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What No One Tells You About Starting a Blog

What No One Tells You About Starting a Blog

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I cannot believe  I am approaching the one year anniversary of my blog. It is crazy to think that within 12 months, I started a blog, a business and gave birth to my second child. And since then, I have learned a lot. Today, I want to share with you some juicy secrets…what no one will tell you about starting a blog.

Not Many People Will Be Supportive

Over the 12 months I have been blogging, I have developed thick skin( and that is a big deal coming from someone as sensitive as I am).  I will never forget the first time a major home improvement website shared my blog on their Facebook page. I made the mistake of reading some of the comments, and my God… people are so damn hateful!

I was basically in tears over some of the nasty feedback people dished about my work. But after commiserating with some super successful bloggers, I have come to realize this is an inevitable part of being a public figure. It happens to the best of them. Actually what I found even more hurtful, is that most of your “friends” will not support you. Hell, they won’t even take the time to “Like” your Facebook page.

And while my own mother doesn’t even read my blog (although she still praises me), I have been moved at how supportive some people have been . In fact, some of my biggest supporters have been fellow bloggers. Which brings me to my next point.

how to start a blog

Fellow Bloggers Have Been My Biggest Supporters

I have heard it advised over and over from blogging experts, but if you want your blog to excel, you must find a tribe of like-minded bloggers. Hands down, fellow bloggers  have been the most supportive of my work. For all the nasty trolls you will encounter, the support and love from fellow bloggers have warmed my heart and kept me going when I considered giving up. Not to mention, learning many of their stories has been so inspirational to me. I love my blogging community!

It is More Time Consuming than a 9 to 5 Job

If you want your blog to be profitable, it will be more time consuming than a 9 to 5 job. Before I started blogging, I had no clue what went on behind the scenes. I imagined simply plugging out content and followers flocking to my site. Unfortunately the blogosphere has become so saturated, blog promotion in and of itself is a full time job. Not to mention actually completing the featured project, taking the photos, editing the photos and writing the content. It is truly never-ending.

blogging tips

At some point, you are going to feel like a shitty parent, spouse or friend

Because blogging is a never-ending endeavor, I have come to find myself distracted from my children at times. While other mothers are posting pictures of all of the fun outings a stay at home mother is afforded on social media, I bear the brunt of being a stay at home mom while also having to balance my time engaged in my marketing job and, on the other hand,  also pumping out content for my blog- leaving my kiddos to entertain themselves (a recipe for major mommy guilt).  And  I may or may  not have snapped on my husband at times over stressful projects and deadlines. Basically, at some point you will become so consumed with blogging that you feel like a shitty parent, spouse or friend.

It’s a Huge Learning Curve

Unless you are fortunate enough to have the resources to outsource all of the technical work, blogging involves a huge learning curve. You have to wear many hats: photographer,web designer, social media strategist, brand coordinator, SEO administrator to name a few.  Thank God I have a background in digital marketing and web design(which is actually my day job). But if I weren’t well-versed in web design and SEO, I cannot imagine how overwhelming it would be to start a blog. The biggest learning curve for me has been photography and certain social media platforms, which I had no prior experience in. Hats off to you bloggers who have managed to grasp all of the techy components of running a blog. I learn something new everyday.

Most of the Money I Make Gets Re-invested Into my Blog

Believe it or not, blogging can be quite lucrative. In fact some of my blogging idols have managed to quit their day jobs and earn  six-figure incomes. Unfortunately for me, I am not there yet. Being the mother of two young children who are not old enough for school and working from home as a marketing professional, I cannot invest the time and effort needed to yield a legitimate income. However, I do make  “spending money” from ad revenue. Although, most of it just gets re-invested into my blog anyhow (think hosting, emailing platform, photo editing software, project supplies) and that’s ok because I love what I blog about. My tip for those considering blogging, be sure it is something you would be happy to do for free as it will most likely begin that way.

Be Prepared to Invest at least $1000-$2000 Initially

If you want your blog done the right way, be prepared to invest a few grand immediately. While I designed the blog and logo myself (given this is  a component of my professional skill set and saved a decent amount of money this way), I had to invest in a DSLR camera, photo-editing software, hosting and domain. Many will also need to invest in a web developer and graphic designer.

