UPDATED FEB 2020. Well done – you started a blog. Firstly, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. You deserve to congratulate yourself for taking that first step into the blogosphere. If you are like me, you didn’t come into this an expert. You’re probably learning about all that blogging has to offer as you move along on your blog journey. In today’s post, I’m sharing 10 lessons learned in my first 2 months of blogging. Whoever and wherever you are whilst reading this, I hope they can be of use to you.
10 Lessons Learned in my First 2 Months of Blogging
1. It is time-consuming
Be prepared for that.
I work full time and didn’t realize just how much time you need to invest to help your blog get started (and grow).
Writing material, posting Instagram and Facebook updates, maintaining your website, pinning on Pinterest, and lots of research will all consume your spare time.
I have now mastered the skill of pinning as I am walking from place to place, or posting to Instagram as I wait for a meeting to start.
2. Grow, grow, grow
You will need to focus your efforts on blog exposure and growth.
Social media will be your primary source of exposure at first. Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter are all fantastic ways to get your blog out there.
It kind of feels like posting out into a void at first, but posting consistently helps to grow your accounts.
3. There are a gazillion cool blogs out there
During your research, your eyes will be opened to so many new and amazing blogs or pages.
There is someone out there writing a blog for just about everything!
It‘s so cool how the Internet can connect us like that and allow us to share our insights with others.
I am constantly impressed by the talents of others and am always telling my husband stories of bloggers, that I admire.
4. You don’t need a MacBook to be a blogger
Though you will think that when you are looking at other blogs with the endless product placement for MacBooks.
It’s just a trend – you can use whatever you have access to.
I don’t have Internet in my house – I know, I know – it is a crazy thought to process.
So I currently do my blogging at Starbucks in the evenings, accompanied by a Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher of course or at the community library – whatever works for you.
5. Have goals and dreams
Before you start, write down your dreams, goals and overall vision for the blog.
Answer topics like:
- what you want the blog to achieve
- who you want to reach
- what is the overall purpose
Refer to it often to help to keep you on track and aligned with your vision.
I did this when I started and find it so helpful to be reminded of the original vision.
Reading them takes me back to that day every time!
6. You need to maintain work-life balance
Even part-time bloggers like me need to remember this.
Take care of yourself and keep your work in check because it is very easy to get addicted to pinning, editing or researching.
Always work hard with a fierce, focused mindset but remember that the true richness of life lies outside of work.
Make sure you don’t neglect those areas.
7. It is a great opportunity to learn
Especially in the early days, it is a great time to explore your style and learn more about yourself.
Be bold and fearless without hesitation.
Stay true to yourself and be open to growing and you learn more and move through your blogging journey.
Always write what you feel, you don’t need to stick to one style or one topic.
Never stop reading and never stop learning.
8. One step at a time
I say never stop learning and it is true there is so much to learn about blogging.
It only takes a quick Pinterest search to discover that there is no shortage of blogging articles that may leave you overwhelmed very quickly.
Don’t sweat it – you are writing a blog, not a peer-reviewed thesis on curing cancer.
Just take it one step at a time.
One week focus your efforts on one topic e.g. Search Engine Optimization, then the next focus on a different topic.
Click here to follow my Pinterest board on blogging references which I have found helpful.
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9. There is content everywhere
Always be prepared with a pen and paper.
I like to keep a notebook with me to quickly write down thoughts on the go before I forget them.
Early on I got caught without my notebook and have a brainwave of ideas that I then wrote on napkins while sitting at the beach.
10. Pinterest will become your new bestie
Seriously.
You and Pinterest will be connected at the hip very soon.
There is so much information that it is a library of rich knowledge.
Firstly, it is a great resource to find information on how to blog. I recently wanted to add an anti-spam plugin on my site and after a quick Pinterest search and some reading of the articles, I had a solution figured out.
The same goes for everything blogging.
It is also a great resource to connect and link up with other bloggers too.
Don’t be too shy to leave meaningful comments when another blogger posts a fabulous article. Reach out to other bloggers you follow and join the community.
Overall thoughts on my first 2 months of blogging
Overall, with blogging you have the opportunity to share your voice and connect with others.
As long as you are willing to put the work in, it is a cool project to have.
I hope you’ve been able to learn something from these 10 lessons learned in my first 2 months of blogging.
Other posts you might enjoy
Embarrassing Blogging Mistakes – My 8 Biggest Fails As A Travel Blogger
How To Start A Successful Blog And Get Your Side Hustle Started
Working With Passion & The 7 Common Side Effects You Experience
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