Wow!! It’s been 2 weeks since my last blog post!!
Life has been very hectic lately. If you are a fellow blogger, you can feel my pain. It isn’t easy trying to balance home life, work-life, and trying to have a side “hustle”.
To be completely honest, things just got overwhelming. I tried playing the balancing act, and failed miserably! I was determined to get my blog up and running, and all the while, my other commitments fell to the waist side.
Blogging isn’t just writing your thoughts and posting them. It’s also about promotion, getting a good footing in cyberspace, and finding an audience. You decide to blog for several reasons. My reason was to document my journey into midlife and hopefully help others at the same time. I’m a people person, and I figured why not? I can learn more about myself, and meet new people?? Score!!
What I didn’t know was how much went into this!! The promotion alone can be daunting. I joined several blogging groups on Facebook in order to gain information, as well as participating in challenges to get people to “like” my posts, Facebook pages, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. Some groups are successful and productive, and some aren’t. I equate it to High School. You are basically begging people to like you, or begging for followers. Not all groups are like this, which is a relief. I have met amazing Women through these channels.
Being in 10 + groups, adding my post links, and posting on several other bloggers links was exhausting. Like High School, you have cliques. Some people will say they are supportive. They will follow you to gain followers, then turn around and unfollow you. Sometimes in the same day! How does this aid in growth? There are many bloggers that are genuinely there to help and want to connect, and then there are those that urge you to buy their products or invest in their classes. I can totally respect that, but my primary focus ISN’T to make $1000.00 per month. (am I crazy?). So, I decided to step away and think of a game plan. In doing so, I pondered these questions.
Why do I want to be a blogger, What do I want to get out of blogging, and Where do I want to go from here?
For 2 weeks, I didn’t power on my computer, take notes, or partake in any blog-related social media. I concentrated on all of the things that I faltered on and gained a peace of mind. To make a long story short, I made the conscious decision to keep going and believe in myself and my success! I’m also making changes to my podcast. My poor podcast got pushed to the side in all of this. From the beginning of this journey, my plan was to incorporate www.themiddleyearspodcast.com with my blog since they are both platforms to discuss midlife issues. So now, I have decided to kill 2 birds with 1 stone and incorporate “solocast” episodes alongside episodes with Michelle. So far, I completed and uploaded my first episode, and got awesome feedback! In these “solocast” episodes I will discuss my blog posts. This will give me the opportunity to integrate and grow both audiences at the same time. I’m excited about the change!
I came to the realization that numbers DO NOT define my success, and I shouldn’t beat myself up about it.
I also decided that I am ok with not having 1000 page views per month, or downloads on my podcast every month. Just like the famous line from “Field of Dreams” “If you build it, he (they) will come”.
THIS IS MY JOURNEY
It may take months or years to be among the blogging “greats”, and that’s ok!! If I have a small following, I’m okay with that too! I appreciate the following that I have!!
Thank you for all of the comments, and support! It warms my heart. I’m looking forward to coming up with great topics, more product reviews, and podcast episodes to share!
How do you handle “burnout”? Have you had a situation where you had to take a step back and regroup? How did that work for you? I’d love to hear your stories.
Until next time…..
Crystal
I love it! I got so caught up with numbers, domain authority and audience that it stole my passion for blogging. You’re so right. It’s really about documenting our journeys and hopefully helping others along the way. Thanks for posting. I may need to assess and make sure I have enough balance in my own blogging world.
Hi Teri! Thanks for stopping by! I know exactly what you mean, and that is what happened to me. I just didn’t want to throw in the towel. I love blogging, and I feel more confident now. Doing things on MY terms will be the key! Good luck to you!!
I’ve been blogging for a looooong time and there are definite seasons. I think it’s important to just recognize that they’re seasons and flow with them. If it’s your career, then you power forward despite the lulls, but when it’s something you started for fun or as an outlet, you can definitely take those breaks. I’ve had both and done both and completely understand the need to just step away and breathe for a few weeks. =) You’re doing great! Just keep doing you. =)
Thank you Brandi!!
I am new to blogging so I got very overwhelmed with the technical side of all of this. I almost quit at one point because I just couldn’t grasp certain points in the process but I pushed through. It’s when I take a step back and say I’m not doing anything to do with blogging today, that’s the days I have a huge breakthrough. Great post!
Amazing how that happens! It’s a great feeling when your creative juices start flowing!
I struggle with the same things..I cringe in the groups when a new blogger says, “i just started blogger last week is 3000 views good? It makes me feel so inadequate. I have narrowed down the groups I am in and look for people especially women who “get” my blog and truly like it and support me. I have to stop and remember why I blog…I do it for the love of writing and getting my “stuff” out there…out of me. Good luck to you, Crystal.
Renee, I totally agree with you! I have started narrowing down the FB groups that I am in as well. I only want to stay in the ones that truly are support based, and will help me grow and be a better blogger. I’ve NEVER had that many page views!!! I checked out your blog and loved it! I “get it”, so much so I subscribed! 🙂 Let’s support each other and continue to write from the heart! Best of luck to you!
I couldn’t agree more. I run a small group (less than 50 members) on Facebook and we are a close group of friends who just support and encourage. It’s not about the numbers at all for us, it’s about supporting each other.
I love this! This is what it is truly about. Support means everything! Good luck to you ladies!
