Starting A Blog: 5 Truths They Don’t Tell You About
With folded hands I sit across my breakfast table looking at a pretty flower that seems to be half-bud half flower, waiting to bloom yet too shy of its own splendour. Too engrossed in my thoughts, the coffee has turned cold. I pick the cup and head to the kitchen to reheat it. The early morning sun rays filter through the kitchen window and I raise my hands to childishly catch the rays… Just then the microwave announces my coffee is ready. Picking up my cup, I return to admire the yet-to-bloom flower clicking a few pictures for Instagram.
There! I said it. In most things I see and do these days, it is difficult to keep the blogger within me tightly chained. So, I end up looking for inspiration in these big and small things that life brings my way. And just as I capture the moment on camera, I realise how life has transformed for me as an influencer.
I know of people who are quick to relate blogging with glamour and parties. But there is a second side to that coin that isn’t often spoken about. Behind the veil of glamour lies hard work which does not get its fair share of acknowledgment. That being said, this post is not meant to drag blogging to a level where it seems unwelcome. Rather, it is to set expectations for those who intend to join the world of blogging and digital content production. Particularly for those who are only interested in overnight fame ~ because that doesn’t exist.
So grab a hot drink, settle in, because this will be a long read, but a good one. I hope you all enjoy it!
Success’ Dirty Little Secret
Philosophers and poets have spoken profoundly and endlessly about success. Some relate it with luck while others contend to connect it with hard work. And I couldn’t agree more, on the fact that luck and hard work both can play a role, but one ingredient that you and I may have condoned is passion.
No matter how hard you work, no matter how lucky you are; to be successful and to be able to repeat your success, you need to be passionate about the work you do.
Bloggers who enjoyed doing something as a hobby and decided to share the same with others have seen more success than those who ran out of breath trying to chase success. When you do something out of the sheer love and joy of doing, then you will give it your 100% and the success you achieve from it will be much more gratifying.
It took me more than a year to see anything of value come from blogging. Nothing happens with the click of your fingers or the blink of an eye unless you have a genie in a lamp.
This blog is my labour of love and I often pour my heart and soul into my posts. So my best advice for aspiring bloggers is to never fade away. Shine and shine bright in a way that your light brings hope and light in someone else’s life. When you add value to the society you live in through your blog, you will enjoy a deeper sense of fulfillment which will make success crave you rather than the other way around.
Passionate Enough to Forgo Sleep?
Publishing new content persistently takes more effort than it may seem. Many bloggers are nine-fivers or have their own businesses to run. So, it’s important to understand that blogging requires a chunk of your time that is usually taken out of your personal time.
I know of days when sleep looked like a distant dream. Nights that I spent brooding over my imaginations trying to put together a good post for my readers. Was it trying at times? Of course!
But was it worth it? Hell yes!
Some posts have been written and published in a day, while some posts have taken me longer than usual to write and edit ~ largely because I tend to work at my own pace instead of rushing through things. For the most part, I end up relying on the quiet hours of the night for my brushes with imagination. But I couldn’t imagine a better life than this. Yes, I miss staying in bed without my mind working tirelessly on new ideas. But I love this so much that I can’t imagine an alternative to it!
Friends and Family May Not Always Understand
Take the instance when I was invited to review a food festival at a luxury property in my city recently. It didn’t take very long for a close friend who is also a foodie to call me and tell me how sad she was that we did not go there together. This happens more often when your life becomes hyper-publicised on social media.
I have often felt that some of my friends see a change in me that they are unable to readily accept. The truth is that I have gone through a considerable transformation since I started blogging. I look at objects, places, and people with a different perception ~ often through the lens of a camera or as the subject of my next post.
While I am glad that my husband has been very supportive and has understood and acknowledged these changes as positive transformation, for some of my friends it’s simply overwhelming.
