The Three Ds That Will Make or Break Your Blogging Career - Desire
Photo by brilliantdandy.
In a few days this blog will be two years old. In internet terms, it’s not young anymore, and nobody would consider me a ‘new’ blogger. Now that the buzz of being discovered and rapid growth is moving into a new stage of maintaining and trying to build upon what has already been established, I’ve started to reflect on some of the insights I’ve gained through the successes and failures I’ve experienced as a blogger.
At its most basic, I believe what it takes to reach your full potential as a blogger is split into three key areas, or what I call ‘The Three Ds’. Like me, you’ll probably find that you’re strong in some areas and weak in others - and if you’re not hitting the goals you would like, it is probably these weaknesses that are holding you back.
I hope that you will go beyond reading the theme word of the post and assuming you know what it means, to digging deeper into the content. You might find some unconventional tips and ideas inside!
Desire
Long term success begins with an insatiable desire to write blog posts. If you feel this drive, you will blog prolifically, and you will make time to learn how to blog well. As a result, your reach and influence will grow.
You will have this desire because you love what you’re writing about, or you simply love the act of writing, or the end result, or some combination of these things. You will often hear that, as a blogger, you must be passionate about every single topic you write on. This is true for many, but it’s also true that some of those who love writing will enjoy writing about anything as long as they can flex their creative muscles. My friend and colleague Joel Falconer once told me that he felt he could write about anything simply because he loved the process itself so much. Others simply love feeling heard, being a leader, and having a captive audience. They feel like they could write about anything prolifically as long as more and more people continued to listen.
I’ve learned that we often place too much emphasis on picking the perfect topics when, fundamentally, it’s our attitude to the writing that matters. If you’re someone who craves large scale notoriety, blogging only about painting miniatures may not be rewarding, even if it is a passionate hobby of yours. You’d be better served picking a more mainstream focus with access to a bigger audience, and developing enthusiasm as you go.
Some bloggers who are very successful and prolific enjoy neither the act of writing or the subject of their posts very much, at least not in comparison to their enjoyment of the end result - whether that be income, profile or the simple pleasure of watching statistical graphs tilt skywards.
Maintaining an insatiable desire to write posts is not controlled by selecting the right topics. It’s determined by how well you are able to find and focus on what makes you tick as a writer - whether it’s the process, the topic, or the end result (money, fame, influence, legacy, learning, et al).
What makes you tick as a writer? What would stop blogging from being rewarding if it were taken away?
- What if you could never earn another cent from your blog?
- What if you never received another comment or email from a reader?
- What if your traffic and subscribers were frozen at their current levels for now and forever?
Which of these things could you push through, and which would defeat your desire to blog? By giving some thoughts to these questions you should be able to determine what really makes you tick. If you know what this is, you can nurture it and use it to fuel you over the many months it will take to reach your full potential. You may also discover that the blogging ‘job’ you’ve created for yourself is not actually oriented towards what you care about the most.
Keep the flame burning
The aim of the above exercise is to help you understand the central importance of having and retaining a burning desire to write posts on your blog. If you’ve lost this desire, something needs to change. If you no longer have it, hopefully you’ve felt it once and know what you’re missing. For many bloggers, this feeling is intense in the early stages of blogging, then wears off after you feel you have used most of your best ideas, then will come and go in bursts. I know this is something I have personally found challenging and still struggle with. As for excuses we might put forward, I don’t believe there is ever really such a thing as too busy, unless your life is actually filled with a steady stream of obligations you cannot get out of in every hour of the day. For most of us this won’t be the case. If you have a burning desire for something, you make time for it.
But if you’ve lost the desire, how do you get it back?
In my case, I’ve learned that I need breaks to refuel. If I force myself to write, I produce bad content, so I feel it’s better to wait until I feel inspired again. It’s not ideal, and I have tried for over a year to fix this, but now I’m starting to understand that some habits are just a part of who you are! Often the stress you feel about your bad habit outweighs the negative effects of the habit itself. Sometimes it’s best to just be at peace with your weaknesses and understand them as a natural counterbalance to your strengths.
