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ImpurrfectLife

Finding joy & healing after pet loss through inspiration & art!

14 Lessons learned after 18 months of blogging

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With 2018 here and flying by fast, it made me realize “Wow it’s been 1 ½ years since I started my blog!” Where does the time go? Time flies when you are working hard and having fun. I always like to check in now and then and let you know what’s going on in my life. So, I figured with the new year starting, I’d share 14 lessons I have learned after 18 months of blogging.

Since starting this blog Impurrfectlife in summer of 2016, it’s been quite the journey. I had a milestone birthday this week and if someone would have told me 5 years ago, I’d have my own website and I’d say “Who me?!” Now that I’ve been blogging for a little while, I’ll share the lessons I’ve learned so far on this journey. I’m sure I’ll have many more lessons to add in the future. So those of you that are new, get a pen and take notes!

  1. Blogging is more than just writing. It’s a lot of work!

I’m a hard worker and knew that blogging would take work but I had no idea the extent of the work involved. Wow! I know you may have heard this before, but there’s a reason 99.99% of bloggers repeat this same sentiment. First, let me say that I blog however do have help on the back-end on the tech side.  That is a blessing being 18 months in with blogging. There is a lot of work involved. What do I mean? It’s more than just writing content and coming up with brainstorm topics to write about. There are so many things to think about.

I had to do my homework and research and see what was mandatory and necessary. What would I write about? What would be my niche? How about my mission statement? Also, I had to consider a logo and a name for the blog. Then, I had to think about what I had to do legally to make sure to follow FTC rules as well as make sure I had things in place like privacy, terms and conditions and disclaimers on my blog. Also, if working with an affiliate program I needed to have proper disclosures. Then there are things to consider like how to protect images, content, etc. How do I create pinnable images? and cover photos?  I had to learn about terms like SEO and keywords. I’m still learning!

Additionally, on top of that I had to learn better time management and social sharing. Like many people I started a blog while working a full-time 9 to 5 job and dealing with a long commute. It can be exhausting, so managing time was essential. However even with that, I was sleep deprived often because I could only find time to write and share on social after work hours, late night or early morning communing to work. Blogging involves lots of research, time management, social engagement and interaction with readers outside of writing. Whew!

lessons learned 18 months blogging

  1. Focusing on numbers is not everything

The second lesson I have come to learn the hard way is numbers and likes are not everything. Coming into the world of blogging and seeing other successful bloggers is intimidating. Reading on other forums about bloggers with 100,000 monthly readers and 500,000 followers on Instagram and YouTube is overwhelming. However, listening to an audio clip by serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, gave me perspective. To paraphrase “Likes doesn’t mean a thing if it doesn’t translate to genuine engagement and conversion to sales.”

Also, what I learned by following community forums is that social media followers can be bought. I never knew this, but it’s true. People starting out with a blog or business to promote can buy followers. This really gave me a new perspective and I felt better about myself.  Buying followers is not authentic traffic and are automated bots. In the long haul it’s not long-lasting.

This is not to say numbers don’t matter to a blogger, but what I have come to understand is that when I focus on putting energy into the quality and content, the numbers will come.  I shouldn’t compare one bloggers numbers and success to mine. We all have our own journey. I don’t need to get down on myself or envy another person’s numbers because quite frankly you have no idea what it took for them to get those numbers.

I’ve learned that I’d rather have organic natural followers that stand the test of time over buying followers. It may be a slow and long road to growth in numbers but that’s okay. I want followers and supporters that stand the test of time. It’s about building a genuine community in the long haul.

  1. Expanding social media presence is necessary

If you know me personally, you know a couple of years ago I was not keen on having a social media presence at all. I liked my anonymity. So, what changed my mind? Learning from the mistakes of other bloggers.

When I started my blog, I was obsessed with trying to find as much information as I could about “Mistakes to avoid” or “Things I wish I knew when I started a blog”. One of the reoccurring things that would come up is that other experienced bloggers regretted staying anonymous when starting their blog and not using a variety of social platforms. So, I bit the bullet and started building a social media presence.

What I also discovered is that my readers don’t have access to all social platforms. Just because Facebook and Instagram are two of the most popular platforms, doesn’t mean your readers necessarily use those platforms. Some folks prefer Bloglovin or only Twitter.

I had to learn that I need to diversify my reach to have my content seen by as many people as possible. It sounds like common sense I know but 18 months ago this was all new to me. I’m a little older and wiser now so, I’ve learned from others mistakes and continue to grow and diversity my social media channels.

