I ventured into blogging, I thought, pretty well prepared for what it would entail. I read sites like ProBlogger and Copyblogger and thoroughly studied my previous niches of small business and franchising. However, the areas in which my research failed to adequately prepare me were not trivial ones! I underestimated a few key parts of the blogging game and learned a number of lessons along the way.
Three Things I Underestimated In Blogging
- The Power of Twitter — When I started blogging, my strategy was Facebook first. My plan was to dabble in Twitter while I concentrated on developing my Facebook page. After a few weeks of tweeting Fast Company links and my own posts, I read Mark Schaefer’s great book on how to use Twitter and began to realize the incredible power of this 140 word tool. Only a few months into my blogging journey, I found myself stopped at travel plaza on the Florida Turnpike replying to a tweet from Gini Dietrich on on my phone. I was Twit-whipped, and my Facebook page has hardly seen me since!
- The Joys and Pressures of Commenting and Social Media — I really had no conception of the huge time investment blog commenting and social media would demand. Good comments take work, if for no other reason than you have to read the post. If the conversation is a good one or you are late to it, you might end up reading tons of comments as well. Just one post on a popular blog can be the equivalent of 1/5 of a novel. Also, the more you interact, the more new bloggers appear on your radar. Simply too many in the end. As for social media, well… it just never stops. Ever.
- The Depths of Friendship and Community — I truly believe this is one part of the blogging experience that is inexplicable to almost anyone who has not lived it. You can really develop true, substantive relationships and friendships doing this. I really did not expect it, and it has been the most surprising and pleasurable part of the blogging experience.
In addition to underestimating the three items above, I was also completely wrong about what I wanted to blog about.
Lessons Learned on Blogging and the Blogosphere
Throughout the past six months, I have learned a few lessons about blogging that have helped me improve the quality of my journey.
1. You Probably Won’t Know What Type of Blogger You Are Until You’ve Actually Done It
This is not to say that you will do a complete topic shift like I just did. But you will inevitably learn about your style, your comfort levels, your interests, and your workflow. Being a blogger is not the same as being a traditional writer. It is faster, usually less polished, and provides (and requires) timely feedback.
2. You Don’t Have To Choose Between Community and SEO, But You Have To Know The Difference
Many in the blogosphere say its-all-about-community and consider SEO a dirty word (well, a dirty acronym). Others think that communities are large echo chambers that don’t drive qualified traffic. They are both right — and both wrong. SEO and community are both important, and you don’t have to choose one over the other. Sure, there are choices to be made in the details — catchy human titles are often poor SEO titles — but the occasional difficult decision should not make you adopt one camp and ignore the other.
3. Just Like Life, Help Others Without Expecting Anything In Return
I firmly believe that you get what you give — in blogging, and in life. Only you might not get it back from the same person you gave it to. Going into blogging with a tit-for-tat attitude is a recipe if not for failure then certainly for unhappiness. Don’t expect someone to comment on your blog just because you commented on theirs. Don’t expect someone to tweet your post just because you tweeted theirs. On the other hand…
4. If Consistent Engagement Is Being Ignored, Move On
There is a limit to everything. If you consistently go to someone’s blog, and they don’t ever engage with you, move on. Obviously you should adjust your expectations for high engagement blogs with hundreds of comments. However, if you consistently reach out to someone for a long time without any acknowledgment or engagement, you probably should consider heading for greener fields. It’s a big blogosphere, and there are a lot of grateful and gracious bloggers in it.
5. Kiss Some Digital Babies
Don’t shun smaller bloggers (i.e. digital babies) for power bloggers. Smaller bloggers are important and, quite frankly, much more apt to engage with you. I have a few power bloggers whom I interact with regularly; however, if I only have time for a couple of comments, I will sometimes skip their blogs to comment on the smaller ones. The big guys don’t miss me, and the little guys appreciate the engagement.
6. If You Have Day Job And It Is Not Blogging/PR/Marketing/Social Media, Realize You Will Never Keep Up
The blogosphere is filled with professional bloggers and people in marketing/PR/social media for whom blogging and social are part of their jobs. Also, due to the recession, many people are pursuing blogging as a response to unemployment. If you do not fit into one of those categories, just realize that you will have a hard time keeping up. Don’t try. Go at your own pace, and set goals that are realistic for your life.
For certain, it has been an interesting 6 months with a lot of great experiences. My stats are decent for a part-time blogger at 6 months, but certainly nothing to brag about. My Alexa rank went from 9,471,119 a week after I started to the current 342,830, and as of this morning, my Klout score broke 50 for the first time. I got to meet Jason Falls (nice guy, btw), join a most excellent Triberr tribe, and have a post go viral when Tony Robbins tweeted it. Mostly though, I’ve learned about myself as a blogger and formed some relationships and friendships that I never expected when I got into this game.
They say the majority of bloggers quit within the first year. We’re halfway there. Here’s to seeing you at the 12 month mark!
So tell us… What was the most important lesson you learned in your first six months of blogging? How have you changed as a blogger since your early months?