For some, the loss of a desire to blog might be caused by the novelty wearing off. Particularly when writing in narrow niches, or writing timeless content that is not based on news or new developments, you can begin to feel over time that you have said everything there is to say on your topic, and that you are essentially repeating yourself. In this case, it’s important not to continue in the same way - particularly when writing blog posts begins to feel like a chore. The content you write will be poor and you will damage your feelings about blogging. Try to cover your topics from a different angle, or in a different style, or format. Try video blogging. Just try something different! And if that fails to rekindle your desire to blog, change tack and begin to branch into new topics. You will always gain more readers by writing with enthusiasm and vigor than you will lose by changing your focus.
The next D I’ll cover is Definition. And it doesn’t mean what you think it does!
[...] prima delle tre “D”, analizzata in questo articolo, è quella di [...]
Hm, excellent food for thought. My own blog is pretty new and I feel like I’m just getting into the swing of it. ‘Desire’ is definitely a good thing to touch on first. There are times (like last night) when I just DON’T have the desire to write. (I post new content every weekday.) Hopefully it’s okay for the desire to wane a bit from time to time.
I think regular content is overrated.
You write, “It’s not ideal, and I have tried for over a year to fix this, but now I’m starting to understand that some habits are just a part of who you are!”
From a readers standpoint. Not from the standpoint of what is the best method to gain subscribers or grow quickly. But from purely a reader’s standpoint, it all comes down to the content for me. Am I really enjoying what I’m reading, or is it just so-so?
So… the fact that you need to take breaks, or what have you, to me, as a reader, is not even remotely a problem. So many blogs out there with so many blog posts. At this point in the game I’m looking for something I really enjoy. And, the reality is, prolific posting far from guarantees I’ll enjoy what I’m reading.
A good, original and well written post increases the likelihood I’ll enjoy my time reading by many many multiples. Consistency, however, doesn’t.
After 9 months (gosh it’s that quick), 25 posts, and 100,000+ views later, I still think I’m quite a new blogger.
I kinda lost the flame and desire in blogging ever since I got into a job that requires me to be working extremely long hours (think 12-14 hrs) and only manage to get back home only to be burned out and not get a single post out in weeks.
Yeah, it was only recently (3 weeks back), that something terrible happened and also including the fact that I too started to get ill outta sudden which led me back to the blogosphere. Realized that I had missed out so much on the stuff going around here with everyone! :)
Now, I can’t wait for the next D..
Skellie,
I was reading along quietly nodding, until I got to the things you might push through or that might defeat you, then I laughed out loud. I’ve never made a direct dollar from blogging, my stats have gone up so slowly in (almost) two years as to be silly, and comments—well, luckily my readers are a fine, devoted bunch who do enjoy the conversation. One out of three. :)
I have no intention of slowing down, and I always think the tipping point’s right around the corner. So I guess I must have an awful lot of this first “D”!
Looking forward to the next post.
Regards,
Kelly
skellie - as usual your post strikes a chord. The lack of growth in numbers on my blog is for sure the most discouraging aspect of my brief blogging career. The desire is there, but I don’t think it comes out well in my posts. I’ve tried a few different approaches but do not see any real differences. Nonetheless, i will keep at it, at least for now, because I do enjoy the writing part, but time is always the biggest challenge. Looking forward to the next ‘D’.
I haven’t made any money from my blog yet, but I think if no one ever commented or page views and subscriptions disappeared I’d be extremely discouraged.
It’s going very slowly for me, but as long as it keeps going I’m happy.
P.S In the first line do you mean in a few days and not a few years?
I just finished a list post that I’d been planning for a week or so. I knew it was a topic that people want to have quick and easy answers to, and so I sat down to write it. Funny thing was, it took me about 3 days to finally churn it out. I was writing because I’d decided it was a good content post, not because the urge to write on that topic had hit me.
Not saying it’s not a great post of course :-) but I definitely can see what you mean about desire. Often the posts I get the most feedback on are those that just seem to explode out of me, in many cases with no true topic defined until after it’s been written. Those posts are from the heart and people connect to them.
