by Cori-Leigh | Blogging |
A countless number of bloggers start with enthusiasm,
only to quickly give up.
Many bloggers quit when the expected results don’t come.
But why does this happen so often?
These bloggers don’t enjoy the process.
Many fail to understand the dedication required.
Your blog needs to be nurtured and watered with love consistently.
Blogging isn’t just a collection of posts.
One of the biggest traps bloggers fall into is setting unrealistic expectations.
They envision rapid growth, a flood of readers, and instant income.
If you don’t quit blogging, you might find yourself struggling.
Maybe you’re filled with fears and self-doubt that limit your success.
However, there’s hope! By making a few shifts in the way you approach blogging.
You can rekindle your passion and become a blogger who doesn’t quit.
Maybe you’re on the verge of blogging and writing breakthroughs!
Be Helpful and Give More Than You Get
Successful bloggers are helpful bloggers. Influential bloggers are genuine and generous givers.
These bloggers give without expectations.
They gradually grow their blogging business.
When you focus on helping others, you create a positive impact.
One that resonates with your readers and fellow bloggers.
Take a look at the bloggers you admire.
What do they have in common?
Chances are, they’re not just sharing their content but supporting others.
They offer blogging tips and give of their time and resources freely.
By following their example, you’ll find that the more you give, the more you’ll enjoy blogging!
Follow bloggers like Lisa Sicard, Ryan Biddulph, and Sue Ann Bubacz
who are generous bloggers who genuinely help with smart blogging tips.
If you’re struggling growing your blog visit Ryan’s newly created Facebook group.
There he helps bloggers learn how to blog successfully.
Grow Your Tribe—It Helps You Stay Motivated
We weren’t meant to be isolated bloggers. Blogging becomes more enjoyable and sustainable when you have a community around you.
By growing a tribe of followers genuinely interested in your blog’s topic. Doing this helps you create a supportive network. One that encourages and uplifts you.
My blogging and writing friends have been an invaluable source of support!
Take Ryan Biddulph from Blogging From Paradise, for example. He contributed more than 30 guest posts here on my blog. Many of which arrived during my time of caregiving for my parents.
His guest post contributions not only added great value to my blog but to many other blogs. I’m thankful for friends like Ryan, who genuinely care about helping others on their blogging journey. You can visit Ryan’s contributing author page here.
Supporting one another in the blogging world has been a mutual relationship built on genuine care and respect. This sense of community and friendship has enriched my blogging and writing journey.
Remember, we weren’t meant to go it alone!
Start Simple to Prevent Overwhelm
New bloggers often dive into too many tasks, leading to overwhelm and burnout.
Instead, keep things simple when you’re starting out. Focus on what truly matters: creating content. Don’t get bogged down by complex blog designs or trying to do everything. You won’t be an expert in everything.
A simple start involves concentrating on the essentials. Write quality blog posts, connect with other bloggers in your niche, and gradually build your blog’s design. Try a stress-free approach blog design to create an easy-to-navigate blog.
This approach allows you to ease into blogging, enjoy the process, and give your blog the time it needs to grow.
Don’t Expect Results Right Away
One of the quickest ways to become discouraged is to start a blog with the expectation of rapid growth and immediate income. This mindset sets you up for disappointment and frustration.
The truth is, that blogging takes time, patience, commitment, and consistent effort.
Every successful blogger started with zero readers and minimal traffic.
They learned, adapted, and grew over time.
Allow yourself the space to learn and grow at your own pace.
The results will come if you stick with it and keep learning.
Remember, it’s a journey, not a sprint.
Write About What You Love
When you’re passionate about your blog’s topic, it shows in your writing.
However, many bloggers fail to give this part enough consideration.
They choose a topic based on trends or what they think will make money.
Rather than what they truly love.
Think about it: you’ll be writing on your chosen topic for years to come.
If you’re not passionate about it, you’ll quickly lose interest.
Choose a niche that excites you, that you can see yourself exploring and writing about for the long haul. This passion will resonate with your readers and keep you engaged in your blogging journey.
Allow Your Blog Time to Grow
Growing a blog takes time, and growing a blogging business takes even more time.
Many bloggers don’t allow their blog enough time to grow before they start feeling frustrated. They hold on to the expectation of quick growth and immediate success.
