Tuesday, December 13, 2011

What I’ve Learned Blogging

A year ago I started this blog.  I had no clue what I was doing or what I hoped to accomplish.  Honestly, I still don’t think don’t have a clue about either of those but today I’d like to share with you tips/ideas/pointers that I have picked up over the last year.

This could get long so I highlighted the topics for easy scanning!  You may not agree with everything I have here and that’s a-okay.  I’m just sharing some of my observations from the past year.

Blogging takes time.  I had no clue the amount of time you could waste blogging.  From writing your own posts to reading others.  It usually takes me ~30 minutes to write a blog post.  Some take more time, some take less.  I usually post 5 days a week.  That’s 150 minutes each week of just writing.  (That 150 minutes doesn’t include project time, photographing time, etc.)  I try to write most of my posts on Sundays (our lazy day).  Writing on the week-end frees up my week to go to that pesky 9-5 job and fulfill my other life duties…like cleaning the bathroom and having real life friends. 

Commenting.  Do you like comments?  Me too.  I’m a comment whore.  (Can I type that here?  Sure.  It’s my blog.  Mwahahaha.)  I’d guess that 99.999% of bloggers like comments.  All bloggers like knowing that people are reading what they are putting out there.  Why else would you blog?  Posting things that you don’t want anyone to read is called journaling.  Big difference.  If you want people to comment on your blog, you need to comment on others.  I personally like reading other blogs so commenting is no big deal.  Do you want to grow your blog?  Other bloggers are going to help you out along the way!

I also try very hard to go through my comments each day and read the blogs of those who comment here.  If you are going to take the time to read my nonsense, I think it’s respectful for me to do the same.  I’ve found some great blogs by doing this!  I don’t always have the time but this is something that I try really hard to do. 

Find your niche.  I did a lot of Googling last winter when I started this thing.  A lot of the tips about blogging said to “find your niche”…that group of bloggers that is similar to you.  Great.  Super. But how do I do that?  Who are they and where are they?

I started with the bigger blogs that I related to (Young House Love, Nuestra Vida Dulce, etc) and clicked on their comments.  I then read through the blogs of their commenters.  Slowly I found bloggers similar to myself…20/30 somethings fixing up their homes.  I’d comment on their posts and they’d comment on mine.  I refer to them as my blog buddies.  You learn a lot about people who write about their lives multiple times per week.

Who’s in my niche?  Go through my comments.  The same names pop up every day.  Your niche won’t form over night but give it time!

Content.  I feel like this often gets left out of the “I want to grow my blog but don’t know how.” posts.  To me, content is the most important tool to growing your blog.  You can have the fanciest blog design and all of the money in the world but I’m not going to read your blog if your posts are crap.  The end.

What is good content?  I think good content comes from being passionate about something.  Posting what you truly love.  Posting about your hobbies and what makes your life unique.  

It’s best to have pretty photos of things you are blogging about.  Do you need a super fancy camera? No. A point and shoot will get you there. Do you need Photoshop? No.  Picnik is a free, easier to use version.

Be yourself.  I think half of you read this blog because of my lack of filter.  I like that.  I get irritated when bloggers try to imitate other bloggers.  I mean, I get it.  If it works for them, maybe it will work for me.  Unfortunately, I don’t think it will.  Be yourself.  Tell me what you like.  Tell me what you don’t like.  Be sincere.  I don’t write things like “Awww, shucks.  You all are too kind.  I’m tickled pink.”  That’s not me.  Phrases like those annoy me.  If they are you, that’s awesome.  Write them.  If you wouldn’t tell your best friend “Holla at a girlfriend” then don’t write it.

Link Parties are your friend.  A common question I had early on was “Why is no one reading my blog?”.  Because no one know it exists.  (And your posts are crap…go back.  It’s funny.)  You have to put yourself out there.  Link parties are one of the best tools to accomplish this.  You post the link to your blog post, others read it.  Go through the other link party submissions and comment on their posts.  Cross your fingers that you have a great project and the host of the party features it.