 Sometimes It seems Like an Utter Waste of Time and Money

Sometimes blogging can feel like an utter waste of time, stress and money. As a matter of fact,  last weekend I had invested in a project I just assumed would work out and be fabulous. Fifty dollars and 2 hours into the project, I realized my DIY lamp was an epic fail that would never see the light of day. It is times like these you want to crawl into the fetal position and cry.  Why oh why do I even waste my time doing this?

building my empire one nap at a time

I am Building my Empire, One Nap at a Time

Building my empire, one nap at a time. Folks, for all of the negative input I have shared with you about blogging , this quote is what keeps me going: the possibility that one day, I can actually make a lucrative income doing what I love. While blogging may be just a hobby for many, for me, it is a union of my professional skillset (marketing, writing and web design) with that of my true passion (design). In this season of my life, the only time I have to build my empire is while my babies are sleeping, but one day they will be grown and I will have more time for myself. I cannot completely lose myself in my children, and I want to show them that mommy is a hard worker. I just hope I don’t burn out before that day comes.

So yes, blogging , if done correctly, is highly involved and at times stressful. But, when all the stars align , it can be so rewarding.

Now I must break out in the birthday song for my blog’s 1st Birthday.

Now get out there and design some good vibes! Please Be sure to Pin…

how to start a blog

Much love, Erica

****Stock Photos courtesy of picxclicx.com ****

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mizcheryl

Tuesday 20th of December 2016

This post is so spot on! I started my blog this past May and I've experienced (and still experiencing!) everything that you wrote. Thank you for sharing this and thank you to Jamala aka Vivalavintage4YourHome for sending me the link to this post!

Designing Vibes

Wednesday 21st of December 2016

I am so glad you stopped by. Thanks for the support. :)

VivalaVintage4YourHome

Wednesday 30th of November 2016

I just found your blog and am in love with it! Congrats on your one year..(my God I've been at it 3 years and still am left behind) I'm at the learning process of everything but slowly I'm getting there. This was exactly what I needed to read..one thing for sure the blogger community is great and I've met so many fantastic people.. end now I'm acquainted with you!

Designing Vibes

Thursday 1st of December 2016

Yay! I am so glad you enjoyed my post, friend. I really appreciate the support. Much Love! :)

mary springer

Monday 14th of November 2016

I am so glad I read this..it is actually how I am feeling trying to start my own blog and so frightened..I feel so overwhelmed with so much to learn..unlike you.i have no experience in any of it. I had no idea it entailed soo much! I find myself wondering if I should forget it and just make my crafts and sell them or to do the blog and not give up..I have the time but seems like no time..I have 4 kids and a new 3 story house been here 5 month still not set up! As my husband is on the road owns his own rig and buisness, he is always gone leaving everything up to me and too much to handle. Time management is one thing i need to learn. My biggest challenge right now is starting my blog ..Ive got some done but stuck at my page//designing the webpage and wordpress plugins..no clue what I am doing..If not for that I would be ready to roll and no one to help me. I am simply stuck.

Designing Vibes

Tuesday 15th of November 2016

I cannot imagine how overwhelming it must be for you. It may be worth hiring someone to set everything up for you. Not sure who you host with, but a lot of hosting companies offer services to help set up/design your blog. Best wishes and good luck!

Nicki

Monday 14th of November 2016

I totally feel you here! My best friends I don't even think read my blog, no kidding! They don't care and I don't push it on them. And my mom doesn't read it either because she refuses to be come computer literate. None of the closest people in my life besides my husband and my kids understand what it is that I am doing at all!

Designing Vibes

Monday 14th of November 2016

haha! I totally feel your pain, Nicki. Glad to know I am not alone and thank God for the support of other bloggers like yourself. :)

Baba

Thursday 3rd of November 2016

You are sssooo right. I've been doing this for 2 years and still struggling. I love doing it and making an income would be great but it is not a reality. Just hang in and keep doing what you love.

Designing Vibes

Thursday 3rd of November 2016

Thank you so much, Baba. So glad you could stop by. :)

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