This post was most recently updated on July 31st, 2016
I’ve asked Harleena Singh to write this guest post as to “why bloggers fail in blogging,” and how to avoid that possible failure.Harleena is a passionate blogger and founder of Aha!NOW, which is one of the most popular self development blogs.
She also offers blogging advice and consultancy.
Many new bloggers are afraid of failing in blogging, especially when they invest a great deal of their time and money into it.
So, I’m happy to share with you now, Harleena’s advice for how to avoid failure.
Why Bloggers Fail In Blogging (And How To Avoid That)
Thank you Donna for this wonderful opportunity – I was so thrilled when you asked me to be your guest on your blog!
In this post I’m going to share my blogging experiences hoping that your blog readers will benefit in some ways.
In my more than four years of blogging, I’ve seen many bloggers come and go.
That’s because a majority of bloggers fail in blogging or quit within a year of starting their blogs. There could be many reasons for their quitting, but let’s not get into those details here.
Except for a few familiar faces, every year I see some new faces and blogs.
Today I’m going to delve into some factors that bloggers need to consider to avoid failure in blogging.
Though my suggestions may not guarantee success in blogging, if followed, bloggers will have better chance of sustaining and continuing blogging while enjoying it.
However, before going any further, let me tell you that success in blogging is interpreted differently by different people.
It can be running a blog for a long time, making many online friends, getting big number of followers on social media, or becoming a popular blogger among the many interpretations of successful blogging.
Eventually, every blogger expects that the results of blogging should commensurate with the efforts and time put into blogging.
Since time is money, most people consider the blogging income as a yardstick of success in blogging.
It doesn’t matter what you consider as failure or success in blogging, you might find my thoughts and suggestions helpful.
Starting With The Basics Of Blogging
If you understand the basics of blogging and your foundation is strong, your blogging approach and attitude will be more practical.
First, you need to contemplate and define the basic concepts and terms of blogging for better understanding by answering these questions:
- What is blogging?
- What is a blog?
- What do bloggers do?
Pretty simple, isn’t it?
Ironically, not everybody who ventures into blogging does any serious thinking on these terms.
Most people just jump into the blogging arena assuming that they will make it big like the great names in blogging.
However, that really doesn’t just happen. Mere wishes and assumptions are not going to be true if you do not understand and implement the basics.
Ironically, not everybody who ventures into blogging does any serious thinking on these terms.
Most people just jump into the blogging arena assuming that they will make it big like the great names in blogging.
However, that really doesn’t just happen. Mere wishes and assumptions are not going to be true if you do not understand and implement the basics.
What Is Blogging
I’m not going to go into details about what is blogging here, as you can read a lot about it on the Internet. But I’m going to tell you what concept and reasons of blogging people have when they start their blogs.
Personal Journal – This is how blogging started, as your personal diary – a record of important events and incidents of your life, or a showcase of your thoughts.
Nothing bad in that but most people become disinterested in such log records and discontinue blogging.
Even if they continue, they hardly get any readership, unless they are celebrities, of course.
Passive Income – Honestly speaking, this is the reason why majority of people start blogging. For them, blogging is like a magic wand – start it and you will keep generating money magically!
Alas, this is just a false dream.
It may have worked a bit in the past, but today if you are passively engaged into blogging, you may pass out of blogging without earning a penny (this is a bit exaggerated but you may not earn income as per your expectations!).
Pursuing Hobby – It is good to follow what you love, so hobby blogging should be a good thing to do.
But how many people really sustain their hobby blogs?
There are recurring expenses and since they don’t have many blog visitors, monetization options like Google Adsense don’t really give much return.
Even blogging on social interests fails after some time because blogging is not easy.
That’s right – this is one of the harsh realities of blogging. I’ve a post that goes by this title on my blog and it describes the many fallacies and obstacles of blogging.
If you are doing this and only this, I’m afraid you might fail in blogging.
Blogging requires more planning, hard work, and your time.
Blogging is a time-consuming job!
It requires you to engage socially with people on your own blog, on other blogs, and on various social media networks, besides creating quality content that is not about yourself but useful to the readers.
Blogging is not about being passive but requires your input and interactions on a daily basis. You have more chances of earning passive income from your blog if you are actively blogging.
Which of the above-mentioned categories do you fall into?
None of them? That’s very good! 🙂
However, even if you did, you can still change your course and head towards the path of success, whatever it is as per your personal definition.
None of them? That’s very good! 🙂
However, even if you did, you can still change your course and head towards the path of success, whatever it is as per your personal definition.
What Is A Blog
A blog is a repository of articles that can be accessed online.
Is this your definition of a blog?
Well, you are correct, but this is only a part of the answer.
You can add that a blog is a medium to express your feelings and interact with the visitors, to mutually exchange diverse point of views.
A blog also becomes a social hub and a gathering place of like-minded people where conversations are the lifeline. It can also be a place where people look for solutions.
Your blog can also be a marketplace or your little shop where you sell your products and services. If you have an existing business, your blog can be the tool to cater to customers or potential clients.
A blog can become your business or a business tool, depending on your resources and revenue model. It is also a medium to help you develop a list of interested readers or potential customers.
What are your views about a blog?
Is this your definition of a blog?
Well, you are correct, but this is only a part of the answer.
You can add that a blog is a medium to express your feelings and interact with the visitors, to mutually exchange diverse point of views.
A blog also becomes a social hub and a gathering place of like-minded people where conversations are the lifeline. It can also be a place where people look for solutions.
Your blog can also be a marketplace or your little shop where you sell your products and services. If you have an existing business, your blog can be the tool to cater to customers or potential clients.
A blog can become your business or a business tool, depending on your resources and revenue model. It is also a medium to help you develop a list of interested readers or potential customers.
What are your views about a blog?
Do you still think it is merely a collection of blog posts?
Let me know in the comments below.
You’d be limiting yourself and curtailing its potential if you think so. If you wish to be successful in blogging, you need to look at your blog from a different perspective.
Your blog is a direct or indirect mode of earning authority, gaining popularity, earning revenue, and a mode of creating brand value through active blogging.
Let me know in the comments below.
You’d be limiting yourself and curtailing its potential if you think so. If you wish to be successful in blogging, you need to look at your blog from a different perspective.
Your blog is a direct or indirect mode of earning authority, gaining popularity, earning revenue, and a mode of creating brand value through active blogging.
What Should Bloggers Do?
By now I think you have the complete picture and would be able to define what a blogger should not do so as not to fail in blogging.
Conversely, here is what you as a blogger should do to be successful in blogging.
Conversely, here is what you as a blogger should do to be successful in blogging.
10+1 Things Bloggers Should Do To Avoid Failure In Blogging
You might be doing some of these things already while the others of you might be working on your blogging agenda.
Don’t forget to check out the bonus tip!
1) Create quality content that is well formatted and presented
2) Deliver new and useful information even if it is based on your personal experiences
3) Solve the problems of your readers
4) Keep your readers interested and have them come back for more
5) Become an authority of a niche and help people
6) Develop your blog aesthetically, navigationally, and technically to create a better user experience
7) Engage your blog readers through comments
8) Promote your blog and interact with people and fellow bloggers on social media
9) Develop relationships with other bloggers through reciprocation and blog commenting
10) Create a blog community and a list of interested readers with email addresses
Don’t forget to check out the bonus tip!
1) Create quality content that is well formatted and presented
2) Deliver new and useful information even if it is based on your personal experiences
3) Solve the problems of your readers
4) Keep your readers interested and have them come back for more
5) Become an authority of a niche and help people
6) Develop your blog aesthetically, navigationally, and technically to create a better user experience
7) Engage your blog readers through comments
8) Promote your blog and interact with people and fellow bloggers on social media
9) Develop relationships with other bloggers through reciprocation and blog commenting
10) Create a blog community and a list of interested readers with email addresses
If you do the above ten things, you have better chances of becoming successful as a blogger. However, if you implement this final and eleventh suggestion, you will never fail in blogging.
11) Finally but most importantly, directly or indirectly develop your blog as a source of revenue so that it fuels your passion to remain committed and consistent in blogging.
You may not be into blogging for the sake of money as I too was like that initially.
But considering that blogging takes much of your time, if you commit yourself fully to it, you need to earn through it, else your livelihood suffers.
I think most bloggers fail in blogging because they are not able to earn through their blogs. Some even leave their full-time jobs, only to regret later.
Of course, some even drop off the blogging path either because they find it too taxing or their blogging bubble bursts as it was based on blogging myths and not the realities, or perhaps some other reasons.
If you want to avoid failure as a blogger, you need to develop a plan, keep working on it, and have patience.
Blogging can be fruitful if you do the right things under the right guidance.
Donna’s blogging magic and mentorship plans would be really helpful to have a smooth and successful blogging journey.
Please share your thoughts in the comments on why bloggers fail in blogging and what they should do to avoid it.
Needless to say, if you liked the post, please share it with your friend’s.
Donna and I would appreciate it 🙂
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.
Twitter: erthorpe
November 12, 2015 at 7:14 pm #
Hi Donna & Harleena,
Get well soon Donna. On the meantime, thank you for bringing in Harleena. And, thank you Harleena for the clear definition of blogging:
“Your blog is a direct or indirect mode of earning authority, gaining popularity, earning revenue, and a mode of creating brand value through active blogging.”
I so identified with every word in this post of why bloggers fail. I, too, started my blog as a sorta personal journal deal.
Soon discovered how bored I was with myself and started added content aimed at helping other people like myself.
First thing ya know, I’m working my uh, behind, off. Now, I’m trying to figure out how to generate a little income.
My finding thus far: ‘Blogging Ain’t For Sissies!’
Edward
Edward Thorpe recently posted..Nutritiously Healthy Breakfast Recipes That Taste Good
First of all, Thank You to Harleena Ji, and Donna for sharing “why bloggers fail in blogging,”.
I have listened a lot that in the inital stage of blogging carrier, People have spirit and most of them stop putting efforts within next 120 days.
