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Blogging Milestone and What I’ve Learned Along the Way {Part Two}

Thank you so much for your kind comments earlier this week! After reaching 200 posts, I feel like I have learned a few important blogging lessons. Let’s just say there have been some mistakes along the way, but I’ve learned to pick myself up, brush myself off, and keep going.

I’ve come to realize that blogging is no different than life with its ups and downs, and the important thing is to always remind myself why I started the blog in the first place. It wasn’t to be like everyone else or to see how popular it could get. Instead, it was to tell my individual story, and perhaps inspire and resonate with a few people along the way. If that’s what I set out to do, then I’d say I’ve exceeded my expectations.

Mac Desktop Computer on Wood Desk

Before I get to the list of blogging tips I promised for those of you who are starting out or are considering it down the road, I want to touch on a few stand-out moments from the last 17 months or so of blogging. Earlier this week, I shared a few of my favorite posts and gave thanks to many of the people who inspired me along the way. I want to share a few more, but have to mention that these are only the tip of the iceberg, and there are so many other people who were an important part of my journey.

Favorite Blogging Moments

I’ve shared several projects on the blog, but my Tea Cup Jewelry Organization turned out to be one of the most popular. Although it was the first DIY project I ever posted (inspired by none other than Martha Stewart), it continues to be featured. I’ve also received several emails from readers who have gone on to create something similar in their own homes. That feedback always makes me smile!

Teacup Jewelry Organization

The above photo was taken almost a year later to show that I still use the vintage teacups as my storage solution for earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Opening that drawer everyday makes my heart sing, as I love seeing everything so organized and beautiful.

The Holiday Countdown Series I’ve done leading up to the past two Christmases is something I’ve learned many of you have come to depend on. I originally started writing it to keep myself on track and share my progress, but it’s grown into quite a following. This past year I added the craft and baking link parties which turned out to be a fun element that I will most likely move forward with again with next year.

Holiday Crafts and Recipes

Sometimes I get caught up in sharing my own home projects that I forget that many of you like to see what I do for a living! I remember how fun it was seeing you weigh in on One Room, Two Looks. I was happy to see the majority of you preferred the turquoise color scheme I suggested for my client’s bonus room.

Turquoise Bonus Room Design

I’m way behind on sharing client design projects and will hopefully get around to showing you more really soon. I’ll also be following up on Our Basement Renovation, sharing the decorating process and details for our media room once our furniture arrives. I know many of you are curious to see how it looks!

Basement Media Room Progress

One of the most enjoyable, yet nerve-racking moments on the blog was the Outdoor Extravaganza I put together with the help of Amanda, Jean, and Tiffany. It was my first time collaborating with other bloggers in a series, and I wanted it to all go well. I was first up to host the Plants and Flowers link party, and when I tried to get the link component up and running, nothing would work. Kate from Centsational Girl was a godsend and pointed me in the right direction- phew!

Outdoor Extravaganza Blogger Link Parties

The best part about the Outdoor Extravaganza was getting to know each of these gals a whole lot better, as well as seeing all the projects our readers were inspired to link up. I think we’ll have to do something similar again this spring!

The last highlight I’m going to mention is the Bloggers’ Favorite Paint Colors series. I was thrilled to have design bloggers whose style I admire so much share their current top paint picks, including Sherry from Young House Love and Emily from Emily A. Clark.

Design Bloggers' Favorite Paint Color Picks

To this date, We’re Talking Paint Colors {Bloggers’ Faves Part Two} is the most viewed post. I am so grateful to all of the bloggers who said “YES” to this series. Not only was it fun, but it brought so many new visitors my way.

So, after all these posts and everything that went in to creating them…

What Advice Do I have For You, the New Blogger?

  • Create a clear vision or purpose for your blog and stay true to it. Remember why the heck you started it all in the first place or it’s easy to get off track.
  • Avoid the comparison trap. Blogging can be like high school where people will do anything to become popular. At first it may work, but eventually people will see right through it. Always be yourself!
  • Slow and steady. At first I started out posting one or two times a week because it took forever to get a post out. Now I’ve developed a rhythm that makes it easier to post a few times or more per week without being a slave to my blog.
  • Be consistent. Post regularly to ensure readers keep coming back. It’s confusing when bloggers posts four times one week and then nothing for two weeks. Eventually people lose interest.
  • Showcase your brilliance. If you have a knack for organizing, but painting really isn’t your thing, then stay away from it. Trying to fake an interest in something or forcing a post is never a good idea unless you’re doing it in a humorous or “I have a confession to make” way.
  • Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I remember freaking out when I’d press the publish button, thinking people were going to react in some negative way. In my experience, I’ve come across very few mean girls, and putting myself out there has been so rewarding. I’ve been able to distinguish between my gut telling me not to do something for a good reason and fear.
  • Pay attention to your numbers, but don’t dwell on them. Google analytics will give you a pretty good sense of how many people are visiting your blog, but don’t let it be the only determining factor in what kind of posts you put out there. Just because a paint post spiked your levels doesn’t mean people want to read another three on the same topic!
  • There is a lot to learn, and it takes time. SEO, social media, photography, and everything else that comes along with blogging can be overwhelming, but you’ll get there one day at a time. Learn one new thing a day or week and you’ll start to see improvements.
  • Align yourself with like-minded bloggers. Some of the best collaborations I’ve been part of have come about with bloggers I’ve previously developed relationships with. Always remember that if you’re going to take, give something in return. Comment, link up, share, answer questions or do whatever you can to let other bloggers know you are a source of support.
  • Have fun! Although some people make a good living blogging, it’s very uncommon. If you’re intention to start a blog is mostly money based, your enthusiasm will fizzle out fast. You can make money blogging, but it takes a lot of hard work, determination, and oodles of passion to get there.