I’ve been blogging since 2008 and it wasn’t UNTIL I stopped organizing, measuring, researching and worrying that my blog began to grow. It happened only because I focused on process – did I like writing it or not? Once I forgot about outcomes, I picked a pace (once a week, before I was used to it was too much pressure and made me stop liking it altogether). Then I chose a day, wrote a few blog pieces at once, and started a slow, steady habit of publishing that day.
Some of the things you’ll learn that are TRUE:
It takes a long time to establish following no matter how funny and charming you are. Keep at it, don’t dwell on your numbers.
And, don’t let your posts run over 700 words. I still struggle with this, but people often eyeball and move on if it’s too long.
Finally, if you have a way to promote your posts, good for you. You’ll only get better at that.
Good luck!
Thank you for those tips!!!!
Regrouping an inevitable part of evolving. If we didn’t do that, we’d still be wearing the same styles we wore in high school. It’s important to take pause, take stock and move forward in the direction that brings joy.
This is so true! Thank you
Im new at Blogging (1 year) youtubing(5 months) and can see how burnout could happen quickly…thanks for sharing very helpful
Good for you to reflect and choose to do what is right for you! I don’t look at stats. I read for every comment 5 people have read and not commented. If that is true, more people are reading what you have to say then you think, which to me is the fun part!
I read this somewhere too!!! You are right, there are more people out there reading than you think! Thank you so much for the comment!
I have definitely taken breaks in the past to refocus. It’s mandatory for maintaining this long term. Good on you!
Thank you!
you don’t know how much I needed this Crystal. I struggle to keep up with all that blogging entails. People don’t realise the effort involved and even if bloggiñg is a hobby. I fear if I don’t post my readers will leave but I am taking on board the idea of having a break. I’m booked on a cruise in April so that might be a good time for my timeoût from the blog.
Use that time to regroup!!! I felt a new surge of energy after my break and I’m looking forward to what the nest few months are going to bring! Please reach out when your back from your cruise!
I so feel your pain! I love my “side hustle”, but gosh, is it time-consuming with a full-time job, a toddler, and a husband. I also had no idea how much time it would take to write my posts, but then the promotion takes WAY longer! I think a blogging time out from time to time is just a really good idea. It gives you time to just reset your batteries. Welcome back, but I think I may have to take my own time out one of these days!
I enjoyed your piece ! I’m a new blogger and while I haven’t received a lot of readers. my aim isn’t money but to share a passion for music and books to whoever is willing to “listen.” I already see how demanding this blog life is but I truly am enjoying it because I always seem to smile while writing a new post. Anywho, maybe you’ll check it out sometime.
http://www.music-booksandsip.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed your site! The music you reference will help me keep up with my 17-year-old Daughter.LOL. I subscribed!! keep up the good work!!
Omg ! Thank you so much for checking out my blog and subscribing ! Make sure to check to see if you received an email from “FeedBurner” asking you to activate the subscription by clicking the link provided . “Music, Books & Sip !” will then send you email updates for new posts and things 😇 Enjoy !
I’m all confirmed! 🙂
I’m pretty new to blogging and I have to admit, it surprised me at how much goes into promoting your blog and getting people to read it! It’s hard with a family and a day job! I’m glad you can see the importance of sticking to your own reasons for blogging!
It helps to keep that perspective. Good luck to you!!
Hey Crystal!
I love how down-to-earth and real your posts always are. Honestly, I look forward to and enjoy reading every word.
The blogging hustle is TOUGH! I’m going through a traffic dry spell right now, and kind of at a loss as to how to promote more. How do people do it?!? I’m running out of ideas girlfran!
But I’m trying to put my time into writing content ahead of time.
Anyway take care! Hope to see another post from you soon!
You are so AMAZING Krista!! Thank you for the compliments and support. Your blog is on point!!! #goals I am learning so much from you. 🙂
What a genuine post Crystal and I am in complete agreement with you on that you have said. I read Brandi’s post the other day on finding the work life balance. And you were right on turning the pc off.
The blog promotion stuff? Oh dear, where to begin. Lol Blogging is a lot of work and I now believe what I have been reading about spending 80% more time promoting your content than you did creating it. Like really? It’s a full-time job on its own. And can be very overwhelming.
At the end of the day Crystal, I appreciate that you are okay with not having 1000 followers. And that is what will get you genuine followers who want to hear what you have to share than those who are about using others to get ahead and later unfollow.
You are a real writer and engaging and I love your blog, although my WiFi doesn’t want me to Haha.
Thank you for the kind words, Shoshana!!! I can’t tell you the last time I watched TV!! if I’m not at work, I’m home in my office. LOL To be honest, I felt a new sense of energy and creativity after I took the break!! You are an amazing blogger yourself, and I appreciate your support!!! xoxo
I totally agree with you, blogging is a journey and is meant to be enjoyed too…good for you!
Thanks for sharing. I too decided to stop focusing on the numbers and to rember why I started!
I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling overwhelmed — especially when I should be getting taxes done. Medical issues during most of January and February and half of March put me far behind on my posts to many of my blogs. There simply isn’t time to do it all. I have a crucial long-term project that is ongoing. If and when I ever finish it, I’ll find everything easier. Meanwhile, I have to keep making some time for it regularly. I know I need to simplify and probably drop a couple of blogs. There is a lot to think through.
You’re right there’s so much more to your blog than followers and social media shares, I’ve been blogging for four years now and just appreciate the people who really follow, comment and interact. I’m still surprised at times that people really want to read my stuff at all! Reading the comments here you’re getting a lot right 🙂