Friday, January 15, 2016

5 Things I Learned in My First Year of Blogging

As of yesterday, Currently, Kelsie is officially one year old! If I could share a big piece of birthday cake with you all, I would. It's been such a joy to see what started with a simple domain name morph and blossom into much more over the last 365 days. I've watched blogging become a type of ministry, readers unite over shared stories and vulnerability, and this small little corner of the internet grow into a community. I've learned how to run a weekly link party, apply for affiliate programs, and edit my own HTML code. But more than that, I've walked away with these 5 lessons- ideas that all bloggers (newbies or veterans alike) can be reminded of.


Birthday cupcakes and candles

1. Choose community OVER competition. 

Like so many other areas of our lives, it is so so easy to look around the blogging world and be incredibly discouraged. Comparison can be hard. People will always have more page views, more Facebook followers, or more sponsored posts than you do. If others are succeeding, it's easy to think that you can't- and it's easy to shy away from "competitors". But I have found other bloggers to be the most amazing source of community and support. To truly succeed, you've got to have a solid blogging group or two and a community to share blogging life with. Once I stopped seeing other bloggers as people to "beat", I met so many wonderful and encouraging people!

2. Photos and titles can make or break a post.

I learned pretty quickly that quality photos are necessary for any good blog post. If you really want to have quality photos, take your own (or find free stock photos), and then create your own labels or titles on your pictures using Canva, Picmonkey, or Photoshop. Let's be honest, you've got to pull people in with your keywords, titles, and pictures far before you ever get them to read your entire post. Also, list posts (like this one) are the best!

3. There is always room to learn and grow in the blogging world.

Holy. Smokes. There is a whole heck of a lot to know about blogging. HTML code, plug-ins, alt text for photos, Google Analytics, Pinterest plug ins, link parties, the list goes literally on and on. This can be intimidating at first, but the best approach is to focus on a few things at a time, and then learn a little more and master a little more as you go. Thankfully, there are lots of awesome bloggers out there who are happy to offer lots of advice and feedback along the way. Learning fearlessly is part of my mission, and I love how the blogging world provides for constant learning and growth that keeps me on my toes.

4. Maintaining a blog is a LOT of work. Find balance! 

Blogging is a lot of work, and can be very time-consuming. Sometimes you'll find yourself up super late, finishing a post or commenting on other blogger's content. It's worth it, but can be a little daunting sometimes. Since there can be so much to manage, you'll need to take breaks sometimes to avoid burnout. And guess what- the world will still keep turning! When we went on our 16 day European adventure, I didn't blog or touch social media at all. I prescheduled a few posts and things on Facebook, and enjoyed my time away. I also took a break from social media on my phone from Thanksgiving to Christmas. These times of rest were so valuable, and helped me be present in a world full with technology and looming blog tasks.


5. Be yourself, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

The best blogs aren't necessarily the ones that promote the most ads or share the most sponsored posts. Instead, they are the blogs that are real and authentic and true to the author's heart. Otherwise, an audience will see right through your content. Figure out your mission and what drives you as a blogger, then come up with a statement for it. The story behind my tagline helps readers see what makes me tick, and why I'm here.

You've also got to promote a little bit, without being ashamed. It can be scary to start a Facebook page or share posts on social media, but readers don't just show up overnight without any work. And when they do start to show up (or maybe they don't for a while), don't get too focused on the numbers. Statistics are great, but they aren't everything. Don't give up.

If you'd like to see some of the top posts of the year, along with some fun video and silly photos, check out 2015: A Year in Review. 

I hope these lessons help you as you start out or continue to blog. I know I need to be reminded of them sometimes. Thank you to Aaron- my number one supporter! Thanks to anyone who has read, commented, liked, or shared a post (this includes you)- you make it all worth it and I'm so glad you're here! And thanks to my Alder Collective ladies- Abby, Cristi, Kayla, Ashlynn, Lisa, and Brandy- you rock! 

It's been a great year, and I'm excited to see what year number two brings!

