If you’re on the fence about your blogging efforts, read on, trust me you’re not alone.
Whew…here is my 830th blog post. Last year, January 10th, I posted my 540th post. Apparently, I’ve been busy blogging.
For me, 830 posts mean my efforts to become a Budda Blogging Master are a ‘success’. When I look back a year, it seems that I took my own advice I wrote.
For a while, and then things changed.
What changed?
I changed.
But, I’m not the only one. More on that in a few paragraphs…keep reading.
First, about me. It’s my blog, it’s always about me. Duh.
Anyhoo, when I decided to focus on blogging last year – to keep my mind occupied so I could accomplish Dry January and meet my goals to fit into a bikini (the one I thought I wanted to buy for a trip to Jamaica), I was busy, busy, busy, daily writing a blog post. I enjoyed the JusJoJan prompts and had a lot of fun getting into the daily writing groove.
A lot of bloggers do that. It’s the first of the year, goal-setting, writing daily, etc. It’s common. And it does work if that’s truly what you want to do. Internal motivation (or how you’ll look in a bikini motivation) is a wonderful thing.
In retrospect, though, I do think my desire to fit into a swimming suit motivated me to stick to Dry January last year and the daily writing routine. Plus I wanted to keep my hands busy, so I typed.
Those are just my thoughts today as I multi-task, munching on a cookie in between typing words. I’m not going anywhere tropical this spring, so my sweatshirt and sweatpants feel loose and comfy and…just fine, thank you.
Whatever.
Reminds me, I took a test to see what my ‘word’ should be this year. Last year it was curious, this year, so far so good. Parts of me are blooming, that’s for sure.
What about other ambitious bloggers from last year? What are they up to?
Here’s something creepy about me…
Remember I said my word was ‘curious’ last year. As a curious sort, I put together a spreadsheet. On it lists the URL of blogs that I followed like a faithful kind of follower I was, i.e., I was a “Follow This Blog” clicker, before I could get “Comment on this Post” kind of follower. Clicks happen.
On a side note, if you hear from me on a semi-regular basis, you know you’re not one of those blogs that I follow like I did above. I truly do enjoy following your blogs, read your posts, and I comment (you know who you are!).
I love my golden followers. The ones who keep coming back. Those are the ones I choose to focus on, and I find the most rewarding to engage with. How it was that they found me I’ll never know? I’m just grateful beyond words for them! xx
Seriously though – when I look at my blog followers, I know the majority of them are the fly-by clicker types, or I’m trying to get followers so I’ll click the “follow the blog” button and move on types. Or maybe they did like what they read, so they clicked follow but still move on types. Or, they gave up and stopped blogging. Or, they’re business spam types.
Whatever the cause may be, they’re a follower. Right?!
In my experience when I inadvertently practiced the fly-by following technique above, I found it rare to get a blog follower that came back on a regular basis. I was guilty of it myself. To the tune of an inbox that has gone mad. Really mad…
Granted, some of it was due to the olden days when it was easier to meet other bloggers.
In January of 2018, that’s what happened to me. I had 37 followers. Now I have (according to WordPress Stats) 816. In a two year period, that’s a healthy growth rate for not doing anything special. But I made the mistake of following a lot of blogs I’ve never gone back to read via that button instead of really wanting to follow them.
Yeah, I suck. Sorry. Clicks happen.
Now, if you’re a newbie wondering how to grow your blog, I’d tell you never do that, ever! Unless you’re able to keep up with all the reading and commenting. And be genuine. Good luck, if you can read 39000 blogs/day, more power to ya!
What about the blogs I tracked on my spreadsheet? How did they do?
I took a small sampling for a charted purpose and here’s how it looks for trends.
Slow and steady growth wins. Only 3 bloggers out of 30 had large growth. What did they do differently? Apparently, I don’t have a clue. I’m not one of them.
Actually, I do – it’s content shared in a niche that people want to read about. Bloggers, in particular, like to read about how to blog better. Go figure.
In one month’s time, The Art of Blogging has gained over 1000 followers. And in one year, it gained 20,000 followers. Christian, early on in my blogging efforts of last year, spent time liking my posts when I wrote about blogging woes. And I’m sure never stayed following my blog. Never commented on my posts, just clicked like on my posts. And hasn’t been back to read in a really long time. Christian moved on and is busy marketing to bloggers who want to grow their blogs for a fee. And probably using Reader to search for bloggers like me who write about blogging issues.
