So...I thought I would share with you 10 Truths of why my blog is not successful. The real reason you do not see a new blog post every day. The reason I am not making money blogging. The reason of why The Cookie Puzzle, will never be nominated for "Blog of the Year"
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1. I manage my time poorly. There I said it! I read way too many blogs. I spend way too much time on Pinterest. I watch way too much TV. Then, Sunday afternoon comes, and I don't have a single thing to post on my blog for the week.
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2.I have secret Pinterest board titled "Blog Post Ideas" it currently has over 500 pins on it. These are ideas of things I want to blog about. Most of them are ideas of ideas posted by other bloggers, that I plan on tweaking to make them my own, but now the ideas are so many, that I don't know where to start.
3. I also have a board on Pinterest called Blogging Tips, it is full of useful blog posts about growing your blog, making money on your blog, hosting a successful link party, how to improve your "about me" page, stuff like that. All those posts are wonderful, I have read them all, but actually APPLYING what I read, well that is another story. I am always left with the feeling of being overwhelmed, I don't have time, energy or knowledge to do half of the tips I read.
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4. I dropped some major money on a planner that was all but guaranteed to get me organized. It came highly recommended by other bloggers. They claim that it saved their life, kept them on track, and solved all their problems. Well, guess what, that might all be true, but as I type this, mine is starring at me, completely EMPTY! So yeah...that did not work for me.
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5. I have convinced myself that to be a great blogger, you have a village of people helping you behind the scenes. NOW, having talked to several bloggers, read "behind the scenes" type blog posts, articles, and blogger groups chats, I know this is NOT TRUE. There are lot of bloggers that have their acts together, all by themselves, I AM NOT ONE OF THEM.
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6 I have a room in my house full of supplies that I purchased to complete blog projects. Some of it is baking supplies, some are crafting supplies. A lot of them are "almost" finished, but for whatever reason, I hit a roadblock with them, and they sit unfinished. If I were to actually finish the projects I started, I would have 2-3 months worth of blog posts, but well, that is probably not going to happen.
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7. Every Friday night, when I get home from work, I mentally plan out what I am going to do that weekend to get done for my blog. And then every Sunday afternoon, I have nothing done, and I feel like a total failure.
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8. Twitter and G+ confuse the heck out of me. I have not even set up a Twitter account. I have a G+ account, but I have no idea how the heck it works, I just jump on every few days and comment on a few posts, share a few things..blah blah blah. Blogging experts will tell you that Twitter and G+ are key to a successful blog, well, see the title of this post. I don't have a successful blog.
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9. I have a life. There, I said it. I refuse to let blogging take over my life. If my husband wants to take me to dinner, but I had planned on working on a blog project, hubby wins, every time, period, end of discussion. We are in the height of building a new house, as in WE ARE DOING 90% of the work. New house wins over blogger, every time, period.
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10. I have made peace with the reality that I will NEVER be a successful blogger. Knowing this, has totally liberated me. I will never be able to quit my full time job and blog full time. I lack the disciplined and motivation to do so, and I am totally ok with that.
So....there you go, 10 truths about WHY MY BLOG IS NOT SUCCESSFUL. But, you know what my blog is? It is real! I fail, I am a human, what you see and read on this blog is true life You see me using a cake mix instead of baking from scratch. You see not so perfect pictures, but they were taken by me using my limited photography stills.
It may not be successful by some blogger measures, but it is successful in my book. I enjoy doing it. I makes me happy. I have met some amazing people by blogging. I have learned that it is ok to not be the best, as long as you do the best you can. I have learned that if you are happy, your blog will be a place people want to come.
Do I want to improve? YES! I try doing all I can, I research and network to make my blog better. BUT, I am at peace with where I am at now, I blog about what I love and what makes me happy. I blog about my life, I don't live for my blog.
What I am doing to try to make my blog successful, is that I host a weekly link party called Party in Your PJS. You still have time to link up this week, so if you would like to join the fun, you can link up HERE
So, there you go...my not so successful blog post about why my blog is not successful. But, I love it. How about you? Is there a reason your blog is not successful? Is there something that you do, or don't do to make your blog a success? Share with me, and others...sound off.
Until next time(whenever that might be)
Hugs
Great post. Blogging is such a fun outlet, but when bloggers (myself included) start overanalyzing or comparing, the fun is replaced by drudgery. wy to keep a healthy perspective, and put real life first!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nicki! Writing this post was very therapeutic. I felt the need to just keep it real, and let my readers know that I am human, who has a life outside my blog, who is not perfect, has flaws and well....can not post every single day about wonderful recipes or projects I just whipped up. Thank you for your kind comments and for stopping by and reading. Have a wonderful day.
DeleteI have a secret pinterest board too and a board for blogging tips. If only I could put some of them to good use! I think we all feel a little inadequate when it comes to blogging. The learning curve for me had been tough at times. Glad to know I am not alone in the struggle. Sometimes I need to check out and just walk away to gain a little perspective. I love it though, so what's a girl to do :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Shari
You are so kind Shari, your comments and post always uplift me. I am so happy to hear that what I am feeling, others are experiencing too. Have a blessed week my friend!
