If you're thinking about starting a blog but you're a little unsure because you don't know how often you'll have the time or the urge to post, please don't let that put you off. To blog "successfully" (a term that means different things to everyone!*) there's no need to post daily. Or every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. At 9am on the dot. Schedules don't work for everyone. I fell into that trap and for me it was NOT fun.
There's a notion that if you don't stick to a schedule, or take a break, or whatever, that you'll be replaced. There are millions of blogs, right? I guess it's not an unreasonable assumption. But you're not that easily replaceable. When you're writing about what you want to, in your own voice, I don't think you're actually replaceable at all. Because if you're doing you, there's no one else quite like you.
Many of my favourite blogs are only updated once a month. Sometimes less. In fact one of my favourite blogs, Beautiful Clutter, hasn't been updated for almost two years and I still stop by to read through the archives every so often. They're still my favourites because they're unique. They're written by people being unapologetically themselves, and that's what I love. It's not something that's easily replaceable.
Meaningful connections can't be undone so easily.
And that's what this is all about.
xoxo






* To me, a successful blog is one that simply exists. The account was created, the page designed, and a post published. It can be scary putting yourself out there. And in continuing to write, new successes can be reached. But after the first post, failure just isn't a thing.
Strong, truthful words Jennie. Simple and lovely.
ReplyDeleteHolly | http://abranchofholly.blogspot.co.uk/
<3
DeleteI liked reading this Jennie! I often receive emails from people wanting to start blogs who worry that they can't keep up with the schedule, but there simply isn't one, that's the beauty in these little online havens that we made ourselves. They're our own. I like to post whenever something I want to share comes into my head, just a direct accompaniment to my everyday life. I rarely actually think 'right, I must get this posted at a certain time' unless I genuinely have a brand deadline! Such an interesting post topic!! xx
ReplyDeleteI like having a space where I can write only when I'm inspired and not because I have to <3
DeleteI couldn't agree more. If I like a blog it's in my Bloglovin subscription so I will see the posts when they are published. Likewise with Twitter and so on I'll be prompted of posts to read. There is so many posts these days that talk about some sort of formula you need to be a 'successful blogger' that I think it takes away from what blogging is, a platform for you to be creative in whatever form.
ReplyDeleteI blog daily because I like the challenge but if I miss a day I'm sure my readers who know me will not panic and hit unsubscribe, they've prob heard me on Twitter stating I'm busy, on holiday or whatever.
Victoria x
FlorenceandMary.com
<3 <3
DeleteThis was such a lovely post to read :) I have written out a schedule of "ideas" and if I don't stick to it, I just move that idea down a notch or onto another week, instead of getting stressed like before.
ReplyDeleteZoe Newlove Beauty Blogger & MUA
I think that's a great way to work <3
DeleteI love this. To be completely honest, I'm getting a bit fed up with reading 'blogging tips' posts that always contain the exact same 'tips'. If everyone recommends that we post daily at 9am, using these certain photography styles and write about these 'most popular' topics, then all blogs are just going to become exactly the same. Where's the fun, interest and enjoyment with that?!
ReplyDeleteemmerliejay x
There would be no fun at all, I love unique blogs and wouldn't want to lose that! xx
DeleteCompletely agree with you Jennie but I recently brought in more order for my blog and I want to see how long I can sustain that. As soon as I find it boring or a task I am going to flip! :-)
ReplyDeleteTheConscienceFund
Think it's awesome to go with whatever works for you <3 xx
DeleteThis is such a great post. It's fine if having a blogging schedule works for you, but everyone is different so I'm really glad someone has finally said it! I don't keep to a schedule, simply because I don't want to put pressure on myself to blog and then produce a post that I'm unhappy with. You're so right when you say that it doesn't matter if a blogger doesn't update often. You still keep coming back because of a blogger's personality, the way they express their opinions, their photographs etc... It's definitely not all about making sure you've posted 9am on the dot every day. Quality over quantity! Xx
ReplyDeleteKatie | The Last Souvenir
Absolutely. I really don't mind if there's a long time in between updates, but I'm not sure if I'm in the minority with that? xo
DeleteI agree. Most people don't have time to check their favourite blogs everyday or every other day, and so posting that regularly means that some readers will have a lot of catching up to do and may miss some posts. Also, you shouldn't feel tied to a schedule. Blogging is suppose to be fun and if you feel like you are writing because you have to then obviously something isn't right.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree <3
DeleteI really like this - there are so many people saying 'consistency is key' and it doesn't feel natural to me!
