The other day I was reading the wonderfully written article from Theta Mom about how to balance blogging before you can get complete burn out. It really got me thinking. I started blogging a year ago. I dabbled in it, wrote posts, followed a few blogs and tried to interact with my readers. It wasn’t until a few months ago I really started to become more active; joining communities, supporting other blogs by commenting and following, learning about social media and found Twitter {need I say more}.
I developed a lot of “blogging” friendships along the way and finally felt that it was time to branch out and start my own personal blog. It is so easy to get sucked into the whole world of blogging! I mainly started blogging as a creative outlet for myself. I use to work as a Marketing Manager and after being laid off a year ago I really need something for myself and a way to connect with others.
The more I dug deeper the easier it was to become obsessed. You can literally spend hours reading blogs, commenting, tweeting and researching material to write your own posts. I started to feel like it was spiraling out of control. I would be on the computer in the morning, tried to sneak on and off during the day and stay up LATE just to write posts and visit blogs.
It wasn’t fair to me and especially wasn’t fair to my children.
I started to feel like I was slowly getting burnt-out because to me I felt like I had to “keep up” with everyone else rather than do this on my own time. I wanted to get my name out there {especially my new blog} and I thought the only way to do this was to be active & present all the time.
I want to have a successful blog but then I got thinking “what is success to me”? Of course getting comments is instantly gratifying and makes me feel like people actually like what I write.
And then there is followers. I had built up a good following at my first blog, Otherhood, and then had to start all over again with Life Without Pink. Its always nice to see the numbers increase and makes you feel like others are starting to know who you are.
But what really is success? My experience at Bloggy Boot Camp really opened my eyes. Its not about the number of followers or the comments you receive {though it does feel good} but for me it is more about readers coming back and their loyalty. That is what I am after. To establish a group of readers/friends that come back time after time. Where they enjoy reading what I write and give me the encouragement to keep on writing. For me this is the true connection.
You can have 20 followers or 2,000 but the real question is how many actual come back? I have to admit I use to follow anyone I came across to help support them and in return was hoping for a follow back. But how many did I actually go back and read? Not many. There are just not that much time in a day and I use to beat myself over this.
Now I really read blogs for the content and the person behind the scenes. That is how I decide on who to follow. Is this a blog that I could see myself coming back to? Do I enjoy reading their content? Do they put a smile on my face? If my answer is yes to those questions, I follow.
I came across 2 great articles; How to keep readers coming back to your blog? by Social Media Examiner and The {Unscientific Secrets to Success} by The Lady Bloggers {awesome group by the way that you need to check out}. For me this is success – keep readers coming back. By having a loyal following you can really develop true friendships and a true connection. I will continue to support my readers through not only comments but dialogue, retweets, stumble posts, conversations on facebook, and email.
And I couldn’t have said it better than Theta Mom , “And in the end, those who really read and visit me will still love my blog and continue to support me – whether I am able to comment on a post or not.”
So now its your turn…How do you define your success in blogging?
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy Follow Friday!
http://christiecottage.blogspot.com
http://christiecottage.etsy.com
http://twitter.com/christiecottage
.-= Christie Cottage´s last blog ..Friday Fun =-.
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am following you back!
.-= Cassie´s last blog ..My husband is SO odd sometimes =-.
Hi, I am following your blog from Friday Follow, You can also follow mine at http://www.safehomehappymom.com
LOVE this post and thanks so much for the shout out!
I totally agree, it’s better to have 20 return blog followers than 2,000 that never return at all. I have since thought about how I define success and for me it is publishing content I am really proud of – a post that inspires, helps, or contributes to the community in some way.
I also define success by LOYAL readers – those who continue to come back and READ my blog, whether I get lots of comments or not doesn’t matter, as long as they still enjoy reading and keep coming back to Theta Mom – then I have met my expectations.
.-= Theta Mom´s last blog ..Balancing Your Mojo Before You Land in Blog Burnout =-.
Hey! Thank you for the sweet follow & comment. I enjoy your blog — Can’t wait to see the new design too
Have a blessed weekend!
I totally agree – the people continue to read what you post, comment and re-tweet are the ones that I think defines success. I do love the gratifying comments – but I really like to get to know my readers and especially love getting the comments back that someone has tried something I’ve posted or I’ve somehow helped. They can be rare, but definitely the most satisfying!
.-= Accustomed Chaos´s last blog ..Review: Bumps to Babies Childbirth Preparation Classes =-.
