When I started this blog, I can remember how tentative I was. There was something pretty daunting about the Beauty/Fashion blogging world. I'd look at other bloggers, who are gorgeous, have amazing style and think 'Do I really fit in?' It was almost like the blogging world was some exclusive club that I just hadn't been invited to. It was weird, before I'd even written my first post, I was already intimidated and worried that my voice or the way my blog looked wouldn't be good enough.
It seems stupid now because the reality is that the blogging world isn't like that. What it really is, is a platform. This blog of yours that you've just created, it's yours, and you can do whatever the hell you want with it. It took me a long while to find my voice and write posts that I really enjoyed. In fact I left my blog for a few months, and only really started blogging on it later. But once I had realised the direction I wanted to blog in, everything was so much easier and enjoyable.
The biggest mistake I made as a newbie blogger was that I had this misconception that somehow people would magically stumble on to my blog. And yes that did happen the rare time, and I had the occasional follower but it was hard posting so much and feeling like no one was reading it. Only once I'd become a social blogger, did people actually start to visit my blog and comment on my posts.
One of the other major differences to my blog now is the way it looks. I remember I had a very dull banner that was just text and everything looked a little sad. Now I love the way my blog looks (even if it's not that well designed) just because it's colourful and happy. Even by changing your blog in little ways, you can really transform it.
One of the other major differences to my blog now is the way it looks. I remember I had a very dull banner that was just text and everything looked a little sad. Now I love the way my blog looks (even if it's not that well designed) just because it's colourful and happy. Even by changing your blog in little ways, you can really transform it.
I'll admit there are some disappointments as a blogger. I think one of the main ones is the whole 'follow for follow' culture that's really developed. I've always believed that blogging shouldn't be a popularity contest, you should just love creating content. That said I can understand why people are attracted by 'follow for follow'. The guarantee of instant followers is tempting, but at the end of the day it's not the same as really earning them.
What I've learned so far is to enjoy creating content and sharing the things I love with others. Don't have expectations, just enjoy blogging and love what you do.
Have a great day lovelies!
Have a great day lovelies!
This post really sums up my feelings surrounding blogging as well. I love the posts you create, especially the little images you create using Polyvore and things like that, and I enjoyed your first ever YouTube video! *High 5*
ReplyDeleteYou've definitely found your voice, and I share your view on the 'follow for follow' culture. I rarely ever follow people first, I'm just letting my followers grow organically instead. Always look forward to your posts, you can tell you put a lot of effort into them! :3
www.pixelatedrainbows.blogspot.co.uk
Aww thank you :3 I'm glad someone likes the things I post! Yeah, I prefer to earn followers rather then get them immediately - it means more :) Thanks for the comment lovely!
DeleteI agree with you on this. I never ever thought blogging involves hard word but it really does. I tend to ignore the follow for follow request now. I'm not trying to be rude or haughty but it does get tiring after a while.
ReplyDeleteReflection of Sanity
Yeah I tend to just ignore the follow back but visit their blog if they do.
DeleteThis was such a great post and I can relate to it too. Don't worry, I think your blog is amazing! Don't give up on your amazing little blog! :) xx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.beyondthevelvet.blogspot.co.uk/
Aww thank you :)
DeleteLove this post! I made the same mistake about thinking people would just find my blog! Nice way to learn though and develop skills and friendships! Abi :)
ReplyDeleteMyW0rldMyView
Yeah :) Thanks!
DeleteGreat post! Thanks for sharing such a personal thing with everyone :) Will follow you on bloglovin' for sure!
ReplyDeletewww.simplydavelyn.com
Aww thanks :)
DeleteThis is a lovely post and so true! People who are only blog or instagram for followers are so annoying. You should have a purpose to what you blog, whether it is because you want to get your thoughts out or want to show what you're interested in. I really enjoy reading your posts and keep it going! xxxxx
ReplyDeletelittlekaatie.blogspot.co.uk
Aww I'm glad you enjoy reading my posts :) And exactly I completely agree :) x
DeleteI still feel like a massive outsider most of the time! I wonder if that ever fully goes away! It's so public and so exclusive all at once, that you see these successful bloggers hanging out together in their posts and it's hella daunting.
