BLOGGING FOR BEGINNERS: 5 FEELINGS WE NEED TO SHATTER NOW

Beginner bloggers - listen up. While the blogging industry is a wonderful thing to be a part of, it can also be difficult too. And that usually comes from the thoughts and feelings we have as bloggers every day.

You don’t know what to do about the Instagram algorithm, you’re sick of people cheating the system or you just don’t feel good enough. These feelings are real. But if you want to make it as a blogger (and a happy one at that) then we need to shatter those feelings for good.

So this is my blogging for beginners guide to feelings that I’ve had in the past and how you can beat them. I wonder how many of you have had these feelings too…

P.S I also made a free workbook for you to help you overcome your blogging fears for good!

First up, watch the related video about the biggest blogging myth right now...

BLOGGING FOR BEGINNERS FEELING #1: I’LL NEVER BE AS GOOD AS…

The comparison trap is hands down the biggest trap all bloggers fall into. You know the feeling, don’t you? It creeps up on you multiple times.

When you’re scrolling through Twitter and see someone boasting about how many views their latest blog post has had. When you’re scrolling through Instagram and wish your pictures could be half as good as any on your feed. The list goes on and on.

But what’s even worse is when you feel like you can’t join in or fully immerse yourself in the community, because you feel like you’re not good enough. You look at the popular bloggers and think, “I’ll never be as good as them because I don’t take outfit photos and blog about beauty.”

But that’s the thing isn’t it? You are not like them, so you shouldn’t compare yourself.

How to beat it: Blogging comes down to your ability - nothing else. You don’t have to be pretty, or have amazing clothes or have people banging down your door to write a blog post about X. Put markers in place to measure your growth and you’ll soon realise your success.

BLOGGING FOR BEGINNERS FEELING #2: I’M PUTTING SO MUCH WORK IN BUT NOT GETTING ANYWHERE

There was a point during 2015 where my traffic was at a complete standstill. Nothing was increasing, including my engagement. I was throwing every strategy at the wall hoping they would stick. But that was the problem.

When you’re not seeing growth with your blog and you think you’re putting loads of work in, you need to make sure it’s the right work. If this happens, you need to reevaluate your strategies (content and promotional) and see if you can try something new.

I’m not saying that you’re not working hard. But what’s important to make sure you’re getting the best results from the work you’re putting in.

How to beat it: Your traffic and engagement won’t grow overnight. Constantly reevaluate your strategies, develop your skills and remember - quality content is key.

BLOGGING FOR BEGINNERS FEELING #3: I’LL NEVER BE A TRUE PART OF THE BLOGGING COMMUNITY

I get it - the blogging community can feel quite cliquey. All bloggers have felt this at some point on their blogging journey (probably more than once). But really, this is all down to you.

Instead of swirling thoughts around in your head about why people don’t like you or why you aren’t being noticed, ask yourself - am I throwing myself in? Am I actively engaging with people?

Sometimes I feel like this and then I remember that I’m not dedicating time to participating in the community. That’s why engaging on social media intentionally is a daily goal for me this year.

How to beat it: Join Twitter chats. Look for conversations. Comment on Instagram photos. Take part in Facebook groups. Don’t be afraid of communicating online.

BLOGGING FOR BEGINNERS FEELING #4: I WISH THERE WAS A MAGIC FORMULA TO INCREASE MY FOLLOWERS

I actually think this is a feeling that all bloggers need to change, whether they’ve been blogging for three months or three years.

Sure, it’s important to keep track of follower growth. But to obsess over it and to focus on that more than anything isn’t a recipe to achieve success. I can sit and watch my Instagram follower account increase and then drop and yes, it’s frustrating.

So what happened to blogging and use social media just because we enjoy it? Where did the added pressure come from?

When I see Instagram Stories that are perfectly planned and curated, I honestly think the blogger is trying too hard. But when they’re natural and I see snippets from someone’s life? That’s the way to do it.

Of course, I’d love to promote my latest blog post using Instagram’s swipe up feature. But is it worth feeling so negatively about it? Not in the slightest.

How to beat it: Celebrate every tiny victory!

BLOGGING FOR BEGINNERS FEELING #5: I WISH I WAS BEING SENT LOADS OF FREEBIES AND MAKING MONEY FROM MY BLOG

I actually published a video last week about why this is the worst reason to start a blog.

I’ll be honest - I do feel a twinge of jealously when I sent bloggers being sent all these amazing gifts. And I bet you do too, right? You’re only human.

But let me tell you right now, that this is not good to have as an end goal. The thing I hate seeing the most on social media? People doing hauls of what they’ve been sent. The thing I hate reading most online? Income reports.

Bragging about your freebies and the money you’re making is a surefire way to loose trust with your readers. There’s no shame in celebrating how much money you make? But there’s a fine line between sharing your success and bragging about it.

How to beat it: This is a tough feeling to ignore but you have to remember your why. Why did you start blogging in the first place? Keep that in the back of your mind and that’s the most important thing you need to remember.

We’re all guilty of these feelings from time to time. But keep remembering that it’s your blog and you’re blogging in your own way. That’s what matters.

Have you ever had some of these feelings before? How do you beat them?

P.S Remember to download the free workbook so you can overcome your blogging fears for good!