Blogging is hard. Being active on social media is hard. You have to consistently produce content and hope people will like it.
Even though my blog views have increased in the last two months, I'm not gaining enough followers and not making any money.
Of course, this blogging thing is one nut I want to crack and I've been hard at work brainstorming and trying to absorb all the info out there.
I've changed and updated loads of stuff already on my blog and it took effort and many long hours. It's a slow process.
I know what I'm doing wrong and how to fix it, but it's like I need to clone myself to get it all done.
Everything I just said now is proof that my confidence went down. Blogging is supposed to be fun and I'm comparing it to hard labor.
For me at least it's been a fun experience. When you enjoy something, you don't mind the work involved.
As bloggers, we depend on how many people read, share or comment to know if we're doing a good job. It gives us a little push to continue. But if they don't, it's easy to lose confidence and giving up.
I've managed to get over this feeling then and I know I will again. I guess it just creeps up on me sometimes.
Lately, I've been really overwhelmed again. My head filled with way too many ideas, I got way too busy until it felt like I needed a breather.
That's normally when I disconnect from all social media and take a step back from the blog. The further away I step, the harder it is to get going again.
After that, all that's left is doubt and wishing I can get back to my happy creative flow place again. This happened three times during this first blogging year. For some weird reason or another, I'm still here.
I also noticed after each occurrence of this feeling and when I managed to get over it, my blog progresses. Not by itself, but by little changes I make. By learning and noticing things I missed before.
One of the rules of success in anything is that you have to be teachable.
I didn't really understand what that meant because most of us are teachable but not all become successful. Lately, I'm starting to see what is meant by it.
There are layers to figuring something out. You only advance or see the next step or level once you figure out the basics. The more you learn, the more you advance. That's how you master something.
You also need to experience or practice the thing you've learned in order to master it. That's how confidence is built. Slowly moving up the steps.
I remember reading loads of info with answers to my questions. Solutions. But yet I dismissed it as unimportant.
Once I understood and practiced the basics and climbed up the steps learning more and more, only then the solutions were finally accepted as important by my mind.
There's no running to the top. Sometimes the answer would stare me in the face, but because I didn't follow the process, I was blind to see it.
That's why when most people fail, they give up. They refuse to climb the steps and want easy solutions. The weird part is the solutions are easy but your mind will ignore it.
The process is there to train your mind to see more of something and make proper connections depending on how much information you feed it. There are no straight lines to attain something.
One day you'll kick yourself because you've had the answers all along. It was just in your mind's blind spot.
I see these online marketers trying to sell plans or the formula on how they made their first 6 figures online. That will only work for a small percentage of people. Same goes for the perfect way to lose weight.
There are different variables that go into reaching a goal. Maybe the guy selling you his formula was taught by age 13 the value of money and has no limiting beliefs when it comes to wealth.
Maybe he has a way with words and can easily influence people. Something that he learned from his parents, a job or wherever.
Point is, the experiences he had throughout his life taught him what he needs to know to make money and his mind had years of practice and focused on that goal.
Sure they'll mention they've failed a thousand times and guess what? You probably have to fail a thousand times too before you get there.
Unless you match some of his life experiences and thought processes that formed from them, then his formula might be the last piece of your puzzle.
I'm not saying this to make you think it's pointless. I believe that understanding why something happens will help you get over it faster. You'll always hear, "Just keep at it and you'll succeed!".
Now you know why it will take time and no it's not about how smart you are. Being teachable means you have to accept failure and have the ability to rise, brush it off and try again.
Failing is essential to being successful.
What it will do is allow you to take a step back, reflect, notice mistakes, get in there again and learn more about how to fix whatever you did wrong.
You'll also realize it's not like starting over when you fail. You will know more than before. You're just missing certain pieces of the puzzle. Failing is good!
If you fail it's an opportunity to get you closer to your goal. For some reason, we all were conditioned to believe failing is bad. Me too. But understanding why and the benefits of it will remind you to keep going even though failing hurts.