I have just started out my blogging journey and reading the post like this helps in getting some of our strategy fixed before losing interest and heading toward failure.You have to be passionate about your topics, so you can never get burned out from creating compelling content.
Twitter: marcie_hill
September 9, 2015 at 10:11 pm #
Hi Harleena,
This was a very informative post. I would like to add to your thoughts with an infographic I had created about what bloggers really do. We do more than create and promote content. As you stated, it’s a lot of time, effort and creativity. Check out my infographic when you get a chance.
Twitter: msellithorpe
September 6, 2015 at 12:37 pm #
Hi Donna and Harleena,
Thank you both for providing and writing such a great post with detailed blogging information. In fact, I think I will go back and read it again to let those points Harleena mentioned sink in again.
Keeping a blog running is hard work but if you find what is going to keep your engaged for the long term, that hard work will pay off in the long run.
Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..We Are All Coaches
Twitter: WillenaRose
August 9, 2015 at 4:09 am #
Hi Harleena,
I think your name rhymes with mine. 🙂
I started my first blog in 2003 as a way of keeping faraway friends and family updated on what was happening in my family. Even at that time, it wasn’t just a collection of posts, but was always with them in mind. My new writing blog has several purposes.
That’s a great list you’ve put together for how not to fail in blogging. Good advice for the experienced blogger as well as for the newbie.
Willena Flewelling recently posted..Words by Wrose on Facebook – #31DBBBDay3
Twitter: harleenas
August 9, 2015 at 9:58 am #
Hi Willena,
Nice meeting you at Donna’s blog. 🙂
Yes indeed, our names do rhyme and that’s so wonderful! Good to know about your blog and the journey so far. I think most of us start our blogs and later change direction, for the better. I know I have and it’s always good to keep changing to improve.
Glad you liked the post and could relate to it as well.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: crosswebideas
July 30, 2015 at 5:14 pm #
Hi, Donna and Harleena, thanks for an interesting post.
I’ve told Harleena already that I’m amazed you’ve only been blogging for four years. That alone is a huge inspiration 🙂
I suppose I’ve fallen into every single one of those categories of bloggers who started out badly. I am slowly getting on board with how I should be blogging but it takes ages to change course!
I like a lot of the advice you give but most of all where you say that a blog is more than a collection of posts – I suppose you’ve most clearly illustrated that with the ABC community. Outside blogging this aspect of community isn’t clear, it’s just another post you click on in Google. What you say about the importance of your blog being a source of revenue, that’s crucial too and I’m so pleased you’re so up-front about it, a lot of bloggers seem to speak about just the helping other people aspect without saying they’ve got to pay the bills too.
Most definitely inspired, both of you have a good week!
Twitter: harleenas
August 1, 2015 at 4:46 am #
Hi Donald,
Good to see you here, and so glad you liked the post as well. 🙂
Yes, you did mention that, and I’m glad if I’ve inspired you in some way.
As I mentioned in a few of my comments above, you’re certainly not the only one to have made mistakes because we’ve ALL made some of them. I guess that’s just the way we learn and become better, isn’t it?
That’s true – a blog goes much beyond a place where you share posts. Those were perhaps the old days, as nowadays you have so much to takeaway from blog posts, which includes the interesting comments that add value to the post, new friendships, and a lot of knowledge shared through such interactions. Not to mention the social media and the source of revenue that blogs can generate, if you make it your business.
I’m so glad you’re part of the ABC too and liking it as well. I guess as a blogger we need to wear many hats, including helping each other by being there at time of need, visit each others blogs, comment and share each other’s posts, and of course – take out time to maintain our businesses too. Living in the blogosphere, which is all online, one needs to be everywhere and do everything that’s possible for us.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. Have a nice weekend. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: imblog101
July 29, 2015 at 7:11 pm #
Hi Donna and Harleena!
What a great post on this topic!
You have said it all, when it comes to information about building a successful blog online these days!
Anyone can build a successful blog online, but not everyone will. That is just the raw truth, right!
Two of the most important things about building a successful blog online, I would say, is Passion and Consistency. You have to be passionate about your topics, so you can never get burned out from creating compelling content.
You also have to be very consistent with all of the necessary work online. Especially with the marketing part. Because, as you already know, getting a big amount of visitors to your content, on a daily basis, is key to building a successful blog online!
Just my 2 cents here! 🙂
Keep up the great work guys!
Have a fantastic week! 😀
FreddyGandarilla recently posted..EPISODE 3: What is the Fastest Way to Make Money Online? [Podcast]
Twitter: harleenas
July 31, 2015 at 12:58 am #
Hi Freddy,
Good to see you here, and glad you liked the post as well. 🙂
That’s true. Building a successful blog online is not easy, unless you give it your all. But then how many are really willing to go ahead with it is what matters, isn’t it?
Yes indeed, if you are passionate about your blog, I’m sure you’d find ways to be consistent too. I guess once you have both these traits, you become committed to yourself, your blog, and your readers. If a blogger has the above qualities, getting visitors or traffic to their blogs would follow, which would lead to greater success.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. Have a nice weekend as well. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: Carol_Amato_
July 28, 2015 at 11:39 pm #
Hi, Donna,
Thank you for inviting Harleena – what a wonderful topic, Donna, and I know you’re very particular because you really care about your readers, I’ve always appreciated that about you.
Hey, Harleena – you put forth a wonderful article – I’m so glad you shared lessons from your journey of blogging because I’ve gleaned so much from you over the last year, and this post is no exception to that.
You shared that you’ve seen so many bloggers come and go, and it’s true and sad at the same time. This coming November, my blog will be 5 years old, and it has not been easy, as you also know very well.
Helping folks avoid failure is such a wonderful thing, so I will definitely be sharing this article out to spread the word.
I love that you don’t take it for granted that folks know what blogging is and what bloggers do. You are meeting people where they are because you’re right, not everyone considers this, and it bears iterating.
My favorite take away is: “Blogging can be fruitful if you do the right things” <— Golden advice!
So many get this wrong! They want to ‘do things right’ but that leads to failure. We all need to do the right things at the right time, and that’s the key.
Awesome share, Harleena, and I want to thank you for providing these tips.
Talk soon,
Carol Amato
Carol Amato recently posted..Carol’s Cut – Best of the Month 3
Twitter: harleenas
July 29, 2015 at 2:09 am #
Hi Carol,
Thank you for your kind words, and so glad you liked the post as well. 🙂
Yes, it is sad to see so many bloggers come and go, especially if they are friend’s you’ve known, though there could be many reasons attached to it.
Oh my! 5 years – I didn’t know that- you’ve been blogging for so long, thus the wonderful posts you share at your blog, which helps us learn something new each time we visit it.
That’s true, and as bloggers it’s our responsibility to help the newbies from calling it quits. We do appreciate the share.
Not everyone I meet knows the real meaning of a blog, or what blogging is all about, or what all it takes to be a blogger. Certain basic concept always need to be cleared, isn’t it? Blogging certainly isn’t easy, but if you take the right steps, nothing could be better.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your views with us. We appreciate it a great deal. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: lorrainereguly
July 28, 2015 at 10:44 pm #
Bloggers fail for many reasons, but burnout is probably one of the most common reasons bloggers give up.
I might be feeling this way right now because I’m on vacation and am LOVING IT.
I have been publishing posts regularly for over two years on Wording Well, and over a year on Laying It Out There.
I’m still publishing posts on Wording Well, but not on my author site.
I am earning money, so that’s not the reason I don’t want to blog much right now; it’s more to do with enjoying the nice weather while it’s here (I live in Canada and it is only nice during July and August).
Anyway, gotta go, as my nephew is waiting to play cards!
Great post, ladies!
Twitter: harleenas
July 29, 2015 at 1:58 am #
Hi Lorraine,
You are absolutely right, and that’s another reason for bloggers failing, especially for those who tend to take on a lot on themselves.
I know you are on vacation, and I wish you the very best – have a lovely time, because you deserve the break! We all do, don’t we?
Yes, I noticed that, so I guess you wrote them all well before hand. That’s just what I used to do two years back, but later I started putting a complete stop to any posts, as I dread taking up the comments once I’m back. More so, one needs to make those return visits too!
Thanks for stopping by, and have an awesome break! We appreciate you stopping by. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: vanmarciano
July 28, 2015 at 4:51 am #
Hi Donna, Hi Harleena, wonderful post, I’m a bit late reading it but you’ve provided some very useful tips here.
You know when I started blogging 5 years ago, after a few years at it I failed and started all over a about 2 years ago. I failed for one or two of the reasons you’ve outlined in this post, but the biggest reason I think was because I didn’t really know “why” I was blogging. I didn’t really have a vision, a goal, I just thought that passion was enough. We all know without knowing our “why’s” this can affect everything else we do, like our focus and inspiration.
So I think knowing why you’re passionate and inspired about blogging and making a real difference in the world is very important to helping you succeed, I think people are attracted mostly by why you’re inspired do something, like blogging and creating great content and building a loyal following and teaching others, and not so much what you do it for.
Brilliant post once again, should do a lot of bloggers needing a motivational boost a lot of justice.
All the best and have a wonderful rest of the week – Fabrizio
Fabrizio Van Marciano recently posted..New eBook Launch: Definitive Guide To Smarter Blogging Is Finally Here
Twitter: harleenas
July 29, 2015 at 1:48 am #
Hi Fabrizio,
Glad you liked the post, and don’t worry – you’re never late here. (I’m sure Donna agrees with me!)
Yes, I read about your blogging journey earlier and it’s commendable to make a come back, especially after calling it quits, and that too in the same field or profession, which is very rare. I guess you must have learnt so much over these years and all that you do and share now, would be so valuable.
There could be so many reasons why bloggers fail or quit, and as you mentioned, not knowing your purpose or why you are really blogging is a major one too. Perhaps we realize our purpose after a while, as was the case with me, but once I knew what it was, there was no turning back.
Having a plan in hand, a focus, a goal, accompanied by passion – is the only way we really proceed towards success.
