7 things I wish I knew before I started a blog

Now I don’t know about you, but back when I started this blog almost eight years ago. Yes EIGHT! I had no idea what would it would become. I’ve told this story before and you can read the longer version here. But I essentially started this blog to combine my passion for photography and writing. At the time there were already quite a few bloggers around. And despite the fact that it might seem like an overcrowded place right now. There’s still plenty of space to call your own in the blogosphere. So if you’re looking to start a blog, or are already a blogger. Then here are the 7 things I wish I knew before I started a blog.

NAIL YOUR NICHE

Think about what it is you want to write about. Is it fitness and exercise? Is it travel and food? Is it clothing and styling. Whatever it is, make sure you nail exactly what you want to deliver to your audience and do it – in every single piece of content. That way your audience will quickly learn what they can expect from you. And will know to come to you for advice, guidance or help on your chosen niche.

IT’S DEMANDING

Yes, this initially started as a hobby. But it was one of those hobbies that is all consuming. Even now, not a single day goes by without me thinking about my blog. The perception might be that all bloggers, or influencers do, is post outfit pictures and have brunch. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. There is so much work that goes on behind the scenes. From planning posts and keyword research, to styling and photography prepping and to social media management. It’s an all consuming, full on hobby. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

AUDIENCE APPRECAITION

Whether you have 10 blog readers or 10,000 blog readers. I can’t stress the importance of building and maintaining a relationship with you audience. It can feel overwhelming at times, but like their blog comments. Reply to their DMs. Take note of who interacts with you. Not only does a go a long way in building your tribe. But it can also help you have an understanding of who your audience is. And understand what they’ll want to see from you on your channels.

FIND YOUR WRITING SWEET SPOT

I feel like this is one the most important things I wish I knew before I started a blog. But you need to find that sweet spot of writing what you want to write about. And writing about what your audience wants to read from you. Unless you know your audience. And know your data you’re not going to know where that sweet spot is. But the sweet spot is crucial to be able to serve your audience what they want. And continue to write about what interests you. Because if you don’t like you’re writing. How can you expect anyone to actually read it?

KEEP IT AUTHENTIC

It can be tempting when the sponsored post offers come rolling in, to sell yourself out for the big bucks. I mean who doesn’t want to be paid for something they love doing? But there’s a thin line between being sponsored to write about something you genuinely love and something your audience would naturally interact with. To just posting sponsored post, after sponsored post. On topics that don’t mean much to you or your audience.

YOU WILL NEED HELP

As much as we like to think we can do it all. The reality is we can. Just not very well. Setting up, running and maintaining a blog is hard work. And for most of us, it requires us to learn a whole new skill set. Luckily for us though there is Google (thank God!). And also a whole community of bloggers out there who are a little further along in their blogging journeys. Who can share their tips, best practices, and just general guidance and support as we navigate through the blogsophere. So while you will need help. Whether that’s from website design or photography. Just know that there are so many amazing members of the community willing to point you in the right direction.

IT’S THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD

Starting this blog, was without a doubt one of the things I’m most proud of in my life. I started a blog because I wanted to. I wanted to combine my passions and create a little space to call my own on the internet. And eight years later, it’s still going. I still have thousands of new and regular readers reading my ramblings every single month. And that makes me incredibly happy, and also proud of myself for doing it. This little blog is all me. I taught myself everything – thanks Google! I’m still learning things everyday but I’m incredibly proud to have built this little space.

So there you have it. The 7 things I wish I knew before I started a blog. If you’re a fellow blogger let me know in the comments below what things you wish you had known before you started your blogs. And if you’re a blogger. Remember it’s not to late to start your own if you’ve got a passion you want to share!