What I Wish I Would’ve Known (When I First Started Blogging)
Remember back to the day when you finally sat down and decided to figure out how to start a blog? If you were like me, you had no idea what to do, so you Googled “How do I start a blog?” or something similar.
You (probably) start with Blogger.com because it’s free and super easy to figure out. You write your first post, maybe introducing yourself and your family, and then you wait. And nothing happens. Nobody reads it. Nobody finds you and makes you an overnight Blogging Goddess.
And let’s be honest, if you look back at that first post now, it probably wasn’t very good. You didn’t know what you were doing, you weren’t writing to “an audience”, and all of the sudden, you wonder what is so special about blogging.
But you hang in there! And you post again. And again. And finally you get a visitor (probably a friend or family). So you keep writing.
Then one day, something extraordinary happens…someone you don’t know not only reads your post but leaves a comment, too! This is a special day for every blogger. That’s when you know that there are people out there reading and interested in what you have to say.
I’ve been blogging for a little over a year now, and newbies just starting out often ask me what my biggest tip or blogging secret is. I’ve even written about it a few times. While my #1 piece of advice is don’t be afraid to ask “big” bloggers for help/support/suggestions/tips, there are so many more things I wish I would’ve known when I started.
After blogging for 3 months, I posted my 100th post and celebrated my 300th GFC follower. I got several emails asking me how I grew so quickly…asking for my blogging secret. I also was lucky enough to have several blogging do’s and don’ts syndicated on BlogHer, and after that, I had lots more questions from my readers about blogging, so I posted more blog tips. Are all of these links shameless self promotion? No! These are links to all of the things I wished I would’ve known when I first started out. Like how important networking and social media is to success. Like why paying-it-forward is so important. Those 3 linked posts include all of the things I wished I would’ve known from Day 1.
Even though my blog has continued to grow and I am more comfortable blogging, I still need lots of help, and there are still lots of “big” or well-known bloggers out there that are willing to help whenever I ask for it.
One blogger that has gone out of her way to not only help me, but actually teach me new things is Ashley from Just Another Mom of 2. Not only did she introduce me to Kristi, but she also helped move me to WordPress, answers all of my silly tech and WP questions without laughing at me (or if she does, she tells me she is so I can join in), and she jumps right in to help others when they need help. She shares knowledge; she doesn’t hoard it like some bloggers do. AND I now call her my friend. She is truly a helpful blogger and wonderful person. If you don’t follow her on her blog, Twitter, and Facebook, go follow her now! If you don’t, you are missing out. Seriously.
A big, fat, virtual hug to Kristi for having me here! It’s an honor to be considered and put in a group of such amazing bloggers…thank you, Kristi!
Natalie is a SAHM of three children: her 3-year-old son and 1-year-old twin girls. She writes Mommy of a Monster and Twins, which is all about the day-to-day chaos that comes with chasing three kids in three different directions, usually all at the same time. In her free time, which she rarely has anymore, she reads, writes, cooks, gardens, drinks wine, and works as a freelance writer and social media consultant.
I just love Natalie-she may be a ‘big’ blogger but she is so open and approachable! Willing to share all that she’s learned with no hesitations. I hope you learned a few tips and tricks & will go leave both Natalie and her bloggy pick, Ashley, some comment love today-it IS the “Spread Bloggy Love” series after all! 
Have a happy day,
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Thanks so much for having me over Kristi! I love the idea of this series, and look forward to meeting some new bloggers and learning some new tips and tricks!
Natalie recently posted..Spread Bloggy Love
Natalie, I’m in awe that you had 300 GFC followers within your first three months of blogging. Seriously in awe. I’ve been blogging for 10 months now and I have nowhere near that kind of following. Granted, I didn’t join Twitter or really start marketing myself until this past January, but I’m proud to say that I was already doing the “do’s” in your blogging tips, and staying away from the “don’ts.”
You say you don’t have a secret, but I’m guessing you do and you don’t even realize it. It’s a general affability that inherently draws people to you and what you have to say. An intangible quality that’s hard to sum up with words. But you’ve got it – that’s your secret.
Of course, it also helps that you’re so willing to share the bloggy love. Thanks for a great post.
Kristin @ What She Said recently posted..And if That Mockingbird Don’t Sing…
Kristin- I, too, am in awe of Natalie’s rapid growth! This comment warms my heart and affirms that this series project we are embarking on will be just the thing to help as many bloggers as possible and introduce other bloggers too! Thanks for visiting and for commenting- I hope to see you back for the rest of the series!
Hi, Kristi!
Great post, Natalie!
Ashley is truly one of a kind. Her generosity, compassion, and kindness know no bounds.
Much love…
Nichole recently posted..But You Are
Nichole, hi! Thank you for stopping by and commenting & I’m so happy to see so many of you that love Ashley too!
I hope to see you back for the rest of the series!
What a great series and I love Natalie. She may be a “bigger” blogger, but like you said, she’s very open and approachable and willing to share her secrets of success.
Looking forward to learning more tips and tricks and read new blogs too.
Tonya recently posted..Project Smile – May
Tonya- thanks for stopping by and for leaving a comment! I’m excited for the rest of the series! I hope to see you back!
Thank you Natalie, truly. As a newbie, meeting bloggers like you early on, not only motivates me to write better, network better, but want to keep blogging.
Heading over to Ashley’s now!
Thanks Kristi for this great idea!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Writers Workshop- Six Word Memoir
Alison, thanks so much for stopping by, commenting & heading over to Ashley’s to spread the love!
Glad you like the idea and I hope to see you back for more of the series! It runs until the end of the month so there are plenty of tips to gather & new blogs to explore!
[...] Day 2- Mommy of A Monster- what to do when you don’t turn into an overnight blogging goddess [...]