I’ve been talking about what to think about before you dive into blogging. I recently covered Part I here, and Part II here, so these are the last questions I would think about if you are considering taking that leap into blogland.
Yes I know, lots of questions, but these are all of the questions I wish I had asked up front. So here we go…
11. How do you feel about rejection? If you’re okay with that, then you’re ahead of the game.
Generally my numbers go up, in fact I’ve had record-breaking numbers for 3 of the last 4 months, but sometimes my numbers just go down. Does it hurt my feelings? Oh it’s disappointing I would say, but no I don’t take it personally. I figure that maybe they came over here for sewing tips, and I haven’t shown them in awhile, or maybe they came over for a recipe and then realized I don’t post a lot of recipes. And just maybe people come over and don’t like me, but that really is OKAY too. Not everyone is going to like me. I’ve heard a statistic that 10% of the people are just not going to like you (or me).
The good news is that unless your topic is controversial, most readers will be very polite AND encouraging. I have never had a rude comment here. People have pointed out my misspellings (I’m not the best speller) but I actually like that. It means you read the post and that you care enough to help me. I decided a long time ago, that I would be difficult to offend.
One time someone on Facebook didn’t like a photo of mine. I realized that she had a right to her opinion, and that didn’t make me any less valuable. So because I was able to separate myself from the photo AND her opinion of it, I was able to smile and move on without getting upset. I also know that sometimes people lash out because they are upset about something totally different.
Please, please don’t get upset if someone doesn’t like something you have created. Just move on. You are not the thing you created. Nor should you allow someone else to define who you are, or what value you have. I know I was “fearfully and wonderfully made”, and so were YOU. And yes I know that right now I’m being a bit of a bossy pants, but someone needed to hear that today.
12. Are you prepared to be yourself? Be sure your readers know who you are. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. In my family I’m known for spilling things on my shirt. In fact when someone spills something on their shirt they say something like “Oh look, I pulled an ‘Anita’.” Ha, ha, even I think it’s funny. If I came on my blog and tried to act like I was perfect, you probably wouldn’t like me too much. I like knowing my friends have faults too. I think the things that make a good friend make for a good blogger as well.
Readers want to know what you are about, they want to connect with you. Say I am reading a blog post about how to make a wreath for my door. I want to hear how to make it, but also, what mistakes to avoid, and what goofy thing happened when you made it. I want to know if your dog stepped in the glue than sat in your favorite chair, or that the pine cones are delicate and need to be handled carefully, or that your husband noticed it, or didn’t (that would be me).
13. What’s your voice or writing style? Is your writing style funny, are you a story teller, do you like to engage readers? You will need to decide how you will write and do so consistently. I try to write in a way that brings out my personality. I would say the two things that characterize my style are that I try to be funny (I don’t always succeed) and I write about the world the way I see it, in a happy, romantic way. Sometimes I write about a sad event, but mostly what I have to say is upbeat. I write about the kind of stuff I would tell you, if you were on my back porch. And in many cases the readers that come to my blog become my friends. I share family secrets and don’t worry about looking goofy. The readers realize I don’t take myself too seriously and maybe they can relate to my mistakes.
I think bloggers sometimes lose readers when they start out writing in one style then switch to another one.
I was a high school Sunday School teacher for years, so I think about if what I am writing is something that I would want my former students to see. If it isn’t something I want them to see, I delete it. I also sometimes tease my friends here, but I have to be careful, because they can’t hear my tone of voice or see my facial expressions, so there aren’t as many clues that I am just teasing. I don’t want anything I say to be misconstrued as mean-spirited.
If I had to boil it down, my style is WYSIWYG, meaning “what you see is what you get.” In the end, I just try to be myself. That’s the easiest, and requires no effort when I write.
14. Do you like taking photos? You’ll need great photos. The internet is a very visual media. Reading a blog with no images, is like watching TV with no sound. Even if your photos aren’t exactly what you are writing about, it’s okay. I suppose I could have taken photos of myself blogging so they would be more relevant to my topic today, but they would be boring. Some days, I look at the clock and it’s 2 PM, and I am still at the computer in my pj’s. There, I said it out loud!
