On July 8, 2019, The Moxie Playbook turned five years old. Five years of blogging have flown past with plenty of ups and downs, highs and lows, and great joy and connections built along the way.
5 Major Blogging Lessons Learned
I couldn’t let five years go past without acknowledging it this month. So I’m sharing five lessons learned along the way. I’m always down to make a list and share my experiences, so here is it:
Take Your Time
Blogging isn’t something you should rush from conceptualization, branding, writing content, and building your space online. Everything you produce on your blog should be heartfelt, timely, and very important to you as an individual.
Speak Your Truth
You can only be yourself, so speak your truth. Don’t let other bloggers, who may have more time or a bigger audience persuade you to think differently about your assignment. You chose to blog because you have something to say, so do that.
Blogging Breaks are Okay
While content and consistency are super essential to the blogging process, taking a break is also okay. I used to be really hard on myself if I didn’t get a post up every week or month due to the schedule I created. But now I give myself grace and time, and when I want or feel inspired to write a post, I do so.
Branch Out & Meet Other Bloggers
When I first began blogging, I stayed to myself. I followed bloggers on social media and would interact with them on there, but nothing outside of that. Since then, I’ve met plenty of bloggers within my hometown – it’s honestly one of the best things you can do as a blogger. It keeps you motivated because you can relate to them because they are going through similar blogging situations.
Build a Great Foundation – Brand & Website
Building a foundation is crucial to anything in life. For instance, you have to make sure your make-up foundation is the right shade and formula suitable for your skin and skin tone, that you moisture and primer before placing it on, then setting it after, so and so on. The same applies to your brand and website. Before you begin promoting your brand, understand your why, the purpose of your brand, and how you want to change the lives around you. These are the beginning steps to help you solidify that foundation.
Next, you want to choose a website platform that will get you the best solutions for your money. WordPress is the best platform with Squarespace and Wix coming in close second and third places. With the best SEO (search engine optimization) value, your content will become more visible to your audience and others search for keywords that relate to your content.
What Has Blogging Taught You?
If you are a blogger, comment below with how long you’ve been blogging and what it has taught you, or is currently teaching you. If you’re not a blogger, share what life is teaching you in this season of your life.
Rae’ says
It’ll be 3 years in October since I launched my most consistent blog. I’ve been blogging since 2012 but I really buckled down 3 years ago. The most valuable things I’ve learned through blogging are that my point of view is appreciated and my story is worth telling. You never really know who’s watching and who your words will touch. Congrats on this magnificent milestone! Cheers to many many more!
Jailyn says
Yes, Rae – thank you for sharing! I always have to tell myself that when my thoughts start running faster than usual. Early congrats to your three years – that’s amazing!
Tina says
I’ve been blogging for about 2.5 years now. I started blogging for myself, but I’ve learned so much about myself through it. The most valuable thing that blogging has taught me is how important self-care is. I started doing this for myself and I keep me in the forefront whenever planning. I see so many bloggers asking others what do they want to read about and I always ask myself what do I want to write or talk about. It’s important for me to stay true to myself. Congrats on 5 years! I’ll also be at the Natural Hair Expo and will hopefully see you there 🙂
Jailyn says
Thank you, Tina, for reading! Definitely important to always do it for you and you alone – thank you for sharing. And I hope to see you too at the expo!