When I first started blogging, I never thought I would have blogging regrets. I remember seeing posts similar to this one, where bloggers talked about everything that went wrong in their first few months of blogging. I didn’t see myself doing anything wrong or wishing I had done things differently. But here we are! I guess with anything you do in life, naturally there are things you regret. I wouldn’t change anything about what’s happened on my blogging journey. But there are for sure some things I wish I could avoided in the process.
Blogging is really hard, and there is no rule book that comes with it. Theres nobody to tell you what’s right and wrong. You sort of have to figure it out yourself, and that can be tough. When you start a blog it’s really easy to become overwhelmed with all of the information and all of the new systems there are to use. Not only is blogging itself overwhelming, but knowing you need to promote and use social media to advertise your blog can make things even harder. And this is how mistakes happen, and regrets occur.
I have made my fair share of blogging mistakes, and still do to this day. But today, I wanted to share some of the blogging regrets I have. In hopes that maybe you wont do what I did in the past.
NOT BEING CONSISTENT
One of the biggest blogging regrets I have is not being consistent in my posting. I remember posting blogs so sporadically. It did not help my blog growth at all. I always tell new bloggers and my readers that being consistent in blogging is so important. Some get confused and think being consistent is posting all the time, and thats not true at all. Consistency just means you are consistently doing the same thing. Whether thats posting once a week, or once a month. Just make sure you stick to your own blogging schedule.
I honestly put my blog growth down to posting consistently and often. I had the capacity and time to post regularly, so I did and it helped so much. Not only did it help with the growth of my site and following, but it also improved my skills as a blogger. I learnt so much by posting so regular, and I enjoyed it too.
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LETTING ANYONE GUEST POST
Now if you have been here a while, you’ll know that almost twice a week I would have guest posters on my site. It was such a great way for me to get to know other bloggers and build those connections but its one thing I regret doing. I don’t regret having other bloggers on my site, but I regret letting just anyone on my website and not having rules in place. I had a situation once where someone sent me their guest post and something just felt off. So I decided to copy what they had written and paste it into Google. Well, my intuition was right because this person had copied and pasted someone else’s work and tried submitting it to me as a guest post.
Ever since then Its really put me off hosting people on my site. And now I only really collab with people I know. You have to remember that whatever goes out on your site has your name attached to it, even if someone else wrote it. You have to be so careful of others and their intentions. I felt alot of the time people were just trying to use my platform for their own gain, and I didn’t like that. Guest posting is supposed to be for us both. To get to know one another and to support each other. And thats why I very rarely guest post anymore. I have to remember that it’s my brand at stake.
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GETTING CAUGHT UP IN THE NUMBERS
I just know that so many bloggers are going to read this part of the post and be like THIS IS ME! Because it used to be me too. I remember when I first started blogging I would always check my stats. I wanted to know who visited my site, how many followers I had and where they were from. I’ll admit, I still do this to an extent but not as crazy as I once did. I became so consumed by the numbers that I started feeling like a failure and having self doubt if I wasn’t at a certain number everyday. Slowly, as I have grown as a blogger I know what’s important when it comes to engagement on posts.
My plea to you today, is to not let numbers be the, be all and end all of your blogging life. It’s literally just a number. There is no rhyme or reason as to why some days your site performs better than others. Its just how the cookie crumbles. You are worth more than how many likes or comments you get on your posts. I have been there so many times myself. Those days where you hardly got any likes on posts. It can be so discouraging but it’s not what’s important here. Remember why you started.
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TRYING TO BE SOMEONE I’M NOT
So many times in my blogging journey, I’ve have felt like I needed to mimic what other people were doing. I looked up to so many bloggers and saw they were successful and decided I needed to write about the same topics so I could have the same success. Friend, it doesn’t work like that. There is no harm in writing about the same topics with your own spin, but please don’t ever use other peoples blogs for inspiration. Let their content inspire you to write, but don’t ever feel like you must be like them in order to succeed.
