Some hope blogging will bring instant success or financial freedom. When they doesn’t happen within a month or two, they give up.
Others will blog for years, enjoying just writing and sharing.
But there comes a time when a blogger may ask, “Now what?”
“Where is this hobby of blogging taking me?”
“Is it a waste of time?”
Or “Can I make more out of it?”
Today’s Lesson
I remember when that happened to me.
When I had been blogging for about 16 months and was in the process of compiling the interview series with veteran WordPress blogger, Lorelle VanFossen, her and I had a conversation in which she mentioned most bloggers who stick with it, go through periods of indecision. Sometimes around the six month mark, and again around the 18 month to 2 year mark, they begin to question why they continue to blog and where they see their blog taking them.
I don’t know if it was power of suggestion or a natural progression, but several months later I started asking myself the same question.
I looked around blogosphere and saw some of my fellow bloggers were moving forward with their blog based business plans. Others had made no changes, but blogged consistently. A few spoke of their dreams for the future, whereas others had given it up.
Although I knew I didn’t want to give up blogging, I wasn’t sure what the next step should be.
As I did before I started blogging, I turned to the brainstorming process. I looked at the possibilities, eliminated those I had no interest in and narrowed my options.
Shortly thereafter, the idea for “The Blog Boutique” was born.
Although The Blog Boutique is still in it’s infancy, I see the possibilities it offers.
I have hope for my future and the question of “Now what?” has an answer.
What about you?
Today’s Assignment
Have you ever looked at your blogging activities and asked yourself, “Now what?”
If so, what answer did you come up with?
If not, is your blog headed in the direction you always wanted it to go?
Raise you hand. I’d love to hear your story.
~Barbara.
Golly, yes, Barbara, blogging indecision. I have seen many blogging companions fall by the wayside because they have not found a direction. My blog developed into something I love. I didn’t, and still don’t, have a direction, I just write what I feel like writing, but maybe that is my direction! Those who try to ‘pick a niche’ might just be heading down a path they cannot follow.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy,
Your comment reminds me of how even if we don’t have a direction, we can still produce a blog which is a joy to read, plus a pleasure to write.
Happy Blogging!
Barbara, I don’t know what it is about those time periods you mentioned, but I’m there brainstorming, just as you were.
The biggest challenge is managing those creative bursts. They’re as troublesome as analysis paralysis; trying to manage and direct creativity and not stifle it. Not to mention, moving beyond the creative realm to apply the ideas/strategies to the business card, the blog, the Facebook fan page, website, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
I’m in the process of merging my life coaching business with my editing/proofing business, whereby I will provide coaching for professional writers. Coaching creativity, not life 🙂 Things seem to be naturally progressing that way. Course, I fear the About Page I rewrote a month ago may have to change again.
Hi Davina,
That’s true. When we reach those forks in the road, it’s more than just changing up our blog. All of our other online profiles can be affected, too.
Ooooh! How exciting you will be providing coaching for writers. I see that as an area in which you can be hugely successful considering your background in editing and proofreading.
Yes, I have, once or twice, reached a point on my blogging journey where I have wondered what I wanted to do next. Personally, there is one main thing that spurs me on to keep blogging and that is my love for writing – poetry and stories, fact and fiction.
I adore expressing my thoughts in words, and I love that people take the time to read what I have to say and pass comment on it. So, whenever I feel disillusioned with blogging I just remember how much I enjoy writing each and every one of my posts. I don’t think I want to make money out of blogging. As I clearly state on my blog, I strongly disagree with cluttering a blog with corporate advertising and sponsored posts. For me as an individual, I don’t regard my blogging as a business venture – I regard it as hobby, so I don’t have any real plans or aims. I simply want to write.
And another thing that keeps me blogging is my love of finding new blogs, reading other people’s work and meeting different bloggers from around the world. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of that, but then again, I am only at the beginning of my journey in the Blogosphere and I do wonder when I will next have to stop and ask myself where I want to go.
Hi Sam,
Good point. Our love of writing can keep us blogging indefinitely. Like you, I also enjoy meeting different bloggers and reading their work. There’s so much talent out there, it would be hard to get bored with that aspect of blogging.
