Have you ever received just the worst advice when it comes to blogging? I remember reading articles before I decided to come back to blogging. Articles that were just complete lies and just the worst advice ever being given to new bloggers. It’s funny because alot of the time, this bad advice is actually from other bloggers.
Of course we all run our websites very differently. But occasionally I see posts that are just straight up lies that people share about how easy making money from blogging is. Or how it’s so easy to do this job as a side hustle. Blogging can be very rewarding, but it can also be really though. Not only is it tough mentally but it can take a physical toll on you aswell.
I think it’s so important to be open and honest when it comes to new bloggers wanting to start out. So, I’m here to debunk some of advice that I see circulating around the internet.
BLOGGING IS A QUICK WAY TO MAKE MONEY
I’ll start off with the most popular blogging topic, money. Money is a big topic regarding blogging because let’s face it, alot of money goes into it and it can take a while before you start seeing money come out of it. I didn’t start making money with my site for at least a year after I first launched. So, if you’re thinking of starting a blog as a way to make some quick cash. Think again!
Money doesn’t always come for everybody either. Not everybody who blogs wants to or has the opportunity to make money from their websites. If you do get to the point where you can make a living from blogging, chances are its taken alot of blood, sweat and tears to get you to that point.
So, just a reminder. If you are thinking of starting a blog. Don’t expect to start rolling the cash in right away. Just like with anything, it takes time.
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START A BLOG, IT’S REALLY EASY
When I typed this title I actually laughed. I laugh because I have had multiple people say this to me in the past, and gosh it couldn’t be further from the truth. If we compare running a blog to being a doctor, or running a marathon. Then yeah, it’s easier. But being the content creator, editor, writer, campaigner and advertiser for a blog is not easy. Us bloggers wear so many hats, and it’s quite insulting actually being told that being a blogger is easy.
I love what I do, and I feel so blessed to have found myself where I am today. I don’t complain, or moan about how hard it is doing this because I enjoy what I do. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. I know there will be writers now reading this agreeing. Some nights I am up writing until 12am. And thats after my day job has finished.
When you compare blogging to manual labour job, yeah you could say it’s easier. But that doesn’t mean its easy.
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POST WHENEVER AND WHATEVER YOU WANT
This one is kind of true and kind of the worst advice anybody could tell a blogger. There are aspects of this statement that hold truth. But, there is evidence to back up that it’s also not 100% true. If you don’t know about me and my blogging journey, I first started out blogging as a beauty blogger back in 2015. I blogged for one year and gave it up because I had no time for it. During that year, I posted whenever. I had no set plan on when I would post and what content. It was more whatever I was inspired by, I would write and post. Now, I’m not saying there is anything wrong with this method. But, let me fast forward to today.
I re-started my blog in 2020 during the pandemic. I post every single day for nearly a year. And during that year, I tactfully planned and posted relevant content that I know my audience would like and what was on trend. I took my time to learn what my audience enjoyed, and really got into a rhythm. I gained 4,000 blog followers that year. Compared to the couple hundred I got during my first try at blogging.
Does this put things into perspective? Yes, posting whenever you want and about whatever you want can work for some. But in my opinion, to ensure blogging success a plan needs to be put into place.
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What’s some of the worst advice you’ve received whilst blogging?
I can’t finish this post without giving you some good, solid blogging advice to follow. I found this great piece of content, sharing 40 blogging tips and advice from some top 2022 bloggers. Go and check it out and get some really good blogging advice!
Mind grappling blog post Olivia. I haven’t actually come across negative advice pertaining blogging since I started my first men’s fashion blog in 2020 but I have seen warnings from bloggers who were telling us to watch out what we post and I agree they were right.
Renard’s World here on WordPress gives the best blogging advice. The negative advice I can Imagine would be the one you said about “Blogging is easy” and “Write whatever you want and whenever” , now that is very wrong, blogging is hard because of the research and ideas you have to create plus write a blog related to your niche and also you can’t just blog whatever you want even if it is offensive , even in TV they have the Parental Guidance for such purposes to protect children from explicit content👏
I love reading Renard’s content too. They post such truths about blogging.
Thanks so much for reading this post and sharing your thoughts!
Olivia, you’ve always been upfront and honest with bloggers and I came across your blog when I tried to start my blog in 2020. You were posting a lot of supportive advice and had a guide that really helped me understand how to plan and organise, and gave me an idea of the other tasks outside of writing that are required. I didn’t stick with my blog at that time … various work pressures meant I couldn’t devote the time to be consistent, but I’m back now, have been since July 2022, and because I am better able to manage my time and post regularly, my blog is doing much better. I still apply what I learned from you, and as indicated by Mthobisi above, Renard’s site and Hugh’s Views and News have also been the most helpful/supportive.
Thanks for being there when I started out. With you, Renard and Hugh’s experience and insight, I’ve managed to avoid many pitfalls
Thank you so much for sticking around for so long, it really means alot that you’re here!
I’m glad to hear that so many bloggers make great, informative content that you feel has helped you. It’s really why I post any bits of information and help that I can. I’m by no means a professional, but I try my best to share the little knowledge I have!
I think that’s why it works so well, it’s coming from other passionate personal bloggers.
Keep up the good work Olivia
I definitely agree with some of this, I think consistency is key for blogging!
It 100% is the key to success!
This is great Olivia. I think so many people start blogging for the wrong reasons, and that’s why they don’t stick with it.
I started blogging to share my message with anyone who wanted to listen. I still hold true to that, although the types of things I write about have evolved and shifted. My number of views and followers are modest in comparison to many but, as long as a few people are reading and learning something from my blog, it’s worthwhile. I also think blogging is an opportunity to grow and learn many new and valuable skills. But, you’re right! It takes work.
I always tell myself that it doesn’t matter how many people read my content, even if it helps one person I have done my job well 🙂
Exactly! Have a great week Olivia.
I think a plan helps, especially if you have a lot going on already or really want to grow your following.
Never underestimate how much a plan can really help!
Straight out lies of there about blogging. I miss the good old days when bloggers just blogged for the love of it
Its when money started getting involved in blogging I think it changed for alot of people!
True. People making money off your ideas without paying you is a definite NO. The boundaries have blurred a lot lately
Nobody can deny the factsyou’ve mentioned above. They are so, so true. Thanks for reminding them. 👍
Thanks alot!
I love this post, thank you for sharing. As someone who’s created so many different blogs I can agree to everything you’ve said.
Thanks so much!!
Thank to you
Plan, have direction and move with consistently.
I see how you made a great move in 2020
Thanks!
Any good bloggers who would like to follow my wonderful blog? 😃
This is so true! I wish blogging was an easy way to make money lol. But i love it whether it pays or not.
Your title really caught my eye, I got curious to go through your post and everything is true especially the part the you mention you had to plan your content.