I posted my first blog post in August 2015, so it’s been just over three years since I first hit the publish button. At the time, I wanted a way of sharing my writing with family and friends without having to show them my novels, and this seemed like the perfect way of doing it.
If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you might be surprised to know that I didn’t even have my autism diagnosis when I first started writing. It came shortly afterwards, and after a matter of months, became something I enjoy blogging about regularly.
In the last three years—the last eighteen months in particular—I’ve learnt a lot about blogging. I could probably sit here all day talking about everything I’ve learnt, but for the sake of everyone’s sanity, I’ll focus on the most important things.
Consistency Is Key To Growth
You might be looking at my blog wondering why I think I have the authority to speak about this. In three years of blogging, I’ve had very short bouts of consistency, and it never lasts.
Whether it’s mental health, college work, or job assignments, something always seems to take priority. What’s the saying, though? Do as I say and not as I do? That’s it.
Hear me out.
I write this from experience. In the times I’ve managed to post more regularly, at least once a week, my traffic grew immensely. Not only that, but the support I received from other bloggers grew, too.
While in the past consistency has never been something I’ve stuck to, I’m determined to do better. I’m now freelancing full time, so finding the time to write a blog post here and there shouldn’t be too hard.
Social Media Is SO Important
If you’re serious about making blogging work for you, then getting active on social media is the best thing you can do. Writing a blog post is all well and good, but nobody will know it exists unless you make them aware of it.
A lot of people think social media is something that you use to talk to your friends, and while it is that, it can also be so much more. It’s a great promotion tool for many bloggers and helps to get your posts noticed by other people. I’m sure I’m not the only blogger willing to admit that I spend far more time promoting my blog posts than I do writing them.
If you’re new to blogging, you might be wondering which social media websites you should focus on. In three years of blogging, I’ve used numerous different websites. If I’ve learnt anything, it’s that different things will work for different people.
Personally, I’ve found most of my success this year with Twitter and Pinterest. I do also share appropriate blog posts on Reddit occasionally, which can give your stats a massive boost if done well (and sparingly).
There are advice posts about using pretty much every social media site imaginable to promote your blog, though. It might be worth doing some research to find some that work for you.
The Blogging Community Is Super Supportive
One mistake a lot of people make when they first start blogging is viewing other bloggers as competition. If three years of blogging has taught me anything it’s that this probably won’t get you very far.
Instead, treat other members of the blogging community as your colleagues. You won’t get along with everyone in the community, but that goes for everything. Will it really hurt to remain civil?
You’ll find supportive blogging communities on whichever social media website you join, but I have a soft spot for Twitter. Earlier this year, I was locked out of my account with no explanation and no way of contacting Twitter directly. When I gave up and restarted my account, bloggers rallied around to help me feel accepted again. It was something I’ve never experienced before, and something I’m so grateful for.
I’ve also started being more supportive on my new Twitter account, and it’s made such a difference. It doesn’t take much to reply to a tweet when someone asks a question or reaches a new milestone. Blogging can be extremely lonely, so taking steps to involve yourself in the community can really help.
Blogging Is Hard
A lot of people have this misconception that all bloggers do is write a blog post and hit the publish button, but blogging is so much more than that. Whether you blog as a hobby or a job, you’re often balancing several different jobs at once. This includes marketing your blog, updating it, taking photographs, promoting it, and maybe even negotiating with brands.
Don’t get me wrong, I love blogging. I love writing and sharing what I produce with the world. The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, however, means that bloggers are often working harder than people believe.
People Will Be Negative Regardless Of What You Do
After three years of blogging, running into the occasional hate comment is to be expected. People always feel more powerful behind a screen, and may not think so much about how what they’re saying affects the person on the other side.
I’m not the most popular blogger out there, but I have received several nasty comments over the last three years. Unfortunately, a lot of them seem to be on my autism-related posts, which is a shame when I’m trying to do something positive.