DeleteHa ha, I loved reading this post today because I had a disaster of a morning.
ReplyDeleteIt has been so hot here and I don't have central AC, I got up at 6 a.m. to do my baking with the windows open--if I get it done before it warms up, I don't heat up the house. I was making muffins and pizza (I made the dough last night and put it in the fridge).
1) Because of an ant problem, I hadn't been good at buying things when I run out. I realized I was out of all purpose flour, so decided to use bread flour in my banana muffins. It shouldn't make too much of a difference because the muffins are half regular wheat flour, right?
Yeah... they turned out tough.
2) I knocked over the wet ingredients of said muffins and dropped my camera in the liquid. Then I freaked out about it, but the camera still seems to work.
3) I wanted to make pizza and realized I needed to thaw some frozen chicken. I saw a very small piece of chicken in my store-bought pre-frozen chicken breasts. It wasn't until it was thawed that I realized it was a chicken wing--with skin and bone in. So I had to wrestle raw chicken off the bone to cook and then put on my pizza.
At this point, every other challenge in the kitchen that went wrong just seemed to be the end of the world or something. You know how bad moods can snowball.
So that was my morning and your post kind of cheered me up. I hope you can laugh about how wrong my morning went. I'm sure I will later.
I'm going to follow your blogging tips board on Pinterest. Thanks!
And I'm not on Twitter at all, but I love Google+ so far. I will confess, the Google+ app on my iPad has me a bit mystified. The Pinterest app is just so much easier.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience of being a not so successful blogger Julie, it totally made my day to know I am not alone. I am not following you all over social media, and by the way, those Banana Muffins look AMAZING!
DeleteI am with you Kim. I am happy where I am at. I cut back to 1 post per week. And if I don't make it to all the link parties, oh well. My family complained that I was always on the computer, so I got off of it. I realized to make money blogging you have to work probably 60-70hrs a week between baking/cooking, photography, writing post, social media, interacting with other bloggers, reading up all all the new info out there, and attending conferences. That's just not for me right now. I need to enjoy life and my family. Never mind all the projects I should be doing around the house. I just do what I can, and move on.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind and "Sweet" comment. I am so happy to hear that I am not alone. I love joining link parties too, but you are right, they take too much time. I work 40 hours a week, there is just not enough time in the day to put in 60-70 on a blog. I just do what I can, and learn to be happy with that.
DeleteReally, such a good post! Totally loved it, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you enjoyed it! Thank you for stopping by
DeleteHere is my confession. I'm not either! I spend my time doing the projects, but I fail in staging and taking nice photos and tweaking my blog so it is more user friendly. You only can do so much. I choose the projects and sharing as best I can.
ReplyDeleteI think since you are doing a lot of work on your own house, you can share some tips there.
This is such a great post! LOL Love the idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the Link Up this week!
I am glad you enjoyed it Jessica...thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read it and comment
DeleteLoved this post! When I start getting stressed about self-imposed deadlines, I realize it's time to step back and prioritize. It's summer, the kids are out of school - do I really want to spend all my time blogging?
ReplyDeleteThank you Rachel for your kind comment. Blogging will not take over my life,and I am happy to see other bloggers that feel the same way, it is good to know that I am not alone. Have a blessed week and enjoy those kiddos while they are young..they grow up fast.
DeleteI absolutely love this post. I'm a new blogger and I'm beginning to really stress the amount of time it takes to run a blog! It's insanely crazy. I think I came across this at just the right time. I really enjoy blogging but I have hardly had any time with my family these past couple of months. I think I'm gonna have the attitude that I can only do what I can do. My family should always be first. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteOh Andrian, family should always come first. The amount of time a blog requires is INSANE! There is no way I can keep up with all that is "needed" to be done, so I have decided to do what I can, WHEN I can. Honestly, is the world going to end if I don't post everyday, or spend 2.2 hours on Social Media? I think not! Have a wonderful day and thank you so much for stopping by and taking your precious time to comment!
DeleteI love your blog, and I'm so glad to hear you aren't giving up -- the title had me worried! I try to make my blog as family oriented as possible. That way, I blog about things we do together, and it's like a permanent record of us. But, it does take a lot of time. I love G+ and Twitter, so I enjoy using them. I think as long as you enjoy what you are blogging about, you are successful -- no matter how small your blog is at the moment. :)
ReplyDeleteI am not giving it up Dee, just cutting back and doing what I can, when I can, and stop beating myself up over what did not get done. Blogging is a creative outlet for me, but the blogging rat race has gotten to me. I am now stepping off the track, and leaning to march to my own drum. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. Have a blessed week.
