Blogging is undoubtedly a marathon, not a sprint; after two years, this is what I’ve learned from blogging.
I cannot believe I’m saying this, and if you’re a blogger, maybe you understand, but this week marks the two-year blogiversary of The Blissful Balance. Why can’t I believe this? Because, thinking back to when I started this journey, I had zero goals. I was simply using this space as a hobby, as a place to play with my passions because I didn’t really have any other medium of doing so. My, how much can happen in just two years. The simple fact that I am still maintaining this little space on the internet is amazing to me.
I’d like to commemorate this occasion by shedding light on a few lessons I’ve learned throughout the beginning of my blogging journey. Here are a few personal discoveries:
- I’ve learned how much I am driven by passion toward success and the maintenance of motivation.
- I’ve learned what it means to be confident. It doesn’t have anything to do with others’ encouragement. Confidence comes from within yourself.
- I’ve learned what I want to be doing for the rest of my life.
I’ve also, inherently, learned a lot about blogging. These are my top five lessons, in no order:
To be successful, you must view your blog as a business.
Up until recently, I viewed The Blissful Balance as a hobby that I hoped to one day make a living off of. While I’m not at all where I’d like to be, I have certainly seen growth in my blog and in my readership after transitioning my perspective. Looking at your blog as your business will, among a number of things, force you to be a better planner, care more about who you’re ideal reader is (SO IMPORTANT), and focus way more on quality, shareable content. Additionally, if you have plans to turn your blog into a career, you have to keep the future in mind. That leads me to my next point.
[Tweet “How a change in perspective can lead to blog growth”]
Blogging is not free. Be prepared to invest.
In the beginning of my blogging journey, I was so hesitant to spend ANY money. I thought purchasing a domain and web hosting was pushing it. After two years, I’ve certainly learned the meaning of no risk, no reward. Look at the money you spend as investments into your business and your future. Especially as a food blogger, it isn’t cheap to create worthy content; eating at [good] restaurants and buying ingredients are a recurring expense that you’ll have to get used to. Additionally, to make your blog look good, there are various investments that I’ve found are extremely worth it: Photoshop, Lightroom, a good camera, a good lens, photography props, you get the point. Do not be afraid to put your money toward something you feel will lead you to success in the future.
Invest in a quality camera, as soon as possible.
I wish I would’ve known this when I started out. It took me over a year to finally take the plunge and purchase a nice DSLR camera. Let me tell you, what a world of a difference it makes. Not only am I happier and more proud of the content I share, but my analytics were actually, positively affected by this change. I have had a love for photography since I took a photography class my freshman year of high school. It even lead me to want to minor in photography in college (that didn’t happen). I’d fallen off the photography train for a while, and am so happy to be back. I purchased a Canon DSLR just a few months ago, and am so happy with it. Additionally, I finally bought a 50mm lens (which helps specifically with food photography) for my camera, which I am also extremely pleased with. Here is my photography equipment:
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens
Canon EOS Rebel SL1
Community is the most important aspect of blogging.
I used to be all alone in this blogosphere. I would write blog posts, be unsure of who I was writing them to or who would ever read them, get zero comments and engagement on my blog or social channels, and just felt so solitary. I’ve slowly made connections with fellow bloggers, whether it’s through ambassadorships, Facebook groups, or local blogging communities, and have realized the importance of doing so. Why is it important? Because, while many are in the blogging ‘industry’ to make a living, if the money was taken away, what would you have? I so deeply treasure the relationships I have formed with likeminded, intelligent women who serve as motivation without even realizing it. I feel like I’ve finally grown into a tribe and formed a community that I enjoy following, and it makes me so happy, which in the end, is most important.
[Tweet “Finding your tribe makes blogging worthwhile. “]
The best way to learn something is by teaching yourself.
After four years of studying business and sport management, I’ve learned more about marketing, business management, digital media, and more, with my two years of blogging. Like I said, I started blogging with zero knowledge or know-how. I wasn’t a part of any groups or ambassadorships, and no one I knew had a blog. I did my own research, and I feel that this is crucial for anyone venturing out into their own business, brand, or anything they are starting and lacking knowledge in. It is amazing how much I have learned from researching, reading, and doing.
Even though I may have hit my sappy quota after my last blog post, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who reads this little blog of mine. Your attention, encouragement, support and love genuinely mean the world to me.
Join the conversation:
If you’re a blogger, what’s one thing you wish you knew when you first began?
If you are just a reader, what draws you to blogs? Do you enjoy following a story, or finding inspirational or educational content?
Nichole says
Happy Blogo’versary! These are so spot on!
The Blissful Balance says
Thanks so much, Nichole!!
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
I love and agree with all of these, especially the investment point. I STILL struggle with that one, but am getting better about it. Happy blogiversary lady and cheers to the future!
