I started my first blog way back in 2004, but I really started taking it seriously a few years later and have been blogging on a regular basis ever since. Over the years I have learned so much being a blogger. There is always so much to learn, even if you have been blogging for a while.
As I look back over the years, here are 10 things I have learned from life as a blogger:
1. Blogging is work
Blogging is fun, but blogging is also work. There are a lot of tasks we bloggers have to do each and every day beyond writing a blog post. Once we write the post, we need to share it on social media. We also need to keep our social media accounts going and connect with our readers. We need to come up with ideas on a daily basis and all of that can be a bit exhausting at times.
2. You will have true fans
As a blogger, you will start to gain true fans. These are the people your blog is for. They will support you, read what you write, and come back for more. They will be the ones who share you on social media and the ones that will be your biggest fans.
3. Not everyone will like what you write
You have your fans, but you also will have people who don’t like what you are writing about. And sometimes it doesn’t matter if it is not a controversial topic. Some people just like to comment on anything they don’t agree with. This doesn’t always make a lot of sense. Focus on writing for your true fans.
4. Blogging friends are the best
Meeting other bloggers is one of the best things about being a blogger. They have so much to teach us. Whether you only meet them online in a Facebook group or on Twitter or you meet them in person in your local community or blogging conference. Be friendly, offer to help, and connect.
5. Don’t be afraid to try something new
Don’t be afraid to get out there and try something new. Play around with different ideas and be creative. You never know when that thing you tried will take you to the next level.
6. Not all blogging advice is worth following
Not all blogging advice is worth following. Take everything you read, even on this blog, and make sure the advice will work for you. Part of the reason there are so many different types of advice out there is that there are different ways to do things. You have to figure out what works for you.
7. Taxes are important
Taxes are a big deal for bloggers. Yes, you do have to pay them. Yes, you do have to claim all of the freebies you get from brands. Yes, you do have to figure out what you owe. Don’t ignore taxes.
8. Always write down your ideas
When you get a new idea for your blog, write it down. You might forget the idea later. Trust me. Sometimes you will feel more inspired than others so your list of ideas will come in handy for those days when nothing is flowing.
9. Don’t be afraid of a challenge
Sometimes you will be offered an opportunity that seems out of your comfort zone. Say yes anyway and then work to figure it out. You will add a new skill and learn a lot about yourself in the process.
10. You don’t have to spend a lot to get started
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started. Try to stick to a small budget until you are making enough money to increase it. Don’t overspend and be careful about where your money is going.