Just as parenting should be done with a bit of forethought – so blogging can become something that requires a tad bit of commitment. Or at least if you want it to take off and develop into something with a life of it’s own, you really ought to put a little bit of forethought into it.
So here are a few considerations that come to mind before making the blogging commitment:
A Support System For Bloggers
There is a saying “it takes a village to raise a child” which simply means that any one person, trying to do everything on their own, will soon experience burn out. Bloggers have to be SO MANY things – graphic artists, website designers, writers, marketers, advertisers, PR reps, social media gurus and more.
When you have a support system in place you will have others you can rely on to help you pick up the slack. Where you have a weakness, they may be stronger, and help you compensate for those areas.
A Passion to Share Via Blogging
Having a child, I mean – er – creating a new blog, is not something to be done frivolously. But rather with passion. In a survey via Twitter @JessicaGotlieb shared this insight for something that a blogger should consider before jumping in, “Ask them why they want to do it. if they don’t have a reason why then they might not have a good message.”
It’s Easier to Focus When They Don’t Come Ten at a Time
The reason such things make sensational news stories is because that is not the norm. Blogs tend to develop better in the early stages when you are focused and dedicated to just one. @jenniferbourn said “Pick a niche and focus on something you’re passionate about. Easier to expand later.” And she’s right. When your blog is walking and talking on it’s own, it is very easy to add a sibling.
Living Arrangements and Names For Your Blog
You have to make room for the new baby somewhere – accommodations can be either very basic, free-hosted sites like blogger or free wordpress. Or the living arrangements can be a lot fancier and more complex. While any parent can tell you that simple is certainly all that is needed to get started, there are some basic things that are helpful and can make things easier or more effective.
Like a self-hosted site and true domain name. Why condemn your blog to be just a plain “Jane Doe” when it’s so easy and relatively inexpensive to purchase a domain name and set up a website? Sure, I started out with a blogspot.com blog or two or ten, but I quickly learned how much easier is it to just begin with a domain name from the very beginning.
I would have a meltdown if I had more than one blog. Heck, I have meltdowns, anyway. 🙂
Seriously, having that support system is a really big deal. I don’t have any offline friends or family who ‘get’ blogging, but my online friends are great at encouraging me and sharing tips, and I do the same for them.
My husband is supportive but I don’t think he totally “gets it” either. I totally agree that the support of my online friends makes a huge difference for me. 🙂
LOL! My hubby doesn’t “get it” either, bless their hearts! 🙂
I’ve been blogging for awhile, sort of started it as a hobby and because I wanted to get a little more practice writing. Unfortunately, I haven’t spent LOTS of time working on it until recently because aside from having 5 sons (now a daughter added to them) I was also working a part time job. When that job ended, I wasn’t sure if I was happy about that or not. Now, I’m glad it’s over. 🙂
Mavis @ The Homemakers Paradise