The Blissful Balance says
Yeah it’s a point of contention in my mind but I just tell myself it’ll all come back to me one day! Thanks for the love <3!!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
I’ve been blogging for almost 6 years (what?!) and you’re SO right that it takes an investment but it is so so worth it! And it’s so awesome having documentation of the past years!
The Blissful Balance says
It is! I also love being able to look back and see proof of how my writing, photography and general blogging skills have enhanced. Albeit, I am simultaneously mortified at some of my old, old posts LOL
Emily @ My Healthyish Life says
Finding a group of people (aka a tribe) has made a world of a difference. It’s nice to know there are people who can support and inspire you at the same time. Yay for 2 years
The Blissful Balance says
Totally! So glad blogging has connected us!
Kristin says
I’ve blogged off and on since 1998 (online diary!) and looking back I wish I would’ve kept everything consistent. I’m now trying to merge 17 years of blogs into one (because why not?!). I have my life on so many different blogs, I wish I would’ve kept it all on one!
The Blissful Balance says
Oh my goodness!! I actually started “blogging” in 2011 on Tumblr haha if you can call that blogging. Then it just grew from there. Good luck with your merger ;D
Summer says
These are great lessons and make a lot of sense♥♥
chocolateandsunset.com
The Blissful Balance says
Thanks for the love, Summer!! <3
Darla Saycocie says
I’m a new blogger, an intern for TBB, and I still have so many questions! I feel like I’m slacking in the blogging game! I have no idea where to start, but reading this article really gave me courage to continue.
The Blissful Balance says
Darla, the one piece of advice I can give you blogger to blogger right now is JUST KEEP BLOGGING! No matter if you feel like it’s not growing or if no one is reading it, just keep going. You will be so glad you did. Thanks for the love!! <3
She Rocks Fitness says
I am holding onto on purchasing a camera for as long as I can, although I do believe that just like everything else, if you want to make money, you have to spend the money. I am learning every day with my blog and I could not have done it without so much support from my blogging “tribe”. They’re a pretty amazing group of women, including yourself…Happy 2 year! XOXO
The Blissful Balance says
Aww you’re amazing, Katie!! Thanks for the love <3
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
I so agree on all of these! Especially making the investment into blogging. It’s funny because once I started putting money towards blogging, the more opportunities I started to receive through blogging. I used to be hesitant like you to even throw a couple of dollars to it, and now I am spending a lot more, and receiving great experiences and partnerships through it.
The Blissful Balance says
Risk = reward. That’s what I keep telling myself. It’s amazing what comes back to you when you put a little elbow grease into something!
Liz says
I’m relatively new to the blogging world and am blown away by the community! I love watching bloggers interact online forever and then get to meet up at conferences and during travels. But even just the virtual interaction is amazing!
The Blissful Balance says
I know isn’t it?? It is unbelievable. I just love meeting bloggers in person, it’s such a great connection when you have something so awesome in common!!
Jess @hellotofit says
You already know my thoughts on this per FB, but also: I got a DSLR about a month or two ago, and I’m so so happy. I’ve taken another step closer to how I want the blog to look eventually. Can’t wait to keep learning more about photography!
The Blissful Balance says
Isn’t it such a game changer?! So happy you took that step!
Georgie says
Omg so many praise hand emojis! Obvi love the community but treating your blog like a business is SUCH a game changer. That commitment and dedication because you know it’s for something bigger than just the next post. So happy blogging connected us <3
The Blissful Balance says
Me too. I am so grateful for the friends I’ve made along this journey!
Tia says
Your list is so spot on! As a beginning blogger I wish people told me not to compare myself to other more established bloggers. Its ok to be a beginner and for everything to not be so darn perfect.
The Blissful Balance says
Totally! I am learning how to look up to successful bloggers without letting them get into my tunnel vision. Thanks for the love!!
Devon @ Devon Victoria says
Just came across your site from Georgie’s and CONGRATS on your 2 year blogging anniversary! I’m just approaching mine in a few more months and feel like I still have a lot to learn but slowly but surely I’m getting there! I agree with your notes about needing to invest (it’s hard to do at first, but you gotta!) and I have just started turning to corner to begin thinking of my blog as a business. The next couple weeks I’m going to work on actually “defining my brand” which I never did before. But I have a question for you about community building – do you have any great FB groups that you recommend? I’d love to get involved in some – I feel like that’s a great way to keep up with other bloggers. Thanks!
The Blissful Balance says
Hi Devin! That is so great to hear and thank you for stopping by and leaving some love I am part of a great Facebook community called Bloggers Gonna Blog that I can invite you to! Do you mind giving me your last name? Or however your name appears on Facebook?
The Blissful Balance says
Whoops! Devon*** and it was right there. I hate when people do that to me LOL 😀 I’m sorry!
KJ | Omnomherbivore says
You are so right on these!! Investing is so important, if it looks like you skimped.. people will know! And community is KEY! I’m still working on that one but it is rewarding and awesome to make blog friends and to get feedback!!
lauren says
You go girl! Love your blog, super inspirational!