Blogging also necessitates meeting others who share the same interests as yours. So, your core group of friends may feel that you are leaving them for greener pastures even though that isn’t your intention. Understanding the life of an influencer can be difficult for those who are outside of the industry, so as a blogger, you will have the responsibility of making sure that the people you really love and care about don’t feel abandoned as you get swept up in the life of an internet celebrity.
Everything Is Valued Based on How “Bloggable/Instagrammable” it is
Just like I couldn’t resist clicking that blooming flower on my breakfast table, or sharing a photo of that cup of coffee I reheated, or adding that bit about the sun rays I played with on my blog; I cannot resist looking at a person, place or object without thinking of sharing it with my readers. Fact.
The changing colours of the leaves, the painting above my bed, the décor of a new restaurant, footprints on the sand, and the chuckle of a child ~ everything captures my mind! I have started looking at everything on a more microscopic level, and beauty has a broader meaning for me since I have started blogging.
And no, I don’t mean being superficial with photos that don’t easily relate to my true self. If I am going to eat that pizza with my hands, then I may as well click it like that, cutlery aside. I like to bring a raw sense of realism to every photo that I post. It is meant to be clean and professional, but it should also be in line with my values of being real and being me ~ even as a blogger.
I’ve said this often, and I will say it again ~ my blog is a reflection of me as I am. So, the photos on my blog are very much based on the way I would look at something. If you were to blog regularly, even you would begin to look at things from a blogger’s point of view. And, don’t be surprised if such instances become a launchpad to explore new ideas for your posts.
Interesting Content Necessitates a Generous Purse
If you’ve been under the notion that blogging does not require much of an investment, my sweet summer child, let me go on and break that dreamy notion of yours.
A while ago, I needed a pretty shot of some beautiful latte art. So I paid INR 600 for an Uber to take me to a plush coffee shop where I purchased a cappuccino for INR 350; and since I was hungry and the food on display too tempting, I also ordered Eggs Benedict for breakfast for which I paid INR 600. Happy with my shot, I returned by an Uber which cost me another INR 600. If you do the math, that took me INR 2,150 for just one shot of good coffee.
Sure, blogging has certain perks attached to it, but successful blogging requires a generous purse. You may end up re-ordering that latte if the latte art disappears in the foam before you get your perfect shot. You may even return home to discover that the shots didn’t turn out as expected. Soon you’d be heading out again for a new shot. Things like this happen more often than you’d think in a blogger’s life. Near perfect shots are either a stroke of luck or involve lots of hard work.
And, you can be sure that a post would include much more.
For instance, if you are going to get clicked, you would require a fresh set of clothes because your readers would not want to see you in something you have worn before. Sure, you’ll be sent a lot of really cool stuff by brands, but at other times you will have to go shopping and purchase something trendy enough to provide readers with fresh content to stay relevant.
So, where were we? Ah right! Did I hear blogging doesn’t cost much? Now you know!
To conclude: The life you see on our blogs is certainly the life we live. There are awesome parties. There are fabulous gifts. But there definitely is more to what we do. A life deeper than what you see exists between posts where we make an effort to curate fresh and exciting content for our readers, where we try to gain a new perspective for an old thought, where we re-imagine things and recreate our imaginations.
Just because this side of our lives does not get seen in the glitz & glamour, it doesn’t mean that it does not exist. If you are an aspiring blogger then this is your brush with reality to help you set the right expectations. If you are a reader then this is a glimpse of my life behind the scenes.
I hope you enjoyed my post on Starting A Blog: 5 Truths They Don’t Tell You About, and found it helpful! Share with me some blog truths you’ve learned or tell me which blog truth affected you the most!
I love your post! Thank you for being genuine and sharing with honesty. I can’t neglect to factor in the sheer number of bloggers, and continually feeling the pressure to be on your A-game.
I certainly feel the pressure to be on my A-game as well, Keerthana. However, I have discovered that if it is at the cost of my happiness then it isn’t justified. I am no veteran but have realised that it works to my advantage to be myself, and that there will dependably be people who will appreciate me for it!
