It’s Tuesday, and on Tuesdays I like to talk blogging! I have talked about a lot of things you should be doing on your blog. I have talked about mistakes you are making and how to fix them, I have talked about what you should spend money on for your blog. Today I am talking about five things bloggers should NEVER do! Remember as always this is my opinion and what I have learned from my over six years of blogging. You have to take it for that, not for gospel.
Never ask for something without offering something: I mean this in two ways. For starters, never ask a blogger for a favor without offering something in trade. This can mean not to send an email and say “hey can you promote this post for me?” and then offer nothing in return. The correct way is to say “hey I would be so grateful if you could help me spread the word about this post. Also, I am happy to spread love for you too, which post or social post would you need some love on?” This also applies to asking other bloggers for contact info for brands, asking to guest post(have them guest post for you too!) The bottom line is you can’t expect someone to help you if you aren’t willing to help them. General life rule.
Never FLAT OUT copy someone: There is a lot I could say about this. Recently I had someone FULL ON copy a post. Not the idea, the actual post. I have had people copy ideas and give me credit (yes, do that!), I have had someone copy my blog design (or try to at least) DO NOT DO THAT! I have also had people take my blog course, then copy the information and offer it as a course on their blog. Ugh. So here’s a good example of what to do. My blog friend Lisa wrote a post and I loved the idea. I asked her if I could write a post using the idea. She said yes. Then at the beginning of said post I gave her credit and a shout out with a link to her blog. If you love an idea someone used, then please ask them if they mind you writing something similar, and then please give them credit. I have never ever heard of someone saying no!
Never talk crap about a brand online: Have you heard the golden rule? If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all? Listen, social media can be used in a good way and a bad way. One day I had major issues with logging into my Bank of America account. I tweeted to them for help and they helped really quickly. I however see people all the time full on talk crap about brands on social media and tag them. Here’s the thing; all brands are watching you. If you talk crap about Brand A, Brand B will see it and so will Brand C and none of them will want to touch you or your blog with a ten foot pole. Having issues with companies happen all the time and if you need quick help Twitter is always a great place for that. But maybe nicely say “Hey @_____ I am having an issue I could use some help with can you point me in the right direction?” Just food for thought!
Never do it JUST for the money: This is more for sponsored posts. So when you want to make money from your blog you will see that there are offers and posts you can apply for that super align with your brand and your blog. If you are a beauty blogger it may be working with Dove. If you are a health and fitness blogger it may be working with Fitbit. But it can be really tempting to say yes yes yes to every single post that comes your way. But if it doesn’t fit with you and your brand don’t do it. Your readers can tell, and you don’t ever want to sell out. It can be easy to, trust me. One time a certain sexually driven company emailed me. They offered me a lot of money to do a sponsored post. Here’s the thing, I do not talk about my sex life on my blog nor will I ever. It’s a personal decision. I have no issue with the company and their message but it’s not for my blog. That’s not to say it would be wrong for someone else to, but it’s a personal choice everyone must make for themselves.
Never compare/Never compete: So say Blogger A got a huge post or partnership and you wanted it. It happens every day to lots of bloggers. We all deal with it. Remember that comparison is the thief of joy and that those decisions are made on a lot of factors. Don’t compare and don’t compete. Why would you want to? It takes so much time and energy. Time and energy that can be spent making your blog and social media better, Improving your skills and being a happier person. There is so much for us all. There is not a shortage of blogging opportunities and there are only more coming our way. Focus on yourself and NOT what others are doing!
So those are the five things bloggers should never do and a little explanation why. You can agree or not and that’s totally OK but I would love to know if there are any things you think bloggers should NEVER do! Leave them in the comments!
I struggle a lot with comparison, as most people do. Oh, that person started making money 1 year after starting her blog? Why didn’t I make money that quickly? Well, everyone’s journey is different. That doesn’t make it less of a journey. Thanks for sharing!
