The first thing I have learned is it's hard to get started, getting followers and exposure is not easy. I don't know about my fellow bloggers but I am always searching for something new and exciting to review that my readers will love. I sit for hours thinking up ideas or looking for companies that need bloggers to spread the word about their products. I have been very lucky to find a many amazing companies that were willing to work with me. One worked with me when I had only a couple of followers and helped my blog grow.
I have found many sites that link bloggers to brands but one thing I have noticed is not all of them want the new kid on the block. I have seen some follower demands that I can only dream of reaching one day. I'm not talking about only big brands either. I didn't have the stats to apply for children's books? I have seen lots of people want 5,000 followers for the smallest products.
I mean obviously the more followers the more people will see the product I do understand the concept. But did those people start out with that many followers? Not likely, they got there by working hard and having a quality blog. Do you think companies assume you don't have quality or don't work hard if you don't have 1,000s of followers?
The second thing I have learned is behind every successful blog is a person who works extremely hard. I don't know if people realize that blogging is hard work and I had no idea before I started doing it myself. Writing a post is not always the easiest thing and if it is easy, it's time consuming. BUT it is lots of fun. I love blogging and I get very excited each time I have something new to share with you.
Third thing I have learned is the internet lets you get to know people you would have never met. I was very leery of the internet because people can be anybody they want. That leaves the door open for them to lie but there are some very nice people out there. There are also some not so nice people out there.
I have followers that I know consider friends. I look forward to "talking" to them every day. I am happy if they win things, some have even shared their troubles and I am feel for them. I see their pictures of their children and family what more do you how can I not consider them friends? I'm very glad I "met" them. I have also met bloggers who have gone out of their way to help me. I thank them for that, if it was not for them I wouldn't know half of what I know today. Because of that reason, I like to help other when I can. I am still far from an expert but I hope to get there one day.
Last but not least blogging takes someone with tough skin, I have been rejected or ignored more times that I have been accepted. Sometimes I take it personally but I have to remind myself that I'm a small fish and most people want sharks.
What have you learned?
This is one of my favorite posts!
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