If I’ve learnt anything about these people, though, it’s that the best thing to do is ignore them. They’re looking for a reaction, and the last thing you want to do is add fuel to the fire. Instead, walk away, and only come back to your comment section when you’re calm enough to delete the comment altogether. Why should someone’s comment see the light of day when they have nothing positive to say?
On the occasion that a comment hits me harder than I’d like to admit, I’ll revisit the blog post someone has commented on and read through some of the positive comments I’ve received. It helps to remind me that other people have found my content helpful, even if that one person didn’t.
Blogging Can Take You In Many Different Directions
When I first started blogging in 2015, it was always going to be a hobby for me. I knew there were other, bigger bloggers who made money from it, but I didn’t think I’d ever be one of them. I’m not claiming I’ll ever be raking it in, but it would be nice to try and earn back some of the money I’ve spent on my domain and hosting in the past couple of years.
Blogging also influenced my future when I realised that university wasn’t going to be an option for me. I was feeling lost and fearful of my future when I realised that I had the skills I needed to start a new career path. I’m now using what three years of blogging has taught me to kick start my own freelancing career. I’ve still got a long way to go, and lots to learn, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made this far.
Something else I never envisioned I’d do when I started blogging was raising awareness for autism. I didn’t even know I had it, and the thought of going public about something like that scared me to death. I’m glad I did, though, as I’ve received lots of comments from people around the world saying I’ve helped open their eyes to something they knew little about before. I’ve also been contacted to take part in several research opportunities, which is always nice.
There Are No Rules
Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned in three years of blogging is that there are no rules when it comes to blogging. I spent so long trying to follow rules I’d read in countless advice articles that I got confused, and it really took the fun out of blogging. Since letting go of these, I’ve enjoyed blogging a lot more, and it’s been fun discovering what works for me.
Follow me on social media to keep up to date with my latest posts & extra content
Well said. And don’t be afraid to keep saying it! I started in 2010, and it’s still one of the main drivers that gets me out of bed in the morning.
Thank you! Congrats on eight years of blogging–that’s amazing!
I liked your post about what you have learned in 3 yrs. of blogging. I agree blogging is hard and consistency is the key. Yes, social media is also important and a blogging community is truly a blessing.
Thank you! Blogging is definitely one of the hardest things I’ve done, even though I really enjoy it. There’s no way I’d still be at it three years later if it wasn’t for the support of the blogging community!
Consistency is the key to growth is the most IMPORTANT thing I have learnt, only over the last year or so though! I’ve been blogging since 2013 and only when I started posting regularly and keeping to a schedule did I start to see some real, significant growth in my views and my followers! All these points are spot on – social media is really really important too 🙂 xxx
Thank you for your lovely comment! It feels like there’s so much more understanding about consistency and blogging/being online in the last year or so, and I’m so grateful. It definitely helps new bloggers understand the importance of it!
Found myself nodding my head at all of these points! I’ve seen such a difference in my blog success now that I’m consistent and use social media more effectively. It’s difficult and time-consuming don’t get me wrong, but so rewarding when you see people reading & commenting all the time.
Megan //
Thank you; I’m glad you agreed with the points I’ve made. It’s definitely time consuming to stick to a schedule, but so worth it!
Great piece- I’m just getting started so it’s nice to learn from those who are more experienced!
Thank you! I’m glad I was able to teach you something. Best of luck with your blogging journey.
You know what? Consistency is totally a key. I see it now when I got back into blogging, my traffic and followers grow visibly.
I also agree about social media. I use Twitter for my promotion, but I’m thinking about also using Pinterest for that purpose.
Oh, 100%. Things as so much better for me blog-wise when I’m consistent in my uploads. I’m hoping to get ahead on blog posts and start posting consistently, but lots of work came in after I posted this blog post, so I had to prioritise. I’m hoping to sort it out soon, though!
Pinterest is so good. I’ve linked a post I wrote about Pinterest a while back, but you can also view it if you click on my blog directly. I’d definitely recommend it!
