I know there are probably some people who will disagree with me here, but that’s OK.
Let me preface my thoughts with this: I appreciate all of the tips on “how to run a successful blog” that can be found on every corner of the internet. I read them often, and I have taken a lot of what I’ve learned to heart.
Without other bloggers and marketers, I wouldn’t know a thing about scheduling, or pinterest, or tips on organizing, or canva. Really, I wouldn’t know anything other than how to write out my thoughts and hit publish.
Another thing: Of course, I am intrigued by the idea that it would be possible to make money via blogging. I am poor. Money would make me not so poor. Making money doing something I love to do would be amazing.
However; I am here to admit that I get highly frustrated and annoyed when I read articles with titles like “Why You are Not a Blogging Success.” Or “Reasons Why No One Reads Your Blog.”
OK, so I know most of these are also filled with good tips, but I can’t help but find them discouraging.
I’m here, and I’m blogging four to five times a week. I enjoy writing and sharing and making connections.
I have spelling and grammatical errors, I don’t always have tips that will help your life, and I definitely don’t utilize all the apps and social media that could increase traffic.
What you can count on from me?
I will be real and authentic. I will have my off days, and some days I won’t even show up. I won’t strictly stick with any weekly topics or themes. Sometimes I’m sad. I do dumb things and I will share them with you. I’ll talk openly about my problems with mental illness and addiction. I’ll talk about the things that I’m struggling with. I’ll share lots of pictures of my dogs.
Most of all, I’m having fun and it feels good.
To me, that means I’m being a successful blogger.
I’ve had this blog and have been writing on and off for six years, sometimes for a fairly large audience, and other times for tens of people.
I don’t think I was ever not a success. This space has always been what it needed to be for me.
I’ve also watched a lot of bloggers come in and out of blogging in stages. I’ve seen bloggers with thousands of followers, suddenly burn out or get busy and quit updating.
I don’t think any of those people as failures. They reached people and shared their thoughts and made connections.
I have mad respect for those who have been able to turn their blog into a business, and I’ll repeat that I would love for that opportunity in the future.
Until I’m ready to make that sort of commitment, I’m going to continue being a successful blogger every time I hit publish. If I’m making one person’s life a little happier or if one person is able to relate, then I’m being a success.
I also want you to know that I like your blog just the way it is. I like reading about your workouts and your successes, your dreams and your failures.
I’d much rather read about that then marketing strategies and “how to’s” every single day. If that’s what you ENJOY doing though, then keep at it. I’ll support you in that too.
Most importantly, don’t let anyone ever tell you are not a success if you’re having fun.
Am I the only one who feels this way?
