Since starting my blog a few months ago, I think I’ve pivoted several times.
Launching different products on my Etsy page hoping for a sale (I’ve made one – which I’m super grateful for).
Every time I post on my blog, I’m making sure there’s good seo throughout the post, backlinks, doing all the right things to only post to crickets. I’ve tried to improve my writing to make sure there’s structure and flow. I haven’t always been the best writer and experienced some negative comments towards it too.
I’ve consulted Chatgpt multiple times in hope of some guidance, very wishful thinking! I’ve discussed different avenues with friends to see if they’ve got any clever ideas, but we always hit dead ends.
But then it got me thinking, maybe I’m trying too hard to make it work…
When I’ve searched how to grow blog traffic, it’s mentioned the standard stuff: good seo, more than 1,000 words, low niche to break through the competition and so forth. Sometimes it feels like you’ll never break through, especially with the amount of AI content out there!
Several years ago, I used to work in the marketing industry, and it seemed to have good structure. But now, it feels like it changes every single day. The algorithms on Google, Instagram and Tik Tok, all have a mind of their own. I also feel that people don’t search they use too whereas now everyone asks Chatgpt. I completely understand why as well. It’s straight to the point and summarizes what you need to know, compared to clicking on multiple websites to find the answer.
My original goal on why I launched this blog was to help others get their shine back or even just brighten it. I wanted people to know that it’s okay to slowly build at confidence, self-love or self-esteem. That you can have setbacks or feeling low about it all but that it will be okay.
I then launched my Etsy store to support these ideas through a confidence builder ebook, journal prompts etc. However, what I didn’t realise, is how flooded the Etsy store is! The grind is definitely starting to wear on me.
I also wanted to create a hub/community where other like-minded writers can also share their posts or journeys to help others. This is a work in progress – watch this space. You can find out more here.
From finishing my day job to then trying to break through the competition has not been easy. It’s been constant setbacks and self-doubt trickling through, wondering if there’s any point. I have googled a few times wondering if blogging is dead?
Blogging has almost turned into this ecosystem of stuff. Cross-promoting on Instagram and/or Pintrest whilst still having their own content strategies. Gone of the days of just posting on your blog and getting traffic. It’s like a mini-business even if it’s a side hobby!
So, what am I going to do?
I’ve decided that I’m going to do what I want to do and what my readers want to read, and vice versa for Instagram. I’m not going to stress over the seo, or if it’s niche enough to have low competition. I’m not going to worry about what time I’m posting on Instagram or if I’ve posted enough reels vs static images. To constantly keep up with their algorithms is more stress than its worth.
I’m tired of those nagging thoughts like “will I ever break free”, “will I ever get more than 4 views a day on my blog”. Probably doesn’t help that I’m not a massive fan of the rigid 9-5 (that’s an internal battle in itself).
If you have found this post and gotten this far – thank you! But know that I’m not going to give up, I still have my overarching goal of creating a hub. But will I constantly stress over google search results rankings or Instagram algorithms – no!
I’m here to create a space for those who want to build self-confidence or for the quieter natured people – that I refuse to stop.
So, my posts may seem a little sporadic, or even shorter or less structured but who cares! The algorithms are out of my control. I’m just here to blog!
Keep shining,
Madeline
youdeservetoshine.blog 