You’re absolutely right there, people like to know the reason why we are inspired to do what we do more than anything else.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: mikecottam73
July 28, 2015 at 3:07 am #
Hi Harleena and Donna
Thanks so much for an engaging post, its really made me think about my own idea of what a blog should be.
In my experience, my worst mistake ever was thinking that I could just sit and write a blog and people would visit. Wrong! I now understand that my idea of what a blog is, is wrong on many levels.
So thank you – I’m off to re-jingle my blog and hopefully I can start ticking those boxes!
I’m also going to head over to your blog Harleena and get myself some more wisdom on blogging.
Best wishes
Mike
Twitter: harleenas
August 1, 2015 at 4:36 am #
Hi Mike,
Good to meet you at Donna’s blog 🙂
Glad you liked the post and could relate to it as well.
You’re certainly not the only one to have made that mistake as a lot of new bloggers and even a few seasoned ones realize the power of a community a little later in the blogging career. I wish blogging was as easy as writing a post and that’s it!
However, once you reach a certain stage in your blogging career, just like a few pro-bloggers or the ‘gurus’ of blogging as they’re called, one can just write a post and we have loads of people visiting the post. But such probloggers have done their spade work long back and are reaping the profits now, isn’t it? We still need to reach that stage I guess. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to your visit on my blog too. We appreciate it 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: bgjen
July 27, 2015 at 5:18 pm #
Hi Donna and Harleena. Great posts and lots of valuable tips. I think for me part of the reason someone fails is lack of focus… but now as I’m starting to rethink things, I also believe that people have more than this one interest and end up with many different blogs. Although, I see the understanding in it intially, I also thing it’s kind of hard to keep up with…so I divided interests maybe would be a cause. For me the solution would be to put all of your interests together under different menus. I haven’t done it yet, but plan to as I see a couple of friends are doing it successfully. Thanks for all of your tips!
BG Jenkins recently posted..Oh, Sweet Pea
Twitter: harleenas
July 28, 2015 at 12:02 am #
Hi BG,
Good to meet you at Donna’s blog, and so glad you liked the post 🙂
I agree with you about some bloggers failing due to lack of focus, which might be because they don’t plan ahead. Having different blogs diverts their attention, though no harm having them, if they can manage them well.
Yes, it certainly becomes hard to keep up with many blogs, unless you have other authors or guest posts and don’t blog alone. That was one reason I shifted focus to just one blog, instead of the two I had earlier, though now I’m starting another one, but for different reasons. I think it all comes down to time management and seeing if you can manage more than one blog, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: BarbaraCharles
July 26, 2015 at 10:36 pm #
Hi Harleena and Donna,
I know I almost gave up a number of times. Donna knows when we started our Mastermind group that it was an issue with me. I was so discouraged that I didn’t seem to be going anywhere and couldn’t seem to get it off the ground even though I had had 3 blogs.
There were tough lessons to be learned particularly learning how to provide good content and talk to the people who I needed to reach.
Great post Harleena and much needed for all of us as a reminder.
Thanks for being a poster on Donna’s blog.
Barbara
Barbara Charles recently posted..How To Succeed Online Redefining Your Blog
Twitter: harleenas
July 27, 2015 at 1:09 am #
Hi Barbara,
You’re not the only one to have had such feelings as most of us go through that phase. 🙂
I think it takes a while to pick up pace as blogging is so vast, especially the learning curve, which can take months to years. More so, it’s only when we implement what we learn, do we really understand how it all works.
That’s true – writing valuable and quality content isn’t easy for all, nor is it easy to know where your target audience lies. I guess takes a series of hit and trials before you strike the right chord, but gradually does it, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: joyhealey
July 26, 2015 at 9:11 pm #
Hi Harleena and Donna,
Very thought-provoking post!
I have to confess that if I’d know just how HARD blogging is, I don’t think I’d ever have started. But, having started, I’m a stubborn old thing, so I’m plodding on having (probably) made every mistake in the book.
It’s said that it’s very easy to put up a WordPress blog and just “go for it”, but I’ve had no end of technical problems that have had me pulling my hair out. I just want to write, not “get technical”.
Analyzing my own mistakes, the most time-consuming ones that nearly had me quitting were probably caused by trying to “cut costs”.
So my advice to anyone new would be to accept that blogging for free (as a business) is just a dream. Set a budget. You’ll save time and money in the long-run by not having to re-invent the wheel every 6 months or so.
Glad to see you here Harleena, and hope you’re enjoying your summer break.
Joy
Joy Healey recently posted..Solving the Problems of Network Marketing
Twitter: harleenas
July 27, 2015 at 12:37 am #
Hi Joy,
Glad you liked the post. 🙂
I can understand that you mean, and blogging certainly is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work and unless you don’t put in ALL your efforts, it’s tough to get the desired results.
You’re doing well for yourself, Joy, especially having gone through the down times recently. I guess as long as we keep pushing ourselves, nothing can stop us. More so, we have our lovely circle of friend’s who pull us through, isn’t it? 🙂
We sail in the same boat where technical issues are concerned. I fear them too, but so glad my hubby’s there to take care, just like Donna’s got her better half to do the needful too.
Absolutely! However, I don’t blame new bloggers where cutting costs is concerned as it takes a while before they start earning from their blogs, so they wouldn’t like to spend. But certain things are essential, and you get better returns if you spend a little, especially if you wish to earn from your blogs and make it a business for you.
Your advice is wonderful about planning things out and setting a budget, as that would surely save time and money in the long run.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. Yes, enjoying my work break as I’m working on my new projects too. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: uttoransen
July 23, 2015 at 3:26 pm #
Hey Harleena and Donna,
It is sad when we see blogs die but it is a cold hard truth that every year only a few bloggers manage to keep afloat while several others quit. Most leave without even a goodbye!
But they all have the same way of quitting, their posting becomes rare to none – their social media presence diminishes slowly – and most of them hit a slow death.
About passive income, while you mention why failing to get a passive income from blog can be a reason to quitting – from personal experience, I succeeded in getting a passive income from micro-niche blogging and that too was a reason why I lost my own focus with blogging. Passive income is bad for blogging either way! It might bring money, even organic search traffic – but the engagement part does suffer when the blogger stops being active.
The only way to keep an active blog is to stay active on the blogosphere by taking part in comments, social sharing and keeping an active posting schedule. Anything passive – and it is a warning sign. Like they say, today’s passive blog is tomorrows dead blog.
Agree with you on all the points, monatization is important too – but without sacrificing on the activity and the engagement.
thanks,
Uttoran Sen,
Uttoran Sen recently posted..15 Social Media Trends to Watch Out For In 2015
Twitter: harleenas
July 24, 2015 at 3:08 am #
Hi Uttoran,
Yes indeed, it is sad to see so many blogs closing down, though there could be many reasons to it.
It must be tough for bloggers to close something they started with great enthusiasm. Some bloggers announce the closure of their blogs boldly due to reasons like health issues or because they are shifting their direction to something better, which is the right way to go about it. While a few others just stop blogging, which results in their gradual death, as you mentioned.
I can understand what you mean about passive income and it being the reason for losing your focus in blogging, though you are back now! I guess even if you have niche blogs, you should carry on blogging and building relationships with fellow bloggers. Never put all your eggs in one basket, as they say. 🙂
True – niche blogging may bring you the money, but you cannot survive long in the blogosphere without engagement and interaction with others. As bloggers, we need to wear many hats and be ‘visible’, through blog comments, social media, and wherever possible.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: notnowmomsbusy
July 22, 2015 at 12:03 am #
Hi Harleena and Donna,
As always you shared some valuable advice here. Your tips were spot on. There could be a number of reasons why a blogger fails. The two I think are major factors is that they realize it’s not as easy as it looks and that making money doesn’t happen overnight.
I have seen bloggers come and go as well and I’ve wondered what happened that made them suddenly stop blogging.
I’ve lost count with the number of times I wanted to throw in the towel. But then I think of how much work I’ve put in, how much I’ve learned, the connections I’ve made, not to mention how much my blog has grown, well that just reignites my passion for blogging and I get back on track.
In order to be successful we do have to have the right guidance and find a motivator. I enjoy reading blog posts that share a bloggers monthly earnings. It’s such a motivator knowing if I continued to work hard that I could soon be making the amount of money they make.
As always Harleena, this was a wonderful post. Thank you Donna for asking her to share her tips here.
I hope you both are having a great week!
Take care,
Cori
Corina Ramos recently posted..How to Save Money on Your Dream Nursery
Twitter: harleenas
July 22, 2015 at 9:44 am #
Hi Corina,
Thanks so much for your kind words, and so glad you liked the post as well. 🙂
I agree with you there, and perhaps once they realize that money making takes more time than they imagined, they start looking for other options by quitting blogging. I wish they’d just hold on a little longer!
I’ve felt the same way Cori, and it’s sad because some of them were our good friend’s.
Such feelings come and go with all of us I think. But just as you mentioned, when you think of all you’ve done and how far you’ve come, not to mention the connections made and most importantly, the commitment made to our readers – we just cannot leave.
The right guidance, and also the right people or blogging friend’s who are always beside us. Atish mentioned in his comment above yours about those income reports, which is true – we can never really say if they are really all true, though wish the best for them. But of course, it’s good to keep working our way up to achieve success.
Thanks so much for stopping by. We appreciate it, and have a lovely rest of the week too 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: atishranjan
July 21, 2015 at 4:13 pm #
Hello Harleena,
Glad to see you at Donna’s blog.
There are many reasons bloggers fail as you have written up already in the article. I don’t know whether I am right or wrong, but sometimes many so called probloggers are the reasons as well. I am not blaming them but they are guilty to a few extent.
I am saying this because many newbies come to me asking I saw X blogger is making money in six figure, so I can also make atleast some money in 5 figure.
There are 2 scenarios here, 1st – the X blogger has shared fake income reports that tempted those newbies to plunge into blogging to make huge money
2nd – the X bogger has shared genuine income reports, but those newbies started to think to start blogging without knowing the fact that how much work that blogger has done to reach to this level.