Social Media is fun.  Have you checked out my facebook page?  It’s kind of lame but it’s there.  Do you follow me on the twitter?  Social media is a great way to share what your blogging about.  It’s also a great way to find out what’s happening in blogland (it really is it’s own little land).

Google Reader is a must.  Do you know about Google Reader?  Organize yours now.  You will thank me.  Why?  You now have about 1 million and 12 blogs that you want to get through on a regular basis.  Instead of typing in each and every web address…you just keep on clicking through your Google Reader.    I have my Google Reader organized by primary (my favorites), secondary (those next in line), tertiary (mainly just read these when I have extra time), and link party sites. Organization is key to managing your blogging time.

Windows Live Writer is super helpful.  I use Blogger.  I really like Blogger.  I know nothing about html coding.  Blogger does it for me.  Blogger’s downfall?  It takes FOREVER to load photos.  It’s super quick and easy in Live Writer.  The download is available for free on-line.  Fancy.

How much money have you spent growing your blog?  $5 for on-line photo storage.  That is it.  I think it’s easy to get trapped into thinking that you need to spend $100 on a fancy blog design and multiple hundreds on blogging courses.  Not true. Google is your friend.  Blogger is your friend.  Writing about what you love is your friend.

Some of you may argue that I spend money on projects for the blog.  That is true but these are projects that I would do if I didn’t have a blog.  I would decorate my home and tackle sewing projects even if I wasn’t blabbing about it.  I did all of this before I started blogging.

How much money do you make blogging?  This is a question I had early on.  One I could not find an answer to.  No one likes to talk how much money they make but this isn’t how I make my living.  If it was, I’d be in trouble. Big trouble.  Will I tell you my day job salary?  Heck no.  Will I tell you what I make blogging?  Sure.

I make ~$50 each month from BlogHer ads.  Some months more, some months less.  (This goes back to content.  The better the content, the more people read.  The more people read, the more money I make.) Having said that, I don’t try to make money here.  I have the ads because it doesn’t make sense not to.  I installed the code once and that’s all I have to do to receive a check each month.  No brainer.

I have, however, received a bunch of free things over this past year from this blog.  I like free things.  I’m not going to lie.  I didn’t realize how much free stuff there was out there for bloggers.  Again, not enough for me to quit my job and stay home in my pajamas all day but not too shabby for a hobby.  I’ll take it!

Do you have other questions?  I’d love to answer them! I’m obviously not holding back this week…wowsers…

56 comments:

  1. Wow. I just learned a ton, lol! You are like Mr Miyagi to me right now. I need google reader. I need Picnik. I need to be self hosted because I am used to wordpress's layout and you can't teach an old dog new tricks. I want to be involved with Blogher (which is not available on the free version of wordpress). I need to start blogging on the weekends so I can juggle both life & FSL.

    Happy blogaversary!! You are one of my favorites to read (including the "big ones" like YHL etc...) Actually, I like yours better because I "met" you when you were a small fish ;)

    Keep Blogging & I'll keep reading lady!

    xo
    Mindy

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  2. Thanks for writing this!!I am still learning as I go! I so appreciate bloggers like you who take the time to "give back" and share their journey!!! Happy Blogiversary! I love Decor and The Dog!!!

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  3. Great tips, thank you!!! As a newbie blogger, I love hearing from bloggers who I think have it all going on. I totally hear you on the time aspect. I never knew blogging would be this time consuming!!!

    Happy blogiversary :)

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  4. amen on being yourself! that is what i love- bloggers who are true to themselves, that i related to, and that i would be friends with because they are witty and genuine. they have to be witty though- i don't want any boring friends. ;)

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  5. I love reading your blog and this post is a perfect example why. You are very real and say what you think...not to mention your dog is adorable and your house is gorgeous! I have been blogging for just over a year and am learning new things every day. I still take a couple days sometimes to get back to people but I make it eventually! I haven't spent any money either - just the $5.00 for the extra photo storage but that is it. I have enjoyed the journey so far and hope to keep going for a long time. Happy Blog-Anniversary!
    Cheers! - Shelley

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  6. This is just what I needed! I only started my blog a few months ago and I still don't really know what I am doing! I didn't even know about Google reader - not sure if I can use that on Wordpress! But your hints and tips are very handy. I am hoping to be able to spend more time on my blog in the new year, and hopefully find a few more followers!