Great post! and a few things we should consider ALWAYS, specially the comparison part. We are not here to compete but to complement with each other. We cannot be on ALL NICHES, we must enjoy what other bloggers are creating too. Amazing post! Shared!
Thanks for sharing!! I have found a lot of blogs that only post sponsored posts and they were blogs I really enjoyed before every post was a sponsored post. Yes, some of them pertain to peoples daily lives but I really hate seeing all their posts be sponsored.
Great post ! It’s just being respectful of others and their writings. Everything works better when we all work together. ?Sadly there will always be people who want to try and undermined others. I believe it will come back and bite them in the long run. Greed is an evil thing.
The comparison trap is so easy to fall into! Being a new blogger it’s so easy to get discouraged by the success of others. But one thing I have learned is that the blogging community overall is SO supportive and encouraging! Blog success takes time and everyone starts at the beginning!
Thanks so much for these great reminders!
Love this list! I think bloggers should compare themselves with other bloggers and should focus more on content than pageviews. I see SO many new bloggers asking how to make money right off the bat. While I understand, I think it’s important to build a brand before expecting for something in return so quickly.
Never compete – that’s a biggie because all too often SO MANY PEOPLE compare themselves/blogs to others when we are truly all unique in our own ways! I blog because it’s FUN and I love doing it, that’s it!
I love all of these! Everything you say is spot on. I like that you touched base on the golden rule as well because even if we don’t love a product we are reviewing we can still give an honest review without bashing the company. Thanks for sharing!
I totally agree with your list! I used to get stuck in the rut of comparing my blog to others (hence the 5 million different templates in the beginning, etc.) but once I stopped comparing and just made it my own, I love it even more!
Solid advice, especially #4 and #5! My niche is rather specific so I have to be very picky about what sponsored opportunities I choose. It’s frustrating sometimes to feel like I’m turning down money, but I know it’s for the best for my blog!
Great points. Just like in real life you have to be nice to people. Being online doesn’t give you a pass to do whatever you want, there is still an etiquette to follow.
This is so awesome! I couldn’t agree more with sharing love to bloggers if you’re asking for blog love in return! Such a great way to spread knowledge to other bloggers whether they’ve been blogging for eight years or 8 months!
Thanks for your tips. I have a problem with comparing myself to other bloggers, youtubers and musicians. I’m always super critical of myself and thats probably why I’m so comparative. Hoping to nip this habbit in the bud and become a better blogger this year 🙂
The comparison trap of blogging is REAL…the struggle is REAL. It’s hard sometimes to see bloggers who have been blogger for FAR less than I have achieve (what appears to be) greater success than me far quicker…BUT…putting my energy towards getting jealous and upset doesn’t get me anywhere. I know we’re all busting our butts and on our own journeys (in blogging and in life) and as such we all move at different paces. Sometimes it’s hard to accept but it’s also been one of the biggest lessons in my eyes.
Love, love, loveeee these tips. So glad that I discovered your blog through blog passion project. I can definitely learn a lot from your advice, can’t wait to dig in deeper and read more from your archives! Xo
This is such a great post and I agree with them all! The last one is definitely the one I struggle with the most though…not comparing is so hard when there are so many talented and beautiful bloggers out there! I can’t believe people would straight-up copy a post or your e-course for that matter….whats the point in having a blog??!?
totally agree with you about outright copying – I know a lot of bloggers who have done this to me and others. Also, lately it seems like it’s the thing to talk crap about people on social media – not sure what that’s about, but I personally find it pretty tasteless. I definitely think sponsored content should be chosen wisely and you should trade promos between brands and bloggers. It seems like so many brands like to write bloggers and get them to promote for free. it drives me totally nuts. thanks for sharing your thoughts in this post!
You have some great points. I fall trap to the comparison thing all the time. I know its not good for me. I am really trying to break the habit though. Thanks for posting!
I think these are all great things to never do. It’s one thing to get inspiration from someone but to flat out copy them is wrong. I hope people definitely don’t do that one! Thanks for sharing!
