Every blogger loves a blogging tips post. We absolutely lap it up, seizing on anything with the word “blog” in the title as we scroll through Twitter. And every blogger has written one. Not a day goes by without someone spouting forth their wisdom on what they’ve learned in two weeks of blogging. But sometimes, the tips get a little too, well…samey. If I’ve heard one, I’ve heard them all, and I definitely don’t need to hear from someone who’s been blogging two weeks and knows even less than I do (which I can assure you is remarkably little). So, here they are, my top five least favourite blogging “tips.” You’re welcome.
1. Just keep writing great content. The rest will come!
From this, I can only conclude that my content must be rubbish, because The Rest is not coming. It is not coming in droves. It is literally not running from the hills to be part of my miniscule online empire consisting only of me.
2. Don’t expect overnight success.
I do hope you’re not looking at me, O ye paragon of blogging greatness with your lofty tips, because I KNOW it takes more than five minutes. I’ve been spouting forth into the unknown wilds of the internet for nearly four years on this here blog, and I’m still waiting. That’ll be longer than you, then.
3. Comment on other blogs
Interesting one this. In an ideal world, we would comment on other blogs because we enjoy reading them. In the real world in which we unfortunately live, many of those comments are of the reciprocal variety. It’s a dog eat dog, you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours, sort of world. Altrusim is dead. Long live pragmatism!
4. Grow your social media
I’ve tried, I really have. My Twitter game isn’t bad. Not quite Kardashian level (there’s still time), but satisfactory. My Instagram is pleasing but forgettable. Who wants to see a picture of my commute to work? It’s a good one, I promise you, there’s a river and everything. Second highest tidal range in the world, apparently. Looks great in nashville (do I capitalise that? Or will people think I’m talking about the one in Tennessee? Ye-hah me country hearties!) and jefe, and even #nofilter, although the light’s a bit sketchy at 7am at this time of year. Facebook? Well, the less said about that one the better. I secretly always preferred MySpace anyway. Whatever happened to MySpace? Please don’t tell anyone I had a MySpace blog in 2007. The yoof of today already think I’m a long-dead fossil from the Pre-Cambrian with no Youtube channel.
5. Interact with other bloggers
I love you all, I really do. I have read many gushing posts about the friends that have been made through blogging, and I can categorically say that they are not the bare-faced lies I initially thought they must be. The blogging community is great, but it’s just that, a community. A group of like-minded individuals who for all their differences have the same shared goal of becoming the next slummy mummy sensation. It’s great to interact with other bloggers, and to read their posts, share their highs and lows and the minutiae of their lives; but what it isn’t is a shortcut to literary fame and fortune; so yes, by all means get involved with the community. It’s fun, it’s rewarding, and you will never be short of friends to drink real wine with in a virtual world as you confess your woes to someone in Essex down the fibre optic broadband at 11pm on a Friday night, but it won’t give you the million-pound book advance you most intensely desire. Sorry about that all, but just #tellingitlikeitis. Linkies ain’t gonna make me no money.
So there we have it, a truly edifying list for any blogging newbie, and another post from me that threatens to send my own blog spinning towards a catastrophic implosion as it crumbles under the weight of meta-blogging commentary that’s of no use to anyone but my dear friends in The Firm. The Blogging Firm. #Peace *performs serious-faced fist bump*
You all love it though. And so do I.
Excellent piece of advice Min… about time someone told it like it is! They should get you and your home truths on a panel at a conference….
I had a MySpace page too – with little to nothing on it mind you.
That would be a dream come true. *Runs off to petition Mumsnet for a spot on stage at next year’s Blogfest*
I love this post, because you’re so right – it’s not as easy as the blog tippers make it sound. Like you, I’ve been a blogger for ages, write (I hope) decent content, and do my best to interact with other bloggers, and I’m far from a high profile blogger. To be honest. I could step up my social media game a bit, but there’s something about the social media game that feels a bit dirty to me. Still, we’re not in it for fame – we’re in it for the love of writing, right? RIGHT?
That’s exactly how I feel. I’m not a natural marketer so I do struggle with that side of it, and I feel that way about social media too. Yep, it’s all about the love of writing-it’s just that no one’s reading!
