I am no way a blogging guru, I’m still learning even to this day, I mean even after almost 4 years, I in no way know absolutely all there is to know about blogging. Blogging is changing pretty much everyday, new things to do, new things to learn and to pretty much just up my game everyday. It sounds like hard work doesn’t it? But I think the fact that I make mistakes gives me something to learn from, I mean no one is perfect are they – and I am most certainly not a perfect blogger. So what mistakes do I make?
1. Underestimating Myself and My Blog
I am definitely the kind of person that underestimates myself, especially when it comes to pitching to brands. I am the kind of person that doesn’t want to seem like I’m the best thing since sliced bread, but I also want to show that I am great at what I do.
Even when I get paid for content, I’m still kind of like am I charging the right amount. It’s still a bit of a fog to me and I still feel like I have no idea how much I’m supposed to be charging. I’ve literally read all the blog posts about and I still feel like I’m climbing up a very large mountain with no idea what I’m doing. I have a small framework of my own which is where I start from, but I am like is this right?
Oh it’s a minefield isn’t it?
2. Believing There Is One Way To Be A Good Blogger
Now there isn’t a guide on how to be a great blogger, there just isn’t. As long as you’re producing content that you love and you’re enjoying it, that is literally what it means to be a good blogger. Being a good blogger doesn’t mean you have to stick to a certain schedule, you don’t have to post certain content to fit that mould. The most important thing is that you enjoy it, you’re a good blogger, just keep creating what you enjoy.
3. Forgetting About Certain Platforms
Yes I’m that person, when you’re a blogger there is literally so much that you have to take into account. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, I mean you name it, they’re all up there. Managing all these platforms as well as trying to have a life can be pretty daunting and stressful just to make sure you’re on top of everything. But I am pretty sure that if there were about 12 more hours in the day I’d pretty much be able to get everything done and probably get a lot more sleep.
A girl can dream right?
4. Forgetting Why I Started In The First Place
I started blogging as an outlet, somewhere I could call my own and to just be me. In the blogging world there is literally so much pressure to continue to produce this amazing content and sometimes it can be so overwhelming to want to produce this amazing content that you forget why you started. I want to continue to enjoy writing, to enjoy creating, to appreciate the process, that is the joy in blogging.
On those days where I feel completely overwhelmed I really need to remember what made my write my first blog post and why I wanted to do this in the first place.
It’s a decision I’m eternally grateful for but I still have such a lot to learn.
What mistakes do you make, in blogging or life? Do you learn from them? Let me know in the comments!
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It’s so easy to get into the whole numbers game and forget the real reason in started a blog. I have somewhat blocked out what people say and just do what I love.
Candice | NatalyaAmour.com
It is so important to do what you love when it comes to blogging and to literally just enjoy it! xxxx
I always forget about things like Pinterest xx
Me too my darling! I’m awful! xxxx
I think I’m guilty of all four of these things too! The main one being underestimating myself and my blog. I’m the absolute worst when it comes to self criticising and can think of a thousand things I’m not so god at before i can think of 1 i am good at. My husband goes mad at me for it!
Loved reading this Amie! 🙂 such a relateable post!
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac,co,uk
I do the same my darling, my husband gets so irritated when I do that! xxxx
I definitely relate to underestimating myself & my blog. When I first started blogging I couldn’t wait to write content; I was excited. Being ill and not being able to post as much as I want, has got me to a point where I feel like I am trailing behind everyone. My posting is sporadic and I want to change that in the New Year. I want to try and stick to a posting schedule, which I think might make me more productive because I like routines & knowing what I have to do.
Oh and Pinterest is the platform I tend to forget. I’ve been trying to go on and pin stuff once a day and it is making a difference; from 17K views to 78K at the moment. It was more but Pinterest is not very forgiving if you don’t pin anything for a day or two! 🙂
Sarah x || Boxnip
I know what you mena, you have to be so on it when it comes to Pinterest, I’m definitely trying that is for sure! xxxx
I always forget about certain social media too! It’s so hard to keep on top of them all sometimes. It can feel like it’s never ending when I’m scheduling tweets, pinning on Pinterest, posting on Facebook etc so it’s easy to miss one! Such a relatable post xxx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Social media platforms are so time consuming, it’s just so hard to keep up! xxxx
Ugh I relate so hard. When I started my blog I promised myself that it was going to be just for me and completely personal, but when followers start showing up it’s so easy to get sucked into thinking more about your stats and social media than just enjoying the process. I’m trying to find a balance where I care about the numbers and the platforms, but on my own terms.
