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8 Blogging Fears You Can Overcome

This post was most recently updated on July 7th, 2017

8 blogging fears you can overcomeI’ve identified 8 Blogging Fears You Can Overcome when you understand how.

Are you letting any of these fears block you from building a spectacular blogging business?

Isn’t it time you overcome these fears and unlock your full potential?

Now, I’m sure there are blogging fears other than the 8 I’ve chosen to talk about.

But these are some of the biggest ones that I hear from my blogging clients.

Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic

If you are a new blogger, or even an experience blogger, you may very well harbor some of these fears.

So, let’s see how to address them so that you can overcome them.

Blogging Fear #1
I Need Tons Of Traffic

Almost every new blogger will tell me that they are afraid that they can’t get traffic.

This is probably the most common of the 8 blogging fears.

If this is one of your fears, it’s probably because you think that you need “tons of traffic.”

People sell courses, record videos and write blog post about how to get tons of traffic.

Because you see all this chatter, you may think that you need tons of traffic.

But, you do not.

You just need very well targeted traffic.

You need only to tap into a small crowd of people who really like what you’re doing.

This is the crowd that is happy to come back to your blog over and over.

Because they do, they get involved, comment and share your blog posts.

These are your most devout readers.

Because of their commitment to what you do, they lead the way for others to follow them onto your blog.

So, don’t be afraid that you might not be able to generate tons of traffic.

Share those articles within a small, well-targeted circle of people who want and need those solutions.

Because they need their problems solved, they will value the information you publish.

This will open the door to steady traffic flow to your blog, which will build increasing momentum over time.

Blogging Fear #2
Put Ads Everywhere

Did you think you need to put ads everywhere on your blog in order to monetize it?

You’ve probably heard that one of the best ways to make money on your blog is to sponsor ads.

When people buy from the ads, you receive a commission.

That is a decent model for building revenue from your blog.

Still, I don’t believe that it’s the best one.

It’s far better to use your blog to help people solve their problems.

When you get your readers involved in what you’re doing to help them, you begin to build trust with them.

Once you’ve done that, you can get them to join your email list.

You can introduce them to your products, services or even to your affiliate products and services.

This is a far better way to monetize your blog than simply plastering ads up everywhere.

So, if you’re afraid that you don’t know how to get sponsored ads on your blog, don’t be.

You don’t need them to monetize your blog.

And further, you may be better off without them altogether.

Tons of ads on your blog simply tell people that you’re desperate to get their money.

They believe that your focus is on selling and promotion rather than on sharing top and valuable information with them.

Blogging Fear #3
Create My Own Digital Information Course

Have you heard that the only way to make money blogging is to create your own information or training course?

Yes, I’m sure you have.

And so now, you’re afraid that you must learn how to do videos, or write tens, even hundreds of page of content.

You fear that it’s going to take you weeks, maybe months to do.

Then you will have to promote that course.

And worse yet, what if you do all that work and nobody buys your training or course?

How do you get affiliates to promote it?

No, I’m not going to tell you that creating your own course it is a bad idea.

I’ve created dozens of them myself.

Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic

They certainly help to enhance your authority and build trust with your readers.

They also pull buyers into your sales funnel.

While all this is true, it is still not necessary to build your own course.

You can be very successful blogging by affiliating other people’s courses, strategically and consistently.

If you want to create your own course, then that’s great.

But on the other hand, if you’re afraid to do it, just know that it’s not essential.

If you’re afraid, but still want to do it anyway, I’ve outlined some very simple products you can build pretty easily.

Blogging Fear #4
Run Paid Ad Campaigns

Are you afraid to run paid ad campaigns?

I’m talking about Facebook ads and other PPC (pay-per-click) models.

Your paid campaigns might also include media buys, solo ads and other types of advertising.

I’m a big believer in paid ads.

I think there’s no faster way to build a business than to pay for well targeted ads.

And they can bring the right people into your sales funnel.

However, you do need a budget to run ad campaigns.

But, don’t let anybody tell you that you must spend a lot of money on ads in order to drive traffic to your blog.

There are many ways to build your blog for free or at least for a minimum of investment.

Sure, it’s a slower way to do it, but it’s if you’re just getting started.

And it fine to use free approaches to build your blog if you don’t have a budget to do costly advertising.

I will say to that in the years that I’ve been blogging, I’ve always found that organic traffic is always better than paid traffic.

Even though it takes a lot of time to develop a blog following by using free methods, it will usually be a better following.

That’s because people have been given a chance to develop trust for you when they’ve already seen what you do.

With paid traffic, even though you may get big numbers of followers initially, many will prove to be of little value.

That’s because they have not come to follow you because of your content or because you’ve demonstrated that you can help them solve their problems.

Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic

Instead, they have been lured into your funnel or onto our list from a well designed, compelling advertisement.

They have no reason to trust you simply from an advertisement.

Therefore they’re not nearly as likely to convert into loyal customers or subscribers.

So, don’t be afraid that you must start running paid advertising campaigns.

They can be great, but they are not essential to building a successful blogging business.

Blogging Fear #5
Build A Huge Mailing List

Everyone will tell you that the real money for blogging is in having a huge email list.

