Last time in the Blog Expert Series we discussed how to find your own voice when you enter the world of blogging. You now know the best ways to write, and have hopefully found your ideal style.
You understand where to position yourself in the busy blogosphere, and what you need to do to make your blog interesting to other peoples.
Now that all that is settled, you’re off, right? Ready to pour out article after article with ongoing enthusiasm and passion?
Give it a couple of weeks.
You may find that in a short while, the initial enthusiasm has waned and you’re left feeling a little disillusioned with your blog. You may not have the number of comments you expected, or you may simply be floundering for things to say.
In memory of redundant blogs
So many blogs fall by the wayside when you reach this point. It’s a similar feeling to dating someone whom you thought was your ideal soul mate, only to discover after the twelfth date that he or she snores, picks their nose or hates romantic nights in.
There comes a point in any new relationship (and blogging is no exception), that you have to evaluate your position, find out how you feel about it, and work out ways to change it for the better.
At this point, you have a choice. You can decide to ditch your blog in favor of taking up tennis.
Or, you can sit down with your blog and have that conversation.
Namely, the ‘How do you think our relationship is going?’ conversation. The conversation that strikes fear in to the hearts of men and women all over the world.
Assessing your relationship with your blog
Now you have been up and running for a few weeks, you understand much more about how the blog process works. You have probably also realized that you can soon feel that blogging is like a chore, rather than a pleasure.
Just as when the first flush of a relationship with a new partner can start to show cracks after it has faded, so your blog is showing you that there are pitfalls as well as positives to having an online presence.
You feel tied to your blog now it is up and running.
You feel obligated to publish witty posts even when you are tired, stressed, and have a myriad other things to focus upon.
Now is the time when you undertake two jobs. The first is to find ways of releasing the pressure of regular blog updates. The second is to remind yourself what your business objectives are, for having a blog in the first place.
Making the blog process easier
If you have not already started requesting that people guest post on your blog, this is the time to start. Receiving guest blogs from other like-minded writers can significantly ease the pressure of regular blogging, enabling you to have days ‘off’ each week.
Another way to lighten the load includes switching to video to articulate complex issues that you would struggle to write, or using podcasts. In this way, you find innovative ways of keeping your audience updated without the burden of crafting lengthy articles.
If all else fails at this point, don’t forget that it is perfectly acceptable to outsource your writing to a skilled freelancer, who can mimic your voice and style. This frees you up to focus on other elements of your business, while your blog works on your behalf.
(I offer a blog writing service)
Reminding yourself why you blog
To kindle the passion for your blog again, you need to remember exactly why you started to blog in the first place. Your blog will generate customers for you, bring you revenue, and provide valuable links to your products and services.
By reminding yourself why you blog, it is much easier to stay focused, enthused and passionate about your site, every day.
In the next blog expert series we shall discuss how to create your own products.
Here’s the links to the previous Blog Expert Series posts:
Blog Expert Series: The Surprising Decision 77% Of Bloggers Get Wrong
Blog Expert Series: Be The Blog Every Blogger Envies
Blog Expert Series: Give Your Blog The X Factor
Blog Expert Series: Ridiculous or Outrageous?
Blog Expert Series: Get Your Readers Begging For More!
Blog Expert Series: Does Stripping Down Stress You Out?
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This is good stuff and as I have said for quite some time, as simple and straight forward of a process that the actual blogging piece of a blog is, few seem to get it. Guest posting, videos, and such are all great but ultimately what makes the best blogs live and die is you becoming your brand. I think also when people make videos they maybe don’t realize that the average attention span of an internet viewer is just a few seconds as it’s easy to click away so I can’t remember the last time I sat through a video more than three or four minutes, way too many 10 minutes plus, that NO ONE listens to the whole thing. If you don’t love what you are doing, your readers will know and your content will suffer. Not all days, especially in the early going, are rewarded big financially, that comes in time..
Mitch
You are so right when it comes to video length and attention span.
I must admit I have done 10 minute videos before but I now realize that they are far too long.
From now on, just a couple of minutes for me!
Andrew
Mitch, Andrew – as a video blogger with 2 shows, I understand that the 10 minute video is way to long for most people, but on one of my shows I have a 8- 10 minute attention span/ average view… so I think it depends upon the show. Sometimes if I have a really interesting guest we even go beyond the 10 minutes. It all depends upon your audience.
Michelle
We are all different, aren’t we?
And we need to cater for different audiences.