DeleteI had to look at your picture to see if maybe we were twins separated at birth! I love blogging to but it sure can be overwhelming! Take this morning for instance, I have been up 4 hours. All I have done is link-ups to promote my post. [stopping by from Teach Me Tuesday :-) ]. After linking, I have just this week, started adding the linkback at the bottom of the post I just linked. TIME CONSUMING. I have LOTS of other things I could/should be doing!
ReplyDeleteI save all those great ideas on Pinterest about blogging and have not read them all.
I also have unfinished projects.
I have posts which I started, procrastinated and never finished.
I have anxiety every Sunday evening b/c I haven't written a post for Monday yet.
Girl, I do 'feel ya' !
I too love blogging and don't intend to quit. I do not consider myself to be successful either, still learning. I don't know how in the world all of those 'successful' bloggers manage their time so well!
Hi Shirley, I am so happy to read you comment. It is good to hear and know that I am not alone in my feelings. I have had this post written for some time, but was scared to post it, not knowing how it would be received. Hang in there girl! Do what I am doing, Do what you can WHEN you can and don't beat yourself up over the "other" stuff. I am pretty sure the world will not come to and end if you don't find the time to post on social media or if you miss a link party. Have a wonderfully blessed week!
DeleteI feel like I could have written this! Everything you said here applies to me, too. I've been blogging since 2008 and I go in spurts with it. I blog, blog, blog and then I can go months with nothing. But I am so glad to know I'm not the only one that feels this way.
ReplyDeleteLOl...I am so happy that you enjoyed the post and can relate April. It is good to know that we are not alone in our feelings. We can only do what we CAN, and don't sweat or stress about the rest. Keep on blogging on girl..your blog is wonderful, I just checked it out and am subscribed so I don't miss an posts. Have a blessed week.
DeleteBlogging does take up much more time than you'd think! If only you could just write and people would find it. It's the linking up and promoting it that takes up so much time for me! #turnituptuesday
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words. Blogging behind the scenes stuff is what takes up the majority of the time. I am so happy that you left a comment, I found your blog and am now following your and linked up to your Link Party!
DeleteAmen AMEN!!! Loved this post :) I went through the same struggles with my food blog. I don't want ads all over, so I will never make megabucks. Other than facebook and instagram, I'm lousy at social-media-ing my posts. If there is a time I am thinking "Oh dang it, I have to BLOG now" I just don't. As much as I would love to have cookbook deals and thousands of followers and pins galore, I can't let this blog rule my life! Well, you have a new follower here, so yay you!! Plus, your cookies rock :)
ReplyDelete~April (found you on Treasure Box Tuesday)
You totally made my day April! Thank you for letting me know that I am not all alone in my feelings! I am now following your blog, and that Pie you posted...OMG! YUMMY!
DeleteI'm so glad I saw your post on 'Do Tell Tuesday'. I feel so much better that I am not the only one like this. Things have changed quite a lot since I started my sewing blog a few years ago. I blogged because it was fun, I could show my projects or other things that interested me and readers commented on those posts. People were friendly and encouraging, and took the time to visit each others blogs. Now it seems that if you don't have a flashy blog with ads, do pattern testing, have giveaways, tutorials and free patterns, no one is really interested. That is the biggest reason that I very rarely blog anymore. I feel like I am lacking in some way and am writing in the shadow of more well-know bloggers. That being said, I'm not quite ready to give up yet. I just need to get myself organized and write!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words Anne! It is good to know I am not alone, and if you have the time, read some of the other comments on this post...there are a lot of bloggers that feel the same way too. There are so many bloggers out there, that it has become so competitive, I just take a step back, and learn to blog for me, for a creative outlet, if someone sees it, great, if they comment and enjoy it, even better. But I can only do what I CAN do. Don't give up, be true to yourself, and blog because you enjoy it!
DeleteI loved your post! So much of it is true for me too! I always have the best of intentions, it just doesn't always get done! Here's to putting family and life first.
ReplyDeleteFamily first always! I am happy you enjoyed the post, it was easy to write, I just wrote what I felt, but if I am being honest, this was a hard post to hit "publish" on, I was not sure how people would receive it. I am so happy I did, because I have gotten some very kind comments, like yours, and have found some wonderful blogs. SO, the lesson is, always comment if you enjoy a blog post, you might just make a new blogging buddy!
DeleteThis is a great post - kind of where I am at right now with my blog. I like blogging but have not really made any money from it - I have been taking the past month to look at the reasons I started this blog and not get overwhelmed with it. My main focus is my crochet, knitting and sewing designs and creating new ideas and patterns. The blog is a fun and creative outlet since I like to write. I had hopes of making an income from it but like you said you need to invest a lot of time - like 25 to 40 hours a week just to make it successful. You read all the info from others saying how much money they make and it looks promising but I don't think it works for everyone. I also think you have to be patient and persistent and keep at it to make it work and eventually it will fall into place - either that or the internet will change something and you will have another new thing to learn...