Oh eek. Just saw Em (Island Living) shared this on FB so was curious as to what made the list. Funny because I literally just posted my FAQs on Friday and have pretty much ‘spouted forth’ every point you make here…I have been blogging longer than 5 minutes though 😉
Maybe these are obvious to you and I but the questions come up so often from newer bloggers. I have so many people ask me when they can make money, when will their pageviews increase and I genuinely think it takes a lot of time and perseverance. I also believe content is king (sorry!) Having said all that, here’s no real secret to blog success and nothing any of us can write about to make someone else’s blog better, I guess we really do have to just figure out what works for us and stick at it.
I’m not sure I’ve found what works for me yet. No one has ever asked me for advice to be honest, so I wouldn’t know what gets asked, but I just sometimes feel that the internet is swimming in tips posts (and not just about blogging). I will have to go and check out yours now! If you do have any tips for me then I am all ears. I really hope that content is king, because I think mine’s OK. It’s the marketing side I can’t seem to manage! Thanks for commenting.
As someone who has literally been blogging all of 5 minutes, I’ve been on eof those who has had to ask the repetitive questions. For me I disagree with the content is not key ideal, readers nowadays are bombarded with all sorts of information and easily accessed also, so yes mummy blogs may seem like you’ve read one, you’ve surely read them all, but that shouldn’t minimise the experiences individual bloggers write about their own, o to make yourself stand out then you need to have that way with words to keep your readers coming back for more. I’mnot claiming at all that I have that but I feel like the post came across as sort of a put-down on bloggers and female bloggers in particular and let’s be honest, there’s already enough competition out there already without us slamming each other down. All the best in your blog xx
I’m sorry you felt that way. It was intended to be humorous, and as you say, we all write about our individual experiences!
HAHA love it. I’ve got a very itchy back, have you? #BigPinkLink
Constantly! Haven’t we all?
Fab post! Fuck off to those that say I shouldn’t say that, but why can’t I when I genuinely find it a fab post? The problem I find is that there seems to be an etiquette and a formula for us bloggers to follow; leaving deep and meaningful comments, posting at certain times of the day, growing your social media, producing great content etc which is great… its helpful to have some guidelines to get you going and those that offer it are BRILLIANT.(especially the techy stuff about tags and stuff) BUT it can be a head wreck, if you’re not seen to be following the ‘formula’ you kind of feel like a blogging loner …. I’ve tried to keep up with the ‘rules’ but its not got me a massive following an award or a book deal. Pah! Anyways I do generally enjoy drawing shit pictures and bitching about the kids so will just keep rambling on into the big virtual world until it feel like a chore (which I must admit it is starting to happen as sometimes I feel like an arse for trying to be the funniest at cracking jokes at the kids expense ). God I could go on all day….anyways #fabpost #bigpinklink
Yes, the blogging etiquette can be exhausting. And when everyone else around you is stressing about how many retweets they’re getting or something, you end up getting caught up in it, no matter how ridiculous you realise the whole thing is in saner moments. It’s easy to forget why we started doing it in the first place. And you’re allowed to say “fab post!” I’m flattered!
Hilariously spot on! It’s so true. It’s hours and hours and bloody hard graft and still those lofty heights of pro money making blogger are somewhere far above you!! (In my experience anyway!) Thank you so much for being a part of the #bigpinklink it’s great to have you with us!
Thanks for hosting and commenting! We’ll get there someday though, right? Oh well…
Hilarious. I’m a relatively new blogger and haven’t really gotten myself noticed much so far. I’m constantly reading these blog tips. About half of them are exactly as you describe them. I skim read those ones and then move on. The other half are all about improving SEO and finding great plugin. But for all of that, my SEO is still crap. Thanks
I use Yoast for SEO, which I find quite useful. No idea if it has made any difference in terms of moving my search engine ranking up though! Thanks for commenting and glad you liked the post!
Well hallelujah she speaks the truth! So refreshing to read this. This time round I have only been blogging just under a year and almost taking it seriously although I have been blogging on and off since about 2007/08. If I read one more post on FB that says ‘I’d like to increase my monthly views I’m only getting 350,000 a month and my blog is 3 days old’ I will scream!