I also recommend that you use your own photos. Using photos you didn’t take can be risky even if you got them from a site that says they are free. Just my opinion here, but people aren’t interested in seeing photos you didn’t take. They want to see your photos, and know who you are. When you take the photo, it helps me to know you better. It helps me to understand how you see the world. So what if you aren’t the best photographer? I’ll be sharing my photography tips later. And besides, there are tons of blogs out there with photography tips.
There are also plenty of good books on photography that should help you to improve. Depending on your blog niche, your photos may not need to be professional quality. In the DIY, home design niche however, much of the photography is magazine quality.
15. Are you prepared for delayed gratification? The most successful bloggers have been blogging for years. It takes that long to build an audience. That’s why it’s so important that you enjoy the blogging process. If you don’t enjoy it, then you won’t be willing to keep at it until your blog succeeds. How will you know when your blog is a success? That definition is up to you. Some bloggers feel successful when they have 50 followers, while others need more followers, or use other metrics like the number of unique visitors a day or some other measure. One of my personal goals was to be a magazine, and that has happened. My next goal to start a business, and I’m working on that now. With the new house, it may be a bit longer before I can focus on a business though.
What are your thoughts? If you are a blogger, please share your opinions here.
If you are thinking about becoming a blogger, and questions 1 – 15 didn’t scare you off, then congratulations, I think you should start a blog!!
Any ideas about what you would like to hear about next? Blog design? Photography? Writing?
Anita,
As a new blogger, I found your tips very helpful and enlightening! I have already experienced rejection and I survived! Tears…
Question-should I buy a new camera to achieve a more professional look for my photos?
Celebrating my 6th anniversary today, Anita. Loved reading this post!
I’ve not had a mean comment in all these 6 years. Always try to use my own photos. Part of the reason I put BPM on my photos is so there is no mistaking they are from my camera…good bad or ugly.:-)
I believe my goal, 6 years ago, was to keep it simple, enjoy, and be myself.
I’ve had mentions in a couple publications. Something I never dreamed of. The blog was also featured in Site Seeing Romantic Homes. Wow! I was so happy about that.
I began the Back Porch when bloggy times were simpler. Still enjoy the process and plan to go on as long as possible.
Thanks so much for this series.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom (and emotional support)! As you know, I am very new, but I am having the best time writing the blog. I have long loved taking pictures, so it was a natural fit. I have been surprised by what posts are popular and what posts don’t seem to be. I’m learning! People like you make it much easier to “put myself out there”, Anita, please know that …and thank you!
Emily
Started blogging a few years ago.
This post brings everything to reality.
You post because you enjoy it…you want to share….have fun…..
It doesn’t matter what others think..
as long as you get what you want out of it.
Still having fun!!!!
Love these posts that you wrote about blogging. I recently this year started blogging but have had been on the internet as a hobby, or research and just plain boredom since you had to pay for the internet by the hour and if you spent more then one hour on here you were considered a freak. lol…I’m the kind of blogger who may post once or twice a week, but I’m hoping your posts reach more of the blogging community because soooo many people seem to think it’s their “duty” to post 2 or 3 times a day about nothing!…and to get an email from a “young” blogger who showing me a pic of her kitchen scrub brush saying this is all I will ever need to clean hard water stains?….They should put your blog posts out on CNN….LOL
This has been a good series, Anita! Your series has actually helped affirm why I blog and to continue on the path I’ve begun.
Mary Alice
Anita, you’re so kind and considerate that’s why I enjoy reading your blog! This series has been very insightful! I think of starting a blog but I already have a business with my husband that keeps me pretty busy and I’m working on “branching” out in other directions. Thanks for the reveal on the pj’s!
June 🙂
Anita, you did a great job with this post!
I started blogging just for fun. And then it moved into more of a serious thing and I’ve actually started my own business to go hand in hand with it. It still feels so funny to say I started a business! but i have all the paperwork to prove it – LOL!
You are so right about it taking so long to gain a large following. And it can be so easy to look at someone else and think it happened overnight for them. The fact is, at least in my case, they probably spent a lot more time and work on it if it has happened faster for them.
The rejection part can be difficult for me! I tend to obsess a little over a rude comment or someone disagreeing with me. I’m working on it, and it doesn’t happen often. It just seems like I can’t get it out of my mind when it does!
Thanks so much for the time and effort you put into this post and the previous ones about this!
I would love to see some photography tips – always looking to improve 🙂
You are funny in a subtle sort of way. And I think the subtlety makes you even funnier.