What about the other two blogs I follow when I’m able to?
One is apparently a full-time blogger, has been doing it for a very long time. Enters lots of blog writing challenges, photography challenges, etc., and is on Twitter, etc. Essentially – a retired, and very busy blogger that has found her niche.
The other one is simply charming, in a lonely kind of way, (never ever enters blogging challenges), he has found a niche where others want to be that charming too and has followers that adore the photos and words that flow eloquently with them.
What does all of this mean to be me, a blogger wondering why I’m still here in the blogosphere?
- Blogging isn’t as easy as 1-2-3. Content others want to read is king!
- I wish I knew why others quit.
- I inadvertently followed way too many blogs. I need to do something about that, there’s no way in h*ll I’d ever be able to read all of them and keep up. Sorry if your blog doesn’t make the cut.
- As a part-time blogger, who has a full-time job, I’d be insane if I thought I could ever keep up with reading other blogs beyond the ones that comment on mine.
- And yet, I still show up. I still share. I still care.
- Mostly, I adore those who stop by to say ‘hi’ and encourage my efforts – Thank You! – you are a golden blogging treasure to me!
PS – How about you, what have you learned about blogging since you started? What tips do you find work for you to grow your blog? What drives you crazy about the blogging world? What fascinates you?
It’s good to look back at this now and then, Shelley. I followed too many blogs, early on but I had learned from other social media not to follow-back every time. I look back, and if I like what I see, I look again. I’m also looking at how often bloggers blog. I can’t read all the blogs I follow as it is, I certainly can’t read everything from people who post multiple times per day. I am changing those emails to a daily digest. I also stopped following some, as it was making it too hard to follow in the Reader.
You are absolutely right about content being king. It’s why I’m still here.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Dan. I agree with you. I simply don’t have time to read all the blogs that I want to, let alone the reminder emails giving me guilt that I didn’t read the ones I signed up to get. That’s why I put together a spreadsheet of my favorites, so they don’t get lost in the other emails. I didn’t know you can pick and choose how you get notifications from blogs? I need to figure that out for sure!
Aw, thank you! The reason I follow your blog is for the well-written, organized, content and it’s easy to join in and share thoughts.
You can manage the notifications in the Reader. Go to “Blogs I Follow” and look for a button that says “Manage.” Press that and then in the list, look for a small drop-down list on the lower right of each name. For email options, you can get immediate, daily or weekly.
This is how I was finally able to get notified of your posts, I set it up there.
You’re my blogging guru hero!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ll go there this weekend and get to work on the settings!
Thank you again for persevering so that you get notifications about my blog. Your blog is set to my favorites in my browser window!
You’re welcome Shelley.
Wow, on the 830 posts,, Shelley! Congratulations!
I enjoy reading your blog. You share beautiful photos. You are genuine and yet, your posts always make me think.
I am a read every word on the blogs I follow and comment on. I find the new friends I have made enrich my life.
I was exceptionally touched by a recent note I received from a blogger, asking whether everything was okay. I had been “quiet” for a month due to an unexpected family crisis. This is a “real person” treating me like a “real person”
Thank you for reminding me why I feel like I have found my tribe.
Now, I can’t wait to jump back in again. Thank you, Shelley!
Thank you, Erika! I appreciate your words of encouragement and I love your detailed (genuine) feedback. I enjoy reading your blog too. And I’m glad to hear that your family crisis is over and that you’re feeling ready to jump back in again. You’re right, it’s nice when a real person misses you and tells you so. I’m glad you’ve found your tribe and that you’re inspired to keep writing. That’s a wonderful part of the blogging experience for sure! Happy Blogging to you!!!
Oh Ms Shelley, I got cold chills and flashbacks from the fence photograph. That is cold personified. It is hard to keep up with email. I have changed to my approach to a long list. I read and answer personal email first after erasing adds,, and look at blog posting notices last. Friends have a priority because friends should be treasured. Fly-by-night and hit hunters, it is a long road to earn priority status; work at it. Nice post Ms Shelley, I will keep it in case I need the road map to 20 thousand followers. g
g – yes, it was cold that morning when I took that photo. Jack Frost paints a pretty frosty covering on the really cold mornings.