First of all- Congrats on 3 years of blogging!! that’s such an achievement in itself, such great tips, especially consistency and the importance of social media – both are soo valuable when it comes to blogging and getting stats booming! Thanks for sharing x
Thank you so much! It’s not always been easy and I’m nowhere near the best blogger out there, but I’ve really enjoyed the journey. Consistency and social media are definitely the way to go to improve traffic, I agree!
I completely agree with everything you’ve said here! I love how supportive the blogging community is especially on Twitter. Also I know how important consistency is which is why I stress so much if I don’t have post ideas or posts scheduled in time! Blogging can be such hard work sometimes
Jess
xx
Thank you! The blogging community on Twitter is seriously something else, isn’t it? I’m much the same, but as you can probably tell, that doesn’t stop me from going so long that people are probably questioning what my schedule even IS. To be honest, so am I at this point. Blogging can definitely be hard work, but as long as you’re enjoying it, you’re doing something right.
Congratulations on 3 years my lovely! I celebrated 3 years in March and it is amazing how much you learn! I totally agree that social media is so important!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Thank you so much! It’s lovely to hear from someone who is at a similar stage of blogging to myself. Congratulations on your own three year anniversary, too!
Yesss! I agree with everything! Also every blogger is different and should go at their own pace. But consistency is definitely key! Xo
Thank you. I agree that every blogger is different, and I’ve definitely taken things at my own pace in the last three years. Everyone has a different journey so comparing yourself to someone else is totally pointless!
That’s amazing! 💕 3 years of blogging! That’s such an achievement in itself. You have definitely learned a lot and definitely carrying a lot of wisdom. I have learned that consistency has helped me. I have been posting regularly for the past few weeks 2/3 times a week and I have seen an improvement. Organisation and planning has definitely helped. Blogging can be hard but the community has been so supportive. Congratulations on 3 years of blogging! 💕xx
Thank you! It’s been a long journey but I’m excited to learn even more about the process as the years go on and the world of blogging continues to change. Congratulations on managing to find a schedule that works for you; that’s great news! Writing consistently is something I’ve always struggled with myself, but the community definitely helps in terms of motivation when I’m feeling low!
Yeah it’s only been recently I have been consistent, but it’s whatever works for each person. Yeah the community is so helpful x
Yeah, I think it’s so important to note that different things work for different people! I love the blogging community.
I love this! Consistency is definitely key, and I didn’t realise how important social media was until I started! I honestly don’t think my blog would be anywhere without it!
Jas xx | https://thoughtsfromjasmine.co.uk
Thank you! Social media is definitely a different world when you use it to market yourself as opposed to using it solely for fun or connecting with friends. In the year I didn’t know about social media for blogging, my blog got nowhere, so I definitely think it can really limit your success if you don’t know about it.
All of these were so true! We all support each other, and some of the best suggestions/tips I have been given in life have come from my blogging friends. Keep doing you!
http://www.amysbooketlist.blogspot.com
Thank you! I definitely agree that blogging friends are the best for giving advice.
Thank for sharing this and Happy 3 years to you. Blogging is hard and does require a lot of patience, creativity and effort to be able to operate or manage it effectively. Another thing is social media is your best friend as this is where I get most of my traffic from, I need to check Reddit as I never have thought this could be another source of traffic. Thanks for your tips.
Thank you. I agree with everything you’ve said. I’m quite a creative person but trying to consistently come up with ideas and pressuring yourself to come up with them all the time can definitely be difficult. Good luck with Reddit if you do check it out!
congrats on 3 years! loved this! i just relaunched my blog (after only sticking to it for a few months the last time around) & this gives me a boost in motivation! & loved the reminder that there are no rules, because it’s true. there are so many people who will say “x” is the way to go, while others will say “y” actually is – so really, you just have to do what you want!
– cassy | blissfullyher.com
Thank you! Best of luck with your relaunch. I’m glad this post was able to give you some motivation. I’ve seen that so many times; going after what you want, or what you know works for you, is definitely the best way to go about it.