If you’re constantly checking your stats and feeling disheartened by slow progress, it’s easy to lose hope. Remember, every successful blog started small. Your blog needs time to grow, just like a plant needs time to bloom.
Be patient, water your blog with love, and trust the process.
Invest in Your Success with a Blogging Course
One of the best ways to accelerate your blogging success is by investing in a blogging course.
But why should you consider purchasing one?
Blogging courses are packed with valuable knowledge and encouragement from experienced bloggers.
Those bloggers who have already walked the path you’re on.
They offer insights, strategies, and tools that can help you avoid common pitfalls and set your blog up for success.
Investing in a course is an investment in your future as a blogger. It shows that you’re serious about your blog and willing to put in the effort to learn and grow.
Plus, having mentors along the way can provide you with the support and guidance you need to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
Have Fun and Embrace the Process
Above all, blogging should be fun. Enjoy the process of watching your blog grow, connecting with your readers, and sharing your passion with the world.
Don’t give up before your breakthrough and give your blog the time it needs to flourish.
By following these tips and learning from influential bloggers, you can set yourself up for long-term success. Blogging is a journey, not a destination, so savor every moment and keep watering your blog with love.
by Cori-Leigh | Blogging |
Grief can deeply affect every aspect of our lives, including our passions and pursuits. As a blogger, sharing your thoughts, stories, and advice with the world can be incredibly rewarding. However, there are times when stepping away from blogging to navigate grief and burnout is essential for your well-being.
I began blogging in 2012, enjoying both the creative process and my online business. However, in 2019, I took on the role of caregiver for my parents. After they were involved in a car accident, my mom sustained serious injuries, while my dad’s were less severe. Meanwhile, my dad’s health was in a slow but steady decline due to dementia, followed by a cancer diagnosis.
By March 2020, the pandemic increased my caregiving responsibilities, as no one could come to help at their home. In the spring of 2022, my dad’s cancer transformed into a more aggressive form, and my caregiving role intensified until he passed away in palliative care at home on November 12, 2022.
In the aftermath, I realized just how emotionally and physically drained I had become. I chose to step away from most of my online business and blogging. Taking a break from blogging became a time of healing, rest, and leaning into the grief I was experiencing.
My break allowed me to fully understand my loss by feeling the grief, acknowledging the absence, and navigating life without my father, other loved ones, and our three elderly pets—two dogs and a cat.
In this post, you’ll find insights on the value of taking a blogging break and eventually returning when you are ready;
Acknowledging the Need for a Break
Like many of you, I regularly poured my heart into my blog, writing, and work for clients. Yet the emotional toll of caregiving and grief affected my ability to focus.
Taking a healing hiatus after my dad passed away was the best choice I could have made. No matter what your reasons may be to consider a blogging break – you can make the right choice for your situation.
If you find yourself in a similar place, here are some signs that it might be time to consider taking a break:
Self-Awareness: It’s important to recognize that grief and emotional pain aren’t things you can’t simply push aside. Ignoring them can make it harder to heal and focus. Practicing awareness can help you determine your next steps.
Signs of Burnout: Are you noticing a lack of motivation, increased stress, and being overwhelmed? These are clear indicators that you might need a break. Pay attention to these signs—they’re your mind and body’s way of telling you to slow down.
Physical Well-Being: Grief can take a significant toll on your physical health. Are you struggling to maintain your self-care routines, or feeling physically drained? Your health is crucial, and taking a step back might help you regain the energy you need.
Remember, taking a blogging break doesn’t mean giving up. It’s about giving yourself the space to heal so you can come back stronger.
Communicating with Your Audience
As I grappled with the decision to take a break, I realized that communicating this to my audience was crucial. If you’re considering a break, here are some strategies that might help:
Open Communication: Consider sharing a brief message with your audience about your need for a hiatus. Being transparent about your situation can foster a deeper connection with your readers, as it did for me.
Setting Boundaries: Think about what you’re comfortable sharing and what you’d prefer to keep private. I found it important to set boundaries about the details I disclosed. Only share what feels right for you, knowing that you can still connect with your audience without exposing everything.
Scheduled Posts: If possible, try scheduling a few posts in advance to keep your blog active during your break. This approach helped me maintain engagement with my audience without the constant pressure of content creation.
