Without fail, there will be a time during your blogging career where you wonder what you are doing. Maybe it’s during a busy week, a failed giveaway, or the 100th time you change your editorial calendar, but you will wonder if it is worth continuing on in the blogging world.
Whether you are just getting started and searching for something to kick start your blog or you are someone who has put in a lot of time and need to feel refreshed, there are plenty of reasons to get blogging. One of the best things about blogging is how it gives back to you, your readers, and your loved ones – you just have to tap in to the benefits!
How Blogging Gives Back
Making Connections
It is truly amazing how tight-knit the blogging community is, a perfect example is the SITS community! When you start supporting other bloggers they are most likely going to support you back, and oh, what a feeling! Knowing that someone out there is rooting for you may make you put the figurative pen to paper and crank out that next post.
Beyond blogging communities you’ll find linky parties that feel like a high school sleep over with your girl friends, blogs that are created simply to feature other bloggers, and guest posters that become pen pals. This kind of connection is invaluable when you are down in the dumps on blogging, so how do you get there? Quite simply: ask! If you are interested in someone guest posting – ask them! Want to be a part of the coolest linky party on the block? Well jump in!
Inspiring Your Readers
You probably created your blog to share your thoughts either with family and friends or just to have an outlet for yourself. Amazingly most blogs gain some type of following and people want to keep coming back! Why? Because they are getting something out of what you are writing! Readers are inspired by the projects and recipes you share, the tough (and happy!) times you talk about, and the helpful hints that make life better.
Be genuine and publish quality posts and it is guaranteed that some reader, some where will be thankful for it. The key is being yourself and only publishing content that you would want to read yourself. Nothing makes a bloggers day like reading a comment from a reader who is grateful for the information!
Finding Yourself
Everyone starts blogging for a reason, maybe they want to share pictures of their new baby, have somewhere to document a journey to their first marathon, or to collect all of the pretty things they find. If you let it, blogging will take you way beyond your starting point.
Let your blog posts take you out of your comfort zone! Try new, exciting recipes, go for the painting project you have wanted to try for so long, and join that local fitness program – you now have an entire audience to keep you accountable and, even more important, support you.
For a lot of bloggers (just ask around the SITS community!) their blog began as a hobby and one day they realized they loved what they did so much it could become a business. This is how a lot of Etsy shops are born and true talents are found, you just need to take the first step: try it!
Involving Your Kin
A blogger seems to be a term focused just me, myself, and I – but only to those who have never done it! Blogging starts within you, but everyone needs a little help! Getting your husband to take photos for you (he is just better at it!) or getting to do crafts with the kiddos for a post makes blogging a family affair. Even getting your best girl friend to guest post gives you something to share and gossip over – what could be better? Nothing! Except maybe a glass of wine to go with the gossip!
Blogging doesn’t have to be a one man sport, by spending time with your family and friends to create your posts you will enjoy your blog even more – and so will your readers! Take that first step towards fulfilling blogging today and reach out to a blogger you admire, before you know it you will have a second family in the blogging community – and you might even find yourself along the way!
About the Author
My blog is about trying to pull my house together on a budget. I am DIY-er spreading my wings! I love to cook and drink wine (sometimes while cooking!), and I am a freelance writer and social media strategist. I end most weekends tired and happy with paint in my hair. My husband and I have been married for about three years and are settling in to our lives together one project at a time! Facebook * @LeahMarieV * www.LeahMarieV.com
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Twitter: louiseducote
says:
Love the upbeat, encouraging tone of this piece; thanks for some good advice!
Louise Ducote recently posted..Throw the Ball
You are so right blogging is all those things and more.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Using Coinstar at Bi-Lo
Reading this encouraged me to continue what I started. Thanks for the inspiration!
anne recently posted..Friends
Twitter: forloveorfunny
says:
YES! I’m always amazed at the connections I make via my blog…friends I never would have met otherwise!
Lynn from For Love or Funny recently posted..HELP! I’m being chased by a tree!
Twitter: BlondeDuck
says:
I love this! I always feel so selfish blogging!
Blond Duck recently posted..Simple
Twitter: MarieBock
says:
Great post! I love how accountable blogging keeps me!
Twitter: EverythingEvie
says:
What an awesome post! Blogging has given me so much already. I’m especially thankful for the amazing relationships it has given me. Yay blogging!
Eve recently posted..10 Reasons My Son Has an Awesome Life
Twitter: cyu888
says:
This is a great reminder of all the wonderful things that blogging brings. Thanks for sharing!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Scenes From My Weekend – Friends
Twitter: mejoramihogar
says:
Love Blogging and all its benefits! Thanks for sharing!
Brenda/Mejorando mi Hogar recently posted..POCOYO y la Hora del Planeta 2012 – SORTEO!
I started blogging as a way to process my thoughts. It’s become more fulfilling than I could have imagined.
