When dealing with life, the future is always uncertain. Let’s take for example, some very dire situations I have dealt with in the past.
Will I stay full if I don’t eat my usual oatmeal for breakfast? (I get hungry)
How many nights in a row can I take the Husband elbowing me to the forehead before I permanently get brain damage? (I’m thinking only one more night)
When will it really be my turn to win the lottery? (Tomorrow? I better buy that ticket)
If I continue to wear these jeans, are they really going to split down the butt like I am thinking they will? (don’t answer that)
If I keep pestering the Husband, will he finally put those can lights in the kitchen? (If not, he’s getting more flax in his cereal)
Beautiful and new to blogging Beth contacted me to get some advice for some new bloggers. What I can tell you straight up is that I am not the person to go to for advice. It even says so on my welcome message:
See? Probably not the best person to ask for advice. However, I have acquired a little bit of blog knowledge over the last 9 months (has it really only been 9 months?).
So, the real question is: What do I wish I would have known about blogging when I first started?
1. Blogging is time consuming. No joke — it really is. While it only takes me about 30 minutes to an hour to write my actual posts for the day, there is actually a lot of behind the scenes work. Taking pictures, editing pictures, deciding what pictures to use — that all takes time. Not to mention responding to comments, replying to e-mails, trying and reviewing new products, and reading/commenting on all of my favorite blogs. Blogging feels like a part time job sometimes, but I wouldn’t change that for the world!
2. Develop Relationships with your readers. Let’s face it — without my readers, my blog wouldn’t be as much fun. I love interacting with you all whether it is on comments or emails. Now that I have been blogging for a while, I couldn’t imagine life without tweeting with Gabriela, Tina, Jessica, and many many more. Blog friends become real life friends. You have jokes, you laugh, they know your secrets. Blogging without friendships is like oatmeal without peanut butter.
3. Your blog won’t grow overnight. There were many times in the first few months of my blog where I seriously felt like screaming “Helloooooo!!! Anyone out there?” That’s because there weren’t many people out there. It takes time for your readership to grow, for people to start recognizing and reading your blog. So — how can you help the growing process speed up?
- Comment on others’ blogs: The more you comments, the more your name gets seen. While I used to be a comment whore, I now truly only comment on the posts which I feel compelled to. They are usually thought provoking posts, posts that ask me questions, posts that make me laugh — well, you get the picture.
- Utilize social media: Never underestimate the power of Twitter (Do you follow me? @cleaneatingchel) and Facebook (Like me!). It is amazing how much traffic those websites bring to my blog on a daily basis. Not only do I tweet my posts, but it is also so much fun to chat with other blog friends on a daily basis.
- Get involved with online communities: I am a part of Foodbuzz, Fitblogger, Wellsphere, Teachstreet — the list goes on and on. By linking your RSS feed to these sites, more people read the content. It’s pretty self explanatory.
4. Experiment with Different Styles. It took me a long time to find my writing “voice”. I tried being a tried and true food blogger — documenting my daily eats and my daily life, but it just didn’t work for me. Not only am I forgetful about taking photographs of all of my food, I just didn’t find much creativity in it for myself. While I love reading blogs that document their daily lives, it just isn’t my style. Figure out what works for you and stick with it!
5. Speak your Mind. I have found there are many times where I have been shaking when I go to hit “publish” because I am afraid of the reactions my readers will have. I’m afraid others will perceive me differently and will judge me for my thoughts. However, I can surely tell you that the posts which have been most controversial have been my most popular and most read posts. Readers love controversy, they love having something to think about while they are reading. Some of my controversial posts include:
- Scale Slave
- Birth Control Disaster
- Little Girl, Fat Talk
- Water Bottle PSA
- Preemptive Intuitive Eating
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I know for a fact that I would never know just how much blogging would change my life when I started. This community is one of a kind — supportive and beautiful people encouraging you to be yourself and take risks in life. It’s a breath of fresh air to tell you the truth.
I’m glad I couldn’t see into the future too far because I have been enjoying watching what life is bringing into my life lately.
I only wish I could have foresaw Charlie puking at 3 AM two nights ago.… or him breaking loose out of his cage at 5 AM after the puking episode.
Maybe I should become a psychic after all.
Question: What is a piece of advice you have for a new blogger? If you’re not a blogger, what advice do you have for someone who is trying something new?
{ 114 comments… read them below or add one }
I love how you say you gotta become a “comment whore” haha It’s definitely true. My blog is fairly new only a few months and it’s definitely crucial to try to comment on a lot of other blogs so that your name is out there.
