When I first sat in front of the computer to launch my blog, I had no idea of the surprises I would encounter as a blogger. All I had to do was spread my wings, click launch, and I’d be discovered.
Yep, I got part of that equation right – the moment you click launch, you are a blogger – but SURPRISE – like me, you’ll quickly discover you’re not alone in the endeavor.
Nope, nada alone at all.
Surprise #1 – There are a lot of bloggers out there, busy as bees doing the blogging thing. An estimated 440 million blogs existed worldwide in 2017. 2 million blog posts get written every day. So yeah, you’re not alone.
Surprise #2 – It’s amazing how something promised to be so simple would be so hard to figure out. A blog in 10 minutes, yeah right. With only 440 million other blogs out there, I know why no one was reading mine! Starting out, there are a lot of things that seem very blurry about how obscure it is to be a blogger.
Surprise #3 – There is a strong temptation to find the fast track when frustration hits and you haven’t figured things out yet. This will take you down many rabbit holes if you let it. And you’ll be tempted then to join 99% of other bloggers who quit in the first year due to lack of interest.
Surprise #4 – It’s easy to feel like there are too many options and directions to take your blog writing when you start participating in the word prompts. They are fun, but if you’re not careful, all you’ll do is spend your time hopping around from idea to idea and lose focus on your own blog’s direction. And then you’ll wonder where the hell was I going anyhow? You need to keep an eye on your target, not everyone else’s!
Surprise #4 – But…those prompts are where you make a lot of blogging friends that you can follow and they can follow you, too. It’s fun to go hopping around. You stop feeling all alone when there are friends out there to chat and interact with.
Surprise #5 – It surprises me how blogging friends come and go so quickly. And that surprise is a hard one to swallow because inadvertently you end up being one of those bloggers who does the same thing – because it takes a lot of time to hop around and remember who to visit. It’s easy to lose friends. Don’t be offended, it’s just the nature of the hopping scene and the time commitment it takes to do so.
Surprise #6 – The day you decide to flock together with bloggers who follow you and are of the same writing style you’ll start to feel like you’re fitting into the groove. And you’ll feel that you might just be able to survive this long journey of discovery after all. This is an important stage, encouragement from others helps you realize you’ve missed being authentic to yourself and your own blog.
Surprise #7 – Focusing on your tiny pillars of blog stats does little for your growth. Only check on that stuff once and awhile. The little things lurking in the shadows are really big things you need to focus on. What are those little (big) things? Networking and focusing on your unique voice on your blog!
Do so and you’ll eventually (it takes years folks) stand out, even if you’re talking about the same thing as other bloggers…(that’s the buzz I’ve heard anyhow)…!
Post inspiration – #MyBlogMyWritingStyle 30 Day Blogging Challenge (find instructions by clicking here) Word prompt – Surprise and Question of the day – “What surprises you about blogging?”
PS – What was the first surprise you encountered when you started blogging? What is the flower called that the bees are on in my photos? Holy crazy bee zone…it’s been buzzing like crazy since the tiny flowers started to open up. After all these years since 2001, my heart still aches for the losses on 9/11, it was a beautiful sunny day that day, too. Hugs to all who are remembering, too!
Nicely written! Some days there’s no time to connect, only time to dump your brain. Other times, I read and comment and analyze and check up and do all the things…. it’s about balance.
It’s still fun, so I’m not going anywhere for now….😉
Thank you, Claudette!! Excellent point – it is all about balance – and I’m HAPPY you find it fun and that you’re not going anywhere for now!! 🙂
Another post with some great insights! I have my hardest time keeping up in April with the A to Z. So many new and interesting blogs and people to discover. I’m always amazed when someone actually does follow me.
Thank you, Janet. I’ve never done the A-Z challenge. Yes, there are many blogs out there, we all have valuable thoughts to share, it’s hard to find a balance between our managing own blog and reading the other blogs!
Hmmm… First blogging surprise… Since I started this blog solely to motivate myself to write regularly, I was surprised by how quickly other Bloggers started liking, commenting, and complimenting my posts. I have no idea what kind of flower that is and won’t hazard a guess ’cause that’s way outside my areas of expertise.
You’re on the right track Denny – stay true to the reason you wanted to write in the first place! LOL on the flower, no worries!!
So what’s the name of the flower?
After some research, the plant is called a perennial Pink Stonecrop Sedum Flower. And now you’re in the know next time someone consults you about flowers in Wisconsin :-)!
