My Blogging Journey and Why I Started + 20 Tips

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Why I started my blogging journey and Why I Started became the best thing I could have ever done. It began as a simple desire to share my thoughts and inspiration in my old home.  

My blogging journey started in July 2020. My children were in their last year of high school, which had challenges. With photography sessions at a halt and my daycare business closed, I was bored out of my mind. You can only clean and organize so much in your home until there is nothing else to do. I felt lost, not being able to be behind the lens or hear the children’s feet hit the floor and the giggles I often looked forward to. There was a loss of self-purpose. Of course, I had my family, and we would do our best to make the days brighter.

But I needed a creative outlet! I had to find a way to express my creativity. There was a blogger I had been following for quite some time, and she was offering an online course on how to start a blog. That’s exactly what I needed! I had already started posting a few blog posts on my photography site. As I was going through the course, I realized I needed to create an entirely different blog site for what I wanted to share. This is where the blog Linen and Wildflowers came in! I was sold on creating a lifestyle blog to share inspiration!

Through my Blog, I was able to invite readers into my real life, offering glimpses of how these treasures seamlessly blend into my everyday routines. Moreover, it has opened doors to a community of like-minded individuals, where conversations transcend mere aesthetics, delving into the intricacies of design, sustainability, and personal expression. 

Knowing the Blog had the potential to resonate with someone else. 

Why I started my blogging journey has become a celebration of the beauty found in the ordinary, a testament to the joy of curating spaces that reflect one’s true self. I want to showcase how I use antiques and thrift finds to decorate my living space. Yet, as I delved deeper into lifestyle blogging, it became more profound. It became a platform where I could display the beauty of my finds and narrate the stories behind them, infusing each piece with a sense of history and personality.

As I continued to blog about the history behind each piece, I also loved sharing treasures I inherited from my family. Before you know it, I was sharing recipes, DIY, and more! Whenever I completed and published a post, I felt a sense of accomplishment and excitement. 

Each time I hit that “publish” button, I shared my thoughts, experiences, and insights, hoping to connect with others who might find value in what I said. It was so wonderful to see my words come to life on the screen, knowing they had the power to inspire, inform, or entertain someone else. With each post, I felt like I was contributing something meaningful to the internet, leaving a small but significant mark on the digital world. As I watched my audience grow and engage with my content, that sense of accomplishment only grew stronger, spurring me to continue creating and sharing inspiration with the world. What makes it even more incredible is that my family has given me so much support and has continued encouraging me on my blogging journey. 

The Encouragement to Start My Blogging Journey

I have always enjoyed reading blogs about home decor and DIY projects for inspiration. Even as a little girl, I constantly rearranged and decorated my bedroom. Now that I am older, I still love decorating my home to make it more warm and inviting, especially when incorporating antiques and thrift finds. 

​The encouragement to start my blogging journey came from a deep-rooted passion for home decor and DIY projects that have been with me since childhood. As a little girl, I delighted in rearranging my bedroom and adding personal touches to make it feel cozy and welcoming. Now, as an adult, that love for creating beautiful spaces has only grown stronger. 

Whether scouring antique shops for hidden gems or uncovering treasures at thrift stores, I find joy in decorating my home and infusing it with character and charm. This lifelong passion and enthusiasm inspired me to share my experiences and insights with others through my Blog. With each post, I hope to inspire fellow decor enthusiasts to unleash their creativity and transform their spaces into havens of comfort and style. After all, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home to a place that truly reflects who you are and what you love.

Sharing my love of Antiques & Thrift Finds

I’ve been sharing how I use antiques, and thrift finds for my home decor on Instagram here and there. I love and enjoy it, but I haven’t blogged about it. So, I figured, why not Blog about my old house and how I use antiques and thrift finds for my home decor? I could talk about the projects we were currently working on or what the next project would be. Another idea I had was to share how I use antiques and thrift finds for home decor. Why not, right?

Finally, I decided to start blogging about my home in July 2020, and I am so glad I did! I already have a website for my photography, So I started with my first blog post on my existing website. It was a lot of hard work. There was so much to learn about producing valuable content, SEO, and so much more! With the help of an SEO tool called RankIQ, which helped me understand keywords and optimize my posts, I gradually improved my Blog’s visibility in search engine results using a WordPress blog. 

Learning to Produce High-Quality Blog Content

Learning about effective content creation strategies, such as crafting engaging headlines, incorporating multimedia elements, and structuring posts for readability, helped me captivate my audience’s attention and keep them coming back for more. Moreover, delving into the intricacies of social media marketing expanded my reach beyond my Blog’s homepage, allowing me to connect with a broader audience and drive traffic back to my site. 

As I immersed myself in the world of blogging, I discovered that the journey was not just about sharing inspiration but also about constantly evolving and honing my skills to meet the ever-changing demands of each new lesson I learned. As each milestone was reached, I grew more confident in my abilities as a blogger and excited about the endless possibilities.