ReplyDeleteAlso, a note about the 'follow for follow' thing. I hate it too but as an experiment, I thought I'd actually follow a few of them. They do not follow back. So even if you do go for the (understandably tempting) allure of a 'follow for follow', it really doesn't pay off anyway!
Owl Girl | A London lifestyle blog
I still feel like an outsider when I think about it, I guess the trick is not to compare your blog to others so much. Haha really? Noted.
DeleteI'm total beginner despite having blogged for over a year. I have my voice but I sometimes don't think I fit in anywhere! I'm still figuring out what my blog is about. Oh well! It's life :)
ReplyDeletedoitfortheirony.blogspot.com
It's all a process, so you never know what your blog might turn in to :)
Deletei feel like you read my mind. even i left my blog for a few months just to reconsider why i had actually started and what i wanted to post about in the future. that definitely helped, taking a step back and realizing everything. i am learning so much as a "new blogger" and i love reading posts like this. i also love getting to know other bloggers, thats the best part! i really wish that "follow for follow" didnt exist but i guess its just what it turns into on social media.
ReplyDeletegreat post victoria! <3
Yeah I love meeting new bloggers and getting to know them, it's definitely one of the best things :) After all their are so many amazing bloggers out there. Thanks!
DeleteThis is so great for new bloggers! I've realized that I'm comparing myself already, and that isn't right. I love how you mentioned follow for follow thing, as I too find it to be against the idea of blogging for joy versus popularity.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post:)
Ariana // Thoughts Through a Teacup
Yeah the trick is to not compare yourself to others as that can really stop your own creative process and make you feel like you should try and blog in a certain way. Side note, I really love your url :)!
DeleteI can completely relate to you regarding so many things you mentioned from when you first started blogging all the way to now where you get those annoying follow for follow comments. The most annoying part is that a lot of the blogs that do the follow for follow thing are actually really good - I just wish they'd leave proper comments and be respectful you know? Like if you enjoy my blog then follow it because you WANT to come back and actually read what I write - and I'll do the same to you!
ReplyDeleteSorry - had a little rant there :) Blush.
Have a stunning weekend xxxx
www.bohemianmuses.blogspot.com
Haha, omg I completely agree, I actually get so frustrated by that. If you're a great blog, why even do the follow for follow? It doesn't take that much to just leave a nice comment. And thanks, have a great weekend too! xx
DeleteTotally agree hun, I still feel daunted and don't really consider myself a proper blogger! But I love your blog! Keep it coming x
ReplyDelete-popcornandglitter.blogspot.co.uk
Lovely post, I totally agree with everything you said. You really just have to love blogging and not worry about everything else, I feel if your blogging for the right reason, people will find you and it'll be the readers you want in your life, not the ones that just follow so you follow back :) I found that at the beginning I didn't spend the time to socialize either with other bloggers but as I got more into it and explored more, I've made some great relationships with girls you meet in this crazy blogging world :)
ReplyDeletexx Amber// www.ambermagus.ca
Exactly :)
DeleteCan't say I disagree. I just check out blogs and follow if I like a blog when people comment those follow for follow posts.
ReplyDeletehttp://fishnetsxd.blogspot.ie
That's what I do too.
DeleteI made the same mistake, but you soon realise that blogging is just like any other hobby, something you enjoy doing so as long as it makes you happy then who cares?!
ReplyDeleteClaire xo
Claire Bodily| Beauty Blog ♡
I totally agree :)
DeleteI think every one felt this way at some point or from time to time. Great post :)
ReplyDeleteAissa // tea in january
Thanks :)
DeleteGreat post! I totally agree with you; it's important to just enjoy blogging.
ReplyDeletexx Mimmi, Muted Mornings
Yeah, I think that's the most important thing! x
DeleteThis is a great post, and so true.
ReplyDeleteAfter my nan passed away a few years ago, I started writing a blog to help maneouvre my way through the loss.
Although I've recently started a new one since then, what I learnt from it is that at the end of the day, your blog is your own and when you write, you need to write for yourself not just someone who might just stumble onto your page!
As long as you enjoy it, your readers will too :)
X
Aww, I find that blogging is a really good way to distract yourself from hard things like that. But yeah exactly :) Thanks for the comment lovely!
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