What 3 Years of Blogging Has Taught Me

Over the past three years of blogging on my site and it almost being the anniversary of it in June, I thought it was time to reflect on what I have done with this blog and what it has taught me. I have learned many things about the blogging world and I think that my writing and content has really bloomed into quality work and dedication. When I first started out, it was in the beginning of summer. Me, my ipod, sitting in the basement of the kids I nanny. I never knew exactly the specific reason I started, but I knew that I was bored and have heard of others doing it. 

I love to write and I will continue to love to write for this site. I hope that this blog keeps on growing and growing. From taking pictures on my little, flimsy Ipod nano, to saving up my nannying money to purchase a quality, Canon Dslr camera that I love so dearly and protect with my life. I just recently got a new Macbook, and gosh while technology keeps changing, I am so excited to see what I can do with this computer.

Building a Website is Difficult.

Blogging has not only taught me a ton about blogging and the website world, it has also challenged me greatly because making your own website isn't as easy as it seems. I use Blogger, which many of you know, but creating a totally different type of template and design took probably months for me to figure out and get acclimated to. If you are trying to start a blog, I would suggest using Google's Blogger. I have it connected with my GMail and it is pretty easy to navigate. I would recommend that you do a little research on other sites how to personalize it so you don't have the cringey, default templates. ThemeXpose.com is a really great, free template generator. 

Time Management Can be Tough.

I will be a college student next fall and while I am so excited to be starting this new chapter, I have no idea what the workload and what my schedule will be. I post twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It has been tough at times when I have other events going on, but it's a roller coaster figuring out times to write, take photos, and prepare more posts for the next weeks or so. Not all of my posts are written the day before, otherwise I would probably die of stress. Starting a blog comes with a lot of planning and scheduling, so that's something that has really shaped the way I manage my time and days. 

The great thing about having your own blog is that you have the freedom of posting whenever you want. Also, if you get the Blogger app, you can post on your phone if you are on vacation. I like to put myself through that self discipline because I want my blog to really be relevant and seen by people. It's truly your decision on when you want to post, which I have loved...and hated. 

Establishing Yourself is Not Easy.

I have already learned that wanting to be the biggest blogger can't happen within a year or two. It took me awhile to get established followers and I'm still trying. I was so blinded by all of the numbers that at one point, my quality of writing kind of stunk. After a considerable break from my blog, I came back with even better ideas. I think the passion needs to be there for the art rather than the numbers and counts of followers you have. If anyone wants to become a blogger just for the popularity or "free stuff", you're in the wrong place.

You Don't Just Get Free Stuff.

Yes I have been asked by companies to review things and put codes into my posts, but I have only said yes to one of those companies. Solely because I wanted the products to be things I would have thought that my readers would love or be interested in. Sure, I was interested in the products, but I didn't want to promote some third party brand that is just reaching out for ad space. While I would love to have big name cosmetics and product brands contact me, the time will come, and I want people to appreciate my writing more than what I get from brands or companies. 

You Connect With So Many People.

I have learned that my blogging has built many relationships with people, not just companies. The fact that I get compliments in everyday life is suffice to show just how much I love what I do. I have met people from across the US, Europe, and Asia and that's the kind of work place I want to be in when I am older. I love meeting new people and I am so glad that blogging allows me to do that. 

Remember Who You Are and Why You Write.

Sometimes as a creator, we forget to think about the main reason we write and make content. Sure, I love talking about the things I love, but if the passion isn't there, the quality tends to sink. There are thousands upon thousands of bloggers out there who basically do the same thing I do. Why would we want to listen to you? That's the question I constantly ask myself whenever I open my dashboard. Sometimes, taking a break to get the inspiration flowing can be the best medicine. I know for sure that I have had writer's block and couldn't become inspired. Many bloggers influence what I write, review, or how I conduct things on my blog, but I try to keep it myself as best as I can. It's so important to remember that.

I'm sure I could ramble on about more good and bad things about blogging that I have come to learn over the past years, but I'll spare it until I write about what I have learned 3 more years from now. If you are a loyal reader and like what I post, I truly appreciate the support you all give me and even a little comment makes me happy. It's great to know people are reading and enjoying my writing. 

It's a little unclear as to what I am going to experience in college, but I am so excited to see how my blog flourishes and grows even more as I meet new people. If you are wanting to start a blog, do it. I have had the best experiences with it and wouldn't trade it for the world.