The Reality of Starting a Blog

Starting a blogging journey may look easy, but I will tell you it’s more than just typing words on the computer! If you want to have a profitable blog, you need to know how to work the backend of it. Here is a list of what to expect when starting a blog!

Cons

• There are expenses. It is not valid if you think you can start a blog for free! 
• There is much to learn about the ins and outs when you start building a blog.
• It’s a learning curve.
• Getting traffic to your Blog may take a while.
• It is very time-consuming.
• Getting your Blog set up is a process that can take a long time.

Pros

• You will meet so many other content creators for support.
• You can start a blog with minimal expenses.
• You can be a successful blogger by learning the right tools.
• Once your Blog is profitable, you can quit your day job!
• Connect with other bloggers and your followers.
• Even though it can be challenging, creating content about what you love to write about can still be fun!

Don’t let the cons steer you from starting a blog. If you want to do this, I will say go for it! I have even told friends who said they have a blog that they do nothing with because they don’t know where to start. It will become second nature once you continue to build and grow your Blog. There are always going to be valuable tips to learn along the way. Many Facebook Blogging groups will help, too. Trust me, you will also find newbie bloggers there who are also learning!

20 Tips to Start Your Blogging Journey

So, you’re thinking about starting a Blog? That’s awesome! Trust me, diving into the world of blogging can be incredibly rewarding. The good news is that starting your own Blog can be an exciting adventure filled with new experiences and opportunities. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to blogging, so find what works best for you and dive in! If you ever feel overwhelmed or need guidance, reach out. I’m here to help you every step of the way. Let me share 20 friendly tips to kickstart your blogging journey:

1. Find Your Passion

Start with what truly excites you. Your Blog should reflect your interests and expertise.

2. Pick a Catchy Blog Name

Brainstorm some ideas for your blog name that resonate with you and your audience.

Make sure that the name you choose isn’t already in use.

3. Set Up Your Blog

Choose a platform like WordPress to host your BBlog. It’s easy to use and customizable.

4. Explore Different Content Formats

Don’t limit yourself to just writing. Experiment with videos, infographics, and podcasts to engage your audience in diverse ways.

5. Connect on Social Media

Create accounts on social media platforms to promote your blog and connect with fellow bloggers and readers.

6. Build an Email List

Start collecting email addresses from your readers early on. It’s one of the best ways to stay in touch and share your latest content.

7. Research Relevant Keywords

Use tools like Keyword Research or RankIQ to find keywords relevant to your niche and incorporate them into your blog posts.

8. Write High-Quality Content

Focus on delivering valuable and engaging content that resonates with your audience. Quality always wins!

9. Learn from Others

Read blogs, watch YouTube videos, and join Facebook groups to learn from experienced bloggers and stay updated on industry trends.

10. Guest Post Opportunities

 Look for guest posts opportunities on other blogs to expand your reach and build relationships within the blogging community.

11. Be Patient

Building a successful blog takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep at it!

12. Stay Consistent

Set a blogging schedule that works for you and stick to it. Consistency is critical to building momentum and growing your audience.

13. Optimize for Search Engines

Learn the basics of SEO to improve your blog’s Visibility in search results and attract organic traffic.

14. Engage with Your Audience

Respond to comments on your blog’s social media accounts, emails, and messages from your readers. Building relationships is crucial for long-term success.

15. Invest in Your Blog

Consider investing in a hosting plan and premium blogging tools to improve the functionality and aesthetics of your Blog

16. Embrace the Learning Curve

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or try new things. Every challenge is a chance to learn and grow.

17. Celebrate Your Wins

Whether it’s publishing your first blog post or reaching a milestone in your traffic, take the time to celebrate your achievements along the way.

18. Be Yourself

Let your personality shine through in your writing. Authenticity is what will set your Blog apart from the rest.

19. Stay Inspired

Find inspiration from other bloggers, books, nature, or wherever else you can. Keep your creative juices flowing!

20. Enjoy the Journey

Above all, have fun with it! Blogging is a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and endless possibilities. So, embrace every moment and enjoy the ride!

Commonly Asked Questions

What is a blog?

A blog is a website or online platform where an individual or a group of individuals (bloggers) share their thoughts, opinions, expertise, experiences, and information on various topics. Blog posts typically display in reverse chronological order, with the most recent posts appearing first.

How do I start my blogging journey?

To start a blog, you must choose a blogging platform (such as WordPress, Blogger, or Medium), select a domain name and hosting provider (such as BigScoots), customize your Blog’s design and layout, and start creating content. Many blogging platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and step-by-step guides to help beginners get started.

What should I blog about?