Congratulations on 3 years of blogging – that’s brilliant and what a fantastic member of the community you are! 😍 I completely agree with these. I especially like the last one about there being no rules!
Aw, Ruth, thank you so much! You’ve proper made me smile. The last one is definitely incredibly important to remember. We all have our own journey’s in the blogging world, and it’s important to remember that.
Congratulations and thanks for being an inspiration to us newbies! It’s great to read about your success and how you have dealt with things along your journey. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow, thank you; that’s really kind of you to say. Thanks for reading.
Really good advice, Rebekah, thanks for sharing. I’ve been a freelance writer for 11 years but only just started blogging for myself again after a really long break. I feel like it’s a new world out there!
Thank you so much. I’ve only been freelancing for 6 months and I’ve noticed that blogging for yourself and writing blog posts/articles/content marketing for other companies are SO much different! Things have definitely changed a lot recently in the blogging world, but I love the constant learning experiences that you need to engage in to keep up to date with the blogging world.
This is such a fantastic post Rebekah, thank you so much for sharing! Congratulations on three years of blogging, that is such an impressive achievement, and I’m glad to see you are still going strong! Well done on using your blogging skills to launch your freelance career, that is so inspirational to read and something I’d like to consider for the future too.
Consistency is such an important one, it’s always good to post fresh content each week as it keeps readers coming back regularly. It’s brilliant that your blog has opened so many doors for you, especially getting involved with research opportunities, well done! I 100% agree, social media is such a fantastic tool for bloggers and the community on Twitter is wonderfully supportive and friendly. I love that you mention there is no rules to blogging, this is so true. I think the less we follow a set of rules, the more fun, enjoyable and creative blogging becomes!
Thank you so much for sharing all your helpful tips lovely, I wish you all the best on your blogging journey and in your freelance career too! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely comment.
The skills you learn from blogging are so invaluable when it comes to freelance writing. There are so many different career paths you can choose, from ordinary copywriting to SEO content writing, so there really is something for everyone! I’ve been doing it for eight months now and I don’t think I’d have gotten as far as I have (though I’m still quite a newbie!) if it wasn’t for the skills I learned while engaging in a hobby.
I’m glad you agreed with the points I made in the article! I completely agree that blogging should be all about following your own path; after all, it’s meant to be creative.
Thanks again! I wish you the best of luck regarding starting your freelance career, and continuing to grow your blog!
Hello, I’m a brand new blogger. Your article was great and it helped me to feel like I’m not so alone in this blogging world. I especially liked your last part about there being no rules. I’ve been so caught up in trying to follow those so-called rules that it’s been giving me anxiety. I feel like I’ve been given permission to relax.
Wow, welcome to the community! I’m glad you found this article useful. The no rules thing is certainly something to bare in mind, especially as a new blogger. Like I mentioned, it’s so easy to get sidetracked because articles spout different rules and it’s confusing knowing which ones to follow, but blogging is so individualised. Just because a method worked for one person, it doesn’t mean the same will work for you. I wish you the best of luck with your blogging journey in the future!
Thanks a lot for sharing this post, your post is truly inspiring for new bloggers like me, thank you so much , keep posting
Thank you for reading, and welcome to the blogging community!
Great post! Blogging is my favorite part of my day to day activities. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Thank you so much! Blogging’s great, isn’t it?
Congratulations on reaching your 3 year anniversary of blogging! I’m working on my consistency – posting regularly, on my blog and on social media!
Thank you so much! It was a few months ago now, and I’m still in slight belief that I’ve managed to make it this far. Best of luck with being more consistent; it’s one of my 2019 goals, too!
Great post! I’ve been a blogger since 2010 and it’s been in fits and spurts. I kind of abandoned my first blog when we moved back to New Zealand and I went working full time. It still defies my believe how much traffic I get to it despite not having blogged in years.