Sample of my art

  1. My creativity is put on display

One of the joys of blogging has been the ability ability to share my creativity. So, whether that means writing content, creating pins and sharing my art, I’ve been able to put my creativity on display for the world to see. Blogging has provided a great opportunity to let my work be seen by so many more people compared to word of mouth in person. The internet is definitely a powerful medium of sharing content and work worldwide. It’s been fulfilling to know people are inspired by my writing and art.

  1. Strength in vulnerability

Starting this blog came from a vulnerable time in my life. It was actually my husband’s idea for me to try blogging as a way to share my feelings dealing with pet loss. My thoughts were “Perhaps other people can relate to what I’m feeling. There’s got to be other people who feel like I do.”

And after 18 months of blogging, I’ve come to realize I was right! There are so many people who can identify with exactly what I’ve gone through and that’s validating and healing for me. Out of my vulnerability came strength.

lessons learned 18 months blogging

  1. Silent followers are watching

I have a growing number of followers on my social media channels. I can see that. My numbers are growing slowly but still growing none the less. However, one thing I often forget are those followers that are silent. What do I mean? I’ve come to learn that there are readers of my blog out there that haven’t signed up for my mailing list or clicked the “follow” button on my social media but find time in their day to check out my blog. These silent followers find me because of a guest post I’ve done for another company or see what I’m up to because of my engagement on social media or because of a comment I made on another person’s blog.

It makes me feel great to read a message or get a comment from a fan that says “I don’t comment online but I’ve been following your blog for a while and I really can relate to your experience” or “I don’t follow your blog all the time but you really helped my friend.”

These personal testimonies really make me happy and help me to remember that just because no one may comment, doesn’t mean people aren’t watching. So, it’s important to keep going and posting even when you think people aren’t watching. I’m helping make a difference in people’s lives.

  1. Fellow bloggers give more than just tips

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned thus far is that bloggers give more than just good blogging advice. One of my favorite blogging communities is the BlogPaws Community. After suffering the loss of my pet Dusty, I found a tremendous amount of support to my experience in the BlogPaws community. Interacting with other pet bloggers and bloggers of other niches, provided a great supportive network. Not only have my blogging peers given great tips and advice concerning blogging, they have shared their own personal testimonies as to their own similar experiences with their pets.

Sharing that experience with me provided validation and healing I didn’t expect. I always hoped I could provide that for others however had zero expectation of that coming back to me. Having a great support network was an unexpected blessing I am very grateful for.

 

  1. Getting a new kind of education

Along with support in the blogosphere, I am learning along the way. I am getting quite the education online these days. By interacting online and socializing with other bloggers, I’ve been able to learn so much information about issues facing pets and current trends in the blogging community.

Before starting my blog, I did not have any knowledge about wobbly cats, pet message therapy or adoption challenges faced by certain dog breeds. After blogging for a while I have come to understand that there are so many other aspects and issues I am completely ignorant about . That’s okay because I’m a work in progress and continue to learn and grow in the blogosphere community. I’m older and wiser now because of my time spend engaging with other bloggers. This in invaluable because it’ll only make me a better pet parent the third time around when the time comes.

  1. Similar views – “Pets are family!”

You can call me the crazy cat lady if you want but be warned I’m not the only one. If there is one lesson I have learned thus far is I am not alone when it comes to pampering my pets and treating them like family.

I could share stories about how my cat would be so chatty. Or how I would talk to her like she could understand me. And yet, my blogging peers and community of readers understand exactly what I mean. I know they can relate because they literally share the same views. Our pets are treated like family members. They aren’t just animals. That makes me feel great because I know I’m not the only one who valued their pet and treated them like family.

  1. There is healing in sharing

Blogging started as a way to get my feelings and thoughts to paper so to speak. It was in this time that people commenting would also share their similar experiences and emotions. I could relate to their human experience and vice versa. There is healing in validation and understanding. You can call it therapy. I call it healing in sharing. It’s a great reminder that we are not alone in our experiences in this world. Someone else in the world has gone through the same experience and survived to tell about it.

lessons learned 18 months blogging

  1. Growth, collaboration and money-making opportunities

Eighteen months ago, I had heard of blogging however never paid much attention to why bloggers blog or how they turn that into a living and make money. It was not until I started thinking about leaving my day job and doing research online about blogging in general, that I seriously looked into monetizing my blog.

I mean 30 years ago was there even such a thing called a professional paid blogger? Not to my knowledge. However, seeing how the world has changed so much and there are in fact different ways to making money, I became intrigued. I saw a whole new perspective I had not before.