Bliss
This is a wonderful post! As a new blogger, your series has been very helpful and insightful! Thank you for taking the time to help us “newbies”! Love your blog!
I’d love to learn more about photography! I’m beginning to think my Cannon point and shoot just isn’t going to cut it!!
Have a wonderful day!
Angela
Good morning! THIS I like…a lot! It really puts it down in plain black & white for new bloggers or potential bloggers who want to dip that toe. As I sit here still in MY pajamas (yes, I have found myself doing just like you and sitting here from 7:30 through lunchtime just clackin’ away at the computer keys!), I am reassured there are still folks who honestly care about others’ feelings. The world of blogging IS a place you can get your feelings hurt if you don’t develop a thick skin right off the bat. I opened a fine rentals store some 14 years ago with the notion of “If you build it, they will come.” Ha! NOT! You are so right about that…Same thing applies to blogs. So my skin was thick already when I started my blog 2-1/2 years ago. And I have patiently built from the cornerstone up, making sure the foundation was strong and that each “brick” in the structure was as strong as the last. I have put myself out there…warts and all and found that warts can be funny! So, dear Anita, you have done a lot of hesitant potential bloggers or flustered new bloggers today. Score!!!!!!!! 🙂
All great advice. It is difficult to find the time to blog, run a business, manage a household, be a mom, wife etc so you better be passionate not only about your topic but about your blog as well. And be patient…best advice ever! It takes time to be discovered in blogland and then find anyone who takes their time to comment, share etc. Just keep plugging away…
Hey Anita. I so enjoyed reading your three part series here. I have been blogging for a couple of years now and have watched my followers slooowly grow. Sometimes 2 or 3 a week, but that’s okay. I figure if I am only getting a few at a time then those people must really like me. 🙂
I so agree about writing how you would speak. I do not want anyone to be surprised when they meet me at who I really am. I want to be real.
I love what you said about not putting anything out there that you would not want your former SS students to read. I so agree with that mindset. I keep that in mind in all that I write. I also try to make sure to never embarrass my husband or children. Gotta keep them happy with mama doing her blog.
Blessings friend.
I am not a blogger but when you said, “Nor should you allow someone else to define who you are, or what value you have. I know I was “fearfully and wonderfully made”, and so were YOU. And yes I know that right now I’m being a big of a bossy pants, but someone needed to hear that today” you spoke directly to me! Thanks.
Great post. I sometimes try to figure the secret of blogging out….why some are huge and others not….but basically, I blog for me. Having followers is an added bonus!
Thank you for this three-part post. The questions you asked are helpful and thought provoking. Blogging since last June, I’m getting a bit quicker now, and I feel great victory with each new “bloggy” thing I learn. However, I still have days when blogging is ALL I get done at home. A picture of me RIGHT NOW, sitting at my computer would be enough to scare potential readers away!
I DO love blogging. I love creating, picture taking, posting, reading comments from readers and when I am “featured” at someone’s party I feel like God is affirming that I do have something worth saying and that I should press on.
Of course I hope to continue growing my blog (for me) but I also hope that my blog will reach into the lives of others and offer some encouragement. That is my life really, to extend to others the grace that has been extended to me.
I am so thankful for quality blogs like yours that encourage and uplift others. You are a class act. Blessings to you, Patti
Thanks Anita, I’v been blogging for only 3 month now. I notice a lot of page views but it seems hard to actually get people to sign up and follow. So knowing that it takes years to build an audience is very helpful. Thanks for sharing this once again…New Blogger
http://littlebrags.blogspot.com
Anita…I can’t wait to get back to my blogging routine once we move and re-settle. It was cute to hear that you ssomeetimes stay in your pj’s ’til the afternoon because I’m a late afternoon pj wearing girl a lot of the time!
Miss partying with you…but, I’ll be back!
Hugs,
JP
Anita this is a wonderful series (and a kindness shared) that you’ve created with this series of posts!
So much sound, honest, insightful information that is of value and interest to both new and established bloggers. Tho I’m not brand new to blogging I’m enjoying all you’ve shared (and I’ve gathered some useful insights too) So again, thank you!
