A couple of interesting blogging related moments happened last weekend. To be exact, three.
First, was the husband suggesting I take a break because I’d been sat by my desk for too long. I guess I spent a pretty long time working just because I’d set a date for the new blog layout and I’m trying to meet that deadline. Also I was working on the last post which had lots of photos and when I include photos in blogs, it takes me a longer time. But in the midst of all that, I didn’t feel tired or forced. I think I really love blogging – (plus since I got the number 1 item on my tech wishlist, it’s been an easier process.
Second, I tweeted that I didn’t really like posting photos of myself on my Instagram. Some people said they had noticed, while others found it hard to believe. But I really don’t. I prefer posting abstract photos and words and quotes. I love words. And carefully worded language can be so amazing. But humans are highly visual, and so pictures and more likely to get noticed than words. And in the world of blogging and content promotion – I guess visuals is key.
Third, was a blog reader in Tanzania who sent me a message! She’s been considering starting her blog and needed some inspiration.
Now to the point of this post. Merging points 1, 2 and 3 above gives us number 4 which is the point of this post.
Whether or not you blog, I think there’s some inspiration and practical tips in there to constantly get us pumped!
What to Blog
A blog is merely a tool that lets you do anything. From changing the world to sharing your shopping list.
Find what you are interested in and blog about it daily.
We must not only blog what is popular. We must blog about our passions, no matter how quaint.
Blogging is not rocket science. It’s about being yourself and putting what you have into it.
Blogging is a conversation, not a code – Mike Butcher
Write what you know – Mark Twain
Writing is thinking out loud. Blogging is thinking out loud where other folks think back – Liz Strauss
On Content and Readership
Don’t focus on having a great blog. Focus on producing a blog that’s great for your readers – Brian Clark
Your focus needs to be on value and ensuring that your readers get something out of your content, whether you are teaching your readers something or entertaining them – Adam Connell
The currency of blogging is authenticity and trust – Jason Calacanis
If you approach blogging having a me me me attitude you will fail miserably – Adrienne Smith
Follower numbers are less important than follower engagement, enthusiasm, and love for your blog – Henneke Duistermaat
On Blogging Success & Promotion
Successful blogging is not about one time hits. It’s about building a loyal following over time.
Content is king, but distribution is queen and she wears the pants!
Way too many bloggers think making money from blogging is like the movie Field of Dreams, where Kevin Costner’s character was told, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ You can build it, but if nobody knows about it, then they’re not coming! – John Chow
Doing well with blogging is not about writing one key post. It is about performing day after day and helping a few people at a time
99.9 percent of bloggers are not awesome on Day 1. Their awesomeness is the accumulation of the value they create over time – Darren Roswe
On Design
Design is not just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works – Steve Jobs
If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design – Dr Ralf Speth
We all make snap judgements, and if your blog doesn’t look like a reputable, high-quality read, visitors won’t come back – Ali Luke
On Profit and Monetisation
The term “Professional Blogger” is no longer an oxymoron – Luke Langford
It is not wrong to try to make a living from your art, to charge enough money that you can afford to create — so long as some people will actually pay what you’re asking. So stop feeling guilty about it! – Alexis Grant
And finally, I quite liked this lighthearted one!
These days you have the option of staying home, blogging in your underwear and not having your words mangled. I like the direction things are headed – Marc Andressen
I have to agree with Marc! I’ve come across You-tubers who who make videos showing only their upper half while their bottom half is still stuck in PJs!
I think in all of this for me, my major take-away is striving to promote the blog more across social media. After all, distribution is queen and she wears the pants! It can be so tasking though. Thank you so much to all of you who re-tweet my tweets and share on Facebook.
And to everyone else, If they’re are any posts you love, please always feel free to share. The sharing links below let you share across all media. So you know that WhatsApp group you’re in with over 250 persons and in which people keep asking why you don’t contribute? Well, just share your favourite posts from here on there and stay relevant in the group. Haha.
Ok your turn. Do you blog or thinking of starting one? Which of the quotes got to you / what area of blogging do you struggle with?
You don’t blog. What are your reasons for going back to your favourite blogs? Love to hear your thoughts!
Love,
Kachee.. Xx
pS: Please Subscribe to get notified of new posts. Also, let’s connect on Social Media – @KacheeTee
ppS: My second takeaway is on readership. As a reader, please let me know if there’s anything you’ll like to see more or less of. Get in touch!. To be honest, I’m also noting the points on monetisation. I mentioned I was considering it in my Goals for November. Happy to still hear any suggestions.