Yes, it sucks but it's the only way to get better at something. This will not work without passion. If you hate doing something and try to make it work, don't bother. It won't work without patience either. It takes time.
I've given up on a lot of things because of this. You too. Just because we didn't stick it out long enough for our minds to show us more or accept the answers as valid.
The mind hides so much from us. All we can do is train it better to focus on our goals.
But looking at it another way, if you were passionate about something you would not have given up and would have reached your goal. The things you gave up on were probably not meant to be.
I'm not sure if I explained it clear enough or if your mind accepted my explanation but that's how I see the learning process and gaining confidence in whatever you do.
Confidence = Knowledge + Experience
I made that equation up but it sounds valid to me. That applies to anything you lack confidence in. Sorry, I tend to expand a lot on these posts. My head works overtime and loves dissecting things. Anyway, back to the confident blogger part.
A successful blog is not a hobby, unfortunately. It's like a job. But unlike a job where you take orders, a blog is your creation. You're the boss and need to make sure your blog does not go to blog cemetery.
I thought of ways that might help build up confidence again as a blogger once it seems like you've lost it.
7 Ways to be a more confident blogger
1. Remember why you started blogging
Every blogger has a reason why they started their blog. For me, it was to share valuable life lessons I've learned throughout my life. I had a life-changing experience and had a need to pass it on.
It might seem like this is a dog blog but it's actually not. My aim is to help others be happier. The humor is to make people laugh. That's its purpose.
My dogs make me laugh and happy then I translate and write how they do that. I'll then add one of these long posts in the mix that aims to help others dealing with a similar issue. Issues I've already dealt with and managed to overcome.
No, that's not how it was planned. Nothing about this blog was planned. It's just my life, what I lived, a peek into my head and my incredible love for my dogs.
Everyone has a reason why they started their blog. Bloggers are helpers. We share our talent and skills with others.
Remembering why you do what you do should help give you a confidence boost. Or at least motivate you to continue. It feels good to help others. Even if you just reach a few people.
2. Plan your blog better
Being more organized is something that will help you feel more in control and productive. You'll also stress less over blog tasks that need to get done.
If you create a monthly or weekly plan then you have your do to list ready. Scheduling blog posts, new and old with apps like buffer will help you not forget to share.
I created my own social media planner and followers tracker printable (download) to help me remember and keep me organized.
My computer died on me again, but luckily I mailed it to myself and thought it might be useful for others to use. Don't worry, it's free and I included some other printables that I made too.
I'm typing this on my tablet. Oh, I should add, get proper equipment because this is ridiculous! I'll get a new laptop soon. Hopefully.
Anyway, I have a tiny problem where my readers are not from my country. They are mostly U.S. based and when I sleep, they are active. So scheduling is a must for me. Finding the right time to schedule is important too otherwise people won't see when you share.
3. Master social media
Mastering social media is important if you want to build your following. The more you put in, the more your views will increase and the more confidence you'll gain.
My strategy to gain social media followers includes like, comment, share and follow other users. My follower's tracker helps me keep track. Even if I just spend a few minutes in the morning and evening doing that, it builds up over time.
Social media can get too much sometimes. I take regular social media breaks otherwise I'll go insane. Try to master one platform at a time, but be present on all of them.
I started with Gplus where I met bloggers that were like a support group. It helped a lot in the beginning when I was new to social media and making connections.
It's not easy to gain a lot of followers on there, but I like how I know all my Gplus followers. On other platforms, it's easy to become just a number.
I set up Twitter, Pinterest, a Facebook page, Instagram and every other social platform you can think of to increase views. Plus I joined a bunch of blog groups on Facebook, Pinterest, and Gplus.
Twitter will give me like 10 views if I share at the right time. Lol. It's easy to disappear on there. You have to share multiple times and be super active on Twitter. The time that not a lot of us have. It's still good for networking.
Facebook is good for joining blog groups that share each other's posts on different social platforms. The more active you are in the groups, the more views you'll get. I've not mastered the Facebook page yet.
I'm busy mastering Pinterest and Instagram now. Well, Instagram is just for all the doggie caption pics I create and not for reading the blog.