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Twitter: ericamallison
Great round up here, Adam! I for one will see you at the 12 month mark; I have no doubt!
BTW, I really liked #2 and #3!
Erica Allison recently wrote about this…Billy the Exterminator is a Branding Genius
I appreciate it Erica. I look forward to passing that year milestone, then at least I’m not one of the “quit in the first year” statistics!
Great seeing you! Thanks for stopping by.
Adam Toporek recently wrote about this…6 Lessons I Learned in My First Six Months Blogging
Wow – I didn’t realize you’ve only been blogging for six months, Adam! You definitely fooled me!
This is a great list of lessons. I could write a whole blog post in response! You made a great point about social media being both a joy and a pressure. It does take a lot of time to read, comment, engage, respond, etc. And, the bigger you get, the even harder it is. So, you really have to be careful what you wish for! Or, at the very list, determine what is manageable for you and set your own realistic expectations.
You’re right – the friendships made through blogging are truly grand. I’m glad I’ve gotten to know you in the past couple of months! Hopefully, we’ll get to meet one day. Congrats on an awesome 6 months and here’s to the next 6!
Laura Click recently wrote about this…How to Spice Up a Boring Blog
I’m assuming you mean I had you fooled in a good way!
Yep, the blog launched on February 14, of all days for a business blog.
“This is a great list of lessons. I could write a whole blog post in response!” I appreciate that — and you should! I am always interested in what others have taken from the experience. The personal lessons, not the generic stuff that gets recycled.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for the well wishes. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you as well. And yes, one day!
I would just like to say that my birthday is February 10 so I am a fellow Aquarian with your blog.
Gini Dietrich recently wrote about this…Two Ways Charities Use Social Games Successfully
Adam, dude, let me just say I thought this was one of the best ‘What I learned’ posts I’ve ever seen. Seriously man. I was shaking my head up and down the whole time saying, ‘yep…yep…yep…’.. You should turn this into a free report and give it away on your blog. I’m really being serious.
Great job my friend,
Marcus
Marcus Sheridan-The Sales Lion recently wrote about this…The 13 Best and Most Powerful Blog Header Designs on the Internet
Marcus, what a great compliment! Very much appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Free report… l Iove that you are always thinking content. You have a gift my man! I’ll have to think about that one.
BTW, enjoyed your post over at Gini’s today. The opening was really one of your best!
Hahaha, thanks so much bud. I actually Googled ‘World’s greatest mysteries’ on that one
Love playing with words man, it’s what I do!!
Now get to bed!
Marcus Sheridan-The Sales Lion recently wrote about this…The 13 Best and Most Powerful Blog Header Designs on the Internet
You too!
Oh jeez. Like we need Marcus’s head bigger than it is.
Gini Dietrich recently wrote about this…Two Ways Charities Use Social Games Successfully
My blog is only about more than 3 months in blog sphere, I started May 19, 2011. Honestly speaking what I’m doing now is learning how to share my blog, how to gain a friend through blogging and getting more ideas to my fellow bloggers. Within that period I feel sometimes frustrated because I don’t know what is pr,traffic,seo or others terms to make your blog known in the blog word. Hopefully with the help of other bloggers like you, I learn from their own blog and and get some ideas on how to increase my traffic and etc. With your post step by step I’m learning from that. Thank you and may this comment make us a way to build a friendship. God bless you.
elpidio recently wrote about this…What Should I do During Times of Adversity?
Hey elpidio,
That is a very open comment, and I commend you for it. There are a lot of great bloggers out there who have been at that same place and taken it to the next level. I learn from them all of the time. If you want a great place to start, just check out the sites of the other people who comment here.
I appreciate the kind words and you taking the time to comment. I am sure we’ll be seeing more of each other!
Adam Toporek recently wrote about this…6 Lessons I Learned in My First Six Months Blogging
Twitter: bdorman264
Hey Adam, I just had to do the math and realized I have been at it for 6 months as well; kind of hard to believe. I think I can pretty much mirror you thoughts, sentiments and observations. I didn’t have Tony Robbins RT a post, but his brother Bobby did…………it didn’t go viral……………:(
I’ve tried to reciprocate as much as I can; I also try to visit less populated sites to offer encouragement because it gets brutal at times. As I start doing this on my terms, yes there will be some people that will have to drop by the wayside. I know your busy, but I’m busy too so I will just leave it at that.
Can I copy and paste this? I’m sure there are several in our circle that would echo these sentiments.
Good to see you buddy.
BTW – the reason @GiniDietrich has befriended us is because between the two of us she’s thinking one of us surely should be able to get Disney passes………….just sayin’………..
Bill Dorman recently wrote about this…What is the meaning of life?
Hey Bill, it looks like we started together. So now I’m really glad you moved to self-hosted; otherwise, I’d be eating that Alexa dust right now.
Copy and past whatever you want. You do a great job with commenting, and I don’t think anyone would be surprised or offended if you didn’t keep the pace you started at. Now, that doesn’t mean you can leave here, as we Florida folk have to stick together.
PS. I hope Gini knows to talk to me; otherwise, she’ll end up with season passes to Legoland!