Navigating the Grieving Process
Grief is not linear and is a journey that takes time. Navigating it while maintaining a blog presents unique challenges. If you’re facing this, here are some thoughts and strategies that might resonate with you:
Time and Patience: Be patient with yourself, understanding that healing is a gradual process. It’s essential to allow yourself to grieve at your own pace. Rushing through grief can make it harder to heal. Are you giving yourself the time you need, or do you feel pressure to move forward too quickly?
Expression: When blogging felt too public, I turned to private journaling as a way to express my grief. This creative outlet allowed me to process my emotions in a personal space. Have you considered finding a private way to express your feelings, whether through journaling, art, or another medium?
Reflection: This period of grief also became a time of reflection for me. I started questioning what aspects of blogging truly brought me joy and fulfillment. This reflection gave me a new perspective on my work. Could this be a time for you to reassess what you value most in your blogging journey? What brings you joy, and what might you want to change moving forward?
Returning to Blogging
If you’re considering returning to blogging after a break, here are some steps that might help ease the transition:
Ease Back In: I started by writing small, manageable posts. This gradual re-entry into blogging helped me regain my confidence and motivation. If you’re ready to start blogging again, consider beginning with smaller tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. What’s one simple post or idea you could start with?
New Perspectives: Navigating my grief journey eventually deepened my writing. Has your time away from blogging changed your perspective? It did mine. You might find that your experiences have given you new insights to share with your readers.
Adaptation: My blogging style evolved as a result. The changes I went through were reflected in the content I began to explore. You might also notice that your style or focus has shifted. Don’t be afraid to let your blog evolve with you—how has your experience shaped the topics or themes you’re drawn to now?
Stepping away from blogging to navigate grief and burnout was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made, but it was also necessary. It allowed me to prioritize my mental and emotional health and return to blogging with renewed strength and purpose.
If you’re facing a similar situation, know it’s okay to take a break. Your well-being comes first
and your audience will appreciate your honesty and resilience.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments: Your story may provide comfort and inspiration
to others going through similar experiences.
Have you taken a break from blogging to cope with grief or any other life challenge?
How did you navigate your journey, and what helped you the most during that time?
by Cori-Leigh | Writing |
I used write regularly for a while, feeling motivated and inspired, then suddenly fall off the writer’s wagon. The busyness of life, distractions, and other circumstances would crash in, making it impossible to carve out time for my writing.
Eventually, writing stopped feeling enjoyable, and I began to dread sitting down to write. I decided to make a change. And it wasn’t just a small change—it was a mindset shift. I chose to take control of my writing life again, and the impact it had on me was truly transformative.
One of the most important shifts I made was committing to write every day. It didn’t matter if I felt inspired or not. I’d show up each day and write!
Writing regularly is just like exercise—the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
When you make writing a habit, something incredible happens: you start improving without even realizing it. That consistency is what transforms you from a casual writer to a true writer—someone who creates, refines, and shares their work.
In this post, I want to share with you some key insights from my journey that will help you stay focused and committed to your writing practice.
Commit to Writing Everyday, Even if it’s Just 15 Minutes
Writing, like anything else, requires commitment. And in order to develop the discipline to write consistently, you must start by committing to write every single day.
Start small: If 15 minutes is all you can manage, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure you write every day. The key is consistency, not length.
Call yourself a writer: Own your identity. The more you embrace being a writer, the more you’ll feel driven to write.
Writing is a habit: The more you write, the more natural it becomes. And over time, you’ll find yourself writing longer and with greater ease.
Share your work: Telling others that you’re a writer helps solidify that identity in your mind. The more you say it, the more you’ll believe it.
Show up every day even when you don’t feel like it.
There are days when I don’t feel like writing. Maybe I’m tired, distracted, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. And I’ve learned something important about these moments: waiting for inspiration rarely works.
Inspiration comes after action: Motivation doesn’t always precede writing. Sometimes you just have to sit down and start, and inspiration will follow.
Push through resistance: Even when you don’t feel like it, showing up is half the battle. The act of writing can often bring clarity and creativity, even when you’re not in the mood.
Write without expectations: There’s no need to produce a masterpiece every time. Just write. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Set aside a specific time frame to write.
We all have busy lives. Family, work, and personal responsibilities can quickly fill up our schedules, leaving little room for our passions.
I know how challenging it can be to balance everything, especially when you work from home and feel like there’s always something demanding your attention.
Here’s the truth: if you don’t carve out dedicated time for your writing, it won’t happen.
