Go Live Explore’s 1st birthday is coming up this month, and I can’t help but reflect on the first year of my blogging journey. I never thought that my little scrapbook of events would become what it has today, but I guess that’s the amazing thing about the online world – you never know what will come next. Here are 6 things i’ve learned about blogging over the past year:

Authenticity Is Everything

It wasn’t until about six months into blogging that I felt that my writing became a true reflection of my personality and style. It takes time to develop your voice and feel comfortable being you, especially as there’s always that fear of being judged by others. I’ve realized though that it’s so much better – and much easier – to just be authentic and let your true voice shine through. 

Blogging Takes Time 

Blogging takes time. It takes time to create it, tweak it, build it and maintain it. If anyone ever tells you otherwise, then they’re definitely lying! I have huge respect for full-time bloggers as it’s not an easy game, and it’s scary putting your life story out there for the whole world to see. Blogging takes up a lot of your life and it’s definitely hard switching off from the online world. While it can appear glamorous and exciting, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes (such as drawing cupcake candles – oh the things you do for your blog).

It’s NOT A Competition

…But some people will act like it is. With the millions of blogs out there, it’s hard to see blogging as anything but competition. But really, it’s not! Just as you’re unique as an individual, the same applies for your blog. Comparing yourself to others does more harm than good. For me, i’d much rather inject my time and energy into networking with other bloggers and learning new ways to better my blog. After all, envy and comparison never gets you anywhere. 

Write About What You Love

When you don’t enjoy what you’re writing about, it shows. There’s a lot of pressure to write about certain things, but you’ve gotta write about what you love and love what you’re writing about. It makes blogging feel so much more natural and your readers will prefer it too. 

Be True To Your Branding

It’s important to be true to your branding and establish boundaries, especially when you start working with brands. While it’s so exciting when companies contact you and ask you to blog about their products, you’ve got to ask yourself whether you’d personally invest your own money into it. Just because something is being offered to you for free, that doesn’t mean you should modify your branding especially if you don’t feel comfortable promoting the product.

Practice Makes Perfect

Even after a year of blogging, I feel like i’ve barely scratched the surface. You’ve got to stick at it if you want to succeed. While sometimes that may mean failing, it also means learning new things and constantly adapting until you find the best fit. Just like anything, practice makes perfect. 

What have you learned about blogging? I’d love to hear about your journey!