The longer I blog the more I realize that if I’m experiencing something as a blogger, it’s most likely I’m not alone. Since I’ve had a few things on my mind regarding my blog lately I thought it’d be a good time to write about it rather than put up my other planned post. So here’s whats been on my mind lately…
Lately I’ve been trying to focus on creating longer, evergreen type content. Long posts that will be relevant for a long time barring some small updates here and there.
I love making these type of posts. In fact I have a bunch of evergreen content planned that I’m excited to work on and write.
What I’ve been struggling with lately is developing my blogs identity. If this is something you’ve experienced, you’re not alone.
IN THE BEGINNING
When I first started this blog, I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do with it. I wanted to be able to write about topics that I found interesting without limiting myself to just one thing.
The more I wrote and the more I read other blogs, the more I questioned what direction the blog was headed. Should I niche down my blog? How much of myself should I put into the blog posts? Who even wants to read about this anyways?
I think that these thoughts creep into a lot of people’s minds when they start blogging. One reason I think this happens is because a new blog can be quiet. Like eerily quiet, and by quiet I mean you feel like you’re just writing for yourself. You look at your analytics and see 1 person viewed your blog, but wait that was just you checking it at work….
IN COMES THE TEMPTATION
Having no one read your blog kinda sucks. Not kinda, it does. The temptation to start posting things that you think people will want to read rather than what you set out to do may cross your mind. It’s only natural.
Thoughts like: Look at these fashion bloggers, they have tons of followers, maybe I should change my blog to focus on fashion! Or, maybe if I do a lifestyle blog I can make way more money…
I think its best to try to resist this temptation as much as possible. You could do it and it might work, but you’ll end up losing a little bit of yourself in the process. Don’t sell bits of your soul for a few more hits or dollars, trust me it won’t be worth it.
INSTEAD STAY TRUE TO YOUR INITIAL PLAN
Always keep in mind what you set out to do when you started your blog. I’m not saying don’t change what you’re doing if it’s not working, but rather keep experimenting until something does work.
Like anything else, the more you blog, the more you’ll learn what you truly like and dislike. For myself these are a few things I’ve learned so far:
- I don’t like being limited to a few blog topics as I have a lot of interests and the freedom to talk about them all is priceless.
- Keeping a personal aspect to the blog is important to me. At the end of the day this is my personal blog, so I want to keep that “feel” to it.
- I like keeping to a blog schedule, but I also like the option to post something on a whim if I feel like it.
- Having a site or social media with a lot of pictures of myself just isn’t my thing.
- I enjoy engaging with visitors to the blog and want to encourage more of it in the long run.
For yourself, you’ll learn what you like and don’t like as time goes on. These lessons will help you develop your blog identity, but keep in mind..
YOUR BLOG WILL CHANGE OVER TIME
The more you find out about yourself as a blogger, the closer you are to developing your blogs identity.Click To Tweet
What you initially set out to do may not be what your blog ends up to be. Think of your blog as an extension of yourself. As you grow you learn, evolve and adapt. Your blog will learn, grow and evolve along with you.
Eventually overtime your blog should develop its own unique identity that will set it apart from all the other blogs out there. An identity all its own, and one that you can be proud of.
At least that’s what I think should happen. My blog is still developing it’s identity and has a long way to go. As a blogger I think I’ve come a long way and I am really enjoying the whole process of learning.
I want this blog to place where people can come to learn, discuss and get inspired about their own lives and whatever it is they’re in pursuit of.
That is the identity I’m trying to create with this blog. Hopefully I’ll get it right sooner or later. Emphasis on the sooner.
THAT’S ABOUT IT FOR NOW
You’ll find your way to creating a strong blog identity as well. If you’ve experienced what I’ve described or are experiencing it now take some relief knowing that you’re not alone. Stay true to yourself and be patient. With a little experimentation and time, you’ll find your blog identity all in due time.
~ LET’S TALK ~
Your turn to talk! I want to hear what some of your experiences with this topic. How has your blog changed since your first started? Have you struggled to find your blog identity? If so what were your experiences and what helped you along the way?
Leave your comments below!
CONNECT WITH ME!
Don’t forget to say hello on Twitter @HeyPSbarbosa or if you’re more visually oriented come follow me on Instagram @psbdaily
If you like what you’ve read and want to stay current be sure to subscribe to the blog so you’ll never miss a post. I always love hearing from people so don’t be shy to leave a comment or just say hello, happy pursuits!
Paolo
28 Comments
Hi Paolo 🙂 I’ve enjoyed reading this post. It reiterates what I feel about my blog.
Ps…Susie sent me 🙂
Hi Tracey! Thanks for taking the time to read the post and leave a comment. I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s nice to know that other’s can relate 🙂
I feel the same way Tracey. Pabarbosa, I much appreciate your sharing your hard won wisdom 😀
Well said! Clicked on your comment on my blog at Susie’s party 🙂
Thanks for giving it a read and stopping by the blog!