Schedule writing time: Set aside specific time each day. Make it as important as any other task on your calendar.
Be consistent: Make writing a part of your routine. Whether it’s the first thing in the morning or late at night, find a time that works for you and stick to it.
Start small and build: If 15 minutes is all you can spare, that’s fine. Just start, and gradually increase your writing time as it becomes a habit.
Publish your work and share it with the world.
Writing for yourself is wonderful, but if you want to grow as a writer, you need to share your work. You need to publish. I can’t tell you how much my writing improved once I started putting my work out into the world.
Put your work out there: Don’t wait for the “perfect” draft. Publish your work, even if it’s not flawless. Perfectionism can stop you from writing altogether.
The power of feedback: Getting feedback on your work, whether positive or constructive, helps you grow as a writer. Embrace the learning process.
Share your progress: The more you publish, the more confident you’ll become. Each piece is a step forward in your writing journey.
Remember: Writing is a Journey, Not a Destination
At the end of the day, writing is a journey. It’s a process of growth, self-discovery, and creative expression.
While the journey may feel challenging at times, it’s the act of showing up, writing, and sharing your work that leads to true growth.
Focus on progress, not perfection: It’s easy to get discouraged by setbacks, but remember that every day you write, you’re moving forward.
Celebrate small wins: Whether you write for 15 minutes or finish a chapter, take time to appreciate your progress.
Embrace the process: Writing is an ongoing journey. There will be highs and lows, but each moment contributes to your growth.
What are you waiting for? Take the first step today. Set your timer, clear your schedule, and get writing!
by Cori-Leigh | Blogging, Social Media Integration |
Many of us complain about all the time we spend on social media. The truth is that without the use of social media, our message would not have the ability as it does to reach a larger audience.
When social media networks are utilized effectively, they provide massive opportunities for blog growth. Social media networks allow you to expand your reach to a larger audience and establish connections and friendships with other bloggers.
Through using social media to grow your blog/business, you’ll, over time, build your tribe of loyal readers and followers. Those who are interested in what you share with the world!
Sharing is caring!
The numbers don’t matter as much as you may think!
The numbers of fans and followers you have is not where your focus needs to be.
I know so many bloggers and writers who get caught in the snare of fixating too much on their number of followers.The point of social media is about connections. It is about being social with your readers and other bloggers.
Simply set up your networks and begin connecting with people and sharing your work and theirs.
Show up often and be interested in what others do there too. Comment on their posts.
Be a part of what others are doing. The numbers will take care of themselves.
Be consistent and
generously helpful.
To make an impact using social media networks you need to be consistent. If you show up once and a while people will not take you or your work seriously.
Facebook has a great feature where you can schedule your posts in advance. If you are tight on time you can batch up what you want to share and set the date and time you want them to publish.
Consistently connect and engage often with others in you niche. Remember that social media is about having social interactions.
Better to focus on a couple of social networks starting out. Otherwise you’ll struggle to be consistent on any of them. Facebook and Twitter are great places to start.
Be intentional about the frequency of your posts and shares.
A couple of times per day to Facebook is good enough. Share something of yours and content from someone else.
Twitter is faster moving so you can get away with more frequency there. The trick here is to spread out your shares throughout the day.
Be sure to retweet and share the work of others too. Always thank your blogging buddies who repost and share your content.
Share and post content that is the same as what you blog/write about.
When we share a mix of everything it confuses people. You’ll want to leverage social media to eventually become known as an expert in your niche area.
Here I help writers and bloggers find their wings of confidence. The content I provide is about everything blogging, writing, and WordPress.
On my social networks I post about those topic areas and follow other bloggers and writers. While I’m interested in many other topics my social media accounts don’t reflect those other interests.
Set up a Facebook page
Set up a Facebook page separate from your personal account. Doing this enables you connect your page to your blog.
There are benefits of keeping your personal account separate from your blog/business page.
A few are;
- Keeps your personal and business/blogging separate from your personal life.
- With your personal account you decide who you let into your inner circle.
- Your page audience is most likely not comprised of close immediate friends and family.
- Your page is a place where you can point others back to your blog.
- You can embed your Facebook page to your blog but not your personal account..
You can easily connect with other bloggers and your readers. Overtime you will establish decent a following of fans and other bloggers.
Facebook is a powerful social media resource that helps grow your blog. Share the work of other bloggers in your niche to your page.