Social media and blogging will have you believing you are not good enough. And to be better you must do what others are doing. That is the BIGGEST lie. The internet will make you get caught up in the drama and politics. It’ll have you wanting to do what everyone else is doing. I know because it happened to me, many times.
It’s a wonderful moment, when you come into your own and you find your feet as a blogger. You know where your writing skills lie and you get a feel for what content you want to create. It’s the best feeling in the world. Don’t let the internet swallow you in whole. Keep your head above the water and stay true to who you are.
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Do you have any blogging regrets? If so, what are they?
There is no shame in admitting your wrongs, and sharing the things you could have done better as a blogger and in life. We are not perfect. Blogging regrets happen, it’s how we learn from them thats important. We are flawed humans who will continue to make mistakes as we grow. You got this.
Olivia x
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I have no blogging regrets=I have created about 560-posts in six months and still dropping jewelz still!
Thats awesome to hear! Having no regrets is a great mindset to have!
read all of my posts and redefine creative innovation!
It’s more than a mindset, but a force to reset minds
Nice list of relatable points! 🙂
Thanks alot!
Welcome 🙂
Great post with great points! 👍🏽 I’m so guilty of looking at the numbers! It’s so hard sometimes to stay motivated and consistent when you feel you put hard work in a post & the stats are low 🥲
I think alot of people feel like this. It comes naturally because we have been taught that more likes/followers/views means = successful. Which isn’t always the case! Keep doing what you’re doing and the followers and everything else will come!
My regret is not having a more clearly defined mission/purpose. Although part of my initial venture into blogging was to find that out so it could be argued that was par for the course. Still I regret not making the decisions to be more deliberate about my niche sooner. Great points your raise – esp about guest blogging. I’ll keep that in mind. Wishing you well 🙏
When you first start anything, you don’t really know what it is that you’re supposed to be doing. So you cant beat yourself up about that. You know now, and I am sure are more smart about your decisions with your site! And thats all that matters 🙂
Thanks Olivia. You are right. I appreciate your kind words. Wishing you well 🙏
This is such a great post Olivia! I agree with everything you said here, and I regret accepting so many guest posts too.
I think alot of people do it. They get excited that they don’t have to write their own posts but then actually fail to do the checks they need!
Firstly, I appreciate that you realized your regrets and took it as a learning for betterment.
Secondly, I don’t have any regrets at the moment because I never set my expectations while I write, like I should receive this many views, likes, follows etc..
But your post is really helpful. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Its great that you don’t set those expectations, because I think thats how I got my regrets. Expecting things to happen on my own time frame!
My only regret is not learning more about things like featured photos and SEO from the beginning. It’s time consuming reworking old posts!
Yes! I remember thinking I’d never need SEO. I wished I taught myself about it sooner
Thanks for sharing your lessons, very helpful. I like the last on authenticity and being yourself. It really helps to define ones blog, learn, grow and although it’s a slow process, its very fulfilling
It really is! Its important to stay true to who you are 🙂
I was obsessed with the number of followers for a while. My son would remind me every time he saw me checking not to worry about that, the numbers are not the important part. What I prefer now is the interaction, the comments which add to what I’ve shared. Every insight added by another, is an addition to and a betterment of my work. And I appreciate all of those.
Those views and likes don’t define whether your work is good or not, and thats what we all need to remember!
That is true. I’ve received email notifications were someone came along and “liked” twenty or so blogs at one time. Even though I deliberately try to keep mine on the short side, there was no way they could actually read that many in that short of time span. Meaning, if they didn’t read, those “likes” mean little to nothing. Without the comments and insights from others, we can’t grow and improve. We can’t discover more on the subject or emotions.
So many people do this. And its because people legit think this is a like’s game. When its really not. Its so much more than that. Its about interaction, and growing as writers.
You’re correct. I think, that those who are serious about their writing and not the game, will come to understand.
Thank you for sharing! Have a great day 🙂
Same to you! 🙂
Such a good read!
