Last month I read a lot of posts about blogging tips and I thought I’d share some of my years of wisdom! I started this blog all the way back in 2014, but it’s only recently that I’ve discovered my blogging identity and reignited a creative spark that has changed the way I blog entirely. I can’t fully explain this change and the creative epiphany I experienced but it’s one that I’m hugely grateful for because without it I would have lost something I loved.

I’m someone who likes structure when it comes to getting things done. Every morning I make myself a to-do list and I find it helpful to visualise my goals for the day. Last year, I was really struggling with maintaining a posting schedule, which in turn had an impact on my creativity and writing. I would put so much pressure on myself to write that I’d end up rushing and posting something that I wasn’t 100% invested in. Looking back on my posts I can see that my heart truly wasn’t in it but that all changed last September.

I don’t know what prompted this change or the sudden surge of motivation, but I remember sitting down to write a blog post and just feeling exhausted and heartbroken over the fact that I’d fallen out of love with something I used to be so passionate and enthusiastic about. This blog has been a huge part of my life and I wasn’t about to give up on it, it’s a platform and creative outlet that allows me to be me and without it I’d feel a little lost.

So, surprise surprise, I made a list! A list of all the posts that I enjoying reading, writing and the topics I was passionate about and from there I started planning new ideas and posts that I hoped fellow readers would enjoy. I started back at square one and really let my creativity and imagination free. I stopped seeing this blog as a ‘job’ but rather than opportunity to let loose and to have fun. So when it came to the daunting challenge of ‘blogmas 2020’ I was excited and eager to share more of my posts with the blogging community, a community that has been so loving and supportive and one that I’m proud to be apart of. I learned to love blogging again and I like to think that I’ve become a more active member of the community!

Another element that continues to help me with my motivation and organisation is my magical spreadsheet! I started using this spreadsheet for ‘blogmas 2020’ and it honestly changed my life. You probably think I’m mad gushing over an Excel spreadsheet, but it’s really helped me and I wanted to share it with other bloggers who may be struggling or with those who are interested! The spreadsheet gives me a clear look at all my scheduled post and ideas for the month and helps take the pressure off creating content last minuet.

My spreadsheet is broken down into seven columns; post date, blog post, writing date, to-write, draft, scheduled and finally header image/edited. Each of these columns helps me track my progress and are all beautifully colour coded! I also make sure to take note of any special days or holidays that might inspire me to write a themed post as well as having a dedicated section for posts ideas from when I’m suffering from writers block or when I have wave of creative ideas. At the moment I post every three days but with they way things are going lately, I’m thinking of upping it and posting every other day!

Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve been blogging on-and-off for over six years, so I’d like to think that I’ve learned a thing or two. I’m a totally different blogger to when I first started and I hope some of these tips help!

1. Find What You Love to Write About – When you’re passionate about something, it shines through in your writing and it makes for wonderful and relatable reading experience. I can tell when I re-read some of my old posts that my heart wasn’t truly in it, and I’m sure that others can sense it too. Experiment with different blogging styles and let your creativity and imagination flow!
2. Remember Why You Love to Blog – Stats aren’t everything. Yes, they’re great to look at and really good way to track your growth but they don’t determine whether your content is good or not. Celebrate those little things and be confident in your ability to create wonderful and engaging content. I love to blog because it provides with a great creative outlet and platform that embraces my love for reading, I love connecting with so many amazing people and its become a safe space that I’m so thankful for.
3. Have Fun – Another really important tip! I know I’m contradicting myself here, but blogging isn’t always about structure and there shouldn’t be a pressure around creating content. It’s about having fun, connecting with other likeminded people and sharing your passion with the world.
4. Take a Break – Your mental health is so important and sometimes we all need a break and a little bit of detox. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with blogging and I think it’s important to focus on different hobbies now and then. There’s nothing wrong with taking a step back, what’s important is that you focus on your health and only return when you’re ready. Take it from someone who’s suffered from a lot of creative burnouts and mental exhaustion, it’s a horrible and slippery spiral that knocks you off your feet. We all have busy schedules and understand how overwhelming things can get, but don’t worry we’ll all be here to welcome you back when you are ready!
5. Get Involved with the Community – I can’t stress the importance of this tip enough! I don’t know about you but I get so excited when someone comments on my posts or shares it with other bloggers, I just love the fact that someone has taken the time to stop, read and tell me that they’ve enjoyed it! The quality of posts in the blogging community recently have been incredible and I’m constantly discovering new blogs and exciting posts. I say this a lot but I truly mean it, the blogging community is a space filled with so much love and enthusiasm, it always greets me with a warm welcoming hug and continues to support me. I am so grateful to have met so many incredible bloggers and friends and what to thank every single one of you!