I received an email from a reader… a really long time ago requesting some tips for new bloggers. Dropped the ball on that one, but better late than never, right? I decided to split this up into at least two different parts – one being more about your writing, networking and handling the blog world, and the second having more practical tips about things like self-hosting, plug-ins, social media and more.
1. Don’t be afraid to change: I’ve been writing Peace Love & Oats for over two years now and over that time my blog has evolved tremendously, from my writing style, to the topics I cover and my attitude about many different things. It’s only expected since I’ve changed as a person over the past two years.
Every time I made a more obvious change, such as writing fewer What I Ate Wednesday posts, or cutting down to 4-5 posts per week, I’ve felt nervous about losing readers and having numbers drop. But I have to remind myself that I write this blog because I enjoy writing it, not because of numbers. You might lose readers by changing your style or other aspects of your blog, but the ones who stick around are the ones who are worth writing for.
2. Reach out to bloggers who you admire: If you have questions about blogging, how they got started, how they handle situations, definitely reach out to bloggers you admire and ask your questions! It never hurts to try, especially since most bloggers are really friendly women who would love to help you out. And don’t be insulted if you don’t get a response ASAP, they all have busy lives and sometimes take a while to get through their inbox. If you don’t hear back at all, I recommend trying one more time just in case you got sent to spam – this has happened to me before!
Running with Chelsey!
3. Network with bloggers in your area: I always get more inspired to write my own blog when I meet with readers or other bloggers. Search on Facebook and Google, or ask another local blogger about any blogger network groups in you area. I started a Facebook group for Healthy Living Bloggers here in Chicago to get people to know one another, as well as joined several other groups and networks in the area. And don’t worry if you don’t live a big city – you’d be surprised just how many bloggers are out there in the world!
Chicago Running Bloggers
One of my first ever blogger meet ups!
4. Don’t worry about being judged: Now this is a hard one – I actually had a conversation about this with my friend over the weekend because I was worried about being judged for something I was debating on writing about. She reminded me to just be myself and not spend so much time worrying about what other people thought of me. As long as I believe in myself and I’m living my own truth, that’s all that matters.
5. Remember that it’s just a blog: Continuing from #4 – don’t let your blog consume you. So what if you only have 10 readers? Or aren’t getting any comments? Or someone sent you a rude message? It’s a BLOG. It does not define who you are, and neither do the comments you receive. Your blog should be a part of your life – a creative outlet and a fun hobby – not your whole life. There is so much more to you than your blog, remember that!
If you’re a blogger, do you worry about making big changes, or being judged?
Have you ever met with a blogger or reader that you only knew online?
I worry about being judged, sure, but I worry about it in my everyday life anyway so that’s not really different! LOL
I’ve never met with anyone but I’m also fairly new to the blog scene anyway. Maybe I’ll meet someone in the future, maybe I won’t. I enjoy going back and forth with people online though.
I think I worry much more about being judged on my blog than real life!
I used to over think my blog and all of its details WAY too much. Now I’ve just learned to let it go, and it’s much more enjoyable that way. 🙂 Great tips!!
I agree – can’t let those things get to you!
Definitely some great tips! I do worry about being judged when I blog – for what I eat/how much, my workouts, my experiences, my general outlook on life or personality…but that’s a risk that you take with blogging. I like your note on it – just focus on being true to yourself and that’s all that matters.
Exactly, it’s a risk we all take as bloggers and hopefully we’re prepared for it!
I feel like I have had a ton more people reach out to me since moving to Chicago… it’s a bigger city than Minneapolis so it makes sense that I’d make more connections here. It definitely makes me more aware of what I post when I realize that people are actually reading my blog 😉 I love these tips, especially the one that we need to remember it is just a blog!
Haha I agree – I forget sometimes that there are lots of people actually reading my blog!
Great post! I definitely can identify with these tips. It’s soooo important to be yourself in the blog-world. I’ve never been able to meet with anyone from the blogging world but I also live in a very isolated place, SE Alaska. Originally from the Chicago-area though so maybe one day 🙂
Well you should come back and visit Chicago – tons of bloggers here!
My blog has changed SO much since I started writing it. I sometimes worry that people will look back on my old posts and think that I’m contradicting myself, but so far so good. It’s really easy to get caught up in the numbers of the blog (followers, views, comments), but I’ve learned to let go of those things and just enjoy!
I’m the same way, my blog is SO different from a year or two ago, I’ve considered going back and deleting things!
Great tips Katie! I especially like #5, sometimes I stress about being too busy to write a post or that my readers won’t like something I post about. And then I remember it’s MY blog and I can do and write about whatever I want! 😉
I have a hard time with this too – just not posting when I don’t have time or don’t have anything to say
Was I the one who sent you that email?!?! I feel like it was haha but thanks for the tips! AND yes lets get together in this pretty little city of ours! I plan on spending a bit of my time off in the next week and winter break from teaching checking out the Chicago French Market and such, let me know if you want to join me!
Oh I LOVE the french market! I would totally join you but I’m heading home for Thanksgiving!
I definitely feel like I may have been that email. Thanks for this post!
And I never commented on your “Eat the Pizza” post – but I have to say thanks for that! I’ve been thinking about it for a while and it was part of my inspiration for my post today. Keep it up!
Haha you did send the email! I’m glad you found my post helpful, thanks Alisha!
Katie, I loved this post!! Thanks for reminding us that it doesn’t matter how many readers we have and that it’s just a blog. In our hyper-competitive world, it helps to see such a healthy perspective 🙂 Keep blogging – I’ll read whether you post once a week or twenty!
Thank you, Dawn, I really appreciate hearing comments like that!
GREAT post babe! I get emails asking me the same thing alllllllll the time! way to step up and right a fab post 🙂 LOVE YOU
Aww thanks Meg!!! Love you too!
This is a great post and very common question(s). Love how positive you are =)
Thank you!!
Blogger meet-ups are the best! We are like instant friends :).
Haha exactly, so much in common!
I love this! And esp LOVE that last tip–it IS just a blog, and it’s key to remember that, esp when some mean comments roll in!
Exactly, thanks Annette!
You have some great advice (as always)! I tend to over-think blogging quite frequently and worry about what others think. Especially the comments thing! I’d love more reader interaction, but quite honestly, I have fun just writing the posts. If others enjoy it, great!
I had a hard time with comments when I started – I really wanted them but got very few. It can be hard when you want more feedback and interaction!
I feel like if you are blogging, you should know that you’re putting your life out there (if you choose to blog about your life) so people may come to judge you! I come to see your awesome adventures, fun eats, and more!! 😀 Blogging is a huge passion of mine and that’s why I do it! 🙂 I like to do with I LOVE and I LOVEEEEE meeting tons of new people and that’s exactly what blogging opens the doors for me to do!
I agree – I LOVE meeting people through blogging. That’s the best part!
GREAT post! I especially like the emphasis on being you and enjoying it. It doesn’t need to be pressure filled. It should be fun and do what works for you. My readership is a LOT less than when I was blogging all the time, but I’m way more fulfilled and that’s what matters. 🙂
Thanks, Tina!
Love this! I am new to blogging and already had a few days where I have felt guilty about not posting! This is a great reminder that puts things into perspective! Thank you!
Glad you liked it, Helen!
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