ReplyDeleteOh Kimberlee...thank you for taking the time to comment. I am like you, I don't have an extra 25-40 hours a week to promote my blog. Maybe if I actually applied some of the blog growing tips I have read instead of read more, I might be successful. When I started my blog, I told myself that it was just my online journal, a place to record what I was doing, and if anyone saw it, great, if not, no big deal. BUT...then it stated to upset me when I was not growing, and my blog became a HUGE stress in my life. I worried constantly about how to make it bigger and better, and I totally lost the passion that I once had. No more...I am leaning to do what I can, and not stress about what I "should" be doing. I will blog because I love it, and not be stressed anymore. Have a blessed week.
DeleteI loved this! Blogging is hard work and I find myself in some of the same pitfalls as you. I have 87 posts in drafts. Will they ever get done? Who knows? Probably not. I love that you have a Pinterest board full of blog ideas. It is nice to read something so refreshingly honest!
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle! I have always felt, if I can not be honest on my blog, why blog at all? I am a one woman show, and I can not do it all like I should to have a successful blog, and I have learned to be OK with that. More then OK, I am happy with that. Thank you for taking the time to comment, it totally brightened my day!
DeleteI am not a planner person either. I try to use Gmail calendar some, but that is the best I can do. I cannot say I am successful, but I can see progress. Everybody measures success in different ways. I guess if you have stuck it out (which you have), seen growth (which you have), and are enjoying it (which it sounds like you are), then you have success! Come do our The Ultimate Party on G+ which I host on Fridays on The Ultimate Linky, and I think it will help you learn G+ some! The networking is great and it boosts your posts on G+! I'm not a huge Twitter person. The blog experts say to focus on 2-3 social medias anyway and to do the ones that work for you--but it's good for you to have a presence on the others as well. Saw your blog post title on your comment on Creative K Kid's linky and had to come over :).
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words Tammy. I will try to remember to come over to your G+ party. I LOVE FB, but that has changed so much, that it is almost worthless. I have almost 3000 linkers on FB, and I post something and 48 people see it....really? How does that even make sense? Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am so happy that people are enjoying my post! Have a wonderfully blessed day...and happy blogging!
DeleteThank you Kim for coming and sharing your great post at the wonderful Wednesday blog hop. I am glad you have gotten a lot of buzz over this great post. Sometimes we think we are on an island all by ourselves and it turns out we are in the middle of a huge bustling city. So many of us all in the same place and needing a little " authenticity" to reveal the truth.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Shari
Once again Shari, your words lift me up so much. You are soooo right, I thought maybe a few people could relate to this post...but the response has been overwhelming. It is good to know I am not alone! Have a wonderfully blessed day!
DeleteGreat post - I'm a brand new blogger, and I already feel overwhelmed. I appreciate your honesty!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lana.....If you can not or will not be honest on your blog, people will not relate to you. I try to always remember that. I can not wait to check out your blog. If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to blog because you love it, blog about what you love, and don't stress about what others say you should be doing, but aren't! If you are happy with what you post, others will relate you to and join you. Have a great day, and thank you for stopping by!
DeleteGreat post. By the amount of comments, I think you are much more successful than you are giving yourself credit. I do see blogging as work, and although I sometimes put hours in a week, it still isn't "successful" in the sense of bigger blogs. But, I always think, "If this made a difference to one person, then it is worth it. " Easier said than done, but I try! Thanks for a relateable post!! I get it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great quote Elizabeth.....I love that. I am totally shocked at how many people are relating to this post. I thought I was all alone, that every other blogger had it all together, and I was treading water all by myself. Thank you so much for stopping by!
DeleteAs long as you're successful on your own terms, I think that's what really matters. I likely mayn't ever be a hugely successful blogger either, but I enjoy what I do and think of it as my work (for now), while also living life! My life comes first, too and my family is the most important part of my life! :D
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the Wonderful Wednesday hop!
Thank you so much for stopping by, and for taking the time to comment. I think you are totally right, I need to measure success by MY terms, not other blogger terms. I am totally happy with what I am blogging about, and that is just fine with me. I need to let go of all the outside noise, telling me that I am not good enough, or successful enough, I am doing just fine! Have a wonderful day.....and happy blogging!
DeleteOMGosh...You nut! I'm definitely no "pro-blogger", but I can tell you from being around and seeing many different blogs, that in my opinion, it's quality, not quantity. You are one of the ones I love to converse with and check out the most. Just sayin'
ReplyDeleteAnd like many others before me have said, LIFE & FAMILY come first!
We all aren't the same, don't like the same things and want different things in life. I am still at the "newbie" stage and as I read about what to do and how to do it, I make the call on whether or not it's what I want to do, not what they're doing. There is no set mold on how you need to be, just be who makes you happy!! That's what matters!!!
Keep on rockin' girl!!
Bobbi girl...you always make me laugh and brighten my day...thank you for your kind words of encouragement! I will keep rockin' it...but I will be dancing to my own drum from now on...this blogging rat race is killing me...time to rock it old school! Have a blessed day...and happy blogging!