But, while it’s important to have an email list, it doesn’t need to be a huge one to make you a highly successful blogger.

In fact, it’s often to your advantage to stop growing your list, and take steps toward shrinking it.

I know people with very small email lists who do very well monetizing their blogs.

Think more about building relationships and getting the right people on your email list.

It’s about having a well-designed sales funnel for them to enter when they join.

You want to offer your subscribers a range of price points from low-to-mid-to-high cost.

Even if you have a small but devoted following, then you can build a great business from your blog.

Don’t focus on numbers, focus on the quality of your following.

Blogging Fear #6
Write Great Posts

Everybody wants to write great blog posts.

The truth is that the content you put into your blog posts is what will make people trust you.

It is what will build your authority as a blogger.

Furthermore, it is what will brand you as a unique blogger.

The quality of your blog posts can make you stand out in the crowd.

But writing great posts is very scary to many bloggers.

It is a fear that is actually well founded.

That’s because unless you are writing great blog posts, you’ll find it hard to succeed.

However, this is not a fear that should stop you.

Don’t think that writing great posts requires you to have a spectacular writing style, or an exceptional command of the written word,

All you need to do is write clearly in a way that people can understand.

You don’t need to be literary, you need to be conversational.

You just need to write like you talk.

Most of your readers prefer to read content written on a fifth grade level…

..or less.

That’s not because they lack sophistication, but because it’s easier to learn things that are presented in plain and simple language.

You don’t need to be a literary genius to write great blog posts.

What you do need is to fully understand what your readers want.

That means, you must know exactly what their problems and challengers are.

Special: FREE Guide… 4 Things I Did To Build My Blog Using Only Free Traffic

Do you have solutions to their problems?

Are your solutions uniquely positioned?

Are they clearly present so people can act on them?

That’s all you need to do.

Solve the problems that readers in your niche have.

Your readers are looking for solutions everywhere online.

When you give them those solutions, you will be writing great blog posts.

I think many writers are afraid they can’t write great blog posts because they don’t know that great writing is simply problem solving.

Most readers are not looking for great writing.

But most of them are looking to get solutions to their problems.

If you help them solve their problems, overcome their own fears and move beyond their pain points… then you will be improving their lives.

Now, that’s a great blog post.

Blogging Fear #7
What Social Media Strategy?

We all hear that you need social media in order to have a successful blog.

Actually, I think that’s true.

However, many of my students get so confused as to where to begin, how to begin, whether or not to start spending money on their social media strategy… that they just build a huge wall of fear about this part of their business.

Remember this.

Social media is primarily social.

All that’s required of you is to be out there, be friendly and approachable, and let people know about your blog.

I always recommend that you choose just one or two social media platforms to work with.

It could be Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or any other platform that you like.

Focus on just one or two of these platforms and post to them regularly and consistently.

Find your target audience.

Then, get involved in their social groups and in their chat threads.

You don’t need a fancy social media strategy or a virtual assistant.

There are many automated programs that can help you be consistently active and visible on social media.

That’s certainly a good investment.

Other than that, though, it’s just a matter of getting out there and connecting with people.

Focus on letting them know who you are and what you do.

Develop your personal brand.

Don’t overcomplicate it.

That’s when fear takes over your thinking.

Blogging Fear #8
Lack Of Clarity

Now, the last fear that I want to talk about is the biggest one of all.

It’s probably the one thing that blocks people from success more than any other.

It is people’s fear that they can’t do everything required to build a business.

Fearful bloggers think they have to be on 10 social media platforms, that they have to build a list of 20,000 people and that they have to write a great blog post every day.

Even more, they set up big expectations for themselves and believe that they must meet them in order to be successful.

But, none of this is essential to your success.

Get over the fear of trying to do everything.

First of all, you can’t.

Second, if you try to do everything, you’ll crash and burn in a sea of overwhelm and confusion.

You need clarity in what you’re doing, in what your message is to your readers and why it’s an important message to deliver.

If you have a lack of clarity on these it key foundations, you will find it very difficult to build momentum in your business.

So, before trying to overcome any of the other fears surrounding your blogging business, I suggest you spend some real time on developing clarity in your business.

Know your audience and what they need.

Then focus on how you can deliver it.

Finally, just do it.

Do it in tiny chunks, step-by-step.

Don’t try to do everything at once, or allow yourself to get overwhelmed by big numbers or big goals.

Just wake up every day and ask yourself how you can help your readers to solve their key problems.

Then just do it.

The next day… do it again.

That’s the formula for overcoming your fears.

Speaking of formulas

Speaking of formulas, join me in my 30 Day Challenge to get your business of to a fresh new start for 2017.

We’ll work together to develop the exact formula that will work for you.

Live training begins January 10.

So, if you’d like to push the reset button on your blogging business… if you’re ready for a 2017 reboot… click the link below for all the deets 🙂

Reboot Business Challenge

8 Blogging Fears You Can Overcome

So tell me now, are you a new blogger or an experienced one?

Which of these “8 blogging fears” speaks to your situation?

Which one resonates most strongly with the challenges you may be having in your own blogging business, right now?