Strong thoughts about the nature of where America is headed is calling me to write more strongly about integrity, personal responsibility, and personal honor. As you can see from my latest posts, I’m moving in that direction. It will be an interesting year.
Hi Lori,
Yes. It will be an interesting year for you, and I do commend you for taking a stand and following your heart. I believe in the end, the rewards will be plenty.
So much information to spread, tooo little time. I am just having fun spreading the new innovations that are coming to light. If this blog takes off, what a blessing that will be.
Hi Linda,
With you being a “green” blogger, you’re right, there is a lot of information to share. And from reading your blog, I can see you are truly enjoying the journey.
Constantly! I’ve quit. I’ve come back. I’ve cut back. I’ve questioned. I’ve been discouraged. I can’t figure it out but I can’t seem to stop. I don’t know why I feel compelled to blog. I’ve changed my reasons for blogging and I still blog. I guess I’m just hooked. Although, the one thing that does affect my blogging is my children. As they get older, it gets more difficult. It’s not a big deal to write about your 2 year old dropping her pants constantly, but my 14 year old wants a little more privacy. Who am I to blab all her shortcomings all over the internet even if they are funny to me. I’ve still got a 5 year old who doesn’t really know what I’m writing about her, but what happens when she gets a little older? I fear my material may be fading quickly and then what do I write about? Me? Yeah, people are gonna want to read that! Oh well, I’ll enjoy it while I can.
Hi Deb,
Personally, I’m glad you haven’t quit. I know you enjoy writing, and even though you feel your mommy blog may run out of material as your girls get older, you can always find another platform from which to share (like you do on the business blog).
Now what?
That’s easy, if I don’t burn myself out on it — Diaries of the Civil War. The creativity is in the selection and arrangement of the material.
With everything else, I think I’ll keep busy for a good long while.
Hi Mike,
That’s right. You have your new site to look forward to. With all you’re creating, there’s no doubt you won’t be asking “now what?” for quite some time.
Barbara,
Now what? That is most definitely a question that’s come up for me (more than once). And one, that really – I am focusing on right now.
Blogging has been such a gift for me…and for giving me a way to express my thoughts, and in that process learn more about myself. For that I will always be deeply grateful.
Still…
Now what? And I wrestle with that question. One, in fact, that I’m working through with a life coach – right now. The thing is, without blogging, I never would have been in a place where I was ready to dig in more deeply to “me”. Today I am.
So…I don’t know what any of this means….today. And that’s okay. Today I go with what feels right in my heart.
Barbara, I love that you have done this – and developed something new because of that. So, so good to see…
Thank you Lance,
It’s tough, isn’t it? When we get to that point and are not sure which road to take. From your comment it sounds like your life coach is helping you pick the direction which suits you the best. I wish you well on which ever journey you choose.
Hi Barbara,
Although I have my blog for several months now I still haven’t decided if I want to take it in a specific direction or for a specific purpose; just keep blogging as a hobby, mostly as a way to learn about this cyber world while giving myself the chance to express a personal opinion on what’s around.
For me blogging has become sort of a venue to step into this new way of life that didn’t exist before, so the adventure of exploring a new world within a world becomes the main reason for the existence of the blog, thus results are not an immediate necessity but only the availability of spare time.
Raul
Hi Raul,
Blogging can be an unbelievable journey, and as you so eloquently said, it can “become sort of a venue to step into this new way of life that didn’t exist before.”
Enjoy each step of the process. In time, your blog can unfold and become more than you can even imagine.
June 1 was my blog’s 3rd year birthday. When I first started blogging in 2007, I wanted to write about my experiences with incest and recovery sometime in the future. For awhile I continued to write about other topics of personal development that also interested me. In August 2007, I got more serious about writing about incest and have been pretty focused on that topic since then. On April 29, 2010, I was featured in my first radio interview about being an incest survivor and using my blog to reach out to other incest survivors to offer them hope of healing for themselves. In May 2010, I opened up a new area of healing for myself with my Inner Child Letters Series of posts. I have been sharing this experience with my readers.
