Endless Bliss | Happy Lifestyle Blog: Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Blogging (Part 1).

Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Blogging (Part 1).

When I got serious about blogging, I had no idea that there was a whole vast world behind it. Once I finally dove in and got serious about blogging, I realized that I had so much to learn. 

As I always say, I'm definitely no expert, but I do like to share things that I have helped me grow as a blogger, so I want to share a few things that I wish I had known before I got serious about my blog.

Disclaimer: I'm no expert by any means. I just like sharing the things that have worked for me, and I'm crossing my fingers that if you take my advice, it will work for you too!

[1] PICK A BLOG NAME THAT YOU LOVE
Before you start blogging, think long and hard about a blog name that you want to keep long term. I changed my blog name about three times before I settled down on this one, and now I can't imagine changing it to anything else. Starting off with a name that you don't plan on changing down the road will be easier for so many reasons. 

1// When you create your social media accounts associated with your blog, you don't have to worry about changing your tags or  social media URLs. 

2// You won't confuse your followers. There are some blogs I followed that changed their name with no warning, and I assumed the fell off the face of the earth, come to find they just changed their name. 

3// You don't have to worry about buying a new domain name. I've never had to switch over a domain name because I didn't buy one until I settled on this blog name (luckily). I can only imagine how big of a hassle it would be. 

[2] DON'T EXPECT MONEY OR FREE STUFF
If you're looking at starting a blog for a get rich quick scheme or just to get free stuff, then blogging may not be for you. I you want to blog, you should do it for other reasons like your passion to write or share your thoughts on certain subjects with others. I never thought as blogging as a full-time job or anything like that. I didn't even know that was a thing until I really started dedicating myself to my blog. Earning money or getting free stuff from your blog is a perk if your blog does get to that point, but don't expect it all to happen right off the bat.

[3] YES, YOU SHOULD HAVE MULTIPLE SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES FOR YOUR BLOG
One of the beautiful things about social media is that there are so many of them, meaning that you can communicate with others in the way that you're most comfortable to do so. One of the burdens of social media is also that there are so many of them. It may seem inconvenient to have to keep up with so many social media accounts, but having accounts on the major social media sites gives your readers options. Most bloggers have Bloglovin, so that's a great way for bloggers to keep up with each other, but what about the people that aren't bloggers? Take the time to maintain social media accounts on all the major sites, namely Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. This will help further your blog's reach and gain readers from different avenues. 

[4] BLOGGING ISN'T A COMPETITION
It's so easy to get carried away comparing everything about your blog to other blogs. Whether its their layout, their content, their 'about me' section, or even the blogger, you're always going to feel like someone out there is doing it better than you. The important thing to remember is why you started blogging. Focus on yourself, your content, and growing your blog rather than trying to do what other bloggers are already out there doing. 

[5] DON'T BLOG FOR EVERYONE ELSE
Question for you: Why do you even want to start a blog? Once you answer that question, make it your mantra. Focus on that every time you sit down to blog. Remember that when you're blogging, you're blogging for yourself and not the rest of the world. Don't focus on the numbers, how many followers you have, how much money you're making. If you focus on that, your passion won't shine through, so focus on blogging for yourself, and you'll be surprised how quickly other people will connect with you. 

[6] DON'T APOLOGIZE FOR MISSING A DAY OF BLOGGING
Sometimes, you won't feel like writing. Sometimes, you go on vacation and you're away from a computer. Sometimes, you're having a grand time living your life. That's okay. You shouldn't feel obligated to blog every single day. You should want to want to blog every day. There's never any reason to apologize for missing a day.

[7] KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOLLOWERS AND READERS
I've seen blogs with 1000, 3000, or even 7000+ followers, but their blog posts only have 1-5 comments. It's great to have thousands of followers, but if no one is actually reading your content, then your followers aren't a legitimate representation of your blog's success. In my humble opinion, I would rather have lower numbers and more comments rather than higher numbers and little no comments. I love engaging with my readers, but if no one is commenting on my posts, then there's no one to actually engage with. So you have to decide what's more important to you: growing the number of followers you have or growing your actual readership. 