As long as one has the right mindset and attitude, there is always an opportunity to make income, collaborate with companies and grow. This year I definitely have it as a priority to continue to break out of my shell more and actively pursue new opportunities.  I’ve learned in blogging, you have to create your own opportunities. No one is going to just hand you over the keys to the castle. You have to build what you want for yourself in order to make things happen and see success. Nothing comes for free in this world. You have to help create your own destiny one step at a time.

  1. It costs money!

Oh yes! It costs money to have a blog. Sure, you’ve seen people say “You can earn money with a blog.” But the flip side is it actually costs money to start and maintain a blog. After a year and a half of blogging I’ve learned that anything of quality does take two things time and money.

My blog is fairly new and yet I still have expenses. Yes! What costs are involved? As a blogger I’ve personally spend money on expenses including blog hosting fees, Post Office Box mail fees, Facebook ad /boosting fees, gifts for giveaways and postage fees for mailing prizes to winners in my giveaways. And that’s just little ‘ole me.

Other big time bloggers that are more seasoned than myself may or may not tell you there are other expenses like monthly/annual fees for services like upgraded features in email and marketing services like Mailchimp, or design software like Canva. Also, although there are free WordPress design themes for your blog, there are plenty of other beautiful themes available for bloggers at a price. Other additional expenses can be things like plugin software, audio/visual equipment (DSLR cameras to take great images/video recorders/microphones for podcasts) and costs for training classes /conferences for bloggers to attend.

So, blogging isn’t cheap. As a newbie and a person with a limited budget, I just have learned to make the most of what I do have access to. I’ll tell you YouTube and interacting with other experienced bloggers is a blessing (and free). I’m attending the school of hard knocks. I’ve learned to just make do with the tools I have and forget the rest. With expense in mind, I’ve just learned to adapt. I use my own creativity and free resources the best I can.

lessons learned 18 months blogging

  1. Don’t neglect your health

If you have followed me a while now you know I definitely go up and down with weight and staying consistent with  fitness activities. Admittedly I have my good moments and not so good moments. Blogging over the last year and a half has reminded me to not only get rest when I feel like I’m burnout or exhausted, I also need to move.

Sitting for long periods of time, especially since leaving my 9 to 5 job, is not a good thing and is counterproductive to being active. When you are in a zone and writing content it’s easy to let hours escape you. But I learned the hard way that getting exercise a few times a week is essential. Not only is it good for cardio and general health, exercising will help with brain memory function and your muscles. Sitting too much at the computer would at times leave me sore or my shoulders hunched over and fatigued. Sitting all day does not promote good posture. And need I tell you, that leads to extra pounds on the scale!

I learned from my mistake and created a routine for myself to get up every hour and stretch. I’ve made a commitment to exercise at least 3 days a week and increase frequency as the year goes on. Whenever I am exercising and stay hydrated I do better throughout my day and my body responds well without the aches and pains of sitting all day at the computer. I even sleep like a log at night and wake up more refreshed. So, I say all this to say, don’t neglect your own health and rest time.

  1. Always remember why you started

Last but not least, I remember why I started this blog in the first place. It was to honor my cat Dusty’s memory and also leave a legacy behind for others. I wanted to turn my pain into purpose and help another pet parents find healing after pet loss. That’s my mission and why I blog. My “Why” hasn’t changed in 18 months and I don’t see it changing anytime soon.

Always remember why you started in the first place!

lessons learned 18 months blogging
RIP Dusty 2001-2015

 

So those are my 14 lessons learned after 18 months of blogging. I look forward to learning more lessons in the next 18 months. Can you relate to any of these? Is there anything else you would add? Comment and share your most valuable lesson learned since starting a blog below. Don’t forget to share this post with a friend!

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lessons learned 18 months blogging

Comments

    • Mary,
      Glad you are starting off well. Learning from other definitely has helped me and hope it continues to help you too. Wish you best of success in your blogging journey.

      Reply

  5. I can relate to all of these. I am not quite as far along on my journey, but there are many things that have surprised me in the short time I’ve been online. I’m with you, I don’t love to have my life all over social media. I’m a very private person by nature. Blogging has forced me to break out of that shell and do things like network with other bloggers and put myself out there. One of the best points from your post is that you really have to go after what you want, it’s not going to come after you. That’s especially true with monetization. Hope and can only take you so far.

    Reply

  6. Blogging can definitely seem like a chore some days but I think if we stick to our purpose it’s worth it in the end. Time management can be an issue for me no matter what the project!

