Mistakes were nearly made.
“I’m going to make a blog!”… How <i> hard could it be?
It seemed like a simple idea, to make a blog to document my IT journey. I wanted to display my emerging skills, showcase projects I find interesting, confirm my understanding of these subjects and perhaps help others who might be on a similar journey. Well, that’s how it started. Then it quickly devolved into confusion, self-doubt and intimidation. The wall of information was overwhelming, the costs spiraled rapidly, and I began to doubt my abilities and the validity of this project.
It was then, when I was on the precipice of spending a couple of hundred dollars on a “solution” from one of the major providers, my wife looked over at me and said, “Isn’t that over spec for what you need?” and it stopped me dead in my tracks. Firstly; how the hell did she know to ask me that question? Secondly; that’s a damn good question. What exactly did I need?
In my rush to get a deal on the Black Friday discounts as suggested by numerous online personalities, it didn’t even occur to me that at no point did any of them explain how to assess what I actually needed. They were so busy explaining what was the best deal and how it compared to other similar products in the market. It was shilling, a pure sales pitch. It’s the old sales one-two, create a problem, propose a solution, generate hype, close. And I nearly fell for it.
Truthfully, I assumed it would be as easy as finding an application that would just ask me for a few details then BOOM! I’d be set up and typing my first blog in just a few minutes. Like a word processing app, you just type things, make a few adjustments and then press the post button. This just isn’t the case, and in retrospect it was a somewhat foolish notion. There are some tools that you need and like all tools, you will need to learn how to use them. It turns out that what I wanted to do is not hard, it just requires a little bit of time and some effort, and I had to remind myself that this Blog is all about learning new skills and sharing that experience through my eye, so let’s move forward, without the credit card.
I hope you’ll join me on my rambling journey to host and build a Blog. In the coming posts, I will document as much of my experience as possible, from where I am now and share what I learn and the mistakes I make along the way. I hope you enjoy it and perhaps find things you can relate to, have a laugh and we will see where it ends.
TLDR: What is the motivation for you wanting a blog?
Why the <i> am I doing this again? – Understanding your motivations
“Why” indeed. Life is not always easy they say, and this project suddenly became very daunting. That’s what your “why” is for, let me explain.
For me, understanding my “why” is essential. The “why” is the thing that keeps me motivated and on task. It’s my reasons and feelings boiled down to a simple succinct phrase. Your choices are for you to decide, but believe me, knowing this will help you. Write it down, put it somewhere prominent and close, then when you get frustrated (and you will) remember the “why”.
This article is to help you work that out.
Me, I love good pros and cons list, it’s a great way to break down my thoughts, so here are couple of lists to help you decipher your reasoning.
The reasons for doing this can include:
A creative outlet – Blogging is a fantastic way to channel creativity, whether through writing, designing, or storytelling. It’s a space where you can bring ideas to life, experiment with new concepts, and explore different styles. Over time, it can become your personal corner of the Internet where your unique voice shines.
Confronting your fears – Putting your thoughts out there for others to see can be intimidating, especially if you’re not used to sharing publicly. But blogging can help you face those fears and grow in confidence. Each post pushes you to be vulnerable, embracing feedback, and get comfortable with a wider audience.
Wanting to help others – For many, blogging is a way to give back. Sharing advice, insights, or personal stories can be incredibly rewarding when you know it’s making a difference. If helping others is a priority for you, blogging is a great tool to reach people who might benefit from what you have to say.
Sharing a passion – A Blog lets you dive deep into what you love and share it with others who feel the same. Whether it’s cooking, fitness, books, or tech, blogging is a way to create content around your passion and attract like-minded people who connect with it too.
Learning a new skill – Blogging involves so much more than just writing; it’s also about learning SEO, marketing, design, and sometimes even a bit of coding. Each of these skills opens new doors and opportunities, making blogging a continuous learning experience.
Disseminating knowledge – If you’re passionate about a topic and want to share what you know, a blog can be an excellent platform. From tutorials and how-tos to research and insights, you’re able to provide valuable information in a way that’s both accessible and engaging.
Creating a community – Blogging isn’t just a one-way street; it’s a way to build connections with people around the world. Through comments, emails, and social media, you’ll find others who appreciate your work and form a supportive network. That sense of community makes blogging all the more fulfilling.
Profit – Blogging can offer financial potential, too. With hard work and the right approach, it’s possible to earn from ads, sponsored posts, and products. It’s not a quick path to income, but with patience and consistency, blogging can become a solid side income—or even a full-time gig.
I just love writing! – At the core, many people blog simply because they love to write. A blog gives you the freedom to explore topics that matter to you, develop your style, and connect with an audience. For those who enjoy the written word, blogging is a perfect outlet to keep the passion alive.
Reasons will differ and could be as simple as “I just want one”, all are equally valid. I have always believed that anyone can do anything if they have a strong enough “why”, it is the motivation behind your project.
Why Not?
It should go without saying that a written blog involves lots of writing and if that’s not your bag, then bail out now. That said, there are some other reasons you might find blogging not for you, some of them could be:
Blogging is not easy – While some make it look easy, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes. Behind the polished posts are hours, a fair bit to learn and stress. To make a simple blog, expect to put in some time, especially at the start. It takes some dedication, patience, and commitment to get a blog off the ground.
It’s not a quick way to make money – If you’re thinking of blogging as a shortcut to cash, think again. Blogging takes serious time and effort before you’ll see any real income, and it’s rarely a “fast money” venture. Most successful bloggers put in months (even years) of work before they can live off their blogs.
Income is unpredictable -Even when your blog starts earning, don’t expect consistent pay checks. Blogging income can be volatile—one month you’re up, the next you’re down. Many full-time bloggers still experience months where earnings dip, and it’s a reality of the field. So, if you’re looking for a reliable income, it might be best to keep blogging as a side hustle.
Blogging can feel isolating -Working from home as a blogger can be lonely, especially if you’re used to a busy workplace. Unless you actively seek out social time or work in public places, long hours alone can start to wear on you. If this becomes a struggle, connecting with other bloggers or even taking your work to a coffee shop can help break the solitude.
The industry constantly shifts – The blogging world moves fast, with trends, tools, and rules changing often. Algorithms, particularly Google’s, keep bloggers on their toes, and social platforms often change their features or policies, impacting your strategy. Being adaptable is essential if you want to stay relevant.
Social media burnout is real -Social media is a huge part of blogging, but spending so much time on these platforms can affect mental health. Comparisons and negative feedback are almost unavoidable, and they can lead to stress or anxiety over time. It’s wise to set boundaries to keep a healthy balance.
Long hours affect family time -Those extra hours can quickly start to chip away at family time and rest. Early on, you might find yourself taking work calls on vacations or checking notifications during family events. Establishing some routines or limits can help but expect some disruption in the beginning.
If you’re still on the fence about starting a blog, my advice is, just give it a go. It might feel like a big jump because there’s a lot of unknowns, but that’s what makes an adventure. You’ll get the chance to dive into a topic you’re passionate about and connect with people worldwide who share that interest. It’s a journey that can lead you to unexpected places, and it’s more rewarding than most people realize.
So, ask yourself: what’s the worst that could happen?
When you’re ready to take that first step, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to start your blog. It’s free and designed to walk you through the basics you need to know, at your own pace. Let’s get started!
Do you want to learn more? Follow this link to continue.
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