These are generally good pieces of advice. I might disagree in part with #3 if your blog is a consumer-focused blog that uses muckraking as part of the blog’s message. A good example of this is Food Babe–who I thoroughly disagree with–but spends considerable time taking direct shots at large businesses. For each Starbucks she swipes she becomes more attractive to other businesses who sell to her audience. I definitely agree with you when your blog does not deal in an industry where there is open opposition among different areas of the industry where you can cleave yourself to one side at the expense of a relationship with the other.
Someone copied an entire post from your blog? Wow, I can’t believe someone would do that! These are great points and I agree with giving credit where it’s needed! Being fair us crucial when blogging!
You can usually tell those who blog purely for money, and those who really enjoy it. The blogs that are written with love are far more appealing – even if they do make money! Thanks for sharing.
This such good advice! Especially about talking crap about brands. I would never do it, but I’ve also never considered other brands seeing it and staying away from you. I have a real problem with comparison! I’m always looking at other blogs and feeling inadequate.
Great list! I love love love hearing “Don’t take sponsored posts if they aren’t true to you reiterated” because even though I think people know that, it is SO IMPORTANT in my opinion!
Great tips! It’s not always about the money, I have turned brands down because i didn’t feel that their item was going to gel properly on my blog. You want to be as authentic as possible to your readers.
I love this! I’ve had someone copy my blog posts a couple times. She was a classmate of mine from high school (someone who does NOT like me…she’s actually my ex’s new girlfriend haha) and I happened to be checking out her blog one day. She had a post that sounded pretty familiar (a post on how to motivate yourself to work out) so I looked at the date of her post and tracked down my own to see when I posted mine. She posted hers just ONE DAY after mine. Not obvious at all. AND she listed the same points I did, just in a different order. It drove me insane! haha and she’s done that a few more times since then as well. Luckily she doesn’t share her blog like I do so no one is seeing hers, but it bothered me SO much. Great tips here! I’m definitely sharing 🙂
Really great post . One of the things I love most about the blogging community is how everyone is so helpful and stealing from other bloggers is just wrong.
I also agree, you should be honest about products but don’t be a jerk…I’ve received products I didn’t love but I talked about what I liked and things I think might make them better but not just trash talking them
Great advice!! Here’s my question: What happens when you have a blog planned out for next week and you’re perusing through blogs on a thread and you notice they’ve already written a blog very similar to the one you’ve planned out for next week?
Good ideas. I never thought about the first point, but it’s only fair if someone asks you to do something they should reciprocate. Great reminder thanks.
I struggle a lot with comparison, as most people do. Oh, that person started making money 1 year after starting her blog? Why didn’t I make money that quickly? Well, everyone’s journey is different. That doesn’t make it less of a journey. Thanks for sharing!
Great post! and a few things we should consider ALWAYS, specially the comparison part. We are not here to compete but to complement with each other. We cannot be on ALL NICHES, we must enjoy what other bloggers are creating too. Amazing post! Shared!
All good points! Not competing is key- can’t get anywhere if we don’t help each other! 🙂
Thanks for sharing!! I have found a lot of blogs that only post sponsored posts and they were blogs I really enjoyed before every post was a sponsored post. Yes, some of them pertain to peoples daily lives but I really hate seeing all their posts be sponsored.
Love this one. Its like the Golden Rules of blogging.
I agree whole heartedly with these. Truthfully, I can’t stand to read a blog that has more ads than I have fingers.
Great post ! It’s just being respectful of others and their writings. Everything works better when we all work together. ?Sadly there will always be people who want to try and undermined others. I believe it will come back and bite them in the long run. Greed is an evil thing.
The comparison trap is so easy to fall into! Being a new blogger it’s so easy to get discouraged by the success of others. But one thing I have learned is that the blogging community overall is SO supportive and encouraging! Blog success takes time and everyone starts at the beginning!
Thanks so much for these great reminders!