Perhaps sometimes, 2 minutes, sometimes 10!
Andrew
Totally agree with your comment regarding video length – a few minutes at the most is optimal.
And I’ve newly rediscovered my passion for sharing and helping out, so luckily, I’m nowhere near the ‘dump the blog’ syndrome. Was there awhile back, I’ll admit…
Barbara
Nice to hear Mitch and I are not alone!
And it sounds like you are way past the situation of wanting to dump your blog.
Andrew
Corinne,
I’m doing my best to get into a schedule of posting Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
But last week I had guests staying (lovely Debbie (Happy Maker), you know!) and I was having so much fun and just couldn’t fit everything in.
And this week, I shall be publishing almost everyday as I have a few timely things to share!
Andrew
Corinne
I must say…it was great fun.
Andrew
Hi Andrew, I’m enjoying this series. Following along with it sparks plenty of creativity. There’s never enough time to get blogging chores done and outsourcing is the perfect resolution to that dilemma.
Ileane
Thanks!
What sort of chores do you outsource?
Andrew
Oh Andrew, I can dream can’t I? So far I’m the one who has become the “outsource” LOL! I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit lately though. I plan to check out your rates very soon. My daughter needs help with her fashion blog (which is where I spent all my time this weekend). Any help we can get will be appreciated.
Ileane
One way I look at outsourcing is…
If I outsourced some work, would I spent the time I gain back…wisely?
That could be making a product or simply relaxing!
Andrew
Andrew: Couldn’t have been written at a better time. I am having the “talk” in my head with my blog on almost a minute by minute basis. It is a bit of a roller coaster. One day the writing flows, the comments are plentiful and Twitter is loving your blog. The next…crickets. It’s hard to stay motivatived.
Since for me the point of the blog is to develop an audience that likes my writing voice, I can’t really outsource. But I have been giving a lot of thought to video. This was a great push in that direction. Watch out for a vidoe coming your way soon!
Kathy
Kathy
You are not alone…we all go through those type of stages.
Did you see Mitch’s comment above, re: video length?
Andrew
I did see that. What are your thoughts on if the video is a how-to? Was planning on doing a screen cast with inset of me explaining the topics.
Not scripted yet, but I think they would have to be closer to 8-10 minutes. Again, not just opinion rambling, but factual how-to. Still too long??
As I replied to Mitch, I have created videos of 10 mins long. In the future I would try and break the 10 minute video into say, 3 x 3 minute ones.
Is that something you could do?
Andrew
The realty is that most people are lazy, and when they an blog like mines or Andrew..then they want to have something similar, but once they realize how hard it is to maintain an blog..game over..they quit..
“TrafficColeman “Signing Off”
You are right…many give up for a variety of reasons.
Some believe the hype!
Andrew
Hi Andrew
So on topic for me. My most recent post looked at the past few months of my blogging journey and those who have helped me along the way. Surprisingly it has by far had the most comments and interactive conversations of all my posts. Also, tomorrow my products I’ve sourced will be available. Already started to sell them off-line and great feedback so I am very encouraged. No plans to stop blogging. Loving the journey. Meeting such amazing people along the way. Thanks for sharing.
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia
As I keep saying (and will say agin I expect), you have come a long way in a short space of time.
Have a team of helpers is important.
Andrew
I’d be curious to know exactly how many blogs start as compared to how many stop in a week. I bet the numbers are outrageous.
Jason,
I suspect the percentage is very high.
Andrew
What you have to remember is to try and have some fun with your blog. Every once in a while, step back and do some free writing. Put away the SEO for a post or two and just do some creative writing. I think it helps you find your own voice and really keeps the passion alive.
Very true, Richard.
Something I need to do more of.
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
Made it back home. Still can’t get my sleep straight, and trying to play catch up. I don’t beleive I shall ever dump my blog, just do some fine tuning. After reading what you teach Andrew and sitting down and talking with you I can do this. I do need to learn to ask for guest posting (anyone out there that would like to do a guest post on my blog, just let me know). When it comes to the out sourceing have to work on that also.
Hi Corinne and thanks for wondering what happened to me. Had a great time at Andrews. The country is beautiful and so are the people. I really can’t say enough about what a wonderful time hubby and me had with Andrew and is great wife. Thanks Andrew!
i do know that follow Andrews advice when it comes to blogging only leads to good things happening.
To everyones happiness on a daily bases.
Debbie
Thanks Debbie.
Some kind words there.
My wife and I enjoyed the time you and Steve were over – great fun.