My next step is to move my blog from Blogger.com to WordPress.com in the very near future. I have expanded my stats for my blog by beginning to use Facebook and Twitter to reach new contacts. I have learned so much about blogging and about myself since I started my blog 3 years ago. There will more more growing in the future. I have always known that I would write about my experiences in order to reach out to other incest survivors. I just never expected it would be with a blog. There is also a possible book in my future but for now my blog satisfies my writing thirst.
Hi Patricia,
Can you believe it? Three years of blogging and your message has now reached the radio waves. I commend you for all you have done and how you’ve helped other incest survivors. The way I see it, it’s only going to get bigger.
P.S. When you make the switch to WordPress, if you need any help, please feel free to ask.
A book? I see it, too. 🙂
Thanks for the offer of help with the switch, Barbara. I have another friend online who has also offered to help.
Hi Barbara .. I know my first try was not right – the subject wasn’t right .. and so I stopped it.
I just thought that as my mother and I both enjoyed the learning process .. ie: me taking interesting articles and fun or stimulating snippets in for her .. that I could read for her & we could look at the pictures together – then that is something that I could progress out into the blogosphere. My uncle, who was very erudite, gave his seal of approval .. so I’m there’s a market – for googling kids and stimulating minds of all ages.
Now .. it is certainly taking off & I’m lucky as quite a few readers have said I should compile a book with the posts, and googling kids would be interested – I have lots of ideas .. which I will be able to take forward – for now the posts are my asset base.
Thanks Barbara .. always good to read your posts and everyone’s comments .. love the learning process .. have a great Sunday and week ahead .. Hilary
You’re welcome Hilary,
Good point. If we start a blog and feel it’s not “right”, it’s best to stop and find that which ignites our passion.
Yes. Our posts are our asset base which gives us more options. I like your idea of turning your posts into a book for people of all ages. With all the research you put into them, the end result could be phenomenal.
Hi Barbara
When I set up my blog I concentrated on getting the basics right.
1 – Good domain name which contained keywords.
2 – Set up with WordPress – constantly being updated and lots of support out there plus plugins.
3 – Blog on something you are passionate about – had to be Public Speaking for me.
4 – Get a theme that looks good, catches the eye and you can get support for. I used a premium theme that has great support.
With that in place I can concentrate on building up a readership and I can take the blog in lots of directions in the future.
Hi Keith,
How smart of you to do your homework BEFORE starting to blog. What you did is a great reminder that if we build a good foundation, it leaves us more time to concentrate on writing and less time dealing with those “should haves”.
Absolutely. It’s the reason my blogging is going through such a change right now, expansion and all. 🙂
Hi Dennis,
Have fun with your expansion and all of the changes you’re making. That’s one good thing about blogs, they don’t have to remain stagnant. Change is good for all of us – online and in real life. 🙂
Blogs With Wings gives me a wonderful opportunity to help fellow bloggers create a better and more successful blog (no matter how each one of them defines success – success is a very subjective thing).
But I do have dreams and plans that involve the creation of both free and premium blogging templates. And I have struggled for some time with just how to implement the template plan.
Should the templates be part of Blogs With Wings or separate?
I’ve weighed all the advantages and disadvantages and came to the conclusion that separate sites are best. So now I find myself busy creating new sites and working through all the challenges that presents. It looks like my template sites (there will be 2 of them) will also have their own blogs.
It’s a journey and a exercise in brainstorming. Evaluating ideas, scrapping some, keeping others and formulating more. But it is all coming together.
I’m lucky I like solving puzzles. That’s what my adventure online with blogging has been like. It’s a huge evolving puzzle that keeps my mind engaged and challenged. Forces me to continue to learn new things. It gives my life forward momentum and that keeps me young.
Hi Joella,
How exciting. Developing blog templates must be SO much fun. I’m looking forward to seeing your creations.
I think it’s wise to have separate sites for those. Although it can be more time consuming to maintain more than one blog, I think it’s easier to stay organized when each “topic” has it’s own space.
Actually, My Dear you have already seen 2 of my creations. My previous blog template was completely my own and the header design for the new WordPress blog is also my design.
I have some “heavenly” designs in the works and will be releasing previews on BWW to help promote one of the upcoming sites.
