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I’m going to break a self-imposed rule. I’m going to blog about blogging.
Indulge me, just for this one post. Please?
Right, if you’re still here (Mum, there’s no obligation to keep reading, this probably won’t interest you) then I’d like to pose a little question:
How do you define blogging success?
It’s a question that’s been on my mind a bit recently, on the commute to work and back again, floating at the edge of consciousness in between singing along to Carly Rae Jepsen on the radio (don’t judge me).
I suppose with the latest shortlist of awards announced and a huge conference this weekend, it was inevitable I’d come to write about this sooner or later.
First of all, let me explain something about blogging to those of you who don’t blog. It’s a bit addictive. It’s very satisfying. It can be rather lonely. It can get too noisy. It’s not easy to pin down.
No one really knows how “big” blogging will be, or how it will change now it’s started spilling over and merge with mainstream media. It’s a bit like sitting on the edge of a huge wave, right before it peaks and crashes onto the beach. You can’t yet tell how big the wave is going to be.
There are many, MANY, different blogs out there. Some gain hundreds of thousands of readers a month, some have led their authors on to totally different careers, some inspire, some educate, some ramble and some win awards. Lots of them.
But how do you define a successful blogger?
This time last year I had only just set out on my blogging journey. I was shortlisted for two different awards, every time someone commented on my blog I felt a thrill of excitement and I had just met my first “blogging buddy” in real life, who is now a very good friend.
I felt new, inspired, like an empty sketchbook waiting to be drawn all over.
Now, just over a year on and my blog has changed my life. I owe a large part of my new radio career to it. I also earn money writing because of it. It’s led to a family glamping holiday this summer and many lovely new products to fill our tiny cottage.
But I still don’t feel “successful”.
I don’t know if this is because that’s the nature of blogging. It’s such a wonderfully huge and diverse world, full of wonderfully huge and diverse personalities, all writing and creating wonderfully huge and diverse content, that you never really feel like you’ve “made it” as such. Or I don’t anyway.
It could be my own “ambition”, driving me forward. I’ve never been content to sit and take stock of what I’ve achieved. Nothing’s ever enough. I’m onto the next big thing, chasing down the next big project / show idea / blog post / feature. It’s exhausting and I wish I was able to slow down a bit, but that’s just not me.
So is success in blogging about topping the various rankings sites? Is it about finding and hosting a really popular linky or meme or inspiring other bloggers to blog about your idea? Is it about winning awards or being nominated and shortlisted for awards? Is it about earning money or the amount of free stuff you can get?
I don’t know if it’s about any of these things really. Not for me anyway.
Of course I want people to read. And good stats are an indication that people ARE reading. And I love when people comment. It’s immediate feedback – just as when a listener texts in the radio show or someone writes on our Facebook page.
If people are engaging with your content it shows you’re striking a chord somewhere, with someone. If that stuff didn’t matter then why blog at all? You may as well just keep a private diary.
But again, I don’t think stats and comments and the like are a measure of blogging success. Some of my favourite posts from other bloggers haven’t garnered a huge number of comments. And some are so new they can’t have a huge following, not yet.
So I’m back to the beginning. Which is why I need you to help me out. Just think about it for a second, will you? And tell me, how do you define blogging success?
I suppose it can be measured in lots of different ways. I always think of those that are ranked high/nominated are successful. I on the other hand don’t really rank high, not short listed for any awards however hae comments and views. So to me that’s all I wanted, so I class myself as successful in my own right
And views and comments are rather lovely aren’t they?!
I think it depends on WHY u blog. I started to raise awareness of birth trauma and to get my own head around what happened. I think mist days I am successful. V interesting post.
XxX
You are DEFINITELY successful in raising awareness about birth trauma – I had no idea it existed until I read your blog!
I think as you’ve eluded to there isn’t really a right answer here. It’s what makes sense to you, some people want to do the reviews and build relationships with PR’s. Others simply want to write or express themselves. So success is what makes you happy and satisfied. I guess if there is then an award that recognises that thing you get nominated for it then great right?
Making you happy and giving you satisfaction… this is clearly the zen of blogging! And yes, I agree, without those two ingredients then I wouldn’t count a blog as “successful”, even it the stats were through the roof.
