I think that even the most successful bloggers stumbled on blogging. Very few had a clear mindset from the beginning as to their blogging goals or what they wanted to achieve. Many also underestimated the incredible amount of hard work that it takes! And that’s why, you’d notice that the most successful bloggers hardly sit still. They’re constantly thinking of ways to re-vamp themselves. One of my goals for 2017 was to share my blogging experiences and tips. Seeing as it has become a passion of mine, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve.
If you’re thinking of starting a blog, then like me you’re bound to think “Geez who is going to read my blog!” If you’ve already started a blog, perhaps your thinking is tilted more towards “How do I succeed with this blogging thing!”
The latter question is kind of jumping the gun. Because success, will mean different things to different people, and that’s why it’s imperative that we ask ourselves these 3 questions!
1. What’s the Purpose of your Blog?
This is a pretty loaded question and if we’re able to ace it, then it will give an incredible sense of direction! The managing partner of the law firm where I work has an internal blog (and vlog!) where he sends legal updates to the entire 800+ team, such that the team is kept abreast of happenings. I don’t think in that regard his direct purpose is to make money.
A friend of mine claims the purpose of her family vlog is to simply keep her family (scattered all around the world) posted of what’s going on in her life. In such a case, she’d probably vlog only when she has some interesting updates for them, and she couldn’t care less about the latest social media hacks for promoting blog posts and growing a Pinterest audience.
Recently a travel blogger tweeted about a blog milestone. She was clearly excited but also clarified that the main goal would be achieved when all her followers are able to pursue their travel aspirations! Can we infer that that’s the main purpose of her blog? I think so!
So think deeply, and perhaps write it down: what do you aim to do: just share your everyday life (what’s the USP here for people to read it?) inspire people to cook, to be fashionable? Share knowledge? Build a community? All of the above? Streamlining your purpose will be helpful to many other questions such as your blog niche, manner of writing, quality of images to use etc.
2. What’s the Vision for your Blog?
I read something recently that clearly stated that not all of us will be huge incredibly popular banana-island-house buying or one-million-YouTube subscribers kind of bloggers. And that’s okay. I mean if you’ve answered number 1 above, then your purpose perhaps doesn’t need a million subscribers.
But since we never really know whether or whether not we would become the next big thing, how about we dare to dream? And so the question is “what vision do YOU have for your blog”?
If you were given a clean slate and some paper what would you draw? All things being possible, what would you like your blog to achieve? How much money would you like your blog to bring to you? What parts of the world would you like your blog to be read?! And by what kind of people?
This is such a heavy laden question! But very important, as it’ll define a whole lot in regards to how we approach our blogs! If your vision is for your blogs to only be read by family – then it’s okay to shrug your shoulders and use vernacular language that only a few people can understand. But if you’re thinking bigger, then you’d find yourself ultimately dropping some things!
I’ve stumbled on a blog post with over 2000 comments – all reasonable lengthy intelligent comments! It challenged me to think big and today when I think of KacheeTee.com, my one out of many visions is for a community of millions people learning and laughing in this thing called life! I imagine they’d be KacheeTee.com meetups in several parts of the world. It may happen, it may not (at least a Nigeria & UK meet up would happen hopefully!) but you get the drift? So think up your grand vision (it’s free to dream!), and you’d be pumped up to put your foot forward on your blog gas pedal and keep moving!
3. How much Time & Money do you have?
Let’s cut straight to it. If anyone told you blogging wouldn’t require time or money, they lied – and it’s okay because they may have thought it wouldn’t!
Because now that we’ve set aside our purpose and vision, implementing it will need time + money! Even at the most basic level we’d need time to write the post, and perhaps money for a domain.
I’m writing this at 11.36pm and was so tempted to postpone publishing to another day (ended up publishing at 1:15am!). But you have to put in the work! So if we’ve got that grand vision, but no time to devote, it’ll be a hard one to pull off. Money is secondary, but the larger your vision, the more investments you’d have to make – for functional websites, design, graphics & editing, distribution and promotion tools, marketing campaigns… the list is endless!
