One year ago today, I hit publish on my first blog post. I can’t even begin to explain the mini panic attack that I had inside, even though no one actually knew about my blog. I was completing the Daniel fast along with fasting from social media at the time, and something just told me to go for it. I had no idea what I was doing at the time and truly there is still so much for me to learn. However, I am grateful for each and everyone of you for embracing me and coming along with me on this journey. Here are a few tips for anyone thinking of starting a blog of their own.

1. Start Where You Are. Literally, find your why and get going. Yes, that means figuring out which blogging platform you would prefer to use (I use Wix) but after that, there shouldn’t be anything holding you back. If you want to blog as a outlet or just to have a creative space thats fine. You don’t need the perfect camera or have to spend a to on web design. If you want to blog to educate/help others on a topic that’s not discussed enough, then that’s great to. But sitting on your idea and giving yourself anxiety at the thought of getting started isn’t going to help anyone.

I started my blog because I needed something in my life that was for me and me alone. I do a lot for my family as a wife and mother. I do a lot for the company that I work for as an employee but when I sat and thought about it, I wan’t really doing anything for me. At the same time I wanted to inspire other young women, other wives and mothers to stay true to themselves despite the challenges that life brings. It was my hope of inspiring others that pushed me over the edge. I decided that if I only had one reader that got something they needed from reading my little blog, then that was enough. My biggest regret so far? Not getting started sooner! So, just go for it!!

2. Don’t compare yourself to other bloggers. Comparison is the thief of joy and it’s something that we should remind ourselves not to do every day. Your blogging experience will be unique to you and you alone. Sure being the blogger with 100k page views or the crazy huge list of subscribers would be great but even those bloggers started at zero. It’s easier said than done but not focusing on what everyone else is doing is necessary to keep moving forward!

3. Collaboration Over Competition. You should only be in competition with yourself, translation, other bloggers are your friend! There is something about being a blogger that the average person doesn’t understand. “She’s putting all of her business in the streets”, she’s forcing her kids to take pictures all the time”, “she spends all of her time on social media”, blah blah blah. None of which are true, but it helps to have someone that understands the both the good and bad days that can come with blogging. It is great to have a other blogger(influencer) friends to serve a sound board when you’re feeling uninspired or to share your excitement when you finally hit 500 subscribers or land your first brand deal.

How do you connect with other bloggers?

-Follow them on social media and interact with them regularly

-Join Facebook groups for bloggers in your niche

-Attend local networking events or blogging conferences

4. Set boundaries. You have to find the balance between letting your tribe know every detail of your life without telling them every intimate moment of your life. Especially when your stories included your loved one. Additionally, that whole thing about spending all of your time on the computer/social media could be true if you aren’t careful. Boundaries are super important for me I give people that I don’t know personally a lot of access to me. There has to be a switch that turns that off. I don’t blog and post on my social networks day and night. I have set times where I’m creating content. When that time is up I put my phone/laptop down to focus on my family or other important things.

5. Be Yourself. In a world full of filters, true transparency is appreciated. Your gift to everyone else is that you are you. Share your story, in your time, in your way. There is someone out there that needs to hear from you. Those that are supposed to support you will, those that don’t won’t even matter.

All in all my first year in blogging has been blessed beyond measure. I’ve learned some valuable lessons, established my brand, made some new friends and got to partner with brands that I love. Best of all is that I got to share special moments, good, bad and ugly with all of you! Thank you so much for your support. Every like, comment and subscription truly means the world to me! Stay tuned for year two, I have big plans for us!!

Do you have your own blog or are you considering starting one? Let me know in the comments.