When I started my blog almost 5 years ago, I never thought it would last this long.
THE LOOK | stripe dress (sold out in red, blue here) c/o, heels, hat, sunglasses
When I started Pink Champagne Problems from my college dorm room in 2012, I don’t really think there was such thing as “the blogging community”. Fast forward to 2017, and look where we are now. It’s actually mind-blowing to me how insanely fast this idea of blogging grew. As someone who’s “been in the game” for a decent amount of time, I have a ton of feelings about this newly formed blogging industry. And I wanted to share them with you today.
Sure, it’s over-saturated, but…
Yes. It seems like everyone and their mother has a blog. But do you know how BIG the Internet is? That means there’s space for everyone who wants to have a blog. Does that mean that I think everyone should start one? No. But if a person is in it for the right reasons, then I’m all about it. I’ll be the first person to tell someone that they’re doing it wrong if they’re just in it for the money. There could be a million reasons why a person should want to start a blog, but making money shouldn’t be a priority on your list. If someone wants to start a blog because they want a creative outlet or want to offer a special service to their readers, then I really respect that.
The more bloggers there are, the more connections we can make. I love coming across blogs I’ve never seen before every day. Pretty recently, I found Lejla on Instagram and have been following her blog, Hello It’s LOH, religiously ever since. I’ve formed such strong bonds with people I’ve met through social media and the blogging industry. I look forward to seeing the content they create every day, and feel SO happy when these people have such great successes. To me, this is the best part of the industry.
Trial and error
It took me a good 3+ years to figure out what I really wanted to do with Pink Champagne Problems. A lot of trial and error happened before I realized I needed to pay attention to what my readers responded to. It also took me a while to decide if I wanted to start thinking of Pink Champagne Problems as a business. Once I chose to turn Pink Champagne Problems into a business, things began to change for me. I now have to play a ton of different roles. This is the biggest challenge for me today. Learning how to juggle day-to-day back end business things has been pretty tough. I’m not good with money to begin with, so managing my blog income and expenses is tough. Since Pink Champagne Problems is a passion of mine, I’ve been accepting this challenge with open arms.
If you’re looking to start a blog, or just looking to take it to a new level, my advice is to just go for it. It’s going to be okay if you put out a post that doesn’t respond well. Learn from it. You’ll know that it’s just not what your readers are looking for. Try a new engagement method on Instagram. Reply to some of your favorite bloggers’ tweets on Twitter. It’s OK to fail as long as you’re prepared to learn from your mistakes.
It’s more than blogging
People don’t just have blogs anymore. Along with your website, you might have 5+ social media platforms, a YouTube channel, and an email list. It becomes a lot more work than what people sign up for originally. I’ve definitely had to be more open to learning new things – whether it’s SEO or a new platform (I was the LAST person to jump on board Instagram Stories). Blogging used to be really fun in a “I’m not making money off this” kind of way. Now that most people turn their online presence into a business, the blogging industry is a whole other game. This industry has become a numbers game, and I honestly have mixed feelings about it. Yes, it’s really cool to have my own business at 25 years old, but it’s also very hard to stand out in a world where it’s so easy to buy your numbers. I’ve seen the worst come out in some people because of this blogging industry. It’s honestly so crazy. Oh and don’t even get me started on Instagram. This damn algorithm has killed my engagement, which makes me have to work 10x harder. What does that mean? It means that I have to spend almost double the amount of time on Instagram just to make sure people see my photos. So much for putting the phone down, huh?
Focus on what’s important
At the end of the day, it’s up to me and only me to grow my business. Sometimes I have to take a step back to think about what is truly right for Pink Champagne Problems. And for myself. Right now, my actual website is what I’m working on the most. I’m focusing on more in depth content. That’s the biggest goal right now. You guys really respond so well when I put all of my thoughts into a post, and it makes me really happy. I love connecting with you when you comment on these types of posts. Opening up conversations help me create such great relationships with my readers. When it comes to social media, it’s obviously still a priority for me. But, I’m not putting all of my eggs in one basket. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook could shut down in one day. Then what? What are all of these “Instagram-famous” people going to do? If social media disappeared (it’s obviously not going to), a lot of people would be without a form of income – myself included – and we would have to turn to something else. For me, that would be my website. But I want to be one step ahead, so I’m trying my best to not play the numbers game and focus on my website.
Always.
If you’re a blogger, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the blogging industry as a whole. What are you struggling with? Anything you’ve seen that didn’t sit well with you? What are some of your biggest wins? And if you’re not a blogger, what’s the biggest change you’ve seen from a reader’s standpoint? Let me know in the comments below.
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Girl, I’m with you — I cannot believe blogging has been a thing for so long! Sometimes I get frustrated with how over-saturated it is, but you’re completely right: there really is a place for everyone, and no one should feel discouraged!
I think we get more frustrated when we see people not doing such ethical things in the blogging industry, ya know? But I do think there is room for us all here 🙂
Totally agree about the community aspect! It’s so great to have been able to meet and connect with so many new friends (like you)!!!
You are SO good at fostering such genuine relationships with your readers and followers, I’m so lucky to know you! xx
I totally agree with you! The blogging community is oversaturated with people, some who are genuinely in there working hard to create good content and others who are just trying to make money any way they can. I think it’s awesome when people jump into blogging for the right reasons and it’s awesome to be able to connect with them. It will be crazy to see what this whole industry is like in 5 years!
So glad we’re on the same page! And oh gosh, I know – I could only imagine what it’s going to be like!