DeleteDid I tell you I like old school rock :)
DeleteI've been blogging on my current blog for...2 years? Maybe? And I'm not the least bit "successful," but from what I've seen, a lot of the people who ARE successful are because they're...kind of fake?
ReplyDeleteI don't mean that about all blogs, obviously, but from what I've seen, once a blogger takes off (however they do that!), their content changes, their style changes, and they are mostly worried about getting other big bloggers to like them so they'll give them exposure.
Then you have your bloggers that are popular, but that's only because they take pretty pictures, or because they blatantly steal other bloggers' content.
(And for what it's worth, G+ makes NO sense to me! )
I'm still doing it because I really do like it, and I have to cook dinner anyway, so why not share the recipes? :0)
LOL...Sarah...you just totally nailed it....I love your insight and your attitude...I would rather my blog me real, faults and all, then to go out there and show a "fake" life. I am human, I have dust on my bookshelves...I have grammatical and typing errors on my blog....my pictures are NOT the best...but....it is all real...no smoke and mirrors on The Cookie Puzzle...what you see and read, that is me...all lme
DeleteWhat a great post!! So honest, and I know how you feel girl!! I sometimes feel like I never have enough time to get projects done for my blog (mostly because I have a life like you). Between working a full-time job, being a newlywed, trying to keep a new house organized and clean, re-modeling said house, and trying to keep in touch with non-blogging friends....I'm too exhausted to do anything blog related. Keep going, we'll get through this together!! I would love it if you linked this up to my Motivate Me Monday linky party at IT'S A ginger SNAP.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I totally agree with you, there is just never enough time to get it all done. I keep telling my husband that I need a wife, to take care of me, like I take care of him. Hang in there girl....keep on blogging on...have a blessed day!
DeleteI love this. Thank you. I have a self made planner that I use successfully. It costs me paper, ink, and a binder. It lists food holidays, major holidays, and guest posts. I'd be more than willing to share it. My failure with planners is having to fill them out.
ReplyDeleteHubs wins over blog every day!!
Thank you so much Christie. Right now, I am struggling with Social Media, I work all day, and can not post much. I will figure it out, thank you so much for kind offer,I might just take you up on it, at this point, I will try anything.
DeleteThese truths are mine, too, just never worded so eloquently! Especially Twitter. I just don't get it.
ReplyDeleteAww...you are just too kind Heidi! I am glad you enjoyed it, and I am glad I am not alone! Have a wonderful week, and happy blogging!
DeleteI love your attitude! I'm having a hard blog week (or several) and it's good to see I'm not going crazy all by myself!
ReplyDeleteYou are so not crazy Terra...I feel like I have been in a slump for months..I think maybe it is just that so many people don't read blogs in the summer, they are out LIVING...maybe we should do the same? We will both get through this...cause we are tough bloggging chicks!
DeleteAbsolute truth! What a freeing post. I think you just gave us all wings lol. But its very true, life happens. As a woman taking on so many other roles in life and having a job as well.. the blogger title tends to fall at the bottom of the list. I too aim for 1 post a week and it does not always happen. I did beat myself up at first, felt like I wasn't trying hard enough, but as I already stated: Life happens. I didn't even have internet access for 3 weeks. Sometimes when you go online and see people with multiple posts in a day, you ask yourself, what am I doing wrong? lol
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that I gave you wings....now FLY GIRL FLY! It is so easy to say " I will not let my blog stress me out", but so hard to do, at least for me. I TRY to post three times a week, one original post, a link party that I host, and then a Sunday post about what is going on in my life. Sometimes, I get them all done...sometimes I don't. But guess what? The world keeps turning, life goes on, and so do I. Thank you so much for your kind comments, and happy blogging!
DeleteThank you for this post. I have been dealing with the same issues myself lately. My blog has been up for almost three years and I find myself busting my rear every day trying to get posts out, connecting with other bloggers and just feel there is nothing happening in return. But, my life always comes before my blog. I am not in it for a big prize! Well done!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally feel what you are saying Jennifer. There is nothing worse for a blogger, then to post something that you think is the best thing ever,and you don't get a single comment, it is like HELLO! Is there anyone out there? There are people out there, but they are probably out living life while we are sit and worry about our blogs. I will never be a full time blogger, I have no desire to be one, but a little blog love does make me feel good. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment, it really does mean a lot to me. Have a blessed night, and happy blogging!
DeleteAmen! Google+ is a total mystery to me. Twitter - no thanks. Facebook? Um... okay, sort of. Pinterest is where I lose too much time. I started my blog to let my family and friends know what my husband and I are up to. I didn't imagine I could ever make money from it. To tell you the truth, I find so many of the blogs I read are really trashy looking with all the ads and such. Would I like to make money from my blog? You betcha! But, I am not going to prostitute my blog to do so. Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteLOL...Preach it girl! I love your philosophy! I too started blogging just to be able to share my cookies, but then it kind of grew from there. I would love to just be able to cover some of the blog expenses with money from the blog, but like you I refuse to sell my blog out. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post and for commenting...have a blessed night and happy blogging!
