In October, it will officially be 3 years since i’ve been blogging. Here’s how I stay motivated through the highs and lows of being a blogger. I’ve made many mistakes and learned from so many experiences. So today I’m sharing a few things that have stuck with me as a blogger.
- Patience is key – Patience is essential as a blogger. You may think that as soon as you start blogging, big brands will reach out to work with you, other bloggers will want to collaborate, and paid opportunities will come pouring from left and right. But that isn’t quite how it works. You most likely will be the one to reach out in the beginning (and be ready to expect rejections or no response). Some bloggers figure it out within months, while for others can take years. This timeframe doesn’t matter at all. What really matters is that you stay the course and focused.
- Spend money to make money – There is a lot that goes into the cost of producing a photoshoot – for example, going to restaurants and buying food, shopping for clothes and props, hiring a photographer, and traveling to photogenic places. On the technical side, there’s camera equipment, web services (e.g. hosting services, email providers, tools and softwares), along with a team to help make it all happen (if you can afford it). It can all add up quickly, so having a budget is super important.
- Keeping up isn’t important – There was a time whenever I saw another major blogger doing something new, I felt compelled to do the same thing. I’ve realized it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough or that you’re missing out in the world of blogging. And really, none of it matters! It’s more important to have a strong sense of your brand and know your strengths and weaknesses so that you stick to what feels right. When you do things that feel forced, the results won’t be as great.
- It’s ok to say ‘No’ – I don’t think of myself as someone who easily feels pressured into saying “yes”. But when you’re starting out and hungry, you’ll find that you say “yes” to just about everything. Yes, I’ll attend this event or do this campaign for less. Yes, I’ll take free product or services in exchange for content. But saying “yes” to everything is not productive and from a business standpoint, it isn’t smart either. I’ve learned that it’s ok to ask for what you’re worth and what you want. If you don’t speak up, the answer is always “no”. With that said, don’t feel bad for saying “no” – opportunities will come and go and you just have to trust that they will come.
- Get ready for the highs and the lows – As you may experience in any journey, there are ups and downs as a blogger. There are times where you might be invited to events and have brand deals coming at you back to back, while there may be months of nothing. I think the with every journey, it’s important to stay focused on your goals no matter what.
What lessons have you learned on your blogging journey? Let me know below!
xo Yinka
Photos: Norman
What I learned from blogging the almost two year is that patients is a virtue. Being on the internet you might take a while to get a following.
I agree with you 100%!
I agree that we shouldn’t feel the need to “keep up,” as opportunities will come your way when they are ready (which goes along with being patient!) & I believe that remaining authentic and true to yourself and your message is the most important thing!
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
Very true! Authenticity is really key!
Congrats on your 3 years blogging! I’ll also be celebrating 3 years in OCtober – although my blog has completely changed during that time. i’ve learned to go with the flow and stick with it – you can’t expect overnight success.
Thank you! It sure does take time!
I’ve learned to plan and schedule. To not procrastinate if I wanted to get anywhere. And definitely that it’s okay to say no.
Yes! I think those are the two major lessons i’m pushing hard this year!
Congrats on turning 3 in blog world!
Indeed it is a learning experience. Great lessons learned, well documented.
I strongly believe in spending money to make money.