We really need to get a plan together to move your blog forward in the right direction.
Andrew
Yes yes yes! Great post! You don’t want your blog to be just another thing you hate doing but are stuck doing because you think people expect it from you. Been there, done that, and it’s a terrible position to be in.
YOU have to dictate the relationship you have with your blog. Don’t let your blog do it for you.
Tristan
I have a few blog sites that I started and I now hate them. Wrong subjects for me.
I’ve moved on from most of them but one day I might just sell the domains.
Andrew
I hate posts like this – it reminds me exactly of all the great things I should be doing… lol. Excellent resource for my clients, I will send out to my newsletter subscribers, plus the other posts in the series are “killer” too. Cheers Andrew.
Thanks, Joel.
You may wish to wait until the last one in the series is posted…next week.
Andrew
Andrew
What a great post. It is important to manage yourself through the whole project of a blog business. Developing ideas and learning how to manage article burn out and topic development is so important. For me having a blog is all about learning to develop your authentic voice and having the self plus blog relationship. Loved your reality check post…thanx
Vickie
Thanks, Vickie.
When you find the right niche…a lot of the rest falls into place.
Andrew
Andrew, the “reminder” is key. I think bloggers should have a procedure for blogging that includes why they blog and how they blog.
I’ve started enough blogs to realize that you have to be compelled by the purpose of your blog to keep it going. I guess it you were outsourcing most of it then you wouldn’t have to have too much of that passion, but if you’re writing and doing the work then you need to really love what you’re doing.
And you have to keep up to date with the news and current strategies in your industry. And if you want to write, you have to read. It’s like Stephen King says in his book on writing, you have to read if you want to be a writer.
Caleb,
Sounds like what you are saying is run your blog like your own business.
And that is exactly right!
Andrew
i have read the last post sUre , and this one is great Too , actually reading more is essential to me since i’m new and i’m reading sometimes about it , this was a bit complicated to me but i guess i undertood the major ideas , it’s all about time so thank you for talking about this topic 😉
Rahul
I’m really thannkful that you have read (and commented).
Hopefully it wasn’t too complicated?
Andrew
It sure is hard to stay focused and always come up with new material. I have tried adding videos to compliment the text. They help in fitness blogging for demonstration purposes. Hopefully in the future I can create some of my own videos. One step at a time.
Hi Darren,
What’s stopping you creating your own videos?
You may wish to check out a good friend of mine, Corinne. She has just written an excellent post on making videos:
http://www.personal-growth-with-corinne-edwards.com/afraid-to-show-your-face-video-blogging/
Andrew
Timely post as I’m in the process not of dumping, but of re-defining my blogging strategy. At the end of day blogging is not about blogging, but about list building. Blogging remains a central piece, of course, but what has changed in my outlook, is that blogging is a means to an end, as opposed to an end in and of itself. Either way, the underlying basic principle – I’ve got a hunch we all agree on it – is to deliver real value to an audience, and not wait for money to change hands before you start doing it :-]
– Beat
Beat,
Spot on, my friend.
I tell my clients, their blog is the centre ‘cog’ in their on-line business.
Everything else roves around the centre cog / blog.
Andrew
I agree, never dump your blog. I once had a SEO blog a few years ago that I updated for over a year, and then stopped updating ’cause I was bored. After a year later, I picked up where I left off. I did have to do a lot of promoting again, but I’m glad I didn’t delete it.
Henway
Are you still running your SEO blog?
Andrew
You can find it a burden to maintain a blog or a website if you don’t keep in mind why you started in the first place. Or better say, you should start a blog with a idea in mind that way you can walk straight and stay on the right road even you start to doubt yourself.
Trying to make it fun to write and blog, answering to lively comments can also bring back the enthusiasm, but the main thing is to have things that can motivate you.
Videos are a great idea if you are not boring the viewer. Keep it lively, colloquial add some jokes and you are set to go 😀
Alex,
What you say is right…but can be hard for some, don;t you think?
Andrew
Well, life is never easy and maintaining a blog is no different. But you have to persevere, quitting won’t help much. As I said you have to find things to motivate you…
Andrew
Even after 3 years blogging I have “conversations” (as I do after 25 years of marriage!). One thing I only discovered recently is to make your own rules, not feel you have to follow “expert” advice. I’m now focussing on quality rather than quantity, ensuring I write posts because I’m passionate rather than feeling I “aught” to. This post by Scott Stratten really shook me in this respect:-
http://www.un-marketing.com/blog/2010/04/09/frequently-futile-how-often-should-you-blog/
David
David,
It is how we feel, isn’t it?