I guess now it’s just about harnessing that desire/inspiration every time it strikes!
You’re right, Skellie, desire is needed, but what I’ve found is that desire produced by your calling is better than what I call “manufactured desire.”
So the driving generator of desire for me is knowing my calling. As a Christian, I was encouraged to find my calling, and I found it!
The other part of this is why are we supposed to be working? Is it supposed to be for money? For fame? For influence? For legacy? Why? Scripture tells us exactly the main reason why we are supposed to be working: to give; and this involves God, family, legacy and some other “reasons.”
In summary, I just believe that desire produced by your calling is more “long-lasting” than that which is manufactured to get money, fame, etc.
Nothing breathes life into work like desire.
I’m looking forward to “definition.” It’s evocative and reminds me of the guy that said, “if you can describe it, it can be done.”
I wonder whether the 5 D’s of dodge ball have their place in blogging? (Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge.)
Nice one Skellie - I tend to fluctuate between extreme joy and ultimate distaste for my blog. Usually I’m right there in the middle though. :)
Looking forward to the next D….
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I’ve been blogging for about 4 years now and have recently found my posts becoming further and further between and I’ve been spending less thought and time on writing posts. I’ve really lost my desire to continue the blog. My work is taking a lot of my energy and I’m spending a fair amount of time on Twitter and Facebook. I may just rest the blog for a while.
I’m also spending less time reading blogs.
Anyway, I look forward to the rest of the posts in this series.
Those three qestions struck a nerve!
“What if you could never earn another cent from your blog?”
Thankfully I’m not earnign anything from it yet, so I won’t miss it. It is my plan however to set up a small income from blogging so I can pay for the domain and hosting fees.
What if you never received another comment or email from a reader?
this one would be tough, I really enjoy reading comments and feel they are somewhat essential to me wanting to blog. Forme it’s a small rush to get praise from my readers.Although it’s not my main motivation is sure helps me blogging.
What if your traffic and subscribers were frozen at their current levels for now and forever?
Yikes! That would mean I’d never reach the goals I’ve set for myself. I’m trying to get 500 pageviews a day and I’m stubborn. I (almost) always reach th goals I set for myself just because I don’t let go.
I confess to the desire of having a successful blog with hundreds of devoted readers, I’m in this one for the long haul mind you and really sank my teeth into it! Why I like to write? My niche -although quite common nowadays- (persoanel development and lifestle design) has an angle that few use “a twist of zen”. Yes there’s Zenhabits but that’s just a name. I havn’t come aross another blogger in this niche who actually practices zen on a daily basis.
It has done me a world of good, zen and blogging. I wnt to share that with others, that’s my desire. And without getting comments or readers I can’t share it properly so to me they are essential.
Thanks for a great blogpost! I’m looking forward to “Definition”
Hi Skellie,
That was an encouraging post.
A good way to get the ink flowing is to plan a theme around which you can weave the words. One major theme can potentially give you a dozen posts. Research, plan and then write. This will both ensure quantity and quality. One must, howvever, ensure that the dozen posts are not written at a frequency of one every month! I think initially, 1-2 posts a week is what will get your rhythm going. Later, you can write 3-4 every week.
Thank you so much! This post like many books came to me at the perfect time. I just took one month off of blogging and felt miserable for doing it.
Yet one post later and the social media fire has been lit.
Cheers
Jonathan
“Sometimes it’s best to just be at peace with your weaknesses and understand them as a natural counterbalance to your strengths.”
I’d leave this post with the above seared on my brain. Love it. I hope this helps a lot so I can come to terms sooner with some aspects of blogging that challenge me the most.
Desire is there. I’ve been blogging for six months. The excitement is very much still there. When does the honeymoon stage end, by the way?
As far as online earning goes, it’s unrequited love for me. lols. What is it - $ 2 the last time I looked? I never bothered to check again. As you’ve said earlier in your other post - external factors don’t give impetus to my blogging. Online earning is one external factor I can live without.