Take care Bill!
Do you know I’ve never been to Disney?!?
Gini Dietrich recently wrote about this…Two Ways Charities Use Social Games Successfully
Seriously? You’re going to have your American citizenship revoked if you don’t get there soon. Quite frankly, there are many parks around here that are more fun for adults than the Magic Kingdom… but you still have to go the once. Rite of passage and all that.
You head this way, let us know… we’ll get you squared away.
I’m not really sure what to say about that. Did I break your Twitter cherry?
I really like your lessons! A lot of the same lessons as the community building secret sauce. But can you please install Livefyre?
Gini Dietrich recently wrote about this…Two Ways Charities Use Social Games Successfully
Hah! No, you didn’t break anything. I was tweeting for months before that happened, but when I was sitting there replying to a tweet from you at the travel plaza (instead of getting back on the road), I sort of realized that this social media stuff was changing the way I do things in a big way. A bit of an epiphany. You have that effect on people, right?
I love Livefyre but with the amount of time I have to put towards the site; I’m not sure that it wouldn’t have more negatives than positives for me. I hope you’ll still come back and fight your way through my old school native system!
Why would it have more negatives for you? Explain your thinking!
Gini Dietrich recently wrote about this…#FollowFriday: Nancy Davis
Thank you for your encouraging word, and again this post helps me a lot to understand the life of a blogger. One thing more is to engage to others, truly that you do not expect if someone will not engage to you.
elpidio recently wrote about this…Live Simply
Hey Adam, sorry it’s been a while since visiting last, but boy am I glad I stopped by. I see that you are hard at work with your new direction. And while you have some newer posts, this one stuck out to me.
I think you definitely have some hard and fast blogging community rules to live by here. If think if there is any that stands out for me, it’s not to expect anything in return. I’m learning, who can I benefit, and who can I help with each and every post.
Looks forward to catching up with your posts! -Adam
Adam Sokoloff recently wrote about this…The Five Biggest Website Secrets of A-List Bloggers
Never a worry Adam… I appreciate any time you give to my little corner of the Interwebz. And anyway, I am perpetually behind on reading other blogs. I am sure I owe you a visit!
I appreciate the encouraging words. The transition has been interesting, but I am excited about it and happy to be on the new path. Thanks for sticking around!
You offer some much needed insight to the blogger – and social media apprentice.
For example, move on if you are trying to make a connection and there is no outcome. Of course, you can’t expect engagement from making one comment on someone’s blog, but if it hasn’t happened after a dozen thoughtful and heart-felt comments, move on.
Another important point that you make: there’s some people you’ll never catch up with. They eat a dozen blogs for breakfast with a side order of Twitter and Facebook. Do what you can do. Do it with heart. That’s what counts.
Looks like you are giving some competition to the most charming new blogger ever, Mr. Dorman. [grin]
Recently on my blog: Do you ignore the road signs too? And other social media DOHs. http://wp.me/pbg0R-rq
Hi Stan,
I appreciate that. You make a great point about those who do so much in blogging and social media — you have to make your own pace, and as you said “do it with heart.” As for competing with Mr. Dorman, that’s very kind of you, though no one could possibly achieve that!
Thanks for stopping by!
This is a very insightful article, sir. I’m into my second month of blogging and I find myself nodding at everything you’ve said. I especially agree with the depths of friendship and community. Comments are no longer just numbers to me — they’re individuals who have somehow taken personalities through the little bits of feedback they leave behind. Add that to the bloggers who has sent emails and shared their thoughts on a lot of things in a more personal level. I’m amazed that in just less than two months, I have a small circle of online community that I truly care for.
I’m glad you found some reinforcement in the article. Blog communities are interesting organisms, each with their own characteristics. But as we have both learned, they are real, and real relationships come from them.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Also, in the spirit of community, please leave a first name if you drop by again so we can get to know you.
I appreciate you stopping by. Best of luck with your blog!
Oh, of course! I’m Lex. And thanks! (=
The Background Story recently wrote about this…Vol. 1 Ch. 3 P. 5
Hi Adam,
I have to say this post is very inspiring, especially for newbies like me.I started my own blog 2 months ago and just last week I launched another, even after earning 0 dollars from the first. I won’t ever stop because I know how powerful blogging can be (I worked for an Internet Marketer for over 2 years). On my best days, I get like 10 readers. lol! But that doesn’t discourage me because I know why I’m not getting enough visitors – 7 blog posts in 2 months with no social networking efforts whatsoever. But thanks to your post, I will now look into twitter.
#4 is great advice by the way!
More success!
Karen recently wrote about this…Legit Sites Where You Can Make Money Freelance Writing
Hi Karen,
Thanks so much for stopping by. Wow, you are already on your 2nd blog — I can barely make time for the one!
I’m glad you liked the post. Looks like you already know the formula — content creation and marketing — executing both is, of course, the challenge.
Thanks for the comment and best of luck with your blogging!
I know this post is rather old by now, but I just read it and have to say I love it, all of these things are what I have found to be so true as well.
So great post!
I appreciate that. Good luck with your blogging!