Love this list! I think bloggers should compare themselves with other bloggers and should focus more on content than pageviews. I see SO many new bloggers asking how to make money right off the bat. While I understand, I think it’s important to build a brand before expecting for something in return so quickly.
Never compete – that’s a biggie because all too often SO MANY PEOPLE compare themselves/blogs to others when we are truly all unique in our own ways! I blog because it’s FUN and I love doing it, that’s it!
I love all of these! Everything you say is spot on. I like that you touched base on the golden rule as well because even if we don’t love a product we are reviewing we can still give an honest review without bashing the company. Thanks for sharing!
I totally agree with your list! I used to get stuck in the rut of comparing my blog to others (hence the 5 million different templates in the beginning, etc.) but once I stopped comparing and just made it my own, I love it even more!
These are all really good points!! I have noticed a lot of the copying ideas, which is fine, but I agree definitely give credit where credit is due!
Solid advice, especially #4 and #5! My niche is rather specific so I have to be very picky about what sponsored opportunities I choose. It’s frustrating sometimes to feel like I’m turning down money, but I know it’s for the best for my blog!
Great points. Just like in real life you have to be nice to people. Being online doesn’t give you a pass to do whatever you want, there is still an etiquette to follow.
This is so awesome! I couldn’t agree more with sharing love to bloggers if you’re asking for blog love in return! Such a great way to spread knowledge to other bloggers whether they’ve been blogging for eight years or 8 months!
Great tips! Thank you so much for sharing.
All of these are a huge YES! I found myself nodding to every single one. Thank you for sharing! I’m going to tweet the post out. 🙂
Thanks for your tips. I have a problem with comparing myself to other bloggers, youtubers and musicians. I’m always super critical of myself and thats probably why I’m so comparative. Hoping to nip this habbit in the bud and become a better blogger this year 🙂
The comparison trap of blogging is REAL…the struggle is REAL. It’s hard sometimes to see bloggers who have been blogger for FAR less than I have achieve (what appears to be) greater success than me far quicker…BUT…putting my energy towards getting jealous and upset doesn’t get me anywhere. I know we’re all busting our butts and on our own journeys (in blogging and in life) and as such we all move at different paces. Sometimes it’s hard to accept but it’s also been one of the biggest lessons in my eyes.
All great points! I love the blogging community and love how we inspire and support each other.
I know you say never to talk crap bout another brand, but what about an honest review if you’ve had a bad experience? What are your thoughts on that?
COFFEESLAG
Great, great tips! Thanks you so much for sharing.
Love, love, loveeee these tips. So glad that I discovered your blog through blog passion project. I can definitely learn a lot from your advice, can’t wait to dig in deeper and read more from your archives! Xo
This is such a great post and I agree with them all! The last one is definitely the one I struggle with the most though…not comparing is so hard when there are so many talented and beautiful bloggers out there! I can’t believe people would straight-up copy a post or your e-course for that matter….whats the point in having a blog??!?
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Such important tips! Thanks for sharing!
totally agree with you about outright copying – I know a lot of bloggers who have done this to me and others. Also, lately it seems like it’s the thing to talk crap about people on social media – not sure what that’s about, but I personally find it pretty tasteless. I definitely think sponsored content should be chosen wisely and you should trade promos between brands and bloggers. It seems like so many brands like to write bloggers and get them to promote for free. it drives me totally nuts. thanks for sharing your thoughts in this post!
Such great and important post! Thanks for sharing!
You have some great points. I fall trap to the comparison thing all the time. I know its not good for me. I am really trying to break the habit though. Thanks for posting!
I think these are all great things to never do. It’s one thing to get inspiration from someone but to flat out copy them is wrong. I hope people definitely don’t do that one! Thanks for sharing!
Great points, I love these kind of posts because I enjoy reading what other bloggers think about these “issues”.
The comparison thing is hard. But everyone blogs for a different reason.