My biggest regret is not starting off with a self hosted site. It took your persuasion to move from the premium plan to the business plan and while I can afford it, it does seem like a waste of money. Especially since I know you can get the same perks from being self hosted for about half the price!
Shelly DS | https://growingwithspawn.com
I HEAR this! I feel the same. I wish I knew about it and knew who was best to choose. Oh well, you live and you learn!
I’ve been blogging for several years so I can really relate to this, there’s definitely a few collaborations I wouldn’t have done nowadays if they were offered to me x
For sure, me too! But it helped us to learn what we want and what we don’t want!
Personally, I struggle with deciding if my blog is a personal journal or a soapbox for things I care about. It is a constant struggle.
Do you not feel like it can be both?
I also get caught up in the numbers on my site. Not so much followers, but stats. I check them way too much to be considered healthy 😅
Hahaha we have all been there! I don’t really check them too much anymore. I go with the flow. Which I am glad of, because its exhausting!
It’s almost one year since I started blogging and for I regret not connecting sooner with the blogging community. At first I just blogged and did not use social media to promote and connect with other bloggers. Half way through my journey I started connecting and I have learned so much and gotten so much support. I hope to learn SEO better.
I agree with this. For the longest time I didn’t either and I really should have! But there is not rule book for blogging. It is what it is!
Great points thanks, Olivia 🙂🙂
Thanks alot for reading!
My Pleasure
Great points Olivia. I really have no regrets as I’ve learned so many lessons along the way and met great people too. I do get obsessed with the numbers. Can’t help it. Trying to stay consistent. Reblogging.
I have learnt so many lessons too!
You’ve always come up with great post😊
Aw, thank you so much!
I’ve just started my blog and I can definitely relate to not remaining consistent with posting. I originally had a plan but I lost confidence in myself. I decided tonight to come back and give it another shot. Because I love to write and I have something important to share. Not only that, but it is such a great outlet for everything I’m experiencing (and so many other people are experiencing, as well)!
I am so glad to hear that you decided to try again. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get into your groove. But well done for persevering!
I hear what your saying on Guest Posts but it’s no secret their good for DA. Unless it’s someone I know, I like to do interview style posts on Blogging Journeys.
Great post 😊 I don’t know if I have any regrets per se, I really only started it for fun. It’s only in the last 2 months I realised what SEO was!
*you’re, they’re 🙈 I’m tired 😂
No judgement😂😂
Oh for sure! I love guest posting on others sites! But don’t do it much on my own anymore!
It’s like you spoke my mind! I had most of these blogging regrets in the past and I love the one talking about trying to be somebody you are not, it’s so important to be unique and have your own voice in blogging! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
You’re so right Lucy! Its so important that we stay true to ourselves! x
To be really honest, I used to be crazy about the stats. I was so upset when my stats were down consistently.. but then as you said, I thought about the prime intention behind starting my blog after all. And now, I am happy. And satisfied … Because I’m following my passion through writing. and I’m glad this blog of mine has helped me in achieving that! I still have a long way to go.. to improve myself. But I think I am improving gradually, enough to satisfy myself!
Thank you so much for posting this. I loved it!!
🤩😍
It can take a long while to not become obsessed with numbers. I am thankful that I’m at a place now where I’m not. It can be really discouraging. But you just have to go with the flow and realise that some days will be better than others!
It was difficult, yes. But slowly, idk how, I started concentrating more on my content and related things rather than being disturbed and affected badly by these numbers !
I’m happy for that! 😃
Oh my gosh, the guest post regret spoke to me like no other. it’s not that i don’t like having guest posts BUT so many people would jump on the opportunity & then honestly some just weren’t up to pare. And now, when I decide to collab, I’m VERY picky.
And don’t get me started on the numbers game. that type of competition almost made me stop blogging all together.
Seriously I hear you. And its not to be rude, but when you’re posting guest post work on your website under your name, it has to be at the usually standard that you hold your own work at. I am picky now, I don’t really do them much anymore. I learnt my lesson!
