Bytaylorelaine

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What happens when you decide to start

One month in…

So it’s been one month of me being consistent in my blog and I wanted to share two major things I’ve learned in this first month. I also share three ways you can prepare for the spring months ahead.

Before I started my site I figured oh this would be a breeze. Not that I didn’t think work would go into it but I assumed blogging wouldn’t take much time. I mean you just write a few words, post a few pictures, and call it a day. I was completely wrong. I take my work seriously so writing, editing, scheduling posts, and then promoting your posts is a job in itself. I also learned fast that I’m a semi-perfectionist so the quality of content I want to put out has to be up to par. 

Time Management..

This leads me to the first thing I learned, time management. I work full-time 9-5 Monday thru Friday so it is essential to prioritize and to plan. I’m not all the way there yet and probably won’t be for months as I’m still trying to test and figure things out so it is essential to block out time to work.

There were many nights I stayed up until 1-2 a.m. doing webinars or reading up on how to use search engine optimization(SEO), learning coding terminology, and reading on how to drive consistent traffic to my site. The internet is my best friend and helps with this learning curve.

Networking & collaboration…

The next thing I learned, well put more emphasis on was networking up and across. Collaboration is key and I am so grateful to have connected organically with fellow bloggers, entrepreneurs, and people who are eager and as hungry as I am. I figured out first hand to use your tribe and this is when the game really upped for me. I have always been pretty natural at networking and can connect with anyone on some type of level but being intentional with it is what I learned to do.

I made sure the events I attended aligned with what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go, and had to be intentional to make meaningful connections. Speaking of collaboration I was blessed to be able to do an Instagram take over on the re-launch day of my blog on Creative Women Build’s platform (thank you so much, Jasmine). We met at an event she hosted and just clicked from there. 

Blogging is about trial and error. I am grateful to have made an impact on others as evidenced by the growth of my Instagram following. I did not set any specific follower goals starting out, but have been able to gain 100 new Instagram followers in this first month. Followers are neither validation nor a major focus of mine, however, it is great to know that by being consistent, engaging, utilizing hashtags, and putting out work I am proud of that people are able to connect with me.

Honestly, I could go on for hours about other things I have learned but these two are a great start to keep my momentum going. As we head into spring here are 3 ways you can prepare!

1. Create a routine (If you are changing habits a set routine is key)

2. Setting boundaries (saying NO, not giving energy to those who don’t deserve)

3. Getting organized and de-cluttering (mental, physical, clean out your closet, get rid of old clothes)

If you’ve been blogging what did you learn within your first month, and how will you prepare for spring?

Thanks for reading!

XoXo- Taylor