Blogging is defined as a hobby.
You know. In the same category as other hobbies such as scrap-booking, fishing, quilting, collecting, etc…
Take for example, when someone decides to make a quilt. They don’t race to get it done. No. They take time to find a pattern. Then they pick out the perfect fabric. They’ll carefully cut out each piece and painstakingly start making their blocks. When their blocks are done, they’ll arrange them “just so”, stitch them together, etc….. It may be years before the quilt is done. And when it is, they can sit back and enjoy their masterpiece.
Today’s Lesson
When I started blogging I remember the feeling I HAD to get posts published. Why? Who knows except I probably read that’s what bloggers do; publish often to attract readers and the search engines.
So, that’s what I did; published five or more times a week, rushing to get more data “out there” whether others were reading it, or not.
But now I question if that was the right thing to do as I’ve learned our blogs wait for us, as do our readers.
No one expects us to reveal everything in the first month of blogging. In fact, since we continue to learn more each day, if we choose, we could be blogging for the rest of our lives.
And, that’s okay.
That’s what keeps readers coming back. The suspense. The mystery. The surprise of what we might reveal next. The joy of following our journey.
And when we consider the fact how a post we publish today, will begin to get buried as soon as we publish another, we soon figure out our best tips, ideas and observations could go unread.
Today’s Assignment
Did you ever feel like I did, where you felt an urgency to quickly get something published, thinking you only had a limited amount of time?
Or have you come to the realization like I did, that blogging is not a race and you have begun to enjoy the journey?
Care to Share?
.
I have definitely struggled with this and to some degree I still do. This is because I know it’s better to publish often and regularly, but I had to learn that it doesn’t necessarily mean every day. It’s too easy for it to become an over-inflated priority in your life. If it does you’ll soon find be pushing aside the things that really matter. Your family, your friends, your health and your sanity, should all come first.
I did some research and found that a good acceptable minimum for blog posting is 3 times a week. If I make the minimum I’ve set for myself I’m content. If I happen to get a little more done great, but I no longer obsess over the “must post every day” idea that I once had stuck in my head. Now I’ve slowed down to enjoy the journey and not worry about the “race”.
.-= Check out Blog Angel a.k.a. Joella´s awesome post: Blog Plagarism (Part 3/3) – Discourage, Detect & Respond To Content Theft =-.
Hi Joella,
What you said is very true. We can easily find ourselves pushing important things in our life to the side, all in the name of publishing. It sounds like you’ve found a happy medium that allows you to not only enjoy life, but enjoy the blogging journey, as well.
You make some very good points here, Barbara. I must admit that I’m not fond of the idea of publishing so often that posts I might be particularly proud of may get buried too soon by newer ones.
I also tend to think that most readers (myself included) don’t really check out the archives of any given blog, even if they happen to love what they see. There often isn’t enough time in the day to just browse through the entire backlog, especially if said blog has been going for some time.
Perhaps that’s the tyranny of blogging… what you put up today may not be seen beyond tomorrow even thought it’s easily accessible at any time of day and night by anyone in the world that has a computer and internet access. It’s a shame when you think about it, but this like most things is just the way of things.
.-= Check out Tony Single´s awesome post: Of Jaywalkers and Hitlers =-.
Hi Tony,
That is sad, isn’t it? Knowing what we think is our best work, buried in our archives, maybe never being read by others.
Although we do get articles buried, this is a great reminder for all of us to link back to those posts, in a current post, thus maybe shedding some light on them.
When I first started, I felt like I needed to post daily. When you found me, I found that I needed to slow down a bit. It has really worked out well to slow down and only post 2 – 3 times a week.
So, thank you for the great advice!
.-= Check out Linda´s awesome post: A Green Energy Sand Box =-.
You’re welcome Linda,
I hear you. Although posting daily works for some, slowing down and enjoying the journey takes blogging to a different level. It becomes more of a joy instead of a chore.
Your example of quilting as a hobby that takes time is a good one — if you’re talking about quilting by hand. My wife, Karen, is a quilter who does most of her work by hand. While she sometimes machine pieces, she always does the quilting by hand. Most quilters, these days, use sewing machines for piecing and quilting and some churn out quilt after quilt.