I am fairly new to blogging but can already see how easy it is to bet hooked. I could seriously spend hours on here reading new blogs, commenting, and writing my own post.
I agree w/ the loyalty. I rather have three loyal readers than 300 followers.
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..My New Treadmill (also known as Satans Spawn) =-.
I hadn’t gotten a chance to see Theta Moms post yet – I mostly catch up on my blog reading & commenting on the weekends when I have more time but my best friend & I were just talking about this last night.
It is so easy to get caught up in everything. To feel like you HAVE to do this or that just to keep up with the Jones’ so to speak. I kind of have a rule with all computer-type stuff (my blog, FB, twitter, etc). If I’ve got the time to post every day, to tweet, update status’ & all that then that’s awesome. But everything else has to come first. Which means no staying up late b/c then I’ll end up not waking up on time & my kids will pay the price. But I absolutely agree. It’s better to have loyal readers who appreciate what you write & are looking forward to coming back for your next post than people who are just following so that you’ll do the same for them
.-= Dondi´s last blog ..No Limits =-.
I am now following. Happy Friday Follow.
For me it has been hard to define what success is for me because my focus changes. At first success was just writing. Then success was having people actually read and comment. Then success was maybe making some pocket money to buy a latte or two every month. Then success was just sticking with blogging. It is so easy to get wrapped up in what other people are doing and feel like you have to keep up with them.
Now I think success for me is staying true to myself, representing myself in ways that I am truly proud of and making meaningful connections with others. I am feeling a lot more peaceful about blogging lately, and I like it.
.-= Catherine @ Evolving Mommy´s last blog ..A Camper’s Recap =-.
I think it’s funny some of your firsts posts are from a Friday Follow… and they might not come back.
I think for me, success is ys, building up that tribe… but why? For what purpose? I am still trying to figure it out.
For me, it is a hobby… one that helps me expand my career (hopefully) and gain new and stronger writing skills.
I have a hard time with management of time… how much time to spend on blogging, writing, and researching… I need to work on that.
Thanks for the great articles… I’m off to check them out now.
.-= erica´s last blog ..Fabulous Find: Homemade baby food recipes =-.
Thanks everyone for your wonderful insight! While I am still learning and growing one thing is for sure I want to stay true to myself. I hope to inspire others as well and start dialogue. Who knows where this journey will take me?
Erica – my thoughts exactly!
I agree completely! What a great post. It is so easy to get caught up in all the details and everything that goes along with blogging, and then you run out of free time. I felt so out of it when I was traveling, and I admit, a little guilty. I try to stick to a relative “schedule” when it comes to it all, that way I don’t go overboard. If I have extra free time, then maybe I’ll do a little more reading or commenting, but I always make sure it’s the loyal readers and the blogs I love I visit first. Everything else is when I have the time. (Though my iPhone makes twitter awfully convenient!) It took me a little while to catch on to that!! I still have to remember to breathe at times
Building friendships is not something I expected out of blogging- and now, to me, it has become one of the most valuable things about it.
Have a great weekend!
.-= Ashley @ Just Another Mom of 2´s last blog ..Aloha Friday- and Friday Follow! =-.
I just started blogging two and a half months ago and I did those same things as you: went around following and commenting everywhere in hopes of receiving the same. I would be forever reading blogs that were of no interest to me and taking time away from my family, my laundry(!) and other things that needed my attention. I was also stressing out over not getting a post on time (as if anyone was sitting by their computer waiting for me to hit the publish button). Just this past week, I thought to myself, “This is ridiculous!” I changed the way I operate (at least where my blog is concerned! LOL). I will only follow blogs and people on twitter that I find interesting. I am not going to fret over posting every single day as I was in the beginning. So far, so good. I find it much more enjoyable. I now have time to start and finish the laundry in the same day and I suppose this is a good thing!
I definitely define success by the quality of the community I develop on my blog. I love LOVE getting comments throughout the day (what blogger doesn’t??) All the other stuff waxes and wanes (ad networks, speaking engagements, products, trips) but without my community, I wouldn’t still be doing this.
When I start to get burned out, I take time off. I usually stay away from the computer on the weekends, and that seems to keep me balanced.
Enjoyed this post!
This is a fabulous post, Tina. You speak for all of us, I hope you know that! There are so many conflicting feelings in blogging. We’ve all faced them, and you’ve successfully addressed all of them here. The problem becomes managing those feelings and prioritizing what’s important.
In the end, the loyalty of readers is priceless. It’s all about the tribe, my friend!