I always love reading your posts like this! I definitely struggle with the social media side (Instagram is my biggest source of frustration) but I love being able to control my website and the content I create. I also totally admire that you have been doing this for so long! I’ve seen blogging change so much since I first started reading, to being a blogger now. I’m curious to see where it goes from here. But I love making connections with people I would have never had the opportunity to meet, like you!
xo bryn http://www.waketonroad.com
I always feel like we’re on the same page with these types of posts! You’re absolutely killing it right now, Bryn and I’m with ya, so glad we were able to connect through blogging! xx
Lately I think the biggest frustration has been with proving myself as a micro blogger .. like you said, it’s become all about the numbers but wish more emphasis was put on results and networking. But on the flip side, I’ve been loving seeing so many “Follow Friday’s” and blogger friends taking trips together! It really is a community and I love that aspect of it!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
YES! I really think as microbloggers, we have a lot to offer but are often overlooked because of our numbers. And I agree – I LOVE a Follow Friday and seeing girls create genuine friendships. I loved seeing your girls trip over the weekend too! xx
Love this post, Dana! One of my biggest pet peeves about blogging is when I bring it up around (typically new) friends, and the first thing they say is “How much money do you make!? I could really use a second income.” Sayyyy what? Do you see me asking how much money YOU make at your corporate job? Gosh. Other than that, I could probably ramble on for days, but the supportive community and relationships are definitely my favorite part of blogging!
Rachel / http://www.helloher.co
Ugh, I know. It’s the worst. A lot of people still don’t consider blogging an actual industry so they think these kinds of questions are fair game.
Ugh yes to all of this!! I remember looking at your blog when you first started and it’s incredible to see how far you have come since! …but like where have those 5 years gone!? Also you’re amazing. Kthanksbye
xo
allie
pretaprovost.com
Oh yaaaa you were probably my only reader back in 2012….plus my mom.
Also, yeah, 5 years – UM WUT?
You look like you stepped out of a scene from The Notebook – super lovely!
I agree with over-saturation, but it’s EVERYWHERE, not just the blogging/social media world. Luckily for me, having another source of income (truly my only source of income!) takes the pressure off. Blogging is so challenging, when it’s literally your job to create content, share content, and engage with your audience – which means being online/social media pretty often (I imagine!) I know when I look at Instagram (try not to spend too much time no there!), more often than not, I feel the energy sucked out of me. I prefer going to a blog and engaging with the person on there! Reading blogs has provided me with some wonderful connections, inspiration, and motivation to live the best and joyful life possible, so for that, I’m truly grateful for the many authentic and amazing bloggers out there! (like you) 🙂
Lisa
http://www.theeverydayelevated.com
You’re so right! It’s hard to separate yourself from social media when it’s literally your job. And I’m totally with ya on feeling like your energy is sucked out. I’m so grateful to have amazing readers like you in my life – I love connecting with you and always appreciate your thoughtful comments! xx
This post is amazing Dana! As always, I agree with literally everything you said. I am always telling people, yes there are A LOT of bloggers but there’s room for everyone. The internet is huge and there’s millions of companies out there. I also am hating the algorithm and having to spend more time on my phone. I look forward to one day things being better on IG {fingers crossed} and getting to spend less time on there. Keep kicking butt lady. You’re doing an amazing job!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Thank you!!! Instagram is honestly becoming the bane of my existence…and I know you agree. It’s hard to spend less time on your phone when it’s literally our jobs to be on social media. You keep doing your thang too, lady! Your success on Louella Reese makes me so happy! xx
I love this post – thank you so much for sharing! My blog/brand does not have a huge following (yet!) but I’ve always tried to focus on keeping true to myself, not buying likes/followers and making sure my website always comes first. And reading top bloggers posts like this supporting the concept is so encouraging! It can be frustrating watching some girls rise to the top thru dishonest ways, but I try to stay focused and keep trekking. I’d much rather be stable if some of our social channels disappear at some point, than risk it all for quick success. Truly enjoyed this – thanks again!
http://www.agneswright.com
Hi Brittany – Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on this post. I’m so glad you liked it! While, I’m so flattered by your sweet words, I hope you know I’m 100% in the same boat as you. We’re all just trying to make our content relevant and meaningful, but at the end of the day, as long as you’re having fun and staying true to yourself…that’s all that should matter! Looking forward to connecting with you more 🙂
Even more encouraging – thanks so much! 🙂
Love this post, very thoughtful! I have been in and out of blogging for a while mostly because it has been hard to keep up with school, blogging, and like you mentioned: Instagram’s algorithm. I am back however(!) to continue to use my blog as a creative outlet but I definitely have to plan out how much time I can spend while still being a student. This time I would love to make connections with fellow bloggers, because I think it will make blogging more fun and worth it 🙂
Narhee | Made in Mauve
Thank you, Narhee! I appreciate your sweet words. YAY for being back on your blogging game. It was really tough for me when I was in college as well, but I definitely didn’t have all of the same pressures like you do now. So I commend you for pushing through it — and I totally feel that connections are so important. You should join HerCampus media group so you can join the Facebook page and connect with a lot of bloggers in college too! xx
PS: My cousin went to Cornell and LOVED it so much!
I found your blog recently and I have to tell you, I thoroughly enjoy everything you post but your blogging posts are my favorite! I think you have such a unique view on things and are super transparent but also very helpful. Thank you for this! I’ve been blogging since 2012 but I still am having trouble really getting to the place I want to be. Maybe I need to start thinking about it as a business as well! Keep on doing your thing because you’re rocking it! 🙂
Aww thank you so much, Briana! You are the absolute sweetest and I appreciate your kind words so much! I think we’re always going to want more from our blogging careers/experiences, so it’s totally normal to not be in the place you want to be in. I highly recommend thinking of your blog as a business – it really did help me grow!
In every startup starts with difficulties and problem with some people’s negligence but when you are get a position that time everyone clapping to you.so I think never be frustrated go ahead like you.