When I started blogging, I just wanted to share 30 things I wanted to do before I turned 30. I had no idea I’d later change the name of this blog, start running like a crazy woman and have a blog that people would actually read! I have always loved blogging and it’s one of the things that I’m constantly amazed by. There is always so much to learn and so it’s just so much fun. That being, said, I definitely wish I would’ve done a bit of research before I got started.
- Self hosting is the way to go. I’ve written a lot about self hosting but honestly, I just I had just followed my advice on starting a blog when I first started out! You don’t HAVE to self host you’re blog but if you are just starting out, why not start with the choice that gives you total control, let’s you monitize if you choose and allows you to actually own your content. Yes, it’s not free. But it’s worth it!
- Build your community. This is so important. Having other bloggers who you can ask questions, trust with your fears, and just vent to is key. Blogging is awesome, but like most things, there are some challenging aspects and having a tribe you can count on is priceless. For example, I’m part of a few blogging groups on Facebook and one in particular has really turned into a great resource filled with people answering questions, sharing information and really supporting each other. That group is a huge resource and if you can find a great community like that, it will be worth your while.
- Share what you do know. There is a lot I don’t know about blogging (among other things). One of my favorite things to do is to share what I do know. That’s really how Blogger Tip Tuesday started: I had a desire to share something new I’d just figured out related to blogging. As I keep learning new things, I keep sharing, because I figure that if I didn’t know something, then there is someone else out there who will also benefit from the information.
What do YOU wish you would have known before you started blogging?
I wish I had known how much time and work it actually take to get an engaged readership! It can really be almost a full time job sometimes which is hard especially when you don’t get paid! Well, at least I don’t yet!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Say goodbye to pinning bibs forever: Racedots Review and Discount
Yes! That is a really good point!
Ha I wish I knew how much time it would take to create worthwhile posts and also engage with others. I love all of the blogger friendships I have made and everyone is so supportive of each other.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Celadon Spa-Relaxation & Recovery
Yes! It does take SO much time!!
I wish I would have started with Word Press instead of Blogger. Now I don’t know how to transfer my blog over without losing my content. I am afraid to attempt myself. So frustrating since I want to do so much more with my blog design but feel I am at a road block. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! 🙂
I definitely suggest switching! There are people who will do it for you 🙂
I definitely wish I started out self-hosted, but I didn’t know how much I would fall in love with blogging and how serious I would want to get. I still need to make that switch, just trying to get my ducks in a row!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Run the Bridge 10K Race Recap
DO IT!! 🙂 lol
great tip on self hosting!
kristin @ W [H] A T C H recently posted…LONG RUN: NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
thanks! i really do think it’s the best thing to do!
Great tips. I knew when I started blogging it wasn’t a piece of cake. If only I would have known how hard it can be at times:)
Laina Turner recently posted…Tasty Tuesday: Buffalo Falafel Wraps with Garlic Blue Cheese Fries
true story!! 🙂
We knew Nothing when we started blogging so any information we’ve come across either now or then was helpful!
Yep, me too!!
I agree with Sue, I wish I would have known how much work it took, though I wouldn’t change starting my blog for sure! Also, I would have gone self-hosted from the get-go too, I guess, that sure was a process after I already had content on a .wordpress.com site!
Lindsay @ Lindsay Weighs In recently posted…Happy Veterans Day [2014]
I agree 100% Lindsay!!
i consider you part of my “tribe.” 😛 great tips as always. i always feel kind of silly offering “share what you know” type posts, because i never feel like i really *know* anything, so i make sure to be like “OKAY THIS IS JUST WHAT I READ SO DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT, I’M JUST TRYING IT OK?” i don’t want anyone coming after me with pitchforks and knives because i’m just in the stage where i’m trying different things out.
nevie recently posted…Focusing on Food When Fitness Fails
I don’t think you need the disclaimer — people know it’s just your experience and your readers trust you! And ps — you are definitely part of my tribe!!