    Happy blogaversary!

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  7. thank you thank you thank you!!! totally needed this. now...to put myself 'out there'... :)

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  8. Michelle,
    Thank you so much for posting this information!!
    I love your blog & look forward to seeing what you are up to next!
    Thank you & Happy Blog Anniversary!

    P.S. I"m still in LOVE with Ike!!!! :)

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  9. Such a great and honest post. THanks for sharing and happy blogerversary.

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  10. Great post Michelle! Happy Bloggiversary! I'll chat with you sometime about LiveWriter, I have it installed but that's about as far as I went with it. Have a great day!

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  11. Happy Birthday Decor and the Dog!

    Thanks for posting this. As a new blogger I'm still trying to find my voice out there in blogger world.

    I love your blog but I'm secretly in love with Ike :) jkjkjkjk!

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  12. Great post. May I ask what site you use for onlne photo storage. I'm afraid that my external hard drive is going to bite it one day and that will make me cry... a lot!

    Love your blog and your house! THanks for being such a consistent part of my day! ...Amy

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  13. Great post! Thanks so much for sharing. You included some real helpful tips instead of vague suggestions that I see a lot.

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  14. Happy Anniversary! I love the honesty and the info. I'm nearing my one year at the end of this month and I have to say, while it is time consuming, the inspiration I gain and the friendships formed are worth it. Be true to yourself and you will continue to succeed.
    And it also helps you have an adorable dog in your banner...I'm a sucker for any blog with a dog ;)

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  15. This is a great post, I recently started blogging myself so this is very helpful! Thanks, and happy blogiversary!

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  16. Happy birthday to your blog! I didn't realize you've only been around a year. That's pretty freakin incredible progress for a blog in a year.

    This is all great stuff. I can't imagine how anyone who likes reading blogs can survive without google reader. Thanks for the openness! I love it when bloggers I read post this kinda stuff.

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  17. This is probably the most open and helpful post I've ever read about blogging. Seriously. I hate it when people are like "how did I grow my blog? by being awesome!"

    Although I probably wouldn't hate you if you said that because I would agree that you are awesome. But still, this was way more helpful.

    I need to get my crap together and actually BLOG. : (

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  18. I do like you honesty, this is why I keep coming back (yeah, Ike may have a little to do with it too ;). Congrats on your 1st year of blogging, pretty sure there will be many, many more. Now, to find the blogs with the link parties!

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  19. You are my hero right now! Thank you so much for sharing your tips. I had no idea about picnik....so far I have just been using my iPhone and needless to say it's 50/50. Sometimes the pics are decent, other times I'm like wtf.

    Also, I need to be better about commenting. There are def blogs I love reading, yours being on of them, and this is only the second time I've commented. Loser, right? Sometimes my 18 monther doesn't allow the time. :)

    I'm rambling......Thank you again for sharing!!!

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  20. http://mollied.blogspot.com/search/label/Blogs

    This is my post that was similar to this. I love reading people's takes on blogging.

    Great post

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  21. Happy Bloggy Birthday!!

    This post was really helpful. I'm sure I'll have questions but I need to tinker around a little bit first. I have been totally under-utilizing this platform!

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  22. I like your honesty :) And the fact you owned up to what you make on the blog! Why do people pussyfoot around that?! To make themselves seem a bit wealthier?

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  23. Excellent post! First of all: can I be in your niche club? It sounds fun. I think we should have a secret handshake (and it would be cool, but not crucial, to include a chest bump). I didn't know I could organize my google reader?!?!?! There's my to-do list item for the day. Last comment: I really, really love what you said about content and being yourself--amen, sister. So many blogs make me feel like I'm reading the SAME blog over and over . . . if that makes sense. Too many bloggers are writing about the same things, using the same phrases, working on the same projects . . . this is why I like your blog so much. Because honestly, I'm not much of a home decorator. I don't take your ideas and apply them in my house and come out all the wiser. I mostly just think you're hilarious, and it makes my day happier when I read your posts (don't get me wrong, I love your style/home/dog/etc., but it's YOU that keeps me coming back for more). You could write about what you had for breakfast every day and I'd still be a loyal fan. That's the key.