For a while, last year, I was trying to post every day. I soon came to the realization that that frequency was just too much, so I backed off. Since I am primarily sharing some of my photography in my posts, interspersed with commentary, on occasion, it’s easier for me to spend a day or two pre-posting my photos. I have two blogs where I am doing this on alternate days. When I do have commentary to post, I slip it in, usually, on a day that doesn’t have a photo post.
(Karen is also blogging. Her blog is Quilt’s… etc.)
.-= Check out Mike Goad´s awesome post: On Lake Devil. =-.
Hi Mike,
I like your idea of preposting or post dating what you have planned for publishing. Instead of feeling urgency to get posts out, you’ve already gotten then set to publish.
I checked out Karen’s blog; her quilts are gorgeous, and her blog is great, too. I’ll be back soon to leave her a comment.
Hey BWAB,
I think you should post ~
* when you feel like it.
* when you have something to share.
* when you think you can help someone.
* regularly
What keeps me posting these days are the ideas that seek fruition ~ the ebook, the video, the clothes line, my art gallery.
I spent hours asking myself how I could get my ebook Zero to Blog available. What is an excellent price? How can I add extra value? How can I show my readers that THEY can be inspirational? How am I going to distribute and market? How can I attract and keep a good reader base?
We must ask good questions.
It all makes sense in a blog. Plus, I love the comments I get both on my blog and in person.
Thanks as always Barbara for making us think.
Please come for at http://juliangelos.com, I’m serving hot blog copy.
Julie
.-= Check out Julie @ jbulie’s blog´s awesome post: Creativity =-.
You’re welcome Julie,
You’ve brought up a good point. We need to ask ourselves the right questions, and then ask if that’s what our readers may want, as well. With regard to our posting schedule, we also need to ask if we publish every day, will our readers be there every day, too?
Hi Barbara,
Very interesting post. I was the same way when I started, trying to get as much out there as possible. When you finally realize that it is actually counter productive to post everything at once, things start to slow down a bit.
Let the search engines do their thing and supply the content steadily over time and all will be much better.
.-= Check out Gregg Zban´s awesome post: HOW TO: Donate to Chile Earthquake Relief Online =-.
Hi Gregg,
It’s easy to do that, isn’t it? With so much in our heads when we first start, we want to put it all out there, now. Like you said, the search engines will find us and once they know we’re a reliable site, they’ll continue to send readers our way.
It still boggles my mind, at how so many people choose to self-impose all this stress upon themselves, regarding blogging.
They almost treat it as another chore, instead of as something fun.
I don’t get it. I just don’t get it. Because nobody says you HAFTA blog.
As if I don’t have enough pressure at work, with all the deadlines and due-dates. A house to clean and maintain. Not to mention I’m “supposed” to cook the right foods, eat properly, and stay fit, and fulfill family committments…etc. etc.
When I blog…I’m off the clock. I treat it as an escape. As soon as it starts to feel like work, that’s when I stop doing it.
Hi Friar,
That’s a good question; “why do we self impose stress with a blog?” In some ways I can understand it if someone is trying to make money with a blog and they’re doing whatever they can to drive traffic their way. But for the average blogger, it’s hard saying. I know for me, from what I read that’s what a blogger did, but after awhile I realized it was me putting pressure on myself to post and no anyone else.
I agree, if blogging begins to feel like work (unless it is our job), it might be time for us to stop and ask ourselves why we’re doing it?
Hi Barbara.
Again I think it depends on if you are blogging for business or just for fun. I only post once or twice a week and that is enough with running two businesses. I used to try to keep up with blogs that post every day or every 2nd day, but it’s too much. I think a blogger limits themselves by doing this because they have less time to connect with other bloggers. Tony made a good point about posts becoming buried if you post too often. Not everyone has a chance to get around to read every time someone publishes a post and I rarely go through archives.
.-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: Just Glowing, That’s All =-.
Hi Davina,
I agree. If we blog for business, that’s a different story. But, if we’re posting often, it does start to become too much for our regular readers as they have other commitments, as well.
That said though, if a blogger wants to and enjoys posting daily, I say “go for it”.
Barbara,
This came at a good time for me. I do feel a pressure to get a post out when I have other pressing things would be beneficial.