ReplyDeleteBrunette in Louboutins
I think it's brilliant if you're able to keep up with a schedule, but I like to write when I'm inspired and that's not very consistent at all hehe xo
DeleteI don't think that this can be said any better. No one is replaceable - I often love blogs because of the people writing them and their words. And sometimes, if they post daily, I struggle to keep up! xx
ReplyDeleteSam | Samantha Betteridge
I do too, I wish I had time to read through my bloglovin' subscriptions every day but sometimes I don't manage to and posts pile up! xo
DeleteThis is such a refreshing post! I have read so many blog posts about blog schedules with set blogging times but I agree that none of that matters and you're totally right, it's about the voice and content of the blog rather than how regularly posts are published xx
ReplyDeleteIoanna | Hearting.co.uk
I don't want anyone to be put off from starting a blog, it's one of the best things I've ever done <3
DeleteVery true Jennie, I'll take quality over quantity any day! Plus I wouldn't be able to keep up if all my blogging pals updated every day, this way I get to catch up on all the blogs I love!! xo
ReplyDeletewww.lovedbylaura.com
Me too <3
DeleteHello
ReplyDeletem just starting out and this is really great to hear !
i have followed your blog for a while and i am always pleased to see your posts in my feed !
Thank you !
Jessica
http://jessicaindgedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/
Aww thank you, Jessica! xo
Deleteso refreshing - you're always the one who puts it perfectly and speaks my mind :) it's also quite comforting to know my thoughts are being echoed! i definitely struggle with regular posting and "schedules" like you put it and knowing that lovely people like you out there understand and see beyond that feels warm and fuzzy :)
ReplyDeleterachel x
blush&brunch
I wouldn't want anyone to be put off starting a blog because they can't post consistently all the time, I don't think it's the most important thing <3
DeleteThis is so true! Although a few of my fave blogs haven't posted in months and it makes me sad, I can't help but wonder what they're up to. I miss them!
ReplyDeleteTara x
Send them a little email <3
DeleteI find that if I don't blog regularly then I lose readers :/
ReplyDeleteMegan x
London Callings
I think I might do too when I'm not being consistent, but I don't really look at the numbers so I'm not too sure. I suppose I don't mind that too much though, the readers that still want to keep up will stay subscribed <3
Deleteseriously, this post motivates me so much <3
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, love. And btw, I agree with everything you write :)
xo
colorsinmybubble.blogspot.com
<3
DeleteI love your definition of a successful blog. Sometimes can be scary, but, in the end it's worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteIt really is <3
DeleteThis is great! I worry myself thinking that I haven't posted enough. But it is true that you don't have to post all the time. Great words of encouragement for potential bloggers!
ReplyDeletehttp://thelifeofastudenttraveller.blogspot.co.uk/
I wouldn't want anyone to be put off starting a blog, it's so wonderful! xo
DeleteAs much as I do agree with you in principal.. in practice I don't find what you're saying to be true. Of course, it depends on what each of us defines as "success" really, doesn't it? I mean, if we just want to blog.. to put something out into the world, then just writing a post and hitting 'publish' is enough. But for a lot of us we want to interact with people; sure, we might not want to become a "big blogger," we might not want to monetize or be "known." But even the most humble of bloggers want to reach out and interact with their readers and therefore, if we do not blog consistently.. we find we lose that engaged audience and we drift away from relevancy in their lives.
ReplyDeleteI know, from practice, that blogging erratically means readers don't stick around and I know, from personal experience, that no matter how much I adore a blog.. if the author doesn't blog regularly (for example, at least once a month) I am unlikely to stay subscribed. Why? Because I don't feel connected to them and how can I think that an audience can feel connected to me if I do not post regularly?