Consider doing Facebook Live Videos
While video can be intimidating at first using video has grown in popularity. Consider connecting with your audience via video.You’ll feel fear in the beginning and lack confidence. The more you do it the easier it gets.
There are those who lean more toward video, while others prefer podcasts, and those who enjoy reading blog posts.
Grow a following on X
X (Formerly Twitter) is a great place to share your work and of others.
You can grow a following and connect with your followers.
Some are on Twitter more than Facebook and vice versa.
In my case, I established Twitter followers faster than Facebook followers.
I primarily use Facebook and Twitter, and passively use Pinterest and Instagram.
For further reading, check out ;
The Complete Guide to Using Twitter (X) to Grow Your Business
10 Smart Ways to Promote Your Blog on Social Media by Ryan Biddulph
Conclusion
We were not meant to hide behind our blogs and using social media networks helps you to connect with others. Your work is in front of more eyes and you can expand your reach to a larger audience. Social media is a fun way to grow your blog.
It is not as complicated or time consuming as people think. It’s less about marketing and more about connecting and establishing relationships with your readers and other bloggers. Now go get social and grow your blog!
Let’s hear from you!
What are your favorite social media networks?
How has social media helped you grow your blog?
by Cori-Leigh | Blogging |
Starting a blog can be an exciting adventure, offering a platform to share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise with the world. However, many bloggers dive in without a clear message or defined purpose for their blog. While this enthusiasm is commendable, it’s essential to understand why having a focused purpose is crucial from the very beginning.
One common mistake new bloggers make is writing about a wide variety of subjects. If you’re like many aspiring writers, you likely have a ton of interests and an endless array of topics to explore. This might seem like a strength because it ensures you’ll never run out of things to write about. However, in the world of blogging, this approach often leads to confusion and frustration.
Imagine a blog that one day discusses travel tips, the next day delves into cooking recipes, and the following week shares personal finance advice. While all these topics might be of interest to the blogger, they can leave readers bewildered. They might struggle to understand the core theme of the blog and wonder if the content will consistently meet their interests and needs.
Here are a few suggestions to help you clarify the focus for your blog;
Know why you blog on your chosen topic.
Often bloggers don’t give enough attention to why they blog on their topic or topics of choice. It’s important to know this starting out. Doing this first helps you define the purpose of your blog. Knowing your why will help you develop your unique writer voice.
What is your why?
- Why did you start a blog or want to start a blog?
- Why is your topic of interest important to you?
- More importantly, why do you think it will help others?
Select a niche area of interest.
When I started blogging several years ago I struggled with this part. This happened because I was interested in many topics. My love for writing led me to blogging. At the time, I didn’t understand the importance of selecting a niche topic to write about.
When deciding on a niche area ask yourself a few questions;
- What are you interested in writing about?
- Are you interested in your blog topic enough to write consistently about it?
- Having a blog means you’ll be writing content consistently.
- If you lack interest in your blog niche, you’ll struggle with what to write about.
Focus on your target audience.
Once you know your why and have selected your niche area, your target audience is waiting for you! These readers will be interested in the topic you write about. Those who aren’t will not become your loyal readers and followers. This is okay because you are not speaking to everyone. You are helping those who are interested in your topic.
Connect with your audience and establish a relationship with them. As you and your blog grow, you’ll develop a loyal following.
Establishing a growing audience takes an investment of time. Reach out to other bloggers in your niche area and also establish friendships with them.
Make a clear first impression.
When I visit a website/blog for the first time, I like to know if I’m in the right place. Is this the place that can help me with the information or content I’m looking for? If I cannot see right away something that grabs my interest, I don’t stay long. Sometimes the website is not easy to navigate and that can cause me to leave. You have one chance to make a first impression and those first few seconds matter! Make it clear when people visit your blog what it’s about.
Below are a few ways you can do this;
- Create a tagline. One sentence that captures a little about what you do. Example: Mine is “Helping writers and bloggers find their wings of confidence.”
- Logos are great for branding your site. Like a stamp that is unique to you.
- Simple and clean design is pleasing to the eye. Less clutter enables your site content to stand out!
Conclusion
Clarity comes through spending the time to nail down the topic best suited to you in the long term. Mastering one topic of interest is easier than chasing too many and mastering none. Enjoy starting and growing your blog! Happy blogging friends!
