I’m going to be pretty blunt about this because 1. I feel like I shouldn’t have to say it and 2. it seems like a lot of people need reassurance when it comes to this topic.
BLOGGING IS NOT A COMPETITION.
If you feel that it is, it’s because you’ve made yourself feel that way on your own by comparing your blog to everyone else’s and somehow convincing yourself that if your stats don’t match everyone else’s then your blog “isn’t good enough.”
Quite frankly, that’s bullshit.
Think about the reason that you started blogging. More than likely it had nothing to do with the amount of likes, comments and follows that you would get……and if it was then you started off on the wrong foot.
At the end of the day you need to realize that someone else will always have more likes than you. At the same time many people will also have less. I mean, think about it. There are thousands of blogs out there, from all over the world. Some will get more attraction than others. That’s just the way it is and THAT IS OKAY!
You need to remember that you don’t need to post every single day. You don’t need to review every single book that you read. If you can, that’s awesome but if not, so what. You have a life and sometimes that will stop you from blogging. That’s okay, shit happens.
Now for the more popular bloggers, I’m not saying you can’t be proud of your stats. You absolutely should be. So don’t think that that’s what I mean. But also, don’t go putting pressure on other people.
It’s totally normal to want your blog to be a success but keep these things in mind:
- Your stats will grow over time, don’t try to force it.
- Everyone starts at 0. Whether it takes you a week or a year to gain 10 followers does not matter.
- You do not need to follow everyone who follows you.
- Only follow the people whose content you appreciate, relate to, enjoy, etc.
- You don’t owe anyone a response.
- If you’re busy, your blog can wait. Sometimes comments go unanswered. And you do not need to respond to trolls. Don’t let other people ruin your blogging experience.
- Do NOT go around asking people to check out your blog.
- You look desperate. It’s best when people follow you because they want to. So comment on someone’s post about their content. Tell them what you like about it. Start a conversation. Engage. Get to know them. Don’t say “hey check out my blog” because I know a few people who (just like me) will ignore you and purposely not follow you just for doing that.
- You’re supposed to be blogging for YOU.
- Sure we all care about out audience and sometimes people may make requests/suggestions. But if you’re not feeling it or not up to it. Don’t do it.
That’s all I have to say for now. I know that this topic is a heavy one in our community so feel free to rant (respectfully) in the comments.
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This is such a great post Rae!!! I always thought my blog was unsuccessful because I didn’t have thousands of followers or likes/comments. But I don’t worry about that stuff anymore because it made blogging not very enjoyable. It really is important to remember that we blog firstly for ourselves. Once again, awesome post 💖
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Thanks Steffy!!! I think we all think that for a moment, we just have to remember why we started
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Amen to this! Though I have to admit that the part about comments is one I struggle with…I ALWAYS want to be responsive to others!!!
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Understandable. But not everyone deserves a response. Especially when their goal is to start a confrontation instead of having a discussion
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Yes definitely! I have been very lucky though to mostly have people who like to discuss…so then I realllly want to respond, even if I don’t have much time for that!!!
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I still agree with you…I just sometimes struggle to apply your advice to comments. 🙂
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I get it. But if you dont have time, you dont have time. If you answer it a week later at least you still answered
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True true. It is a personal blog, after all. And that includes the word personal. 🙂
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Exactly! Just try to keep that in mind next time youre busy 🙂
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Busy or stressed. Like this past week with family stuff going on.
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Then stepping back even just for a few days might be best, especially with family stuff happening. When you’re stressed in real life, added stress of blogging life just isn’t necessary ya know? Self care, my friend. Do what you gotta do for you
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You’re right. Self-care is definitely something I still need to learn.
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We all do!!!
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Nope! Let it go or answer it later
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Hear! Hear!
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Thanks Lauren!
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OK, perfect timing. I’m writing a blog & I realized I’m boring myself – so, I know where I need to work on it to please myself.
Also, your comment about not having to write a review on every book we read touched home to me too.
Ugh. Those “please read my blog” comments drive me batty too! If I see it, my initial reaction is to ignore the comment entirely. If someone comments on my blog, chances are I’m going to check theirs out. But leaving a comment to check out your blog tells me that my blog wasn’t your comment’s intention – plugging your own blog was.
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Glad this came at the right time! And its okay to skip certain parts of a book in your review if youre not feeling it. I do that ALL the time.
Honestly, I hardly have time to READ all of the books I want to get to I damn sure don’t have time to review them all! Thats why I added “other books read” to my monthly wrap up. I still feel like im documenting it without having to write an entire review.
The way you summed that up was literally perfect 🙂
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This is such a great post and something I really need to remember! I always get caught up in my blog not looking good enough compared to someone else’s and I need to stop that. And I also need to only follow people whose content I like. I have a tendency to follow whoever follows me but a few weeks back I went on a massive purge and unfollowed a whole bunch of people.
Great post ! 💕
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Thanks, Laura! It’s very easy to get caught up in that stuff but the fact that you unfollowed people is such a great start ❤
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This really needed to be said. And, girl, you said it so well ❤
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Thank you so much!
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