I have seen the 1st scenario so much in blogosphere. it has become a trend of sharing fake reports and pretending in a way that they are genuine.
I know many bloggers who are not in limelight nor they share such reports, but they are making huge.
Thanks for this awesome post Harleena.
Atish Ranjan recently posted..10 Blogging Tips For Beginners
Twitter: harleenas
July 22, 2015 at 9:32 am #
Hi Atish,
Good to see you here as well. 🙂
You are absolutely right in all that you mentioned, and I think I did say the same in one of my comments above, but not as well as you explained here.
I think most new bloggers get starry eyed seeing such reports, especially on Facebook, where people share such things all the time, without realizing the effect it will have on the newbies.
I’ve seen such reports too and often wondered myself, as to whether they are real, so I can well imagine what the new bloggers would be going through! They look fake honestly speaking, and I wonder why they are shared so openly in the first place too. 🙂
Yes indeed, sometimes the reports maybe true, but such bloggers have worked hard to earn such figures, which new bloggers don’t realize.
It makes sense to understand overall that money is not the start and end of all things. New bloggers need to concentrate on their blogs, be consistent, and remain dedicated for a while before getting the desired results, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: atishranjan
July 22, 2015 at 9:44 am #
Yes, you are right!
Whenever I see a report like this, it doesn’t motivate it me ever.
I am not sure about other bloggers, but in our Indian blogosphere sharing such reports and pretending themselves as great earner, great SEO is becoming very common, and they do it to gain more followers that surely later increase their affiliate sales.
This is a kind strategy, but they don’t even think how many newbies will go on wrong path. I don’t share such reports, but when someone said me to share, and I said I don’t like to do such things. That person said it motivates others! but in my opinion most of the time it does more wrong than good!
Atish Ranjan recently posted..10 Blogging Tips For Beginners
Twitter: harleenas
July 22, 2015 at 9:52 am #
It’s the same with me, Atish. 🙂
In fact, it’s annoying if we are tagged in such updates, which happens often. Oh yes….happens a lot at our end, and I wish it wasn’t the case. It’s actually just a way of flaunting yourself unnecessarily.
It’s the new bloggers who get the wrong message in all of this scenario. I wonder how anyone is motivated in seeing such false reports, as they can be easily created I believe. I’ve seen some new bloggers come up with such reports too!
I agree with you there, all of this just diverts newbies to going the wrong way in most of the cases and think only about money!
Thanks once again for your feedback 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: Techbluemoon
July 27, 2015 at 2:54 am #
Hi Atish and Harleena ma’am,
I could not stop myself from chiming in the discussion reading your comments.
I think all of us are aware how people fake their statistics and earning reports which proves no point.
I always prefer dropping in an encouraging comment under posts or social media updates where people highlight what their readers are saying about them.
I fail to understand why would anyone want to claim that they are an expert in Affiliate sales or SEO and tag a bunch of people. I find it funny. In fact, I mention at hundreds of places that I am so bad at SEO that my major traffic comes from social media (Twitter).
I think showing vulnerability makes people like you more.
I feel some people are on a mission to spread ignorance. Atish raised a good point there.
Thanks again Harleena ma’am for this post. I re-read the 11 points. 🙂
Rohan.
Rohan Chaubey recently posted..13 Remarkable Situations Which Fascinates Bloggers Quickly
Twitter: harleenas
August 1, 2015 at 4:30 am #
Good to have you back Rohan, and so glad you joined us again. 🙂
I agree with you about the fake reports, and I have never really understood the real reason as to why they do what they do, to date!
Sharing posts and interacting through commenting on updates or otherwise is the best way, rather than blowing your own trumpet the way some of the bloggers do.
Yes, such bloggers love to harp on their achievements, whether true or false, but then why tag a certain set of people? Such updates can be shared generally, if required, which just goes to show their main aim of putting up such updates.
True. Just be who you are and be true to yourself and others. Like you, I’m not good at SEO nor making money, though I always admit that I am learning. Yes, my traffic comes from social media too, so we do have something common there, though you are a PRO on Twitter my young friend! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and I agree, this was an interesting point raised by Atish, and followed up by you as well. Kind of you to take out time again to read through the points, much appreciated. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: CopyWarner
July 20, 2015 at 11:17 pm #
Hey Donna,
Great post here and choice to have Harleena on here.
I agree on many of the reasons why bloggers fail. I think that many newbies become truly overwhelmed by it and the lack of results right away. They don’t get as many subscribers, shares or comments … or make any money and they want to give up. Not realizing that it takes time … probably time they don’t have.
But the thing about blogging is that it’s the only industry that people are truly helpful to each other. So your point about building relationships with other people and reciprocity can truly go a long way.
Great post here.
– Andrew
Andrew recently posted..[Case Study] Email List Building Strategies That Increased Subscribers 43%
Twitter: harleenas
July 21, 2015 at 12:21 am #
Hi Andrew,
Glad you liked the post. 🙂
I agree with you there and perhaps new bloggers (some of them) take up blogging too seriously, which overwhelms them, just as you mentioned. They forget to stop and smell the roses along the way! If you don’t enjoy your work, it can become tough to carry on for long.
Yes, lack of comments, social shares, traffic, subscribers, besides the money aspect, all adds up to their frustration, which results in many bloggers failing. Time is always an issue with all of us, but I wish they realize that anything new will take time to establish, even if it’s blogging. Nothing comes easy in life, isn’t it?
I’d suggest that those in their full time jobs, shouldn’t really quit or think they’d earn through their blogs, till the see the results coming in. Hold on!
Oh yes…bloggers stay united, and the relationships built, turn to wonderful friendships over time. This happens majorly through reciprocation and interacting with other bloggers. I know we’ve got to know each other this way too!
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: ikechiawazie
July 20, 2015 at 3:56 pm #
Hi Harleena
If there is one person that can talk about blogging, it is you. Your blog is an expression of your consistency in the field.
Sadly, many new bloggers struggle blogging and give up before the first year. You are right that the reason has to do with wrong concept of blogging. If vision isn’t determined, frustation is bound to thrive.
I love your points of avoiding failure in blogging. One needs to build to right foundation to be able to withstand the challenges in blogging which you have mentioned. It is also true that bloggers should try to make money in blogging in order to sustain their passion and vision. It
Thanks Harleena for this awesome post.
I can’t go without a thank you to Donna for inviting Harleena to share her insight and awesome post with us. Thanks for sharing.
Twitter: harleenas
July 21, 2015 at 12:14 am #
Hi Ikechi,
Thank you for your lovely words of appreciation, you are too kind my friend. 🙂
Yes indeed, many new bloggers start off with full gusto, but they just give up too soon for various reasons. I guess they don’t plan and think ahead, which leads to frustration when they see no results showing up.
Glad you liked the points mentioned and could relate to them. True – there are challenges in blogging, just as in any profession you take up. But if you are focused and have chalked out things well, you can easily take up those challenges, isn’t it? The money making aspect should come in later, especially for new bloggers, which sadly doesn’t happen!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views with us. We appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: yatinkhulbe
July 20, 2015 at 11:13 am #
Hi Harleena Ma’am
You know the reason behind my late response. But, I am happy to land on this post. I must say, you have chosen a very important topic.
I started blogging as a passion. In the short span, I learned different things. I have realized one thing: Learning never stops. Every day is a new day. Blogging is definitely a time-consuming job. Nothing comes easy in life. In order to earn (money or reputation) something, we must show our dedication and love.
Some people relate blogging with money. I entered the field of blogging with the intention of spreading happiness. In the journey, I saw many positive changes in my life. Today, I am able to find a path for an indirect source of income. Though I am going through my initial phase, I am happy with my progress.
I have seen many people who start their blogging with the money minded approach. I don’t find any problem in their approach. But, money should never be the first priority. By making a user-friendly content, we can generate income from our blog.
Thanks Donna for sharing this wonderful guest post. Both of you, have a wonderful week ahead.
Yatin Khulbe recently posted..Lessons from the Little Albert Experiment: Are you aware of this Fear Trap?
Twitter: harleenas
July 21, 2015 at 12:04 am #
Hi Yatin,
Good to see you here, and yes I know the reason, and no worries at all. I’m sure Donna agrees with me here – as you’re welcome anytime. 🙂
Nothing works better than making your passion your profession, as you enjoy your work best this way.
I agree with you there, learning never ends – we learn new things every single day and that’s what keeps us going. There’s such a lot to learn in blogging too, it just never ends! Yes, blogging is a full time job, if taken seriously, especially if you wish to earn from it.
Blogging is a medium, a way to earn through your blogs if one wishes to, but just to start blogging for making quick money isn’t the right approach I feel.
Yes, we talked about your initial stage, and as you go along the new path, you’d certainly see the progress you make. Just remain consistent and committed – the rest comes easy.
True. Money minded people have mainly money on their mind all the time, but again, we are no one to judge, to each their own. But for most of us, we need to find the happy balance to live a life worthwhile for us, and for others, besides just the thought of earning money.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. Have a nice week ahead as well 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: harleenas
July 20, 2015 at 9:27 am #
Hi Renard,
Good to see you here. 🙂
Thanks for attesting my view of blogging. It’s not only about getting better Alexa and Google ranks, but to the core, blogging is about helping people with useful information and that makes the content and its presentation very important for bloggers.
You’re right, blog promotion is not an easy task either and the newcomers neither realize this nor totally know how to go about it. As you point out, it is imperative for the newbie bloggers to first understand the basics of blogging before venturing into this fascinating profession.
I agree with your perspective of blogging and the uniqueness of blogging is that you get to know different viewpoints on aspects and issues. You can still share your personal viewpoints and experiences as you did in earliest version of blogging but now your main focus is to help others.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: RenardMoreau
July 18, 2015 at 2:43 pm #
[ Smiles ] Harleena is on the money where blogging is concerned. She is absolutely right about the importance of making sure, that the quality of our content is good and is well-formatted.