I’d love to know what you think, so use the comment section below to tell me.

And… don’t forget to share this article on your fav social media sites 🙂

-Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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63 Responses to 8 Blogging Fears You Can Overcome

  1. Stefinia July 18, 2017 at 3:14 am #

    I thought I won’t be able to earn money through blogging because I need to build traffic!! … now I understand that I should just focus on giving readers valuable information, give them solutions and I would in time acquire niche audiences who would follow my blog, share it etc . So working on good content is important and over time we would get good audience. They are the ones who are more likely to buy our products and promote it. Then slowly we can talk about our affiliate products, it’s a far better way than pasting ads everywhere.Nicely written article.

  2. Lawrence January 25, 2017 at 11:01 am #

    Hello,

    Well to be honest this post made my day! I guess I’m also the person who have these features. And you are so right about the first #1 “I need tons of traffic”, due to this fear many bloggers may be frustrated and loose their interest towards blogging as its hard task to achieve lot of traffic.

    Thanks for share
    Lawrence recently posted..Bitdefender Antivirus Free Vs Bitdefender Antivirus PlusMy Profile

  3. ikechi
    Twitter:
    January 15, 2017 at 8:11 pm #

    Hi Donna

    In my journey in blogging, I have faced each of the fears and was to able to overcome but the last point 8 is one fear I keep working on everyday so I am not surprised that every blogger has talked about the last blogging fear.

    As usual, you share so much insight and you are right about each blogging fear. What is most important is that having clarity helps a blogging business and without it, there is so much confusion.

    Thank you for sharing. Take care
    ikechi recently posted..The 10 Most Popular Posts That Rocked in 2016My Profile

  4. Kathryn Maclean
    Twitter:
    January 15, 2017 at 4:44 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    What a wonderful article for bloggers.
    Many new bloggers have these fears. They just don’t know about these subjects you mentioned.
    Do they put ads all over their sites, do they use all the social media platforms?
    All #8 subjects were great!
    I liked #3 the part about creating your own digital information course.
    I would like to do this but it may be a big waste of time if it isn’t successful.
    Very good information on blogging. One to share for sure.
    Kathryn Maclean recently posted..Types of Business OrganizationMy Profile

  5. Cori Ramos
    Twitter:
    January 9, 2017 at 3:02 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Happy new year!

    This is a great post. I know there are new bloggers who face these fears and I can totally relate because I faced all of these fears when I started blogging – especially when I realized I was building a business. Even six years later I still have clarity issues.

    I faced it last year when I had to take time off from blogging to take care of my mom. During that time I would stress over all there was to do for my blog/business – so much so that I even thought about throwing in the towel because I didn’t see a way for me to manage all the responsibilities to build a business.

    Like you suggested here, I sat down and made a plan that would accommodate my new normal. I had to go back to the drawing board a couple of times until I found the right formula.

    It’s just part of what we have to do if we want to build and grow a business.

    I loved how you closed this post…to wake up everyday and ask ourselves how we can help our readers and just do it – love it!

    Have a great day and week!

    Cori
    Cori Ramos recently posted..Quick Changes You Can Make To Give Your Blog A MakeoverMy Profile

  6. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    January 9, 2017 at 1:54 pm #

    Hello Donna,

    Nice post indeed!

    There are bloggers or I say newbie bloggers who get carried away by seeing other earning and traffic stats, have such type of fears.

    I suggest, start blogging if you love it, and these all things will naturally be built. Yes, some smart work is needed but that is nothing to fear about. Enjoy your work! 🙂
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..How To Do Facebook Search For People Without Logging In?My Profile

  7. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    January 9, 2017 at 9:40 am #

    Hi Amaka,

    You are spot on. Indeed….focus and give value and the rest WILL be history. It takes time, but as long as we keep at it things do fall into place.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Beyond The E-Myth – Michael E. GerberMy Profile

  8. Amaka Adindu
    Twitter:
    January 8, 2017 at 11:58 pm #

    Thank you… for pointing out those fears that holds people back from blogging. One of the one I see is “how will I know what people like or want to read” My reply is focus on giving value and the rest will be history. Just getting started is the key to moving forward with blog and loving the idea to helps. Happy New Year. Have great week.

  9. Lesly T. Federici
    Twitter:
    January 8, 2017 at 8:32 pm #

    Hey Donna,
    How about the fear of just getting started and making mistakes! Mistakes are my best friend now, nobody usually never knows you screwed up except you, right? So don’t tell or post it all over for the world to see (depends on what it is), learn from it and move on …..
    Lesly T. Federici recently posted..Why Hand Holding Can Yield MiraclesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 9, 2017 at 9:36 am #

      Hi Lesly,

      Oh that fear lol. It is one of the biggies! It can turn people around in a flash and keep their jobs and false sense of security. It can stifle their expression of who they are and what they can do for others.

      Mistakes have been my best friend for so long. They are the best teachers we have. We just have to let go and know we are going to goof up. We need a good sense of humor and run with things.

