I started to blog to simply record the memories of our daughter, like an online, pimped up baby book. Over two years on my blog is so much more than that. Primarily, it is still a space for me and my daughter, a treasure chest of memories for us to look back on.
However, my blog now has other functions as well. It is a space for me to, well, do what I want. I find it therapeutic to write things down sometimes and I also enjoy taking part in projects, the odd competition and other opportunities. We now get to review products and I also write sponsored posts for companies, act as a brand ambassador and we occasionally get invited to cool events.
All these things are wonderful and I am very grateful. Over the years I have lost track of the amount of times that someone has said ‘you got that for free’ or ‘you just had to write a post’. Some people seem keen to write their own blog, as the ‘stuff’ seems to be appealing. I encourage everyone who feels they want to blog to go ahead, jump in, the blogging community is so friendly and welcoming. Starting my blog is one of the best things I have ever done.
This all got me thinking, did I get that product for free? I don’t think I did, I wrote a piece in return. I tried it out, I spent time photographing it, I edited the photos and pulled together a post, which would benefit the readers and show the product in an accurate light. I spent a few hours on it one way or another.
So do people think blogging is an easy life? I LOVE blogging, I wish I had started sooner, but I think there is a massive misconception about the time bloggers put into their work. I am sure this varies massively from blogger to blogger, but I thought I would just give a snapshot of my blogging week. For one reason or another I feel a pressure to post daily and if I post a review I will also write another post too, just in case people aren’t interested in reviews! Making a rod for my own back?… quite possibly.
Anyway, here is a summary of what I do each week;
Commenting – I spend most of my blogging time commenting. There was a time when I first started blogging that I would comment on over 500 posts a week. Now I do less than this but I also now run 3 linkys, which mean I have to comment on the linked posts. I also comment on a lot of other blogger’s post, those linked to the same linkys. I also respond to blog comments, Facebook and Twitter ones and all comments on my Instagram images. That is A LOT of comments.
Writing – I post every day between one and four times, so on average I post 16 times a week (roughly). Therefore, I have to write 14 posts or at least take half decent photo’s for the 2 posts a week that are photography based. Oh and the stress when you get to the end of the week without a good shot, never mind…
Projects/Sponsored – I also join in with projects, so I may have to find time to do something, which I then blog about, maybe a DIY project, baking or even a day out.
Promotion – I use Social Oomph* to schedule my tweets, this takes approx 5 minutes to load them the night before. I also schedule my Instagram in Buffergram and my Facebook in Facebook itself, so add in another 30 minutes. I also have to link my posts to the relevant linkys each day.
Interaction – Blogging is a social activity and so I need to find time to interact with other bloggers, tweet and try to respond to every one who tweets or retweets me.
Ideas – brain storm new ideas, ways of keeping things fresh.
Building Social Networks – build profiles and increase followers on other social networks. Uploading photo’s to Instagram, pinning things or building boards in Pinterest.
Opportunities– look for and respond to shout outs for bloggers on Twitter and Facebook. Contact PR’s and deal with emails from people that contact me, there are a LOT of daily emails.
Our Hashtag Community – I co-created #LittleFierceOnes on Instagram which means I have to find time to like all the pictures tagged.
Additional writing – I am the Newbies Round-up Editor for BritMums, which means I have to read posts, respond to emails and write a monthly post for BritMums. I also co-edit a online magazine for bloggers.
At the moment, every single Baby free second goes into blogging. If she is asleep in the car, I will be on my tablet blogging. When she is playing on her own for 5 minutes, I will be blogging. When I should be cooking, cleaning, washing, you’ve guessed it I will be blogging. I regularly stay up until gone midnight working and I work every single night, without fail. Often failing asleep at my laptop.
So do you think I got it for free?
This post was originally published in 2014 and unfortunately in 2016 corrupted, I managed to save the post and republish but lost the 200+ comments that were on it. I just wanted to thank everyone for their support of this post and explain why the comments are sadly no longer here.
Comments 28
Blogging is indeed hard work. I wish I could make my blog take off so I could use it as a full time job, maybe one day.
So sorry you lost all the comments on this post, it’s an excellent and interesting read.
Thank you. As a new blogger, this gives me a real picture of what to expect. People always seem to think that anything ‘writing based’ is easy, when, as you point out, the truth is the complete opposite. I suppose the fact that you manage to make it look so effortless is a measure of your success!