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  24. Happy Blogaversary...that doesn't sound right but I"m going with it. You have an amazing blog that I always enjoy reading. You've just taught me a couple of things. LiveWriter? Never heard of it but I'll check it out and organizing Google Reader. Who knew!! Free stuff? I just got my first free thing and I'm thrilled but I want to know how to get more. Great job with the blog and at being yourself and making us laugh and come back for more every day:)

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  25. I love your comment about organizing your google reader. Mine is way too long so I never read things as often as I'd like.

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  26. Holla girl!! Just kidding. But seriously... Thanks for this! Very on point!

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  27. love this post :)! you are so helpful? Am i in the niche club? Hope so! I second Cindy, i need to get my act together and get back to blogging. difficult when your house is under contract and you can't change anything/don't want to since it's not for you anymore!

    How do you download ads? You know, for when i become as awesome as you someday...

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  28. Happy Blogiversary! I wonder if they have pre-made balloons for this occasion.

    Fantastic post! It tickled me pink. Wait, is that how you say it? Great tips on blogging. I need to get on this Google Reader boat. Clearly, I'm missing out. Thanks for being real, you comment whore, you.

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  29. You are so honest. Love this post and how honest you are always.

    Also - I love this. "And your posts are crap…" This is so true. My earliest posts are horrible. And some of my recent ones are, too.

    So glad we found each other. (Cue the romantic music.)

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  30. You had me at " I’m a comment whore. (Can I type that here? Sure. It’s my blog. Mwahahaha.)" Your a lil comedian hehe :-) xo

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  31. Happy blogiversary! It looks like you've come a long way, it's amazing what free tools and a bit of time can achieve (well, a lot of time!) Thanks for sharing your tips!

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  32. Thank you for sharing and being so honest about it! Your blog was the very first that I started reading, and now I'm hooked. I love that adorable dog of yours and your beautiful home.

    Happy Blogiversary! Can't wait to see what you have in store for this year!

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  33. Wow, everyone loves this post, consider me part of the mass as well!

    Everything you said here is so true. I had no idea how much work it is to MAINTAIN a blog, kinda like a marriage. Everyone I've "met" from blogging has been so nice and welcoming, but its funny because about 75% of my comments are from the same 7 or 8 people.

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  34. Happy Anniversary! Just found your blog from "better after". Great make over! Love it. This post was really interesting as I just started blogging this last year too. Thanks :)
    visualmeringue.blogspot.com

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  35. This is great! Each point you made is something I've wondered about myself. Thanks very much for sharing!

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  36. Love this, as usual, haha! Congrats again on your one year! I completely agree with you (For real, can we live closer so we can be real life friends?). Content is EVERYTHING, which is why I don't blog some days... because I have NOTHING original to say. I like that there are others out there who blog and have jobs... and intend on keeping them. Sometimes I feel like the world of shelter blogs is just a big race to see who can grow the most the fastest and quit their job to be a full-time blogger. It's nice to hear that others enjoy blogging for s&g's, and they chronicle projects they would have done anyway. =) Thanks for always being one of my "primary" bogs to read, and Happy Bloggy Birthday!

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  37. Happy blogiversary! Great post for beginner bloggers like moi.

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  38. Happy Birthday Decor and the Dog!! Thanks for the tips! I enjoy your blog because it is very real (and Ike is AHdorable)!

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  39. Happy [belated] Blogiversary.

    You bring up some really excellent points about how time consuming blogging is--but it's not just the post writing, it's the keeping up with comments & community that eats time to.

    A word for those just starting out, not everyone follows blog-etiquette and not everyone will click back to your site or comment-reply (even to say thank you); in fact, a LOT of bloggers might not do it but don't let that discourage you-- those bloggers are just insanely busy people [better not to think of them in terms of jerks]. There will be other bloggers out there who will love to start a dialogue through comments, you just have to find them (they usually end up in your niche).