[8] SHARE THE LOVE
I've always said that blogging isn't just about sharing things that you want to say; it's also about connecting with others and reading about what others have to say too. If you really want to have a successful blog, reading and commenting on other blogs should be a part of your blog routine. Networking is key when it comes to running a successful blog, which brings me to my next point...

[9] JOIN A BLOGGING NETWORK
Or join a few of them. Most networks have a minimum amount of followers or page views in order for you to join. There are also lots of Facebook groups that you can join that don't have a minimum requirement. Look into joining those and start connecting with bloggers. Join networks that apply to your niche or join them based on location, age group, etc. This makes it easier for you to connect with bloggers that have the same interests as you.

[10] SIGN UP FOR GOOGLE ANALYTICS
I didn't even know what Google Analytics was for several months after I started blogging. I based my stats on my Blogger views, which I later learned was pretty inaccurate (ironically enough). When you're working with or trying to work with other brands, they often ask for stats, and many times, they request it from Google Analytics, because it's the most accurate. Sign up for it as soon as you start your blog to ensure that your blog's statistics are up-to-date.

Be looking out for part 2 of Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Blogging tomorrow!

What things do you wish you knew before you started blogging?

40 comments :

  1. Three. So much three! I can't believe it when I meet bloggers who don't have social media accounts.

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  2. Great tips! I've gone through the name changing and now I'm about to navigate switching domains, it is definitely a hassle! Do you recommend any specific blogging networks?
    xo


    Mel @ www.marevoli.com

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  3. This is great! I changed my blog's name about a year ago, and I will never, ever go back--it really is important to love the name since that is where your brand starts. Also, I wish I'd committed to social media a long time ago, but I just didn't see the need it in for the first three years I blogged. I'm on all the major channels now, and it has completely taken blogging to the next level! :)

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  4. These are awesome tips! I wish I'd started on the social media thing earlier--it would've been super helpful!

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  5. Excellent tips here. I wish I'd named my blog something else in the beginning. I still toy with the idea of re-branding in the new year. I'm working hard on #7.

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  6. These are good, I'm new and I'm soaking in every little piece of advise I can find! thanks!

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  7. These are great tips! I'm considering changing the name of my blog but haven't decided what yet. So for now I'm sticking with Uniquely College!

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  8. I want to grow my blog readership. That i why I participae in Facebook groups and blogging networks. It is a lot of work, but the only to grow you blog numbers is great content and then a great sharing campaign. Thanks for sharing.
    http://www.maryanderingcreatively.com/book-musings/book-musings-monday-god-made-light/

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  9. YES YES YES. To all of those things. You hit the nail on the heard big time with those points. Love it.

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  10. I love these tips! Like you, I had no idea I could get free stuff from blogging when I started and now it has turned into my full time job! I started my blog because I love to write. I'm very happy it has turned into a business, but that thought never even crossed my mind when I started it. I still blog because I have a love of writing and I think that plays a big part in why readers keep coming back.


    As far as readers vs. followers, I think it really depends on what your plan is for your blog. Followers have become just as important, if not more important, to brands when selecting bloggers for collaborations. So coming from a 'blogging as a business' perspective, I wouldn't say engagement is always most important. But I personally agree with you - I'd rather have engagement on my blog above anything else!

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  11. Great tips! Wish I'd known these tips before.

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  12. I love every single one of these things, Tiffany! They are so so true. I wish I had thought harder about my blog name but I have grown into it and love it now. There was a period I really wanted to switch but now, I've done so much branding that it seems like a waste to switch! Thanks for sharing these, they're great for new bloggers!