Isabelle | http://isabellemarieflynn.blogspot.com/
Honestly just keep doing your thing and enjoy it, blogging is supposed to be fun and as long as it is still fun that is what matters in life! xxxx
Always remember why you started and why you’re doing it x
I totally agree, it’s important to remember why you started, that is what gives you the motivation to keep going! xxxx
This is a great post! I feel like every blogger is constantly learning and growing, even the most experienced ones!
I totally agree, there is no perfect blogger out there! xxxx
This is incredibly relatable! I really struggle to stay on top of the different platforms (currently very much neglecting my Instagram, whoops) and I really find it hard not to compare my blog and achievements with other people too. You’re so right that there’s not one way to be a good blogger. And I definitely needed the reminder to remember why I started doing this! I forget that so often and it’s not good. The outlet is the most important bit, not the numbers!
Beth x Adventure & Anxiety
Exactly my darling! It’s easy to get into the comparison game, but you’re doing an amazing job! xxxx
I definitely find it hard juggling all the different social media platforms. There are so many hours in a day! I’ve been dedicating a lot of time to Pinterest and Instagram and then neglecting Twitter. It’s really tough finding that balance. I’ve learnt a lot through blogging but it wouldn’t of been possible if I hadn’t made the mistakes I’ve made. So even though mistakes can be seen as negative things, there is still a positive side to them.
Exactly, and there is only so much you can do in those hours! As long as you learn from your mistakes that is what matters! xxxx
I’m the same way! I make the same mistakes, especially because I am still very new to blogging. I doubt myself a lot but at the end of the day I love it. You are doing an amazing job! Keep it up lovely!
Thank you so much my darling! I think self doubt is probably the hardest one because it’s something that is always on your mind! xxxx
such great points! i see so many people saying that if you want to be a successful blogger and actually make money from your blog sometimes you’re gonna have to have sleepless nights to stay up and work and i just so totally disagree with that. there is no right or wrong way to make your blog successful or to make it a source of income. as silly as it sounds passion, and love for what you do will show through more than how long you’ve stayed up.
mich / simplymich.com
That just isn’t achievable for me, there is no right or wrong way to have a blog, if you enjoy it that is all that matters in life! xxxx
I need to remember more often why I started blogging in the first place, but now I’m always looking at the numbers and comparing myself to others, which is wrong I know. Great post Amie!
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you so much my angel! I know what you mean, numbers are such a massive part of blogging now though! xxxx
I can RELATE to your second point. There’s a particular big blogger who I always compare myself to, I question what I’m doing and I’ve sort of convinced myself that in order to succeed, I need to be on her level but truth is, we have a different audience, different personalities. I’m a lifestyle blogger and she does luxury fashion, beauty and travel. I need to stop comparing myself to bloggers who are in a different category to me, in fact, even if they’re in the same category, just because I’m doing something in one way, doesn’t mean its the bad way or the reason my following is still small. I don’t know if any of that makes sense but I think you can see where I’m coming from, I hope haha
Fran | http://www.franciscarockey.co.uk
You make all the sense my darling, and I totally know what you mean, there is no recipe for being an amazing blogger because you’re already there! You’re doing an amazing job my darling! xxxx
Definitely guilty of one and three. I hate pitching because I’m so bad at believing in myself. And I feel like we’re all winging it when it comes to knowing what to charge! And I don’t know if I forget about platforms but I definitely have my favourites and neglect the others x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
I have my favourites too my darling, right now it is Instagram and I’m putting so much effort into that! xxxx
Love this post! I recently read that you should set your rates by multiplying your DA by 4 and I found that so interesting (and that I am definitely uncharging haha). I can also relate to the one about forgetting other platforms so much – I never use Facebook or Pinterest!
http://www.theemeralddove.co.uk
I heard that one too but then I feel like I’m overcharging, ahhh the struggle is real! xxxx
That quote on your letterboard hahah – me! When it comes to social media now and the blog I only use Twitter, Bloglovin and occasionally Instagram if I remember to go on it (definitely one I cba with nowadays!). I’m only quite a new reader to your blog, followed you recently on Bloglovin, and I’m really enjoying your content and I’m excited to read your upcoming posts!