Hugs, Issy (who is also in deep trouble without spellcheck, lol)
I don’t blog but I could not help laughing when you talked about mentioning whether your husnabd notices what you did. I frequently make changes and wait to see how long it takes him to notice. I recently hung 2 brass platters in the bathroom. I had 2 already hanging so that made 4. It took him over a month to notice. MEN. I love him though he is not very observant. 🙂
Typing too fast. yikes.. I meant “husband”.
This is a great series Anita. Blogging is a lot of fun for me. I’ve lived long enough to develop a thick skin. I’m noncompetitive but I try to do my personnel best. I think that helps to keep blogging in perspective.
Great post and very informative. I have been a blogger for some time now and for the most part I have learned or knew most of what you posted and have followed those guidelines. The only one I do not always use is the photo rule. Now I often do, but I also mix in a lot of vintage (1800’s thru 1930’s) photographs to support what I am writing about… it has worked for me. I may not have the numbers as many other blogs, but I have loyal followers from all over and as my FB fan page is all about sharing these type images (among other things, including my own pictures) it ties in nicely … I found it did not make a difference in readers or comments ( I do not get a lot) when I tried switching just to my own photos, so I just try to do a healthy dose of both and make myself happy. I think number one thing is to blog for yourself, make yourself happy and the rest will follow.
I agree with you about the quality photos, so important! And being yourself, also important.
Anita so gracious and so you…you are a style for sure and a good one!
Great post- You spoke a lot of truths here and in the other two posts. I think a person needs to blog because they love it. If they make money on it- well, that’s the bonus. My own blog is a record of my life and times with my grands and I don’t do anyone thing in particular…so I am a bit off the board there. But, I have developed some wonderful friendships and feel lucky to have people that leave comments.
Great job here -especially for new bloggers- xo Diana
Great tips, Anita.
I don’t think I have ever had a mean comment, and I guess that means if I did and don’t remember, it didn’t bother me!!! I REALLY need to get more tech savvy. There are several things I don’t know how to do and need to learn. One is putting a watermark on my pics and the other is how to change my header!!!!!!!! I YI YI, I have to take a whole day and research til I can do it! I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!! XO, Pinky
This is a great series.
My post have a tendency not to be 100% me. I feel I have to spare people from the fact that I can talk about decorating, then jump to politics, then some other subject and finally back to decorating! My family can follow my constant left, right and u-turns in a conversation but the poor readers in blogland would be pulling there hair out!
As for rejection, I can handle it, but when someone is rude . . . it gets under my skin and well I am read to give them a good tongue lashing. 🙂
OH and pictures . . . those pictures! 🙁 I am not even going to go there.
Thank you, for writing this series.
Have a great evening.
Anita,
Dear friend, you are a “real” person…that’s why I love your blog!!! You love your Mr.CH, your daughters, your in~laws with a heart as big (or bigger) than your State!!! Your friends feel welcomed into your world everytime we open your post!!!
I started blogging because no~one was ready or responding to e~mails. Being encouraged by two Choir members, I started my own blog! My purpose was to encourage my Choir members and my customers from the Antique Store where I was formerly employed. My blog allowed them a glimpse into my own home and how I put heirlooms with newly aquired merchandise!
What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was opening myself to a whole new world of encouraging, loving,and supportive friendships with people from around the globe…many in my own Sunflower State!!!
I do so enjoy blogging and meeting new friends!!! So~o~o, that being said…I’m planning on being around for a time yet to come!!!
New adventures appear to be forth~coming on your horizon…I do hope you’ll take us along with you!!!
Fondly,
Pat
This is so well done and so spot on. I really do agree with everything you said. It is important to find your own voice, not try to emulate another persons style. To be true to yourself and remain authentic is what will in the end help a blog to grow. Also you cannot take things personal….you are so right. To me, the friendships, and the avenues and new chapters that blogging allows far outweighs any of the few negatives (if there are even any real ones). It does take a lot of time, way more than I think most anticipate but like with all things in life..if you really love and enjoy what you do, it will not feel like work at all. Well done!
I’ve really enjoyed reading this series, Anita! Your honesty is refreshing and I’ve enjoyed thinking about some of the things you have observed. You know I just love your blog!