A lot of bloggers I’m in contact with blog every day. It’s overwhelming to try and keep up. I just don’t have time to read and keep up plus blog too.
I’m definitely at a point where the pressure is not pleasant. I am taking a deep breath and re-evaluating why I’m here – which is for me – to express myself and enjoy my hobby.
I’m glad my thoughts match your post S-L-O-W.
.-= Check out Angelia Sims´s awesome post: Wild Party, Wild Story =-.
Hi Angelia,
I hear you. Many bloggers do post every day and if they’re our blogging buddies we may feel obligated to read their work. I do think, however, those who post daily don’t expect their regular readers to show up for each post.
If you love blogging, and it sounds like you do, find a balance that works for you and your schedule. If that means not spending as much time reading other blogs, so be it. You may lose some readers, but you’ll keep your sanity.
I feel exactly how you feel, Barbara. It’s interesting to see where this all takes you because I started blogging right at about the same time you did, so our paths are similar.
In the very beginning I did feel the pressure to post 5 times a week, but I gave that up after the first week LOL. I knew it wasn’t possible for me to do that.
It’s all about setting goals and priorities.
.-= Check out John Hoff – WP Blog Host´s awesome post: Something New to Blogosphere is Coming, Thanks to a Broken Heart =-.
Hi John,
LOL. That didn’t last long, did it? One week.
I do agree. With blogging we need to look at our priorities and set goals. If blogging begins to eat into more of our real life time, it may be time to reevaluate and pare down.
P.S. What’s this I hear you’ll be unveiling something special on March 1st? WooHoo!
Hi Barbara,
Wow, I loved this post! I have been thinking of this very thing lately.
Do I care to share? Sure!
I started out being fairly regimented — by that’s my nature — kind of Type A and very driven. Over time I realized that my GOAL of blogging was to enjoy it, spread information about the body (sharing my knowledge), and to provide a space for people to share, laugh, and enjoy their lives.
This feeling started sinking in, this feeling like I wanted to keep this up for a long time, and that by running like a bull through every week, I was eventually going to think of it as ANOTHER job, which was exactly NOT the point. 😉
So, yes, I agree with what you wrote about here. I think it is the utmost importance to know WHY one is blogging, to remember what brings you to your blog, and to keep an open mind. I did not want to become a slave to my blog.
Thanks for this, Barbara! Keep up the GREAT work!
.-= Check out Lori (JaneBeNimble)´s awesome post: I Love Your Mind =-.
You’re welcome Lori,
That’s a great point. If we stop and ask ourselves how long we want to blog for, is what we’re currently doing something we can sustain, or do we need to step back and reconsider how we’re approaching blogging.
It sounds like you’re finding that balance that’s so important. Something tells me we’ll see you and your great work for a long time to come.
Many times I felt, and sometimes still feel the urge to post, post, post, something, anything! I believe it comes from reading the gurus that suggest posting everyday, commenting in a hundred other blogs, adding pictures every time, etc.
At some point I decided that I will post three times a week at least, but not as an obligation, hey! it’s my blog and I want it to be fun and not a job; I already have a job!
So my guess is that everyone has to find their own balance and follow their own heart about blogging, especially those who blog mostly for the fun of it than a business venue.
Raul
.-= Check out Alien Ghost´s awesome post: Earthquake in Chile =-.
Hi Raul,
You know, you’re right. If we read what some of the gurus say, we could end up getting burnt out on blogging in no time. Although it is important to get out there so others can find us, we do need to remember it’s a hobby to have fun with – and not a job.
When I first started blogging, I posted every day and a few times twice a day — total downloading of my thoughts. It took me awhile to mellow out and post less, but it was too fun to stop.
Then life and issues got in the way on this side of the keyboard, and I had to take a sabbatical for a few months. But I returned with an ebook and a new blog. I want it to eventually earn income, so I shoot for posting 1-2 times a week.
.-= Check out Lori Hoeck´s awesome post: Mindset in self defense is crucial to victory =-.
Hi Lori,
That’s true. When we first start blogging and get bit by the blogging bug, it’s fun and easy to publish often.
I agree. If we want to make money from blogging, it’s important to remain consistent and keep our names/faces “out there” as our blog becomes a reflection of us, our work and what potential clients can expect.