Charlotte / Charlotte’s Picks
Oh my gosh thank you so much Charlotte that really does mean the absolute world to me! xxxx
6 years blogging next year and I still make mistakes all the time too! I don’t think there’s ever going to be a “perfect” blogger. We all make mistakes and all learn from them! 🙂
Exactly and as long as you continue to learn that is all that matters! xxxx
i am terrible at all of these. i genuinely love blogging, i love who i am when i do it and i love how passionate it makes me… but it is so hard to wade through all things i dont do so well.. so i am glad you also often feel the same!!
Rosie
You’re 100% not alone my darling, we are all guilty of it and we are all in the same boat! xxxx
I always underestimate my blog and the time I put into it x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
You do an amazing job with your content my lovely! xxx
Man. We have been blogging for a year and have a hard time keeping up with the trends. But it’s so fun to be able to learn from our mistakes because we remember why we started.
Exactly, and blogging isn’t easy, it’s all a learning curve isn’t it? xxxx
I completely and utterly love that you have written this blog post babe! I can relate to basically everything that you have said, I always end up forgetting to use Pinterest yet love that site so much! 💜✨
With love, Alisha Valerie x
Thank you so much my lovely! I like Pinterest but I just can’t do it all! xxx
This is such a great post! I’m ALWAYS forgetting about Pinterest, literally for like weeks. I’m also guilty of forgetting why I love blogging sometimes. I guess I get caught up in trying to be a good blogger too often, and forget that I’m just here to be me! ♥︎
You’re already a good blogger my darling! You put out amazing content and do such an amazing job! xxxx
i have been neglecting Pinterest too of late. I have been struggling to get engagement with my blog but realised I need to completely revamp it and write more of what I had in mind when i first started. Great post.
Thank you so much my darling! Your blog is gorgeous my darling! xxxx
I can relate to this SO much, it’s so easy to get carried away with the number and forget why you started! Great post 🙂
Kate | http://www.katelovesx.co.uk/
I know what you mean my lovely, numbers definitely rule the roost, but as long as you’re doing what makes you happy that is all that matters! xxxx
I think I’m guilty for all of these too, especially forgetting about platforms to help share! Sometimes I forget to share at all!!! Great post X
I definitely need to up my game when it comes to Pinterest and sharing my posts! xxxx
Relatable post for sure! I think every blogger experiences at least one of these!
I’m so glad that you relate my darling! xxxx
All of these are so relatable! I get really sucked into believing that there is only one way to do things. I get so inside myself because it’s often things that I don’t want to do, but then I convince myself I’ll never be “successful” because I’m not that kind of person – I guess that comes down to believing in myself!
Jas xx | https://thoughtsfromjasmine.co.uk
You should definitely believe in yourself my lovely, your blog is absolutely amazing! xxxx
Aww I totally get you, I think every blogger goes through those kinds of phases sometimes. But keep doing you, nd as long as you believe in what you’re doing and sharing then that’s all that matters!
Amen to that my darling! xxx
I love these lessons learned items you’re sharing. I agree with you with all of these points, especially the second point. There are so many ways to be a good blogger. There isn’t a rule that says you have to do x or else you’re not a good blogger. One mistake I made before is when I am in a creative block, forcing a blog post out doesn’t make it worthwhile. It’s okay to delay a post for the sake of quality :).
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Exactly, there is no rule book telling you the right or wrong way to be a blogger, just do what makes you happy and share the content you love! xxxx
Your no 3 I where I’m the.most guilty. I only use Twitter to promote my blog, but I decided to get Instagram and Pinterest in 2019.
