At the round table discussion of the blogger get together, there were a few very important points that came up in writing and growing a blog. Since you couldn't all be there, I thought I would share a bit of the information.
We talked a bit about the post I did last week about the stress of blogging; and some other really important points.
-Use your tags and labels for your posts. That's how people randomly find you in random search engines.
-Use large or extra large pictures.
-Comment, comment, comment.
-Take a break if you need one. Post when you want. There really is no pressure but what you put on yourself. Goals like "I am going to post every day for a year." might just do you in.. for nothing...
- To show or not to show your kids is a personal choice. Just keep in mind who is reading you.
-Blog about what YOU want. It's your blog. And when you want. No pressure, no obligation.
and ...
Be wonderfully and authentically you... in everything. In your words, pictures, thoughts and how you decorate. Because you are fabulous just as you are, not someone else. Blog about what you want. That is how you find people of similar interests. That is how they are drawn to you and you make new and wonderful relationships. Don't worry about what other people say. Just do your thing. You might get an occasional negative comment. You might get crazy Russian spam. That's what the delete button is for. If they don't like something or are not happy;that's their problem, not yours.
When I first started blogging, I kept things light and happy and airy. I posted projects and crafts. I thought that's what people wanted to see. I didn't think they were interested in me or my emotions, and the mundane crumbs of daily life. Who wants to hear me complain?
But what I found is the more I have been myself; the more I have found true and lasting friends. I have found more of me too. That is what makes all of the difference in blogging, not being popular. Yes, there are blogs that have made it really really big, but is it worth it? What is the right balance?
And finally....Ignore the damn numbers.
Following is great because it's an easy way for people to subscribe, but don't let it affect your every day.
When you gain a follower be happy you have found someone else who is like-minded. When you lose one, shrug it off and realize if they aren't interested in what you have to show and say, it's not worth worrying about them.
and blog happy.
Jen
Thanks so much for that; I am a beginner and it's good information! I feel sometimes, how do I build my blog; what do I blog about and how come she has more followers than me?? :) I am so glad you had a good time I would love to be able to meet some fellow bloggers! I am trying to keep it real; I agree, that's what it should be about.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Jodi
These are very thoughtful and true tips - it can be so easy to lose sight of our true selves when we're behind the screen but it's only when we show our true selves and part of our true lives that we connect from the heart. Blogging can be extremely rewarding and I agree, it's your blog...be you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing ~
Really great tips! Thank you so much for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteEverything you said is so true. I found it out a year ago when I was struggling. You have to blog cause you love it. Not cause you feel like you are obligated to it. I still do miss your makeover parties though!
ReplyDeleteI love this, it's honest and real. I hope lots of bloggers read this, because right now it seems so many are consumed with trying to blog "just right". It sure sounds like you girls had a lot of fun. And shared some great advice, too!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Becky C
Thank you for sharing, it's helpful to know that it's OK to be real and not apologize for it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I appreciate your insight. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletePam
Great Post!! Lots of great info that I will definitely keep in mind!! Thanks for the insight and inspiration!! I try to keep it real everyday!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this! Thank you. So want to make it to a blog conference, thanks for posting for those who couldn't make it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing about blogging after your blog girls gathering. Good tips. Appreciated. Keeping it real is vital.
ReplyDelete- Joy
All wonderful thoughts. Thanks, girl. Loved this just as much as the last one on the same (well sort of) topic.
ReplyDeleteGotta be me! :)
While it's all well and good to feel popular while getting hundreds and even thousands of followers, I think it puts a lot of pressure on those bloggers. How can they possibly stay personable and answer all mail and comments? How do they manage to produce blog posts every single day? I realize that some of them do not work outside the home and they have a lot of free time, but it has still has to be difficult!
ReplyDeleteThere are bloggers who host large weekly parties and have to apologize to their readers for not having the time to visit all of the participants. Huh?
This is clearly a conundrum to me! I personally don't want to get so big that I can't answer all my comments. I'm committed to doing that, whether I have 20 comments or 75. I'm content with small numbers on a follow list. Like you, if someone signs up to follow, I'm happy that someone is like-minded. If someone chooses to un-follow- well, so be it. We all move on- I've done it myself.