We can't expect to have the best of both worlds; we can't expect to have an audience that will wait like a loyal pet until we decide to post. So the sad truth is we have to make decisions about our blogs, do we want to post whenever we feel like it? Well, OK then, but we can't expect to gain much of a "loyal" readership. And if we decide we do want that, then we need to blog regularly and consistently to keep that engagement.
Alas perhaps you're right. I'm a very small fish in a very large pond, many of the same wonderful people have been stopping by for many years and perhaps I don't really deserve such continued support after a few years of inconsistency.
DeleteI don't know, I suppose I'd rather stumble across a blog with a handful of inspiring pieces of writing knowing they may not write again for 6 months or maybe even never, than never to have had the chance to read them at all.
Perhaps I am that loyal pet. And maybe that's wrong, and maybe that has influenced me so that my thoughts here have given bad advice. But I guess it's just what I feel. I still feel a connection with my favourites that haven't updated in a year or so. Sure I've changed in that time, and maybe it's also because it stirs a connection with my younger self.
Blogging can be a little intimidating, if I came across the blogosphere now I don't think I'd start my own blog. And that makes my heart feel heavy because I wouldn't be the same without the connections with people I've made through this space. I'd like everyone who wants to start writing to write, no matter how scary it seems. :)
i absolutely agree with you that quality > quantity, every time. i think that consistency, whether it's posting daily, weekly or monthly, is a good thing if you want readers to feel they can rely on you for content, but there are blogs that have all but disappeared and i still wait to see if they will ever update again. x
ReplyDeleteThey're my favourites. I guess I like the suspense of waiting for something new to read from them <3
DeleteI think a lot of people believe that they have to be on time with their blogs to be honest. A lot of people will understand that we are only human and we aren't going to always have the time to update.
ReplyDeleteIf somebody is a loyal viewer and interested in your content they will come to your blog.
Ellen,
http://fishnetsxd.blogspot.ie
I agree <3
DeleteI am the exact same when I find a blog I love, I'll spend forever in the archives. And in a way, post less actually makes me click more just to see if a new post is up. Definite reverse psychology!
ReplyDeleteAnnabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
I'm the same, infrequent posters are amongst my absolute favourites I think! ox
Deleteyour post inspired me..i always scared if i do not blogged for few days,my readers will forget me..and i will vanish in the blogging world.haha..
ReplyDeletexo joselovincolors
www.joselovincolors.com
Aww you definitely won't! xo
DeleteI do somewhere feel the pressure of blogging daily.
ReplyDeleteI even plan it in my agenda and make time for it!
Including reading other blogs, comment and replying,
because I want to keep connected and stay loyal to
the readers and blogs that I enjoy to read!
Even for the blogs that has not updated in months,
I'll keep coming back to see if the blogger has posted
something new. I guess I'm a loyal pet too Xx
<3 <3
DeleteThank you for writing this Jennie. I completely agree. I'm getting a little fed up with all of these blog tip posts, I think they're getting a little over the top really! xxx
ReplyDeleteI would be so overwhelmed by them if I was thinking about starting a blog now, I probably wouldn't for fear of doing something 'wrong'. But there's nothing to get wrong, we make the rules for our spaces and I love that! xo
DeleteLove this post - I blog a lot when I'm inspired to do so and less so when I'm not, easy! x
ReplyDeleteMe too <3
DeleteSometimes a break from posting regularly/to a pressurising schedule is what you need - it's what I'm doing now. It's sometimes necessary to take a gap and let yourself have some me time, and I'm so so pleased you've put these feelings into words. Beautiful post as always xxx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, sometimes things get a little too much and it becomes just... not fun anymore! xo
DeleteSuch a lovely post Jennie! Especially right now when there are a ridiculous amount of 'how to blog' posts that just make you feel pressured and guilty when you don't need too! xo
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely no need at all. All about doing what makes you happy <3
DeleteAgree agree agree! If you blog when you want and about what you want you can't go wrong in my book. xxx
ReplyDelete<3 <3
Delete