Also, a lot of the newcomers fail miserably in the area of promoting their blog.
It is also a sad fact, that a large percentage of the newcomers to blogging have not invested any of their time into learning the basics of blogging.
My unique perspective on blogging is, that it is a medium where people share their ideology and their expertise on the topic that they have chosen to post.
Gone are the days when a blog was merely an online diary.
Donna, I would like to personally thank you for allowing Harleena the opportunity of sharing her marvellous blogging insight with your readers.
Renard Moreau recently posted..Do Not Ever Make The Mistake Of Lowering Your Standard
Twitter: MarketingKM
July 18, 2015 at 8:17 am #
Such a pleasure to read Harleena’s post on why bloggers fail.
“If you want to avoid failure as a blogger, you need to develop a plan, keep working on it, and have patience.”
Wonderful tips for all bloggers, not just new bloggers.
I saw Harleena on another article with many bloggers and to me she stood out because she was so caring, kind and
gracious, this really shows in her writing. Thanks for having her as a guest blogger.
I am sharing her article on my women’s fb page.
Kathryn Maclean recently posted..How to Improve Your Facebook Engagement – Quickly!
Twitter: harleenas
July 18, 2015 at 9:34 am #
Hi Kathyrn,
Good to meet you at Donna’s blog, though I’ve seen your lovely comments on a few blogs too. 🙂
So glad you liked the post and could relate to it. Yes, these tips would fit in for all bloggers, especially the ones who haven’t yet made it or lose their mojo somewhere.
Kind of you to say that, though I wonder which article was it? I guess my long comment must have caught your eye!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing this post, we appreciate it. Enjoy your weekend as well. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: rrwebdesign
July 18, 2015 at 7:37 am #
Hi Harleena and Donna,
It is great to see you here, Harleena! How wonderful that Donna has featured you and this week!
What an excellent topic, Harleena, and anyone who is struggling with blogging or hoping to avoid failure as a blogger with benefit from following the tips you have provided.
I have seen some bloggers struggle and unfortunately throw in the towel over the years. If only they had been able to grasp and put your 10 tips into practice. It does take a great deal of time, but the benefits are well worth all the effort. Your 11th tip is golden.
Harleena, I’m looking forward to the launch of your new blog. I have just signed up for the announcement!
I hope you both have had a wonderful week!
~ Robin
Robin Strohmaier recently posted..Comprehensive Strategies for Negative Google Reviews
Twitter: harleenas
July 18, 2015 at 9:26 am #
Hi Robin,
Great to be here as well, and I’m glad to be able to help out Donna in her time of need. Good to see you here as well 🙂
Yes indeed, this post was meant to lift the morale of those bloggers who often think of calling it quits, by making them understand the reasons why bloggers fail, and of course for the rest to take back lessons home.
That’s true – we come across many such bloggers who quit too soon. I guess they don’t realize that anything new takes time to establish, and it’s the same with blogging. Perhaps they lose patience too soon and give up, and it’s often at the time when they were going to start reaping the benefits.
Thanks for signing up Robin, and you’d be informed as soon my new blog is launched. We appreciate you taking the time to stop by here today. Happy weekend as well 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: ArtaGene
July 18, 2015 at 4:52 am #
Hi Harleena and Donna,
Great information that explains many of the must things to do, if you want and need to turn your blogging efforts into cash.
Especially necessary for people like me, who unknowingly started blogging without a plan or a vision of the future.
With planning and vision, a blogger can use their blogging efforts to replace their old or missing job with a new one: Blogging.
What does get lost in the shuffle for many is the overwhelming fact that Successful Blogging is a business and has to contain all the elements of a business in addition to posting content and putting up ads to attract attention and hopefully create a continuing income.
As always you have provided some thought provoking and soul searching information.
Cararta
Cararta recently posted..Type 2 Diabetes News and Facts You Should Know
Twitter: harleenas
July 18, 2015 at 9:05 am #
Hi Cararta,
Glad you liked the post and information shared. 🙂
You’re not the only one to venture into blogging without a plan my friend! I was very much like you, and it was much later in my blogging career that I changed a lot of things, once I was more focused on what I wanted from my profession as a blogger and writer. So, none of us are really late – whenever we realize, is the time to start.
I can understand what you mean, though if we tread the path carefully, we’d be heading in the right direction. Successful blogging and learning all about it certainly takes time and efforts, but then who said blogging was easy! It’s a process, a journey that will take time, and the income part of it, certainly more time.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Cararta,
I too came into blogging without a plan. Live and learn… But as I went through my own trial and error period, I did hire some coaches, especially for marketing and product creation.
I had to spin my blog to a more focused way that enabled me to do that 80/20 rule of giving content 80 percent of the time and 20 percent introducing a product or service I offer.
I also embed my service in a post for people to click on if they wish to. It is a continuous learning process. But that makes it all the more exciting.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Hello Harleena,
This is something really nice to see you here, I was on the Nile’s blog reading one of her post on Women Bloggers where she mentioned you and Donna and here as well you both bloggers are well connected to each other. All I can say you guys have really awesome community to follow.
I have just started out my blogging journey and reading post like this helps in getting some of our strategy fixed before loosing interest and heading toward failure.
Back to you Harleena,
Donna: Am a first time visitor on your blog and just bookmarked it, this is truly one of the nice blog to follow.
Twitter: harleenas
July 24, 2015 at 2:47 am #
Hi Sandeep,
Good to meet you at Donna’s blog. 🙂
I guess we both need to thank Nile for mentioning us, which made you stop by here today. Yes indeed, we’ve been connected for many years now, and there’s a lot to learn from Donna, so I hope you keep visiting her blog often now.
Our communities surely are awesome I’d say, and there is no better way of building one than to go ahead and connect with people who also visit your blog.
I did visit your blog Sandeep, as you mentioned you are new to blogging, so lot’s still to be done. However, I couldn’t see any comments enabled on the posts. Just to let you know, blog commenting is one of the best ways to build relationships with fellow bloggers – it’s the way I’ve connected with so many of my blogging friend’s. So, rethink about enabling comments and see the difference it makes (just a little friendly suggestion!)
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it and wish you the best for your blogging journey. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Sandeep,
Welcome to my blog via Nile. As she mentioned us both glad you came on over. I have checked out your blog and also seen like Harleena did that I couldn’t comment.
Please do consider Harleena’s advice here. Comments are the back bone of our blogs.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: MarySloane10
July 17, 2015 at 2:55 pm #
Well done Donna what a brilliant guest blogger Harleena is. So wonderful to get to know more wonderful bloggers!
Makes me realize how committed one has to be to really get blogging done well!
This article is certainly a gold mine for someone getting into blogging as it is quite clear what needs to be done.
Like most things in life you need to make a decision on whether or not you are going to blog and if so stick with it, BE Committed to it! Yes it is a lot of Work but work won’t kill you!
You may have to give up some TV time and that’s the challenge. Will you be committed to doing the work or stay in your comfort zone?
Thanks for giving us such a brilliant example of what is required to do a powerful blog post!
Mary Sloane recently posted..Top 10 Rules for Success of Warren Buffett vs Jack Ma
Twitter: harleenas
July 18, 2015 at 12:37 am #
Hi Mary,
Good to meet you at Donna’s blog. 🙂
Yes indeed, as bloggers, we need to be consistent and committed to our blogs and the work we do, or else things don’t work.
Glad you liked the post and could relate to it. If you are focused and have things planned out, blogging is fun because you know what lies ahead and what needs to be done. It certainly is time consuming, but there are no compromises to hard work, isn’t it? It does pay in the end, though we need to keep working for it.
That’s true – to gain something, you have to give up something. Television and social media are huge time wasters, if you don’t know how to limit your time spent there. One needs to move out of their comfort zones to achieve success – no two ways about it.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your words of wisdom with us. We appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Mary,
I am so glad that you have met Harleena. She is one person to connect with my friend. I’ve been following her blog for such a long time I can’t remember lol.
Indeed, there is so much to blogging and I’m thrilled that you got a lot out of this post.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: BAMoneyBlogger
July 17, 2015 at 3:38 am #
Hi Harleena and Donna
So great to see you here at Donna’s blog and the way you explained the whole subject and covered the main points does prove that you are among the few who knows every aspect of blogging on the back of your practical experience.
The ten points you mentioned to avoid failing are actually ten commandments to stay away from any blogging failure.
The initial points of blogging basics in this post especially what newbies must know and how to view different things in blogging are very instructive and themselves a tutorial.
Thanks a lot Donna for getting her as guest author and offering a great change full of experience and knowledge.
Mi Muba recently posted..Should you learn blogging formally or do it yourself?
Twitter: harleenas
July 18, 2015 at 12:29 am #
Hi Mi Muba,
Good to be here for sure, and nice to see you here as well. 🙂
Glad you liked the post, and yes, I mainly shared what I’ve learned through my experiences over the past few years, with the hope of helping other bloggers.
There is a lot more that can be added to the ten points mentioned, but these are the main one’s that if followed, would help bloggers a gread deal.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views with us, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Mi Muba,
I was so delighted when Harleena agreed to do this post for me while I was away on vacation.
Indeed those ten points mentioned to avoid failing are like the ten commandments. I like the way you put it.
When it comes to blogging Harleena knows very well how to explain the correct way to others, especially newbies.
I am so glad you enjoyed this.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: glennshep
July 16, 2015 at 9:26 pm #
Hi Harleena and Donna,
This is such a great post. I went through each point and found myself thinking “Yep!” to each one.
I find myself feeling so disappointed sometimes because, like you, Harleena, I’ve seen bloggers come along and they start off so well. But then they drift away and I think the only reason is that they have made maybe just one or two of the points you mentioned here.
Blogging can be such a beneficial strategy if done correctly, but you have to stick with it. I see so many on the cusp of gathering momentum with their blogging, but they stop just before the downhill ride.
