Blogging Tips I Learned in My First Year of Blogging

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In my first year of blogging I’ve learned several invaluable lessons. If you’re a new blogger, are considering starting a blog, or just want a peek into the blogging world, I’d love to share these insights with you!

Also, I’d like to mention that these lessons really apply to so many areas of life. Whether you’re starting (any kind of) a new business, you’re a stay at home mom, or you’re renovating a house (all three of which I am currently in the middle of), knowing how to apply these simple principles can help you move from floundering to flourishing.

So, grab your favorite cup of tea and let’s chat!

Invest in Yourself and Your New Business

Just over a year ago, I decided to invest in a blogging course by Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone. It was an excellent course and taught me so much about getting my blog off the ground. However, making the decision to invest in and take a course was something I put off for years. I even started a completely different blog several years ago which didn’t take off because I didn’t know what I was doing (although I will say, it did teach me some valuable lessons about what I can learn on my own).

If I could go back 5 years, I would tell 2020 me to take the course! Investing in a business you plan to grow is so important in the beginning stages and beyond. There’s a course I have my eyes on currently that I’d like to take within the next year to grow my skills and expand our business.

So, take a course or join a mastermind group. Find community, support, and keep learning! Your self and your business will thank you! (Unfortunately, the blogging course I took is no longer available, however, I know there are many others out there.)

Resilience is Key

“Resilience: The act of leaping or springing back, or the act of rebounding; as the resilience of a ball or of sound.” Definition according to Websters 1828 dictionary.

Blogging is not easy. There are ups and downs and constantly new things to learn. We must learn to be resilient. There will be beautiful days and we should celebrate and rejoice in them. There will be very difficult days and we must take a deep breath, cry if we need to, take a break if we need to, and then carry on.

As a Bible-believing Christian, I know that in the good days and in the bad days, Christ is here with me. When I wonder if it’s worth it to keep going, I trust that if He has called me to do this work, then it has a purpose and my job is to be faithful.

Again, I want to reiterate that sometimes when things are hard we may need to take some time to reevaluate our strategies, change them, or reach out to someone who can help us (back to that investing piece). Resilience is the rebounding, the coming back after the hard season of stretching.

Stay in Your Lane

This one might sound odd, but stick with me for a minute.

Like many women, I’ve struggled with comparison. Social media and the way things are so publicized now certainly does not help. And while this is difficult for me to share, I do so because I know I’m not the only one who struggles with this. I have found a couple helpful things to keep my heart and mind “in my lane” when I’m tempted to compare. Here they are…

When scrolling through another blog or on social media, I’ve found it helpful to keep an awareness of my heart. Am I being inspired and rejoicing in another’s achievements? Or am I starting to compare and open the door for jealousy to creep in? It’s helpful for me to stop and ask, “Is this helping or is this harming?” If I know it’s putting a bitter taste in my mouth, it’s time to step away for a little bit.

When I’m tempted to become preoccupied with what other people are creating on their blogs or social media, I remind myself to stay in my lane. Stay faithful to what I feel called to and what I am passionate about. Focus in front of me and stop worrying about what others are doing or not doing. I do want to clarify that “staying in my lane” doesn’t mean my style or interests can’t change…it’s just a reminder for me to focus on what’s in front of me at that specific time.

And of course it’s so important for us all to take time to celebrate with others when they succeed. Especially those who are in our direct local or online community. Rejoice with them!

However, because we’re also human, there are times when rejoicing with others can be difficult. When I’m really struggling with comparison or jealousy, I pray this, “Lord, increase my capacity to rejoice with others.” I long to be someone who truly does rejoice with others and I know that is God’s desire for me as well. He is happy to answer that prayer and I can attest that I have seen him working in my heart over the years.

One last quick note regarding blogging and content creation: I’ve scrolled through Pinterest and found several very similar posts to ones I’ve created as well as some stolen images. And of course, I immediately felt a little tightening in my chest. Although I’m very new in this journey, these are my thoughts on it. 1. Going down rabbit holes never helps me (it harms), so stop it. 2. There are other wonderful creators out there and you may just have similar tastes. 3. Most things should just be passed by, while some things should be pursued and reported (for example, stolen images or content that you’ve created).

I hope this has been an encouragement to you. I have to consistently remind myself of these as it can be so easy to get off track in this crazy busy online world.

As always with love, Ashlei