DeleteI'm new to the whole blogging world as well, but I think real wins out over fake anytime. I always try to be real in every post I share. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right...I will either be REAL blogging, or I will not blog! Thank you for taking the time to comment, it means a lot that so many people can relate. Have a great day, and happy blogging!
DeleteI love this post. I have only been blogging for about 6 months...and... already I beat myself up about my blog. I have moments when I am at peace about it...and then I end up back in the same rut. You say that ya'll are building a house. Why don't you consider blogging about that process. I would love to read about that journey. Thanks for sharing this. I love when folks keep it real.
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to get burned out Trish. I find myself hot one minute and totally burned out the next, even within the span of one day. I try to be real, and not let numbers, comments and stats get to me, but it feels so darn good when other relate to you, I can not help but get excited. I have been going back and forth about what to share about the new house, I am sure I will share more posts in the future, maybe, I don't know for sure. Thanks for your kind words and happy blogging!
DeleteI absolutely love this post, and my head is bobbing off my shoulders from shaking it so hard in agreement! Stopping by fro Create It Thursdays and I am so glad that I did! I love the quotes that you have featured, and your honesty in sharing!
ReplyDeleteCathy @ three kids and a fish
I hope I did not give you a headache Cathy, with all that head bobbing. When I wrote this post, I had not idea there were so many who felt the way I did! Have a great day, and happy blogging!
DeleteFor someone that says that they don't have a successful blog, you had 68 comments at last count! So clearly people are reading and listening :-)
ReplyDeleteI think all bloggers feel this way at some point and it is really refreshing to hear your honesty. But, if you love what you do, then continue doing it, and do it at your own pace. Blogging is not a race, and should be an enjoyable journey :-)
Wonderful words of advice Catherine! I think it is so easy to get swept up in the race, trying to keep at the top of the pack. But honestly, I am happiest, when I blog for the love of blogging, not to make money, or get comments, just be creative, write from my heart and live my life. Thank you so much for stopping by, have a great day, and happy blogging!
DeleteHaving been a blogger since 1997 I can tell you, a successful blog doesn't have to make money.
ReplyDeleteYou make a very valid point Chrystal. Success is what I want it to be, not what others think...thanks for reminding me of that. I might not make any money, but I have a successful blog, because it makes me happy. I think I let some of the joy fade away a little, and forgot WHY I started blogging. Thank you so much for reminding me of that fact....have a blessed day, and happy blogging!
DeleteGreat post. I think most of us have felt and have spent way too many hours doing others things...I know I have. I would love to pop out posts 4 to 5 times a week, but I've got four kids and a home to take care of. The amount of time it takes to run a blog is tremendous and while I love it, it can get tedious to take on too many things at once.
ReplyDeleteBTW- I think your blog is doing great :-)
AMEN Erlene! I think I try to tackle too many things at once. One of the commenter, mentioned I need to focus one one or two social media outlets, managing them WELL, and don't worry about the rest. I am happy doing ONE post a week, plus the Link Party I co-host....anything over that, it is not worth the stress. Thank you so much for kind words!
DeleteI totally agree with Chrystal Mahan
ReplyDeleteBlogging is NOT about making money and personally I think this is you main problem. You should blog just because you love it and not try to make money out of it.
I can tell you that I have thousands of entries a day, and I'm not even trying to make money from my blog.
Thank you so much for the reminder....I BLOG BECAUSE I LOVE IT! I had let that fact get stolen from me, by the need to fit in, make money and get high numbers. Guess what? I am not doing that anymore...I will blog because I have something worthwhile to say, because it gives me a creative outlet, and because I feel like it. Family will always come first. Thank you for your words of encouragement...have a wonderful day...and happy blogging!
DeleteI guess I'm not "successful," either, but I have fun. I've been a little too obsessed at times, but like you said, you have to have a real life, too. I'm getting married next week and I've been taking it really easy on my blog as a result. It's been pretty liberating! I look forward to posting more after the honeymoon, but I think I'll be a bit more relaxed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Kim because I think a lot of bloggers feel the same way. Blogging can consume your life if you let it. There is so much to do and you just can't do it all. I know exactly what you're taking about because I spend way too much time on Pinterest too. I've been blogging for almost two years and only just started a Twitter account a week ago and Google+ confuses the heck out of me too! Try not to put too much pressure on yourself because that takes all the fun out of blogging. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, based on the amount of comments, you sure are popular! Many, many bloggers are home with their kids. Having an outside job while blogging is super hard. Give you extra credit for that! I am confused or frustrated most of the time ( hey, some of the stuff with facebook even confuses me) Heck, maybe we're all taking this blogging thing too seriously, I don't think we can maintain it for long if we are not having fun with it! I will defend our time on Pinterest to the death!! I am madly addicted of this capacity to capture the internet, and organize it to my liking. Blog on!