I don’t pretend to know everything about blogging, but I’ve found these tips to be very helpful in getting to 200 posts (201 today!).

I’d love to have a few more experienced bloggers offer some other tips in the comments. Or, if you’re just starting out, what have you learned?

Tomorrow I’ll be answering another one of the questions posted on Satori’s facebook page. It’s one of my favorite topics!

One other thing before you head off… If you’re looking for more useful and pretty ideas in your life, make sure you’re on the email list! You can subscribe here.

Enjoy your day!

Shauna at Satori Design for Living Blog - Home Decor, DIY, Vintage Finds, Recipes

12 Comments

  1. Well there’s not much that can be added to that list Shauna.  Very well said.  I think the most important thing I have discovered is that having a group of blog friends who you connect with regularly makes the whole thing feel worthwhile.  Life is all about the connections we make and even though we don’t see each other face-to-face the connections are real. Those friendships keep me posting.  In my real life my friends are not as design obsessed as me so I love having a community of my own that supports the obsession.

    1. Carol, I totally agree! I have the best friends I could ask for, but none of them are as design crazy as we are. It’s always fun to bounce ideas off each other and see what everyone else is up to.

  2. Great post Shauna!  I’ve learned so much over this last year myself.  One thing I’ve learned and I’m still learning, is to not over think things.  I can be my own worst critic.  I’m still working on getting comfortable with writing posts and not having everything perfect.  Don’t get me wrong, good grammar and wanting a post to be detailed is good.  But it shouldn’t consume me!  Thanks Shauna 

    1. I look back at old posts and see mistakes I didn’t catch when I published them. Sherry from Young House Love talks about reading her posts over a few times and still having errors. I think if people want to pick apart your post because of a few spelling or grammatical errors, then they’re probably not reading for the right reason anyway. We all make mistakes and that’s okay.
      P.S. Can’t wait to see your basement updates! 

  3. Between your post and Carol’s comment, there really isn’t much more I can add. I think the most important thing to remember is who will be there for you at the end of the day, with or without hitting the ‘send’ button. Do not be a slave to your blog and allow yourself to forget who and what matters. A real hug always feels better than a virtual ego boost…

    Excellent post!

    1. Since I started my business and then my blog, I have reserved evenings for family time. Occasionally I’ll sneak into my office to finish a post or answer a few emails, but spending time with them is really my priority. Like you, my son is graduating soon, and I don’t want to look back and have any regrets. Blogging, as with anything you do in life, should always be balanced and never consuming.

  4. Shauna, I’ve been enjoying this little blogging series of yours.  Your words of wisdom have been very encouraging to me.  Right now I’m in your home town and so wanted to meet you in person…But, alas, the stomach flu decided to descend on me…I certainly don’t want to pass that on to you!  So, I look forward to the next time I get back and hopefully I can meet you then.

    1. Rita, So sorry to hear about that. It would’ve been great to connect and share ideas. Let me know when you’re in town next for sure. Hope you’re better soon!

  5. I have to say….there are many blogs in which I simply race through the words to look at the pictures, and then decide wether I want to read it. Many times I try to keep my posts as brief as possible -which is difficult for me – with that in mind. There is a lot of content that I write that ends up on the cutting room floor!!. With yours, though, I find that I always read the content…..Anyway, are you going to have a garden link up again? I’M SO READY TO GO FOR MY GARDEN THIS YEAR! Not that it will be anything blog worthy, but I’ve already started pinning herb and lettuce gardens as I have a special place carved out for mine this year….

    1. Yes, sometimes I get a little wordy! I’m thinking about the outdoor link up series again this year, so stay tuned! I’m already thinking about outside even though I know we have a lot more winter to go where I live!

  6. Wow …I believe I am right on target with my bloggering , after reading your tips .. My New Years Resolution was to reevaluate my blog .. Yes ..I love just posting photos, since I’m a visual persone …but realised my truth of Moodylicious Children’s Spa Blog , was to me more imformative ..a place for Mom’s and Girl’s to come for fabulous Parties, Fashion, Inspiration, Skincare and Healthy Living Advice ! … and as soon as I made the shift in blogging ..Well were in the running to win the 2013 Parents Magazine Blog Award !! .It’s all about “Being True To Yourself” … You Hit The Nail On The Head !! Congradulations !!!

    1. Totally agree about always evaluating the blog and seeing what needs to change and what is working just as it should. I have so many changes I want to make to my blog, it’s just finding the time to do it. Thanks for stopping by!

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