Currently,
Kelsie

116 comments:

  1. I have only been blogging for 4 months but I think #1 is so true! :) Congrats on hitting the 1 year mark! :)

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  2. Congratulations on 1 year! Your blog is pretty. I'll have to take a look around. I've been blogging for 2 years now and you are so right there is so much to learn! Have a great weekend.

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    1. Thanks so much, Cat! Thanks for stopping by and checking things out!

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  3. Number one is definitely the biggest blogging lesson I've learned as well. I have a really hard time seeing everyone as competitors, but I've learned that I need to support other bloggers and build a relationship with them if I want to succeed.

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  4. Congrats on one year! #4 is something that has been taking me awhile to sort out, but I think I'm finally finding a balance. :)

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  5. It sure does take a lot of work and commitment keeping a blog going and growing! Congrats on 1 year!

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  6. hurray for one year! cant wait to continue reading! your blog is adorable!

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    1. Yay! And thanks so much, Cait! That means so much :)

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  7. Community is a huge part of successful blogging. Learning how to not compare yourself to others is difficult but necessary. Congrats on year one of your fantastic blog and can't wait for many more to come!

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  8. Yes to all of these! I definitely think the hardest for me to learn was that while, yes there is SO much to learn and work on, don't let it overwhelm you! Take it as a challenge adn something fun to learn - I've recently told myself to dedicate each month to a specific topic and earn and grow as much as I can on that topic in that month rather than try and do it all and burn myself out!

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    1. Exactly, Morgan! I love that idea of dedicating it to a specific topic!

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  9. This is a wonderful list with some great insights! I agree a million times over about the importance of a community. Looking forward to your blog posts in year 2! - Trish

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    1. Thanks so much, Trish! I'm looking forward to it too!

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  10. Great and I agree with all of it! Congrats on your one year anniversary!

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  11. Wow! Thank you for the shoutout at the end! Happy 1st Bloggy Birthday, Kelsie!! You're so right about blogging being time consuming. Glad you took a break during your trip and the holidays. It seemed like you returned refreshed and ready to blog again. Nice! Here's to another year of successful blogging!! I'm so excited to be a part of your journey. :)

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    1. You're so welcome, Ashlyn :) It was a nice break for sure. Excited to have you be a part of it all!

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  12. Wow, what a blessing to have made it through a year of blogging. Your blog is beautiful, and I hope that you can just continue to improve more and more!

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  13. Love these tips!Thank you - I am going to take a look over my blog on how to improve. Happy 1st bloggy birthday too!

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  14. Every single one of these are so true!! Love the blogging community :)
    Kelsey
    www.thepeacockroost.com

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  15. Great lessons - especially #1! I love the blogging community and writing for the passion and fun of it, not competition.

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    1. Thanks so much, Becky! I love it for the passion as well :)

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  16. Hi from the link-up and Happy Blogiversary!!

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  17. Happy I was able to discover your blog through the link-up + happy blogiversary! Wishing you and your piece of the Interwebs continued success.

    Happy Friday!

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    1. I'm so happy you were able to find me as well. Thanks for the well-wishes! Hope to have you back again soon :)

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  18. Great post, I have one titled the exact same..ha...

    Happy Blogaversary!

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  19. Congrats on your first year!! I also just had my blogaversary. Blogging has enriched my life in so many ways. And I am so happy to have found yours!


    - Seri
    www.Serisblog.com

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    1. That is awesome! Congrats! I am so happy you found it as well :)

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  20. These are all great lessons to learn! I wish you all the best in your future blogging years to come!

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  21. Happy 1 year Anniversary! Stopping by from the link up :)

    Justine @ Charm City Ciemny's
    www.lifeasabaltimoregirl.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks so much, Justine! Planning to visit your city in March!

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  22. Great post, I am learning as I go too, I really enjoy reading these types of post!

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  23. Agree with all of these! Happy blogiversary!