There are times when I feel the urgency. I mean, I like to post at least two blogs a week. That is my goal. I use to get really panicky if I didn’t, but now I try not to be that obsessed about it. Sometimes I get on a roll and the words just flow and other times it just doesn’t. So I try not to stress about it and write when a topic moves me.
.-= Check out Heather Villa´s awesome post: Weekend Reading: My fav’s from this week: 2/26/10 =-.
Hi Heather,
That’s a good way of doing it – write when a topic moves you. Another thing that works out well if your goal is to publish a specific number of posts each week is to post date articles or write some in advance which can be used on those days when creativity escapes us.
When I first start blogging, I needed an outlet and voice. I blogged everyday until it felt forced. Now, I blog when I feel like it and don’t put pressure on myself. A great post that made me think.
.-= Check out Silly Girl´s awesome post: If there is a tv movie, I want to be played by Gabrielle Union =-.
You’re welcome Silly Girl,
I like how you put that, “I blogged everyday until it felt forced.”. That would be great advice for a new blogger to follow. After that, settle into a schedule which allows us to continue to blog, but at a pace that fits into our daily/weekly routine to avoid burnout.
I can always count on my laziness!
Sometimes I do rush stuff out for, say, a Halloween story for Halloween. But other than that, I am in no rush. I used to have a more regular posting schedule, just so I have something for a weekly digest thing another blog is doing, but now I no longer feel the need to. I don’t need to make it so tiring, and really, if my day job and other parts of my life get real busy, blogging is not my priority. Now I just post whenever I feel like it. (I think my last post was two weeks ago.)
.-= Check out Kelvin Kao´s awesome post: Why I am No Longer a Gentleman =-.
Hi Kevin,
That’s true. Depending on the topic of our blog, sometimes we may feel an urgency to have something current up, but other than that, settling into a blogging rhythm that fits into our schedule often works best.
Hi Barbara, I can relate but I did it mostly as an experiment. If I posted every day for awhile what would happen. But I have found that while I can come up with more than enough topics (especially when I am just waking up or in the shower), something else has to go if I blog every day. Now I am writing when it fits and releasing top posts from the post over again. As Tony mentioned, few people read the archives and reposting a post usually brings new readers.
.-= Check out Julie Walraven | Resume Services´s awesome post: Building Community Wherever You Go =-.
Hi Julie,
I like how you posted daily as an experiment. I found when I did, my traffic numbers were higher, but so was the time I needed to spend on the blog.
I like your idea of digging those old posts out of the archives and reposting them as new material. I agree, they can bring in new readers as well as save time on writing.
I’ve decided to start a blog and Yes, exactly, I feel like you did. I’m urged to quickly get something published. But What should I post? There seems too many thoughts and ideas crossing around my head but they turn me off instead. Your example about quilting is a very good point. … cut out each piece (of ideas) and arrange them ‘just so’. Thanks Barbara, I’ll follow You.
.-= Check out djuyadi´s awesome post: Quotes: “Aku” ini, “Ego” ini Hanyalah Produk Pikiran =-.
Hi Djuyadi,
That’s one thing about when we first start blogging. Our heads are filled with so much information we’re trying to download. We sometimes don’t know what to publish, what to save for later, or what to discard. By slowing down we can sort all of that out and provide our readers with our very best.
Hi Barbara! Don’t most beginners always over-do? I sure did. Thought I had to blog every day even tho I had just a few friends reading it. THEY told me to slow down – they didn’t have the time to read it daily. So I tried every other day – still too much. I have a nice system now – for me and I think for my followers as well because it is a consistent new blog Mondays and videos on the weekends.
I follow some that are erratic, and others that seem to be daily and I cannot keep up with them, so I understand now what my friends meant!
.-= Check out suzen´s awesome post: A Lesson from Kids on Food Additives! =-.
Hi Suzen.
Definitely! Most beginners over-do it.
That’s a great point. If we’re posting so often our regular readers can’t keep up, we’ll either have to resort to the fact our work may not be getting read, or adjust our schedule if we want them to read everything we publish.