The blogging industry has developed and expanded to such a great extent over the course of the past few years – so the market has certainly progressed toward becoming over-saturated! And, there’s certainly a non-glitz side to blogging. When I initially began dating my boyfriend he couldn’t comprehend this world at all or why I felt the need to always take pictures!! Lol
I’m happy that your beau is now understanding of this industry and is supportive, Kajal. As I always say ~ #DoItForTheGram!
We usually wind up demonstrating the glam side; which makes it only natural for people to assume that whatever we do is fluff… Haha!!
Yes, I know it can be hard when only the “glitz” side is seen since it’s such a visual industry. But I am glad to see others value this post!
Awesome article, Tanya! I truly welcome the focus on the cost that is included and about the many misconceptions! It can be frustrating when people don’t understand that there is a lot of work involved and that blogging is not as basic as snapping two or three photos while traipsing around the city eating good food and shooting wardrobe posts. It is diligent work. Thanks for sharing your perspective. xo
Thanks Anjali. I think it becomes mixed up in interpretation to readers/viewers/followers that there is definitely a cost associated with each and every photograph/post/piece of content that is produced!
Love this! Nobody said blogging was simple, and I can affirm that it’s definitely not. It’s essential to go into blogging with the mindset of curating content that you love. Especially because the work is hard, and you won’t have the capacity to push through it and work towards constantly improving if you don’t invest that time and energy!
Agree! But I have to say that behind all that diligent work is certainly some excitement and glitz. Never in my dreams would I have had the opportunity otherwise {had I not started blogging} to join forces with some of the brands that I have worked with!
Wonderful post, Tanya! It takes time to grow one’s blog, so one shouldn’t expect to soar to the stars overnight. You’ll invest years putting your own time and finances into it before you start to see any returns. Be that as it may, when you get there, man is it satisfying!
Blogging can definitely be intense, but there have been some wonderful experiences that I could have never anticipated without it, Rishabh.
There have been days where I’ve felt that I’m done with it all! I’ve felt the need to carry on with a normal life again – to have my weekends back to spend with family and friends. At that point, I consider how much I love what I do, and that it’s rare that people get to pick a job that they genuinely appreciate. 🙂
It happens and it’s perfectly normal, Mandakini. I take the day off and have a rethink.
Well done, Tanya… you’ve found the real blogger’s voice. Many people who are intrigued or about to enter the blogging scene don’t usually perceive the dedication required in order to achieve a specific end goal.
Thank you for your kind words, Chaahat. It certainly is a lot more work than most people anticipate {getting to be successful with regards to blogging}.
I’ve met many people who call themselves bloggers by simply attempting to impersonate the typical style or aesthetic. I believe it’s pitiful and tragic because they’re simply mimicking what is already present. As I would see it, I think being a blogger or an online influence, rather, ought to be tied in with contributing and curating something new and distinctive that makes you unique in your own little online space!
I’m always supportive of those who want to give the industry a go, and are willing to commit to the work and learning process in order to get there, Jasleen.
Love this post! ❤️ I recall visiting a coffee shop recently and ordering a croissant and bowl of fruits just to add dimension to my flat lay. It’s particularly hard when you’re starting out and the people around you don’t understand why you invest so much of your time and effort into blogging! If it’s not too much trouble, please write and share more posts like this, we value the realness!
I’m glad that you’ve enjoyed my content and continue to stay with me as I grow and evolve my platforms, Jyoti. 🙂
I don’t often find the time to read anymore, as I generally use any additional time on hand catching up on the news, or losing myself to my Instagram feed! But I’m glad I made an effort to read this post. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure, Surbhi. Thank you for taking the time to read what I put out.
Thank you so much for this post, Tanya! It’s so honest and so well said, and I welcome the indication of how hard you’ve worked to earn your influence. You are inspiring!
