Three Important Things I Learned about Blogging

I started my blog, The Somewhat Peculiar Story of Mir at the end of 2014. I'd had no experience of blogging, had never knowingly read a blog, and - being an idiot - I did no research about it.

Between then and now, I have learned some important lessons that I wanted to share.

1. You will want your blog to be read

My initial intention was to churn out blog posts for the sheer joy of writing them, and not care if I had one reader or thousands. I know I am not alone in thinking this on setting out, because I have read a lot of blog bio's lately.

This worked for a few months, but then I looked at my post stats. They were really low, typically 5 to 20 views each time I posted.

I really appreciate the handful of loyal readers that come back and read each post, but...there are 7.2 billion people in the world, I have poured my heart and soul into that blog post, and only ten people have even looked at it? That's a bit demoralising.

I wouldn't mind, (well, OK, yes my heart would, but my head would tell it off), if a great load of people had read it and disliked it.  That, would be unpleasant but fair. And - if they would give me comments - constructive.

I love writing and I would write for myself on a desert island, and I will continue my blog regardless. But given that the internet can reach millions, and I now accept my vanity - I do want more people to come and read it.

I've discussed this at length with fellow bloggers and they have all said the same:
No matter what premise you start with, you will want more people to read your blog. 

My garden in the rain - 26 Aug 2015

2. Reach out and connect

For a long while I wrote in isolation. I published posts, occasionally linked them on Twitter or Google +, but otherwise did nothing.

This is fine, if you don't care about readership (I refer you item 1 ;) ).

A few weeks ago, I decided to check out Google +.  You know, just have a rummage around, see if I could pick up some hints and tips.  I discovered a whole world of great people and a very supportive network. Why have I not done this sooner!!

Inspired by this, I started paying more attention and getting involved in Wordpress too.

It finally dawned on me. Blogging is not a 'write and forget' activity, not an 'occasional post some words about something' enterprise, but a lively, interactive hobby, where the more you put in, the more you get out.

Get involved on Google + and Wordpress. Write comments, give feedback, share and make recommendations,

There's no obligation to participate, but you are missing out on so much help, information, feedback, entertainment and friendship if you don't!

3. Read other blogs

You cannot expect other people to read your blog posts, if you don't read theirs. (Well, maybe you can if you are rich and famous, or have invented a commercially viable hoverboard - but if you are a mere speck like the rest of us).

After delving into Wordpress and Google +,  and being the avid reader and exceptionally nosy person that I am, I found loads of fantastic blogs.

Some were about very interesting topics, others were about mundane topics but beautifully written, others were very informative or had amazing images.  I enjoyed them, so I left feedback in their comments section.

Many bloggers wrote back to say that I had made their day, because they never usually had any feedback at all.  This is such a shame.  These were really very good blogs that deserved a strong readership.

In the last week, I have been learning about childhood in India and Canada, I've seen pottery being made, and I have heard about naughty pet rabbits. I've got involved in discussions about women's careers, autism and cancer treatment.  I've laughed, I've felt lumps in my throat, I've downloaded games after entertaining reviews, I've gone off and bought books that have been recommended. I have gained such a lot.

So do yourself a favour - spend time reading other people's blogs. Jump outside of your comfort zone and read blogs about other cultures and topics you wouldn't normally read. You won't regret it - there are some wonderful people out there!

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This all sounds like a lot of effort, but it's been a real pleasure for me (and I work 40-60 hours a week in my day job, so you don't get that excuse ;) )