Does anyone else feel like blog world is taking things too seriously lately? I blog for a few different sites and sometimes I’ll think of a topic I want to write about, and gets nerve-wracking thinking of the right audience for it. Like if something doesn’t fit with my blog if found,make., I might pass the topic up altogether. If I can’t decide the outlet for a story I have, I’ll get caught up in how to properly tell it… And once again, it’ll get passed up. This whole scenario played out in my head as I thought of a blog topic (whilst sweeping my kitchen floor by the way… So inspiring!), and it totally represented something that’s been weighing on me lately: When did we decide not to have fun with our blogs?
Jenn has mentioned her goal in keeping a stress-free blog, but it’s easy to get caught up! It’s also tough when you have a related day job, like freelancing or social media. Suddenly, you want to use everything you’ve learned to become the next big thing. But I say, experiment with new topics, switch up your schedule for a week, share the DIY that went awry—do things because they’re fun, and don’t avoid them because they’re messy. You’ll have more fun, and so will your followers:
8 REASONS TO HAVE MORE FUN WITH YOUR BLOG
1. It’s authentic: Even if you take your work seriously/are a professional, you come off more genuine and let your personality shine when you let go of some of the pressure.
2. You’re passionate: A blog is different than any other publication. It’s started JUST because someone had the passion to do it—no editing process, no education needed.
3. It improves your writing: I like blogging as a form of writing because it allows me to find my own voice over time. I can switch up my tone, experiment, and find what feels right. Allowing yourself to take risks will *for sure* improve your writing game.
4. It gets you followers: You’re much more likely to get (and keep) an audience if you show your personality these ways than if you streamline too much (where you run the risk of falling flat).
5. It’s realistic: The reality of blogging is that it isn’t like other writing/design/social media gigs. It’s realistic to be open to change and to go for it when it feels right—you have no one holding you back other than yourself.
6. To connect: Whenever I read about growing a blog, people always say you have to interact—like reading other blogs and commenting. Instead of viewing it as a tactic, comment on blogs you really like, and move on from those you’re not into. When you have a post that you loved writing, reach out to the bloggers you really connect with and share. Commenting can be fun in itself—a ton of people read/comment blogs without ever starting their own—and it’ll organically grow your blog.
7. It’s organic: Speaking of organic… No one likes to read a book that feels contrived; same goes for a blog. When I started revamping I didn’t want to update until I had my design ready. But people will understand if things are under construction. Like I said in my blog plan, the most important thing about blogging is content. Don’t worry about making everything perfect!
8. It eliminates self-imposed stress: Let’s face it, no one’s forcing us to do this. Any stress our writing or website creates is probably self-imposed. Isn’t it kind of a relief to realize that? Taking the pressure off and making it fun again gives you reason to ditch all that unnecessary stress building up over your blog goals. I’m going to do my best either way… No reason to stress out over it (easier said than done, I know).
Honestly, I’ll probably have to look back on this list all year long—it’s so easy to forget. Have you stressed out over blogging before…Or is that just me?!
Alyssa J Freitas says
I LOVE this! It is so easy to get caught up in trying to be a professional at all times and creating content meant to generate numbers instead of doing what you like. I especially enjoy seeing the feet in the photo; what a great way to show that everything is not always as it appears!
Alyssa J Freitas
Angela says
Definitely! Glad you liked the photo… I was a little uncertain about revealing my tiny setup, ha!
Jeanette says
Yes, before the blog could be stressful for me, but my goal for this year is to change that:)
I started my new year fresh with a new blog and now when I’ve started to plan my contents I don’t feel like I did before. Now I think it’s more fun and it brings me joy!
Angela says
Good luck with the new blog!
