I talk to a lot of bloggers. Lots and lots. Intimately and with great detail. We have conversations that dive into their goals, their dreams and their fears.
And with all the bloggers, most of them have the same problems. The same things that crop up again and again. The same issues everyone is dealing with. In fact, even I had these issues, and fought hard to correct them. Every now and then #1 and #4 creep back into my world!
Check out my list of things that ALWAYS crop up with bloggers.
My list of the 5 problems Bloggers Have.
Confidence
Most bloggers are terrified. Seriously. We figure we aren’t good enough, we haven’t been around enough, we don’t have enough readers/fans/followers. No matter the size of what we have, we are all a little nervous about using it.
So here’s the thing, knowing that, and trusting that EVERYONE is nervous, well that alone should give you a boost in confidence. You can never win if you don’t play the game, so you might as well toss your hat in the ring and give yourself a chance to play.
In truth, being a great “blogger” isn’t about any one thing. You aren’t AWESOME because you have high numbers, great pics, can spin a yarn, or find the best giveaways. You are AWESOME because of your unique ability to create a story and adventure on your site that is completely you.
So, just be you. Do what you love, and put time and effort into what you do best. Truth here peeps: you don’t need confidence to be yourself – that should come naturally.
Creativity
You would think that most of us as artists, crafters, and cooks would have this uber creative bone in our body, but alas, while we may slap a sexy coat of paint on an old dresser, many have a hard time stepping outside of the box when it comes to working with partners. We see what others do, and we try to mimic it. We read copy points, and deliver what is asked, and that is great, but sometimes it can all be a little boring. By approaching a topic from a new direction, we can capture the interest of our readers, our partners and potential new clients. By standing on one stepping stone and saying “I am a blogger” we limit ourselves and our imagination.
Start thinking outside the box. Start pushing ideas and trying new things. Don’t be like everyone else (see above) just follow your instincts and try things that make your tummy drop.
Time Management
Every bloggers complains about how much they have to do, how long it takes them and how the ROI just isn’t there. One word: FACEBOOK.
Understand what you need to do, make a list and stick to it. Don’t get sucked into the void of social media, and just use these platforms as an extension of your business
Then go outside and have a life.
And for all the other stuff, figure out what you can multitask at, take pictures while enjoy time playing with the kids, eat the food you are using for your posts (and try not to let it get cold) and learn when enough is enough.
We can work ourselves into the ground if we choose, or we can use referral networks (like SU and TRIBERR) to help do the work for us. Figure out your objectives, and how they can be met (or exceeded) faster and faster. Break down your payment for projects to the hour, and then to your hourly rate. Stick to it. Trust that you have done enough.
Prioritizing
If you are like me, you have a list a mile long of things to do for your blog. I create this list every morning with my priority items on top. If an item has been on my list for more than a week, I need to remove it completely or get it done that day. There is no room in my life for lingering commitments.
By prioritizing our responsibilities, and learning how to say no, or even say “Sorry I said yes, but now I need to say no” we will release the stress this list creates and, in the end, accomplish more.
I work based on revenue – paid work comes first. Always. Then network support, then complimentary services. My time outside my office is more important to me to spend doing projects without a benefit to my family.
Think of what is on your list, and then figure out what you can actually do. Prioritize it, and get it completed. And then go and enjoy life.
Professionalism
I see this constantly. No matter who you are, or what industry you are in, or what job you have, your ability to be professional will make your success easier to come by. Post on time, engage and communicate with the clients that hire you (brands) Treat your clients/employers well. Don’t bad mouth. Walk away from digital disputes (trust me, they aren’t worth it) and focus on your path, and your values and ethics and your ability to do your job well.
Invoice professionally. Follow up. Run your blog as a business, and your professionalism will show.
Knowing that many of us have the same challenges might just boost your confidence to tackle your blog in a different way. Don’t be the frazzled, over-worked, under paid blogger. Fix the issues you have and step into a new season of running your business effortlessly, and so it supports your goals and your values.
Be different.
Be you.
What are YOUR biggest problems as a blogger?