    Reply

  7. Kudos for starting your blog during such a difficult time in your life and also kudos for learning such important lessons and tactics along the way. I’m thrilled to hear that BlogPaws has helped you- I know that the BlogPaws Conference I attended less than a year after starting mine literally changed my life! OH, and a cerain deaf dg had something to do with that too!

    Reply

  8. Well said! Number 14 is key. It’s the passion and the “why” that will makes it all meaningful! Just imagine how much more is in store in the next 18 months! Congratulations on a year-and-a-half of blogging success!

    Reply

  9. Yes, blogging does take a lot of time and effort. Like they say, you have to keep on a schedule, not just blog when you feel like it. The BlogPaws Community is so wonderful in giving tips and advice and everyone is willing to help everyone out. I’m not sure if I could have kept this up without them. I totally agree with your points – great post!

    Reply

  10. I am always astonished at the sheer amount of money some people have to throw at a blog. I can’t afford $40 a month for a nifty scheduler (REALLY?!?!), I make do with Tweetdeck and Hootsuite. I am investing in Tailwind but monthly because yaaaay annual is cheaper, but only if you have the money.

    We all do what we can, We grow our followers, we have our small tribes. We can’t come close to the millions of followers some influencers have but I hope we can make a difference. Times are tough, we can’t be serious all the time and people need to smile and laugh. Seeing art or cats lifts the spirits and even if we don’t have fancy numbers we can make an impact.

    My short video about a rescue duckling was far from perfect but its strong message got it to the Nose2Nose finals. It was shot on an older iPhone and is the perfect lesson for bloggers – never give up you can do this, and maybe do it even better. A smartphone can rock the work with its images – its not the equipment, its the user who counts.

    Reply

    • Did I tell you lately that I just love your blog? Well I do! Seriously, it’s looking really slick and I like the way you’ve integrated your Zazzle and Redbubble shops. I’ve been blogging for two years now and yes, the learning never ends! I’m a night owl and get all my blogging done late at night. Great tip about the exercise because that is so important to get away from the computer and get that blood pumping for renewed energy to tackle another blog post with a clear head. Ok, now I’m off to do some push-ups (not!) lol

      Reply

      • Yasaar,
        Oh thank you so much! Yes, stretching and exercising is important. I’m a work in progress in this department but it’s true. Sitting long hours isn’t good for us. We have to get the blood pumping. LOL Push ups not, squats yes!

        Reply

    • Marjorie,
      Well said. What you said about using your old iphone reminds me of Gary Vaynerchuk always saying ” Dude, I win because I give good quality content for free. I’m not fancy.” You are spot on about our readers/users. You never realize just how impactful your blog can be to others and also never know who is watching that knows other people with a huge following. 😉

      Reply

  11. Fantastic post and I am still trying to juggle time but am getting better weekly. I have been blogging for nearly 2 years, have kept it about my life with Layla as much as possible. Blogging is an expense but for me putting my thoughts on paper and sharing is worth that small expense and am keeping it the way I am doing at this moment. I do not have a major following like some but have noticed that my numbers have grown although not many comment on the blog and that is fine with me. One of the social platforms that I am using is LinkedIn which has helped a lot also.

    Good Luck with your blogging

    Reply

  12. Thanks for sharing these tips. I started my blog legaciesofgold.com about 6 months ago and I feel like everyday I learn something new. The blogging world takes lots of work so this advice is needed!

    Reply

  13. My favorite point you made was STRENGTH IN VULNERABILITY. As bloggers, our community offers incredible support both technically and emotionally, and our readers identify with us best when we show them ourselves–our TRUE selves, warts and all. That opens the dialogue–hey, that blogger feels/says/does the same as me! And those are the folks who become successful. Sounds like you’re doing everything right…er, write! Congrats on the anniversary and may you celebrate many more.

    Reply

    • Amy,
      Thank you so much. I can’t rave enough about the Blogpaws community and how informative AND supportive all the bloggers have been. It’s definitely an aspect I didn’t forsee but very grateful for. Thanks for the well wishes too. Congrats on all your progress and success too. Your journey is inspiring.

      Reply

  14. What absolutely makes the heart of a bloggin’ kitty like me soar, is when non-bloggers leave comments on my blog. Of course, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it when bloggers do, too, but they’re more used to leavin’ comments on blogs, you know? Non-bloggers, however, often never do that. Never. Not ever! So when a non-bloggin’ kitty or doggy or peep leaves a comment on my blog, I know in my heart that they made a choice to “put themselves out there.” A choice that might have been difficult for them to make. And that’s why when they leave comments, it MAKES MY HEART SOAR, right up into the clouds, and believe-you-me, I’m purrin’ all the way. PURRS.

