Being My Own Blogger. 20 Lessons I've Learnt From Blogging

Tuesday, 2 June 2015

As Someplace Strange is now one, it seems as good a time as any for the obligatory Lessons Wot I've Learnt From Blogging Post.  And here it is.  

Many of the advice posts I've read focus on one side of blogging - how to turn your personal thoughts into a big business, take perfect pin-able photos, master the art of SEO and be the next Zoella.  No disrespect intended - no really! - but no thanks.  

I'm more interested in finding my own feet, developing my own voice ... A journey where I decide where I want to go.  Besides, if we all followed the same advice there would be no individuality or quirkiness.  Which would be rather dull, boring and NO FUN.  

Coffee Cup and Spoon


Here are the lessons that blogging has taught me:

  1. As things change in your real life, so will things change in your virtual one.  Your blog evolves as you do.
  2. Your blog is your space, take pride in it.  Only create content and do things you're proud of.
  3. Always remember why you started blogging in the first place.  
  4. Write what you know and love. 
  5. Respect other people's privacy.  Not everything is blog-able.
  6. If you don't feel okay or right about doing something, then don't.
  7. Don't assume to know what other people will find interesting and engaging.  (Or boring!)
  8. Try new things! 
  9. You don't have to make money.  Even if you can.
  10. Do as you would be done by.
  11. Juggling a blog, a family, a full time job and a life can be tough.  (Yeah, I know, boo hoo!)  I publish three times a week because that's the optimum amount of good quality prose and visuals I can do.
  12. The more you look around and the more you write, the more ideas you'll have.  (Except when you don't).
  13. It's good to take a break every so often.
  14. An editorial calendar can be helpful, but don't be a slave to it.  
  15. Your archives can be a source of new ideas and inspiration.
  16. Do your own thing.  It's better to be different, develop your own style and stand out than be the same as everyone else.
  17. Share the love!  Share the love!  Share the love!  Share the Love!  
  18. Ignore the numbers.  Yours and their's.  
  19. Have fun!  Blogging is meant to be enjoyable!  
  20. You'll meet some amazing people and make friends.  (You'll meet some meh people as well, but that's just the way it is).
My one piece of advice would be is that you're thinking about starting is a blog is to just do it!  You never know until you try!

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88 comments

  1. Mummy Tries2 June 2015 at 09:42

    Brilliant list here and good advice not just for newbies, but all us bloggers out there :-)

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  2. Unknown2 June 2015 at 10:20

    Great list and so true! Blogging should be fun, and in my case it's a way of therapy ;) #TwinklyTuesday

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    1. Tubbs2 June 2015 at 21:07

      It's been keeping me sane as well. (Or less insane!) Thank you for commenting

      Delete
  3. Unknown2 June 2015 at 10:20

    Great advice - totally agree with all of this. Blogging is certainly a journey which you learn lots from not only about blogging but also yourself. #twinklytuesday

    http://motherhoodtherealdeal.com/

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    1. Tubbs2 June 2015 at 21:10

      True, you learn lots about many things through blogging. Thank you for commenting

      Delete
  4. Tinuke B2 June 2015 at 10:47

    Brilliant list. I think you're spot on. It really is about being true to you, not taking numbers too seriously and growing with your space on the net. Very glad to have found you via #sharethejoy today!

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  5. Erin Vincent2 June 2015 at 11:20

    Really Great! I'm with you! There is a reason I started blogging and it wasn't to make money or worry about SEO's. Thanks for sharing :-)

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    1. Tubbs2 June 2015 at 21:20

      Thank you, I was slightly worried that people would laugh!

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  6. Morgan Prince2 June 2015 at 13:23

    Brilliant! I think a lot of people stress about SEO, stats, etc, but really as long as you're enjoying what you're doing that's all that matters. I'm finding my own way through the blogging world, taking tips as such, tips. It may work, it may not, but trying to emulate others is never going to work.

    Great post. xx

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  7. Unknown2 June 2015 at 13:27

    Fab advice to all bloggers! It's so easy to get hung up on numbers when that not the reason most of us started blogging! :) x

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  8. Anonymous2 June 2015 at 14:10

    I always try to share the love! Lovely lessons. #TwinklyTuesday

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    1. Tubbs2 June 2015 at 21:30

      You do! Thank you. And you take the best photos!

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  9. Random Musings2 June 2015 at 14:45

    Brilliant list. I especially like the one about reminding yourself why you started. It's easy to get a lost sometimes and doing this gets me back on track! I totally agree that blogging would be boring if we all did the same thing! #myfavouritepost
    Debbie
    www.myrandommusings.blogspot.com

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  10. Life-As-Mum2 June 2015 at 15:32

    This is a great post. I've seen some different sides to some bloggers. Some are lovely and supportive and some are just 'meh' ha ha!
    I love Blogging, I really enjoy it.