      Thanks so much for bringing that topic up.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Beyond The E-Myth – Michael E. GerberMy Profile

  10. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    January 8, 2017 at 6:15 pm #

    Hi Elise,

    Helping people with their is your business Doc. lol

    It is so fulfilling when you see someone else rise above a problem.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Beyond The E-Myth – Michael E. GerberMy Profile

  11. Dr. Elise Cohen Ho
    Twitter:
    January 8, 2017 at 5:21 pm #

    Helping people to solve their problems is my favorite thing to do. I think that in many ways it is yours too.

    The 30 day challenge sounds pretty interesting. I look forward to hearing more.
    Dr. Elise Cohen Ho recently posted..Why I Do Not Make New Year ResolutionsMy Profile

  12. Deborah A. Ten Brink
    Twitter:
    January 8, 2017 at 4:46 pm #

    Donna, I had to laugh!

    The #1 Fear is so familiar to me! As usual, you have the answer:

    “You only need to tap into a small crowd of people who really like what you are doing.”

    This is true for everyone! I am going to keep this in front of me so that I don’t waste time worrying about how much traffic I get or don’t get. I just need a few people who believe in my and my mission.

    Thank you, Donna, for sharing all of these great tips for 2017!

    Deborah
    Deborah A. Ten Brink recently posted..Inspiration: The Intuitive Orchid [Painting]My Profile

  13. Erika Mohssen-Beyk
    Twitter:
    January 8, 2017 at 4:12 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    Good to see you write about this fears. I see everywhere all are only concerned about traffic and ranking and do not focus on what is more important. I think if one works from the heart and focus really on the work not only on traffic over time success will follow. All these fears rather distract and make designated. No wonder many quit what they started with so much ambition. Because of this myth about traffic and ranking and…. many lose the focus on things that really matter. I think attending your 30-day challenge would be good for many to get another view on this.
    Thank you
    Erika

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 8, 2017 at 5:51 pm #

      So true Erika….

      Focusing on traffic and ranking is pointless. If we are running our own business, we are the tool and the tool needs to be in good shape.

      Acknowledging our fears is so important in order for us to move forward.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Beyond The E-Myth – Michael E. GerberMy Profile

  14. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    January 8, 2017 at 3:43 pm #

    Hi Sue,

    I know how long you have been on this blogging journey and had some setbacks.

    Glad you are taking the 30 day challenge. Experiencing lack of clarity sure gives us a headache doesn’t it?

    I do agree that monetizing with ads pay little, but sometimes…sometimes it can work.

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Beyond The E-Myth – Michael E. GerberMy Profile

  15. Sue Bride
    Twitter:
    January 8, 2017 at 11:33 am #

    I’ve experienced all of these at various times throughout my blogging journey, and what’s important is that you keep going and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. I’m going through a period of lack of clarity right now so your upcoming 30 day challenge is just what I need. I’m looking forward to starting.

    I discovered early on that monetizing with ads pays very little, although I’ve never plastered them everywhere.
    Sue Bride recently posted..How to Easily Make Free Picture QuotesMy Profile

  16. Joy Healey
    Twitter:
    January 7, 2017 at 5:33 pm #

    Happy New Year Donna,

    You probably won’t be surprised to hear that lack of clarity has been my biggest challenge – especially for a large part of 2016.

    Luckily things started to fall into place towards the end – once I gave up chasing paid traffic that just wasted time and money for me. I’ve narrowed my focus and stopped trying to do too much at once. Without any spare time for shiny objects, there’s no temptation!

    I’ve also relaxed about the need to build a mailing list too, and I was always rather short of time to create my own product.

    Hoping I haven’t thrown the baby out with the bath water, but I’m feeling much happier about my business going forward into 2017 than I was for the middle of 2016.

    Joy – Blogging After Dark
    Joy Healey recently posted..New Year Goal Of Serving ClientsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 8, 2017 at 3:38 pm #

      Hi Joy,

      It is so wonderful to know that you are all in with your new endeavor for 2017. I know there was confusion of which way to go in the beginning of 2016. But through the year and loads of work, you have created a venue where you are happy. That is worth so much.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Beyond The E-Myth – Michael E. GerberMy Profile

  17. Joan M Harrington
    Twitter:
    January 7, 2017 at 4:59 pm #

    Hi Donna 🙂

    These are awesome tips for overcoming your fear when it comes to blogging! As I was reading through them I was nodding my head and thinking “yep, I have had ALL of these fears” when I first started blogging…..I love how you have outlined all of the things that YOU can do that will get you to be less fearful, especially for new bloggers who are just starting out 🙂

    Thanks for sharing your value!
    Joan M Harrington recently posted..What Is The Most Powerful Tool in Your Marketing Arsenal?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 8, 2017 at 3:33 pm #

      Hi Joan,

      We may be blogging a long time, but never forget the beginning! We were all full of fears and this is what inspired me to write this for the new and also seasoned blogger. Some just won’t take the next step when fear is blocking them.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Beyond The E-Myth – Michael E. GerberMy Profile

  18. Ruth Bowers
    Twitter:
    January 7, 2017 at 4:47 pm #

    Great post Donna! I totally agree with you on taking the small steps approach. A lot of the fears you mention here are the result of listening to too many IM “gurus” telling you how they think it should be and wanting you to buy their products to do it. Every single one of them can be overcome by taking those small steps you mention – one blog post, one social media interaction, one problem, one solution at a time. Thanks for reminding us of that. 🙂
    Ruth Bowers recently posted..Not Using Video for Your Content? Here are a few stats that might change your mindMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 8, 2017 at 3:28 pm #

      Hi Ruth,

      Exactly…one problem, one solution at a time….Brilliant my friend.