As you know, I struggle with keeping up with emails. I like your suggestion to focus in that order. You’re right friendships are important.
I appreciate your encouraging words and that you weren’t offended by my rant for the morning! I don’t know if I’d follow my advice, it’s pure speculation ;-)! PS – I’m thankful for your comments and for your genuine follow of my blog!!
Interesting that you would keep data about other people’s blogs. I never “followed” people right away. I always look at a few posts first to see if it is actually something that I’m interested in. I do love my challenges.
LOL – you know me, a weirdo. I only kept that info as a starting point to say – hmm…wow…look how they grew or not, what did they do that I’m doing? What did they do that I’m not doing? Most importantly, it’s a spreadsheet with quick links to the blogs I do follow (like yours) so I don’t have to try to find their information in my outofcontrol emails!
I like your advice on checking the blog out a few times before following. Yes, challenges are fun and I’ve joined many you’ve recommended which I’m thankful for too! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Janet, I always appreciate hearing from you!
A lot of people quit because life happens: they have a kid, they get married or divorced, they or someone in their family gets sick, they start a new job, etc. Others quit because they get fed up with it, or they discover how much work it is, or they find they don’t really like it. Others find it’s like wetting your pants in a dark suit: they feel warm and comfortable, and no one notices.
I follow a lot of blogs that aren’t really all that interesting to me, but I keep following them because I think something will click at some point. I really need to examine the blogs I follow and rebuild the roster, so to speak.
Congratulations on 830! Keep going!
Thanks for sharing, John. I think you’re on target for a lot of reasons people give up on blogging. LOL – wet suit, that’s funny.
I’m thankful you keep hanging in here – someday I might just click and find a good groove, until then I stumble along rambling! I’m thankful for my spreadsheet (not to be a creeper) but it does give me a prioritization list of the blogs I enjoy reading when I’m able to. Yours is on my list – your ability to keep finding fun info to share inspires me!
Congrats to you on your successes too – keep going!
Congratulations on 830 posts! I love to blog so I can share my stories and introduce my characters to the world. It’s always a big thrill for me to share my work. There are lots of helpful tips in here. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you, Parker, I’m glad you found helpful tips here. You’re on the right track focusing on writing what you love, don’t ever let that go!
On a side note tip – your gravatar doesn’t take me directly to your blog. If you’re commenting on other blogs and having issues getting people to come to yours, that might be the reason they aren’t. Bloggers love to be able to reciprocate a comment easily and the gravatar with a link to the blog makes it easy to do so!
Thank you very much, Shelley! I will look into it!
You’re welcome. Depending upon your site and how it’s hosted – just google setting up Gravatar for WordPress and you’ll find the tips on how to do it right! Good luck – stop by again if you want me to double check to see if you got the settings right or not!
It’s been almost 2 years for my blog – the biggest thing I have learned is the time it takes…to do it well (at least for my own standards, which after all is my only measurement!). Content plus connection is what makes me go back and really follow a blogger. Commenting is the cement to all of that. Otherwise it’s too much like a shot in the dark. Nothing really drives me crazy, although it can be maddening when a blogger I’ve been commenting back and forth with – sometimes intensely – disappears without a trace. I can’t help myself, but I worry.
I’ve got to change my email settings – there are thousands sitting in my inbox! Yikes!
I’m with you on all of your comments (including…I’m thankful I’m not the only one with emails that have taken over the computer!). Yes, commenting is the cement. You still approve all comments, try a week without that and see how many you get. I know that when I switched that setting I received more comments. Spam is mostly caught by Jetpack, so I wouldn’t worry too much about that.
I do worry too when I hear from someone for a long time and then they’re gone. I think life just happens.
If you find any other tricks of the trade, do share! Congrats on 2 years, that’s a big accomplishment to stick with it!!
PS – I’m very happy you found your way here and that you share heartfelt comments – I’m always touched by them!
Blogging is an interesting process…the settings for comments are something I should look at. I have discovered a few on the edge, but craftily disguised as spam, show up to be moderated.
You’re right – life just happens – it’s still feels odd when someone drops out completely. I am also glad to have landed on your blog (which I think I found by seeing your comment on someone else’s blog!!)