But people can get so hung up on numbers and value their success on that, alone. Someone could have 1600 followers, but only get 20 comments per post. I blog for community interaction and would rather have a steady number of people who comment than a huge number of followers who never stop by to say a thing. I'm not here to impress anyone; I feel no obligation to put out mundane posts just to put myself out there; and I won't sacrifice my integrity just for the sake of popularity. To paraphrase an old cartoon character- "...I am who I am and I don't give a damn, I'm Popeye the sailor man..." Ok- just reaized that there are probably a lot people out there wondering who the heck I am talking about! LOL
Fantastic post today, Jennifer.
:-) Sue
Thanks for sharing...I appreciate a seasoned bloggers opinion and ideas!!! You really are an asset to this community!!! I read your post last week and really enjoyed your candor!
ReplyDeleteWords of wisdom for bloggers everywhere :) Thanks for sharing these tips! Destiny
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'll come back and re-read this from time to time so I don't forget.
ReplyDeleteMy Blog is totally a diary. I try not to concern myself with what others may think. If I did I would actually use my camera and not my cell phone for photos! LOL!
ReplyDeleteI don't worry about mentioning my child for two reasons, Mr. Theatre is a police officer and I am armed! LOL!
Thanks for the advice.
Thanks so much for the last two posts. Blogging has been an eyeopener for me. My friend who is there when I need a chat and a place where I leave my troubles behind.I've been blogging for a year now and can honestly say the benefits have been huge. All thanks to my friends out there!
ReplyDeleteAmen! Lovely photos!
ReplyDelete: )
Julie M.
Great post...thanks so much for sharing! Haven't done labels...don't know how, is it hard to set up?
ReplyDeleteJennifer, a post well done... You are so right Have a Beautiful Day
ReplyDelete~~Pattie~~
The Shabby Chick
Jen ~
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for
letting us in a bit on
your blogger gals get together ~
I bet it was just so much fun!!
I totally agree with what you said!!!
xoxo
Lori
thanks for sharing some of your take away moments from your get together.
ReplyDeletei love it!
This could not have been timelier. Yesterday a family member made me take down a blog entry that mentioned her offhandedly(she claimed it invaded her privacy), and I have been in the dumps ever since. Thank you for the encouragement. I am your latest follower.
ReplyDeleteJennie
www.jennieiswriting.blogspot
This is good advice! I need to take it. Thank you.
ReplyDelete-FringeGirl
Thanks, thanks, thanks...
ReplyDeleteYou shared so many truths about blogging, specially when you suggest large and xl pics, there is nothing more frustrating than to have to squint my eyes to look at details in pictures. I love your blog and both pics and content makes me want to come back. Great job!
ReplyDeletegreat advice. so bummed i missed it.
ReplyDeleteAMEN! All good points to make. I can't tell you how many blogs I've NOT followed because the pictures and/or print were just too small for my eyes. And I'm always encouraging bloggers to not worry about blogging every day. Good for you for this post.
ReplyDeleteWhat I've noticed lately is that some really good blogs are ending. I guess they felt pressure (self imposed) to produce something almost daily with numerous wonderful photos (that must have taken lots of time to edit) along with text or a tutorial. I hate to see them go and wish they'd just cut back...post weekly or even monthly instead of not at all.
ReplyDeleteSo well said.Do it for fun and be who you are.Blog when you are up to doing so.I laugh at myself.I am looking at soo many different blogs getting inspired.Pinterest is on the list too !I dont always make time to do my own.I do it when I m up to doing so.I love the most of blogging is new friendship and being in touch with what is out there.So many creative and wonderful caring people. I loved what you posted about.I always love stopping in.You have a bright and creative day..Chickie
ReplyDeleteThis was very informative. As a fairly new blogger I will find this all very helpful. Thanks Jennifer for sharing your experience with us.
ReplyDeleteBest~
Karen
Great tips and thanks for sharing. I have been thinking lots lately on giving up my blog. I'm not in it for the numbers or desiring huge popularity and only blog when I have the time or desire. But some days I just don't know if I should keep it up. Your previous post was great, and I'm trying to keep that in mind as I struggle with my decision.