I love posts like this because it’s a question I’m always pondering. From a blog reader’s perspective a successful blog is one that gives you a little kick of anticipation when the email alert comes through. So, as far as I’m concerned, you’re a success! From a blogger’s point of view, success is always unreachably on the horizon. When I started I was thrilled with 20 views a day. Then you feel insecure if it’s fewer than 80 and so on. Sometimes you’ll get big stats and few comments and at others lots of comments and slender stats and who can tell which constitutes success. But arithmetic apart, the ingredients for a successful blog must be good style, interesting content and an engaging personality behind it. ie mothersalwaysright!
You are very lovely. And the feeling is certainly reciprocated.
Such an interesting post and I think something all bloggers think about. For me, I started a blog as a way of finding my voice again. As a screenwriter and director, I felt lost once I had Oliver-I was used to leading crews of 100 plus on set to watching Cbeebiesn 24/7 and it was quite a shock. After a few months I felt I had nothing to say (and although desperate to use my brain, I wasn’t ready to get back to the tv industry)-then a filmmaker friend encouraged me to blog about motherhood and it went from there. 6 weeks in, I was a finalist for BritMums Fresh Voice Award and was actually offered well paid posts from companies which suprised me. This wasn’t my intention but earning from my blog has been a nice side income. What I really love about blogging is it’s my own space where I can write what I want, when I want and connecting with other bloggers and readers generally is really wonderful. That’s what I love about my job in general but in this case there’s no developer or exec producer (although perhaps that might be a good thing sometimes).
The connection and engagement with other readers – and the fact it’s your “own space” – is the thing I most love about blogging too. Definitely.
Oo good question! I see a lot of bloggers who honestly don’t seem to be aware of how successfull they actually are. Maybe,and I’m going all beard-scratchingly thoughtful now, could it be that to some degree success is in the eye of the beholder?
You are so wise lady. x
Interesting. You often hear people saying they write purely for themselves and that they don’t care about “success” but I’m afraid that never quite rings true for me. We’re publishing our blogs on the internet so clearly we want others to read and care about what we write. And a degree of success means that more people will read and care. But beyond that I guess blogging success might mean slightly different things to different people. I know I get a big buzz from something I’ve written having obviously resonated with lots of people. It feels good when others are moved to share my content. Going through a ‘bad patch’ in terms of stats probably makes me feel more down-hearted than it should. But I guess success, for me, is measured by the amount of people reading and, more importantly, engaging with my blog.
I absolutely get that. When people share, comment, retweet and ENGAGE with something I’ve written it’s the BEST thing. Especially when we all have so little time and are so busy… When someone takes the time to comment it means that much more.
Great Post!!!!
I think a lot of people start blogging in order to record their lives, then, very quickly get caught up in the whole stats thing, to the point of being obsessed! None of us starting blogging to get comments/awards/free stuff did we??
BUT, it is very flattering to be nominated/offered free stuff/go up rankings that I truly believe that a lot of people stop writing for the reason they started and focus more on that. The only thing I do on my blog is the Tots100 rank thingy as that is just for my own personal satisfaction. I blog as and when (sometimes daily, sometimes 4x a month) and focus on real life rather than the virtual one! It is very easy to get cocooned in a virtual world and at one point (about a year ago) I was spending most evenings tweeting/blogging/facebooking rather than with my husband/speaking to my RLF on the phone etc etc
BLogging is AWESOME, has a place in my life, but is NOT my life. It took me a while to realise that!
Sounds like you have the perfect balance! x
Blogging success is when YOU feel happy with what you’re doing. I love comments – who doesn’t? But being a twin mum when I started out meant I didn’t have the time to get back to my initial commenters and slowly they drifted off elsewhere as I didn’t have the time to build a community. I still kick myself but it was ignore the kids or accept. I accepted.