Blogging is hard work but I love it! Like you I spend so much time commenting on blog posts via Linkys often getting involved in about 6 Linkys a week. I think i comment on about 100 posts. Then trying to find time to write posts in my free time. I love getting involved and chatting to other bloggers. I also need to spend time upgrading my blog design it’s a bit pants at the moment. I’m going to re tweet this post as it’s all really useful info. Thank you. Claire x
Nice post. I have been blogging for a while but not actively though..would love to have your feedback if time permits in your busy schedule
http://prilounge.wordpress.com
This is a really good post especially for bloggers like myself who are newbies and don’t know what to expect. I will fully admit I completely underestimated the work involved and it was only when I whole heartedly jumped in with both feet that I realised blogging is hard work but if you love your craft then it’s worth it.
It’s fun, but I suppose you kind of get what you put in, which is satisfying. Mine doesn’t pay the bills, but maybe one day! I live in hope! I often wonder if it’s a bit of a time-suck and taking me away from my family instead of simply allowing me to document – like most things it’s hard to find balance. I suppose you have to remember it’s supposed to be beneficial and not a hindrance!
Thank you for this post. I’m a newbie blogger too and while I didn’t think it would be easy there’s an awful lot more to it than I thought. I’m hoping my blog takes off, I’m determined to keep it going. But knowing that the constant pace of my first few weeks won’t ease off helps to keep me focused that this is it. This is what blogging is
Great post. Blogging is most definately hard (but really enjoyable) work. There is so much more to it than people realise
Absolutely true! The more I read from the pros the more I realise it is a full time job – I’m already addicted!
Thanks for this enlightening post. I am a new blogger and my ultimate dream is to be able to do it full time. I never understood how it could be considered full time work until reading this, but it really puts things into perspective!
When i started blogging 3mths ago, I didn’t even know what a linky was. I just thought I was setting up a place to write for myself. Now I feel like it’s a never-ending list of things I could (should) be doing. It’s a good job it’s so much fun! I can totally see how blogging could be full-time (plus overtime!) It’s a labour of love!
I just started last week, and i spend more time working on my blog than i do at my actual job. As soon as the kids are in bed i’m working, but people don’t realize the effort that goes in, it is great though, and such a wonderful, friendly community to join. Thanx for everything you do to make it easier for the rest of us!
Ooh I can imagine your horror at losing all those comments – It is a really great post though. I’m still in awe of your publishing schedule. I’m at the early stage of managing a second blog and trying ever so hard to keep juggling all the balls.
The more I blog, the more I realize how much behind the scenes time is involved! I am loving it but as I currently am not getting any financial benefit I just my passion to keep it going. Hopefully one day I can make it a full time job! Chloe (A Cold Cup of Chloe) x
I have a full-time career outside of my blog but my blog does take up SO much time. I love it though.
Really interesting and useful post! I don’t think people realize that blogging is actually a lot of hard work and not just getting freebies!
wow, 16 posts per day – that is certainly impressive! I have been through phases of managing a post a day, but not several a day! 🙂 I just discovered your blog via twitter. I agree, blogging is certainly not easy and I also wish I’d discovered it earlier. Only a few years ago, I didn’t really get blogging and I certainly didn’t want one. lol. Weird how times change…
Author
Ha ha not 16 posts a day – I do 1-4 a day 🙂
Love this post. I’m a new blogger myself and I’m starting to see how much time it takes.
Really insightful look at how you got where you are – I am absolutely loving blogging (I’ve only been doing it a few weeks).i love your posts, they’re so helpful 🙂
Really enjoyed reading this. O started a blog a year ago when my baby was born it’s just an online diary and even that takes me forever to right. I would love to take it to the next level in the future but it is definitely not am easy thing to do.
Someone just added this to our #blogcrush linky so I’m popping back for a read. I remembered the post instantly as I commented on it almost a year ago when I was just 3 months into my blogging journey. I am now chuckling a bit at my comment – I thought blogging was time-consuming back then, now I’m probably working more that double the hours on it that I was then! I still agree with my closing statement, though – it’s a labour of love. It’s certainly not easy (and yes the idea that you get loads of freebies is a little frustrating), but I can’t imagine my life blog-less anymore. It’s just so much fun #blogcrush
Excelkent post! I’m forever explaining to people exactly how much work goes into blogging and I’m not half as dedicated as you.
Saying that, I really must work on posting and interacting more. I really struggle with that aspect st the moment
This is a great honest post. I often think this is what separates the serious bloggers from the ‘just want to give it a go’ bloggers. It can be a lot harder work then one imagined. But I still love it LOL.
Jemma x
This is a great post! Blogging full time as my main source of income is still a way off. But I’ll get there!
Fantastic post, lots of valid points, I get these comments a lot too!
Author
So annoying isn’t it
Love this! I really don’t think people understand or appreciate the time and effort that goes into having a blog, curating and creating content that’ll appeal to your audience! I only post weekly (I work 4 days a week!) and that’s a big enough commitment when you factor in all the other elements you need to work on to make a blog a success!