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    1. Tubbs2 June 2015 at 21:35

      Thank you. Having looked at your blog, your love for blogging shines out

      Delete
  11. mumturnedmom2 June 2015 at 18:07

    This is brilliant, and I couldn't agree more with all your points. I'm off to share the love...! #allaboutyou

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  12. Julie S2 June 2015 at 21:45

    These are great lessons! It is important to remember why we started blogging in the first place and keep it an enjoyable activity. I love the reminders to share the love and stop focusing on numbers.

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    Replies
    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:30

      Thank you! For both the lovely comment and for visiting

      Delete
  13. Anonymous2 June 2015 at 22:50

    A great list - you've obviously learned a lot in a short space of time. 9, 16 and 19 resonate particularly with me. I do earn money from blogging but I'm very picky about what I will and won't accept. Being different is what every blogger should aim for, and the best way to do that is to be yourself and not get drawn into imitating others. And blogging should absolutely be fun - if you're writing just because your schedule says you should be, the quality of your output will inevitably drop and it will start to feel like a chore.

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:33

      I was a blog consumer before I was a creator and many of the lessons come from there. Essentially, be nice and just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Thank you for the lovely comment

      Delete
  14. Unknown2 June 2015 at 23:25

    Great advice here - number 5 in particular is so important but some bloggers just don't obey it!

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:35

      It is, I always try to bear in mind that Tev T and the Tubblet may not want that blogged about, even though it would make a great post! Thank you for commenting

      Delete
  15. Anonymous3 June 2015 at 01:02

    Yes. Yes to all. I cannot even begin to wrap my head around all the SEO stuff. Totally killed the joy for me.

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:35

      Still don't get it! Thank you for commenting

      Delete
  16. Unknown3 June 2015 at 01:23

    Such profound lessons for novice and seasoned bloggers alike. I love the fact that you emphasize the importance of being genuine--that you have to be yourself and not necessarily look at what others are doing to be successful. It's a great lesson to live by and something that bloggers should try to do. Lovely of you to share this, Mrs. Tubs. Thank you!

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:36

      You can't fake a persona online, sooner or later your real self leaks through. Thank you for commenting.

      Delete
  17. Unknown3 June 2015 at 06:31

    I love this. You have done a great job at reminding us all of what it is really about. Our voice. Thank you.

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  18. Unknown3 June 2015 at 09:27

    Great post — and I'm totally with you — I'm a mama of toddler twins, a wife, I run a business, a home, and now I blog!! I post 3 proper posts a week too — if I did any more than that the content wouldn't watered down. I think we have to stay true to ourselves when we're blogging x Thanks so much for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday x

    Caro | www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:37

      Thank you for hosting. Hope to see you next week

      Delete
  19. Jenni3 June 2015 at 11:35

    Brilliant list and so very true. I think I am going to bookmark this and have a read every time I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by blogging. Thanks!

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  20. Charlotte3 June 2015 at 11:39

    Great post - I think it can be very easy to forget these things. I am a mum of four and I work from home and blog. It's a juggle but I that's how it is and it's my juggle :) #sharewithme

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  21. Unknown3 June 2015 at 13:05

    This is a great post, happy first birthday Some Place Strange xxx great list and tips #sharewitheme

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  22. Unknown3 June 2015 at 13:19

    Really helpful to a newbie like me :)

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  23. jeremy@thirstydaddy3 June 2015 at 13:24

    I only publish 3 times a week also. At first I was afraid that wouldn't be enough, but I'm not going to sacrifice time with the kids I'm writing about just to write with them. It's been good to see that I'm not alone there

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  24. Helen - Blogging Beautifully3 June 2015 at 20:42

    Great post with some good pointers, I have recently been sharing some archived posts it's nice to look back on what I've achieved. Thanks for linking up to #bestandworst and hope to see you again next week!

    Helen x

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:40

      Thank you for hosting. Hope to see you next week

      Delete
  25. Anonymous3 June 2015 at 23:03

    cool post -I also wnat to blog my way and not narrow myself to a specific theme/ perspective/ audience. My blog has totally morphed and I am happy with that. It serves a purpose for me, but if people enjoy it, then great!

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:42

      That's the key I think, that the blog serves its purpose for you. Thanks for commenting

      Delete
  26. Unknown4 June 2015 at 18:20

    Great post and very true. Applies to newbies and bloggers who've been around for years and kind of lost their way a little like me.

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  27. Unknown5 June 2015 at 11:12

    Great advice! Especially 9! #myfavouritepost

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  28. Unknown5 June 2015 at 14:54

    Write because you love to write. Awesome advice. <3

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  29. Wendy5 June 2015 at 15:53

    Love all this advice. Sometimes I worry that I don't get many comments but then I remind myself I started this blog for me not very other people. If I get views and comments then great, if I don't it's really not a big deal. Happy blog birthday!xx #TheList

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:43

      Thank you for the good wishes and the lovely comment

      Delete
  30. Sarah from Goodreads5 June 2015 at 20:50

    What a beautiful breath of fresh air this post is. I took a break from blogging because I didn't like the SEO, how-to-make-money, statstatstats side of things. But I missed writing, and so I've come back with a mindset similar to yours...except you put it into words a lot better!