And I think you are right, separate sites are indeed the way to go. So off to work I go, hi ho, hi ho, hi ho, etc. 🙂
Hi Joella,
You do beautiful work, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your creations. With your talent there’s no doubt your new sites will be a tremendous success. 🙂
Hi Barbara — thanks for this — my blog has been a method for me to refine my thinking about the work I do, both through writing and talking with people. I wouldn’t have been able to lead a full-day workshop recently if I hadn’t constantly been testing my ideas on the blog. I’m very grateful for all the opportunities blogging has given me.
You’re welcome Chris,
How exciting; a full-day workshop. That’s awesome, Chris.
And you’re right. Blogs are the perfect vehicle to test our ideas and get reactions and ideas from others.
Oh my goodness! I hit that 6-month feeling too, and a short while ago went throught that 18-month indecision thing. Amazing, and heartening to learn it’s a pattern among bloggers who stick with it.
For me the “Now What” is realizing that building links and greater exposure by making real connections will be a steadily upwards thing with the passing years. Bit by bit, step by step. Only good things can come with passion and love for blogging over time. And I know I will always keep blogging, to express things I can’t keep in. 🙂
xo
Hi Jannie,
It is reassuring, isn’t it; when we find out we’re not the only ones who are feeling that way.
Yes. Building a blog is a step by step process. And with each step we take, hopefully growth will be the end result.
I am fine with having that “now what?” thought there, but at the same time, I also have no doubt that one day I will go “Aha, now THAT!” when an idea hit me. If you keep doing it, someday something will come out of it, even just out of chances of random ideas colliding in your head.
Hi Kelvin,
YES! Having that “aha, now THAT!” can be inevitable. Like you said, someday, something will come out of it. All we need to do is believe.
And oh, how exciting that will be. 🙂
I didn’t really have a “now what?” moment becuase turning into a professional blogger sort of just happened. I do see lots of bloggers who eventually stop, but I also know several who are in it because they love to write for an audience.
Hi Vered,
I often wondered how you decided to become a professional blogger, and now I know; it just happened. How cool is that?
Yes. Some bloggers continue to blog just because they love to write. I admire their dedication to the “sport”.
Hi Barbara,
I began blogging almost two years ago. My blog was inspirational, but my focus was on my life and the boat and how experiences on it inspired me. A few months ago, I left my “old” blog and created an entirely new one. I had grown far past where my original blog was headed–and I wanted my new blog to support my life coaching business. I began fresh because my new ideas and format were a bit different than what my regular readers were accustomed to. The Energy on my new blog is amazing…I’ve kept some readers, but have already grown my base just naturally. My writing has evolved. I now write on a schedule yet it is an absolute joy; I challenge myself to new and different in my life, and new and different has manifested on my blog. I think my life supports my blog, and my blog is supporting my life..perfect!
Hi Joy,
How wise of you to recognize you had out grown your previous blog. Now with you new one, like you said, you can not only promote your life coaching business, but can blog about that which supports your life. It sounds like a perfect balance.
Congrats on The Blog Boutique and your answers to “now what?”
I’ll hit my two year mark this coming September. So far, I’ve used it as a way to share some of the best insights I find and help folks lead a life of action. I’ll be adding more features this year, but I’m trying to stick to some guiding principles:
– keep it simple
– keep it true to me
– keep the timeless stuff timeless
– keep the timely stuff relevant and actionable
I think one simple thing that it’s very good at is helping me connect with my tribe. A lot of the people I meet and work with at Microsoft are regular readers of my blog.
Thank you J.D.,
I must say, your are right on target with your blog. I like your idea of keeping it simple and true to who you are. With the direction you have outlined for your blog, it doesn’t look like you’ll be asking “now what” for a very long time.
Hi Barbara,
I’ve had a personal blog for over eight years and I’m glad I did because it’s really helped me get over the “what am I going to write about NOW?” issue. 🙂 Writing is just what I do and now that I’ve got Practically Intuitive up and running, I’m excited to write about a different facet of my life. I have a basic vision for where I want the site to go but I’m also open to evolving with it and seeing where I am 6 months or a year down the road.