      I love doing those small steps approach because it makes me focus more on each step than I would if I looked down the road.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Beyond The E-Myth – Michael E. GerberMy Profile

  19. Tina Marie
    Twitter:
    January 6, 2017 at 10:28 pm #

    Hi Donna, I think #5 was my biggest fear. I was always told that I had to have a huge list. The money is in the list. But after reading your post, it makes sense. Quality over quantity. I will take that advise. Thanks for sharing.

  20. Rachel Lavern
    Twitter:
    January 6, 2017 at 10:48 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I like how you mentioned solving their problems. Show them the potential of what is possible when they engage with you, seeding that throughout your blog posts. If we take the time to tie together their problem and our solution, magic can begin to happen.
    Rachel Lavern recently posted..Little Known Way to Achieve Your GoalsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 7, 2017 at 11:28 am #

      Hi Rachel,

      People always ask me how they can best monetize their blogs.

      They’re usually interested in sponsored posts, selling ads, Adsense, etc.

      But the single best way, and step #1 to monetize you blog is to offer solutions to the problems that people in your niche have… the main challenges you find among your target audience.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The 30 Day Challenge – Restart Your BusinessMy Profile

  21. Anand January 5, 2017 at 11:05 pm #

    Hi Donna. Spot on post. I think I can safely say all of the above when it comes to these fears. Every blogger, whether new or seasoned, is always worried about getting more traffic, writing great posts, social media strategies, and above all – clarity about what you are doing and what to expect in terms of results. Thank you for the reminder about things to keep in mind while blogging on a daily basis.
    Anand recently posted..How to Implement Click to Call On Your WebsiteMy Profile

  22. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    January 5, 2017 at 1:00 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    All super common fears here.

    Lacking clarity is the big hamstringer, the one thing that feeds all the other fears. Some obsess over trying to do 100 things in 10,000 places because they fear scarcity. Or, they believe in scarcity. If you cling to this fear, you will never have enough, do enough or be enough, even when you see the appearances of success in your life.

    Let go this fear by getting clear. Do things from love. Not fear. Do things for fun. Not because you’re heavily tied to some outcome. Doing fun, freeing things with love creates clarity and that clarity helps you dissolve virtually all blogging fears.

    Awesome post.

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..My Skull Island Fantasy Come True at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National ParkMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 5, 2017 at 7:17 pm #

      Hi Ryan,

      I really appreciate your perspective, here.

      Clarity comes from love not fear.

      You need to really love what you do, and you love to help improving the lives of all those you touch.

      When you do, you really gain clarity because you’re focused on solving people’s problems and challenges, not on an arbitrary outcome you’ve attached to your efforts.

      Well said, and it’s so true.

      Without clarity, none of the other components of your business will run smoothly.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Foolproof Marketing Strategies For BloggersMy Profile

  23. Amar kumar
    Twitter:
    January 5, 2017 at 1:32 am #

    Hey Donna,

    Now-a-days, blogging become very tough due to high competition – almost every newbie blogger and some experienced one get overwhelmed when it comes to topic of traffic to their website but we know very well it need patience and time for smart buildup.

    These are absolutely burning fear factors regarding blogger and they will escape when they apply effective strategies to their native business. Eventually, thanks for sharing your great experience with us.

    With best regards,

    Amar kumar
    Amar kumar recently posted..13 Ways to Easily Update Your Website Content for 2017My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 5, 2017 at 7:10 pm #

      Hi Amar,

      Yes, I agree that getting traffic is one of the major fears that bloggers fear.

      It’s especially daunting for new bloggers who are looking at the top blogs and thinking they can’t begin to attract that kind of traffic.

      It’s tough, too, for bloggers who have been in the business for a while, maybe even years, and they still aren’t getting the volume of traffic they need.

      The answer is to apply “effective strategies” consistently and over a decent amount of time.

      There’s just no substitute for doing that.

      Things can take off quickly for you, but usually, it will take a while to start getting a steady flow of traffic.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do You Spend Money Blogging?My Profile

  24. Darrell Harris
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 9:39 pm #

    Hello Donna
    First off I want to wish you a prosperous 2017. That was a really great post with very helpful advice that’s going to help me. Every blogger has encountered fears and mine has been basically with social media once I start I will look up and see I’ve spent (wasted) 2 to 3 hours. Yes fear can sometimes get in the way of action. Thanks for sharing this value packed post and have a great week ahead.
    Darrell Harris recently posted..So what’s Next for makingbigcashonline.com and You in 2017 ?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 11:57 pm #

      Hi Darrell,

      Let me return the sentiment… have a prosperous 2017 yourself.

      It’s no wonder people fear running a social media campaign.

