Real talk: I haven’t really been into blogging lately. Some time around the holidays, I just felt like I was running out of steam. All year I was really good about posting twice a week, I was excited about my content, I was enthusiastic about sharing on social media…but then all of a sudden, I started feeling a little bit blah about it. Maybe it’s a little bit of burnout or maybe it’s a lack of inspiration due to the grey winter weather (seriously, I hate the cold), but blogging isn’t really all that fun for me right now.
***BUT! Don’t worry. This isn’t me about to tell you that Ampersand is over. It’s totally not. But I always try to be honest & authentic here with you so I figured I’d let you know what’s going on. Also, I thought it would be a good opportunity to shed some light on what it’s really like being a blogger (hint: it’s not as glamorous as it seems). Of course there are some not so good parts, but there are a lot of great parts too. So read on to find out the real truth about being a blogger.
(Side note: Seriously though, thank you to all my dedicated readers who keep coming back here week after week. Even when I get frustrated with blogging, I’m really humbled that you guys read what I write & even like it!! So thank you thank you thank you. You guys are the best).
^ #tbt to when Ampersand had that look when I first started out!
The not so great parts…
Sometimes, you’re not inspired.
Hello, writer’s block. I’ve been a writer all my life, so writer’s block is extremely familiar to me. As much as I LOVE to write (and I do, I truly do), sometimes you just don’t feel like it. All those ideas you put in your editorial calendar at the beginning of the month aren’t fun anymore. Sometimes you’re just not in the mood to write. Luckily for me, blogging is just a hobby and not my full-time job, so I have the luxury to opt out of writing when I want to. But some bloggers–whose income depends on writing posts–have to be inspired every.single.day. Seriously, shout out to you guys because sometimes it’s hard to write.
Growing is frustrating. Like very frustrating.
Of course having a handful of very loyal followers is awesome. When I first started Ampersand, having 10 people read my posts was great. But after years of writing, researching how to reach new audiences, putting in the time and effort to gain a social media following, etc. etc. etc., sometimes seeing low traffic numbers is just…disappointing. Blogging is hard work (see next point) and when you put in so much effort and not a lot of people see it, it’s easy to get discouraged. Of course, this gets balanced out by the awesome parts of blogging (see more below).
It’s a lot of hard work & attention to detail.
Yea, blogging is a lot of work. One blog post can easily take me 3+ hours depending on what it is. There’s the writing, editing, linking, picture-taking, picture-editing, tagging, categorizing, social media scheduling, sharing, commenting, engaging, Pinteresting…it’s a lot. It’s a lot more than people think. Sure, my friends see me taking a million pictures at brunch & you might find me typing away a WordPress draft at a coffee shop, but there’s a hell of a lot of things that go on behind the scenes.
Instagram is the best/worst.
Oh Instagram. I love/hate you. I used to love Instagram when I only had a personal account. But when you’re Instagramming as a blogger? Totally different story. There actually is a strategy to posting/commenting/liking/following to grow a following but of course it always changes because the algorithm is always changing. Yes, you get to connect with a lot of other cool bloggers/brands through Instagram & I love scrolling through my feed to see what other people are up to. But when you followers jump to 1,000 back to 600 in a day or you don’t know why one post got 100+ likes & the other only 37? It’s a tad annoying. (And I know all bloggers/Instagrammers agree with this–fix your algorithm, Insta.)
…and the awesome parts.
You meet some really awesome people.
It is true that you meet some really cool people through blogging. I have a handful of blogger friends now–some I’ve met in person and some I’ve only interacted with online. And generally, everyone is really supportive of one another. It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap among bloggers, but there’s definitely a move towards being more collaborative vs. competitive. I’m thankful for the people I’ve met through blogging.
Connect & support brands/companies you love.
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some awesome brands through Ampersand. Big shout out to Two Pretzels, Groundswell Greetings, Clarisonic & many more!
It’s a pretty cool hobby.
I like being a blogger! It’s a cool conversation starter & people generally like to hear about it. Yea my friends may give me sh*t for taking a lot of pictures, but they’re also the same people to ask “wait, are you going to feature this brunch on the blog?” ;) It’s fun that the thing you think is cool, other people think it’s cool too.
People resonate with your writing.