So yes, I think these 3 questions, particularly 1&2 are incredibly important. Ultimately through, remember that the aim should be impact, value and growth. Not numbers, not perfection. Purpose and vision may change as well. Like my friend blogger. I suspect she’s realised that people actually enjoy her blogs, so i think she’s looking to reach a wider audience!
What are your thoughts? What’s the purpose of your blog? And imagine you were given a blank cheque, what vision would you draw out? Let us know.
And now that I think about it, this clearly applies to a lot more things than blogging!
Love,
Kachee… Xx
pS: Love to blog better? 24 blog quotes to inspire all areas of your blog, and if you’re slightly curious, here’s a recap of 2016 for me in blogging! Can’t believe this blog is almost a year! I’m thinking of a giveaway with some brands, so let me know if there’s any brand you think will like to partner and what sort of stuff you’d like to have on the giveaway!
Still got time? You should check these out:
Atinuke
January 24, 2017 at 07:38This is so timely! I’ve had a lot on my mind these days relating to blogging. Basically, the purpose of my blog is to share knowledge and interact with people more, considering the fact i have a small circle of friends and I am better communicating through words.As at the time I started, I had little or no idea a blog could be monetized .Now that I know, if I had a blank cheque, I would make money thru every means possible, be a freelancer and connect with notable brands!Thanks for sharing, Kachee. Always a lot to learn when you publish a post.A cassiedaves blog planner could be a good idea for the giveaway. I know a lot of bloggers have this, but I don’t. Haha, so…consider me.tinukeawe.wordpress.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 26, 2017 at 17:39Thank you Girl!A planner does sound like a good idea. Noted!
Bubu Green
January 24, 2017 at 07:56Spot on, babe. For me,it’s never been about numbers. Well, I wouldn’t mind an exodus of readers but it’s not primary for me.Let’s just say my blog is where my alter ego thrives. I could be so couth around strangers and aquaintances but can be crazy around friends. So this place is my ‘crazy’. My aim is always to cause someone to smile,or even laugh (on days when the sun shines on me and I’m seen as funny).My blog is to educate and entertain. Did you just give an open suggestion for giveaways? Babe, you don enter one chance. Oya, give Macbooks, DSLRs, Smartphones…should I continue?www.bubusboulevard.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 25, 2017 at 16:56The sun shines for you many days oh Bubs! You and what’s in your head is often funny!’Ezigbo one chance’ – Biko biko!!
Omowumi Oguntuase
January 24, 2017 at 08:32Yes Giveaway!!!!! I want makeup!!!! LOL. So yeah these questions are extremely important although from what I realized, most of us kinda never have it all figure out until we are into blogging and then we have to go back to the drawing board after going through some things. The most important thing is having a goal/vision for your blog so you don’t just be all over the place. My blog was initially meant to inspire the Average Nigerian Girl that despite not being able to afford all the luxury fashion items, we can still be stylish (I didn’t think of making money from my blog until I had to start spending money on shoots!) and after a while, I got mails from people telling me they don’t like the word Average because we all have dreams of living a better life, so now even though my message is the same, I am changing that Average so it can be something more inspiring (yet fun) for my readers. Sigh, Kachee always makes me type long comments sha! LOLwumituase.wordpress.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 26, 2017 at 17:26TANG!Maybe I’ll contact you, and we can see how to get a makeup box for the giveaway. Lol.But you know I love your long comments!Did you recently change the Average to Awesome? I’m sure there are lots of ‘A’ words that we can use, so that won’t be a problem.
Omowumi Oguntuase
January 26, 2017 at 18:43Yes I did but suggestions are highly welcome because I’m currently rebuilding my site and seeing as you’re the lawyer here your vocabulary has to be larger than mine so I’d send you a dm on Instagram. ❤️❤️
DamiLoves
January 24, 2017 at 09:43So true! The vision certainly matters, it ensures we don’t pursue someone else’s purpose and direction! Great job to you blogger extraordinaire xxLearn to love yourself
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 25, 2017 at 16:55Thank you Dami!!