I love reading the comments here and visiting the various sites. Everyone is so full of creativity – it really inspires me!
Hi Lisa,
I can imagine by having a personal blog, the process helps to get those “now what” questions answered, thus giving you a solid foundation when you started “Practically Intuitive”.
I think it’s wise to let blogs evolve and see where they may take us. Sometimes we’re still left asking “now what”, but other times the blog gives us the answer before we can ask.
Hi Barbara,
Congratulations, again, regarding launching Blog Boutique. It was fun reading your thoughts (as usual!).
Every now and then I post about blogging, and I observe that a lot of my commenters noticed indecision around the timeline you described (6 mo, 18 mo, 24 mo). I think it must be more difficult, the more time and energy one puts into it over time, to stop blogging and focus one’s energy elsewhere. Or, maybe not? I have several close friends who have hung up their blogging gloves and feel good doing so. (I’m nearing my one-year anniversary.)
About your question, yes, I think “Now what?” very often. But, I really try to keep my blogging experience a very *chillax* experience. I’m doing it for free, so why not relax and simply enjoy it? Right? I love writing and design — and the people who take the time out of their busy days to visit my blog really bring a lot of happiness to my world.
Thanks for another great post, Barbara! I’m looking forward to reading all the lovely responses from your tribe. 🙂
Thank you Lori,
That’s true. When we have spent so much time blogging, I think we get to a point where we start asking ourselves, “where I am going with this? Although some, like you said, decide to give it up and apply their energies elsewhere, for the die-hard bloggers, it becomes more of a turning point.
Yes. Blogging should be fun, even if we do it for a living or as a compliment to a business. Now knowing how long we’ll continue the writing process, is a good reminder to enjoy the ride as long as it lasts. 🙂
I am definitely in the middle of brainstorming on several fronts but the main category is financial – how to make some money come into my life…..I am attempting to just do this process step by step, because I have worked since I was 13 years old (childcare and strawberry picking) but truly never been paid any where near my worth – now I have no retirement….I have finished 2 years of blogging and will keep at it…I love having people read what I write… and am working right now with some guidance from Davina to attempt to find a solution…
In the middle again! still not finding the whole answer.
Still working on healing my body, which I think is my lifetime goal…
Getting better in every way day by day 🙂
Wow you are making me think here!
Hi Patricia,
I don’t think you’re alone in your quest for greater financial freedom. In fact, I think many bloggers hope their blog will be the vehicle that takes them there. That said though, in some cases a blog and what we do with it, plus the connections we make online can lead to an opportunity we never saw coming.
I’m happy to hear each day gets better for you, Patricia. I’ll keep you in my prayers. 🙂
Barbara,
Heck, I wake up most days and ask that!
Seriously though, a few months back I did a major redesign in terms of theme and branding. A few folks stayed with me through the transition and things slumped for a bit but now the blog is a little stronger than it was before with a community that is a bit different from the initial one. I’m good with that.
I’m having fun on the ride and I figure as long as it is keeping me interested, I’ll see where it takes me.
George
Hi George,
I like that you brought that up. When we redesign or change the shift of our blogs, we also risk losing some of our current readership. But, on the other hand, we may end up gaining more of the type of reader we were actually hoping for in the first place. (Which sounds like what happened to you).
Enjoy the ride. 🙂
Barbara, I ask myself “Now what?” all the time, and not just about blogging. I don’t see Trottersville becoming a success on any level, but I find myself working on it anyway. Why? I’m thinking that it must be a labour of love or something. It’s my brainchild and I’m proud of it. 🙂
Hi Tony,
I think when we find something we’re passionate about, we’re willing to put in the time to make it the best we can. Whether anything comes from it almost becomes secondary since we’re enjoying the process so much.
Yes definitely @ the 6 month mark (I am only at the month mark, mind). Blogging is taking a lot of my time, a lot more than I originally thought it would, but I still find it satisfying.
With my first blog (I got 2) I am trying to set targets (readership, post count and revenue) in 3, 6 and 12 months time, reaching these will hopefully allow me to be in a position to accelerate things even more for business development purposes.
The second blog is more of a test thing but I will carry on adding new content to it, even if it’s only once a month.