Totally agree with all of this!
#BigPinkLink
Haha! *Virtual high five* There seems to be more and more popping up every minute. Surely we’ve reached saturation point by now?
You read my thoughts. I have always thought of these things but then I also thought that maybe I was the only one. Some blogs I visit, I see comments in multiples of 10 and Likes, in some cases, over 100 on some posts and I am like…my content does not suck. I mean, it’s not always great that it touches everyone’s souls and all that or helps people make money quick but c’mon, what does a gal have to do to get a few likes? I’ll take even 1. Anyway, thank you for saying it like it is. It needed to be said. #globalblogging
Also, I totally thought it was Nashville, Tennessee. He He
Haha, yes why is that filter called Nashville? To they have a special kind of light there? I totally agree with you about content. In all honesty I see other blogs that are (in my humble opinion, which admittedly is biased) not as good as mine and they have loads of likes etc, and I’m like why does everyone love them more than me? Argh!
OMG this post is BESTEST EVER! haha! I am so in this boat right now! I am trying to grow my blog, be a writer, find time for my children, make money without selling my sould…oy! Wanna be new community blogger besties!? LOL, seriously amazing post, so very true! #globalblogging
Haha, thanks! It’s disheartening, isn’t it? The things we have to do to promote our blogs. I’m calling BS on it!
Always good to find a diamond post in the coal face of internet blogs. You’ve really hit the spot but I think I know the answer.
Like you I’ve been blogging in my little corner of cyberspace for nearly 4 years. Thought I had something a bit different – cartoon blog about parenting – and have persevered. Oy have I persevered! Trouble was I walked away from anything that looked like marketing affiliate or otherwise, or advertising, or sponsored posts. I wouldn’t even have cute photos of my kith and kin leaping in Boden on a sunny beach or next to a picnic hamper.
After that I spent much time and money on social media helpers who did nothing of the sort.
So I know the answer and it goes like this:
Making good money from blogging is a full time job. It’s not a hobby and the only way you’ll make it is a 60 + hour week.
1. Join Social Oomph and pay for a professional package
2. Schmooze with your local real life media and get known on radio/tv
3. Give up your social life and say goodbye to your friends and family (unless you’re mining them for content).
It’s not worked for me yet but I have it on reliable evidence that you’re in with a chance.
Good luck to us all!
Jo
Thank you-those are some great tips right there! Number 2 is a particularly interesting one. I know quite a few bloggers who’ve been on the radio and I have no idea how they’ve done it. Unfortunately I work full time (not blogging) so I just don’t have the 60 hours to give. Best of luck to all of us!
I really enjoyed reading this! I agree 100% Although the tips are good, I found myself becoming obsessed about it all and loosing my joy of writing. So I decided to listen with a half ear, try some new things when I felt the urge, but basically to just write and enjoy it, because that’s why I started blogging in the first place. Who cares about the rest. For me, when a reader comments and says that my post really touched them, that’s a win right there! I really don’t want to be “famous”… anyway!! #globalblogging
Totally agree. I find myself questioning why I started sometimes. I didn’t start with the aim of making money (although it would be nice). I started because I love to write.
Oh man did I love this post! You know what really peeves me? The “I got 5million views in my first month” posts. Often it turns out they are piggy-backing off another blog and they don’t mention how many hours a day they spent on the blog or their bounce rate. So many things that aren’t disclosed.
I for one love your humour and am enjoy your refreshing truth 🙂
Thank you! That’s interesting-I hadn’t thought of that. Now, where is a blog I can piggyback on?
I love this! Especially number 1 – it’s such annoying advice and really not true!
Exactly! It’s easy for people to say once they have-by some combination of good fortune and timing-become successful.
great article. Its good to get a sense of perspective against all the articles suggesting you will have readers in their scores if you only do x,y,z (eg spend 90% of your life on social media).
Thanks. The thought of spending 90% of my life on social media makes me feel a bit sick!
