start your blog with the intention that you will make any profit off of it. It takes a long time to make money with a blog and it’s more important that you focus on writing, on your purpose, and finding balance with it all. Just enjoy what you do.

And lastly,  Be Real! Be yourself. It’s easy to want to try to be like your favorite blogger, but think about WHY they are your favorite blogger. I’m betting because you feel a connection to them somehow. It’s because they are real people ike you and me. People want to to connect. They want to know that there is someone out there crazy like them and the only way you will ever be successful in blogging, is if you just be yourself.

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So, whether you want to help people solve a problem, market or promote your business, share your expertise, connect with people, friends, and family, or just find a new hobby – blogging can be very rewarding.

No matter what your reason is, do it for you.

I hope these tips have helped you in some way. And I’d love for you to share any questions or tips that you have in the comments below or by emailing me. I’ll be posting more tips soon on starting a blog and designing your site. Have a great weekend!

Other posts in this series:

Blog Design Tips

How to Get More Blog Comments

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