Instagrammers are super active users and love commenting and liking Buff and Fluff's pics. It's my little place to get a confidence boost when I need one.
Pinterest is my focus for blog traffic. I figured if Google won't rank me because my domain is new and because I'm bad at following their Seo rules, then Pinterest will.
It's a search engine after all plus its social media qualities make it perfect for blogs that do not meet Google's standards.
I've been on there for 10 months and only started seeing traffic a few months ago after I got my domain and started learning how to use Pinterest properly.
There are still gaps in my Pinterest knowledge though. Some steps that need climbing. This is another example of me probably knowing how to make it work because I've read and watched hundreds of how to's on it already.
I also know I'm skipping things. Seeing certain things as unimportant even though it's repeated in multiple articles. Something that seems simple can be a hugely important step.
I'm definitely progressing. Pinterest is showing users my pins now and I'm getting saves and views. It's an indication I'm doing something right and it's now my main source of blog traffic.
I'm not there yet. With my new domain, I'm still building authority. Let's hope by next year my blog will be worth showing to more Pinterest users. Make sure you pin my pretty image at the top. I made it for Pinterest.
Pick your social platform to master, but register for all of them to share your blog posts, other blogger's posts and anything interesting that's related to your niche.
Promoting only yourself is a no-no. Views will not magically appear!
4. Create a list of posts to write about
Creating a list of blog post topics will get your mind unstuck and give you an idea of what's next. It's also about planning ahead.
This blog is like a tangled ball of yarn or worse, thread. That's what happens if you don't plan properly. I've been busy for weeks trying to untangle it. Don't be like me!
I've only recently learned the value of planning things. It gives you a sense of control. With control there's confidence.
Read up. Google the info or if you're like me watch on YouTube if you get tired of reading.
I only write one post a week because I don't have time for more. It was a blessing because if I had more I'd never finish correcting my mistakes.
I've written enough to recycle old posts and most I've updated and reshared again. I need to get my list for the next blog year ready and do proper keyword research. Untangling thread is no fun!
5. Talk it out with someone.
Sometimes when you're too much in your own head, you overthink and doubt creeps in. Letting it out by talking about it will help you gain perspective. That applies to anything you are struggling with.
Most of my family have no idea I run a blog. I probably told two of them and one was so shocked and couldn't believe I had it in me. It was understandable because I was shocked too when I realized I can actually write.
It's a talent that was hidden underneath my gloominess that I got rid of. Surprise! Some family will have no idea what a blog is and I can't explain it in a way they'll get.
"I'm busy working online", sounds better. It's not a real job that I can go to an office and get paid for so I'm "busy playing on the internet". Not kidding! If only they knew how hard I work every day. It's fine, they make up for it in other ways.
I don't mind sharing my blog with the world. My blog will attract a certain type of reader that can relate to my writing and that will get it.
It's different when you have to share it with people that always saw you a certain way and that the type of writing is not aimed towards. Nope! It's not for family.
Anyway, I then forced my bestie to listen to me because he has no choice. I felt better and started writing this post.
He later told me that there's no such thing as not having confidence online. I yelled at him a bit, told him he is not a blogger and then clicked the publish button. lol
I love being right and he reminded me of that. One point for me, zero points for bestie!
I approach every topic I write about with the idea that it's a universal problem. If I'm dealing with it then tons of other people are dealing with it too.
I thought there's a lesson I can pass on and many bloggers probably struggle with confidence in blogging at some point.
That's also why blog communities are so important. Groups of like-minded creatives.
There are tons of blog groups on facebook where bloggers support each other. I joined a few and sometimes go over there to see what everyone is talking about.
This one dog blogger posted about some guy that left a rude comment on how she shouldn't humanize her dog. The whole community jumped in me too, to back her up. We all had a good laugh.
Like I said before, some people just won't get it. Luckily some will. Don't worry, you'll find your tribe.
I've been too busy with updates and other home stuff lately but I'll make time soon to check out the groups. If you feel alone on your blogging journey, go join a blog group.