Well, Barbara, I was such a rookie when I started blogging that my goal was to post once a month! When I shared that with a colleague who blogs, he gave me a bit of an odd look, and I realized I better learn more about it. Somewhere I read to shoot for two to three times a week, but in the first six months I probably averaged once a week at most. Eventually I settled into a rhythm and a twice weekly posting schedule, but if I had gone full speed in the beginning I’m quite sure I would have burned myself out.
I so like what you say about the suspense, mystery, and surprise. It’s like we need time to reveal ourselves, and have to trust that will happen. But what a journey, right?
.-= Check out Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s awesome post: Meaning Mondays: The Big Rabbit Edition =-.
Hi Patty,
Yes. It can be a magical journey. Not only for us, but for our blogging buddies, as well.
That’s true. When we over publish, we subject ourselves to burn out. How smart of you to find that blogging rhythm early on and then settle into a schedule that fits your life style.
Hi Barbara .. as I started as part of a group and to get sufficient posts, comments and therefore recognition it was suggested we post every day – I did. It got the rhythm going and the essence of the blog.
The most difficult thing for me, being a generalist, was coming up with an idea – a title, a concept – – my title doesn’t really relfect my blog content, on the other hand it answers a reason for the “subject” (concept) I’m blogging about, and more importantly interests me & resonates with readers – even with its strange eclectic post topics!
However having started – what is my aim from blogging – it will be to earn a living and build a brand. My blog is now my asset base .. it needs to be renamed etc, branded, and utlimately to become lots of things .. newsletters, booklets, book, podcasts, audiobooks, video talks, etc etc etc
I like what Barb wrote re – reposting old posts .. I may do that today with my St David’s Day post from last year, with some new knowledge added in ..
I also (only last night!) commented and asked in your last post – is there any benefit from going back to old posts and adding in a notation – either by a comment on your own blog, or editing the post a little … will it help the search engines etc, apart from add value to your archive?
Thanks from a sunny Monday in England – what a difference that yellow ball makes when it shines!!
.-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Alpha, Treacle, Beta, Dogger, Snow – what do they mean to you? =-.
You’re welcome Hilary,
Sunshine? We had that today, too. It sure is nice, isn’t it?
With you wanting to expand on your blog and build a business out of it, I like your idea of seeing it as your asset base. And you’re right, a blog and it’s archives can become that. In fact, many ebooks are written from articles which have settled into blog archives.
In answer to your question. From what I understand, (but don’t quote me on this) it is beneficial to go back into our archives and make our older post more search engine friendly. This can be done by rewriting parts of them, adding tags, and/or utilizing a SEO plugin. As Julie mentioned, we can also bring the topics back to life by reviving them and using them as a “current” post.
From what I understand, if we start messing with the title, we could end up with 404 (page not found) errors. If anyone knows that not to be true, please feel free to correct me.
Great post, Barbara.
After a month of sporadic posting, I found myself doing two posts in three days last week! I laughed at myself, knowing it would result in fewer readers on both posts, but I went ahead and posted anyway. Why? Because it was spontaneous and authentic and I had an overwhelming urge to share something with the folk I know still read my blog. It was a direct response to readers’ comments. An event happened that made me want to reply with a post instead of taking the time to respond to everyone’s comments individually like I normally do. I only had time to do one or the other, so I chose to post.
But you’re so right. I’ve definitely learned this year that life’s too short to publish posts because of self imposed schedules, no matter whether the blog’s for business, pleasure or a combination of both. If I give up blogging, it’ll be because I don’t have enough energy, inspiration or drive to post consistently or regularly. I couldn’t force myself if I wanted to.
.-= Check out janice´s awesome post: Writing Snow =-.
Hi Janice,
That’s a good point. If we don’t have the energy, inspiration and or drive to post, that may be a sign it’s time to give up blogging.
I like your attitude about posting even though you think your posts may not get as many view. When we publish something because we’re moved to do so, page views become secondary.
I have felt and continue to feel that I have to publish new content on my blog at least three times a week.
I think it is important to generate new content often. It shows that you care about your audience. If you only post whenever you feel like it and there is no pattern to when you post, readers won’t feel that you are reliable and may stop coming to visit.