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  24. These are all so so true! I quickly realized when I started this blog that there is so much to learn and so many ways to improve and grow. It can be overwhelming and having blogging friends (like YOU) is one of the best ways to get support and grow as a blogger! Congrats on making it one year, Kelsie...I'm excited to keep sharing in the blogging and real life journeys with you! :)

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    1. Yes, yes, yes!! Thanks so much, Lauren! We need another coffee date soon!

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  25. Thank you for sharing Kelsie! This is a good reminder to take one step at a time. Blogging can be SO daunting and it really is much more of a commitment than I originally thought it would be - but i LOVE it. Who knew that strangers would be more kind and supportive than some people I know in real life?! Happy 1 year anniversary ;)
    ~Mattie www.mattiesmakings.com

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    1. Thanks for reading, Mattie! One step at a time for sure!! Thanks for your kind words :)

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  26. I love all of these. #1 is so true!!

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  27. Happy birthday to your blog! How exciting. I think blogging is so much fun.

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    1. It is exciting, Leslie! And a lot of fun. Thanks for stopping by!

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  28. Such a great list! I'm still in my first year of blogging and have learned so much! Collaboration and connections with other bloggers is key! Congrats on making it your first year and happy Blog-Iversary :)

    Keep smiling!
    Molly | www.stylemissmolly.com

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    1. Well thanks so much, Molly! It is a learning experience for sure!

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  29. Congrats on your 1 year mark! I just started, but I went so hard at the beginning that I'm already forcing myself to unplug this weekend.

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    1. Yes, unplugging is necessary! Hope you are loving it and learning a lot :)

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  30. Happy 1 Year! These are all great reminders as I approach my first anniversary.

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    1. Thanks so much, Danielle, and congrats on your upcoming anniversary!

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  31. Happy blogiversary! These are all such great and valuable lessons--especially #1! I love blogging partly because of the wonderful community and all the friends I've made through it! :]

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  32. YES to all of these especially one and two!
    Happy one year anniversary.

    xoxo, Jenny

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  33. It's hard to believe you've only been blogging for one year... Congrats Kelsie! I love love love number one, the best lesson you'll ever learn ever !! Blogging is such a great way to connect with people we wouldn't otherwise do! I'm so happy that we've found each other via this blogging world.

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    1. Yep, just one year. It's been a fun adventure! Thanks so much for your kind kind words. I hope you stop by again soon :)

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  34. Wonderful tips! thank you so much for sharing. Just found your blog and am looking forward to subscribing so I can read what you post in the future. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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    1. Thanks so much, Cassandra! I am excited to have you here :) Have a wonderful weekend!

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  35. Yay for Blogiversaries! January is my anniversary month, too. It went by SO fast! I guess it's true: time flies when you're having fun!

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  36. As a newbie- this was helpful- such good reminders! Congrats on your one year and your blog is lovely!

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    1. I'm so glad it was helpful, Carri! Thanks so much for your kind words!

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  37. I am brand new to blogging! This was a perfect read! Thank you for sharing your experience!

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    1. Yay! I'm so glad it was helpful! Best of luck as you start your blog!

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  38. Congrats to you! #5 is so important. Being yourself on social media can be tough but that vulnerability creates great relationships with your fans and community members. Keep at it! Enjoy!

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    1. Thanks so much, Alonda, and I totally agree!! Thanks for the encouragement!

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  39. I love this post! I have been blogging on and off for a few years but think that all of these points are great for new bloggers. Everyone learns these lessons so it's a great reminder :)

    Chandler | Life as a Larsen

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    1. Thanks so much Chandler! I agree, they are good to be reminded of :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  40. Happy 1 Year of blogging to you! Sounds like you've learned a lot in just the one year! :) I think the aspect of realizing that blogging is not about competition is really important. Just because someone else is really awesome at blogging doesn't mean that you're 'bad' at it. There's not a limit on the amount of awesomeness in the world.

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    1. Thanks so much, Rachel!! I have definitely learned a ton. You are so so right! Thanks for reading.

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  41. YES, YES, YES!! This is a fantastic. So with you on everything - love how you brought up how photos and titles matter!

