Looking at my Facebook 'memories' recently I realised that it's been 7 years since I first posted about my blog. I started it as an outlet for my enjoyment of writing and fashion, and since my work at the time didn't afford me a way to enjoy those interests, my blog was a great space to talk about them. Over those 7 years, I've come very close to giving up on blogging completely, but have never actually done so. Here are a few tips that I've found have helped with my motivation when blogging becomes a chore.
- If you're not enjoying it, stop. Even if it's only for a week; your readers will understand! Today's world is overtaken by social media and I have a post on this topic coming up soon, so it is important to take a break. Recalibrate, think up some new ideas, and come back with a refreshed outlook. There's no shame in that.
- The easiest thing to do is to compare. You aren't someone else, so stop trying to be. Top bloggers make up a very small percentage of the blogging pool, which is now incredible saturated, so it can be very discouraging if the numbers don't add up for you, but remember these bloggers started out with no followers, too!
- It's easy to try and emulate other bloggers-but their readers will still end up reading their blogs. Don't copy, make your own site interesting and readable.
- Everyone wants to quit at some point, even the ones that are making mega bucks! Don't be disheartened; remember why you're doing it and keep reminding yourself of that everytime you want to pull the plug on it.
- Read your old material. My old posts are a little cringe but I love looking back at them, I had maybe 10 followers for the first year or so and then I got lucky with a couple of posts and it helped my blog numbers peak. It's great to see how far I've come since then and that is a great driver.
- Re-brand or refresh the blog layout. Sometimes all it takes is a new look to spark more creativity.
- Brainstorm post ideas and think about doing things that you haven't done on your blog before. Join some Twitter chats if you are struggling, and think about how you can reinvent the wheel in a sea of fashion and beauty posts. It's not easy, but it makes you think outside the blogging box!
- Think about the things you like about blogging, and why you do it. It should be something to enjoy! I love coming up with ideas for new material even though it isn't easy, it's nice to try and do things a little differently.
Hope these tips have been useful to you if you are in a bit of a blogging funk. It happens to everyone, and there's no shame in admitting that. The biggest driver for me has been the portfolio that I've built up over my blogging career; the network of contacts I've made and the events and opportunities that I've had through this website, which are a great motivator when I want to consider giving up. Like I said at the top of this post, though, there's no harm in taking time off-social media is often all-consuming and it's important to take time away from screens from time to time.
XO Amie
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