Kosiso Asomugha
January 24, 2017 at 10:12Even when I don’t think I will, I find myself learning something whenever I read your blog posts. I appreciate the insight for us bloggers and soon-to-be bloggers, it gives us perspective. Thank you so much. As for the make-up giveaway, I would like makeup from a new handmade, made-in-Nigeria makeup brand coming up. It’s called “Kilienma”. They make chemical-free makeup using natural products. You can check them out on Instagram. Thank you.
Debs
January 24, 2017 at 11:09Blogging for me is a space to share loads of ideas on lifestyle that has lived in my head for too long and to connect with like minds but I really do not mind making money off blogging though if it comes to that. And please make upssssssss for giveaways! And those them bags and shoes *winks*
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 25, 2017 at 16:55Making money is always an option!Make up, noted!
cassandra ikegbune
January 24, 2017 at 15:16All super important. I didn’t have a clear picture when I started but I know how important it is. Especially right now when no one is really playing around anymore lol Cassie Daves Blog Celebrating Four Years Of Blogging x 4 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Blogging.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 25, 2017 at 16:54Lol @ no one is playing around! True that!
Live In Ibadan
January 25, 2017 at 13:21All the points are very important. The amount of money I spend on blogging is out of this world. One has to be passionate and purpose driven in order to keep aheadwww.liveinibadan.blogspot.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 26, 2017 at 17:32I know right! No one tells you about all the money it’ll take. Passion keeps us going though.
Funke Olotu
January 25, 2017 at 17:45When I started blogging i didn’t have a clear picture, but everyday my blog gets better, vision gets clearer and my love goes deeper, spending on blogging is an aspect I didn’t think about and as a student it’s not easy but I know everything will be worth it in the long run, thanks for reminding me of whats really important.https://funkeolotu.com/
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 26, 2017 at 17:33It totally can’t be easy as a student. But it’ll pay off. And just keep doing as best as you can.
Ufuoma
January 25, 2017 at 18:23Great post Kachee, as always. Very important points as well.Luckily for me, I started my blog with a very clear picture in mind, my major struggle was whether or not I was ready to start getting my plans and purpose in motion. You know, as a travel blogger, I was worried about my travel photos looking great, I was worried about coming across as “boastful” when I shared my travel experiences. It took me a year to actually say, you know what? “Forget it, I am doing it.” And I did and I am so happy that I simply stopped caring and letting fear hold me back.In terms of purpose, I nurture plans of publishing a bestseller sometime in the future and my blog was going to be a platform to get that dream in motion. You know, for example, when a successful fashion blogger decides to start a fashion line, it is not out of place and he/she already has an audience. My blog will also make me become a better writer, hence, preparing me for when I eventually write a book. That’s really the goal with my blog, as well as, of course, inspiring young people to travel and live their lives fully. When a few people tell me they visited a city thanks to my recommendation, that gives me a huge sense of fulfilment, much more than the numbers. The numbers are a great vote of confidence, though.Can I quickly add that I admire your consistency with your blog, Kachee. You put in work with these highly valuable content and being a full time lawyer, it must not be easy. I used to blog twice a week at first but had to cut it down to once a week because of work, so I know fully well just how committed you are. Well done!www.theufuoma.comtravel | lifestyle | passion
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 26, 2017 at 17:38Thanks Ufuoma! Yes to Best seller book! You’ve done so well, so I’m glad you actually said “Forget it, I am doing it.”. We often wonder so much what people will think. When I share my posts on Facebook, I still wonder too! But we can’t live like that.Thank you! It does get tough, but I guess I really do enjoy writing and it helps that I don’t include lots of photos or graphics so that doesn’t take too much time. It’s the promotion that’s tasking!