Wow, that’s an awfully long name. I say we call it the pink fuzzrod. Thank you for enlightening me!
Excellent choice for a new name!! 🙂
Thank you, Shelley!
I may be wrong but I think those flowers are Bee Balm. They are beautiful regardless. Good advice here, especially for those of us who are new at it. And you are right, it is full of possible rabbit holes.
That’s the name that I kept coming up with, but I wasn’t sure. There is also a wild weed that I thought was called that too? Thanks, glad you enjoyed the 7 surprises…even the rabbit holes help us learn something valuable!
True
Right on!! I was surprised too about the time it took to blog. How about the time used to customize your page and learning about widgets?!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Your point about losing blogging friends resonated with me. I had one blogging friend and then one day she stopped posting. I wonder about her and wish that she is doing well. Even though it’s through the computer, you wonder and care about these people and their lives.
Yes, a lot of time!! You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed the post. I have a few, and one blogger friend in particular that I wonder about almost every post. I hope she is well and that someday I’ll hear again from her. I’m glad you continue to stop by here – I always enjoy hearing from you and thinking about you and your kids’ smiles!! Brightens my day for sure!
Glad to be your blogger friend too!! I’m happy we add a little brightness to your day.
Your posts make me think more deeply about certain topics and I enjoy seeing your photography. It’s reassuring to know that losing blogging friends is a common phenomenon in blogging. I guess it’s natural in this forum.
Yes, you always brighten my day! I feel the same about your blog posts, I always take away a new feeling after reading them. I hope your blogging friends continue to grow and that treasured ones return on a regular basis! xx
Ditto!! Have a great day. 🙂
It is nice to know that blogging surprises are shared with other bloggers! I am impressed — that’s a challenging goal – one blog per day. I really like how you paired up the surprises with the photos – going more and more close-up. I wrote a post today before I read yours. We both mention what today brings to mind and always will. Hugs back at ya.
Yes, surprises are everywhere. Yeah, I made a commitment to get into the groove of writing every day – once I got into the routine, it is a welcome daily habit. Thank you for your feedback on the pictures, too! Your post is very touching, thank you for inviting me to read it! xx
https://oneletterup.com/2018/09/11/the-day-everything-changed/
Great realistic description about blogging. I have only been blogging since January, and 2 of the biggest surprises were how important is is to develop a blogging community and how NICE, generous and helpful most other bloggers are.
I thought blogging would be much more of a solitary activity. I was so surprised and pleased when I found out that you need some blogging friends. A group of book bloggers befriended me (I am a running blogger, sort of), and showed me the ropes. They were my first followers and my blogging gurus. I am still in touch with most of them.
Thank you, Laurie, so nice to ‘meet’ you and have you stop by to say “Hi!” You’re light years ahead of newbie bloggers by having the assistance of a computer geek in the family who understands the plethora of nuances in WordPress. From experience as a novice, that’s a huge obstacle to overcome. It puts you on the fast track (running pun intended slightly ;-)) for getting out into the social phases of blogging. I like your take on a running blog. Happy running to you! For my readers – here’s the link to Laurie’s recent post about her discoveries in blogging! https://meditationsinmotion.wordpress.com/2018/09/12/show-me-your-best-link/
Hi Shelley this is an excellent post and agree with a lot of your experiences. Also like the photos alluding to your point.
I am from South Africa and our team at work was to go on a team build on 10 September 2001. It was cancelled.
I remember a video of somebody looking up at the burning building when the second plane hit and the shock on the persons face when he realized that it cannot be a random accident
Hi Abrie, thank you for your feedback on the post and photos! It remains astonishing to me how world-wide 911 was to the human race. I remember the videos too and thinking, “There’s gotta be a drill or emergency things set up for something like this, right?” Those thoughts turned to horror when I, too, realized it wasn’t a random accident. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and for reaching out to say “Hi!” Your Lens-Artist post on fences was excellent!! https://abriejoubert.wordpress.com/2018/09/09/fencing-in-fun/
Thanks Shelley really appreciate your comprehensive reply. Enjoy blogging and all the surprises!
You’re welcome, I appreciate your feedback and thoughts as well! Happy blogging to you, too!
440 million blogs?! Had no idea we were in such widespread territory!
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http://www.areweadultsyet.com
According to Google 🙂 I know…it’s a big # to compete with!