      Talk about overwhelming, right?

      It’s really easy to spend (waste) hours on social sites, and I’m not talking about doing silly things, but even business things.

      I’ve started using PostPlanner to help me conserve my time and I love it!

      I’ll have to write a review post about it 🙂

      Again, working with a good coach can help you narrow your focus on social media, and that’s what you need to do so you don’t drain all your efforts in one single part of your multi-faceted business.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The 30 Day Challenge – Restart Your BusinessMy Profile

  25. Chery Schmidt
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 9:11 pm #

    Hello & Happy New Year Donna! I loved your post, such great advice! Especially the part about NOT having to be everywhere!! HEHE Oh So True! It takes toms of energy that is for sure.

    I also like how you stated you don’t need huge list to monetize your Blog! I know it is important to always be adding to it, but it is also important to delete those who have no interest in what you are up to.

    Great Share As Always My Friend..
    Chery :))
    Chery Schmidt recently posted..Create A 6 Figure Business From Your Lap TopMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 11:51 pm #

      Hi Chery,

      Nobody can be everywhere, but bloggers so often feel like they have to be.

      It’s no wonder that they lack clarity and give in to that hopeless feeling of overwhelm.

      They’re afraid they just can’t do it all.

      And of course, if they try, their fears are confirmed.

      None of us can do it all.

      Once we understand that, we begin to gain clarity on just how to run our business most effectively.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How Do You Spend Money Blogging?My Profile

  26. Lisa Sicard
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 6:45 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    I have fears like now when I take time off from blogging that I’ve lost my touch and my way of doing things. I’m fearful of things I may have missed or not known in my niche. A restart is just what I may need. A jump start too would sure help!
    Fear can always get in the way of action, sometimes we just have to DO it!
    Hope you have a fantastic 2017 Donna, thanks for the nudge here!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 11:43 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      You are spot on that “fear can always get in the way of action.”

      The solution to this dilemma … “we just have to DO it!”

      I like the fears you mentioned, too… fear of taking time off and losing touch; and fear of having missed something.

      There are so many fears, and those are a good example of a couple I didn’t even really have on this list of the 8 big ones I’ve identified.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Foolproof Marketing Strategies For BloggersMy Profile

  27. Mark
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 6:38 pm #

    Thanks Donna!

    You’ve definitely touched on 8 very common, and
    all too real fears!

    Every blogger of any level of success, has encountered to
    some degree or another.

    And you have reassured us not to push the panic button just yet!LOL!

    Thanks coach! Because as you pointed out, without an experienced coach/mentor to
    help you, it’s so darn easy to get lost in the sea of overwhelm and frustration!

    Thanks for showing us how to avoid that happening!
    Mark recently posted..This Is Why Savvy Entrepreneurs Love The How To Information Business!Part FiveMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 11:38 pm #

      Hi Mark,

      Yes, I agree that every blogger has encountered these fears.

      Don’t panic… for sure.

      Just get down to the business of running your business, and you won’t have time to get bogged down in fear.

      In fact, fear is paralyzing.

      When you are afraid to do all of the 8 things I’ve outlined, then you’re more apt to do nothing.

      Taking action on them, though, quickly gives you a different mindset… you begin to realize that many things you feared you couldn’t do, you actually can.

      And again, this is why it’s so important to work with a coach…. he or she will get you taking action, and taking the right actions.

      That’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it?

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Productivity Tips For BloggersMy Profile

  28. Bren Pace
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 6:24 pm #

    Hi Donna! Happy New Year!

    These are all great points! I tried not to fall into the trap of building a huge email list, creating a digital product and paid campaigns. Although I do take what I read into consideration, I also remember, I like to do it my way. One thing every blogger should remember is that what works for one, may not for the other. Having a good coach, like yourself, is a good way to find your way through blogging. However, there are a lot of money hungry thieves out there that will show you wrong ways. Must be cautious, right?

    Thanks for the tips. Passing it along!

    B
    Bren Pace recently posted..It’s Time to Flush Out 2016 and Welcome In 2017My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 11:05 pm #

      Hi Bren,

      I wouldn’t say that list building, product creation and paid ad campaigns are traps to avoid.

      You are right, though to stay clear of them if they don’t fit into your business model.

      Nobody has to do everything, at least not by themselves.

      You can always hire other people to delegate these things to.

      Most importantly, though, you need to focus on the things that will work for you.

      So even when you try to “do it my way,” a good coach can help you figure out how to put all the pieces together.

      I actually find that a lot of the fear factors fade away when you work with a coach, because you have more confidence in what you’re doing since someone is leading the way, and helping you develop the right strategy and process.

      PS: It’s refreshing to see you doing it “your way”… so many bloggers think they just need to imitate someone else.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The 30 Day Challenge – Restart Your BusinessMy Profile

  29. Lea Bullen
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 4:57 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    And Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the holidays.

    It’s like you’ve read my mind, but I’m sure it’s because you’ve been there before. I identify with the fear of making a course. It’s something that I think I want to do but I do have my doubts. Not sure how I’m going to go but I surely will be reading the post you linked just in case I missed it previously. Thanks for including it.