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  40. Oh wait, I do have a question - when you edit your photos, what do you usually do with them? I got Photoshop free when I bought my camera, but no idea what to do with it.
    Also, wanted to say how cool it is of you to read every comment and then take time to respond and comment back. I truly enjoy your blog, and always appreciate your comments!

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  41. Happy One Year! I was so surprised that you haven't been blogging longer since your so good at it. I really appreciate your candor which is probably why I keep coming back to your blog (that and Ike). I so appreciate that you take the time to comment on other blogs. I've taken your lead and have been doing the same. I also really like that you write all your posts on Sunday. I work full time as well so it's been tough to get those posts out consistently. Keep up the good work. Let me know when you're planning to come to Seattle so we can connect.

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  42. I love your lack of filter - it makes your blog one of the first that I go to read when I find time. I'm intrigued by the idea of blogging myself, but who am I kidding? My house is currently a sty and I can't even read blogs each day, much less write one. Someday, when the kids are grown...

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  43. Happy Blogiversary Decor and the Dog!

    Yours is one of the last blogs I read each day on my Google Reader.....because I save the best for last! :-) (it's true! I think of a handful of blogs as "my dessert" haha)

    I was surprised to hear you blog mostly on the weekends. I never knew how you had time to work a full-time job, do daily house chores, and post as often as you do. (Although you don't yet have kids as time suckers, haha!) I love your writing style, and I adore Ike!

    A tool I use to edit my photos is GIMP - it's not quite a user-friendly as Photoshop, but it's FREE!

    I'm trying to get back in my blog-groove....I slowed down a bit after I got pregnant again (1st trimester nauseous & exhaustion, ugh!), a trip to Portland earlier this Fall for our rental properties, and my 17 yr old's senior year of marching band season just ending.

    I'm dying to know what you did to finish your upstairs guest bath though! You started (changing shower curtains a bazillion times, lol)....then left us hanging! Did you keep the striped curtain? What accessories did you find? Whatever did you decide for the bathroom rug/runner?

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  44. Seriously, what an awesome post. I feel like bloggers feel like they are in Fight Club. Like you can't talk about blogging on your blog. Um, hello, we all have this one thing in common, we can chat about it. And great tips too, I spent far too much time not knowing ANYTHING. Finally I got my crap together. But yeah, early posts are nothing but crap. Sometimes I'm tempted to go back and delete them but I know I never will.

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  45. Hi again.
    I have a question about Live Writer. When I write my post in Live Writer with the perfect font and send it to Blogger in Draft form, I notice that my font changes. Have you had that problem? Do you have any suggestions for how to fix it?

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  46. Hi again.
    I have a question about Live Writer. When I write my post in Live Writer with the perfect font and send it to Blogger in Draft form, I notice that my font changes. Have you had that problem? Do you have any suggestions for how to fix it?

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  47. Um...organize my google reader? You can do that? I need to figure that out...

    Love all of these tips AND your blog! Your are absolutely one of MY primary reads, because of your humor and the fact that you are yourself--it makes me feel like I know you, which I've discovered is the difference between blogs I like and blogs I LOVE! :) Happy Blogiversary!

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  48. Thanks for some great blogging tips Michelle -- I love your straight-up style. I've probably read some of these tips before but only came away with a vague idea of how to improve my site -- you've given me some concrete steps to take.

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  49. Just found your blog and love it already. Happy 1st anniversary on your blog and sharing all this advice. Looking forward to reading it. Have I mentioned that I love your projects.

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  50. You have me thinking about my primary, secondary and tertiary reads and a whole lot more..this made for very interesting reading..thank you!

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  51. Fantastic post, Michelle. I agree with everything you wrote!

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  52. Great tips - thanks so much for sharing.

    I really need to give Live Writer a try.

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  53. You're the sweetest for putting this all together for us!! (Couldn't help it, it's me!)

    I had no idea I could organize Google Reader - thanks for the huge tip! Would love a series of your tips!

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  54. This is great! Thanks so much for the input.

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  55. These tips are amazingly helpful! I never realized that Blogging DOES take a lot of time! As a full-time grad student, it's tricky trying to balance blogging and writing that pesky paper that is hanging over my head!

    Thanks so much!

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