Now I’m starting all over again with a new blog and topic. I really enjoy writing – but I think it’s natural to have waves in it (like you mention with the consistency).
Thank you!
Still getting traffic on a blog you’ve abandoned is great, and shows that you’ve got an advantage when it comes to bringing in more views on your new blog.
I think waves are completely natural, that’s for sure, which is why I plan to schedule posts for times when I may not be feeling so creative. I write for a living as well, so I know the pain of trying to churn out an article when you aren’t feeling creatively driven in the slightest. Fingers crossed these precautions help!
I like the “there are no rules”. Because often times we can bottled up on the idea of how to blog. Following gurus creates a box around our creative brain, i think thinking i can do anything as long as it doesn’t harm anybody, broadens out creative reach.
Thank you. I completely agree with you; blogging is supposed to be a creative release, and following too many rules can lead to feeling disheartened and demotivated because it doesn’t necessarily feel like a hobby anymore.
Hi Rebekah, first of all thank you for all the information you provided, this is priceless to me since I´m a new blogger with virtually no followers.
I know exactly what you mean when you mention how supportive other bloggers can be, I just joined my first group two days ago and I can already feel how this community embraces you! It is amazing, especially because I felt like a ghost before I found you guys, I feel like I´m making contact with the real world for the very first time.
I would love to know more about Twitter, I have zero followers on Twitter and I have no idea how to work it, do you have a especific post about it?
Finally I would like to congratulate you for being brave enough to share your story and struggle with us, readers.
I loved your style!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Everyone starts from somewhere, but by the looks of it, you’re well on your way to becoming a part of the blogging community. I’ve recently reinvested in Facebook Groups and I definitely agree that they can give you a great sense of community. Having a real input in these communities, through asking and answering questions, is something I really love to do.
I don’t currently have a specific blog post for Twitter (I’m not an expert at it myself), but this one by Ruth is a really useful place to start. I also have a social media pinterest board with a specific ‘Twitter’ section, full of useful blog posts.
Well said Rebekah! Blogging should be fun and personal without all the rules. If we end up making money while doing that, it doesn’t get better than that. I agree with you the Blogging Community is amazingly supportive. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Doug. I definitely think there’s a way of making money without losing your integrity, and your readers will thank you for it if you manage to do it.
Cheers to ignoring the naysayers! This month marks my sixth month and I still write what I want no matter how much I want to make a career out of it. More power to you and happy blogging! =)
I can cheers to that! You can still definitely write about what you want and make a career out of your blog. I’m over three years into my blogging journey and I think I’ve only just determined the direction I want my blog to go into, so you have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do next. Happy blogging to you, too!
All of this is so true. As much as I love blogging, it’s definitely hard work. Consistency is really important but is something that can fall by the wayside when life and other priorities take over. I love social media, especially Twitter, for interacting with other bloggers. We definitely shouldn’t see each other as competition. Helping others is what it’s all about.
Nicola
http://nicshealthylife.co.uk
I think the hard work that goes into blogging is something lots of people don’t realise until you’ve thrown yourself into the deep end yourself. Consistency is something I’ve battled with a lot since I started blogging, but I’m determined to keep to it now. Fingers crossed! Helping others is also extremely important and, thankfully, something lots of people are beginning to understand.
Love this post! And I agree, Blogging can take you in so many different directions! I started a beauty blog a few years ago and now I have grown a business helping bloggers grow a successful blog.
-Maria |
Congratulations! That certainly is a big direction change. All the best with it.
When I first started, I had no idea how much was involved and it’s really only been in the last year that I’ve learnt even more. I love it though too.
I think everyone goes into freelancing a little bit ignorant to how it all works. I can totally relate to your experience of learning more as you go along. It’s one of the best parts about it.
Its been around seven months since I started blogging, but because I’ve been so inconsistent, I’m still at square one. Its disheartening when people look down on you for wanting to start a blog. They think its a waste of time, and the same people will waste their time posting selfies and silly statuses on their social media. Creative work rarely gets the attention it deserves.