Top 7 Things About Blogging That Will Surprise Newbies
Guest Post from Alma van As of RoamingFox
Blogging is a relatively new concept, not much more than 20 years old. As long as bloggers write relevant and informative content, blogging will continue.
So all you need to do is have a laptop or computer and start writing. There’s that, but also a whole lot more.
Blogging needs a channel or platform to be promoted on such as a website, a journal and sometimes even a video channel or a podcast.
From the time that the blogging seed was planted in my brain, I knew I would have to work hard at it. I also knew it would have to be sustainable and consistent. There were still a few things that I discovered as I continued my blogging journey, that surprised me and I never thought I would need to do.
Blogging is a way of creating reflections or writing opinions about your own experiences and sharing them with readers. These are further enhanced by adding images, videos, audio or links to other websites and maintaining or updating the content.
I’ve created most of my website on my own, except for the initial aspect when a family member helped me set up some of the key elements of my website. My amateurish attempts are evident but I am working on a tight budget and I am constantly updating my website to improve it. I get ideas from other websites but don’t just follow them blindly and keep in mind my end goal.
The following 7 factors about blogging may surprise you:
1. Blogging is a constant learning curve
Did you know there are an estimated 1.7 billion websites in the cyber network? That is a whole lot of websites to compete with, even if you narrow it down to your niche. Some days you will be disappointed and some days elated. Between those two emotions there is a vast amount of hard work.
2. You don’t need an expert to set up your website and blog for you.
There are website platforms that are easy to use that you can set up and maintain yourself. Granted it will save you time to get a web developer or a virtual assistant, but if you don’t have the money you can set up your website and blog on your own. If you can’t afford outside help or the cost of courses, I would suggest you do your research and read what you can months before launching your website.
3. Blogging doesn’t necessarily cost you a fortune.
Money has to be spent on a computer or laptop, purchasing a domain and a website URL. There are often other hidden fees or subscriptions. Don’t over monetize your webpage. Consider what your goal is with your blog or website. Do you want to write for fun or do you need to make a living out of it?
4. Having a website for your blog is more than just writing and publishing your post.
I did not realize that I would have to at least have a basic idea about the technical aspects of blogging. Whilst you don’t have to be an expert, it is best to learn as much as possible about having and maintaining your website – after all, that is more than likely your primary place where you will be promoting your blog. Some websites require coding as well, which is a topic on its own.
There will be tons of advice on the internet about blogging but you don’t have to follow everyone’s suggestions. Filter through what you find. You can be unique; in fact, it is recommended but keep within your niche and don’t lose sight of a basic guideline of your goals. Write content that people will want to read.
5. Writing and publishing content once in a blue moon is not going to ace it.
You need to write and publish regularly, whether it be once a day, once a week or once a month. Do what works for you but keep it consistent. Thereafter you need to promote your articles in any manner that you can such as email marketing, sharing through social media and networking with relevant groups.
6. Social media is an amazing marketing tool.
Social media can have surprising marketing power if you do it right – but the ‘right’ is not constant. You need to keep up with the trends. Use good quality images to share your blog posts. Alternatively use images that trigger emotions. Interact with people on your social media platforms. Respond to their comments on your blogs and your followers will grow. Slowly. But they will grow. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. It takes time to build your presence on the internet, but with hard work and perseverance you will get there.
7. Blogging is not a get rich quick scheme.
Competing with millions of bloggers is not easy, but if you are in it for the long haul, it is worth it.
Hot tips on blogging:
- Write original content
- Be consistent
- Inform, inspire and educate
- Find your niche
- Narrow down your niche; be the expert in your niche and expand once you gain traction.
- Keywords, SEO, ROI, SERPs are a thing in the blogging world. Find out what they are.
- Update older content to keep your content fresh.
Learn More about Travel Blogger, Alma van As and Roaming Fox
Roaming Fox launched in July 2017
Bio: Roaming Fox, aka Alma is just a tad of an empty nester and semi-retired. Her kits have escaped from the den and roamed to just about opposite ends of the earth to settle. What better way to fill the gap they left behind than to travel and write about her adventures, past, present and future. One day whilst reflecting on some of their travels over the last few decades, Alma realized that she had a few stories to share.
She lives in South Africa where there are countless destinations to travel to and adventures to do. She and her husband are also fond of traveling internationally to explore other parts of the world.
Blogging niche: Travel, adventure, and safari
Favorite Travel Writer / Blogger: So many to choose from but I’ll have to say Karen and Myles at Motoroaming https://motoroaming.com/
Favorite Travel Blog/s or Website/s: It is difficult to pinpoint one because I’m forever finding new travel blogging websites. Here are a few:
Break into Travel Writing https://breakintotravelwriting.com/
Alexa Meisler at 52perfectdays https://52perfectdays.com/
Roving Jay https://www.rovingjay.com/
Heather Markel https://heatherbegins.com/author/markelh/
Karen Muller is a veteran National Geographic filmmaker that explores a side of our human planet that few outsiders have ever seen. She creates videos. https://www.youtube.com/OurHumanPlanet
Pitch Travel Write https://www.pitchtravelwrite.com/
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Do You Have a Blogging or Travel Writing Tip to Share?
I’d love to hear what you have learned in your blogging journey! Give back to the travel blogging community by sharing your tip in this new series “Travel Blogging Tips for Success”.
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