Stopping by to write a comment just cos I loved it and no other reason! I used to read every tip, chart, latest success scheme. Now I just dabble about – happy with reality that I will never be a mega star. I am as much a mediocre blogger as I am a mediocre mother ? great post Min I really enjoyed it. X
I’ve actually found it quite refreshing to remove myself from the world of competitive blogging. I might never be the most successful blogger, but at least I’m not spending my time worrying about it! Good to see you back. x
First of all, love your writing style! You are so witty and funny with your words. And second, I love how candid you are with this post! So true – I feel like every blogger has written a post about how to blog. But it’s simply not a one-method-fits-all formula! There are so many frustrations to blogging that aren’t often revealed, but I love that you put so many out in the open. <3
Jenn
http://www.honeydewblog.com
Thank you! It does feel like every blogger has a blogging tips post, doesn’t it?
Oh this did make me laugh. There’s an awful lot of rubbish spouted on the web by self-confessed blogging experts. I prefer to simply sit back, know what I know and quietly get on with it! Great post.
Thanks. I know-it seems as though everyone’s an “expert” when it comes to blogging!
Great post. You are right- there is a lot of ‘advice’ out there.
Thanks for commenting!
Haha – I remember MySpace. Think I still have a profile on there…. oops x
Me too-if it still exists? *Rushes off to google self on MySpace*
Ha! Another frank and fabulous post from one of my favourite bloggers. Being brilliant definitely doesn’t guarantee the recognition and success you deserve if you are anything to go by.
Aw, thank you! I will get the success one day…I hope. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway (maybe if I tell myself enough that success will be mine, one day it will!)
this had me laughing, it is so true! I used to believe if I actually worked had at it opportunities would come and that is what i wanted right!? Well suddenly I was being offered some (not a lot) of those opportunities and found most of them I wasn’t interested in at all. I think my biggest issue is that I don’t want to be one of those blogs where every post is some kind of review. Those blogs bore me, I want to read real stuff and so I want to write real stuff too. Sure I like a free holiday who wouldn’t? But I get really turned off by blogs that are all about secretly selling you stuff. So at the end of the day I am happy with my tiny spot on the internet.
Absolutely! There’s nothing wrong with a review here and there, but blogs that are full of them are a massive turn off. Most of the opps I’ve come across seem to be people trying to get something for nothing anyway!
Hahaha! Hysterical! I love a piss take post! I’m a newish newbie blogger (2 months) and have read quite a few blogging tips posts, and I have definitely seen a lot of them are just the same stuff! That being said I’ve picked up some great tips too. And I am enjoying a linky because I’ve found some brill posts to read. ?
Linkies do have their place, especially when you have just started, and they are fab for engagement, but yes, there are far too many blogging tips posts out there. It seems everyone’s written one, hence I needed to mock!
A great post and so true. I’ve been blogging over 3 years and I think I have pretty good content but the social media side of it is hard to keep up with (damn the day job!) and I dont really feel part of the blogging community – it’s hard enough to make friends in real life as an adult never mind online as 1 of thousands of parenting bloggers trying to get noticed! It does make me roll my eyes when people who have been blogging for a couple of weeks are posting on Twitter or in FB groups about when can they start making money and why do they not have millions of followers yet.
Yes those pesky day jobs are a pain aren’t they! Those people who think blogging is a quick and easy way to make money will learn the hard way pretty soon!
Hi Min, this is classic. I laughed and nodded my way through your post. You forgot to mention that if you do get contacted by a ‘company’ more often than not they want something for nothing and have never read your blog. Hey ho, at least we have some laughs!
xx
We certainly do! Luckily I’m not too bothered about the monetisation! Thanks for your comment.
I love your writing style! 🙂 lol x
Well – I think that blew away the last few cobwebs of denial. But still – comment on my blog when you can, eh? 🙂
Haha, I will-I’m just bitter and twisted (and very cynical) when it comes to the social mores of blogging!
I absolutely love mom blogs with realistic people humor. It makes me remember how real people can be and that everyone is not so uptight these days. Your humor mixed with mom blog facts is the TRUTH.
Haha..great read mama ??
Thank you!
You’re welcome!
Loving this totally spot on, for me I just get on with enjoying it and never be influenced by others. I guess I do my own thing and fab read