Today is day four of the Book Blog Expo, hosted by the lovely Donna of Girl Who Reads. To learn more about this event, click here!
Today’s topic is Blogging Advice.
Book Blog Expo Day 4: Blogging Advice
When I first read this prompt, one thing came to mind immediately.
I have only been blogging for a little over a year and six months. Throughout that time, I have had many ups and downs with my own personal blog. I’ve made changes and tweaked my processes to better fit with my lifestyle.
If I could to give just ONE piece of advice to bloggers, it would be simply to KEEP IT FUN.
Once anything you are doing starts to feel too stressful, take a break and then regroup to figure out if you can find a way alleviate the stress, or if you just need to drop it.
For example, when I first started, I was stressing myself out over hitting each weekly meme on time. Occasionally, I would sit down for a whole Saturday morning and write out my responses for the next two-three months. Eventually I realized that this really wasn’t worth the stress to me. I took a little break, then decided that I do like weekly memes, but that for me personally, only posting the prompts I really care about works best.
Thanks for reading!
What is one piece of advice that you would like to give fellow bloggers?
Donna H says
Unless you are making a living at it, book blogging shouldn't feel like work. I still have periods of stress – like putting together this event. But I knew it would be fun in the end so I was okay with it.
Erica Hatch says
😀
Tânia says
That's a great advice. I created my blog to talk about books, have fun and to relax after a stressful day. A blog should not make you feel stressed.
Erica Hatch says
Same here! 🙂 Happy Saturday!
Angela Lawrence says
This is really great advice. For most of us, blogging is a hobby, so if we're not having fun, why bother? I would also say, be yourself. It's tempting to make your blog look or sound like popular blogs, but it's so much easier and more authentic to be true to yourself.
Erica Hatch says
Right! And yes, that's a great tip!
Lory says
This is the key I think. If you are having fun, your readers will have fun too, no matter what you're reading or writing about. I'm so glad I don't have to make money from my blog so I can really do whatever I want with it. The world needs more of this.
Erica Hatch says
For sure!!
Alicia AKernelofNonsense says
I totally missed this, but would have loved to have taken part in place of Armchair Book Expo. Keeping it fun is so essential. Blogging is one of those hobbies that can turn stressful real quick if your're not careful. Great advice!
Erica Hatch says
Oh darn!! I hope you can participate next year! 🙂
Shooting Stars Mag says
Great advice! You definitely have to be having fun, otherwise, what's the point? Thanks!!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Erica Hatch says
😀
Deanna Reads says
Yes, definitely make sure it's fun! Bbeing apathetic about numbers is great too, because then you aren't stressed out.
Erica Hatch says
Agreed!!
Jenny says
I’ve been blogging for seven years and I totally agree with you. It’s supp to be fun. If it’s not fun you shouldn’t be spending time on it.
Erica Hatch says
😀
Lindsi says
My advice would be: Don't feel bad about taking a break. Sometimes we need to take a few days or a month off to reset ourselves and keep blogging fun. Occasionally it starts to feel like work or a second job, and like you said… keep it fun! People feel bad about not posting something every day, but that's not always feasible. Blog on your time and when it matters to you.
L @ Do You Dog-ear?
Erica Hatch says
YES! That's a great tip!!
Aimee (Aimee, Always) says
This is definitely solid advice!! Lots of new bloggers burn themselves out easily since blogging does feel a bit like a chore at first. I've learned to limit my posting so that I can have time for myself in between everything. ♥
– Aimee @ Aimee, Always
Erica Hatch says
<3
Sara @ Forever 17 Books says
I used to stress myself out in the beginning too. I finally got to a point where I just remembered this was for fun and to only do what I can with no pressure. It's hard to follow sometimes but I do try so you gave some great advice!
Erica Hatch says
😀
Nicole Hewitt says
Keeping blogging fun is great advice (even if it CAN be tough to do sometimes when things get crazily busy!).
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Erica Hatch says
😀
Nikki (Saturday Nite Reader) says
As a newbie I would say not to focus on stats. If one person listens to your recommendation and takes yours advice, that is a win. 🙂
Erica Hatch says
That's a great one as well! 🙂
Darque Dreamer says
Great advice! It's gotta be enjoyable!
Erica Hatch says
😀
Olivia-Savannah says
I think keeping it fun is sound advice and pretty much the best advice to give. Once it isn't fun anymore you shouldn't have to force yourself!!
Erica Hatch says
I agree! 🙂