Hope you get those can lights in the kitchen
I’m hoping for them!
Thanks Chelsey, this is great advice!
Thanks for this post Chelsey! My blog is almost one month old
My advice is just keep blogging. It can feel frustrating when you don’t get very much traffic, but there are a few people out there reading! I blog as much for myself, as a way to lift all my thoughts off my shoulders, as I do for readers.
This is great advice. I have two pieces of advice. One, be concise. You don’t have to have three-sentence posts and you can absolutely express how you feel, but I look back at my old rambling sentences with no point and cringe. If you’re saying a lot, make sure it’s interesting!! And two, be yourself. Again, I look at old posts and realize that I was trying to fit into a certain mold. My blog does share a few components with other bloggers, but I try to stay true to myself!
I totally agree to both of those too!
i love this post! i totally agree that it really is a part time job. that’s why i just posted about needing a few days off. i just wanted to spend my time elsewhere, eating and enjoying it, and not having to take pics!! a break every now and then is good.
great post!
I agree - we all need breaks sometimes!
Thanks Chelsey! That’s some good advice right there! I am a new blogger and I love getting inspiration and tips from other bloggers. It definitely helps.
You’re awesome and I totally love you 
Great tips, Chelsey! I agree with each and every one of them. I would also add that in addtion to posts on food and exercise, bloggers should share, if they are comfortable, more about themselves - stories, struggles, challenges, triumphs, etc. It’s so nice to get to know the person behind the blog.
Great advice! I’ve only been blogging since November (but really since I started my half marathon training) and I keep learning and changing things as I go. Commenting and finding bloggers that I really enjoy, links me to more blogs that I enoy, and I hope will eventually link them back to me.
I just started blogging and I loved this advice. I’m beginning to realize it really is a lot of work!
I’m new to the blogging world, so this is great! I try to keep my blog real and relaxed, but sometimes I still feel like I’m a slave to it in a way. Which I don’t like. I need to find that healthy balance of posting and enjoying the blog world, but still feeling like I don’t have to be “in” the world ALL the time, ya know?
Great tips! I think it takes a few months to find what you like blogging about the most. It may be food/recipes for some people, exercise for others, but a food blog isn’t for everyone.
Thank you for this post, you brought up lots of goodpoints! haha and “comment whore” was hilarious!
I am new to blogging and I never actually realized how much time it takes until I started thats for sure.
Thanks for the tips! I love # 4 and 5. Esp. # 4.
That’s all great advice. My only advice (which goes along with #3 and #4) is it’s important not to compare yourself to other bloggers and your blog to other blogs. I personally only post once a day and sometimes I don’t even post every day. But, I do what I can do and what I’m comfortable with. It’s up to everybody to decide what they’re comfortable with.
And be patient. It takes time, but your readers with grow.
Great advice! I too find that I cannot post more than once a day. It is too much for me!
im a new blogger so this was really helpful thanks girl!
Great post! And I couldn’t imagine not tweeting, chatting, etc with you either my friend. <3 you!
Ditto.
That is great advice for new bloggers- it really is a whole experience you really don’t realize when you first jump in! I love the people on here- I think they end up shaping your life more than you first realize…
I definitely agree. And someday when I meet you ::cough:: you live 40 minutes away from me ::cough::, I know you’ll change my life for the better. Just sayin’…
Thank you-I needed a post like this…being twisted on whether or not I wanted to continue blogging has been lagging on my mind. The people i’ve met and become close to and the whole blogging community-I love it.
My tip would be not to start a blog unless you are truly prepared for everyone to read it. The first time I started one I was too embarrassed to tell anyone, but finally I was ready to share it with family and friends and it makes blog life a lot easier and a lot more fun!
I love this post. And all of the posts you bookmarked too. I think it’s important to speak your mind as well. My blog is mainly a recipe blog but that doesn’t mean all I do is cook. I am trying to lose weight, have a ridiculous interest in fitness and nutrition, and love spreading the word about health dangers. While I know that mostly my readers come for the recipes, I think throwing in some meaningful, written posts keeps them interested. But too many of those posts and then they become disinterested. Blogging is all about balance!
Thanks Chelsey!! This is all such great advice!! The blogging community is really awesome and everyone is so supportive (even of newbies like me)
Thanks again girl 
Being a fairly new blogger, all this advice was really great to read about.
I definitely agree with it sometimes feeling like a part time job, it really does take up a good amount of time. But it’s definitely all worth it.
I was just talking to another blogger earlier today about how time consuming it is! The more your blog grows, the more time you devote. It’s rewarding, though. Just have to find that balance.