    ~Lea
    Lea Bullen recently posted..7 Ways to Pound Your Fears into Motivational Pixie DustMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 10:40 pm #

      Hi Lea,

      Creating a course is certainly a big fear that bloggers have.

      I think it’s something that most bloggers like to do at one time or another, especially so they can create their own lead magnet to build a list.

      it’s scary because there are a lot of things you need to coordinate to make it happen… but once you’ve got it down, then you wonder why you were so afraid to do it the first time.

      But, isn’t that always the way??

      Fear is best overcome by taking action on that which you fear.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Foolproof Marketing Strategies For BloggersMy Profile

  30. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 9:31 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Good to be back and good to have you back as well! I’ve been away taking care of dad for a while now, but always good to be back to the blogosphere.

    And of course, wishing you a very Happy New Year as well 🙂

    Your post is spot-on because many bloggers, newbies and the seasoned ones as well, DO have many of the blogging fears you mentioned – some can overcome them, some just remain stuck to them, until they learn more about things over time.

    Wanting tons of traffic and putting ads all over are the main common ones I think, but as you mentioned rightly, you need targeted traffic – the one that matters, and over time they become your blogs return visitors if your blog provides value, isn’t it?

    Yes, many bloggers have fear about their writing skills or feel they cannot write great posts, so shy away or make-do with short posts that don’t add value. You need to just start writing and the words flow – yes, write as if you talk and it cannot get easier than that – agree with you there. I guess that’s what people like about posts that flow naturally.

    Thanks for sharing all of these with us, which would surely help many. Wishing you and David a happy, healthy, and successful year ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..Chicken Soup For The Blogger’s Soul: Blog Anniversary PostMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 10:36 pm #

      Hi Harleena,

      I think we’ve all had most of these fears somewhere along the line.

      But it’s not like you get past them and they’re done.

      For instance, maybe you got past your fear of running paid ads and put together a Facebook ad or two.

      If you did well with them, maybe you’re happy with your results, but each time you have to dig into your budget to buy new ads, the fear can come back again.

      It’s kind of like stage fright.

      You could get past it and do many successful performances or presentations.

      But you probably will always have a little twinge of stage fright, each time you get in front of a microphone or on the stage.

      It’s great to see you back in the flow, my friend…hope all is going well with your dad.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The 30 Day Challenge – Restart Your BusinessMy Profile

  31. Sameer Joshi
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 8:47 am #

    Hi Donna!

    What a fantastic blog post! I think the most powerful messages are personal ones and I can openly state that at some point or the other during my (evolving) online journey, I have found myself confronted with one or more of these fears you so clearly articulate above.

    It is super-fun to read your blog posts as one gets the feeling that one is talking to you in person (very similar to what you yourself suggest other/new bloggers do – write as if you were talking).

    I’ll share a cute little experiment I did after reading your post. I went through it again and read only what you have highlighted as “quotes” in the text. The content and your messaging came out ABSOLUTELY CLEARLY just by doing that – awesome! It was like a little summary of take-home messages at the end.

    Thanks for the post. Loved it.
    Best wishes – Sameer
    Sameer Joshi recently posted..Back on TrackMy Profile

  32. Ilka Emig
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 7:11 am #

    Hi Donna!

    Spot on! I’ve been told ALL of what you’ve mentioned. It used to scare and overwhelm me. And it used to suck the fun and motivation out of me that I had so much of when I started blogging. I agree with you that a small but engaged group of readers is more important than a huge but uninterested group.

    I wish I would have read this post when I started 🙂

    I can only recommend your advice to every new blogger.

    All the best! – Ilka
    Ilka Emig recently posted..Why quitting smoking is the most brutal habit changeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 9:49 pm #

      Hi Ilka,

      It’s always nice to talk with people who have gone through a lot of the battles, and have the scars to prove it.

      Each of these things can truly be scary and overwhelming, but they are things you must endure.

      Success never comes easily or without struggle, but it never comes at all if you get stuck in fear and fail to take the necessary actions.

      Congrats on your perseverance in getting this far, so far.

      Onward 🙂

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Foolproof Marketing Strategies For BloggersMy Profile

  33. Mi Muba
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 4:32 am #

    Hi Donna

    Everybody has different kinds of fears but the way you pointed out 8 blogging fears is spot-on.

    I in the beginning had fear of being non-techie and was so shy to transfer my blog from Blogger to WordPress.

    I read somewhere that staying in your comfort zone is the style of ordinary people while to become extra ordinary one needs to enter the area or field that is not so easy for him.

    Our habit to wait for perfection actually stops us doing things and as a result we think more, plan more but do less.

    Thanks a lot for sharing such a thoughtful read that is a must read especially for newbie.

    Have a great rest of the week.
    Mi Muba recently posted..Are you committing these 6 rare headline mistakes?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 9:36 pm #

      Hi Mi Muba,

      We must get out of that comfort zone, as you say.

      Otherwise, we remain very content to embrace our pattern of failure.

      I’m glad you got past Blogger and became a serious pro blogger, because you certainly are one to emulate.