When I get super busy and don’t have time to engage in other blogs (read and leave comments), I see my own readership fall. Even thought that’s what got me started blogging, I had no idea how important it would be in attracting people to my own blog.
I started with self hosting, so I did that right… 🙂
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…A Veteran’s Day Salute
yes, that’s totally true. it does make a big difference!
Love these! I wish I went self hosted from the beginning and turns out the URL I wanted is taken 🙁 (it wasn’t as of June 2014)….brainstorming alternatives now. I’ll prob share them with you next time I see ya! Hope is not TOO cold in Denver.
Jennifer recently posted…2014 Across the Bay 10K Race Recap
i would LOVE to hear your ideas – i love talking blog 🙂 it’s pretty cold here but so pretty!!
It is a second job, it will eat all your free time, but you cannot imagine life without it.
Oh and these people you have never met before are suddenly buddies.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Half Marathon Recap
yep – people like mee!!! hi friend 🙂
I also wish I would have thought of self hosting. My blog isn’t too old, so I do want to look into switching.
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Weekly Recap: November 3-9 + Minneapolis!
i definitely recommend it – it can be a game changer!
Good tips! I’m so glad I moved to a self hosted site and wish I had done it from the beginning. And I still wish I had a “Plugins for Dummies” guide 🙂
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Friday Five – National Running Safety Month
hahaha – plugins for dummies. love it!
Great article. Thanks for the tips!
FLOURISHINGFIT.COM
Rachella recently posted…Why milk is not the enemy
thanks for stopping by!
I wish I would’ve known how much I’d get out of it! I would have started earlier. It’s also a lot more work than I ever thought it would be. But I enjoy it!
I agree – I had NO idea how much work it would be nor did I have any idea how much FUN it’d be!
Yes, self hosting is key.
It’s so hard to find the time to REALLY make it successful. I feel like I’m constantly juggling balls and one is always getting dropped. Takes way more time than I ever thought it would. But most of the time, what you get back from it, makes it worth the time.
MCM Mama recently posted…Tips for Race Recovery
Yes – you are so so right. The time is really like a second job. But a really fun one 🙂
SO true! Having your tribe makes such a difference. When I started blogging never in the world did I think I would meet some of my favorite people!
madeline @ Foodfitandfam recently posted…Surviving PA School With Kids
so true – i had no idea of the friends i’d make. what a great community!!
ahhh I KNEW NADA when I began….which all presupposes I KNOW LOTS NOW 🙂
CARLA recently posted…It’s TETHERBALL time!
lol – i know very little but pretty much EVERYTHING i do know i’ve shared on this blog 🙂
Courtney, I’m SO glad that I started out self-hosted; I had no idea what this would mean, since I knew nothing about blogging, but someone I know made the suggestion and I’m glad I made the initial investment. I also wish I’d known more about design, site setup, etc.; I’ve learned a lot along the way, but I think it’s been via trial and error. 😉 Thanks so much for your posts!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Trail Running Film Festival
I wish I had known about building my email list; before I switched to self-hosted and lost the few followers I had…
Live and learn, right?
Ugh so frustrating!!
While I started playing with the blog back in June it wasn’t until this month that I have really gotten going on it so I guess time will tell!
Amber recently posted…5 Tips To Keep You Running Through The Winter
This isn’t a “What I wish I’d known,” but more like a, “What I wish I knew!” I previously had a lifestyle blog, but my heart wasn’t really in it. What I really love is running and fitness and being active with my kids. I feel like I’m starting over in the blogging world and finding it much harder to find and connect with bloggers in this niche without traffic from Pinterest, Google, etc. So… I would love any tips on where/how to network with other running/fitness bloggers to build a network!
Katie@Run Wild in Alaska recently posted…Weekend Recap
I’ve just started my blog so I’ll be sure to keep up with these tips. Thanks!
http://WWW.LOVEYOURTEMPLE.CO.UK