I have met many creative bloggers who are in it purely for the art and for the love of what they create. And, the reality that I find the opportunity to resonate with these people is what truly makes the whole experience of blogging so rewarding!
TRUTH. PREACH <3
Thank you, Khushi. It’s safe to say that I’ve learned a lot about the blogging world as I involved myself watching it evolve.
Your tips serve as wonderful guide for newbies like me. I do understand that it’s about my dedication and hand work, and willingness and ability to learn new ways to grow my blog. The best is yet to come ~ I am going to just keep growing and getting better!
That’s the spirit, Deepika. It is important that you carry out adequate research to understand what you’re delving into.
These are definitely some of the key things to think about before I start on my journey. I’ve been thinking of doing a combination of both blogging and vlogging, but would like to beef up my content through a blog first, so I can direct my audience back to the source later during my vlogs. 🙂
This platform exists to inspire and EMPOWER you! All the best, Mona!
It’s a quick, simple set of lessons I needed to learn. 🙂 And, I agree. Stay with what you’re comfortable with. You can post things you really like but post what you love and the rest will follow ❤️!
Little did I know what a life altering journey this little thing called blogging would have on my life… 🙂
Thanks for keeping it real, Tanya. My blogging started as a way to find myself again. I was a new mom and just being identified as “mommy” got too much for me. Eventually because I’m a #millenial I realised I wanted to learn more, not do the same old same old at my workplace, so I learned through blogging. 🙂
I hear you, Jasmeen. It was through blogging that I was reminded about the importance of investing in myself.
Love this! I started my official blog in April of this year and before I did, I thought it was easy – you just write posts and publish them, right? Nope, not at all. There is a lotttttt more back work that goes into blogging than I thought! Thank you for sharing your experience.
Blogging has become a good outlet to help keep me inspired and motivated with my creativity, Gagan. You will eventually see that…
I started blogging because I love sharing my life online. I’ve been a fan of social media for as long as I can remember. I love connecting with other people and learning from them. I also love photography and creating content. 🙂
As of right now, I’m on a journey to learning more about the blogging world and getting better at it with every new post I create! So thank you for this, I really do appreciate your advice. xx
It’s rewarding when I receive messages from people like you expressing that they enjoy reading my content. 🙂
I swear the online world always looks so easy from the outside but the people behind the content are constantly working. I’m happy to hear you are pushing through and excited for your blog’s future. And you create absolutely amazing content, Tanya!
May we continue to reap the benefits and rewards of what we are doing, Aashna! 🙂
I’m still navigating blogging. It has its ups and downs. But connecting with people is rewarding. I love sharing my life and bonding with others. It’s amazing that we can connect with someone from the other side of the world. ❤️ By the way, your writing is amazing! It’s such a great skill to have when you are creating content!!
Thank you. It’s the part I enjoy most about blogging, Pratima.
Nice to read about your experience, Tanya. Blogging/being an influencer requires a lot of work that most people don’t see. But it’s fun at the same time. Keep up the good work.
The key factor to success is definitely the consistency…
Ain’t that the truth! If there’s one reason I’ve kept up my blogging (other than that it’s grown to be my baby and I love it!) is my husband cheering me all day, everyday! The company you keep is everything, and the ones that support you are the ones that truly believe in you! Do only what makes YOU happy! ❤️
So true about the support you get from those that matter, I’d be lost without my champion cheerleader! ❤️
The good, the bad, and the ugly hidden truths… Seriously, I see you posting lately and I think ~ “This girl is on fire!” Keep kicking some blogging ass, Tanya!
I started writing the post and realised there’s SO MUCH to cover… haha!
Such a great post! Sometimes I like to look at the opposite side of things in order to recognise where I am going right or wrong. We’re supposed to focus on what goals we want to reach, and what it is that we are doing, and how we want to be seen. Life is not consistent and never has been. So when I find myself struggling with my blogging work, I do what I can – because that’s the best I can do right now!
Keep at it, Ruby. You got this and it will all work out. xx