I’ve been blogging for over two years now and I still love it whether I get comments or not. I have decided already that should that wave slam me onto the beach and break me I’ll just pick up the pieces, brush myself down and carry on because I love writing, I love the creative side to it and I love having this baby that is all mine to do with as I please
Hope that helps
It’s interesting isn’t it – because nearly every blogger I know says that. They love blogging because it’s a way for them to express themselves. The whole “blogging success” thing doesn’t come until AFTER they start blogging. And again, that’s something that’s not easy to pin down either. I guess as long as you remember WHY you started in the first place, that’s the key really.
I started my blog just to write about Joseph, I never intended to do much with it, I didn’t even know about parent blogging.
I am pretty stunned at how things have turned out. To me success is charities, and the prem community using my blog, reaching out, using and sharing my blog.
Anything else is a happy bonus.
It is indeed – so interesting to see how other people view blogging success. Thank you for sharing Kylie. x
OK. second attempt at writing this as now on laptop rather than stupid phone. Here’s the short and dirty version of what I was saying in my first attempt.
Of course the stats and comments are important. Anything we put effort into calls out for validation and numbers are a clear way of getting that. Also if you’re in any kind of media work, that stuff can have serious value professionally.
That’s just not enough for me though. I need my blogging to matter. For me, my blog is successful when somebody who’s going through hell reads it and it resonates with them or even helps them. It’s when it makes someone laugh or smile. It’s when it challenges someone to consider a different perspective. It’s when I look back and think: “Damn that was a good line” or “Yes, that’s exactly what it was like.”
Without this sort of impact as my goal, looking at stats becomes a schoolish popularity game. I have better things to do with my life than stand in a crowded room screaming: “Look at me.”
“Schoolish popularity game” – LOVE IT. And I totally agree actually. I guess you’ve pretty much summed up the point I was skirting around in this post. Stats / awards / comments / etc etc etc are all good, yes. Of course they are. But it’s about more than just that. And I think you’ve just hit the nail on the head with what that “more” actually is.
I LOVE that term as well!!!!!! You’ve totally hit the nail on the head with the “more” stuff actually. Great comment
I really agree with the 3 of you xx
Great post molly! There’s a quote I like by a guy called Earl Nightingale ‘Success is having a goal and working towards it’ – I like it because he doesn’t say it has to be a big goal, and he doesn’t say you have to achieve it, just that basically doing something makes you a success.
I personally feel that enjoying life is a huge success, so anyone who blogs and enjoys it is successful, but those who have lost the joy are less successful. Loads of people would disagree with me on that one though!
I also have an unusual philosophy that we are all as successful as each other, just in different things, thats all. It’s about sitting down and appreciating where we are successful sometimes, rather than worrying about other people’s type of success that is important.
Really good advice there Lisa. I think just concentrating on your OWN blog / career / life is always a good piece of advice, rather than constantly comparing it to others. Because if you always look for comparisons, you’ll always find someone who’s “better”, “more successful”, “richer”, “happier” etc etc. x
great post Molly, I started blogging around the same time as you, and I don’t feel overly successful yet, its intresting to see who feels successful and why I look at lots of blogs and think ohh they are successful bloggers but I guess alot of them bloggers themselves dont think it. I adore my blog, I look back at older posts and smile thinking how my photography has improved because I am concious now people are looking at my pictures which means I try to post nice ones so that in its self has been a success as sharing my photos was a main reason for starting, I love the feedback obviously and when other blogs I have yet to come across ask me to join in with them such as the mother love linky the other day, and another one about my ‘you’ll make him gay’ post was picked up by a successful american blogger and they too asked me to join in their blog carnival things like that make me smile and think oh maybe I am successful. I love climbing the tots100 ranks and hold my breath each month the update appears although i try hard to think that stats don’t matter.. its really hard to put into words isnt it everyone likes regonition of some format and so you instantly look at blogs in the shortlists for awards, or those with loads of comments and look upto them as successful and I guess thats because they are being giving that recognition. Sorry for the comment ramble! I will also say I always looked to your blog and thought it as a ‘top’ bloggers blog not knowing you only started a year ago!