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I started blogging about 6 months ago (well, 8 but it took 2 months just to setup because I had no idea what I was doing and no money). I have a full time career (for at least a few more months) and I get so tired of all the "Pin 5 things at 5 different times of day" stuff. My boss would totally love me being on twitter all day. Yeah, right! I definitly understand about too many things going on at once. It is cutting into my Pinterest time, lol!
ReplyDeleteWhat an honest post! I can relate to so much of what your wrote. I continually try to find a balance with everything - that is definitely a work in progress....
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
Kelly
Preach it, Sister! I totally agree with everything you said {and then some}.
ReplyDelete"blog what you live, not live to blog" ~ words to live by! Thanks for sharing on Show-Licious!
~ Ashley
Stopping by from Turn It Up Tuesday. I love this post. I've been blogging for years, and I see myself as a successful blogger. I don't have thousands of followers or page views, I blog because I enjoy it and that's success enough for me. I think we as bloggers should define our own success not use someone else's standard. Great post.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you really hit a nerve with this post! I think a lot of other women who blog feel the same way you do.
ReplyDeleteThe thing people have to keep in mind is this - do you want to blog for fun, or do you want blogging to be your business? Because if you want to have a money-making blog, you really have to treat it like a business. That means doing everything that needs to be done, whether you feel like it or not.
Imagine if you opened a bakery, and 3 or 4 days a week, you just didn't feel like working. (Or like in your case... if your husband invited you out for dinner, you just closed up the shop). It's not likely that your little bake shop would be very successful.
On the other hand, if you just love to bake when you're in the mood and then share your stuff with your friends and family, who says that's not being a successful baker in its own way?
And that's the way it is with blogging. If you want to make money, it's got to be a business. But you don't have to be making money to be a successful blogger - the fact that you're touching people and connecting to them with your writing makes you VERY successful, in my opinion :)
Great post! That's what makes your blog amazing. Pinned. We love having you be a part of our party. I hope to see you tonight at 7 pm. http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Visiting from Pretty Pintastic Party! I also do #7, every Friday I have all these ideas that I am going to work on and by Sunday I have nothing done and find myself rushing to get Monday and Tuesday blog posts ready... I haven't made any money on my blog either, I was feeling burned out by blogging and decided to take a week away - I realized I still received page views, comments, new followers. I decided to make small goals - 2 new facebook likes this week, a comment on new blog post, one new follower - and be happy when I achieve the small successes so I don't get overwhelmed by over-thinking. Thank you for Sharing!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.beautyunder10.ca
I might not be the queen of unfinished projects, but I could be the queen of pinstrosities. Thanks for sharing! Hello from Say G'Day Saturday!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up at Teach Me Tuesday last week!! I very much appreciate you!! I hope to see you again this week. Starts tonight at 8pm CST - http://3glol.net/2014/07/14/teach-tuesday-3glol-12/
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Success doesn't come just from doing "everything", but it's about doing a couple of things well. Don't say you won't be a successful blogger, because you might be. Try writing one post a week, then spend the next week promoting the heck out of it, including commenting on other people's blogs. Yea, and you seem to have G+ down pat. There's not much more to it than that, except maybe join some groups. This is a great and heartfelt post, but don't let the fact that you have a life mean that you aren't successful!
ReplyDeleteI loved this!!! What a freeing attitude :) I think I try too hard, and it the end it frustrates me when things don't go the way I expect them to.
ReplyDeleteLoved this, Rachael @ http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com
Well your blog can't be that unsuccessfull considering the number of comments you're getting ; )
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about social media: I don't get it either.
http://www.momfever.com
I love you. I actually really do love you.
ReplyDeleteThe only one of these I can't relate to is the blog planner as I haven't even bothered to try, I know that's not for me. My kids laugh at my attempts at twitter, I just retweet things I like and hope that's what you are supposed to do. Same with Google+, and when I read how important they are I panic that I'm not doing it right.
Judging by the comments you have generated here I think we are all feeling the same, deep down I think those super successful looking blogs are run by people just like us, who are hanging by a thread most of the time too.
Do your thing, enjoy doing your thing and see what happens. What did Maya Angelou say "sucess is liking what you do and how you do it" something like that anyway - she was a wise woman.
Just wanted to let you know that this post will be featured at The Pin Junkie Pin Party this Thursday!
ReplyDeleteBy the amount of comments you have here I think you're doing pretty well :) I totally hear you and relate with most of the points you've listed. That's when we just have to go back to doing it because it's fun instead of beating ourselves up that we don't have a gazillion blog posts all ready to go. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi, there. I'm Courtney from The Brown Girl with Long Hair blog, stopping in by way of #TurnItUpTuesday...
ReplyDeleteI have just one thing to say: From where I'm standing, you have your priorities in order. I was nodding so much to your #9 reason, that I swear I looked like a bobblehead.
I just want to offer you kuddos for living your life and NOT living to blog. I mean, I love blogging as much as the next gal, but we must not let this consume us!
...and you have a beautiful blog, by the way!