Also, no 4 is so relatable.
Oooh can’t wait to see your Instagram my lovely! xxx
Not seen one of these posts before but so relatable! Underestimating our blogs is such a common problem in this community but just know your blog is amazing and you’re doing so well. I always see your tweets and links coming up on my feed and it makes me so happy and encourages me to try harder with my content. Thanks for sharing xx
Oh my gosh this comment literally makes me so happy! You’ve made my blogging day! xxxx
Love the post it makes me feel better knowing its not just me who hasnt got this blogging thing down yet. Just keep doing you! And we’d never learn if we didn’t make mistakes, you can only get better.
Natasha. X
You’re not alone my darling, sometimes I’m still flying by my underwear! xxxx
Oh I totally relate to this especially the needing 12 more hours in a day!
I find it so difficult to juggle my blog and social media platforms with working full time.
You’re doing a great job though! 😊
http://www.missblogsabit.com
I need extra hours in the day and days in a week, it’s ridiculous, I can never get everything done! xxxx
This is super helpful! I started enjoying blogging way more and finding more inspiration once I truly found my purpose and why I liked blogging. It’s definitely important not to forget why we’re here! x
That is amazing my darling, I’m so so happy for you! xxxxx
I 100% agree with all of these things and often do them myself.
http://littlemissmelanie.com
I think we are all guilty of it sometimes my angel! xxxx
Oh my goodness, yes to all of these, especially the last one! I get so caught up in what I feel like I should be posting and writing that sometimes I need to step back and think of what I WANT to be posting and writing! I definitely underestimate myself just because it feels wrong even writing that as I refuse to admit that maybe I’m okay at this blogging malarkey and as for forgetting platforms… I relate so much to this post, it’s great to see someone putting it into words!
I’m so glad you relate to this post my darling! You’re not alone I promise you! If you need anything I’m just a message away! xxx
This is such an eye opening post, I am also guilty of all of these every now and again!
I think we all are my darling, you’re 100% not alone! xxxx
I create content that I would be happy to publish and not have any regrets or afterthoughts, with freedom to post on platforms I want to – not feel like I need to. I’ve only ever done a couple of flatlays in my life, probably why I don’t have a lot of Instagram followers.
Amy | hookedonthemusic.com
Honestly as long as you’re doing what makes you happy that is all that matters! I personally love creating my flat lays but it isn’t for everyone, I personally just enjoy seeing people’s gorgeous content, flatlays or not! xxxx
What a great post! I find myself making these very same mistakes; especially underestimating myself and my blog!
Your blog is amazing my darling, never forget that! xxxx
I relate to every point you’ve made!
Glad you relate my lovely! xxx
I think I can be really guilty of falling into the trap of thinking there is only one way to blog or only one way to be a ‘successful’ blogger. I try to do what you said and just remind myself of why I actually wanted to start a blog in the first place!
Julia // The Sunday Mode
At the end of the day as long as you’re happy that is all that matters, your blog is amazing and never forget that! xxxx
Number 1 is me me ME! I know my blog isn’t the biggest blog out there, and I still love it for what it is, but at the same time, I don’t take the chances and reach out to brands because I’m just afraid they’ll reject me. I keep thinking I’ll wait till I start posting more, get more followers, take better photos, etc. etc.
And number 2 is so true: there is no right way to be a blogger, despite what every pin on Pinterest says, lol. If so, I’d be making 6 figures a year like those pinners! lol. I love what I blog about and I don’t want to change it.
And number 4: this happens to me all the time! But thankfully I have blog posts like yours to remind me of why I started and why I’m still doing it 🙂
Thanks for the inspiring post, Amie!
Emily | https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com
Great post! I am always comparing my site to others that have been established for much longer than my own and therefore start to feel that I’m not being that perfect blogger but there are lots of different approaches that can be taken, which I am learning! I do forget some of the platforms too as I’m not on Facebook but as my site gets closer to being a year old then I will probably have to start using that platform too! It does all suddenly seem overwhelming!
I love this post! I’m the same with forgetting why I started – it can be so easy to get caught up in the numbers! xx
– charlotte / charlottesspace.com