Great Blog Chelsea! I started blogging in January and often feel like nobody is reading even though my stats say otherwise, nobody will comment, even if I post a question! anyway you have given me hope
Thanks!
Ashley
oh chelsey, this is such a great post. I think its important to be real on your blog as well as confident in what you post. It challenges us to dig deeper and get creative. I love that!
Thank you for being our inspiration!
Oh girl, if I am your inspiration, I am afraid for the future of this blogosphere.
SUCH a great post! As a new blogger, I love hearing blog advice. I think one of the things I love most about your blog is your strong, unique voice.
I agree it’s important to find what works for you and your blog. Some of my favorite blogs have formats that wouldn’t work for me. But that what makes us all interesting and fun to read
Thanks Kelsey! I agree - just like in real life, if we were all the same, what fun would that be?
My advice would be stay consistent. If you post every day for a few weeks and then disappear for 4 days at a time, it is difficult to keep readers interested. Not that I feel qualified to give advice-this is just what I’ve observed!
That is a good one! I had a hard time trying to decide on whether to put that one in here or not!
This is actually great info, you give good advice, what r u talking about? haha I have been trying to grow my blog for several months and it is agonizingly slow. It always helps hearing from people who are very successful at it though so thank you for posting this! You should really give advice more often!
I would say maintain your own voice and don’t adapt other bloggers words like “amazeballs” if it is not something you said before blogging.
OMG I could not agree more with this statement.
I was just thinking about all of this today. Blogging takes a lot of time, but it really is worth it. Being a new blogger myself, I’d definitely agree with the comment piece of advice. It really is the best thing you can do to become a bigger part of the blog world.
I totally agree - you can’t make frinds unless you speak up!
great advice!
it’s definitely wonderful to hear from experienced bloggers
I aware that it’s no longer shocking that I love your posts. And you. I’m too predictable, I know
I’m only 3 months into this blogging gig, and I’m often amazed at how quickly it’s become such a big (and fun) part of my life. I think it’s really important not to get wrapped up in the comparison game with other blogs and bloggers. When I see some of my favorite blogs getting a million comments (and I can only imagine how much daily traffic) I certainly compare myself to them and think “I’ll never be that good.” But you know, that’s not true! You’re so right about this not happening over night. It takes time, but it’s so exciting and worth it if you keep at it! Okay. Sorry for rambling!
The comparison trap! Great piece of advice!
Agree with everything 100%. Especially finding your own voice. I feel like I know what my voice is. The biggest problem for me right now is finding the right niche. Where are the 30-something readers with kids? I can’t find them!!! Most of my readers seem to come for the humor and the food, but I’m always looking for more mommies!
As for twitter, I am @merfinprogress everyone!
I love this post!!!! Haha, I agree! We would all be rich if we were paid by hour for all of the time we each spend on our blogs. I LOVE YOUR BLOG! Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into each post.
This is a great post! I just started my blog last month so this advice and all the tips are great!
I would say just have fun with it and do what feels right for you. Don’t let anyone else’s blog make you feel like you have to do it one way or another, just go with it and enjoy it!
Totally agree with the point about trying different styles. I still feel like I’m in the midst of finding mine. I feel like titling every post “random musings” lately. Time consuming is right! But I don’t mind
I’m SO happy you made this post - it makes me feel better. I definitely think being genuine and not trying to write what you think other people want you to write is important. I thought I knew my stuff about the internet - but you may be expecting an email from me later on how to link your RSS feed lol. Happy 9 months and sorry about the puke!
No problem! I would love to help you out!
My advice would be, remember that it’s a hobby (for most of us). Would you lose sleep over knitting a scarf, playing guitar, or reading a book? Maybe, but probably not. Remember that sleep is more important- the blog will still be there in the morning.
Such a great piece of advice Emily! I tend to forget that sometimes!
I agree with every bit of your post! It’s tough when you first start out (I began my blog Oct ’10 but really, really started working on it over Christmas ’10) at first I was screaming the same thineg - where is everyone!? But, it comes with time… I have absolutely no patience so it’s been quite the exercise for me.
I’m nervous with some of my more personal posts too… but they’re always so successful. You just have to speak your mind, be true to you, and the rest will follow.
The best thing about blogging, and the most unexpected, was all the friendships I’ve made along the way. Best part!
I know, I have no patience either. Glad I’ve “met” you!
awww this is so cute
thanks for the advice! im a new blogger ish
Fabulous advice!
My advice would be: Blog for you, and only you. Never push publish because you think “you have to post everyday.” You are your own boss and can make your own rules. Have a passion for what you are doing. Truly love each post. Post things you would want to read, not what you think others want to read.
