On March 26, 2014, I hit publish to a really brief post introducing myself and this blog, “Getting Started”. I had no idea it would have turned into what it has today. So, while I’m excited about the growth that has come with it and the experiences, I want to focus this post on practical advice that I have learned over the years that may help someone else who has aspirations of starting a blog one day.
1 – Do Your Research
For starters, it’s very important to do your research. Have a look at other blogs to generate some ideas for yourself. I’m not saying to copy anyone. I am saying that you need to have a look around to see what is out there and to generate some ideas to work with.
Check out categories that are blogged about, websites and hosting packages that are being used, etc. Also, take note of the equipment that is used, especially if you plan to use original photography and video.
Whatever it is that you are curious about, do your research and take notes. Keep all of your notes organized and in one place for easy access.
When I was in my research phase, I learned how to generate income from blogging. In the beginning, I didn’t believe people actually made money blogging, but boy was I wrong!
I began reading the income statements from blogs so that I would know how they earned income. This was really important for me once I decided that I wanted to generate earnings.
Nowadays very few bloggers publish their income statements online. So, do be surprised if you don’t find any during your research phase.
The bottom line is this. You will need to do your own research for what your specific goals are. Don’t be afraid, just get in and do the work.
2 – Take Massive Action
Speaking of doing the work, you have to do the work yourself. There is no shortcut. No one is going to bring your dream to fruition but you, and of course the people you hire later on if you choose to do so.
Currently, I’m a one-woman show for Just Brennon Blog. However, there are times that I hire photographers for various photos or even Virtual Assistants for various work assignments. But, outside of that, I have the vision and am committed to taking massive action and getting the work done, so that this blog continues to grow and thrive.
One inspiration book that I have is called, Do the Work: Overcome Resistance and Get Out of Your Own Way. It’s on Amazon and is very affordable, so check it out.
Disclaimer: Speaking of Amazon. This post does contain affiliate links. This does not change the price that you pay. Instead, I may receive a small commission which keeps this blog growing and thriving.
3 – Stay Consistent
In addition to taking massive action, it’s important to stay consistent. Earning money takes time, so do stop so soon. Give yourself grace and time. If you stay the course, you will begin to see your blessings.
I honestly did not begin earning an income with this blog until I first declared that I wanted to do so, and then listed what I was willing to do in order to bring in income from this blog.
This is important. You need to know what you are willing to give in order to receive. For example, I provide valuable well-written posts to my audience. If this is something that a brand or company is interested in, they can choose to work with me from my Work With Me page.
Aside from the money, as you begin to be more disciplined with your craft of blogging, you will ultimately grow. You will gain new skills and new ways of doing things, in turn, making you an even better blogger with an amazing skill set that can be taken other places – which brings me to being a life-long learner.
4 – Be a Life-Long Learner
Lifelong learning is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. The education can be formal or informal. There is no right or wrong way.
What’s great about being a life-longer learner is that you will rarely find yourself behind. You’ll stay on the cusp of current trends, keeping you fresh and interesting.
Areas you may want to explore could be SEO, anchor text, companies to work with, how to stay motivated, etc. Nothing is really off-limits. It’s all about continuing to invest in yourself so that you can be an amazing person and blogger.
Take the Free Mindvalley Lifebook Masterclass to get started on your journey. You can even read about mine on the blog at My Lifebook Journey.
5 – You Are Your Only Limit
With the above already mentioned, keep in mind that you are your only limit. If you believe you can reach 50,000 then make that your goal. If you believe that you can earn one million dollars on your blog, go for it.
You are your only limit. Your success is all up to you. It is in your control.
6 – When One Door Closes Another One Opens
Regardless of how high or low, you set your limits, at some point, you will receive rejection. And, that’s okay. You are not meant to work with everyone. Not everyone will like you and what you have to offer, and that’s okay.
Just remember that when one door closes another door opens. There is a world of opportunity out there for us. We simply have to believe that it is ours, get to work, and attract that into our existence.
If you would like a fun law of attraction activity, have a read at my upcoming post about how to create a manifestation box. It will be live this week.
7 – Have Fun!
Lastly, have fun! Blogging is such a fun and flexible occupation. Yes, I’m calling it an occupation because it is a real job. As you have fun and feel great about what you are doing you will continue to attract an audience, customers, brand deals, etc.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. Here are a handful of things that I have learned over the course of the past nine years of blogging. If this was helpful, drop a comment and let me know what stood out to you most.
