7 Things I’ve Learned About Blogging So Far

Ahhhh, I’ve finished my first quarter of blogging. This month makes 3 whole months that I’ve been an official blogger, small victories! I launched www.courtneynwilliams.com on my birthday back in March and haven’t looked back. It’s been a labor of love so far, but something that I’ve definitely enjoyed doing. I wanted to launch my own personal lifestyle blog for quite some time, literally years, but let different fears prolong the process. I finally decided it was time and I had nothing to lose from trying. What originally led me to start my blog is simple, I have a lot to say LOL…more so, I love sharing. Whether it’s my testimony, tips on motherhood & marriage, blended families, or just some good ole’ girl talk. Social media platforms only allow you to share so much before it becomes nauseating. I’m sure no one wants to read an essay scrolling through Instagram. I also get quite a few direct messages on all my social media platforms asking for advice on various topics, so I figured a blog would allow me to address common questions in greater detail. There’s been some frustrating days, days where I flat out didn’t have the time nor energy to devote to the blog, and days I doubted myself as a legit blogger. But overall it’s been a great experience and a blessing so far.

Although I’m still a VERY new blogger and have a lot to learn, here’s a few things that I’ve taken away in my first quarter as an official blogger babe:

• Like anything else, IT TAKES PRACTICE! The first few blogs that I typed up took, what seemed like, forever for me to finish them. Then when I proof read them it felt like I had to pretty much re-write them. I had moments of feeling like “I suck at this.” I started to question was blogging something I still wanted to do. But I continued to push myself and started to notice with each blog post I put out, writing them became easier and easier. I went from taking days to write up one post, to just taking a few hours if I already have an outline. Don’t get discouraged in this area too soon. With time, you’ll be able to write blog post in your sleep!
• You have to BE CONSISTENT with putting out content. Put yourself on a realistic schedule for posting new blog post. With a full-time job, a husband, a household, and 3 kids I didn’t want to immediately put too much pressure on myself with putting out content. I gave myself a goal of posting at least one new blog post a week to start off with. Eventually I’d like to get up to 2-3 post a week but for now one works for me. You just don’t want to let too much time go by in between each post.
• Be PATIENT and just focus on putting out great content that your particular audience will appreciate. Don’t get so caught up in numbers initially or making money from your blog. Don’t obsess over likes on post, shares, traffic, or comments. You can easily get consumed early on with all of that and it can discourage you. Building a blog and consistent blog traffic takes quite some time. I’ve read numerous articles from fellow bloggers on blogging and they all seem to say it’s taken them years to get their blogs off the ground. Let alone a paid sponsorship. Loyal followers and opportunities will come with time and hard work.
• TRUST YOURSELF and say what you really feel. You’ll develop thick skin quickly! With blogging comes criticism and rejection. Whenever you put yourself out there on a public platform you must be prepared for that. There’s times where I’ve typed a sentence, deleted it, just to retype it again due to worrying what someone may think. I will already envision eyes rolling and thoughts like “who does she think she is?” All I can do is be true to my personal thoughts and values. When you’re too concerned about other’s approval, you start to second guess your own opinion way too often.
• Blogging is HARD work. It’s not as glamorous as it looks. If you’re like me and have a full-time job along with a bunch of other responsibilities, it’ll involve a lot of late nights and weekend work. In the beginning, you’re going to dish out way more money than you’re bringing in from it. Blogging is not a get rich quick scheme. If you’re in it for that, you won’t last long. With my blog being a lifestyle blog revolving around my family, I have to shoot with my kids and husband a lot. My kids are 6, 5, and 14 months old. Do I need to say anymore? Lol. All moms know how great of a task it is to take pictures with babies and young children. And my poor husband has been dragged into my blogging lifestyle against his will. He’s been such a supportive trooper though! Although, you guys see the cute final photos, there’s A LOT that goes into them behind the scenes.
• Find inspiration from anywhere and anything. I’ve only been blogging for a short while and struggle with coming up with new, fresh, and relevant content. I get inspiration from pretty much anywhere and anything. Whether it’s conversations with girlfriends, hot topics on social media, television and all. Sometimes a lightbulb immediately goes off where I’m like “omg I have to do a blog post on that!” Sometimes the smallest idea can turn into an entire blog post.
• Stay TRUE to yourself and everything else will work out. With there being so many bloggers now it’s easy to compare yourself and even start to mimic what other bloggers are doing. Find out what your niche audience likes and focus on putting out great content they’ll appreciate. Try not to venture off from that too much. Readers value authenticity. They can also pick up on BC (bull crap) a mile away. If your page turns into a constant cheesy sales pitch due to you taking any and every opportunity that comes your way just for a dollar, you’ll see your engagement decrease. My motto is, only sponsor a product that you love the brand or genuinely want to write about the product. Be you, there’s no other you out there.

I genuinely appreciate every single person who has visited my blog, shared, or commented on a post. I know we are all busy and for you to take even 5 minutes out of your day to read something I’ve poured my heart into makes me so grateful. To read comments saying a blog post was just what someone needed at that moment makes it all worth it. A lot of times, just like you needed it…I needed it myself. Blogging has been like therapy for me. I always want to practice what I preach. At times I check myself. Everything I address I’ve been through myself. I promise to continue to put out genuine and transparent content out there. My goal is to truly help others that are walking a similar path as me. I can’t say thank you enough for you guys support so far. Please share with me what’s been your favorite post so far and anything you would like me to blog about in the future.

As always…Love you all,

Courtney N. Williams