These are generally good pieces of advice. I might disagree in part with #3 if your blog is a consumer-focused blog that uses muckraking as part of the blog’s message. A good example of this is Food Babe–who I thoroughly disagree with–but spends considerable time taking direct shots at large businesses. For each Starbucks she swipes she becomes more attractive to other businesses who sell to her audience. I definitely agree with you when your blog does not deal in an industry where there is open opposition among different areas of the industry where you can cleave yourself to one side at the expense of a relationship with the other.
These are all great tips, I especially love #5..I so needed this reminder..cuz I do this a lot….and make myself feel horrible..need to stop!
Thanks for sharing!!
Someone copied an entire post from your blog? Wow, I can’t believe someone would do that! These are great points and I agree with giving credit where it’s needed! Being fair us crucial when blogging!
These are spot on!! I totally agree with never ever blogging just for the money. You loose the honesty and the fun in doing that.
Great post, Neely! These are definitely big no, no’s in the blogging world.
Good information to know…I haven’t done any of them so I’m feeling pretty good about myself:) I will keep them in mind for the future too
You can usually tell those who blog purely for money, and those who really enjoy it. The blogs that are written with love are far more appealing – even if they do make money! Thanks for sharing.
Comparing-or I guess not comparing myself to others is SO hard. I know I shouldn’t but it gets hard sometimes! These are really great tips!
Amen on all of these! All of them. It drives me crazy when people flat out copy each other. I mean, come on!
This such good advice! Especially about talking crap about brands. I would never do it, but I’ve also never considered other brands seeing it and staying away from you. I have a real problem with comparison! I’m always looking at other blogs and feeling inadequate.
That is my biggest pet peeve when people will ask me to post something for them and not even offer to have a link to my site.
Great list! I love love love hearing “Don’t take sponsored posts if they aren’t true to you reiterated” because even though I think people know that, it is SO IMPORTANT in my opinion!
Excellent tips!
Great tips! It’s not always about the money, I have turned brands down because i didn’t feel that their item was going to gel properly on my blog. You want to be as authentic as possible to your readers.
XOXO
Christina
http://www.styletothet.com
I definitely struggle with comparison. Thank you for this!
This is so good. Competition can be huge in blogging. It’s important to remember that there’s room for everyone.
These are all great tips!
I hate when someone flat out copies you — it’s usually so obvious and just embarrassing on their part.
xoxo, Jenny
These are some great tips! #5 is definitely a tough one when it comes to comparing.
I love this! I’ve had someone copy my blog posts a couple times. She was a classmate of mine from high school (someone who does NOT like me…she’s actually my ex’s new girlfriend haha) and I happened to be checking out her blog one day. She had a post that sounded pretty familiar (a post on how to motivate yourself to work out) so I looked at the date of her post and tracked down my own to see when I posted mine. She posted hers just ONE DAY after mine. Not obvious at all. AND she listed the same points I did, just in a different order. It drove me insane! haha and she’s done that a few more times since then as well. Luckily she doesn’t share her blog like I do so no one is seeing hers, but it bothered me SO much. Great tips here! I’m definitely sharing 🙂
Really great post . One of the things I love most about the blogging community is how everyone is so helpful and stealing from other bloggers is just wrong.
I also agree, you should be honest about products but don’t be a jerk…I’ve received products I didn’t love but I talked about what I liked and things I think might make them better but not just trash talking them
LOVE this! Always things to keep in mind. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Great advice!! Here’s my question: What happens when you have a blog planned out for next week and you’re perusing through blogs on a thread and you notice they’ve already written a blog very similar to the one you’ve planned out for next week?
#5: YES!! So hard to do, but so important! We all have a unique voice and it’s important to remember that!
Hey Neely!
Great post… All of these are so true. Such great points. Totally feeling you on #2 and #5!!
I love these tips! I think some people definitely forget that there is such thing as netiquette!
These are great reminders. Blogging can be so fun and it’s even better when people follow the things you spoke about.
Good ideas. I never thought about the first point, but it’s only fair if someone asks you to do something they should reciprocate. Great reminder thanks.