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  13. These are such wise words that I wish I had also known about blogging back when I first started out. You nailed those points right on the ball there. Good job, Tiffany ^_^

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  14. These are all wonderful tips, Tiffany! I read a LOOOOOTTTTT before I decided I was ready to launch my blog, and I'm still getting a handle on some things, but I feel like posts like these are invaluable to new bloggers - and sometimes the vets, also. :)

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  15. Wonderful tips Tiffany!!! I really wish I would have known that blogging took so much time. And that you don't have to blog everyday. Thank you for sharing :)

    http://neatly-packaged.com/

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  16. MOMentous Mom; PerfectionistNovember 17, 2014 at 9:13 PM

    These are fantastic for someone just starting out. I wish I thought of some of these. It took me a while and lots of trial and error finding the right blogging groups and such. A lot of these are also things to remind yourself of even if you are a veteran like don't compare yourself to everyone else.

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  17. I think blogging definitely is a lot of trial and error. Things that work for some bloggers don't work for others. They're all different animals. And yes, it's so so so important not to compare yourself to other bloggers, no matter how long you've been blogging.

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  18. You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the tips.

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  19. Thanks, Erica. That's amazing that you did a lot of research before you started blogging. I did none. I didn't realize blogging was such a huge world.

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  20. Thanks so much, Fatema. I wish I knew these things back when I first started blogging too.

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  21. I'm so happy you liked the tips, Madison. It's so important for you to like your blog name because it is the start of building your brand. That's great that you stuck with your blog name and now love it!

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  22. Thanks, Britnee! Happy you enjoyed them!

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  23. You are such an inspiration to me as a blogger, Megan! I would love to make blogging my full-time job. Like you, I love to write, and I'm so happy that I get to use my blog for an outlet of sorts. I think your love for writing shows in each of your blog posts! And of course your love for fashion. I definitely understand where you're coming from from the blogging for business perspective. I have very little experience in that department.

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  24. That's great! Facebook groups are definitely a way for you to grow your numbers. Another way would be to participate in giveaways! It's a great way to gain readers fast.

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  25. Thanks, Olivia! I love your blog name! I changed my name a few times before I settled on this one, so I understand how you can be going back and forth with wanting to change it.

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  26. You're welcome! I'm glad you found them helpful, Chelsea!

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  27. Thanks, Linda! I agree - I wish I had done more brainstorming before I settled on a blog name, but I'm happy I came to the name I have now, because I love it. #7 is huge!

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  28. I'm glad you think so, Farrah! I didn't start a Facebook page for my blog for about a year, and I really regret it!

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  29. I wish I had started my Facebook page earlier than I had. It took me about a year to decide to take the plunge and do it. Social media definitely makes a huge difference!

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  30. Luckily, I didn't buy my domain name until I chose this blog name, so I didn't experience the hassle of changing it. I hate that you're having to go through that! As far as networks, here are a few:

    Southern Girl Blogger Network (if you're in the south): https://www.facebook.com/southerngirlsblogcommunity

    Blog Love: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264071150463711/

    The SITS Girls: https://www.facebook.com/groups/462491780529442/

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  31. Yesss! Social media changes the blogging game for sure. It makes a huge difference.

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  32. Such great tips for all the bloggers who are just starting or want to start. :)

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  33. Great! I'm glad you think so, Jazmine!

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  34. Thanks for posting this! I've been blogging for ten years and have often tried to quit bc I never made enough income to have it as a full time job. I really do enjoy sharing music and interviews of talented people who would not otherwise have that exposure.

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  35. Ten years?! Wow! That's so awesome! I can't wait until I can say that. Congrats on that. That's great that you stuck with it even on the days that you felt like giving up. I find that sometimes I don't feel like writing, and on those days, I don't because I know my content won't be something I'm proud of. I would really like to blog and make a full-time income, but I don't see that in the cards anytime soon, unfortunately. That's great that you're able to share music and interviews of people that are up-and-comers! I would love to get into something like that. I love music!

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  36. Great stuff and I completely agree with the blogging name! I changed mine a few weeks ago to streamline to the rest of my social media accounts. I cannot believe why I didn't think of it sooner! :)

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  37. It makes a world of a difference! Congrats on your changes and good luck!

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