Great post!!! Thanks for linking up a Worthwhile Wednesdays!
ReplyDelete~ Allie @ http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com
Appreciate the honest share great post!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis post is fantastic! I agree- it is very liberating once you realize that blogging should be fun and that it should not lead to a long to do list of things that will never get done. I am ill with an autoimmune disease which is very unpredictable and often puts in in bed for days at a time. I never know from day to day if I will be able to blog so I have learned to not have expectations for myself and to enjoy the process rather than the outcome. Thanks for the opportunity to read this great post!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. I love blogging, but it is a lot of work. I post 5 days a week and usually write 5 days a week. I try to take the weekends off. Blogging can turn into a 60-70 hour work week. When it comes to blogging, it doesn't stop at thinking of post and writing/posting posts. You have to share your posts on social media accounts and linky parties to get your blog name out there and read.
ReplyDeleteI can relate on so many levels! If you don't believe me, I have the exact same complaint about stuff sitting around here: http://www.blesserhouse.blogspot.com/2014/07/too-many-projects-not-enough-muscle.html There is a quote by Steven Furtick who said, "The reason we struggle with insecurities is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel." It's so true, isn't it? And Pinterest always leaves me feeling like I'm not doing enough and then I sort of panic when I look around and don't see a perfect house. Blah. Who cares? It's life! And life is beautifully imperfect. Even if you don't consider your blog successful, I'd say this post is a winner. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you've just bridged over to "successful"! Love this, Someone had to say it. I was feeling like this just this morning, so I put together a blog that has been on my mind for a while. Actually I was going to put it together last night, then The Hubby sat down to watch The All Star Game with all the wonderful tributes to Derek Jeter. We are huge Yankee/Jeter fans around here. I thought, "I'll just stay in my office and listen". But then hey, The Hubby is out there wanting me to enjoy this "once in a lifetime" experience and I just bagged the blog and enjoyed the show! At least I got it done this morning! :) Thanks for this very insightful post! http://www.theKitchenChopper.com I'm off to link up! :)
ReplyDeleteOh-my-goodness..........I could write a whole post right here but I wont get started, only to say I feel your blogging wows, I get burned out from time to time too. I host way to many linkups and then dont have time to write some meaningful posts, I need to cut one out, but, oh they are fun. Thank you for your insightful post, there is a lot to think about here and I can see why you have had so many wonderful comments. Im going now..............hope you can hop on over and share your post with my readers, I sure they would also appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great evening!!!
Karren
http://ohmyheartsiegirl.com/index.php/wordless-wednesday-linkyparties-2/
Love the post! My blog is not even close to being perfect. I take all my pics with my iPhone because I don't have a professional camera. I am just figuring out Twitter and Google+ and all this HTML is so confusing. I don't care that my blog is not perfect... it's real I enjoy it, and that's what matters. Thank you for the post. -- Sabine
ReplyDeleteCan we all just take a moment to appreciate the honesty in this post, something a lot of blog posts fail to do! Thank you for being real!
ReplyDeletehttp://jennoshealth.blogspot.ie/
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteIt depends on how one defines success. If you are having fun doing what you are doing, then you are more successful than most.
Keep smiling,
Jenise @ diyfunideas.com
Looks like you touched on something many of us feel. I have made peace with the fact that blogging is really just for me. I get what I want out of it. That is a place to journal, vent and share my reality. My time seems to be gone by 9:30 pm, and I am looking to get everyone to their rooms at least, so , I can get to bed. As I lay down, I think "Oh yea, I was going to blog today". Then I roll over and go to sleep. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is probably the best blog post I've read all year simply because it is honest, transparent, and has me written all over it. Thank you for expressing so freely and eloquently why I've never been a successful blogger (yet). I have the same issues and when it really comes down to it, I enjoy real life a lot more than blogging.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Bonita...I am happy that you liked the post and can relate to it. If you read some of the previous comments, you can see that many many bloggers feel just like us. I say, if you are having fun blogging, are true to yourself, and lead a full life...you are a success! Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!
DeleteLove this blog post! I am a new blogger and started a craft blog with a craft that is not widely practiced . . .but I love it. Will I become a "Power" blogger? lol, nope. I was having so much fun posting my projects and laughing along the way that I started another blog this past weekend - not quite ready to launch it, but I will as time permits. My thirty page views a day - from probably mostly my familiy makes me smile. Sure I'd love to increase my presence, but I haven't found a way that works for me. I haven't even figured out what a link party is, let alone how to participate . . .but through my blogging tips board on Pinterest I was able to add a button/badge to my blog. Don't know that I will ever figure out how to use it though :) I have a twitter account that I opened years ago and don't remember how to log on to it. Google+ also remains a mystery to me.
ReplyDeleteBut, most importantly, I wanted to let you know that I found your blog and I follow and enjoy it. Keep it up!
Hello!! Just wanted to let you know I will be using this in a round up (posting soon) from the Teach Me Tuesday party! Very much appreciate you linking up with us ;)
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