Paperback's Pondering's is a weekly discussion when I take a topic and well, ponder about it! This week's topic is about the developments that you make as a blogger overtime.
When
thinking of what topic to talk about this week, I stumbled upon a thought that
has been on my mind ever since I started to blog, and that is: blogger
development. Let me explain:
We all know
what it feels like to be a newbie blogger. You start off at point zero: zero
pageviews, zero followers, zero comments. You may even sound weird putting up
your first post because you may feel that you are essentially talking to
nobody. Of course, with time, you gain a following, develop blog buddies, and
start reaching more original ideas. However what if you haven’t developed as
much as you had wanted to? What if you are, a bit envious of such more
developed blogs?
I do not
consider myself a large blogger at all. However I do not care much about the
numbers, I am happy with the following I have right now and I enjoy meeting new
people. However when I first started out, within the first few blogging months,
I found myself staring at developed blogs. Reading their reviews of brand new
ARC’s and seeing their pictures with authors whom they have made friends with,
made me wish to be just like them. Fast forward a year and a half later, and I
still have never been able to be approved to receive and ARC, and I do not
found myself and leading contributor in the communication side of things, i.e.
Twitter, Instagram etc. However what’s different now about my development now, is
that I don’t particularly care anymore about where I’m at.
The point
I’m trying to make here is, that everyone develops at their own pace. Just like
in life, you’ll have someone who will reach their growth spurt fast, and
someone who wants to take themselves slow and steady. I would consider myself
in the slow and steady range.
I think the
important thing for newbie bloggers to remember when wanting to develop is to
not compare yourself to other’s. Don’t make my mistake, constantly worrying
about doing something because so-and-so did it on their blog. Do what makes
YOU comfortable, and do not force yourself to do something just because you
think that’s what all the “cool kids” are doing.
It also goes
without saying, but talk to people! While some bloggers with larger followings
may seem intimidating, there is no blogging hierarchy and you can talk to
whoever you like. Make friends, participate in social media, but don’t feel
like you have to be followed by everyone.
So what I’m
trying to get across here is, don’t worry if you’ve been blogging for a
significant amount of time, and some other blogs may seem like they’re “doing
better than you”. Take things at your own pace, do things that you are
comfortable with, and soon, you can be your best confident blogging self. :)
I want to know what you think! Have you ever been self conscious about your blog, or are you happy with the place you're at now? What's your opinion?!
Emily @ Paperback Princess
Totally agree - do what the hell you want! People don't want every blog to be the same anyway - why would they read 40 near-identical blogs? I sometimes get annoyed when there's a new 'it' book out, simply because I don't want to read 20-odd reviews of it on one day! Be yourself, and (eventually) someone will appreciate it! Just keep swimming!
ReplyDeleteA perfect way to put it! How boring would it be if we all did the same posts?!
DeleteAlso, as old as it makes me sound, I wish I'd had your positive attitude at your age!
ReplyDeleteAwww thank you! I have to admit, I wasn't always this way though.
Deleteyou are now, and that's what counts ;)
DeleteI love this! I can fully relate to it, and it's definitely a message that I need to refer back to, every day, when I see the posts of other "bigger" blogs. I'm really conscious about the numbers - but I'm trying not to be! I don't overanalyse stats and post content based on that, but it's definitely something I worry about - and something that I don't want to worry about. Tbh, I think part of the reason I stopped blogging in 2013 was because I kept comparing my blog development to others! So yeah - tldr- all bloggers totally need to remember this post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Geraldine! I used to look at numbers all the time, and get really upset if someone unfollowed me somewhere. Now not only on my blog, but on also personal social media, I have learned that it doesn't really matter at all.
DeleteI totally understand you! In the beginning I was so worried about numbers and how my blog looked and not having a lot of followers, but after I awhile I realized that I run my blog for fun, and so it should be fun and I shouldn't worry about numbers or trying to be like "big blogs".
ReplyDeleteThat's the way it should be! Blogging should be an enjoyment, not a way to expand your following or "fame".
DeleteI tried to start my blog last summer, and I got really discouraged, because no one seemed to care. Luckily, I got over that, and now I'm making so many friends! It's so cool that people actually read and enjoy my reviews, even if it's only a couple of people. For me, it's almost better than having a really popular blog, where it's hard to connect with idividual people.
ReplyDeleteI really like it this way too! It seems more personal and special when your blog is still growing!
DeleteI tried to start my blog last summer, and I got really discouraged, because no one seemed to care. Luckily, I got over that, and now I'm making so many friends! It's so cool that people actually read and enjoy my reviews, even if it's only a couple of people. For me, it's almost better than having a really popular blog, where it's hard to connect with idividual people.
ReplyDeleteI love this post Emily! I remember starting out in blogging around 2 years ago, and I was so envious at so many blogs who had a huge following and number of comments per post. I was so jealous, but it only made me feel bad. I guess people shouldn't compare their blog to others because it does take a lot of time and effort to get ARCs and blog buddies and comments. It all lies in the matter of time and patience :)
ReplyDeleteJillian @ Jillian's Books
That's very true Jillian! I really needed to know when I first started out that everyone started out at the same place.
DeleteI disagree a little on the not comparing, because I do think that comparing where you are in terms of your own journey and where someone else is can be taken positively, especially if you've achieved a lot more than you expected, it's good to look at things positively, however, the best advice in terms of growing is to communicate with people in your niche or circle, make friends and be social, it's the number one way of getting places! Best of luck in the future :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point Amanda! Although I think for some people it can be very hard to focus on the positive and not look at the negatives. And you're right, communication is key! Thanks for stopping by! :)
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