It’s like that well-known picture of the two miners – the one who is further along has turned around and is walking away looking dejected. He didn’t realise that he was just inches away from the treasure. The other miner, although further away, is enthusiastically digging away, determined to carry on.
Calling all bloggers: you need to be like that determined miner. Keep on working, remain determined to succeed and stick with it. You will get to the treasure if you don’t give up. Following Harleena’s excellent advice will help you!
Thanks for putting together this great post, Harleena. I wish you all the best with your new blog and am looking forward very much to when it goes live! Thanks, Donna, for featuring Harleena on your blog. 🙂
You both have yourselves a fantastic weekend!
»Glenn«
Glenn Shepherd recently posted..Not Getting Results? Focus on the NEGATIVE!
Twitter: harleenas
July 17, 2015 at 1:35 am #
Hi Glenn,
Glad you liked the post and could relate so well to it. 🙂
I agree with you there, and it makes one wonder as to what could have made these bloggers really call it quits, as the reasons could be so many.
Absolutely! Blogging is not tough if done right, and if you are a person ready to put in your best and be consistent, you’re on the right path. True indeed – most bloggers, especially the new ones, start off with a lot of enthusiasm, but somewhere down the line, just lose their mojo and give up too soon. The story of the miners you mentioned, explains it all so well. 🙂
Oh yes – there can be no compromises to being consistent and determined, if you really wish to excel in blogging.
Thanks so much for sharing your words of wisdom with us and your lovely wishes too, we appreciate it. Happy weekend as well. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Glenn,
Love your analogy about the miners. It really paints a picture of what our blogging journey is all about. We have to keep chipping away at it. Eventually things do work out.
I do get saddened when I see a great blogger giving up. Sometimes they come into it thinking they will monetize quickly. Or sometimes life gets in the way.
But then I see other bloggers who have things come up in their lives and still persist.
I tell people all the time that blogging isn’t easy and marketing takes knowledge and work. Just like an off line business. You can lease a space, fill the shelves, and wait for your business to catch on. It takes time.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: A_BEveryday
July 15, 2015 at 9:56 pm #
Hi Donna, Hi Harleena,
This is educational and motivating. Obviously, the first reason to fail at anything is the thought many people about monetary returns. The best way is doing it out of passion, put in effort, be consistent, and focus on what growing your blog, which in turn could lead to a business…Eventually, you will have to count your efforts as a success or failure.
Wonderful!
Enock Machodi recently posted..Blogging Communities Demystified
Twitter: harleenas
July 16, 2015 at 12:56 am #
Hi Enock,
Glad you liked the post. 🙂
That’s true, and if people remove the thought of making money the moment they start their blogs or any business, and concentrate on planning and doing up their blogs by providing value to their readers, they’d see a huge difference.
Blogging is a process, and it certainly takes time to get the desired results, so bloggers need to be patient and give it their full before expecting anything in return.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Enock,
What you state is so true! If one has passion and has the mindset of giving value to others, money will eventually follow.
Like Harleena mentioned above…blogging is a process and it does take time to get results.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: hemaunnoop
July 14, 2015 at 11:33 pm #
Hello Donna and Harleena,
Been blogging for a year and a half. When I started blogging I knew nothing of what it really entailed. Started writing for the love of it and help people live life to the fullest via my posts.
Down the track, reality of blogging hit. I knew this isn’t a child’s play. I started taking it a lot more seriously. Thanks to Harleena and Aha Now I have been able learn a lot more in regards to building relationship with other bloggers,writing posts that really matters and helps people and a lot more.
Lately my subscribers list has increased and I received some personal emails of encouragement which gave me a boost. Nevertheless I have so much more to build and work on.
Harleena, your tips somehow always comes at the right time.
Thank you for this great post:)
Lovely week to you and Donna.
Hema Unnoop recently posted..You Were Born With The Ability To Change Someone’s Life, Don’t Ever Waste It
Hi Hema,
Welcome to my blog. Indeed, Harleena and Aha Now will give you what you need to build relationships with bloggers.
You were blessed to find her because blogging is not an easy task and her guidance she shares will never let you down.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
July 14, 2015 at 5:43 pm #
Hi Harleena and Donna,
I’ve been a bit away from blogging lately, between work and going to Spain. I’m just back in the UK now and back to work 🙂
This is a very well explained and detailed information about what blog is and even though the concept is simple it’s not easy. Let’s not confuse the those two terms.
Simple concept. A blog is an article repertory where you can inform and educate your target market while promoting your business, but it’s how you do it that’s not necessarily easy.
Great article, Harleena and sharing now 🙂 Thanks for having her Donna.
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..6 Things That Can Destroy Your SEO Strategy
Twitter: harleenas
July 15, 2015 at 4:22 am #
Hi Sylviane,
Good to see you, and yes, we know that as your Facebook pictures make us envy! 🙂
Jokes apart, I’m sure you’re having a wonderful time moving around from one place to the other. You’d have such a lot to share with us once you’re finally back.
True, blogging might look simple, but it’s certainly not easy. It takes a lot of time and commitment to really get things done, right from the time you write a post, till you promote it. Loved your take on what is a blog too.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing the post, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Sylviane,
So true that blogging isn’t an easy task. Now that you have been traveling around, I love the photos you are sharing on Facebook.
I know it is hard to keep up blogging but you are doing a fine job. I don’t know if I would find the time to blog traveling like you have been doing. I would be in too much awe lol.
Thanks so much for coming by,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: SusanPCooper
July 14, 2015 at 5:13 pm #
HI Harleena. Nice to see you here on Donna’s blog. What great advice. Yes, we do see so many bloggers come and go, a quick flash in the pan. I don’t think most people have any clue at all when they get started just how much time and effort and down right WORK goes into publishing a blog on a regular basis. And you are right about building a community, because without them and their feedback you begin to wonder if anybody is even reading it, does anyone care, hellooooo is anyone out there? Lol. Your blogging community is what encourages you each week to continue on, sometimes when you don’t feel like it, because you know they are waiting for your next post. For me, that is one of the most important things in not failing. The encouragement from my blogging community. 🙂
Twitter: harleenas
July 15, 2015 at 4:16 am #
Hi Susan,
Good to see you too! 🙂
Glad you liked the little advice, and yes, it’s sad to see some bloggers come and go. You’re absolutely right there – bloggers start their blogs only to realize later that it requires consistency and determination to keep blogging. It just doesn’t start and end there, as becoming a professional blogger means putting in lots of hard work and effort before you start seeing the results.
Oh yes…without a community, our blogs would literally be so barren! I do come across such blogs off and on, which makes me wonder that without any feedback or interaction, how do they carry on?! Our blogging friend’s are the ones that keep us going, I agree with you entirely on this one, and had it not been for them, I wonder how long we’d have carried on too.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Susan,
Just back from a long vacation and I’m so happy you enjoyed this post from Harleena.
You sure bring out a great point about writing consistently. We don’t want to disappoint our readers.
The best is our community. Now if I didn’t have one, my blog would have been barren for the past few weeks. But I reached out here, for example to Harleena and asked her if she would take over my blog for me because she is an amazing blogger and friend.
When she said yes, I was doing cart wheels! It is just another way to show how our community of bloggers works.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: EMBYvonne
July 14, 2015 at 4:03 pm #
Hi Harleena and Donna
Awesome post indeed packed with great advice and suggestions on how not to fail at blogging. Whatever the reason that one started blogging in the first place, we understand that blogging is not easy. It is hard work! It requires a lot of patience, persistence and dedication. Even after three years, I am still trying to find balance, like between my regular 9 – 5 job and still finding the time to write quality content that will keep readers engaged. But whatever the position for me right now, I am in it for the long haul.
You have provided some lovely tips which looks like a good strategy to put in place and to follow. Looking forward to what you have to share in your new blog.
Thanks for such an awesome post. Have a blessed day/week ladies.
Yvonne I. Wilson recently posted..Awesome Infographic How To Choose The Right Job
Twitter: harleenas
July 24, 2015 at 2:15 am #
Hi Yvonne,
Good to see you here. 🙂
Glad you liked the post and little tips shared about why bloggers fail and what we can do to avoid failure.
Absolutely! Blogging is not easy, if one takes it as a profession especially and wishes to earn somewhere down the line. Without being consistent and committed, I wonder how one can carry on.
Honestly speaking, I marvel at how you and so many others manage to juggle between your full time jobs and blogs! It’s commendable indeed, and I’ve seen you only progress from one stage to the other my friend.
Thanks so much for your kind wishes, and yes, the new blog is making progress gradually as I’m working towards it. We appreciate your visit, and have a nice weekend as well. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Yvonne,
You sure said it….blogging is not easy. Harleena’s tips are spot when it comes to blogging.
You sure amaze me because you have a 9-5 job and blog. I am a full time blogger and marketer. It amazes me how people can work a job and blog at the same time. Kudos to you! You sure are one gal I admire.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: marquitaherald
July 14, 2015 at 2:30 pm #
Thanks Donna, and excellent article Harleena! I’ve been blogging for a little over 6 years now and I look back and have to laugh at some of the mistakes I made in the beginning – but of course we all do that. I paid for training and joined a membership community and still nothing prepared me for how much work it was going to be over the long haul. I am a writer and very disciplined so the “visible” stuff is relatively easy for me. My greatest challenges have been behind the scenes – learning the technical side of blogging and how to handle the inevitable issues that come up that nobody ever thinks to tell you about in the beginning. Still, I LOVE it and can say without hesitation that even if I weren’t blogging for business I’d still be blogging about something. Thanks for the advice and inspiration!
Marquita Herald recently posted..Learning to Love Your Imperfectly Perfect Self
Twitter: harleenas
July 15, 2015 at 3:10 am #
Hi Marquita,
Glad you liked the article. 🙂
Yes indeed, we all have made our share of mistakes, and I think they always teach us something in return. Good to make a few I’d say!
I can understand what you mean, and for writer’s it’s an altogether different story once they venture into blogging, as the two are very different. Nevertheless, you’re doing so well managing both of them with ease.