However, blogging is a hobby, like you said, but it is a hobby that requires a commitment from you. You don’t have to publish 5 times a week. But you should have some kind of routine that your audience can discern. I post on weekdays only as a rule and used to feel that I NEEDED to post every day. Now I see that I can take a day off and only publish 4 times a week and on rare occasions even just 3 times a week.
Blogging is like physical exercise. You can do it and if you start you should keep it up. Of course, this also sharpens your writing skills. That’s why it’s important to keep up the content coming for both yourself and your readers.
.-= Check out Chase March´s awesome post: Why The Olympics are the Best in Reality Television =-.
Hi Chase,
That’s true. Blogging does require a commitment IF we want to go somewhere with it. And I think that’s key. If we know where we want blogging to take us, it’s easier to find a blogging rhythm as we aim for our goals.
And yes, we also need to consider our readers, as well.
Hi Barbara,
Blogging is definitely not a race. I think we each have to find a method that works for us. I think what happens is that people create this sense of pressure because they feel obligated. Anytime something becomes a chore, the joy of the activity is gone. So I think we each just have to do what feels right and that sense of peace will trickle into the writing.
People are not stupid. They can tell when something is written with love and when something is a rush job.
.-= Check out Nadia – Happy Lotus´s awesome post: The Re-Invention Progress Report =-.
Hi Nadia,
“People are not stupid.” That’s true. Our readers know if we’re posting just to post or are publishing something because it’s important to us and we want to share.
Hi, i have also started the journey of blogging, its wonderful now to share with people what i know, its a great feeling when somebody comments on ur post and give their opinion. I have started the journey 3 weeks back. Enjoying every bit of it now. Thanks for this post, it will keep me motivated cheers!
.-= Check out amy´s awesome post: Inside a woman’s cupboard =-.
You’re welcome Amy.
Welcome to blogosphere. Blogging is definitely a hobby that can bring joy plus introduce us to dozens of wonderful people. Take time to enjoy the process and milestones.
I have been a bit “silly” bytimes, even until a month or so ago, feeling I “had to publish something,” But I don’t do that anymore. I am so enjoying being free to post as I feel creative and ready to. And very happy with my unrushed content.
It also depends of course, on what type of blog you’re publishing. Say, if you are writing regularly on new tech gizmos or trying to get in on the latest political headlines. then you will probably put yourself in the race.
As to “buried posts,” probably a “Best Of” page will help.
Cheers, Barbara! have a great day!
.-= Check out Jannie Funster´s awesome post: Texas Gold =-.
Thank you Jannie,
Like you, I can understand why those who have time sensitive blogs strive to publish frequently and consistently as that’s how they build the reputation of being on the cutting edge.
I like your idea of having a page showing the “best of”. That would be a great way to showcase articles many may not dig for in our archives.
Well, I certainly have the suspense thing going on my personal blog. I haven’t posted anything new in 2 weeks. I just can’t figure out what I want to write about and when I do have an idea I can’t seem to find the time.
However, since I started our company blog, I’ve been going with the “slow and steady” theory. I’m only posting once a week. I’ve told the others in the office that until we get more traffic to our site it would be silly to waste a lot of time posting things that won’t be read. Basically, everything you’ve said here.
I’ve learned a lot from my personal blog and the mistakes I made there. Like you, I posted every day at first then kept cutting back. Even after I stopped blogging and said I may not return, I continued to have hits. Even today, I received a comment on my blog post from 2 weeks ago. If the writing is good and people like you or are interested in what you have to say, they will continue to come back and drop by to see what is new. In fact, I think some people prefer you to slow down. There’s too many people blogging these days and it’s hard to keep up with all those daily posts.
.-= Check out Debbie Yost´s awesome post: Forgiveness =-.
Hi Debbie,
That’s true. With so many great blogs out there, it’s hard to stay on top of everyone’s posts. And more come online each day.
I like your idea of starting your business blog slow – with weekly posts until your traffic picks up, That not only gives you more time to learn WordPress from behind the scenes, but can relieve stress, as well.
Speaking of learning WordPress, how do you do reply to comments by subcomments? Is it a plug in?
.-= Check out Debbie Yost´s awesome post: A Little Help Here =-.
