The Truth About Blogging

So today I’m getting real here on Balance and Chaos.

I came across a post on Bloglovin by the author of Queen of Jet Lags that really hit the nail on the damn head. As expected, what goes on behind a blog is a total alien-like world for most people. I get it, though. You wouldn’t really understand unless you are one or live with/date one. That’s why today I’m exposing the dirty deets! Queen of Jet Lags says it best in her article titled “8 Truths About Blogging Reveal”.

“1. Most people won’t believe you’re actually busy because you run a blog:

QOJL says, “Me: ‘let me call you back, I’m super busy’ –  Friend: with what? – Me: I have to finish so many things for my blog – Friend: how can you be busy with blogging? You just have to upload a picture of yourself?” HAAAA! You guys. Unfortunately this scenario has happened. A blog is ultimately business and there’s so much that goes into keeping it up & running. Emails, uploading photos, editing, coding, planning, writing, setting up collaboration dates, all while putting out consistent, new content can take up hours of my day.

“2. Planning is the hardest thing to do as a blogger:”

I have always been a certified procrastinator. As much as I would love to have a content calendar, I just can’t. I’m definitely NOT one of those bloggers that have 2 weeks worth of blog posts saved in their archive. I go with the flow because that’s just my personality. QOJL says, “as a blogger there are many variables that make it hard to plan.” Ding, ding, ding – PITTSBURGH WEATHER. I mean how am I supposed to plan a photo shoot when there is a >50% chance of crappy weather every day.

“3. You and your readers are mostly not on the same page:”

QOJL says, “When I think a post is awesome you guys don’t give it as much attention to other posts where I’m not sure about whether I like them. I don’t know what it is, but it’s true” I can use as many analytic programs to try to predict what my readers like to read but usually it is unpredicatable. You guys keep me on my toes and I like it!

“4. The wrong perception:”

Alright. This is my PET PEEVE. QOJL goes on to say, “I can’t tell you how many times people asked me if I was auditioning to be a model. No, I don’t want to be a model and yes, I just like posting my outfit pictures online” Ok, no – I do not think I am hot stuff. I am a blogger, not a model. Posing for photographers is still extremelyyyyyy uncomfortable for me. I hate it! But hey, it’s part of the job and I’m in it to win it, peoples.

“5. People lie about their analytics:“

QOJL: “I’m a little naive to some things but I really found out that a lot of bloggers lie about their analytics.” I firmly believe that you get what you give. Why lie? I’ve been true to my brand since day 1 and the opportunities and success have come naturally with that mentality. Instagram will probably have a “lie-detector” (like twitter does) one of these days so better safe than sorry! I’ll leave that embarassment for someone else.

“6. Not everyone is going to like you:”

This statement goes for other bloggers and blog-readers. QOJL: “When I first started out with blogging I thought every blogger was going to be my friend… Unfortunately this isn’t true and in fact, bloggers get very competitive with each other and of course there’s a lot of gossip. I would strongly advise everyone to not get into this and to focus on your own thing, most importantly creating your own original content.” Entertaining and focusing on the “haters” will only bring negativity. Being myself has helped to attract a loyal audience and a circle of amazing, like-minded bloggers. S/O to my first cyber friend, Payton of Hustle & Halcyon!

“7. Instagram is as important as your blog:”

I’ve said it once and i’ll say it again. Instagram is HUGE right now. QOJL says, “spend a little extra time on your Instagram as it’s one of the first impressions people get from your brand.” True. That. I am overly OCD about my feed but it has paid off. Most PR companies find me via IG. So sorry if you’ve caught on to my post/delete after 10 seconds pattern. Haha!

“8. Blogging shouldn’t be taking over your life:”

QOJL: “When I focus on blogging and gaining a lot of followers too much I always seem to lack inspiration so I’ve definitely learned to not only do other things than blogging but also to keep surrounding myself with people who work in a completely different field as I find that this is the best to keep your head in the right place and the inspiration flowing“. She couldn’t have said it better. Taking a break from the blogosphere and all of the social media that comes along with it is SO important. I’m definitely that chick whose food goes cold because I need THAT PICTURE. Duh. I am super motivated when it comes to B&C so it is hard for me to shut down. But I’m working on it.

Hope you guys didn’t fall asleep! I had to share because this is one of the realest articles I’ve read about blogging. Thanks Queen of Jet Lags!

X, j