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. 😊


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.

32 Comments

  • Helen C

    July 5, 2019 at 11:37

    Lovely post, Kim, I enjoyed reading it! Writing about your passions is so important; my interests have changed over the time I’ve been blogging, and I think it’s okay to change direction sometimes. I’ve been into blogging since my teens, in fact I first started making zines on paper before the internet. I don’t think you necessarily need a niche, as long as you’re enjoying making the content. It’s good to focus on individual strengths too, you’re writing, ideas, and engagement with readers is always fantastic. 🙂 xx

    Helen | Helen’s Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

    1. Kim

      July 20, 2019 at 09:39

      Aw, thanks for the lovely comment Helen. 😊 I remember my sister and I making zines on paper as kids too.

  • Holly @ Nut Free Nerd

    May 22, 2019 at 03:05

    I should definitely learn more about SEO… something I’ve been neglecting for a while! Any advice on how to learn more about it?

    Great list!

  • Rose Tinted Ramblings

    May 12, 2019 at 14:16

    I’m so glad to read that you don’t need a niche. I like to write from my heart. Sometimes it’s mental health, others it’s politics, then it might be a recipe. I need to work on my SEO though as people don’t seem to Fi d me so mostly I’m writing for my own sanity! Rosetintedramblings.blog

    1. Kim

      May 17, 2019 at 21:18

      I mostly write for myself too, it’s a great outlet and has helped my mental health so much in the past. SEO is vital for getting your blog noticed though. x

  • Ruth

    May 9, 2019 at 18:11

    Congratulations on 10 years! That’s an incredibly impressive achievement! I loved reading what you’ve learnt during that time and completely agree with all of the points you raised, especially quality, SEO and planning. Here’s to another 10 years!! 😉

    1. Kim

      May 17, 2019 at 21:17

      Thanks Ruth! 🙂 x

  • Savannah

    May 3, 2019 at 22:14

    Wow, congrats on 10 years! That’s incredible. I’m definitely taking note of all your tips, especially staying true to myself and my voice. Thank you for sharing!

    1. Kim

      May 17, 2019 at 21:16

      You’re welcome lovely. x I hope you find them useful.

  • Margarida

    May 2, 2019 at 14:19

    What a great post, Kim. Absolutely, stay true to ourselves is the most important thing for me. I do need to take a break indeed. The idea of the list is great. Than you so much for sharing this.

    1. Kim

      May 17, 2019 at 21:16

      Thanks for your comment Margarida. I hope you find these tips useful. x

  • Alisha Valerie

    May 1, 2019 at 17:39

    I loved this blog post darling. I’ve also been blogging for over ten years so could really relate to what you said on this post. 🌸💜

    With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com

    1. Kim

      May 17, 2019 at 21:14

      That’s an incredible achievement. 🙂 Thanks for your comment lovely. x

  • Britt

    May 1, 2019 at 16:32

    Congratulation on 10 years of blogging, that’s a big milestone!
    You’ve got some great advice here

    1. Kim

      May 17, 2019 at 21:13

      Thanks Britt. 🙂 xx

  • Tiffany

    April 28, 2019 at 17:18

    Such great tips! Thank you for sharing. I am so happy to read that you have never had a niche and that bloggers don’t need one. I love writing about multiple topics and don’t think settling on one would make me happy.

    1. Kim

      May 1, 2019 at 13:46

      Thanks Tiffany. 😊 You definitely don’t need one if you don’t want one. I enjoy writing about lots of different things too.

  • Sophie Wentworth

    April 25, 2019 at 22:21

    Wow 10 years is such a long time. Working on SEO really is a game changer. Staying true to yourself and knowing when to say no are so so so important too x

    Sophie

    1. Kim

      April 28, 2019 at 09:26

      Thanks for your comment Sophie. 😊 x

  • Tamra Elizabeth Cater

    April 25, 2019 at 20:13

    That’s great that you’ve been at it for this long! Congrats! I’m new to it, so these are definitely things I will keep in mind as I continue my journey with blogging.

    1. Kim

      May 17, 2019 at 21:13

      Thanks Tamra. 🙂 It’s been a long blogging journey but definitely worth it.

  • Samantha

    April 25, 2019 at 17:37

    I can relate to a lot of these, especially quality over quantity! This July will be my 7 year blogging anniversary. There’s so many things I wish I knew back then that I know now, especially SEO.

    1. Kim

      April 28, 2019 at 09:21

      Thanks for your comment Samantha. x 7 years is a great achievement!

  • Jenny

    April 25, 2019 at 17:33

    Wowzers, 10 years, that’s an incredible achievement! Firstly, congrats! Secondly, these are all VERY good points. You definitely don’t NEED a niche in order to be a successful blogger. I hate it when others claim you do!

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

    1. Kim

      April 28, 2019 at 09:19

      Thank you Jenny. 😊 I’ve never had a niche and when I tried too have one, I didn’t enjoy blogging as much. xx

  • Nyxie

    April 25, 2019 at 17:30

    These are excellent tips, especially the SEO! Thank you so much for sharing these with us!

    – Nyxie

    https://nyxiesnook.com/things-i-am-learning-in-anorexia-recovery-gaining-the-confidence-you-need-to-recover/

    1. Kim

      April 28, 2019 at 09:18

      Thank you! xx SEO is so important but can be a bit of a mind field.

  • Megan | Ginger Mom and Company

    April 25, 2019 at 05:10

    10 years is amazing! There are quite a few things I wish I had done when I first started.

    1. Kim

      April 28, 2019 at 09:18

      Thank you! 😊 xx

  • Rachel Wuest

    April 24, 2019 at 17:59

    Scheduling and planning are so important to me, and I always have a few posts that can be published anytime for when I get busy, I can just hit publish so my followers are still getting their share!

    Rachel || http://anotherstationanothermile.com

    1. Kim

      April 24, 2019 at 18:01

      Thanks for your comment. That’s such a good idea! What sort of posts do you plan for those occassions? I’m nosy lol. x

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