For me, the greatest joy comes when someone comments that my thoughts helped them. That meandering through my own brain helps them find direction. As I find my way, I seem to be taking others with me. And it makes the path more beautiful.
misssrobin recently posted..My Visit to the Psychiatrist
Twitter: kassarie
says:
I’m all about the involving the family aspect! Just last night my sister in law came over with her kiddos to help me pose and take a few photos of a kiddo craft I did… Don’t know how I’d blog without them!
Kassi @ Truly Lovely recently posted..Comment on Scribble Shop Challenge – A Princess Doll Bed by Katherine
Twitter: SeekingGrace316
says:
Great tips and advice!
I’m currently on my 3rd blog (the other 2 I left behind) and I started each one for a different reason. I hope this one sticks.
Missy recently posted..Sing His Praises
Twitter: classicnycgirl
says:
You must have read my mind… I was sitting with my husband last night and wondering “why do I do what I do” (referring both to blogging and music) and “is this the right thing for me to be doing now?” I feel like everything in the universe is answering my second question with a resounding “yes,” including this post.
Thanks.
Classic NYer recently posted..Music Monday: Work Song
Twitter: simplystavish
says:
Such great advice. I started blogging when I was pregnant with my first child as a way to keep family and friends updated. I had no idea that I would meet some wonderful people, find inspiration and challenge myself to become a better photographer through blogging!
Mindi recently posted..Exploring Solomon’s Island with the Boys
Twitter: VonaeDeyshawn
says:
Great post! I often times find myself asking “What am I doing?” or “What am I doing wrong?” Thanks for this refresher. I really needed it. : )
Vonae Deyshawn
http://www.myvirtueplace.com
Vonae Deyshawn recently posted..Asian themed birthday party!!
Twitter: BoonieSooze
says:
We decided to throw a party for my son’s 18th birthday where WE invited the guests: his Dad and me.
We chose men who had been spiritually influential in his life + one dear friend of his, whom he had known since his toddlerhood.
Then after dinner the men shared with our son wisdom that they felt it was important for a young man to begin his adulthood knowing.
I never expected to “inspire”. I’ve been amazed by all the people who have contacted me, saying they long to do something special like this for their own son or daughter.
I forget the power that my words may have to be a blessing in someone else’s life. But words that move others to action are powerful things. They really can change the world.
Susan in the Boonies recently posted..Stacking Stones
Twitter: pinkasaurus
says:
Great Article.
Twitter: Ninth_Street
says:
It’s so true: blogging is a great way to make connections. But most of the time, they don’t come searching for us. I appreciate your advice to just try it!
Amanda recently posted..Sunday Brunch
Twitter: princesspruning
says:
Okay…you convinced me. I have someone I want to be a guest poster. I will ask her.
Laura recently posted..Boy crazy at a young age
Twitter: LeahMarieV
says:
Love this!! Made me smile – let us know how it goes!
Leah @ LeahMarieV recently posted..April Sponsors
Twitter: princesspruning
says:
Leah, Three invites to guest post have been sent out. No takers yet–but no rejections either. But I feel bold. I will keep trying.
Laura recently posted..Tell Her When He Answers Your Prayers
Twitter: LeahMarieV
says:
That is all you can do!! I have had rejections, no answers, and then miraculously – a response! And they said yes! Hard to sit and wait but keep your chin up… I know how you feel!
Leah @ LeahMarieV recently posted..Pinterest Wednesday
Twitter: MyPixieBlog
says:
Love this. Such a great reminder of how incredibly helpful and supportive this community truly is… I would be lost without it! Wonderful post!
Charlotte recently posted..[sponsored post] Return of the Om
Whtat a great post and a great reminder of why we do what we do. i love blogging. It’s sort off theraputic for me. it’s something I can do for myself. normally, I’m a fostermom, employer and wife. it’s nice to have this outlet.
hugs
http://findyoursparkle.blogspot.com/
lucy recently posted..Bandit Our Rescue Tail
Twitter: Dainty_Mom
says:
I love these tips. Especially since blogging began as a mere outlet for ME. I’ve learned that it has been an amazing connector to like-minded women, some of whom have become very good friends. Like lucy above, I find it therapeutic, too.
Martine | Work at Home Mom Writer recently posted..Find the Client That’s Perfect for You as a Work-at-Home Mom
Twitter: sweetnsourbean
says:
Being a busy mom of 2, finding the time to blog is so rewarding. It is a great way to unwind.
Mrs Lee recently posted..Back Tracking a bit…
Blogging has been my therapy now for almost 2 years. And I am actually on my third blog. And I think by blogging through my rough times, I HAVE been able to find myself AND encourage and inspire my readers. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without it!
Bernice @ The Stressed Mom recently posted..Using chore charts to reduce Mom stress
Twitter: anotherjenb
says:
Great post. It really rings true for me. I know so many bloggers who have taken their blogs and developed them into businesses (including me!). Finding that community is one of the best parts of being a blogger, though, whether you are blogging for fun or for business.