ReplyDeleteVERY well put Jen!!!;) Thanks for sharing~ Hugs,Rachel
ReplyDeleteFrench Farmhouse 425
Such very good advice. Its all so common-sense, but I find that's sometimes the easiest thing to lose track of. Its so tempting to get lost in numbers of comments and subscribers and stats. Sometimes we all need a reminder that this is supposed to be fun and personal, not an attempt at a put-up job. The hardest thing in life is to be yourself!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who just started a blog I really appreciated your candid thoughts about stress and authenticity. Your blogging tips are great too.
ReplyDeleteThanks - Gold Shoe Girl
Great post, some I knew and some new ones, too! What a fun meeting of bloggers! ~Heidi
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Your blog is a great inspiration to me and as a reader I certainly don't care how many followers you have- I just like stopping by, seeing what you're up to and what fab things you have to share. To me, that's what blogging is all about! And if you want to complain sometimes go for it! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this post. Love it. Especially the part about how you tried to keep your blog "light and airy" but you learned to just be yourself and that has been more fulfilling. I do not not know one other blogger in real life so I really enjoyed reading about your discussion!
ReplyDeleteWOW what a great post....love it and can so relate to so many things you said!!!x0
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post. I enjoy blogging but I do have a few pet peeves, they are not serious enough to deter me from doing something that fulfills a need in my life and that I do only to make myself happy. I'm trying to keep blogging in perspective. I control how much time I put into it and what I get out of it. Its up to me to remember that.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post for a new blogger like myself. I feel like I am in a race to get more followers... but really who cares? This is a hobby and creative outlet for me. I love hearing comments from strangers and I love getting to peek into someone else's world through their blog. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteGreat, great, great stuff!! THX!!!
ReplyDeletem ^..^
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these tips.....so helpful for new bloggers like me to keep in mind. Especially the part about being yourself. I have to remember that.
ReplyDeleteWell said! I could not agree more.
ReplyDeleteGlad I found you!
xo~Jill
Such a frank and honest post - thanks Jennifer. And very enlightening. There are times I don't post as I feel I have nothing worth saying or no one will be interested enough to read it but it really doesn't matter does it? It's what I want to say, like it or not. Your post helped me a lot tonight as I have been debating whether to stop blogging all together. But if I enjoy it, and just that one person finds some interest in it - then why should I?!
ReplyDeleteThanks agian for this!
This was such a great post, Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteYes, very sound advice. It must be very undermining when people say hurtful things. One very successful blogger, that I follow, considered giving up her blog after negative comments were made. You have given me, as an inexperienced blogger, some very sound advice. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer- wow- what a great post! I can relate to so many things you brought up here- and I really appreciate the sweet reminders about blogging. I too didn't put much out about family, or things going on in my life- I thought people only wanted to read about decorating, or flea finds, re-do's, etc. But when my grandmother passed away a few months ago... I finally let a little bit out. I learned how many people out here in blogland truly are friends and how great this community is. Thanks for the great post. :)
ReplyDeleteThis was so encouraging. Thank you, I needed it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post Jennifer. Thanks so much for the invaluable information that you passed on to those of us not at the conference.
ReplyDeleteGretchen
Great post! I especially like the advice to be authentic and forget the numbers, tat is so key! And also: comment, comment, comment. So few people do, and it really is important!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
~Angela~
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey Jennifer, this was a great post. I agree with it all.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to know abit more about the labels and tags thing you mentioned though. What a label and tag is (I may be guessing wrong). I was under the assumption google picked up for certain the title and first sentence in a post and even abit further down the first paragraph. Didn't know about the rest!
I'd also like to add abit of insight after reading through your comments. Bloggers want numbers if that's the way their blogs are geared for income. Whether they sell something or have a campaign on board, you need hits to get paid. Earning income on a blog is not a bad word nor a bad thing. Just different than a pure hobby type of blog.
Donna
Great advice. I NEVER look at numbers since my blog is truly an online journal for ME. Somedays the post is about family, another day it's work, the next, things that bug me... I love the freedom of it. I also love having a place to save my pictures and an excuse to play with my camera.
ReplyDeleteI have a stressful enough job 10 hours a day...I don't need the pressure of a second one when I come home!
Do what you love - and forget about the rest!
I agree! After a surgery last fall and struggling to keep up with family, work and blog, I've realized that I am much happier if I just do what I can. I wish I could have attended your gathering, but didn't feel comfortable enough to be driving with my recovering foot! I enjoy blogging and want to keep it that way. Life first, then blog!
ReplyDeleteMary