It’s crazy to think that Fabulously Average has been running for almost 3 ½ years now and while I wouldn’t consider myself a veteran blogger I also wouldn’t consider myself a newbie. FabAve has taken some time to grow, and yet it is no where near where I’d like it to be. But I digress and frequently remind myself why I have this virtual space in the first place. It’s not for the numbers, the free stuff, or the exposure (ok, maybe a little bit for the exposure), but really because I want to help the everyday average gal live her most fabulous life! Today I thought it would be fun to share some advice to the new crop of bloggers out there possibly doubting themselves in this saturated community that we call blogging. And if you’re a veteran blogger needing a kick in the pants, this one’s for you, too;)
Establish Your Voice
If you’re trying to be the next Julia chances are your plan isn’t going to work. Why? Because there’s already a Gal Meets Glam and while there are many similar blogs and even more copycats, the next generation of readers are looking for something new and fresh to occupy their online time. Be yourself, it’s as simple as that. It really is. Trust me when I say that once you’ve established your voice creating content and feeling pride in what you share on your blog comes naturally and easily.
Beware, comparisons a bitch
You will compare yourself and/or your blog to that of another, and that’s perfectly natural, but what essentially destroys your spirit and cripples your creativity is when you let that comparison consume you. Instead, use that feeling that tends to set in when you think you’re not enough, take note of why you might be feeling that way. Is your blog design not up to par? Hire a web designer or work on your HTML skills to do the upgrade yourself! Wishing your photos were as crisp and vibrant as that other bloggers? There are plenty of tutorials online to refine your photography skills, so read up! Comparison doesn’t have to steal your joy if you don’t let it.
Be Genuine
This one kind of goes along with establishing your own voice, but I cannot express enough how sharing your true self in your online presence does garner positive results for both your blog and essentially your self-esteem. Don’t be someone you aren’t just because you see another blogger gaining readers and exposure by being a certain way. Readers will see right through the facade and no one likes fake people. Take Jessica of My Style Vita for example, she has a potty mouth and is a real sassy pants, she doesn’t mask that on her blog or via social media. It is so refreshing because that’s who she truly is.
Always remember why you started
Blogger burn out is inevitable, it just comes with the territory, so you have to frequently remind yourself why you started blogging. Whether you started for the creative outlet, to share your knowledge on a specific topic, or to become Internet famous, always look at the why when you don’t think you can go on any longer. Comparing yourself to another blogger? Again, reflect inward as to why you started blogging. Burnt out or letting comparison be the bitch that she is? Take a few days off to reevaluate and rejuvenate; you’ll jump start your creativity and come back ready to blog your little heart out!
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To my fellow bloggers, new and old to the game, what advice would you like to pass on to the newbs?
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