How to Be a Better Blogger

I had another another post in mind for today, but when I sat down to write it, this is what came out. As I read through everyone's resolutions or goals for the year, a lot of them mentioned their blogs: growing the blog, making blog money, getting traffic, and so on. I also saw lots of posts on how to do those things. And that got me to thinking--what if we could be better bloggers first?

via my Instagram

fall in love with blogging, not just the paycheck/freebies
This is a big one! We all have different reasons for starting a blog--to help people, to find friends with similar interests in your hobby, to showcase your talents, to share your life, to make money, etc. And nothing is wrong with having any of these as a motivation, but once you start writing just for the money or just for the free stuff, you'll become burnt out and start to resent it. I've seen it, y'all. Despite what family and friends may think (personal experience) blogging is hard work and does take a crazy amount of time. Sometimes the business part gets in the way of the creative. Don't forget how fun blogging is.

it's ok to like different types of blogs
My biggest blogging struggle I have is proving that my blog is for everyone, not just makeup fanatics like myself. I read all types of blogs. I'm not a cook, but I read food blogs. I don't have kids, but I read mommy blogs. I read style blogs, wedding blogs, daddy blogs, fitness blogs, house repairing blogs--all are out of my genre and my interests. And you know what? I've learned stuff from them! It's ok to like different types of blogs. Step out of your faves zone and see what's out there.

quality, not quantity--content is king
When blogging first started, it was more like a diary. You posted when you had something to say. But any blog, blog conference, or book will tell you to post often--like 5 days a week. That's what works for me (I personally would post twice if I had the audience) but since becoming sick these past few months, it's slowed me down, and I couldn't post every day. It's made me focus on quality content.

Really good content used to be the focus of blogs, before numbers, followers, and views came into the picture. I see a rebirth of blogs with content once again becoming the focus.

write for you, your blog, your audience, not for pinterest
Majority of my views are from Pinterest--I'm guessing that is the same for many of us. I've caught myself more than once creating a post just because I knew it would "pin" well. I'm tired of seeing "clickbait" posts--you know what I'm talking about: THE BEST this, THE BEST that, knowing good and well that post was just created for traffic. You can't build an audience that way, and it's one of the things that is killing blogging and the integrity of blogs. Pinterest is amazing for traffic, but not for building an audience. I want an audience.

be original
Nothing is worse than stealing another blogger's ideas or content. If you do use that post as inspiration, fully credit them on that. I get that certain topics are going to be covered by many, but how can you put your own spin on it? Make it your own?

"comparison is the thief of joy"
I'm so guilty of this. Are you? Why did she get that sponsorship? Why didn't I get asked to participate in that giveaway? Why does she have more followers? Why don't I have more views? Honey, I've even had girls ask me why I got something and they didn't! The simple answer to the these questions is: because. Because. That's it. You didn't and they did. Holding onto that comparison turns into jealousy and maybe even hatred. Take a deep breath, keep your head down and focused on you and your blog. It'll happen.

Earlier I talked about getting burnt out--focusing on comparing your blog to others will do that. It's so easy to get caught up in "the game." Don't let that happen to you. You're awesome and so is your blog.

it's ok to take a break
Sometimes I feel like I'm writing 6 blogs. I've got to have links to articles for Facebook. I respond to questions on Twitter. Is this pic Instagram-worthy? Does it have text on it? Viewers hate text on a photo on Instagram, but love it on Pinterest. I'm always behind 200 emails. I've got blogs to visit and comment on! And don't forget my Youtube channel! I'm exhausted just talking about it. I feel like I have a million things at once. It's ok to take a break and to not do all the things all the time. Take a social media break. Taking a blogging break. You got this.

Become a better blogger, and you'll have a better blog. Thanks for reading.