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    1. Well thanks so much Summer!! I think that photos and titles have definitely been more of my focus here in the last few months, and it has made a huge difference!! Thanks for reading.

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  42. I'm learning many of the same things in my first year of blogging. And the learning is the fun part! There is always something new to learn and try.

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    1. You are so right, Christa! It is fun to learn these things for sure!

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  43. Amen to all of these! And I love that the only real tangible thing you included was the title and picture thing because blogging is such a community and it's so important to be yourself and so much of blogging is mental. Perfect!

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  44. These are great lessons to have learned! Congratulations on your first year!

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    1. Thanks so much, Branson, and thanks for stopping by!

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  45. Congratulation on Year One of your blog and being a Blessing to others...I am close to my one year anniversary for my blog on Facebook! :)

    Ursula

    www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com

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    1. Well thanks so much Ursula, and congratulations to you!!

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  46. Love this list so much, Kelsie! Community over competition is SO true & blogging really does take a lot of time and effort. People don't get that most of the time

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    1. Thank you thank you, Alex! I agree. It is much more than I thought at first!

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  47. Congrats on one year of blogging! I definitely agree that having a blog is so much work, and it can be difficult to find that balance. There are some days where I blog, photograph and edit posts for three weeks in advanced...and other times, not so much. It's all about finding balance between work, blogging, friends, and time for yourself and well being! Great post with awesome tips! :)

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    1. Kiara, thanks so much!! I am right there with you. This has been a lazier week for me!

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  48. Yes to the title thing! I had no idea how important it was until I read an article on google ranking. I use a website called Write Better Headlines and it has been so helpful!

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    1. Amen, Karin!! That is awesome- I'll have to check it out!

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  49. Great List Kelsie. Sounds like you have had a terrific. I am with you blogging is so much work. What fun it is to have a community that will interact and grow with you. Thanks for posting up with us weekly at Sitting Among Friends. Have a great week.

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  50. What a great list! I love that you mentioned cheering on other bloggers rather than backing away from relationships because of "competition." That is so crucial and it's important to see those relationships as a potential to learn and grow! Congrats on a year of blogging! :)

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    1. Thank you so much Hayley. I think that is one of the most important things I've learned! Thanks for the kind words :)

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  51. Happy Blogiversary!!! You learned some really important things and I would love to add - always stay true to yourself

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  52. Congrats on a great year! I love your snapshot of the past year and tasteful approach to blogging. I appreciate your suggestions to fellow bloggers. Here's to another awesome year for you!

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    1. Thanks Bridget! You are so kind. Thanks for the well wishes, and same to you!

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  53. I'm entering my fourth month of blogging and this list is so helpful. Congratulations on your one year anniversary! Good bless your many years to come.

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    1. I'm so glad it was helpful! Thanks so much, and I hope your blogging goes well- looks great!

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  54. Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm a newbie and have been feeling overwhelmed with everything that comes with blogging. Congrats on making it through your first year!

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    1. Yay, Shanna! I'm so glad it's helpful. Thanks so much!

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  55. These are great tips! :) Blog titles are a constant struggle for me to come up with so I started smiling big time when I saw your comment!

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  56. I love this post Kelsie!! I just had to include it in my recent "blogiversary post" and included your post in a list of "bloggers offering real advice".
    http://MakingLemonade.ca/one-year-of-blogging

    Thanks again!

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    1. Thanks so much for sharing! I am excited to check out your posts!

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  57. Love all of these points! It's great to realize that the blogging community is so supportive and you'll be much happier if you choose that community over competition. Blogging is constantly teaching me new things, everyday. Congrats on one year!

    XO, Rachel
    www.seashellsandsparkles.com

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  58. Happy 1 Year Anniversary! Yesterday was my blog's 1-"monthversary" and there is sooo much to learn. It has been an amazing experience so far and the blogging community is generally very supportive. So your first point resonated immediately. #4 was quite the surprise as it can take quite a bit of time - but it's time that passes by so quickly because I love learning all of the new aspects and reading others' posts and pins. All the best to you and I look forward to your future posts :)

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