      Your story is one to embrace for overcoming fear and moving past mediocrity in this business.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Why Does My Blog Fail To Grow And Make Money?My Profile

  34. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 2:56 am #

    What an awesome list Donna – been there, done that across the board! Of all your points, list building is probably the issue I worked through first. I have a healthy list, but it certainly isn’t huge and many of my subscribers have been with me for years. The issue I continue to struggle with is social media – ugh! I know I need to change my approach … no, I need to create an approach instead of free-wheeling it. That’s definitely on the list for this year. Thanks for the reminder and inspiration!
    Marquita Herald recently posted..What It Really Means To Create A VisionMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 9:31 pm #

      HI Marquita,

      The thing is, everybody struggles with different parts of their business.

      For you, right now… it’s social media.

      It might be something else 6 months down the road.

      There are always solutions available to everything, but many people don’t implement them because they get frozen in fear… what if it doesn’t work, what if I spend too much time or money, what if I do it wrong, etc etc.

      The way to walk through the fear is to start with a plan that you have good reason to believe can work, then implement that plan over a long enough period of time to be able to evaluate it.

      Just get started, and don’t stop for 30-60-90 days or whatever you’ve committed to.

      Don’t focus on results during that initial period of implementation… focus on the process and stay committed to it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Why Does My Blog Fail To Grow And Make Money?My Profile

  35. Ash
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 1:54 am #

    As long as I was writing for others, for years, I had none of those fears.

    Initially, when I started, I’d spend all my time and energy with fear — all that writing, blogging, socializing, emailing, running paid campaigns, and watching my stats everyday.

    Now Really, traffic isn’t my concern.

    I stopped dreaming; I am now too busy writing, connecting, and trying to really bridge my heart to my work.

    I have no fear. I have no qualms. I don’t want to sit here and do nothing. Instead, I think I am beginning to like to get out there and fail.

    I don’t care about traffic anymore. I won’t blink an eye if my social following drops suddenly. I am beyond feeling when someone unsubscribes from my list.

    I am liberated. I am no longer a slave to my own construct. All I know is I got to do what I got to do. If I can help anyone, anywhere, I’d be happy 🙂

    Ash
    Ash recently posted..Why Message Matching Landing Pages Are Critical?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 9:18 pm #

      Hi Ash,

      What a great inspiration and attitude.

      And you’ve really hit on something important… “doing it” consistently, persistently, without fail, every day, one step follows the other… when you keep moving forward on your business without regard to results… that simply leaves no room for fear.

      Fear happens when you are dreaming about doing something.

      It dissipates when you starting doing it.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Build Relationships With People Through BloggingMy Profile

  36. Ravi Chahar
    Twitter:
    January 3, 2017 at 1:17 am #

    Hey Donna,

    Every blogger dreams of getting tons of traffic. Many people even quit blogging because of the fear of not getting enough readers.

    In my starting days, I used to think about the possible ways to get more people. I was about to quite but you know, blogging is all about patience.

    People are afraid because they are not able to write a great content. Content is everywhere, it’s up to you. How would you manage to represent your thoughts?

    Thanks for bringing this up.
    ~Ravi
    Ravi Chahar recently posted..12 Things Which Signify That You Have Become A Lame Blogger.My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 9:06 pm #

      Hi Ravi,

      I’m sure glad you didn’t quit, my friend 🙂

      You’re doing such a great job on your blog and in the blogging community.

      I think people are so fearful of getting traffic because in the beginning it just seems impossible.

      You don’t really know what to do so you do a bit of this, then a bit of that, and the truth is… if you don’t just settle on ONE thing and keep doing it and doing it and doing it… you won’t get anywhere.

      When you do get on the right path and STAY in that groove, you will attract the traffic that you were so afraid you could never get.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Why Does My Blog Fail To Grow And Make Money?My Profile

  37. Sherman Smith January 2, 2017 at 11:55 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    First off, Happy New Year!

    This post is a great way to start the new year! I can only imagine how many people out there who have these fears. But it’s posts like this that lets you know that there are people out there who are empathetic and provide solutions.

    The point that resonated with me the most was #8. I felt like I had to do everything a few years into blogging. But although I was working hard, I really wasn’t getting anywhere. I wasn’t clear as to what I should be doing daily.

    It took me a few years to figure out, but with all the mistakes I’ve made, I actually learned from them. We all go through this which is why we’re at the point we’re at now. We just have to figure out ways to keep progression without going crazy lol

    Thanks for the sharing Donna! Have a great week!
    Sherman Smith recently posted..Thrive Content Builder Review: Best Drag And Drop Website BuilderMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      January 3, 2017 at 9:01 pm #

      Hi Sherman,

      I think everyone resonates with #8 – Lack of Clarity.

      I mean, let’s face it, there are MANY working parts in the machine we call a blog.

      They all need tending to.

      It’s just not always easy trying to see clearly where to start, when to back off, how to scale up specific parts of our business.

      We usually try to do it all until we get overwhelmed enough that we realize… STOP… we’ve got to get a handle on just exactly what to do.

      Once this happens, you find you can work far less and get much greater results.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..The 30 Day Challenge – Restart Your BusinessMy Profile

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