I love your photos Sarah, they always make me feel happy! I think that’s definitely a plus to blogging, to help you become better at something and get inspired. Actually, without blogging I think I wouldn’t have come across so many cool products (that you can’t find on the high street) and inspiring ideas for stuff to do with F. Not to mention all the friends I’ve made along the way. x
Really interesting Molly. As a newish blogger (with a writing background) entering the fray, and feeling quite bewildered and amazed by this blogging world, it’s certainly something I’ve been pondering. For me – and I’m being honest here – success would be building up a good and loyal readership. I know this can be a long, slow process but the great thing is that, in the meantime, I have absolutely nothing to lose and in fact everything to gain, because even if I’m just sitting here in my office blogging for the benefit of my mum, it’s just such joy to be able to write about whatever I want, however I want. Total editorial freedom. Heaven! On top of that, there’s the pleasure of building friendships and starting to feel like part of an incredibly generous, vibrant virtual community. So for me, success in blogging is also about that, I think. x
I’m excited for you Hollie – you’ve started to scratch the surface of that thrill of writing what you want, when you want, in your OWN space, with the vibrant community that exists in blogging. It felt like a huge discovery when I started blogging, this is something I really hold onto – if I lost that I think, for me, the “success” part would be dead in the water and there would be little point to the whole thing. Ultimately, if you’re enjoying what you’re writing / producing then that’s the main thing isn’t it? You could be writing a really well monetised blog that’s constantly winning awards, garner a book deal, get spotted by a major TV station… but if you don’t actually LIKE what you’re writing and are a bit bored by it then… well… the book deal would have to be REALLY good to make it worth it!
I think ‘success’ in the blogging world and life in general is deeply personal. I feel my blog is successful if something I write strikes a chord with someone and they tell me that. That gives me a warm feeling. I’m quite a traditionalist with blogging and for me great content is key, I get increasingly irritated that in the blogging world the loud noisy ones are often described as ‘successful’ when really they’re just better at their own PR. But maybe blogging is more about PR and networking these days and less about a quality blog. In fact I’m sure it is. It depresses me slightly because I’m an introvert writer at heart and that’s why blogging originally appealed to me. I think this comment is turning into talking myself out of blogging so I’ll stop!
Agh – don’t talk yourself out of blogging Emily! Wouldn’t know what to do if there was no more Babyrambles, it would leave a big black void in blogland. I know what you mean about blogging also being about great PR, which is disappointing if you don’t feel the content backs up the noise. But then again, I suppose sometimes we need to plug our posts etc to get people to notice them in the huge array of blogs that are now out there.
Interesting question. I’m not sure, I would say success for me is knowing that there are people who enjoy reading my blog and I know that from hearing things people say and knowing that there are people who are actually emailed when I write a post, something which still amazes me!
I do also get drawn into all the ways of measuring popularity of blogs, I was shortlisted for a BiB but I didn’t make it to the finals and I did feel really disappointed, and for a split second I thought it must mean my blog was rubbish and I should pack it in! I also feel a bit rubbish when my Tots100 score doesn’t rise but at the end of the day, I love writing my blog and even if it’s only enjoyed by one person then that still means it’s a success in my books! x
The love of writing / photography / producing great content really does seem to be the thing that drives bloggers on. And I suppose, if that’s the reason you start a blog in the first place, and you feel you’re doing that, then it’s a success in its own right. I think, for me, it’s not always easy to know when you HAVE produced great content, as I don’t always have the conviction in myself to think, “Yeah, that was bloody brilliant” unless someone else says it first! So I guess that’s where stats and comments etc come into play. But by the same token, I know that the more people engage and interact with each other (because blogging IS so much about community) the more comments and stats they get in return. There are some blogs I love, that I never really see commenting elsewhere, and don’t get many comments back, but I still really rate them. So does that mean they’re less “successful”? Blimey, I’m confusing myself now!
As has been said we all differ. Whilst I do have little dips when I wonder if I am going in the right direction with my blog – Ihttp://mdplife.blogspot.com/2012/05/only-dead-fish-go-with-blogging-flow.htm
l also know that it is very successful (by my measures) http://mdplife.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/for-love-of-blogging.html
Mich x
(Sorry for the links Molly, not trying to spam you but I just write about bloggina fair amount and these seemed relevant!)
Really useful links, thank you Michelle – will add these to my reading list. x
What a great post Molly.