Zinny
November 8, 2016 at 02:31Such an inspiring post needed for me at this time. I like this quote; “Don’t focus on having a great blog. Focus on producing a blog that’s great for your readers” – Brian Clark.I think the area of blogging that I struggle with is getting more readers. I hope to improve on that with time. As for what I’d love to see more on your blog, that would definitely be more of the interview section. I really always look forward to it.www.zinnyfactor.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 10, 2016 at 09:20I really love the WeInterview section as well, but it’s pretty tasking to put up more than one a month. Hopefully soon, that can change! Promoting the blog is also the hardest bit for me. But we’ll keep doing our best!
Zinny
November 10, 2016 at 22:16Yeah, I can imagine. It’s just a beautiful initiative. The monthly plan works great. We keep anticipating the next one lol. Also, nice layout you have here. Have a great day!
nyashanicole
November 8, 2016 at 02:39I agree. We shouldnt focus on having many followers or popularity but producing valuable content to our readers ❤ wish u a beautiful week!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 10, 2016 at 09:21Value is so so important! Thank you so much. Hope you’ve had a beautiful one yourself.
Demilade
November 8, 2016 at 06:47I agree totally! My main blog goal right now is actually building a regular connection with my readers and promoting my blog even more. xxcocobellablog.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 11, 2016 at 21:22Promotion is so so tough!!
AB x MeeMee
November 8, 2016 at 10:59Great quotes, Kachee. I’ve been learning a lot about blogging since I decided to take it more seriously. The design quotes get me the most. Communicating our blog’s personality through the design of the site is a priority right now, working on it. Also trying to figure out our Insta aesthetic, because as you said, visuals matter.
Sky
November 8, 2016 at 11:27Your title just reminded me/triggered me singing Avicii’s “Hey Brother” song, only I changed the words and sang “Hey bloggers, there’s an endless world to re-discover..”, WHICH IS SO APT after all! 😀 😀 :DBlogging fully powered and awakened my slumbering creative side and it has totally given me joy and inspiration to live daily. Even on my lowest days, even if I’m sucking at consistency, if I read or write a blog, whether mine, yours or any other, I feel transported into a better frame of mind.I’m very very inconsistent with posting and i’m looking for ways to improve on this.As for what I enjoy here, that’ll be everything. You write in a way that’s positive and relatable, which I like. Also, the group of commenters you have here are great, I’ve discovered a few cool peeps from here, so good good.Generally speaking, my favorite blog is ‘Man Repeller’ because of their genius, irreverence, dry humor and literary excellence. Nedoux’s blog also blows my mind with the writing, the woman CAN WRITE my god!.’5Inchandup’, ‘Mikutas’, ‘A Pair and A Spare’ are also great for the curating and photography (which i’m very interested in).Sharon Mundia’s ‘This is Ess’ is good too, but she’s very inconsistent (like me, ugh).To all the quotes, yes yes yes. Readership/Engagement and promotion are key.Trend Alert: Metallic Skirts & Raw Step-Hem Jeans
GraysBibi
November 8, 2016 at 11:40Nice quotes! I particularly like this one “Successful blogging is not about one time hits. It’s about building a loyal following over time”.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 10, 2016 at 09:16A loyal following is definitely key. Thanks for reading!
Sogie
November 8, 2016 at 12:13I enjoyed reading this so much , everyday I’m always thinkinh of new ways to improve it and yes it may get tiring but there’s always excitement in that tiredness. You get what i mean? You are my favorite rn. Itsdivadiaries.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 11, 2016 at 21:22Awww Sogie! That means so much to me. Thank you!!
Distinguished
November 8, 2016 at 13:28Nice tips and quotes. My favorites are:•Don’t focus on having a great blog. Focus on producing a blog that’s great for your readers – Brian Clark•Content is king, but distribution is queen and she wears the pants!•Blogging is not a get rich quick scheme. It is more like a #WorkForFreeForALongTimeAndThenReapYourReward type of plan •99.9 percent of bloggers are not awesome on Day 1. Their awesomeness is the accumulation of the value they create over time – Darren RosweAs a blogger, my struggle is with frequency of posts… And also how to promote and get more readership.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 8, 2016 at 15:50Thanks! And thanks for sharing a lot of my posts on twitter today. Appreciate! Hmmm @frequency. I’ll see if I have any tips to share. It’ll have been great if you dropped your blog link, so I can check it out and others can see it too. That way you’re promoting your blog.