I blog because I have to. I don’t live by it. I don’t get personal validation from it - although of course it the current readership I’ve built will be gone tomorrow I’d be hurt to the core, this at the end of the day, will not stop me. I simply have to write more.
Kia ora Skellie!
Napoleon Hill’s book Think And Grow Rich dwelt on this same topic. The word ‘desire’ was big in his book. I think it’s the same for most aspirations, musicianship, sport, art, even wealth obviously.
To become a millionnaire you need to have the desire to be a millionnaire, and that’s not a whim, or a birthday wish or a notion. Desire is like the organic fibre in the soil. It needs to be everywhere and plentiful for produce to flourish in abundance.
Catchya later
I like your choice of the word “desire” - it emphasizes that it’s not just about an intellectual commitment/ decision to blog (or whatever else we do) - it’s about en emotional response to it. Sometimes we feel scared to make an emotional commitment to something we’re doing because we worry it might not work out and then we’d be heartbroken or something like that. But being emotionally committed is the key to both the daily enjoyment of the process and the likelihood that we’ll be successful with our results too.
Looking forward to reading about “definition”
Cath
The post starts with a somewhat odd but true statement: “In a few years this blog will be two years old.” I assume it should not start with “in a few years” but with something else.
Great blog post as always, I look forward to the coming D’s.
I’ve been blogging since the beginning of the year, and I still feel like I haven’t “Broke” into my blogging career. I am only receiving 950 views per day or so, but not on the posts I like. My cash posts aren’t getting the views, sadly. I’m hoping my desire will bring my blog to the point I want it to be by the end of the year.
Very very useful tips as blogging is become very important today.
Thanks skellie for this one.
I agree with @Andy Hayes
“I tend to fluctuate between extreme joy and ultimate distaste for my blog.”
Im in the middle of it. Sometimes i could produce 5 posts a day and sometimes no post in a week. Sometimes i feel like i want to delete the whole blog and make a new one with new concept and so on.
One of my colleague told me “One of the most important thing in blogging is to stay focus”
I wonder if you readers agree with that. (since i got a problem with “focus”)
Okay, I’m hooked. And off to read Definition (hopefully I’ll be able to find it pretty easily.)
SUCH a wonderful post.
I’ve been blogging for five years, and it’s been a journey of tweaking, exploring, taking a break, getting inspired again, finding my true-r north of what I want to share…
and having a whole lot of faith & hope :)
Skellie,
as usual, there is wisdom in your posts. Like many of the other commenters, I have made little money from my blog; my readership is limited; and comments are sparse but connect with me. But what keeps me going is a burning desire to use this online space for reflection.
I have found that Desire is often confused with Wishes, so I use a different word to describe what you’re talking about: Passion. Hell, I guess I am a crazy Latinamerican, right? But until you find something you can be passionately engaged with for the long term (besides your partner, that is!), it is going to be tough to have a long-term blog going.
Thanks as usual for your valuable reflections; as everyone else, I await with anticipation for your definition of Definition :-)
Your loyal student,
Diego (The crazy Colombian)
“In a few years this blog will be two years old.”
First I thought this was a typo. But now I think there might be a wonderful metaphysical lesson hiding in there!
Loved the post.
I write about news so I always have “content” to publish but I know that my success comes from inspirated posts that I write. Users tell me that I come over and over to read me, not my news. They like that I include my own opinion on the posts.
That’s why I’ve started a blog and not an official online newspaper. I can say whatever I want. I like the topic but I’m also like your friend. I think I could write about almost anything. It’s great to be criative and have feedback.
Beeing a bloguer can me very very funny. It takes a lot of work if you are a one man show.
Fantastic post! So many bloggers go into this blogging lark not really knowing where it will take them, and it can be a great adventure or a horrible lesson. You’ve put together a great must read for anyone starting out. :)
- Nuffnang
Almost 1000 posts and 1.5 million hits and I still feel the desire to write. I love the entire process and feel that something is missing when I don’t write.
I’ve been reading here for a long time but rarely comment. I loved this post and wanted to tell you that. Thank you.