Even though I’ve been blogging for three years I don’t see my blogs as being successful – I’ve simply never thought about them in that way. Success is deeply personal and I am incredibly tough on myself and I always want to be better in everything that I do, but that’s just me.
I guess, if something that I’ve written about has helped someone else then its successful…. but I’m not sure that’s enough.
I’m the same as you Sian – that description of being tough on yourself and always wanting to be better… that could be me! It’s hard because I think it’s sometimes difficult to take stock of when something HAS been successful, if you’re always striving for the next big thing. You sort of miss those moments of satisfaction in a way. But yes, ultimately if a post helps someone, even if it’s just one person, then I guess it IS successful.
This link kind of summed up what I think this week. http://www.sugercoatit.com/more-blogging-advice-from-me/
I like to keep low-key with my blogging, as I’ve never been one for the mainstream. I looked at my feedburner stats a week or so ago and was shocked I had more than two people following me, but I’m still convinced they’re all doing it to be nice and aren’t really interested in us!
I guess success is keeping to what you want to do, a bit like (as someone once put it and I wish I could remember who), a band playing at the 12 Bar (which holds about 30 people or something) and making it like you’re at the Albert Hall (which of course holds significantly more). You do your absolute best and hope for the rest. If people like what you do it’s a bonus, but if they don’t, it doesn’t actually matter.
Of course, get me on a dark day and I’ll say the opposite
Such wise words. And I absolutely LOVE that analogy about the 12 Bar and the Albert Hall.
Every now and then someone leaves a message on my blog saying, “you’ve read my mind, I could’ve written that post”… this is the first time I’m leaving a comment like that! Though I must flag quite clearly that this doesn’t include Carly Rae Jepsen.
I grandly started my blog six months back as a ‘showcase’ for my writing, as I decided to try and build a copywriting career off the back of my old, pre-baby, PR career. Then the blog took off and now all sorts of brilliant things started happening, way beyond writing. It has opened up a whole new world of opportunities, including a new business.
A business I wouldn’t even have thought of starting six months back. Blogging has widened my horizons and allowed me to network with so many interesting people that I wouldn’t otherwise have met. As I go along and build my confidence I am starting to worry less about rankings and Awards – not that I will ever say no to either and I have to say there are some fantastic blogs up for awards at the moment – and more about building a blog that will still be going and growing steadily in years to come.
Sounds like you’ve had a fantastic six months – and what a great example of how blogging can enrich your life. It’s obvious you’ve got a huge passion for it, which has to be the thing that drives all of us on otherwise what’s the point?! Thank you for the great comment.
I started blogging about nine months ago after being at home with my children for over four years. I needed a voice that was listened to by someone over the age of ten. In this I have been successful but of course my ambitions have grown and I now want to have success as a writer. Success for me would be an income, being able to pay some of my bills by writing. Of course some kind of tiara with best blogger embellished in diamonds on the front would be nice, but for me thats just some peoples opinions and I won’t define my success by that.
The tiara does sound rather nice though…
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Your success? Keeping your mother informed about her gorgeous little madam aka “frog”. Facebook leaves me cold, but the Blog seems more personal and focused. If you need an award I’ ll create one on my lap top and I also know where to get cheap replica Oscars. We could have an award ceremony in our back garden and I could pretend to be someone famous. I’ d struggle to look like Gary Barlow but I could wear a mask. love ma x
Thanks Ma. Brilliant support, as ever. x
That sounds exactly like something my mother would say too.
Found this post (and subsequent comments) really interesting to read.
I’m the world’s worst blogger, in that I hardly ever blog. I think I average at one post a month, which is just terrible. But I still consider my blog to be “successful” because most of my posts provoke a response from people, either in the comments, or on Twitter/Facebook.
I have a slight bugbear with making my blog a “success” in terms of recognition from Britmums/MADs/Tots 100 and that is that it’s bloody hard work! I’ve seen how much effort and energy it takes the bloggers who are seen as the “top” bloggers to achieve and maintain their status, and genuinely, it’s not for me. And if I’m honest some of those “top” blogs aren’t even that good (in my opinion!) – there are oodles of blogs that are better written, more original, but because these bloggers know how to play the game, they are the successful ones.