This is by far the best thing about writing. I can’t tell you how many thoughtful messages I’ve gotten from people–friends & strangers–saying that they’ve resonated with something I’ve written. As a writer, that is the best compliment that you can get. And honestly, that’s why I write. Because I figure if I feel/think something, maybe someone else out there feels/thinks it too. Maybe we can help each other out, right?
Again, thank you for continuing to read Ampersand. If you keep reading, I’ll keep writing. &.
Ampersand 
I couldn’t agree more with this post! It sucks when you’re completely uninspired – and this happens to me a lot. Just have to keep pushing, and know when it’s time to take a break.
xo, Nicole @ http://simply-nicole.com
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It’s so frustrating sometimes!! I think more frustrating than people realize. I appreciate the advice–sometimes taking a break is the best thing in the long run! Thanks for reading girl xo
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Low traffic is seriously the most frustrating thing! I’ve fallen into a slump for the past half year because of it, but I’m determined to post more consistently again.
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It’s probably one of the most frustrating things as a blogger!! I did find posting consistently helped a lot…also just being true to your voice & your readers is always helpful. I hope you get out of your slump soon! xo
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I’ve been blogging on and off for a decade (Hello old Blogger service!), and I totally get you on this one.
With Instafather, I find there’s an added layer because I not only need inspiration, I also need to feel like I have my s#%@ together enough since I’m giving advice; writing about the extended time period when I most certainly did not have it together and was struggling with depression, in fact, ended up being the post that to this day is the one most often brought up by friends and strangers.
Keep at it. The numbers help. But the numbers, in the end, are just digital stand-ins for real people reading. You can get 1,000 people to visit your post, or 231 to truly read it… I bet you’d go for the latter every time.
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Andy, thank you for your honest and thoughtful response. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only blogger struggling out there!! And I really appreciate your advice/perspective on the numbers game. It’s easy to get discouraged so I appreciate the support! Thanks for reading.
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I love that you’re showing the other side of blogging. When I first started blogging, I had no idea how much work was required in order to help your blog succeed.
http://www.goldclutter.com
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It really is so much work!! More work than everyone realizes. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes. Thanks for reading! xo
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I feel you girl! I was in a slump most of the summer and fall and just recently trying to get back into the swing of things! Love that you validated both sides!
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I’m so glad you got out of your slump! (And it’s reassuring to hear that other bloggers get slumps too!) Hoping to snap out of it quickly. Thanks for reading xo
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I felt this one on so many levels! Trying to do better with my blog this year.
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It’s definitely a lot of hard work! Good luck with everything & thanks for reading!
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I totally get it! I took like six months off last year because I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I didn’t want to stay up late after getting home from work to just write more. But, I got my steam back and I’m sure you will too!
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It’s nice to hear that I’m not the only one who faces this struggle! I’m glad to hear you’ve got your steam back. Thanks for reading xo
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Great post. I started blogging in 2008 accidently. I had been laid off my job and happened to be surfing the internet when I stumbled across a blog for the first time. Fast forwarding, I got hooked. Wasn’t doing it for fortune or fame, which is good. I’ve had 10 -15 blogs within the last decade. Always kept my first blog domain “Bloggerneecy” which is parked these days. I’ve kind of lost my steam as well but still try to post at least once a week but sometimes it’s like three weeks. My last sister passed away in May of 2017 after losing her battle to inflammatory breast cancer. I think grief caused me to shut down. I’m constantly battling with writer’s block. http://www.herscripture.com
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Thank you so much for sharing and for your honesty. I’m truly sorry to hear about your sister–I will keep you in my thoughts. I think it’s okay to recognize when you’re losing steam to take a step back for a little bit. Sometimes a break is the best thing we can do to rejuvenate and hopefully come back more refreshed and inspired as bloggers. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your story. Good luck with everything xo
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omg, I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. I actually feel that writing helps clear out all the sad and negative thoughts I’ve been having in my head. I hope you get out of your rut xxx
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I couldn’t agree more, friend! These points are spot on & I’m right there with you! Instagram is certainly a love/hate now that I’m instagramming strategically. It’s also frustrating to be tied to my phone all day, everyday… but that’s the only way growth happens! BUT! In doing all of this, I’ve met so many incredible people (like you!) and it’s been such an awesome experience to go through with new (Like myself!) and seasoned bloggers!
