"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Sunday, August 21, 2011

3 Signs That Signal You May Need to Put the Blogging Breaks On!


Bad blogging is like a bad relationship. It pains us to throw in the towel, given our sweat equity. But, it's a reality that some will eventually have to face and come to terms with. Especially if we want readers to find true happiness; even if it's with someone else. :-)
Nobody likes to admit it, but it happens to the best of us.

With this in mind, here are three types of blogging scenarios that may signal a need for a break, detour, or ended journey.

1. Blogging has become a chore and not a joy.
If the thought of posting your next piece has as much appeal as a visit to the dentist, or a tax audit, chances are that "you've lost that lovin' feelin'." There could be a myriad of reasons you find yourself here, whether you're a month in to blogging, a year, or even ten. It could even be a bout of Blogger's Burnout. If this happens, you may need to take some time off the "information highway" for awhile and schedule a little vacation time.

2. You're not clear why you're blogging.
Truth be told, many people joined the blogging bandwagon simply because it was popular. Very little forethought, planning, or even goal setting went into launching their sites. It looked easy, so they jumped in. Which is not against the law, right? There's just one problem: their confusion confuses their readers. Hello? Regardless as to the niche or theme, blogs should have an identifiable focus or target audience. The clearer you are, the fewer detours you'll have on the path to success.

3. There's no blog growth.
Would you stay on a job where there was no promotion? Or a relationship that didn't deepen as years progressed? Probably not. Though it's not exactly the same, blogs are "living things," and as such, should reflect growth through increased readership and ongoing, interactive discussion.
Growth won't happen over night. Still, if you've been blogging consistently for more than a year or two without desired results, or measurable progression, assessment is needed.
Are you passionate about your subject matter? Do you periodically conduct polls and surveys to get readers' feedback? Are you studying other successful blogs in your niche? These are a few things to consider.

Contrary to popular opinion, blogging is not for everyone. Ultimately, it's your decision.
I hope these tips will help to navigate your direction, and put you on the "write" path to go from zero to hero!


IMAGE ANDREA BRILL

10 comments:

  1. Three valid points! Thanks for pointing them out! I hope you've had a great summer!

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  2. Jennifer Brown BanksAugust 21, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Hey Yvonne!

    Where you been, girl?! I gotta' make it over to your spot soon. :-) My summer has been cool.

    Good to touch base again. Take care.

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  3. Good points, Jennifer. I think we need to review our blogging goals regularly and assess where we are. One thing that helps me is to take blogging breaks. It gives me time to back off and do other projects and, on some weeks, just breathe. :)

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  4. Jennifer Brown BanksAugust 22, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Karen,

    I can relate. Hope your other projects are going well! Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Jennifer:
    Thank you for sharing these points with us. From time to time, I feel I need to 'get away' for a few days. Now, I don't have to feel guilty for feeling that way.

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  6. Jennifer Brown BanksAugust 22, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    quietspirit,

    And you shouldn't! :-) In the words of a famous commercial, "You deserve a beak today".

    I appreciate your input and time.

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  7. I think consistency and outputting quality content are the most challenging aspects to blogging. STARTING a blog is easy, maintaining it is HARD. It's like farming, I think of a blog as a seed. If it doesn't get sunlight, water, and dirt, it won't grow. But if your nourish your blog with love and attention to detail, you can make it into anything. That's the best part about blogging, the fact that you can write on any subject and offer a unique perspective.

    I have a friend who's running an anime website and he said blogging is tough to stick with. The main thing he wants is traffic for his forum, but it's been dead for quite a while. He hasn't been blogging consistently for months so I sent him this article.

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  8. I might need your advice later on. Soon I'll be starting my own blog on user interface design and app development. ;)

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  9. Jennifer Brown BanksAugust 23, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    OOps, quietspirit,

    Sorry, had on the wrong reading glasses. That should read, "You deserve a BREAK today." :-) Glad I caught that.

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  10. Jennifer Brown BanksAugust 23, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    Daquan,

    I like your analogy. And you make some good points here. Blogging is HARD, even though it's fun. I'm here if you need a little help. :-)

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