Those are words of wisdom I actually read before I started blogging and they continue to stick with me today.
That’s great advice! I tend to forget that I “don’t” have to post every single day. I want to though! I just sometimes don’t have the creative juices flowing.
p.s. head over to my blog for a giveaway!!
Chelsey you are a good teacher!
Check out this comment networking!
You totally nailed it Chesley! I try to comment genuine comments but sometimes ya just want publicity!
But then I think about how I want people to leave me genuine comments!
Blogging is much more than I EVER thought but it has been such a blessing! I don’t blog everyday but I am working towards more of a schedule!
Thanks for the great advice Chelsey! I try and comment a lot too and I’ve finally gotten a few regular readers. My blog is only about 8 months old so I’m still working at it.
Those are great tips!! Especially for a new blogger like me! I’m still in the process of finding my “voice” but it helps to know that it doesn’t just come automatically. Thanks for posting this!
Haha! I laughed out loud about your husband elbowing you in the forehead, no good! When my husband snores, I plug his nose…
I try to blog about twice a week, because that’s what I have time for. My advice for a new blogger is to be true to yourself and blog for yourself (not just to get readers) first!
Yes, blogging is SO time consuming. That’s the first thing I tell people. I think I spend an inordinate amount of time blogging but that’s besides the point. It’s time that I enjoy though and it’s DEFINITELY a big reason why I’m still unemployed…heh.
At least you’re making some $$$!
great post! my blog is over a year old, and I am just starting to get more traffic… i think the one reason I am lagging behind is that it is SO time consuming!! the blog world is an amazing community though, and I am so happy to be a {small} part of it!
I love this post Chelsey! Although I started my blog over 1.5 years ago, I only started really blogging daily in January and it has been a whirlwind of a ride! I think it is SO important to connect with other bloggers! I have made many friends already and I am excited to see where it goes from here!
Great post!! Lots of good tips. I sort of cringe looking back at my old posts…the daily eats, “true food blogger” was so not me! Glad I found my voice, too.
I like reading blogs that rope in the reader and converse with them, like you mentioned. If I get to the end of a post and there’s no sort of question or anything in the post other than “this is what I ate,” I’d rather say nothing than leave a drive-by “yum!” as a comment, you know? I feel so unpersonal with that. On that note, while I agree with the comment on other blogs thing, I’m way more likely to check out commenters blogs (whether on my own post or others) if they’re adding something to the pot, so to speak. It doesn’t need to be a novel (like I’m guilty of doing - whoops!) but enough so that you can tell they are interested and not just commenting for the sake of commenting. Am I even making sense right now? I feel like I’m going to come off as a total …uh…meanyhead.
She does make sense! My favorite (well not favorite) comments are the ones I see after someone blogs “This morning I ate breakfast and then after breakfast my dog got hit by a car , my house was repossessed and my boyfriend broke up with me. ”
And someone will comment “That oatmeal looks AMAzing!”
*giggle*
I’m not hating the player, just the game.
Thanks for the advice. My blog is one month young. I’m still working on finding my voice, what is important for me to blog about and share, but I’m having a blast doing it. It keeps my mind stimulated and ideas flowing!
these are AWESOME tips (thanks!!!) but I think the best part of the post is that you said “If not, he’s getting more flax in his cereal” LOVE IT.
-courtney
I forgot to link to the post where I actually did do that.
I love this post! I’ve had my blog for 6 months now and still feel like a newbie
I’m leanring the ropes still! It is a lot of work through! Luckily fun work.
Your post is definitely making me reconsider getting twitter. I haven’t gotten one yet but I really think I should… it just seems like it’ll suck up even more of my time! It’s so true that blogging is a MASSIVE time commitment!
My advice would be to not force yourself to post. If you’re not interested in what you’re writing, it will show in your post. It’s better to wait until inspiration strikes!
Oh gosh, I am a tweethead for sure. I never thought I would get into it!
These are great tips-thanks for sharing. FWIW, sometime I feel the need to sleep with a helmet given all the tossing and turning and elbowing my husband does in the night!
Great blog tips!
I totally agree, and I LOVE that dog picture, haha, too cute.
Great post. One of my biggest tips is don’t post if you’re not feelin it. As soon as blogging feels like an obligation rather than a hobby/past-time, it will certainly become noticeable to your readers. It’s defo quality over quantity. I also agree with the comparison trap. Find your voice rather than imitate someone else’s. Even if that means receiving less hits/comments daily, at least you are staying true to yourself!
I so believe in the quality over quantity! Great tip!
