I’ve gotten a few emails lately, quite a few emails actually, from readers looking to create a brand or launch a blog. Every email is, of course, a bit different but the questions and issues seem to be the same.
The common narrative looks something like this:
“I’m all set to go, but I don’t know how to promote, what I want to write about or who my audience is. What should I do to make my blog successful?”
I try to keep my replies as thoughtful, concise and helpful as possible. But I’ve noted a common trend –everyone wants to grow quickly. Very quickly. And that, my friends, just isn’t ideal.
I’ve said before that sometimes you just need to jump. Don’t wait to feel ready, bite the bullet and dive headfirst into your endeavors. But by no means does that mean you should build a shambley shack and dub it a brand. Furthermore, you shouldn’t be surprised when there isn’t a line of people waiting to hop aboard your barely floating ship.
Jumping into your dream doesn’t mean launching something that you know won’t hold. It doesn’t mean putting your name and efforts into something you yourself likely would gravitate towards. It means jump in into the work. You must do the work.
Did you hear? YOU MUST DO THE WORK!
Jump headfirst into a Google Doc where you write out strong copy for your pages, strategy for social media, ideas for creative content. Make note of the resources you have, and the ones you need to acquire. The less resources you have to start with, the harder you will need to work to produce a quality product.
Invest in yourself, in any and every way that you can. Your early work will likely be rough, you believe that you will grow as you progress. It is so important to plant your roots in good soil. Set yourself up so that you have time, space and resources to grow. Don’t create an environment that causes you to be uprooted time and time again. Craft an original, authentic and purposeful brand instead, right from the start. Trust me, starting with a solid foundation only makes growing easier.
Trust the process. Know that you will get out of it everything that you put into it, in due time. Don’t rush. Don’t make excuses. Work hard. It will come if you make it so.
Amen to this! It’s so easy to the see the success someone has and forget that they too started somewhere and have put in the work to get where they are! It’s hard not to want over night success but playing around and exploring when you’re working towards your goals is where you learn and grow, so that you may be successful. This post is such a good reminder to do the work! 🙂
Yes yes and YES! Many of times I have to remind my clients that gaining a million readers and income doesn’t happen over night! But if you really invest in what you do and put the work behind it then it will happen right when its supposed to! Great post, lady!
I had to tweet that last quote. Great post! Just when I feel like giving up, positive sources like you make me rise above nagging thoughts of doubt and remember how firmly my feet are planted in this foundation I’m creating. Amen to beautiful words of wisdom and being a guiding light to bloggers out there girlfriend 🙂
I really needed to read this especially since I plan getting back into blogging. I learned from my past mistakes and it was a lot of trial and error and I had to take a step back to really focus on what exactly did I want to blog about and the audience I am trying to attract….. I’m ready to dive in and get this show on the world and with the hard work and planning I would to attract like minded individuals in the journey. Great Post Girl!
Thank you for sharing this, I started my blog last year to document our new home but its only really been the last couple of months that I’ve started blogging with any frequency. Some of my favourite blogs I’ve come across are those who remain totally true to who they are and that’s always what I hope to do too.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. So many people expect things to happen instantly. But the one thing I always say is “It won’t happen unless you do the work.” I’ve finally found the direction with my brand & I’m ready to do the work! Thanks for the post 🙂
Holly | http://www.abranchofholly.com/
This is a great post and I’m so glad that I stumbled across your blog! I couldn’t agree with you more; you MUST do the work. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to future posts! 🙂
xoxo
Allison
http://www.livelaughwonder.com
This is always a good reminder to read. I know I’ve sat at my blog and done the comparison game and gotten frustrated with my own growth. But in reality I’ve put in lots of hard work and for a short time into it I should be proud. It’s much more rewarding to work towards it than to buy it.
I’m back from a looong blogging hiatus and now I feel like I’m starting all over again. It’s somewhat frustrating, but it’s also kind of good to go back to basics and start working hard to pick up good momentum again!
I’m doing sort of the same thing and I totally understand! It’s frustrating but also kind of peaceful just to get back to the very basics of writing and publishing.
You got that spot on! Peaceful and frustrating. lol
Great post! Something that I’ve learned is that you HAVE to believe in what you’re doing, or else you won’t continue and have the patience to do the work and let yourself grow.
Thank you so much for this! I read this at the perfect time. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to deal with low view numbers for posts. I always have to remind myself that that can take time.