It’s the same case with me, as the technical problems of the blog I still find tough to handle, though I’m glad my hubby manages it all so well.
That’s true – as bloggers we carry on learning through hits and trials, and that’s the true spirit of being one, isn’t it?
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Marquita,
Just came back from a long unplugged vacation. I know how you feel. Even if I wasn’t monetizing my blog (which by the way took me a while to figure that out lol) I still will be blogging.
The best part of blogging for me is connecting with people world wide and eventually making some good friends. That to me is amazing.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: cheryschmidt
July 14, 2015 at 2:15 pm #
Hello Donna, Wow such a nice surprise to have Harleena as your guest today, I am sure you are grateful as I know you have your hands full with your grandchildren LOL
And what an awesome article it is! As Adrienne points out in her comment it sure would have been nice to have all these tips available for us when we first got started blogging, it sure would have saved Me a whole lot of time.
You do make is sound so simple “Develop a plan, keep working on it, and have patience”
Thanks for sharing.. Chery :))
Chery Schmidt recently posted..At Some Point In Life Everyone Needs Help
Twitter: harleenas
July 15, 2015 at 3:01 am #
Hi Chery,
Surprise, isn’t it? 🙂
Yes, Donna’s having her well-deserved break with her loved ones, and I am sure, enjoying the time with her grandchildren too. Glad I could be here to take over for a while 🙂
I agree with you there – had we got all the know-how about blogging available at the time we started our blogs, we would have achieved a great deal more within the time span. But no regrets because what we learnt might have been a gradual process, but it was a sure one.
If we follow the ways, it turns out simple, though for doing that, you need to start from the basics.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Chery,
Catching up from my break. Seeing the kids were like baby heaven, but now I need a vacation from my vacation lol.
I am so glad that you have enjoyed Harleena’s post. And yes…I do feel the same way as Adrienne….If we knew then what we know now ….
But as long as we came this far we must count it as a blessing.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: agrawalswadhin
July 14, 2015 at 1:38 pm #
Hi Harleena maam and hello Donna maam,
I am so glad here and that too with this awesome post by you Harleena maam.
This post was reminiscent f my days of struggle in blogging. Though I am not quite a long-time blogger, I am surely not having that much confused state as was there.
You have clearly stated the basics of blogging which is very necessary for many bloggers like me, the novice ones can learn the very essence while the pros can revisit the basics to put a reality check of where they have been.
I agree with all your eleven points. Building relationships and community is what I have always learnt from you.
Definitely, it would be a lie if I said I was more motivated when I did not earn from blogging. TI definitely earn and that’s what all should do sooner or later for that will fuel the passion. I am about to launch my own product may be in a month or so add I think everyone should find how they can earn from their blogging.
Swadhin Agrawal recently posted..Elegant Themes Coupon Codes 2015 – Grab Your Maximum Discount!
Twitter: harleenas
July 15, 2015 at 1:53 am #
Hi Swadhin,
Good to have you here, and glad you could relate to the post as well. 🙂
Yes, new bloggers would be able to take back a lot from this post, beside the others. I know you’ve never faced such a situation, as you are on your way to achieving your goals.
I’ve always believed in building relationships with people, as it’s worked for me, and I think a lot of other bloggers would agree with me, including you I think. Yes, your community is what really matters at the end of the day.
True. Eventually, we all need some source of revenue, and if our blogs can provide us that, nothing like it – depending on the time we devote to it.
That’s wonderful news, Swadhin! We look forward to learning more about your product once it’s ready, and wish you the best with it.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Swadhin,
Congratulations are in order for launching your new product! It is great to meet someone who has gone to this level. Although it is not an easy task, as long as you keep on track, you will be able to monetize.
Please stay in touch,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: krsaurabht
July 14, 2015 at 12:30 pm #
Hi Harleena/Donna ma’am,
Amazing post! As I am new in blogging, I am unable to maintain the time or post consistency but after reading this article I have learned how to manage time and other things.I really wonder how I was doing mistakes regarding my website. But now i got my target back.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.
Saurabh Tiwari recently posted..Top 10 Free Responsive Joomla Templates for 2015
Twitter: harleenas
July 15, 2015 at 12:55 am #
Hi Saurabh,
Good to see you here 🙂
I can understand what you mean, and such is the case with bloggers who are either working alongside, or still studying or running a business. Time is always an issue, but if we can take out even a little quality time for our blogs, as you are doing already, we are doing alright.
I am glad you could relate to this post and it helped you in some way. Don’t worry about the mistakes, as I’d mentioned in an earlier comment, as they always teach you something in return. You know you can always reach out through the ABC, when in doubt – we are always there to help. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Saurabh,
Nice meeting you here. Indeed, we all have to keep in mind our time management. That is one of the most important things we as bloggers need to keep in mind.
But as long as you are consistent it will all work out.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: donpurdum
July 14, 2015 at 8:19 am #
Hi Ladies,
Wow Donna, you scored a MAJOR win with this article from Harleena!
Harleena, this is one of the best explained articles on what a blog is and is not and how why people fail.
It’s fascinating to me to be honest because at the root of it blogging is pretty simple. But it’s complex in the planning, execution, work required and patience to make it all go.
To me it’s all about connecting with my tightly defined business audience who has a very specific need to learn how to message themselves properly online and how to create the strategies to do it.
Value, attraction and networking…. it’s an amazing tool and if you can persist without discouragement there is a tipping point.
In just fourteen months I’ve been featured on some major blogs including a top marketing analysis company, fortune 500 company blog, and hundreds of websites have including me in their articles and links.
Not to mention being named one of the Best Online Marketing Blogs for 2015 by FitSmallBusiness.com.
I find that many blogs fail because they haven’t taken the time to discover their vision and message and as a result just end up talking about themselves instead of what interests their audience or meets a specific need.
Again, this is a FANTASTIC article Harleena. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, insights and wisdom with us.
Have a great week ladies!
~ Don Purdum
Don Purdum recently posted..Godaddy is Wrong; Your Business Doesn’t Need a Website
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 10:52 am #
Hi Don,
Thank you for your kind words, and so glad you liked the post as well. It really means a lot coming from you. 🙂
You are absolutely right about that – it all looks pretty simple from the outside, but if you ask a professional blogger, they’d tell you how tough it really gets.
Thanks for sharing your viewpoint about blogging. A blog is indeed a silver bullet for any business to communicate, cater, and collaborate with its customers. It is indeed a great help in marketing your business and you need the right strategies to do that. Yes, it has multiple purposes that need time and patience before being effectually put to use.
Oh my… it’s a commendable achievement I must say to accomplish all that in such a short span, Don! Not to mention that you’ve just been blogging for over a year now. Of course, all of this happens only when you build those connections, provide value, because people notice and then include you in their posts, or mention you, and interview you.
That’s absolutely right, if you do not have a clear vision and goal, you may waste your time finding your right direction. It’s different for every blogger so this is actually the first step in the process of blogging.
Thank you for stopping by, we appreciate it. Have a nice week ahead as well. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Don,
You sure put it well when stating that it looks simple from the outside. But the reality of it is that it takes a lot of planning and work to get your blog to be successful.
Any great blogger will tell you that! You my friend had impressed me so much with your blogging success in a very short time. But you have done your homework and came into the blogging world with a strong knowledge.
Many bloggers don’t and have to learn by trial and error.
I am so glad you enjoyed this article,
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: Techbluemoon
July 14, 2015 at 6:13 am #
Hi Harleena ma’am,
Pleasure to see you at Donna ma’am’s blog. To be honest, I was going to add this post to my weekend reading list but as I started reading the initial paras, I could not resist from reading it till the end.
You deliver your message with so much simplicity. Your proficiency is naturally reflected through your writing style. This morning I was excited to receive a newsletter from you as I knew you will always have mind blowing write-ups to share.
I can relate to what you have mentioned in the post. The tips you have shared for combating failure are notable. I’m glad I was already doing a few things right but still need to work on many other hints and tips.
Wishing you tons of success with your new blog. I am so grateful for all the advices you’ve given me so far.
Thanks Donna ma’am for letting Harleena ma’am share her valuable and benevolent info. at your blog.
Have a fantastic week ahead both of you. 🙂
Rohan.
Rohan Chaubey recently posted..How To Make A Great Digital First Impression And Maintain It [Ask Rohan]
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 9:11 am #
Hi Rohan,
Good to see you here as well. 🙂
Kind of you take out the time to read through the entire post, as I know you’re running busy nowadays.
Thank you for your kind words, and yes, the newsletter also mentioned about my guest post at Donna’s, so that my readers also know about it.
Glad you could relate so well to the post, though you don’t have to worry about the tips shared in this post, as you are doing most of them, if not all. It’s commendable how much you have achieved in the little time you’ve been blogging Rohan, as I’ve seen you grow over time as a blogger. So, kudos to you for all of it. 🙂
Appreciate your kind wishes and constant support, which means a lot, and you are most welcome. You know we are always there, anytime you need us.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Rohan,
You sure hit the nail on the head when you mentioned that Harleenar delivers her message with so much simplicity. And her proficiency is naturally reflected through her writing style.
I was so grateful when she agreed to do this guest post for me while I was on vacation and unplugged.
Glad you enjoyed it and I too am awaiting the grand opening of her new blog.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: NTPInfo
July 14, 2015 at 5:05 am #
Hi Harleena!
It’s good to read your thoughts here…welcome to Donna’s blog.
Like you, I have seen many bloggers come and go; the most worrisome trend however is that many of these bloggers are brilliant, have a unique message for the world but just stopped a foot away from success! What?!
When I saw this, I knew I had to do something…and having blogged for more than 6 years (the first three years on blogpsot), I knew I should be helping fix things- especially when I figured out that the challenges most of these bloggers have are actually avoidable.
The ‘Smart Bloggers Academy’ was born.
Ever since, it has been awesome – and my students have found a way of doing excellently online and more importanly, have been making money online following my tips.
Your article, is an excellent place to start though…great work.