Distinguished
November 8, 2016 at 16:01Had some free work time today and decided to camp on your blog… Really enjoyed reading/learning from your rich posts plus I love your very easy-to-relate style of writing.Will be looking forward to the frequency tips you’ll share…Blog link is http://www.distinguishedlives.word…Looking forward to your ‘presence’ on the blog… Thanks and thanks again in advance.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 8, 2016 at 16:06Hahahaa. Thank you! You should subscribe so you read them on the go and they don’t pile up. I just checked your blog on my phone. It seems very mobile user friendly so that’s a huge plus. Many blogs are not. I’ll stop by properly later in the day. Have a good day!
Distinguished
November 8, 2016 at 16:28Hehee, thank you💃💃!Already started following via bloglovin’… Lemme subscribe proper now, lol.Have a great day too. Xo
Praise Abu
November 9, 2016 at 09:24I really enjoyed reading this Kachi.I love all the quotes you shared, the content is king but ditribution is queen is my fave. I also feel you need to share more pictures of yourself too. My Style Look Book Series
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 10, 2016 at 09:16Hahahaa. Glad you did. I’ll try to share some more photos of myself!
pagesbyike
November 10, 2016 at 03:34Kachee, Thank you for sharing these tips. I’ll have to read them again tomorrow. Why? Because I haven’t slept in two days, Hilary, Trump and I. My mind needs a recap. Lol. I like the Kevin Costner reference. I find that particularly true for me. I focused so much at the start on building but it’s a big, big world with loads of blogs and blogs. Will adhere to advice! Muah! All the best with your new design.pagesbyike.comAmusing Conversation with my 70 Year Old Friend and Postpartum Snap-back tips!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 10, 2016 at 20:04In fact Ike! I felt like i couldn’t do much yesterday. So I imagine how you may have felt. It’s indeed a big big world with loads of blogs! So somehow we have to make people find us!
Bisi
November 10, 2016 at 21:16All very nice quotes and it’s nice how you have managed to build a following.How to cope when a pastor or leader you look up to disappoints you
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 11, 2016 at 21:21Thank you Bisi! Really appreciate
Yemisi
November 11, 2016 at 16:29I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. Thank you so much Kachee for putting these quotes together, with love, for us. I have bookmarked this because I definitely have to come back to it. My blog is suffering from epilepsy right now and I’m struggling with consistency. Thank you again for sharing these quotes, I am reminded of the things that are important.musingsbyjas.wordpress.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
November 11, 2016 at 21:21You cracked me up at Epilepsy. You need to come back to it. Some planning ahead will help. And you’re welcome!
Middle Class Nigerian Girl
November 14, 2016 at 18:35These are very helpful tips. I just started a new blog and I have the jitters and uncertainties but this resonates. Thanks Kacheewww.middleclassnigeriangirl…
Precious
November 17, 2016 at 03:54Awww Kachee! Such inspiring quotes. I recently read a blogger’s post in which she called her husband her “dragerer away from the computerer” and it made me laugh. Some days we could just sit for ours in front of our screens. Blogging!”Successful blogging is not about one time hits. It’s about building a loyal following over time.” This quote is so true. Successful blogging happens over time.PreciousCore.com
Christina
November 25, 2016 at 04:03Wow, and to think I got here via social prefect interview, interesting quotes. Let me share my experience, blogging is passion, but making money from it also drives the passion and makes one put the blog on a level that one wants it. No matter how your blog looks, content is truly king and distribution/referral is queen. I have made money from sale of my ebooks/trainings than from adsense, apart from knowing what your blog will be like, considering the form of monetisation is also key. Adesnse is nice, but it is not the alpha and Omega of blog monetisation
Christiana Ojo
June 22, 2017 at 17:49i don’t know how i skipped this post, but I think, now is the best time for me to have stumbled on it.my story is quite long when it comes to blogging, At the moment, I am a guest writer for 2 blogs, one in the tech space, which is not exactly my comfort zone, and the other in travel and tourism, that also requires storytelling and both can get tiring, I am naturally drawn to writing what inspires me, could be in the fashion industry, could be a story, could even be about lifestyle or inspirational so right now, I feel drained.