5 Things I’ve Learned in 4 Years of Blogging

Saturday August 20th marked four years that I’ve been blogging. Sadly, I haven’t written a blogiverary post since my first one. But now that I’ve got your attention, lemme share a few lessons, tips and tidbits I’ve picked up during this time.

1. Be Authentic. Be Genuine.

This is the only way I know how to write. I don’t understand copying. And, really, what good would it have done if I mimicked the way someone else spoke in their writing or copied their tone? How would anyone get to know ME? Being authentic and true to yourself is what wins the hearts and clicks of loyal readers… and people can pick up on fake!

I’ve observed others do this over the years in the world of content creation. Why? People mistake inspiration for imitation and it just doesn’t work out in the end. You may get a few eyes on your stuff but they won’t stick around.

#BetterBlogging Tip: Be Authentic! Don't mistake inspiration for imitation. Click To Tweet

2. It’s Okay to Be Your COMPLETE Self. Don’t Hold Back the Weird.

While I’ve never felt a need to copy others, there was a time when I felt like I had to be super proper and serious when writing. I held back my kooky ways for fear of being too casual, especially if it was a post about hair tips. Yes, I was giving information and, yes, I want to be a credible resource. But I don’t have to be a walking text book, just shooting off hair facts.

 It’s okay to throw in a “do you boo” or a “whachu talmbout” every now and then. Speaking in your own, true voice — that’s how folks get a feel for who you really are. If people only wanted to read facts and figures, they’d go to WebMD or some other such site. People come to blogs, yes, for the info, but mainly because of the people and voices behind them. How well we respond to information we take in often depends on the delivery… true, or nah? We trust people who we feel can relate to us!

So I threw caution to the wind and just wrote… slang and purposely misspelled words included (all in moderation, of course). And guess what? People appreciate it!

3. Not Everyone Will Understand

Unless all of your friends are bloggers or are in some type of creative profession, the likelihood is that they won’t fully understand why you need eight clear pics of your outfit when you find that good light or what you’re doing on that laptop all day.

Family… parents in particular? Fuhgeddaboudit!

I can’t tell you how many “you still on that computer?“s I’ve gotten from my mom in my first couple years of blogging. Finally, I came to grips with the fact that she may never quite “get it”. Eventually, she did (whew!) but even if she hadn’t, it would’ve been okay.

Friends may not understand why you muted that group chat so you could concentrate on writing. Dad may not get why you’re recording or taking pics of your hair in perm rods. But YOU do.  So it’s all good!

4. Don’t Forget Why You Started

Having received my cosmetology license 13 years ago and then embracing my natural hair later on, my goal was to share and educate. To help women learn to embrace their natural hair and stay on their journey. That hasn’t changed.

READ MY VERY FIRST POST HERE!

Not every day will be sunshine and lollipops. Yes, there were some days when I felt like giving up. But thinking about why I got started in the first place — because I love to write and I want to help people — has helped reignite that fire to keep going!

5.

There are some amazing blogs out there and their creators seem to be living the life. Looking at all the success stories you may even become intimidated and feel like, “why bother”. But, remember — those people didn’t start at the top.

Sure, it’s fine to have goals and you might use these bloggers as inspiration. But know where to draw the line. Don’t get so caught up in, “oooh, she’s working with this brand” or “how did SHE get that opportunity?!” Forget about all that. Take some pointers from them if you like but go ahead and build on what you’ve started. Being preoccupied with what everyone else is doing will only stifle your growth. Do you boo! 😉

I’m four years in but I’m still learning. Hopefully these tips will help you if you’re stuck in a rut or just starting out!

Let’s chat! If you’re a blogger, what are some things YOU’VE learned along the way?