If we feel like blogging then blog…if we don’t….don’t.
Sometimes I take a day out and write blog posts all day because I feel like writing.
Thanks for the link share.
Andrew
It’s true – you have to love your topic, or it gets stale fast. And, as Mitch pointed out, readers get a whiff of indifference and are gone in a click of the mouse. You really have to stick a little piece of your heart on the web – again and again and again.
Rhonda
And that is exactly why picking the right niche is SO IMPORTANT.
Andrew
Andrew,
Really love this post. This is actually what i am facing right now. I have just commented in Kharim’s blog actually.
That i feel lazy lately to work in my blog LOL. The reason is two websites copied exact contents (including images) from my two posts to theirs, without any links back to my posts!
I had to send “friendly” emails to the owners to remove the posts. They did remove them, but i still feel horrible about it.
I feel internet sux LOL.
But should not stop right here 😀
Kimi,
You did the right thing and at least they complied and took them down.
This sort of thing happens all the time.
Keep going and smiling.
Andrew
Thank you, Andrew!
I wish I had this post a few years back… there have been many points where I have thought… “I’m making no money… I’m getting no comments… what’s the point!”
The nature of my niche has helped to keep me in the game.
So I would add (as you might expect), that it is good to have some sort of practice to help you handle the stress and/or frustration when all your financial dreams haven’t quite come true in your first month of blogging… 😉
Breathing exercises, progressive relaxation, and meditation are all pretty handy for this.
Of course, I’m looking into outsourcing as well… less work is also a good step toward relieving stress.
keep smiling,
Benjamin
Benjamin
What you have written is so true.
I suspect many bloggers do not have time for relaxation and fun.
Working from home and running my on-line business has allowed me to have more fun!
Win-win!
Andrew
P.S. I think there is a mistake in your comment…financial dreams haven’t quite come true in your first month of blogging…I think you meant to say 6 months (at least).
if we are talking about my case, it is 3 years and counting. 🙂
I was speaking about the human tendency to quit after the newness has worn off, but before the real long term results have had the chance to start flowing
In retrospect, I think the reasonable goal for the first month of blogging, is to establish the habit of blogging.
Financial freedom will probably take a little bit longer… 😉
keep smiling,
Benjamin
Nice write up Andrew! Blogging could be a passion for some while others are just for advertisement’s sake or even just for fun.Today, blogging becomes popular to many internet enthusiasts.Before blogging became popular, digital communities took many forms, including Usenet, commercial online services such as GEnie, BiX and the early CompuServe, e-mail lists and Bulletin Board Systems (BBS). In the 1990s, Internet forum software, created running conversations with “threads.” Threads are topical connections between messages on a virtual “corkboard.”The modern blog evolved from the online diary, where people would keep a running account of their personal lives. Most such writers called themselves diarists, journalists, or journalers. Thanks for sharing this Andrew and hope to read more from you. God speed my friend!
Hmmmm, I’ve actually been having a bit of difficulty with one of my blogs and trying to remember why I started it and trying to find passion for it again.
This post is quite timely.
Thanks Andrew!
krizia
Krizia,
Perhaps as you are ‘trying’ to find the passion…it is time to move on.
Passion should be automatic.
Andrew
Nice post. Making your blog a succes is not easy. I advice people to limit the time they spend on blogging (can be very addictive)
Dave
My relationship with my blog? That really got me thinking. Thanks for the spark, 🙂
Hi Andrew,
Well, this is a timely topic for me since I suddenly ran out of steam on my blog. I haven’t given up. I just seem to be on a time-out whilst I figure out which direction to go in. I’m sure I’ll get re-sparked and be back in action again soon.
Cheryl,
Well…I hope to see you back very soon!
Andrew
Blogging is not an easy task, you need to have passion for it in order to create something that will make you keep going. You need to be more motivated by thinking why in the first place you create a blog. Nothing is really difficult if you just love what you are doing, you will later realize that blogging is not just a chore but a pleasure. Thanks for sharing this post Andrew. Keep blogging!
I tell all my clients blogging is a long term thing…no overnight success.
Andrew
You said it right! Blogging is really tiring. It’s best to outsource your work to help you with the workload. There are a lot of online money site out there and most of the workers are really good.
I agree, Gary.
Outsource what you are not good at and then you can work on/use your strengths.
Andrew