Yes, indeed it is and interesting process. I played with my comment settings a few times. Now I need to move on to the recommendations Dan shared about how to set the other settings so I can get better control on blog follows.
I do feel bad when someone just disappears. I do understand how they may choose to do so and feel sad if the reason is beyond their control.
I’m glad you landed here too and I’m thankful for your genuine comments! You’re a golden blogging friend to me!
Cool for the 830! Blogging is a learning process it seems. There’s a lot of trial and error, but if we stick to it we have something to show for our efforts, and can be proud of our hard work. Everyone does it different as to what works best for them. I don’t know how I found your blog (probably a challenge or something) but I’m glad I did, Shelley! I always enjoy your posts. 🙂
Thank you, Barbara. You’ve nailed it – it’s trial and error and we should be proud of our efforts. I don’t know how I found your blog either. I think you’re right, it must’ve been a challenge on Linda’s site. I’m glad our paths have crossed and that you stop by to share your thoughts! I always enjoy your posts too!!
I was going to click and run but thought no Shelley needs to hear what I have to say……ummm…..well….I think…..ummm
You made me look at my stuff. I didn’t realise I had ticked over the 2000 posts to 2005!!! Yes I only have a handful of email follows so it is manageable and get to see others I enjoy from links to other bloggers posts. Then I might just go through a few of their posts and click and run lol
Being a host for challenges does add to the load especially if the prompt turns out to be popular. I did an impromptu photo challenge which turns out people enjoyed so I may do that again but monthly so I don’t get overwhelmed.
I enjoy looking at your slice of life Shelley although Copper taking a crap isn’t high on my lists of likes 😀 😀 😀
LOL – I’m glad you didn’t just click and run. I appreciate your genuine comments – they always make me smile! And if I didn’t tell you already, your blog is one that I did track (like I said I’m a creeper, sorry, not sorry) and since I started my spreadsheet you gained 568 followers. Maybe the impromptu photo challenge you’re hosting is the ticket? Or Twitter? I can imagine you’re funny on Twitter! But you can’t tweet me into going there, I can’t keep up with what SM sites I do visit! Let me know when you’re doing the next photo challenge, I may just find my way there to join in!
I enjoy seeing what you share about Australia, as you know it’s a place I’d love to visit some day. I’m praying for all of you there – I hope those fires stop soon!
Feel free to click and run when Copper’s sh*t gets too thick here! 😉
I am amazed at the number of people that follow my blog. That is a lot of follows and I didn’t really do anything to encourage them.
My regular PC gig is Ragtag on the last two Thursdays of the month. I did an impromptu idea at the start of the month and people seemed to enjoy joining in so maybe do another the last day of this month or first of March. It was post the last photo on your SD Card or on your phone no editing as is warts and all. Thanks for tracking my blog it is interesting to know stuff I guess. Do you track which country they come from as well? Do try to make it over here Shelley, you’ll love it x
Your not giving yourself enough credit. Your blog is fun to follow. It’s on my fav list so I don’t have to search for the email reminders. That and when you stop by here I’m reminded to go check out what’s happening in Australia!
That sounds like a fun prompt – keep me posted, by the end of this month I may be ready to jump into challenges/prompts again!
I do make notes about where and what type of blog it is. I should add country though…hmm…thanks for the idea!
I’m your ideas man Shelley 🙂
LOL – that you are!!
I just wrote a lengthy rely and I don’t know if it went or not. I’ll check back in the morning as its after midnight here and I am weary. x
It did, and I was just slow processing it! I hope you sleep well!
On the way to bed now zzzzzz
Oh funny “fly by clickers”, this is a great post
More power to Christian. I remember him, too! He has done very well. But I just care more about original content than bloggers talking about blogging all the time–like books or kids or photography. Blogging about blogging just feels like navel-gazing to me, maybe because I don’t have anything to sell. Is that what the bloggers about blogging do, eventually, sell something? Dunno. I just know that it’s original content that has gotten me followers, and like you, it’s the followers who come by often and comment who are truly golden!
Once again, Rebecca – your words of wisdom resonate with me! You’ve hit on the joys of blogging. I so appreciate you and your comments – you’re a golden treasure to me too! Thank you for all your encouragement and the content you share on your blog. I always learn something new when I read your posts. 🙂
I blog once or twice a month I try to make the content good whether is a short or long blog. And provide direction and links to further topics.
