I started blogging almost 5 and a half years ago. In that time there have been many blogging lessons I have learned and that have been thrust upon me even when I didn’t want to learn them. I have shared things that blogging has taught me before so I thought today would be a good time to share more!
1. Never compare: I have talked about comparison many times on my blog. Comparing yourself to other bloggers is never a good idea. If you feel like another blogger is getting really great opportunities instead of comparing yourself to them and letting it get you down. Ask them for advice. I love when other bloggers email me with questions and I have no problem emailing bloggers for questions as well. I know there are areas of my blog and social media I can improve and asking for advice/help is OK!
2. Keep records: When I work with brands I keep really good records. I do this because it makes following up and sending reports back to the brands and also good when I work on my finances and my taxes. I learned the hard way the first year I started working with brands that NOT keeping records will come back to haunt you.
3. BE NICE: Tearing down other bloggers and other people in general is not going to make you a better blogger. It’s not going to help you grow your blog faster. It’s not going to make you happier. It will however hurt their feelings, ruin their day and make you look like a mean person.
4. Brands are ALWAYS watching: Do you complain about companies a lot on twitter? Do you talk badly about bloggers, complain about that dinner you ate last night? Brands are watching you! Behave online the way you would behave in front of the CEO of your favorite company.
5. Always be willing to learn: I have been VERY lucky to have the head of two of my favorite blogging groups sit down with me through skype calls or in person and talk about my blog and my brand. They have said many great things and also given me some constructive criticism. Always be willing to learn and grow. If someone wants to help you and you know you are at a standstill don’t take things too personally. They are trying to help you be better! Who doesn’t want to always be better?
These are just a few of the blogging lessons I have learned over the past five and a half years. These are things that have helped me grow and become better. I hope some of them resonate with you too!
What are some of your favorite blogging lessons?
Keeping records of work with brands is such great advice! I only just started doing this not too long ago and really need to get more organized in that regard. Thanks so much for the tips!
Alice
Love tip #4. Be careful what you put out there because brands AND your followers are looking at you. Great post!
These are great tips! I have shared.
Thank you for sharing these tips! Great advice! I’m pinning
#5, YES!!!!! I started our site almost 1 year ago and I feel like the success I’ve had has been because I’m willing to learn and take advice from other that’ve proven themselves in the past. Never be afraid to change and just because something worked 6 months ago, it doesn’t mean it’ll work indefinitely. Never stop learning, trying new things, and growing!
As always, Neely. Great advice!
#4 is great advice for bloggers looking to work with brands. I’ve definitely changed the way I interact and post on social media since I started blogging.
Great tips! I think being nice is most important!
Definitely agree with 3 and 4. People are so harsh and rude sometimes. If you have a problem with a company, I definitely think it’s better to deal with it privately instead of blasting them on social media. Fair and honest reviews are one thing, but it’s truly horrible the way people think they can get whatever they want from companies by complaining on Twitter/Facebook. Really low and classless.
Good advice to follow!
Great advice. I love reading tips on blogs but had never thought to email someone directly.
Neely, I also think yo need to project a positive attitude, just like in real life. People don’t want to read how sad or depressed you are, except maybe to share just one event. Thanks!
I definitely agree about not comparing yourself to others! I’m still guilty of doing this, but I’m getting better.
Great advice so thank you! I think the comparison thing can be hard. You obviously love to see others succeed but often wonder how to make it happen for yourself.
These are so important to remember! Record-keeping is a must.
My little blog is coming up on it’s first birthday, and I’ve been fortunate to have done lots of research, and had tons of support from vet bloggers – there’s always something new to learn. These tips are all SO important; as bloggers, we’re a family, no matter our niche, and supporting each other is the first step to being successful, regardless of how “internet famous” you are.
I am new to this blogging adventure & I really did enjoy reading this post. I have learned that staying focused on what I love, not comparing & practicing the Golden Rule will bring me so much more joy in this journey. Great post! 🙂
I definitely agree with all of these. Especially about watching how you behave online. I can’t believe how many people think it’s okay to just trash lots of companies online and then think there won’t be consequences.
Great advice. Especially for those of us that are new to blogging. And I agree that being nice both in online and off are most important.
Xoxo,
Erin
Such great tips! It is always beneficial to be nice to everyone regardless of how you feel. I think that brings back the good karma. Thanks for sharing!
I am a pretty new blogger and I appreciate your advice and tips! Being nice is always the best way to go! Thanks
This is really great advice! It reminds me that I do need to start keeping records now that I am dabbling with sponsored posts.
perfectlittlehappiness.com
You always just have the best advice, Neels!
cominguprosestheblog.com
I started blogging around the same time and I think something that has been lost as the blogging space has grown is building community. I think that is the biggest piece of advice I’ve decided to focus more on what is important and that is the community that I so love. I have met some amazing life long friends doing this and I want to get back to that.
I love all of your tips. I try not to compare but that’s the hardest one.