As I’m sitting on my computer writing this post, I’m overwhelmed with a lot of different feelings. It has been about one month and two weeks since I quit my job to become a full-time blogger. In the past month, I traveled to Coachella and Seattle, which was AMAZING. That first month was a blur, since I was so extremely busy traveling. To be brutally honest, these past two weeks upon returning have been hard. I have launched my Poshmark closet, shot some content for y’all, engaged in more sponsored posts, and have began planning out long term goals for my life and blog. It’s a lot when you look at it from all different angles… and the truth is I have an idea of where I want my blog to go, but I am not 100% sure how to get there. I guess that is what has been so hard is the lack of security on where your next big break or deal or sponsorship is going to come from. I am trying to find my stride… there’s been ups and downs- followers lost and sponsorships turned down. I am learning that it takes so much strength to get up and at it again and to keep pushing for what you love. I’ve put together some tips/things I’ve learned from one month as a full-time blogger- for those of you who are already there, and for those of you who wish to get there, I hope these can be of help to you!
Learnings from 1 Month as a Full-Time Blogger:
1. Find what makes you tick, your true passion and offer VALUE to your readers- This is WAY easier said than done, and I am still trying to figure this one out. There are a few things I love about blogging- the fact that you have a voice and the ability to reach a lot of people with your message is truly powerful. However, I find parts of blogging stressful, superficial, and daunting. What will keep you going through these stressors is the VALUE you are providing to your readers. Do you love photography? Help others see the world as you do and launch an editing guide. Do you love art? Create local travel guides of your favorite museums. Love fashion? Provide options for every occasion. Some of my passions in life are style, travel, and wellness. But what are these categories if they do not provide VALUE to your readers? The mission of my blog is helping others to live their best and most optimal lives, and inspiring people to break the norm to believe that they can live their dream. If you put these two together- the categories and your mission- you will have something that provides VALUE to your readers.
2. Comparison is the thief of joy- This is one that I’m sure you’ve heard over and over, but it rings true to all bloggers (and non-bloggers) out there who are trying to make it. There will always be people doing “better” than you or doing “more” than you. All you can do is not compare yourself to other people’s highlight reel. As much as humanly possible, it is imperative to focus on yourself, your goals, and how you can improve to achieve those goals. Everything else is a distraction.
3. Try and try again- I still haven’t had the time to proactively reach out to companies as much as I would like. Nevertheless, I have faced rejection in the past. In general, it’s very hard for me to not take things personally- in my life, relationship, and business. If I hear “no”, I automatically think that it’s something about me or my blog that they didn’t like. Maybe I could have done something better or sent the email a different way. But what would we accomplish with this rumination? Nothing except more anxiety and stress. That’s why you have to look beyond the “no’s”, get up and try again, over and over. Most, if not all, entrepreneurs don’t succeed on their first try.
4. Look to other sources for creativity- This was one thing I learned in the past month that I think will be huge if practiced in the long-run. If you spend all day on social media (which I am a culprit of), it will most likely leave you depressed and unmotivated, since you will most likely be comparing yourself to others. To break the norm and produce something that is original, you have to get out there and explore other sources of inspiration. For me, I go to nature when I want new inspiration. Granted, it’s about balance, I do see A TON of inspiration from bloggers. But why be like them? Bohemian by the Bay is about finding what makes YOU TICK, and breaking the norm.
5. Give back- When was the last thing you did something nice for your followers? This can be beneficial to both you and your following- for example, launching a giveaway. I am in the process of getting a giveaway series planned, so stay tuned for some fun giveaways coming up on my Instagram.
6. Have fun- As I mentioned previously, I was (and still am) feeling overwhelmed with the amount of stuff that needs to be done with my blog, so I have been curled up at my house on my computer trying to accomplish these tasks that I forgot what it’s like to be free- get up and go outside, enjoy the sunshine, have a bite with a friend, and enjoy the life you’ve made for yourself. You’ve done this much and gotten this far, so you should be proud.
Again, all of these tips are meant to help you all, but they are easier said then done. Be gentle on yourself and others, as this is a marathon not a sprint. I’m here to help too! Happy to answer any questions in the comments below.
Much love and cheers to a new week!
Love,
Lauren