Laura says
Oh not it’s not just you – I have TOTALLY stressed out about my blog in the past… I remember trying to do a ‘style’ post and it all went wrong, so in the end I wrote about what I tried to do and posted the epic fail pics and had a good laugh about it. Have been much more relaxed since then and now just say what I think, not what I THINK I should say! :)
http://www.lovedbylaura.com
Rachel says
Thanks for this post Angela, I’m just starting out and it’s hard not to succumb to the idea of putting out any old content just so that you can blog daily, or to a specific schedule.
The whole reason I have started my blog is to improve my writing and connect with others trying to do the same!
RACHEL x
Kelly says
Thank you for this!
I am starting my…3rd blog. The last two are floating around the web somewhere, but the stress of it all caused me to abandon it for a fresh start. This time I’m doing things differently (having a co-author, my husband) + going to use some of your amazing tips to remind myself that it can be fun.
Angela says
I’ve definitely gone through a few different blogs! Sounds exciting that your husband will be joining!
Mariah-Food, Booze, & Baggage says
Love this!! What great reminders to keep it fun :)
Liska says
SO true! I just started a blog and really am at the very beginning with it but even now I realize it’s beginning to get stressful. I read thousands of articles on how to build a readership, how often you should comment on other websites (the 100 rule) and it just doesn’t make fun that way. I’ll start to just write for myself as I planned to in the beginning and not get myself stressed out by the pressure I’m putting on myself. Thank you for this post, it really helped me to focus on the important stuff, which I completely agree is having fun (:
Angela says
I think there was a point that I realized sometimes it’s okay to look at a blog and decide not to comment, even if that means not getting my ‘quota’ – it really shouldn’t be so serious!
Uli says
I’m one of you guys. I started my 4th blog (and that’s actually my first blog post). I have the feeling I learned from my attempts though. I can just say it’s so much fun. I have never enjoyed blogging as much as with my new one :) Angela, thanks for this post! :)
http://www.foundsomepaper.com
Sarah says
I think if I ever had like a formal blog evaluation, they would probably say that I jump around to too many different topics. I’m not niche-y enough. But I can’t help it! I write what interests me and I’d get so discouraged if I felt limited. After all, my blog is for me before it’s for anyone else.
Hannah says
I completely agree with this, everything seems to be coming a bit uptight in a way, and there isn’t as much fun involved any more! I really like the points you’ve made :)
Hannah x
Hanniemc.co.uk
Krystal says
I used to get so stressed about deadlines, had to have a post up by a certain time, had to change a certain aspect of my site, had to post/tweet/stumble/pin a certain number of times… So this year is all about being organised.
I find having a list of topics to write about eliminates the stress – that way I can choose what I feel like writing about instead of writing something because I feel like I have to.
The world won’t crumble if you don’t hit publish today. If you’re not happy, your writing will reflect it.
Angela says
Great tips. It’s actually really refreshing to realize that the world won’t crumble if you don’t publish :)
Maya says
This list is spot on! I absolutely love blogging! Not only do I get to share thing that I love, but helps me understand myself more.
Shawna says
I absolutely love this! As a new blogger I was guilty of some cardinal sins of blogging. I wasn’t interacting much on social media, I felt like I had to write only a certain way, and I was following so many blogs on blog lovin just in hopes they would follow me back when I wasn’t entirely interested in their blog. I recently dived into social media and and am getting better. I also realized, shit…I can be funny or serious in my writing, I don’t have to always be one or the other. And finally, I did a little reaping on my blog lovin so now I only follow blogs I actually like! No matter scrolling through posts about fashion(I am thrift store lover) or posts about “how to create a weekly organic meal plan for your baby”. Now just going to learn and have fun!
Caroline says
I think it is so important to have fun while blogging! It keeps the passion alive and helps keep you inspired. I find that once the fun runs out it gets boring and then it starts to feel like a chore which is no bueno! I would definitely agree with all your points, cheers to keeping blogging fun! xo
Caroline
http://www.calijae.com
Brittany Pines says
Great advice! There is so much floating around about the “right” way to do this, or how you “have” to do that…sometimes, it should just be fun and what YOU want.