You can blog about virtually any topic that interests you and that you’re passionate about. Common blog niches include personal finance, lifestyle, travel, food, fashion, health and wellness, parenting, technology, and self-improvement. Choose a niche that aligns with your interests, expertise, and target audience’s needs.

How often should I publish new blog posts?

The frequency of publishing new blog posts depends on your schedule, resources, and goals. Some bloggers publish new posts daily, while others post weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Consistency is vital, so choose a posting schedule that you can realistically maintain over the long term.

How can I grow my Blog’s audience?

Growing your Blog’s audience involves various strategies, including creating high-quality content, promoting your Blog on social media and other platforms, engaging with your audience, networking with other bloggers, optimizing your Blog for search engines, and offering incentives such as freebies or giveaways.

How can I monetize my Blog?

There are several ways to monetize a blog, including advertising (such as Google AdSense), affiliate marketing, sponsored content, selling digital or physical products, offering services, and creating premium content or membership areas. Choose monetization methods that align with your niche, audience, and blogging goals.

Is it possible to make money blogging?

Yes, it is possible to make money blogging, but it requires dedication, persistence, and strategic planning. Many bloggers earn income through various monetization strategies, but success is not guaranteed, and it often takes time to build a profitable blog. You will find some blogs become successful in money within their first years, whereas others may take a few years.

How can I stand out in the crowded blogging market?

To stand out in the crowded blogging market, focus on creating unique, valuable, and engaging content that sets you apart from other bloggers in your niche. Be authentic, establish your voice and brand identity, interact with your audience, and continuously seek opportunities for growth and improvement.

What are the best blogging tools and resources?

Many blogging tools and resources are available to help you create, manage, and grow your Blog. Some popular tools include content management systems (such as WordPress), website analytics (such as Google Analytics), email marketing platforms (such as Mailerlite or Convertkit), social media management tools (such as Tailwind), and keyword research tools (such as SEMrush or RankIQ).

How can I stay motivated and overcome blogging challenges?

Staying motivated as a blogger involves setting realistic goals and celebrating milestones. It also consists of seeking inspiration from other bloggers, staying organized with an editorial calendar, taking breaks when needed, and reminding yourself of why you started blogging in the first place. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or support from fellow bloggers or online communities.

What Are The Guidelines for Blogging

You can create a successful and impactful blog that resonates with your audience, achieves your goals, and makes a positive contribution to your niche or industry. Define Your Purpose: Clearly define the purpose and goals of your Blog. Determine what you aim to achieve with your content and who your target audience is.

Choose Your Niche

Select a specific niche or topic that aligns with your interests, expertise, and target audience’s needs. Focusing on a niche helps you establish authority and attract a dedicated readership.

Create High-Quality Content

Prioritize quality over quantity. Produce well-researched, informative, and engaging content that adds value to your audience. Maintain consistency in your posting schedule to keep readers engaged.

Be Authentic

Stay true to your voice and personality. Authenticity builds trust and fosters a genuine connection with your audience. Share personal stories, experiences, and insights to make your content relatable.

Optimize for SEO

Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve your Blog’s visibility in search engine results. Conducted keyword research, optimized meta tags, used descriptive URLs, and created high-quality, relevant content that addresses user queries.

Engage with Your Audience

Respond promptly to comments, emails, and social media interactions to foster engagement with your audience. Encourage discussions, ask for feedback, and make your audience feel valued and heard.

Promote Your Blog

Utilize various promotional channels to increase your Blog’s visibility and reach. Share your content on social media, participate in online communities and forums, collaborate with other bloggers, and explore guest posting opportunities.

Build Relationships

Cultivate relationships with fellow bloggers, influencers, and industry experts within your niche. Networking can lead to collaborations, guest posting opportunities, and cross-promotion, helping you expand your reach and audience.

Monetization Strategies

Explore different monetization strategies such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, advertising, digital products, and services. Choose methods that align with your niche, audience, and blogging goals.

Stay Updated

Stay informed about industry trends, algorithm changes, and emerging technologies relevant to blogging by continually educating yourself through reading, attending webinars, and participating in relevant online courses.

Monitor Performance

Track your Blog’s performance using analytics tools such as Google Analytics. Monitor key metrics like traffic, engagement, conversion rates, and audience demographics to identify areas for improvement and optimization.

Protect Your Content

Safeguard your content by implementing copyright protections, using secure hosting, and regularly backing up your Blog. Respect intellectual property rights and give proper credit when using others’ content.

Stay Ethical

Maintain ethical standards in your blogging practices. Transparently disclose sponsored content, affiliate relationships, and any potential conflicts of interest to your audience. Uphold honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all your interactions.

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key to building a successful blog. Stick to a regular posting schedule, maintain a cohesive brand identity across all platforms, and continuously strive to improve and grow your Blog over time.