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  31. Michelle Reeves - Bod for tea6 June 2015 at 07:04

    Well I've been blogging for almost 5 years but there are really important lessons here for ALL bloggers! You're so right to focus on enjoying your blogging - after all if it's not fun why are we doing it? Happy 1st blog birthday and thank you for linking up at #sharethejoy

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:44

      Thank you for the lovely comment and the good wishes

      Delete
  32. Anonymous6 June 2015 at 08:57

    A very true post, i have been blogging about 12 months and only recently have i learnt to love my blog and write for me. Blogging is fun :) #TheList

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  33. Unknown6 June 2015 at 22:26

    Fantastic list with great advice for everybody thanks for linking to the BINKYLINKY

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:45

      Thank you for hosting. Have a lovely week

      Delete
  34. Emily Twin Mummy and Daddy6 June 2015 at 22:28

    I've been blogging almost three years and am passionate about it. I couldn't my life without blogging. I've learnt so much and have taught myself so many new skills. Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky

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    1. Tubbs6 June 2015 at 22:46

      I've learnt so much and met some amazing people. Thank you for commenting

      Delete
  35. Let's Talk Mommy8 June 2015 at 19:27

    So true to all of these. It's only been 20 months for me but I have learned so much in such a short time and have changed so much too both in myself and my blog. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me. #sharewithme

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    1. Tubbs8 June 2015 at 21:40

      Thank you! For both the lovely comment and for hosting sharewithme. See you soon!

      Delete
  36. Ickle Pickle8 June 2015 at 20:43

    Great post - I firmly believe you should blog for YOU! Never mind anything else! Thank you for linking up to #MyFavouritePost Kaz x

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    1. Tubbs8 June 2015 at 21:40

      Thank you for hosting as always! See you soon!

      Delete
  37. Unknown8 June 2015 at 22:49

    Great lessons, it is the most time consuming, all encompassing but fabulous thing (excluding motherhood) that I have ever done. Thanks so much for linking up to #TheList x

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  38. Unknown8 June 2015 at 22:50

    Absolutely brilliant! You've brought me down to earth with a bump with this post. Thanks for linking up with #MyFavouritePost

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  39. Kara, The Hippy Milspouse30 June 2015 at 02:51

    Love your tips, 12 is so true lol. All bloggers should keep these in mind!

    Stopping by from #blogstorm

    ~Kara
    kararajchelblogdesign.com

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    1. Tubbs30 June 2015 at 12:54

      It is! I haven't had bloggers block yet, but it'll come! Thank you for commenting

      Delete
  40. Martyn Kitney30 June 2015 at 21:47

    Love this!! And it's so true!! I have to remind myself of many of these!! #blogstorm

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    1. Tubbs30 June 2015 at 22:07

      Thank you. I've been enjoying your posts about blogging too.

      Delete
  41. Anonymous4 July 2015 at 00:10

    Excellent tips. I do think number 9 is often overlooked by bloggers in the rush to monetise blogs. You don't have to accept every product offered for review! I'm approached 15-20 times a month by PRs and will say yes to one or at most two. Why? Because I'm only interested in reviewing products that fit with my blog and represent what I like and stand for, and I value my regular readers enough not to alienate them with a constant stream of review posts. That might cost me casual readers arriving via Google and it means I earn much less than I could. I don't care. That's not what I blog, and it's something I'm mindful of never losing sight of.

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    1. Tubbs5 July 2015 at 15:14

      The money making side is very closely linked with integrity to me having entered blogging via reading beauty blogs. Some of the huge bloggers are less about informing the reader and more about being a mouth piece for a brand. They also manage to make a living from blogging without being paid for posts or receiving any samples if their disclosure policies are anything to go by. It's amazing ... ! I'm sure the same issues are present in the parenting blogging scene, but it's great that you and others with influence and credibility are stating that's not the way to go

      Delete
  42. Sanna P23 August 2015 at 00:28

    So right, if I was to make a post like this, I would probably write quite similar things too. And 11 - yes, it is difficult juggling all those commitments!

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    1. Tubbs23 August 2015 at 22:26

      Feel free to pinch the idea and do your own post. Thank you for commenting and have a great week

      Delete
  43. Joy Morales5 March 2016 at 17:25

    Good list - and definitely #20. I met my fiance through our blogs! Visiting over from #WeekendBlogShare.

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    1. Tubbs5 March 2016 at 20:54

      Wow, that's amazing! I wish you all the best :). Thank you for commenting

      Delete
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