I could have written this post myself. I have been feeling that way more and more lately. Thank you for putting it into words. I think we define success the same way. Thanks for the eye opener!
.-= JenniferG of Hip As I Wanna Be´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Cut Me A Break Demi Moore! =-.
I admit I feel like I am not very successful because my followers has gone DOWN and so have comments.
I started as a lark, and like you said, got obsessed. But when I don’t comment, and just READ my fave blogs, they stop commenting and reading mine, so it is like I need to find a middle ground. And I haven’t done that yet.
I write whatever I can think of. If I had a boring day, I do write that. I also write about the good and the bad. I made a vow of honesty on my blog, so I am upfront on my struggle with depression and the like. I am not sure that attracts or puts readers off, but it is what I am and what I know. On the flip side, I am obsessed with TV and movies and celeb gossip, so I write about that too, I have a completely random blog. *shrugs*
.-= Wendyurd1´s last blog ..Grains of Goodness Winner and What the Frick?! =-.
I think all bloggers have been to that point when you watch your “real” life begin to spin as you frantically run around in the blogosphere. Building a community is very important to me as well although that was not always so. I clean out my reader a couple times a week, but am pretty picky on who I put in there. I will go visit new blogs, but I have to visit them a few times or really enjoy their content before they get added in just because I want to be able to visit my faves often and not feel like crazy women trying to comment everywhere. Great post and I am glad that you can find a way for blogging to be successful for you.
.-= Mel’s Box of Chocolates´s last blog ..Five Point Friday – Chicken Tortilla Soup =-.
I don’t know if I can actually define this. But I DO strive to be real and comment back on others’ blogs and such. But it has to be of interest. I can’t join every giveaway and sometimes I just want to read about motherhood or marriage or child rearing or something I can relate to.
I’d like to see my blog as a success, but I’d rather hear “I would like you as a friend in real life, we have a lot in common…”
It’s about connections and relationships. And in turn it makes the big bad old world seem like a happier place!
.-= Suzanne´s last blog ..From Crabby To Happy In 30 Seconds =-.
Hi there!!
We are already fans/followers of your blog. Just stopping by to check things out and say hello. Come on over and visit us when you get a free moment. Have a fantastic weekend! ((hugs)) <3
.-= Freely Living Life´s last blog ..Understanding Your Dreams =-.
I struggled a lot with this question as well. Actually I wrote a post about it about a month ago.
http://thismamaworksit.com/2010/02/09/blogging-question-of-the-week-how-do-you-define-a-successful-blog/
I think really it all depends on what you want out of your blog. Writing down your goals and time line of when you want to reach those goals. Also think about the purpose of your blog and is your blog reaching that purpose. I think everyone is different some just want to write posts and other are looking to make money at some point. It is a hard nut to crack as to what really defines success and how to truly measure it if you wish.
Another post I found on this topic is this http://www.blogtips.org/how-wsuccessful-is-your-blog/
Great post and I love your new personal blog.
.-= This Mama Works It!´s last blog ..Resources To Help You Sell Children’s Clothes On Ebay =-.
Success on blogging to me is if I am still having fun. I am a stay at home mom now for 5 years, and sooner than later I am going back to work, and won’t be able to join in this fun blogging world. So if I can post and read blogs and be loving it – then I am successful!
.-= Wendy´s last blog ..Nurturing Your Mommy-Self =-.
What a great post and SO TRUE! I reached that point in January (and throughout the subsequent months. I decided to organize and write what I wanted, when I wanted. Otherwise it’s just too much.
.-= Lori´s last blog ..fabulous enchiladas and margaritas =-.
I’m a bit late to this post (as in 2 months!), but I’ve been trying to figure this out myself. During the school year, I can keep up with blogs and comments and communities, but with school about to end, I don’t want to spend as much time on the computer and in Blogland—I want to spend the time with my kids. I agree, though, that a schedule is best so I’m working on that now.
Thanks for the ideas.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Finally Friday =-.
I am all over your blog today. I’m thoroughly enjoying myself though. This post really helped me to crystallize some thoughts that were running through my head. Your post helped me to make some needed decisions today and helped me to stop beating myself over the head about all the blogs I used to visit and now can’t. Thank you so much.
.-= Fruitfulvine2´s last blog ..Help Me Choose A Cover =-.
Hello and Congratulations SITStahhhh! I’m so glad they featured you today, as I am exactly were you were, obsessed and spending WAY too much time… I need to ProBlog Boot it I think, determine just what are the most important aspects for me and “Reboot” so to speak.