Learn from Setbacks

Not every blog post will go viral, and that’s okay! View setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Analyze what worked well and what didn’t, and use that knowledge to improve your future content and strategies.

Starting a blog is an exciting adventure filled with endless possibilities. 

Embrace the journey, stay true to yourself, and have fun along the way! After all, the best part of blogging is getting to share your unique voice with the world. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your writing, and remember that authenticity is what will truly resonate with your audience.

Whether you’re sharing personal stories, providing helpful tips, or sparking thought-provoking conversations, your blog is your platform to make a difference and leave your mark on the world. So, don’t hold back—let your creativity soar, and enjoy every moment of your blogging journey!

Do Blogs Make Alot of Money?

Blogs have the potential to generate significant income. Still, the amount of money a blog can make varies widely depending on several factors, including niche, audience size, monetization methods, and the blogger’s level of expertise and dedication.

Some successful bloggers earn substantial incomes through various monetization strategies such as:

• Advertising: Displaying ads on their blogs through ad networks like Google AdSense or direct advertising partnerships.
• Affiliate Marketing: Promoting products or services and earning a commission for each sale or referral made through their affiliate links.
• Sponsored Content: Collaborating with brands to create sponsored blog posts, reviews, or social media promotions in exchange for payment.
• Digital Products: Selling digital products such as e-books, online courses, templates, or software related to their niche.
• Services: Offering consulting, coaching, freelance writing, design, or other services based on their expertise.
• Membership Sites: Creating exclusive membership areas or premium content for subscribers who pay a recurring fee.

While some bloggers achieve remarkable success and generate substantial income from their blogs, it’s essential to recognize that building a profitable blog generally requires time, effort, consistency, and strategic planning. Many bloggers start part-time while maintaining other sources of income before transitioning to full-time blogging. Furthermore, it can take several years to make enough to live on.

Additionally, success in blogging often involves diversifying revenue streams, continuously experimenting with new strategies, staying informed about industry trends, and adapting to changes in the digital landscape.

Ultimately, while blogs can indeed make a lot of money for some individuals, success is not guaranteed, and it’s essential to approach blogging with realistic expectations and a long-term perspective. Passion for your chosen niche, dedication to creating valuable content, and a willingness to learn and adapt are crucial factors in building a successful and profitable blog.

How much money do bloggers make?

The amount of money bloggers make varies greatly and depends on numerous factors, including niche, audience size, monetization methods, blogging frequency, and the blogger’s level of expertise and dedication. Some bloggers earn only a modest income, while others can generate substantial revenue streams. Here’s a breakdown of the income potential for bloggers:

1. Beginner Bloggers: Many beginner bloggers may initially earn little to no income as they work on building their audience and establishing their online presence. New bloggers commonly focus on creating high-quality content and growing their readership before monetizing their blogs.
2. Part-Time Bloggers: Part-time bloggers who dedicate a few hours per week to their blogs may earn a supplemental income ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per month. These bloggers often monetize their blogs through methods such as advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content.
3. Full-Time Bloggers: Full-time bloggers who treat blogging as their primary source of income have the potential to earn a significant amount of money. Depending on their niche, audience size, and monetization strategies, these bloggers may generate revenue in the range of several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per month or more.
4. Top-Earning Bloggers: Some top-earning bloggers, particularly those in lucrative niches such as personal finance, lifestyle, travel, and business, can earn six or even seven figures annually. These bloggers typically have large and engaged audiences, diversified income streams, and successful partnerships with brands and advertisers.

It’s important to note that blogging income can be highly variable and unpredictable. While some bloggers may achieve rapid success and earn substantial income relatively quickly, others may take years to build a profitable blog. Additionally, blogging income is not guaranteed and can fluctuate based on factors such as changes in advertising rates, shifts in audience preferences, and external market conditions.

Ultimately, bloggers’ money depends on their ability to create valuable content, engage their audience, and effectively monetize their blogs through various income streams. Passion, persistence, and dedication are essential traits for bloggers seeking to build a successful and sustainable income from their blogs.

Final thoughts…

As I reflect on my blogging journey, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for how far I’ve come. From the early days of uncertainty and learning curves to now, where I stand with confidence and enthusiasm, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined possible. Every challenge I faced, every lesson I learned, and every success I celebrated has shaped me into the blogger I am today. Each post I write and publish inspires me to share inspiration and connect with others.

 And as I continue on this journey, I do so with a smile on my face and a heart full of excitement for the adventures that lie ahead. Because when it comes down to it, blogging isn’t just about the words or the photos on the screen—it’s about the connections we make, the stories we tell, and the impact we have on others. And for me, that’s what makes it all worth it. So here’s to the future, filled with endless possibilities and infinite opportunities to shine. I’m ready to take on whatever comes my way, armed with nothing but my passion, my creativity, and my unwavering belief in myself. Let’s do this!

If you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.