I try to follow a few people and enjoy reading blogs.
But I’m fairly new to blogging and at present have limited internet time to blog. But I do enjoy it and try to keep abreast of what I blog about and go from subject to different subject to keep it interesting. 😉
Hi Julie – I just discovered your comment had gone to my spam folder! Sorry for the delay in responding. I think you’re on the right target for blogging – do what’s best for you and write about what you’re interested in. I appreciate you stopping by here to share your thoughts. I enjoy reading your posts too! Happy Blogging to you!!!
Thank you Shelley .😁
You’re welcome!
Congratulations on 830 posts! I, too, wonder why people quit their blog. I wonder if it’s because the early days of blogging can be lonely in that you don’t really know if anyone’s going to read your words and if they do, how did they find you in the first place? I find myself following a lot of new bloggers, almost as a way of welcoming them into the blogging community and letting them know that someone does care about what they have to say, and hopefully that encourages them to keep going.
Thank you, Paul! I try to do that occasionally too – I remember early on being so thrilled that another blogger took time to say hi and encourage me. You’re very kind to do so! You’ve definitely found your niche on the blogosphere. I appreciate you stopping by to say hi again. I read through your post – I’m impressed that you can keep track of all that!!
WOW! Thank you for stopping by to encourage me, much appreciated!!
Congrats on 830 posts Shelley. I am amazed at how fast mine added up, and silly me – I started the blog in the Winter, a blog about walking in SE Michigan, of all things, and then we had lousy weather for months, so I threw out a few quotes about Winter and wondered “what was I thinking?” I also followed back everyone in the beginning and that beginning was 4 3/4s years after beginning the blog. Someone discovered me out in Blogland. As a newbie, I even thanked all of them for following. That was before I realized it was not always genuine, not like the genuine people who take time to comment and I know they read the post, didn’t just click and move on. You know who you are – yep, calling out the “clickers” as we all have them. Blogging is much more work than I ever anticipated, but in a rewarding way.
Thanks, Linda! I bet we all have moments where we go…”What was I thinking starting this blog?!” I so appreciate all your genuine comments, you’re a golden blogging friend to me, thank you!
Well thank you and I feel the same way about you Shelley and yes, I have those moments when I “clutch” as well as it relates to the blog.
P.S. Lest you think that when I like a post and don’t comment that I’m just a fly-by-night liker… no, in my case, that does in fact mean that I’ve read and enjoyed it, but maybe am feeling antisocial or whatever. (And yes, Christian has been liking away on my posts too.)
Aw…Sue, I know you mean your likes. I’m the same way – if I leave a like, it means I did read the post and I did like it. Sometimes I just don’t have any grand words to say to add to the comments or the post. That Christian…he’s a clever blogger :-).
Hi Shelley! I just hopped over here from Erica/Erika’s blog. A couple of years ago, I started a list of the blogs I followed… and was aghast when, at 60, I was still writing. I follow a few blogs just as a reader, but most of them I try to leave thoughtful comments on as much as possible. As you can imagine, my email inbox is clogged. I’ve tried to cull my list now-and-then but it’s hard. Not only do I enjoy reading what people write, I continue to find new blogs that interest me… like yours. I’ve now added your blog to my ever-growing list and it’s all Erica’s fault.
Hi Janis! Thank you for hopping over here and for the follow. You’ve been added to my growing list too! I so appreciate hearing from you and for your thoughtful comments. I think it’s safe to say Erika’s influence is a great one for both of us! Happy New Year – PS – I love your poem you shared, very insightful!
I’m hoping that this comment goes through…
I just wrote my 901st post and I, too, wonder about why I keep blogging and how I’ll keep doing it. I’ve found that blogging is a mindset as much as anything else. It’s fun when it’s fun, which is all I need it to be.
Hi Ally! Congrats on your 901st post. I did have to search for your comment. And that makes me wonder what happens to my comments on other blogs too at times? Where do they go?! It’s a mystery to me. And one that makes commenting on other blogs frustrating. Anyhoo. I’m glad you stopped by to share your thoughts. I agree, when it’s fun, it’s fun which is all I need to focus on too! Happy New Year!