So you want to be a blogger. You’re smart, witty and determined! You have something that you’re relentlessly passionate about. You want to share that something that you’re so passionate about with the world. Maybe it’s your grandma’s secret family recipes that have been passed down from generations from the old county. Perhaps you’re a vagabond endlessly traveling across the globe and you want to share your journey with others. Or maybe you work nights and on your nights off, and writing seemed to be more normal than talking to yourself. Whatever the case is before you start your blogging journey you need to ask yourself this one question. What do you want to accomplish and get out of it?
If your answer to this question is I hope to make money and have lots of people read and hear what I have to say. You need to prepare yourself for this one undeniable fact. You will spend substantially more time promoting your site then you will ever write for it. Easily by a 10 to 1 ratio. That might even be a slight understatement if truth be told.
As I said before in this post, blogging success is measured in feet not miles. It’s going to take a lot of time and a massive effort on your part to make your goal a reality. You have to resign yourself to the fact these not the movies. If you build it they won’t come. They won’t know to come until you tell them to, That is the hard thing as any blogger will tell you.
The fact of the matter is if not actively and daily promoting your site, nobody is going to see it. Your site does not care about your kids, your job or your personal relationships. It’s not something you can just work on when you get the time on Sunday night. It’s a petulant child that needs constant attention to grow. That is the reality. If you don’t commit to it fully and on a daily basis you might be better off just talking yourself.
Popularity and financial success as a blogger come at a price. That price is your time today and every day for a slightly better next week. So the question is do you have the time?
July 29, 2018 @ 8:01 am
Great post Keith. Blogging is like this, it takes up all your time like motherhood. And everytime you feel like something is needed to be done. This portrays the exact feel of blogging.
July 29, 2018 @ 9:17 am
This is so true. When I first started my blog I was working full time and then working full time again on my blog. It’s more than just writing about what you love. As a DIY blogger I design projects, take photos, edit photos, write copy, manage social media, solicit sponsors and manage ads, market my blog – it’s never ending and you have to be ready to wear all the hats when you’re starting out.
July 30, 2018 @ 7:11 am
I totally agree with the points stated in the article. Blogging is more having patient and working hard at promoting and writing quality posts. It is not an instant success thing. You have to be ready to put in countless hours of promoting your content to reach the desired audience.
August 8, 2018 @ 7:33 am
Yes, I am finding blogging takes up more and more time- including the advertising of products on it. I use affiliate links. But I do still have the passion for blogging. I love the part when its finished and you are just adding some nice photos (the fun bit for me). And then someone writes a lovelly comment, usually on Facebook (what the) on your blog post. Nice
August 8, 2018 @ 7:16 pm
I agree, currently working on my blog 60+ hours a week, it is a lot of work, but the rewards are endless.
August 12, 2018 @ 6:23 pm
Amen, brother!!
Keith, you hit the nail on the head….it’s a LOT of work. But…I wanna do it, so i keep on, even when I don’t see much happening—because I believe someday I WILL see a LOT happening.
Blessings—and thanks again for all you do!!
Cindy, DIY Bohemian
August 13, 2018 @ 3:55 pm
I couldn’t agree with you more. I think many people don’t realize that blogging takes more time and effort that you think.
August 17, 2018 @ 6:15 pm
I’ve just started blogging and this post has a lot of great info on blogging and being a blogger.