I love the way you said it improves your skills as a blogger when sticking to scheduling because it’s so true🙌🏽I have learned a lot by being consistent! Although finding it hard to do so right now😬
A great read xx
Yup! Having a schedule is a MUST xx
Great post. My biggest regrets are taking too long to purchase my domain, and not self-promoting on social media from earlier. I think I would’ve been much further in my blogging journey now had I done those 2 things
You don’t realise how important social media is if you’re a blogger. It can be alot of work to manage all of the different things!
I agree with all 4 points Olivia.
1.Consistency built me. It plays role of a game changer.
2. Sometimes I caught up in the numbers. But every time I saw my stats, I belive that I can perform thousands time better.
WordPress is a closed space. We have to participate in open competitions to show our strength and abilities.
3. I belive in speaking my words. That’s why I started blogging.
4. Guest post: I’m not comfortable with it for now. I’m using wordpress android app. My phone storage is limited so I can’t invite guest post.
In fact, I’m thinking of deleting almost 90% of my posts. And I’ll rewrite the remaining 10%. For me quality, ideas and brilliant presentation are very important.
I see the trend of liking comments. Some bloggers have got a good number of followers by this trick. Likes and comments are increasing rapidly on their posts.
I’ll continue evolving my content and it’s presentation. Proud of having you as a friend. Literally, I search you on google regularly.
Thank you so much, you are so kind. And thank you for sharing those points with us all! You will go far in the blogging world 🙂 I can just see it!
Sure.💪😃
You too keep learning and evolving.
Amazing post as always, Olivia! So insightful and true. As I’ve read in the introduction, now I’m thinking whether I’m making blogging regrets right now haha. Luckily, I’m trying to be as consistent as I can be with releasing blog posts. But yest, I haven’t been allowing guest posts in my blog yet so I might work on that. I also try to be original as much as possible. Thanks for sharing, very helpful!
http://www.lifebeginsattwenty.com
My biggest regret when I started blogging was just writing anything whether it make sense or not, just because I want to have content that google will see and improve my domain.
Now I know better, I don’t care about google or the numbers. I just make sure I post consistently weekly. I make sure I like what I post before publishing. Although stats are compelling to look at, it’s still just numbers.
Thank you for this
I think my biggest regret as a blogger after about 6 years, is stopping and starting over every time I felt the need to rebrand. I had built up a pretty solid foundation and threw it away in the midst of an identity crisis…fortunately i have a lot of loyal friends though my years of making art and posting blogs. It definitely keeps me motivated to reach the place i left off last.
Loving this post! I find as a blogger I often reflect on my experiences and it’s nice to see that it’s natural to feel a bit down sometimes on things I’ve done in the past.
Thanks so much for sharing these words,
xo Bri Cruz
Absolutely beautiful
I started blogging in 1999 on Xanga; before stats. Before including photos. Before SEO. When people only dreamed of being paid to blog. But reviews didn’t exist. I don’t think anything I’ve done is a mistake or a regret. The internet is constantly moving and changing and as bloggers we constantly have to adjust with it. Some changes are easier to adapt to than others.
I still dream of getting paid to blog but my mental health just loves to step in my way and that’s fine. I try to be as consistent as possible but you know, life lol.
I think all the things you listed are good lessons learned while blogging! There really isn’t a right or wrong way to blog, every person and every blog is different, that’s what makes it all the more fun!
Olivia, another amazing post from you. I’m so sorry about the bad experience you had with guest blogging. You are right in protecting your brand and I’m so glad you listened to your intuition and let it guide your action.
Looking at the stats and wondering why the numbers are so low is so relatable. I use to do that a lot but I am learning to distance myself from that and focus on nurturing my community.
I can’t wait to read more about your experience.
PS: Checking out your post on How I Balance Blogging Around a Full Schedule. I can use some insight on that right about now.
xoxo
I just started blogging for making sharing my knowledge and also getting a good reputation for my career. Till now I am good, hope I won’t have to regret😅