Anita, this is a wonderful series. You’ve offered stellar advice, but that’s typical of you. I started HFTS in August of 2009. Didn’t even know much about what a blog was, but I had incredible support and help from two special bloggers, Debbie @ Confessions of a Plate Addict and Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch. Now I have over 700 followers that totally amazes me. I started my blog as a creative outlet and that’s what it remains for me today. That there are readers out there that I connect with makes it all the better. And the friendships that have come from the blogging community is the piece de resistance! Wow, I never anticipated that aspect of blogging. It’s the most incredible gift. Thanks for being one of those friends! ~ Sarah
Great post, and so on target. It reminds me to be myself…
Cindy
I’m coming up on my second blogiversary in May. I agree with so many things you have said. My biggest struggle is With the actual format, not posting or pictures, etc. I recently lost my whole Home Tour page while I was trying to change something and I so wish I had a computer savvy person to relieve the stress of that part! I envy the gals who change up their headers, re-arrange their sidebar, add drop down menus, etc, etc. My blog is not as interactive as I wish it could be for my small group of followers but I’m still working on improving it! I have some good blogging friends who have been really helpful with computer issues so that is a blessing!
I missed the first two posts so I’m heading over there to read them now! Wonderful advice Anita…Thanks!
I’ve been catching up with this series, Anita…a great read and lots of wonderful advice!
I love this post…you pretty much nailed it…this is such an inspiration to those who have been blogging for a while or wanting to start a blog…I could not agree with you more on all of the issues…thanks so much!!!
This was awesome Anita! I kind of wish I would have read it before starting to blog, but then maybe not. I may have been too scared to take the plunge. When I started blogging my photos were horrible and I was so unsure if I had enough skill in writing a post. I so agree that we have to be who we are in our posts because if you aren’t, we will certainly be found out sooner than later 🙂
I really loved this post!
This is a great post. I need to go back and read the beginning, but nice to know. People have been very kind to me so far, and I get all mushy over their kind words.
I have been blogging 3 years and its always a surprise when I don’t think I write anything anyone wants to read
I get several comments and then when I really put all I have in my pictures and posts, hardly no comments??
Of Course the same people doesn’t read my posts all the time, that makes a difference, also I am not one of the BIG TIME Name blogs
I love it though, because I started blogging for entertainment and it has entertained me well, also I am downsizing my residence now so I can move to a sweet cottage on a beach someplace(bucket list item )
enjoyed your read, and yes you have to have thick skin or you will get your feeling hurt LOL
don’t know how l found you..but l loved wht you had to say!!..and from this moment on l will follow your lovely blog!!!…you are just keeping it real from the sound of your post!! l liked it so l am here to..STAY…I will book mark your pg…..Victoria…
Anita, I had one mean comment in my almost two years of blogging. The funny thing is it was about a photo I took and included in a post…one lady made an ugly comment but the same day I had an email from Marian (aka MMS)telling me how much she enjoyed the photo!! I think I’ll take Marian’s comment over the other lady’s.
I am working on improving my photography skills (I use the term skills loosely). You’re right when you say the diy and home decor bloggers have magazine quality photos. I have a much greater appreciation for photographers since starting my blog.
Lastly, I am still having a hard time finding my voice. I need to share when I make goofs in a project I’m working on and just generally try to be myself. It’s hard for me to let it all hang out.
I love this series, don’t stop!!
I appreciate your tips even though I have been at it for a little more than a year.
My husband doesn’t understand why I blog and the only thing I can tell him is that:
1. the need to come up with ideas to write about make me be more productive and creative
2. it is fun to meet others who enjoy the same things as me – I have many wonderful friends, but none of them like to decorate or create
Oh Anita, I think we can all relate which is what makes your post here and so many others you write so worth our while. Thanks for all you put into making blogging such fun to be a part of.
Liz @ Quirky Vistas
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. I’ve just been blogging over a year and it’s amazing how much I’ve learned in this short time and yet I also feel I’ve barely touched the surface. It’s definitely a good challenge though. Loved reading this post….looks like I need to go back and catch up on a few…
Been blogging for under a year 🙂
I find it to be quite enjoyable and making friends with other bloggers is a wonderful experience! 🙂
I really appreciate your commentary on rejection, and I can say it definitely resonates with me as I am a writer and blog professionally. I hope to publish a book one day, so getting used to rejection now on my blog will be a good way to prepare for the rejection when that comes along! Thanks for this post. I love your blog and I’m glad to be following now.
What I’m looking for with the blog is to make new contacts with interesting people all over the world. Some days I have many page views but very few comments: these are not the good days to me, even if it’s “statistically” better for the blog.