But that’s just life, isn’t it? Those who play the game, win. Some of us are happy taking a backseat & just blogging for our own amusement. (We’re the *real* winners
xx
I agree there’s a certain element of PR involved with running a “successful” blog (if you’re measuring “success” in terms of stats etc), which is just as much work as actually writing the posts in the first place! But, for me, that’s sort of part of the whole blogging package I guess. It’s a sense of community. When you read a magazine or newspaper, it’s a bit more one-way. When you get a comment on a blog post, you can often go straight over to see what that commenter has been saying on their own blog – which is exactly what I’m going to do with yours right now! xx
Holy cow. 47 comments? I’m surmising you are a pretty successful blogger!
Firstly, let me say I love reading posts about blogging (sometimes I write them too). I mean, we all enjoy doing it – it’s a craft, and one should always study one’s craft. I don’t think anyone should apologise for writing about what they love doing.
I’m not a fan of awards, but that’s because they don’t really matter to me personally (truthfully!) For some though they offer the chance to help publicize a cause (Birth trauma, premature birth) so it’s completely understandable from that point of view. If I was still regularly blogging about those two issues then it is a platform I would pursue succeeding in. But even if it’s not cause related and is simply recognition for good writing, then fair play. Each to their own, and like you say, it can be a really useful springboard.
That’s not to say I don’t watch my stats and I do get a thrill when a post receives higher than usual views. For me though blogging, like all forms of social media is about engagement, so the commenting frequency is what I hope to improve in order for me to ‘feel successful’. Incidentally, I’m very impressed that you respond to all comments (something I also try to do). If someone has taken the time to comment then it’s good blogging practice to respond. It’s all about the engagement…..
Great post!
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head with that last line, “It’s all about engagement…” x
Wow Molly, that post has evoked a wealth of opinion. Great post, some great honest and frank comments too, I have enjoyed reading them all but not sure I know how to add to the amazing views here! OK, I started blogging just over a year ago as a way to raise awareness and bookings for our farm holidays in the post magazine on line era. If success is measured against this objective then the time & effort to bookings ratio really doesn’t add up and my blog is a total failure! However, I soon developed the bloggers bug and began to enjoy my blog as a way to share our large family farm fun, irrespective of the business. As it has evolved, my blog is a parenting blog that supports our business too. As for the awards I am thrilled to be in some of them as a finalist, I didn’t expect to be there and certainly don’t consider myself one of the “big blogs”. In fact I found this post through blow your own blog horn, when I have linked up one of my finalist posts, not to show off, but because it has no comments and I am terrified of having no votes too! On reflection after my ramble I think blogging success is a spectrum and I feel I take 2 steps forwards and 1 back along that spectrum with time.
It’s fascinating for me to read all the comments on this post – and your experiences are really interesting too. I love that you started blogging to support your business, but you now blog because you love the practise of blogging. And you’re definitely a worthy finalist in the MADs – was really pleased to see you up there! x
This post is EXCELLENT – only just discovered it – have to read it again now *slowly* x
I was just reminded about this post again, after getting a comment email notification from New Mum Online’s comment. Wanted to add: God I must’ve been in a right grump when I posted my earlier comment (soz!) and also: to answer your original question, I class you as a successful blogger and here’s why…
1. I look forward to your posts, and always click through from the subsciption email to read your whole post.
2. You’re clearly seen as successful by PRs who send you review products and ask you to do sponsored posts.
3. You’re well known in the blogging community (enough to get all these comments on a post!)
x
You are lovely. Thank you. And ditto – about you I mean. x
As promised above I have come back and read again *slowly*.
As one of the breakout sessions at Britmums Live was about Blogging and Happiness I had always intended digging deep and writing about my bloggy highs.
I think I will do that now, as you have set me to thinking.
They won’t be the usual things of ranks/awards though, as I have got my bloggy satisfaction from elsewhere
Liska
P.S. sorry for the confusion on Twitter earlier
xxx
I’ll look forward to reading that post of yours. It’s really interesting to hear other people’s take on the whole blogging thing. It’s such a personal experience – and so wide – that we all seem to have quite different expectations and ideas of how we value our blog and our own success. Thank you for the comment. x