That it possible to have a blog and not “be a blogger” if you know what I mean. (0:
haha! I totally understand what you mean!
So I’m not new to blogging, but the website I blog from now is fairly new. - About 3 months. I admit that it get’s frustrating sometimes not having too many readers. I know it doesn’t happen overnight so it’s ok. I love blogging whether i have 20 readers or 20,000!
Great post, Chels! Loved it. And the opener made me laugh. I have been waiting for my husband to replace the can lights over the fireplace since we moved in.. last July..
Lots of love!
Couldn’t love or agree with this advice more
I say, just be really, truly, authentically, and wildly you. Always. Be crazy. People love honesty.
And this? “How many nights in a row can I take the Husband elbowing me to the forehead before I permanently get brain damage? (I’m thinking only one more night)”
…girl after my own heart. Laughed out loud
I ADORE the “speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.” that’s oh so right. and that’s what your readers want.
here’s to commenting on other’s blogs! i don’t do it enough! good read chelsey!!! thanks!
Great advice!!! Your blog is one I look forward to reading every day
You’re too sweet! Thanks Jen!
Great post! I’m still fairly new to the blog world and trying to find my niche, so these tips were very helpful! Thank you for being you and not afraid to speak your mind! I love reading your blog!
Thanks Cara!
Great post!!!!
definitely getting your name out there is the biggest thing i think! otherwise you wont be blogging to anyone!
i totally worry about a new breakfast not keeping me full too.. BY THE WAY
and i ALWAYS speak my mind haha.. i write exactly how I would talk in person- which always means improper grammar fo sho!
Linking your RSS feed to those sites…errh, eh? I need help CEC!!
Great post!
Email me and I’d be glad to help you!
Thanks for dishing your “insider” tips, Chelsey!
I started with this blog after blogging (ahem, rambling!) last fall a different blog that I just shared with family and friends. Then I discovered this amazing community of people who share stuff I’m interested in, and who (I hope!) might be interested in what I have to say! It’s been SO fun and inspirational so far! I’m taking pictures of what I eat, and I find that it makes me appreciate each meal and gain an awareness of how blessed we are to have access to such healthy food. Not sure if I’ll continue to take pictures everyday, but it’s fun for now! XO
I totally agree that blogging is so time consuming but I love it! I could never stop doing it.
I’ve never even heard of some of the sites you mentioned- Wellsphere and Fitblogger- so I will definitely check them out! Thanks for the tip
Great ideas, and all are true! I gotta admit, I just clicked on your BC one!
Awesome post! Thank you! My blog is still quite new, even though I have been reading some blogs for almost a year and a half. Building traffic is hard, but it also makes every single view, comment or like exciting! One of my favorite bloggers followed me on Twitter last week after I responded to something tweeted, and I just about screamed to my bf, “omg this blogger is following me on Twitter!” haha. I’m not a dork at all, I swear…
Best advice for blogging… blog about something you LOVE! Be yourself, dont try to copy someone else blog haha
Great new-bloggers advice! Mine is relatively new (5 months or so?) & while sometimes I get discouraged by the low-traffic I remember the reason I blog anyways. It’s for ME. If others read it that’s great too!
I just started reading - I’m new to blogging myself and thought this was a great post - thank you! I look forward to reading more
Wow this post could not have come at a better time!
While I’ve been a big blog-reader for some time now, I just got around to making myself an official blog writer (I don’t feel I have earned my merits yet to say I’m an official “blogger” :p) last week.
Thanks for sharing these tips, it’s great to know what I’m getting myself into!
This is all great advice! I’ve only been blogging for about 6 months now (wow, can’t believe it’s already been 1/2 a year) and I’m still trying to find my “voice” but I do feel like I’m slipping into a good routine.
Thanks for the tips!
http://nicolefalkagent.blogspot.com/
Thanks for reminding me that this takes time! I just started this month, and I’ve got a problem delaying gratification, but I know that when it all comes down to it, I do it to hold myself accountable: regardless of who is reading! Love your blog!
Chelsea,
Thanks so much for this post. Your blog is such a good read! I love reading your posts, they make me smile! 9 months, thats it? IMPRESSIVE!
I’m taking a course next weekend on wordpress…..crazy, right??? I’m SO not a computer tech person, but I really want to transfer my blog from wordpress.com to wordpress.org. Have you thought about doing that before? I’m trying to carve out my own little place in the blog world, and want to make it personalized!
Hope you are having a good weekend
Oops. I don’t think my profile is linked to my website properly…just discovered that!
My blog life lives at: runnerandspice.com
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