A few days ago, I was notified that exactly two years ago I had started my blog.

Two years ago, my first blog post went up and Farm Girl Homesteading was born.

 

2 years

163 blog posts

292 ‘Official’ Followers

331 Comments

581 pictures

1,026 Likes

100% Effort

 

After two years of blogging, I feel like it’s finally my turn to write some tips and tricks that I’ve picked up in the last two years about blogging.

I remember when I first started blogging..  The idea of putting myself out there, for literally ANYONE to see, was terrifying!  I was taught about internet safety from a very young age and the internet was always a place of fear.  However, I have a much better understanding about all of this now, and although I am still aware of some of the scary stuff that goes on, it’s easy for me to attach a picture of myself to my blog posts or to tell people something as simple as my name. (It’s Deanna by the way. 😉 Pronounced: Dee-anna.)

I was a lost sole looking for information when I first started.  I am someone who doesn’t dive head first into something without doing a ‘Hermione sized load of research’ first. (Sorry, couldn’t resist a Harry Potter reference right there.)  I used to search day after day for ‘how to start a blog’ and ‘why do blogs fail’.  (Because let’s face it, I didn’t want to go into anything without knowing I could see it through first.)

So to bring it full circle; I want to write a little something to all of the new bloggers that are joining the blogging world this year and let you know that a successful blog IS possible.  And also to tell you that you’ll learn along the way.  I learned so much that first year and if I’m being honest, most of what I learned was from personal experience, not by reading other peoples opinions on what I ‘should’ be doing.

 

 

Why do most blogs fail?

Ohh the question everyone wants to know so that they can avoid a failed blog.  Although there are many factors on why blogs fail, I will be talking about the three most common causes of death for first time bloggers.

1. People give up on their blogs.

It’s simple, I know!  When people don’t become overnight sensations, they think that their blog isn’t good enough.  But let me tell you this: Overnight sensations don’t happen overnight. 😲🤯😲🤯😲  Shocking right!?!  Blogging takes time, don’t give up on it just because it doesn’t have thousands of views in that first year.  Heck, my first year, I got a total of 191 views!  I’m getting thousands now!

2. People write about stuff that no one wants to read.

Sure, if you’re writing about fashion, travel, or money, then I’m sure that you’re going to get a few views.  But if you’re writing about what tape dispensers are best for the office, or how to play a video game that no one knows about from the 80’s, then your general audience will be a very small pool.  If you’re going to start a blog, make sure it is something that people are going to want to read in the first place.

3. People aren’t passionate about what they are writing about!

People!  I can’t stress this enough!  Write about what you’re passionate about!  Sure, I just told you to write about something that other people are going to want to read, but you also need to write about something that you’re going to want to write!  For example; I am passionate about writing and gardening.  I put those two things together and now I have a blog about gardening and homesteading!

 

 

How to make your blog more successful.

There is ‘not failing’ and then there is ‘succeeding’.  Just like there is living and there is thriving!

1. Tell people about your blog!

If you want your blog to be seen by hundreds of people, then TELL hundreds of people about it!  I’m not telling you to scream it from the rooftops or tell people about it every chance you get to the point where it’s annoying.  But if you truly want it out there, share it!  Join a group that is dedicated to sharing each others blog posts and I promise that you’ll get a lot more traffic!

2. Get to know your fellow bloggers.

Blogging isn’t just about writing.  You need to know what other people in your circle are writing about.  Just simple things like following, liking, and commenting on other bloggers stuff is going to cause their traffic to come over to your page!  (Bonus points if you both write about the same thing!)  Making friendships in the blogging world not only helps your blog, but it gives you someone to ask if you need help with something!  So get out there and start reading other peoples blogs that is similar to yours!  Show them some love and they just might do the same with your blog!

3. Join a group!

I think that the first helpful thing I did for my blog was that I joined a group for beginner bloggers.  The small group that I was apart of kept me accountable for posting new content, showed me what my blog was missing and how to add it, and they also read my blog posts and gave me feedback and spell checks!  Joining a group can seem scary at first and they will definitely give you a lot of ‘critiques’ on your blog.  But you’re new to the game and you’re going to need all the help you can get!

 

 

Small but helpful tips:

 

1. Use your own pictures!

I am so thankful that I was told this when I first started out..  Not only it is plagiarism to use other peoples pictures that you found on Google, but you tend to give off a ‘fake’ vibe if you never use your own pictures.  If you have to use pictures that aren’t your own, find a website that has ‘free’ photos for you to use, or ask permission to use someones picture.

2. Use other platforms to advertise your blog!

I am regularly sharing my posts on Facebook, Pinterest, and Habitica so that other people can see them.  Not only does it give people an easy way to see when I’ve posted something new, but it brings in new people as well!

 

3. Be different.

Sure, there are tons of other people out there writing about the same things as you..  But what sets you apart?  Is it your witty sense of humor?  Your use of big words?  The amazing pictures you take for your blog?  Why is it that people come and read your blog, instead of going to someone else’s blog?  Find out what sets you apart and you’ll have an ace up your sleeve that separates you from everyone else in your field.

 

 

I welcome all of the new bloggers that are arriving on this platform because of Covid and I hope that your voice can be heard.  What do you think are the most important tips for new bloggers?  Do you agree with my list?  Have anything to add?  Comment Below!

As always, smile, have an amazing day, and remember that success comes to those who work hard for it. ❤