I’ve had this blog for almost 3 years now. Before I found a blogging community that I liked and felt was supportive, I tried to figure things out by myself. Through a lot of trial and error, and more time than I thought possible, I built up my blog and my brand. I feel like, despite where I am today, there is so much left to learn.
A blog will never be finished
Unlike the webpages I created for my favourite singers and bands in my youth, blogs can never be static. New, fresh content is always being put out there, and to get continuous visitors, one needs to keep growing a blog. It’s definitely not cool to have a permanent ‘Under Construction’ sign up on your blog (remember those from back in the day?), or do many of the things that you used to be able to do. Blogging is really so much more than just putting out information. It is really about creating a community.
Photo via Oh Joy! blog.
I keep getting so many ideas on where I could take this blog, what I want to do and what I want to focus on. It really helps to have books like Joy Deangdeelert Cho’s Blog Inc. to read and study. Joy, who writes the blog Oh Joy! (which is amazing, and should be checked out if you haven’t already done so), wrote a book that is valuable for any level of blogger.
Blog, Inc. is the kind of resource that you can keep finding inspiration from. If you’re thinking about starting a blog, or have recently decided to, Blog, Inc. will give you suggestions on how to design your blog, manage comments, and build a community of readers. Plus, even as a seasoned blogger, I found the work/life balance section really helpful, as well as the section on choosing the right sponsorship/ad networks insightful.
One of my goals is to make a career out of blogging. Blog, Inc.’s interviews help me see that this is possible—and that income and experience comes from other opportunities outside of my own, personal blog. I’ m open to working with other bloggers and on other platforms to grow my blogging business, be able to write and promote projects/sponsors/businesses full-time, and to express my creativity through these means. This book has re-energized me, given me tons of ideas to work on and so much to think about and consider.
Did you happen to catch the Blog Inc. blog tour, last fall? If you missed it in person, there was also an online blog tour.
I received a copy of Blog, Inc.: Blogging for Passion, Profit, and to Create Community in exchange for this feature. You can purchase your own copy from Amazon or any of your favourite bookstores.
elle says
This sounds like a book I would love to read. I'm always looking for ideas and I still have a lot to learn.
My recent post Going Barefoot In The Winter
Tiffany C. says
I really need to buy this book. I have finally found a community I'm totally 100% comfortable with. We encourage each other. Thanks for sharing about this book, I never heard of it before.
Lindsey G. says
I think ANY blogger, new or old, would benefit from the book – it sounds like! I like your point about a blog is never done. My hubby often wonders what I am doing on the blog all the time. Even if I'm not writing new posts, there are ALWAYS things I can do to improve it!
My recent post How Do You Explain a Pet’s Death to a Toddler?
tazimd says
It's so hard not to want to work on my blog all the time – I mean, there's so much to do and so much I could always improve!
Kecia says
I'm always interesting in reading books on blogging. There is so much info out there, and things are constantly changing. Thanks for the recommendation!
My recent post The Hardest Thing About Blogging…
tazimd says
It's a good book, for sure – its encouraging because the author is a successful blogger herself
7onashoestring says
Sounds like a great book. I, too, hope to make a career out of blogging. Guess I should go check it out. 🙂
My recent post How to Make a Photography Lightbox
Ellen says
This definitely sounds like something I need to read. My goal is to take my blog to the next level this year and I bet this would definitely help.