Hi Debbie,
WordPress has what they call “threaded or nested” comments as an option in the “Discussion” settings. (access it from your dashboard). Click on “Discussion” and in the second section, you’ll see “Enable threaded (nested) comments” Tick that box and decide how many levels deep you want comments to go. I have mine set at 5. Save your new settings and when your blog reloads, you should see a small “edit” at the end of each comment. If you answer a comment using that option, it begins the thread and can be used just as you did here.
P.S. I was on your business blog and LOVE what you’ve done. The site looks fabulous. Great job Debbie!
Got it! Thanks, for your continued help on WordPress. It’s good to have friends like you.
I’m glad you like the business blog. Of course, I wouldn’t be as far as I am without help from you and others in the blogosphere. 🙂
.-= Check out Debbie Yost´s awesome post: Where to Begin? =-.
Hi Barbara,
I guess the posting frequency depends on the type of blog and the content you’re putting out there. For instance, the coupon bloggers post multiple times a day. If you are providing a service or putting time critical information in people’s hands, then I think one would post more often. If you are the creative sort and publishing stories or life experiences, I would say less frequently would be fine, and the quality greater. With my blog being such a mixture, I don’t feel a pressure to post every day, but I usually come up with something at least every other day or so.
In your case, you are teaching, and you give us enough time between posts to absorb and discuss the lesson at hand.
I, too, have been concerned that some of my earlier stuff will go unnoticed and wondered how to revive things without just doing a repost rather like TV reruns. I did write a second part to a story and link back to the first part, and I have referenced an earlier post when the current post relates to it.
Hi Linda,
I see what you’re saying. Like on your blog, if you’re publishing coupons or sales that have deadlines, you want to get the information out as quickly as possible. By doing that, you could easily become the “go to” blog for that type of information.
Linking back to older posts is a fabulous way to revive them. Although not everyone will click on the link and read it, chances are, some of our readers will.
I think a big part of it is all those posts that advise bloggers to publish “at least one post per day.” This is insane.
.-= Check out vered | professional blogger´s awesome post: Ten Things I’ve Learned After Two Years of Blogging =-.
Hi Vered,
That’s just it. When new bloggers read that advice, they believe that’s the only way to succeed, when in actuality bloggers can have success without daily posts.
I have enjoyed the process from my first post… having thought about it for so long before ever beginning.
That said, no I don’t have a calendar for posting. In the classes I’ve taken, a posting schedule is highly recommended. And I hope I get to that point. So far though, I write and post when I feel I have something to share.
It’s as if I open my journal of thoughts and questions and allow anyone in the coffee shop to come by and read. Not everyday is there something worth their reading…
My prayer is that what I do post has a take-away for friends who come by. Something that enlightens or reminds or inspires or amuses or encourages.
I don’t think you can put that on a calendar.
I like the idea (above somewhere in the comments) that it’s a process. Maybe a little like the marathon… you don’t sprint out of starting blocks. You pace your run. That way you can finish without burning out.
.-= Check out Barb Hartsook´s awesome post: Learning Changes Us… or Does It? =-.
Hi Barb,
Like you said, a blogging calendar would probably work great, but like you, I don’t use one either. Although I do publish twice a week, I’ve given myself enough leeway so as not to overwhelm myself.
Yes. Pacing ourselves is a great way to finish (if we ever do) and not burn out with stories still inside of us.
Hi Barbara
I think that I realised early on that I would have to limit the time I can spend writing posts.
I get a great thrill from hitting that “publish” button but I also enjoy trying to make my articles informative, helpful and slightly humorous.
Opinion appears to be divided out there about how often you should post.
There are the “once a dayers” who look for short posts and lots of throughput and the ones who go for detailed posts with good content.
I’m trying to strike a happy medium… not always easy.
.-= Check out Keith Davis´s awesome post: A helping hand… =-.
Hi Keith,
No. It’s not always easy to find that happy medium. Like you said, some find daily posts work for them, whereas others find balance posting less often. It really does come down to being true to ourselves and following what works best for US.
I wanted to get 100 posts posted and then I slowed down – now my body is telling me to slow down again. Since I want to get paid for my writing sometime – I write everyday, many things which I do not post….I also study how people are reading these days because who wants to write a Novel and no one has the attention span to read a whole book anymore…..so I am observing and contemplating. 300th post up today …that feels great. Actually, I need to say my body teaching me to slow down has been a great gift…and has removed much stress in my life…
Having the KINDLE read to me, rests my eyes when they are weary and keeps the pleasure coming…
I have just accomplished getting 2 20 year olds to read whole books and I think one is hooked….might be hope yet?