Just search on Facebook for blog, choose groups and request to join a few. Make sure your personal Facebook profile says you're a blogger and it has links to the other social media platforms you use for blogging otherwise they'll ignore you.
6. Write about what you know
I'm in the process of starting a new blog that will spin-off from this one but will be more review focused. Or should I say researching?
I thought I had my niche all figured out, but as soon as I started writing the articles, I realized how little I know about the topic.
I was copying and pasting then rewriting in my own words. I do not want to be that kind of blogger. Thinking about it now, that's why my confidence took a dive. When I went into unknown territory.
You'll hear advice that says sure you don't have to be an expert on a topic and you'll learn on your way. Sure maybe or maybe I'll just lose interest.
Writing this is easy. The words flow without effort. They are what I've lived and I'm not just rambling off or listing tons of facts. I'm writing what I know.
I could probably go learn all about the new niche blog topic but I normally have to obsess first about something before it flows effortlessly from my head to the page.
Self-help and mental health was something I obsessed over for two years and I'm confident in giving or sharing advice on personal development. You won't see me writing about some random topic I've never experienced.
It was always easy to place myself in someone else's shoes and adapt to their personality. That's why it's easy to write Buffy and Fluffy's stories. I don't doubt my writing ability on those topics.
It's easier to write about what you know than to force it out. We all have subjects we obsess about. If you lost confidence in your writing you're probably writing about something you have no experience with and just read somewhere. Probably.
7. Remember that you're unique
I don't normally compare myself to others because no one does what I do. Not that I know of at least. Sure there are tons of dogs with blogs but I have three writing styles and three personalities on here.
With my other blog, I will be aiming to rank on Google, so I'll have competitors to try and outrank. It will be very interesting to see how I'll handle that.
I'm saying that because I'm not exactly sure what I'm capable of. For a long time, I let doubt rule my life and I stood still. I'm trying to push myself more. Even if it's just tiny little steps.
You'll never know your potential until you try. It's not easy, but I don't want to live a life full of regrets anymore and wasted potential. Today I might just write, tomorrow who knows what I'll do. I can't wait to find out!
I was talking to my cousin the other day and the topic came up about how we were always competing with each other. It actually helped me a lot to have a 'rival' in my life. It pushed me forward. They always say get a mentor, but getting a rival is far better. Or both.
Things changed and I guess I had no one to compete with or challenge me anymore. That was one of the many reasons why I failed in my career. No motivation and my passion dried up.
I know everything happens for a reason and that was the path I had to walk to get to the place I am now. I'm not successful yet. Gosh, I'm still trying to figure out what's next. But I am happier. That was my goal.
My motivation does not come from competition anymore. It's more about a need to express myself because I never knew how. My style of writing is this way for a reason. It's therapeutic. I can't change it to please others.
I do welcome some competition. It might help speed up my blogging goals. Also, competition is not about being jealous of another or copying someone else. You have your own personality and that formed from all your experiences.
I think information can be shared in different writing styles. Some love different. Some like the same. Don't be afraid to be different. Coloring outside the lines can be loads of fun.
Hope that was helpful. It definitely cleared up why I doubted myself. See, I got answers and forced you to listen to me!
I started this post with shaken confidence in my ability as a blogger or writer and ended with being hopeful.
That's the beauty of writing. You can answer your own questions and figure out solutions. A way to bypass the mind's blindspots! Interesting.
I hope that if you're doubting your ability as a blogger that you'll gain your confidence back soon. We put ourselves out there every day and unless you blog or write, then you won't understand what goes into running a blog.
At the end of the day, it should be a fun experience. I'm still having fun. As long as I can still create, I'll be a happy blogger.
Goodluck with your blogging journey and thank you for sharing your knowledge with others! Know that you're special for doing that. ♥♥♥
Until next time,
Goodbye.
PS: If you love my writing and want to show your support, just buy me a coffee paypal.me/lifeanddogstuff. Thank you! :-)
Pic credit: Pixabay pic Renza edited.
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