I appreciate your message here: stay true to yourself and be patient. I think providing quality content that does what it’s meant to do (whatever that intention is) sets the North Star for successful blogging. I also believe in evolution over time. At first, I started my blog as a way to practice writing, and challenge myself to a schedule. I wanted to celebrate interesting people I admired as a way to both inspire myself and others. These things are still true, but over time I’ve found more confidence in sharing essays from my own point of view, even works of creative fiction and non-fiction. I’ve invited guest posts that speak to the main goal of my blog: to celebrate inspiring people and interesting ideas. I pick that word, “celebrate” deliberately. It’s the tone I want to set. It’s the feeling I want to encourage in myself and others. We need more goodness in the world (we probably always will) and I aspire to contribute . Your blog appears to aim at the same goal–glad to meet you at Susie’s blog hop. 🙂
Thanks for the taking the time to read the blog and the feedback. Appreciate it! I’m glad to meet you and read about your experience and your blog. It does seem like our blog’s do share the same goal. I was actually planning to start a feature spotlight type section on my blog where I showcase the experiences of people I look up to and inspire me. Similar thoughts indeed! We do need more goodness in the world for sure. Looking forward to following your blog! Thanks again and glad to meet you as well 🙂
These are great tips! I blog about a wide range of topics and try to keep it interesting and fast-paced.
Thanks for bringing this link to the party!
Hey Susie! Thanks for stopping by and reading the post, I’m glad you enjoyed the tips 🙂 I’m just starting to explore your blog, looking forward to it!
I’ve been blogging since August 2008 …. and my little corner has changed over time.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read the post! That’s a lot of blogging, look forward to reading your posts. Thx!
Hi Paolo,
Thanks for stopping by my corner with its silliness and no intention of seriousness.
I think I arrived here from your notification on my blog, but you went there because of Susies blog-hop so it sort of all came from Susie so we’ll blame her.
You raise some interesting points here, certainly I *inhabit* an identity when I am writing though.
I suspect that my being Bryntin, as I think I am, is a cover that the North Koreans implanted, as a sleeper agent to unleash and bring on world chaos, but I think getting to be POTUS that Agent Trump got there first.
Yep we can blame Susie haha. Mmmm hmmm I knew there was something funny about you. I’m keeping my eye on you Bryntin, make sure your chaos keeps in check 😉
I can really relate to this! My blog is about being a polymath literally because I didn’t want to be constrained to only one topic, I just have so many interests that I absolutely love sharing with others. That being said, it does suck when the blog is really quiet and I have definitely wondered if I should persevere with the blog. I sometimes feel like it’s simply not focused enough, but the problem is, that’s the nature of the blog. What are your thoughts on this?
It is the nature of the blog, so it is a little bit of a dilema in that sense so true! I think that it’s best to continue to write what you want to or else you might lose interest in maintaining the blog. If you write enough quality posts though eventually there will be enough of each topic to keep people interested possibly. The blog can serve as something like a resource page. Other option could be to start different blogs with a narrow focus, downside is managing multiple blog. One I find is more than enough already 😅
I am happy to read that I am not alone.
Feeling restricted, working within constraints is not something that I like. While I do have specific destinations in mind for my blog, I am aware that I change every day, and so must my blog.
So strap in and enjoy the ride with me if you do not care about the destination, but are more about the journey.
Well said. It’s all about the journey! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your feedback. Appreciated.
Lovely post. it’s my first time to visit your blog. Will come back for more.
Thanks for stopping by and taking a look, appreciate it! I took a peek at your blog and I’ll be back for more as well!
This is a great message to share. I’ve found reading this post particularly helpful as a new blogger. Trying not to get too disheartened by how hard it is to get your blog seen by others! Thanks for sharing 🙂
No problem I’m glad you found it helpful! Thanks for reading 🙂
Ah, I see that we are truly on the same page! The hot mess Barbie and Ken dolls of the blogosphere, ha ha. Glad to have a like-minded blogger friend. 🙂
I completely agree with you on every point. I think the most important thing is not losing yourself, you need to write what you want to write even if you’re a lifestyle or fashion blog, honesty is key.
Totally. Honesty is very important, for yourself and the readers. Thanks for reading and the input Sophia!
Nice post, Paolo!
Thanks Jerry!
“Should I niche down my blog? How much of myself should I put into the blog posts? Who even wants to read about this anyways?” ~ These are the exact questions that have been running through my mind lately. I guess you’re right; a blog identity is more fluid and dynamic (much like personal identity) rather than set from the beginning.
I enjoyed reading this post. Thanks for sharing your insights!
I’m glad some parts of the post were relatable! Definitely ever changing, growing as you grow and learn. Speaking of which I think its time to revamp my blog, time for it to evolve agaiin😁
Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave your thoughts, appreciated!