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Yes totally agree with everything you said! So happy to have met you :) thanks for reading! Xo
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This is absolutely bang on! I have lost the passion more times than I can count. I love blogging so very much but It can be a bit of a mission sometimes. I have many a memory of late nights I have spent in front of a screen (with the brightness all the way up so I can stay awake) trying to finish a post that I should have finished hours before. Some times finding a new topic to write about can be the single most frustrating thing in existence.
But then people read my posts and I feel good about my self again. The concept of people ACTUALLY reading what I of all people have to say still surprises me even at my most confident times.
Yes blogging can be frustrating sometimes, but I wouldn’t dare have it any other way :)
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YES I totally agree with everything you just said!! I love writing but sometimes I absolutely hate it too, especially when I can’t think of anything to write about or the words just aren’t coming. But you’re right–when someone actually reads what you’ve written and resonates with it? It’s an incredible feeling. Happy to meet another writer who thinks like me :) Thanks for reading!
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It’s literally happening to me RIGHT now. It’s 1am my time and I’m trying my damnedest to find something to write about. I badly want something to write about but finding a topic just doesn’t come so naturally to me anymore.
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Whenever I have writers block, I just write exactly what I’m feeling/thinking and see what comes of it! So maybe write about writer’s block? A little unconventional but maybe it’ll help. Good luck!!
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I don’t bother with caring about the IG algorithms anymore (they need to get their shiz together and stop changing it though!). Totally agreed with you that it’s a lot of work, but I do love the friends and connections I’ve made + it’s definitely a fun hobby! <3
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Totally agree–I’m trying to not worry about the IG stuff anymore & use it more to connect with others. It should be fun right? haha Thanks for reading girl! xo
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Exactly! That’s what blogging should be about! 😊 I try to take a short break if I feel like I’m stressing out about it too much—helps to remind me of why I blog in the first place and I come back with new inspiration (and/or energy 😂)!
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Yes! One thing I wished I would have known is that friends and family often don’t support you and buy into what you’re doing like you think they would. It can be so frustrating, and oftentimes very discouraging. You hit the nail on the head with this post!
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I seriously love everything about this post. Kept reading and nodded the entire time, you totally nailed it, Kasia! Writer’s block is an absolute killer and powering through it is so frustrating. Also definitely lol’ed at the bit about friends at brunch. It took my roommates about a year, but every time we went out to eat, they all paused when we got our meals so I could take a picture of the table. Now if that’s not support, then I don’t know what is 😂 Thanks so much for sharing!
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Aww thank you so much for reading & for the compliments!! I’m glad you can relate haha Seriously, every time I go out for a meal, my friends ask “will this be on the blog??” They’re used to me taking random pictures throughout the meal. As much as they give me sh*t for it, I know they all love when they’re featured here ;) Thanks so much for reading! xo
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Yes yes yes! Instagram is such a pain! I can totally relate to what you are talking about with each point you make. I honestly love blogging more than most things in the world, but sometimes it could be totally frustrating. Great post Kasia xxx
Melina | http://www.ivefoundwaldo.com
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Thank you so much for reading!! I think I need to stop putting so much pressure on growing my Instagram & just enjoy it for what it is haha Can’t wait to check out your blog! xo
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That’s what I’ve been doing recently, because all the following and unfollowing is so frustrating, aha!
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sometimes blogging literally feels like you’re just casting fishing lines into the great lake that is the world wide web and crossing your fingers that SOMEONE – ANYONE – will bite. but keep going, because slow and steady wins the race! ;D
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What a great metaphor! You’re absolutely right haha thanks for reading and for the words of encouragement!
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I have only ever written non-fiction so writers block could never be a possibility. All you have to do is look around and there is always so many things to write about. I just started my blog and I do it because it’s fun and lets me get some stuff out that I might not have a place for in my other writing. I enjoy it. Though now my go to answer for any question of any kind now is “OMG what fresh hell is this! Does no one read my blog?!” I say it even if the answer to whatever question cannot be found on my blog. It’s pissing everyone off. Great post. – Robert
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Thanks for reading Robert!! Good luck with all your blogging endeavors :)
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