10 things I’ve learnt from 10 years of blogging

As of April 2nd 2019, I’ve been blogging for 10 years, yep you read that correctly. 10 years of blogging! It’s crazy to think that my little blog would still be here all these years later.

I haven’t celebrated my blogiversary in the past, but think a decade spent writing on the same platform is a milestone to be celebrated. 🎉 So I thought it would be fun to share 10 things I’ve learned from 10 years of blogging…

Lets get started.

1. You don’t need a niche…

A somewhat controversial topic in the blogging community, but I’ve never had a niche nor felt the need to have one. However, you should always be passionate about the topics you’re writing about.

One, it’s much easier to write when it’s something your passionate about and two, if you don’t (at least) like the subject matter, this will come across in your writing!

For example, I tried writing more technical posts in the past but the more I did, the more infrequently my posts were. The topics simply didn’t motivate me, so I started to blog about things I loved instead.

2. Focus on quality, not quantity.

Blogging consistently is important so your readers know when to expect a new post, but you shouldn’t rush to post just because it’s your “blogging day”.

So figure out what’s best for you to maintain a high standard of work and go from there. I try to post two to three times a week, but sometimes life gets in the way. Please don’t beat yourself up about it.

3. Stay true to yourself.

Don’t be too concerned with what others are doing. Sure take inspiration from others and put your own spin on it, obviously don’t copy or plagiarize. But, honestly there are so many blogs out there, and readers are looking for a range of different voices and personalities. So, be you and don’t worry too much about those who don’t stick around.

4. SEO!

Oh, how I wish I’d paid more attention to SEO in my earlier blogging days. It’s so important for new readers to find your blog in search engines and something I neglected in my early years. However I am going back through my old posts and fixing things now… tedious, yes, but so worth it.

5. Taking a break is so important!

I’ve taken a few blogging breaks in my time, from bad pyshical health to bad mental health, and from computer problems to being hacked(!). It’s more than OK to take a break if and when you need to, your blog will still be there when you come back. 😊

6. Engage with other bloggers.

Take the time to read and answer blog comments, support the blogging community by commenting on their posts and offer help or ask for help if you need it.

7. Know when to say no.

If an opportunity comes up that doesn’t sound right for you or your brand, or perhaps makes you feel uncomfortable (such as insisting on ‘dofollow‘ links), feel free to say no or respectively decline.

8. Scheduling and planning.

Two very important aspects of blogging that I like to call a ‘necessary evil’. They can be tedious(!) but vital for getting your posts out there and staying on track.

9. Navigation

If I can’t find your blog posts easily, such as in a categories or recent posts list, I’m more likely to click off. So having a theme with good navigation is a great way to ensure your posts are accessible.

10. Think before you hit publish.

There are times I’ve hit publish on a post before proof reading or checking the post flows well. It’s sloppy, and more often than not I cringe at the poor writing style of some of those posts. Especially those from my earlier blogging days.

To help with this, I now have a blogging checklist that I refer to before hitting the publish button. 😊

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So there you have it, 10 things I’ve learnt from 10 years of blogging. I’d like to thank all my readers for being a part of my blogging journey. 💗

To celebrate my blogiversary, tell me a favourite post, or trip or story you read about over the last 10 years – it doesn’t have to be from Chimmyville.