    Reply

  15. Going on 8 years on my end… I assure you it never gets easier. It changes a lot. From how short or long posts should be to how many pictures are recommended to what social media platforms…. At this point in my journey I just do it for me. Otherwise … I couldn’t sustain the dedication required while working a full time job and you know … having a life of love and travel! Keep up the good work. Those are astute observations.

    Reply

    • Sonja,
      Thanks for shedding light even after 8 years. It’s refreshing to know I’m not alone as a semi newbie. Even veteran bloggers can agree. Thanks for the kind words as well. 🙂

      Reply

  16. I agree with all of this. I just hit my 2 year mark a little while ago and it’s crazy how much you learn. About the industry, about working with brands, about tech and social media and SEO, about things you never even thought about before becoming a blogger. Best of luck to you in the months and years to come

    Reply

  17. Great post!!! I just hit my two-year mark and agree with you on so many of these points! This is a post anyone who’s thinking about starting a blog should read. And for those already blogging, it’s a great reminder to us! I love that you ended with remember why you started. That is the key!

    Reply

  18. A very open, honest, and true post, one that every person who decides to start blogging should read. There is so much more to blogging then just sitting down at a computer and typing. After several years at it, I still struggle with many of the points you bring up – I believe we can be hard on ourselves, but most importantly, when we feel this way, it’s when we need to step back, regroup, remember why we stared blogging and find fellow bloggers that understand and offer support to one another.

    Reply

  19. You learned all this in 18 months?! Lol I’ve been blogging for 5 years now and I’m just not learning some of what you mentioned! This is an excellent post for newbies and people who feel they’ve been in the game a while! You said a word about how you had to realize being present on social media was necessary! I was so caught up in “the people who want to be here will come” that I kind of cheated myself from a larger following and community that social media provides! Great work sister.

    Reply

  20. This is just what I needed to read! I think my blog is 3 weeks old, so this is all wonderful advice to keep in mind as I move forward on this blogging journey. Especially your first lesson, it’s a lot of work (especially with a full time job) and there is so much to learn. Thank you for reminding me that it’s not impossible!

    Reply

    • Joelle,
      Thank you and also for taking time to read the blog. Congrats on starting. You may want to check out blogpaws.com. It’s a great site and community for pet bloggers. 🙂

      Reply

  21. Such a timely and informative post. One that stood out most are silent watchers and always remember why you started. To me, those two points are intertwined. I tend to save those comments of the silent participants because they are the ones that I believe resonate with my contents more. When I am feeling discouraged, thats where I go to first…. and I am back. Great post!

    Reply

    • Msddah,
      Thanks for your insightful comment. Yes, it definitely can get difficult but remembering your “why” always keeps me inspired. I’ll have to check out your blog too. Thanks.

      Reply

  24. There’s so much more behind the scenes of blogging than I could have ever imagined. It sounds like you’ve learned a lot in the last 18 months!

    Reply

  25. These are all sooo true! I’ve been blogging just a few months less than you and all these things were like mind-blowing when I was learning them. It’s good to know that other bloggers are on the same page as me!
    My favorite of your lessons here was that you have some silent followers who aren’t necessarily commenting and stuff. I needed to hear that, but I know it’s true because before I was a blogger myself, I wasn’t the type to comment on other people’s stuff! Why should I assume others are?

    I’ll definitely be pinning this post to my blogging resources board on Pinterest 🙂

    Reply

  26. Great things you had to say about what you’ve learned about blogging. These are all great points. It’s a very interesting post, and I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

    Reply

  27. almost 8 and a half years into blogging and I totally agree with you! I laughed at the part about buying followers……(you wouldn’t believe how many do! I am proud to say I have NEVER nor would I EVER buy followers)……..that is the reason why many of my numbers are “stuck” but I say…….when I die the number of followers I have won’t be on my grave stone (at least I hope not lol)

    Reply

    • Caren,
      LOL. Us followers are loyal! Thanks for shedding your perspective as an expert . I definitely value your input. I couldn’t believe people buy followers. I have not done so nor intent to. I like being authentic and real…even if I’m impurrfect! 🙂 Thanks for your support!

      Reply

  30. I’m a new blogger as well and I’ve had to learn that my social media presence is very important and at times when it seems like things aren’t going like I envisioned I need to remember why I started. Thanks for sharing! Great post.

    Reply

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