Another good piece here – thank you
.-= Check out Patricia´s awesome post: Book Review and Cookbook Giveaway: The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone =-.
Hi Patricia,
Until you brought that up, I had forgotten about setting a goal for “x” number of posts before being able to relax on a posting schedule. I did that too, and post 100 was a huge milestone. Congratulations on your 300th.
*smiles* Your words are such a great spokesperson for Kindle. How cool you’ve inspired two young adults to enjoy books because of it. Way to go, Patricia!
Like you I have been hurrying things for my blog. I wanted to make a lot of posts and recreating my blog just to attract readers and the search engines most of all. But like what you said, it’s not a race. It’s good to have suspense and to make surprises so readers will keep on coming.
.-= Check out Travel Purses´s awesome post: Travel Purses: 6 Great Styles =-.
Hi Travel Purses,
Yes. I do think it’s good to have suspense and entice our readers to come back for more. If we put it all out that, all at once, we leave nothing to the imagination.
In time search engines will find us, and when they do, let’s hope they like what they see and continue to refer readers to us.
Hi Barbara!
Your post made me smile because in the past I’ve said to myself, “I HAVE to publish a post today!” But then I quickly realize that no one is giving me that pressure–only me. And yep, loyal readers stay loyal readers. You’re right–enjoying the journey is what it’s all about!
I’ve never thought of my blog as a hobby, though. To me, it feels like a “service” I am providing for the world–helping people tap into, and connect with, what brings them joy. So even though I get to ‘call the shots’ with my blog, I actually enjoy the idea that I have a responsibility to my readers and that feels good!
Thanks for the smile today.
.-= Check out Michelle @ Following Your Joy´s awesome post: A Vision Board And A Backstage Pass =-.
You’re welcome Michelle,
I’m happy I made you smile. 🙂
Isn’t that insane how we get? Thinking we HAVE to publish something, and if we’re new to blogging, we’re not even certain anyone is reading what we post.
I know what you mean about feeling blogging is NOT a hobby, but more of a service. Like for you, your blog compliments your business, so it becomes the “go to” place for your clients to find out a little more about you and if they would like to have you be their coach. And for those who aren’t looking for a coach, your blog becomes another great place to frequent. It’s a win-win!
Hi Barbara .. thanks so much for answering.. and I’m grateful re the old posts .. it’s interesting to know this information. Re the name – no don’t worry I’m not going to do that – I hope!! Just grateful to have the information given .. rather than hunting randomly and probably not finding the answer to the question I asked – thanks!!
I was interested to read your WP reply to comments query from Debbit – tips always useful .. thanks .. Hilary
.-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: The Middle Ages of the web – ancient pathways, monastic steps, St David yesterday, St Chad today and lines of communication … =-.
You’re welcome Hilary,
You know, if you decide to use an old post, you could also make slight revisions, add some SEO and also change the title. Then, just leave the old post where it is. I’ve heard duplicate content can be an issue, but do wonder about that as I see many sites that post the exact information and all end up being rated high in the search engines. Makes me wonder what’s really true.
Debbie is new to WordPress and also blogs on a blogger blog. I don’t know if you checked out her new blog, but she’s making the transition with what appears to be few problems. You’ll be doing that soon, too, hey?
Hello Barbara,
I agree with you that blogging or anything for that matter is not a race. I’ve heard this phrase a few times in the past year from successful marketers regarding the internet marketing space. Too many people have been “sold” that anyone can start making thousands online if you do this or do that immediately. Not true. Maybe that’s why some people feel they need to hurry to be successful. Nice site, first time visitor. Thank you.
.-= Check out Tim´s awesome post: Vintage Salt Pepper Shaker Collecting =-.
Great info. I’ve started several blogs where I quickly burnt out because I have felt the pressure to keep writing and posting too frequently. Now I know that I can go at my own pace and all will be well.
.-= Check out Nicole Bandes´s awesome post: Will passion or love better help us achieve our purpose? =-.