I LOVE your blog, btw!
Mel~
http://www.mytwistedstitches.blogspot.com
.-= Melody´s last blog ..Undivided Attention! =-.
I clicked through from one of the links on your SITS post. I completely agree that return visitors are the measure of success. I’ve always felt that way, and that “statistic” is the only one that truly matters.
.-= liz´s last blog ..Have Baby Will Bamboozle =-.
Nicely put. I am overwhelmed a lot- It really can take over….and I’ve only been blogging for about a month and a half. Not long….and at times it is all consuming!
Crystal
http://survivingandthrivinginmom-dom.blogspot.com
.-= Crystal´s last blog ..To Grandma With Love =-.
I blog because it allows me to write all the things I’ve wanted to write. It allows me to let my children know what’s in my heart – though they don’t read it – but maybe one day they will sit down and do that when they’re all grown up – and they can look back – laugh, cry and maybe say, “Oh. . . . .I didn’t know.”
I’ve always wanted to write a column on being the mom of 5 sons – but newspapers and magazines aren’t impressed with my credentials. So I pursued my dream – a dream I’ve had since I was 5 to write – and started my blog.
It opened an entire new world where women share, support and, gasp, listen. It is a beautiful multi-dimensional place!
And, if no one really comes by, well then, my boys are my first audience! My friends my second audience:) Surprisingly, women in the blogahood do come by!
.-= bluecottonmemory´s last blog ..Unconditional Love- Rule 6 =-.
I constantly have to remind myself why I started my blog, how glowy I get after writing an especially good post, and that my definition of success needs to be based on those two items. I have to admit that I check my Google Analytics and how many people have signed up for my e-newsletter and can sometimes get down about it (I want to be a super mom blogger right this instant!). But then I remind myself o the two items above, and read all my wonderful reader comments, and feel better. It’s easy to get sucked into the numbers trap!
This is an excellent post! I feel “blogged” down sometimes, like I’m sacrificing time with my kids to get a post up or read other’s sites. I am trying to find a balance now. I look forward to reading the article on keeping your readers coming back. : ) Happy SITS Day!
.-= Mama Mary´s last blog ..the pledge of allegiance–say it loud- say it proud =-.
I agree with your points. I do love it when I get a new follower, it validates at least that current post but, I do hope that they will come back to read again. I’ve gained a lot of connections and bloggy friends through the email we write back and forth. Sometimes the emails are better than the actual blog posts. At least as funny or funnier! The time thing sometimes becomes a strain. It is irresistible to sit and read blogs, to comment, and I love to write my own blogs as well. It is all very time consuming and I now feel that I need to spend more time updating my blog and learning more about Facebook, twitter, etc. I do all this just for fun as I don’t advertise on my blog, so at times I wonder, how much fun is too much?
This is something I constantly struggle with. I love writing. But sometimes I get so caught up with reading and commenting on other blogs and tweeting, that I don’t give myself enough time to write for my own blogs.
I really need to work on developing a schedule and sticking to it!
.-= Leslie Limon´s last blog ..Its a Fiesta! =-.
required reading for all new bloggers. i didn’t understand the whole follow thing and i would see people with very long reading lists and wonder are they really checking in with all 500 of their blogging friends each day. i also have a lot of guilt that i am not able to comment on all of my readers’ blogs but this makes me feel better, that i don’t need to establish relationships so much by being reciprocal but by writing content my readers enjoy. thank u
.-= Artemis Clover: The real L.A. love story.´s last blog ..Dont have a baby =-.
This is something I struggle with too, I was doing really good with my blog, then I got deployed to Iraq. My goal was to keep it up but I soon found out that the long days don’t allow me to get inspired and write as I would like. In my case success would mean that I reach a comfortable level of loyal followers/friends again.
I have been struggling with this too. I always try to return comments however I find that I skip blogs in my RSS reader that I don’t really associate with or enjoy reading. Those blogs generally tend to get weeded out. I wish I had all the time in the world to read everyone’s blog but you’re right – there just isn’t.
.-= Caity´s last blog ..Getting back into it =-.
As a new blogger (2 weeks in), but an experienced twitter-er (I know, I’m backwards) this was a great post for me to stumble across. I am really enjoying my foray into the blogging world, but have already started to realize that I need to draw a line, so I don’t take my new found hobby too seriously. One of my wonderful tweeps put it best: “My children, not my blog, will be in my obituary some day.” Thanks for this great perspective post!
{ 1 trackback }