Zorica
January 25, 2017 at 23:58Great post.xxhttps://theonethattravels.w…https://www.youtube.com/cha…
Berry Dakara
January 26, 2017 at 01:50You know there was a point in time when I was all about trying to figure this and that out, and with my blogging break at the end of the year, I just decided to relax about my blogging and just have fun again. I post when I want to, and not because I feel the need to post by force. Yes, I want my blog to be much bigger than it is and I know the potential is there, but not at the expense of my sanity. I like to share my life, and hopefully inspire other people to live their lives in whatever way they see as fun (light fun o, please). But yeah.I feel like I’m rambling.www.berrydakara.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 26, 2017 at 17:36It’s totally not at the expense of anyone’s Sanity!It’s great to have structure and all – but fI think we should equally still enjoy it and not feel forced. So wanting a break is fine, and yes sharing your life and inspiring people is still ‘purpose’!
yevandy
January 26, 2017 at 09:09a while ago, I answered all these questions and had a clear path to blogging and even topics I would blog about but it just stopped flowing naturally and I realized I was just forcing myself to blog and getting frustrated!!Now I just want to write and let people read it and vice versa. I started blogging again this year on wordpress: http://www.becomingyeva.wordpress.com and medium: http://www.medium.com/@yevandy I don’t have a vision yet I think I’m just happy going with the flow for now
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
January 26, 2017 at 17:24Thank you Kosiso!I checked out the brand and it looks quite good. Hopefully that will be a part of the giveaway!
Zinny
January 26, 2017 at 19:03Beautiful write-up, Kachee. It helps that I started my blog with a vision and mission in mind. I equally have other things I hope to achieve through the blog. I have always loved to write and I am happy with how I’ve been able to intertwine even my personal life to my HR/work related blog. But I must confess, it can be so scary sometimes especially because my niche is somewhat remote. All the same, you are right, when you have purpose, vision, time, and money, it makes things easier.I want the blog to be big, have great traffic and all. But for now, I am focusing on not getting distracted with my vision and trying to fight fears of uncertainty. I also struggle with promoting posts jeez, so much work! but I know how important that is, so I’ll keep looking out for strategies. Thanks for sharing and I wish you more success with blogging.www.zinnyfactor.com
Demilade
January 26, 2017 at 21:07Wonderful post Kachi. These questions are really important and they made me think. For me, the purpose of my blog is to share my thoughts on different subjects, tidbits about my life and just help others (could be something big or something tiny like recommending a really great lipstick). Haha yes blogging does require money. I remember when I decided to get a professional template , I was shocked at how much it cost. I love when you do posts like this Kachi :)cocobellablog.com
A girl called
January 28, 2017 at 23:09I love this post, quite direct and speaks in volume to me. I’m a relatively new blogger and blogging isn’t easy not like anyone said it would be #Nothing worthwhile is easy. I have had mini breaks but I’m grateful that I’m finding my purpose and vision for my blog. My purpose is to connect with lots of people, rub minds based on my niche articles and learn along the way. My vision is to build a strong community, enrich people and myself. Thanks for this post kachee🕴🏽
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
February 1, 2017 at 13:31You’re welcome girl!So glad you found it useful. It won’t be easy, but it will be so worth it, God help us!
Frances I
February 1, 2017 at 21:49This was so, so timely! I decided to take the plunge in November last year. I realised I have a lot to say and offer. I also figured it was time, so why not?! A part of me kept thinking, “Who even cares?” but another part of me thought that even if just one person benefits from what I have to say, we good, lol! You have a great blog Kachee and thank you so much for this post. Bookmarked!omasserendipity.wordpress.com
Fola
May 18, 2017 at 19:40I found this post very helpful.That question “what is the purpose of your blog”…. Its very hard for me to answer currently. But one thing I try to do is to churn out post that are 1. Inspired from within 2. I must be passionate about the subject matter (even if it is humor) 3. Inspiring to others even in the littlest way.Kudos to running this blog as a working professional. No one told me how challenging this could be especially if you are setting up the blog yourself. But its been fun all the way.Thegraceadventures.com