Do make the day great!
Always,
Akaahan Terungwa
Akaahan Terungwa recently posted..NTP Customer Week And An Unusual Give-Away
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 5:28 am #
Hi Akaahan,
Thank you for the warm welcome, and it’s wonderful to be Donna’s guest this time. 🙂
Yes indeed, most of the bloggers were good, and perhaps gave up too soon, for whatever the reasons. It saddens us, as some of them were our blogging friend’s, but we wish them the best for their new ventures, isn’t it?
This is wonderful news indeed! I didn’t know about the Academy – must check it out! Perhaps that was the reason for your little break from blogging, as it takes time to build something new.
I am sure your students would be liking all that you are teaching them, as they are seeing the results, just as you mentioned. We wish you the best and every success for years to come.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Akaahan,
Whenever I see a great blogger leave I do feel so sad. Sometimes it is the wrong expectations they have about business. This is why it is so important as a blogger to keep teaching others, especially that money will not come fast.
It is business…and just like an off line business, it does take time to make money. This is where we, as bloggers have to take that responsibility to shout it out!
I know your students must be doing so well with you because they are in good hands.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: thedigger0
July 14, 2015 at 3:11 am #
Hey Harleena/Donna,
These are the posts I always read and can’t get enough of. As a new blogger the one thing I came armed with was patience and persistence. I did not hold any myths like over night success or posting a couple of articles to gain access to what people have worked hard for years to get – an audience and valued readers.
However I did jump into blogging unprepared in the technical side of things. Still to this day (funny when I say still to this day – ten weeks on) I can freeze up with fear when something goes wrong on my blog.
I have not even thought of the income yet, I don’t want to add that pressure. So I given myself a six month play ground where I could just write (that was the myth I held onto) writing was going to be my only duty. Well throw me against a wall and knock me out silly and you still could not shock as much as what this blogging caper has.
I have always felt a duty to other people. Sharing experiences and formulas with others, so this is how I try to shape my blog.
Harleena by now I think you know I follow you around like a puppy waiting to be feed because your information has been valuable stepping stones for me. I have slowly but surely taken on a little more and more. I am now at the marketing stage of learning and I am struggling a little, but that will never stop me, just slow me down a little.
Thank you for another great post – but the one thing I have learnt is you always stick with those who write quality content.
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 5:08 am #
Hi Rachel,
Good to see you here. 🙂
Thank you for your lovely words, and so glad you liked the post as well.
You are doing SO well for yourself, Rachel, as I’ve seen you gradually progress from one stage to another, which is commendable for a new blogger. Yes, you are armed with the right tools!
Absolutely! If you’ve already got an audience and valued readers, you’re half way through. Let me add here, it’s not easy to achieve even this much for a blogger who’s just started off. So, give yourself a pat on the back for your achievements.
You’re not the only one to fear the technical things of the blog – I still freeze when something goes wrong! But you know my hubby dear handles it all so well for me, and I think in Donna’s case too, her better half takes care of these aspects.
I don’t think you should worry about the income part of it as yet, as that comes over time. Yes, give yourself enough time to learn and gain knowledge about how to go about blogging, which you’re already doing, and keep building relationships with fellow bloggers. I know you’ve started visiting and commenting on a lot of blogs, which is just how it should be.
I appreciate your kind words, and it gives me immense happiness and satisfaction if I’ve helped you in some way. Don’t worry about the challenges and struggles, those only make you better with time. We’ve all gone through them to reach where we are today, only to be more sure of ourselves.
Yes, take it one step at a time – gradually does it, just as my Mom used to say! Quality over quantity – that’s what always works.
Thanks for stopping by, we do appreciate it. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Rachel,
It is so great to meet you. I just read your blog and for a “newbie” you are awesome! Seems to me like you started blogging on the right foot.
It will take time and if you are technically challenged like me…I am sure you will buddy up with someone that can help you. Harleena and I have husbands that take care of that lol.
But as you make friends, especially on social sites, there is always a question you can ask and people will be helping.
Facebook is a great place to join some groups if you like. Just jump in there like you are going to a party in slow motion. Then, as you get involved with some people, you can ask some questions. I’ve done it myself!
Kudos to you with your new blog.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: metrojamen
July 14, 2015 at 2:51 am #
Hey Donna and Harleena, this is a wonderful post on blogging failures. Most persons who start blogging to earn an income, do so because of misguided information or perceptions picked up along the way. This sets everything in the right context, drilling down to realities. There is much food for thought here and any serious blogger would be advised to rethink their methods and mindset if success by any definition is to be achieved.
I plan to follow through with Donna’s program and Harleena I will visit your new blog and wish you all the best there. Will share this information
Thanks ladies.
Vinton.
vinton samms recently posted..Guidelines for participation in FB Challenges, Groups, ETC
Hi Vinton,
Catching up after a long “vacation.” So excited that you are following through my program and know that when Harleena’s blog is up you will be thrilled.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..How To Keep Your Blog Going When You Are Unplugged
Twitter: metrojamen
July 14, 2015 at 2:46 am #
Hey Donna and Harleena, this is a wonderful post on blogging failures. Most persons who start blogging to earn an income, do so because of misguided information or perceptions picked up along the way. This sets everything in the right context, drilling down to realities. There is much food for thought here and any serious blogger would be advised to rethink their methods and mindset if success by any definition is to be achieved.
I plan to follow through with Donna’s program and Harleena I will visit your new blog and wish you all the best there. Will share this information
Thanks ladies.
Vinton.
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 4:33 am #
Hi Vinton,
Good to meet you at Donna’s blog, and glad you liked the post. 🙂
Yes indeed, most bloggers, especially the new ones, usually start their blogs because they see other bloggers making money and feel they can get rich as well. But they don’t realize the time and effort put into reaching that stage. Their perceptions and guidance takes a back seat when they find themselves not achieving the desired results.
With a proper plan, right mindset, patience, and by being persistent, you can certainly achieve success.
Thanks for stopping by, and I am sure you’d love Donna’s program. I look forward to your visit to my new blog as well. We appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Vinton,
It is a pleasure that you have met Harleena. She is one great blogger and writer. I’m an avid reader of AHANow, and now she is creating a new blog so be sure to get on that list! You will learn so much from her.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Hey Harleena,
Great advice!
I believe most people had this mentality of “If you build it, they will come” when it comes to blogging. Someone will tell them if they publish a blog post everyday then they’ll be successful.
In reality it takes way more than just publishing everyday, and plus for a newbie this is almost near impossible to do if they’re just getting started with blogging. Especially if it’s a business blog.
Know what what a blog is, and what blogging is, gives them some foundation. Now how to become success in blogging is where the meat and potatoes are. The best thing that they can do, or just anyone can do, is to follow the 10 tips on how to avoid failure in blogging. This will definitely help to propel them with their blog although it may take a while.
Thanks for sharing Harleena, and thanks Donna for inviting Harleena as a guest! Have a great week you two!
Sherman Smith recently posted..How These 31 Successful Bloggers Overcame Failure
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 3:59 am #
Hi Sherman,
That’s true! So they kept building in a rush, without seeing whether it got them the desired results. 🙂
I cannot blame such bloggers for the advice they’ve received wasn’t always the right one. Just as you mentioned – if someone reads a blog by an authority blogger and it’s mentioned to blog daily, they’d just start off without thinking twice!
The reality is so different from what exists. It’s certainly not possible to blog daily, and even if some bloggers do it, where do they have the time left to visit other blogs, comment, and be there on social media? What works for the ‘guru’ doesn’t work for other bloggers, and what all they have gone through is what they share, which doesn’t always gel with the rest.
I think limiting your posts to twice a week is absolutely fine, or at the most thrice, if you can manage it. For those who have businesses to take care of, or those who are single-handed managing their blogs and working alongside, once a week is more than enough.
Again, this totally depends on the blogger and the time they have in hand. I’ve seen so many blogs do well even if they put up posts once in 10-15 days or once a month. It’s the quality of your content that matters more than the quantity, isn’t it?
Once bloggers know the basics, the rest comes through with time. They just have to be patient and enjoy the learning process, as that’s very important too.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views – we appreciate it 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Sherman,
I find that interesting where people tell newbies to blog every day. I was told that once and tried it. What a mess… It did take me about a week to realize this was not the way to go. But hey, I learned by experience and will never do that again.
It is all about building a foundation of our blogs, and reaching out to others first. Then that magic happens when we start forming relationships with each other. Some become loyal and even actual friends.
I am so grateful to Harleena for taking over my blog this week because I blog once a week and needed to keep it flowing. So I reached out to a friend… and I just cannot express how grateful I am.
This is what we do..we share with each other through many ways of building relationships.
Thanks for your input.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: lisalisathom
July 13, 2015 at 11:30 pm #
Hi Donna and Harleena. Thanks for these wonderful reminder, Harleena. You’re right with each of the things you listed. I’m excited to see your new site up and running, too! Relationship building is certainly the building block to blogging success. Thanks for these tips and Donna for sharing Harleena with us 🙂 Have a great week ladies!!
lisa thomson recently posted..Career Reboot For SAHMs
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 3:39 am #
Hi Lisa,
You are most welcome, and I’m glad you liked the pointers in the post. 🙂
Thank you about the mention of my blog. Well, I’m doing it up gradually. 😉
Absolutely agree with you there Lisa – nothing works better than building relationships in the blogosphere, as that’s what keeps us going.
Thanks for stopping by, we appreciate it. Have a nice week ahead as well 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Lisa,
So glad you liked Harleena’s post. Building relationships is the core of what we have to do. It can be from blogging to marketing.
No matter what we are doing online, it is all about relationship building.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: leadingedgeadv
July 13, 2015 at 7:38 pm #
Hi Donna and Harleena,
I agree with you, even if not initially, if you’re going to put in all the work it takes to become a successful blogger you should consider some type of revenue stream for yourself.
It doesn’t have to be big but just something consider the effort you’ve put in as you mentioned.
I think a lot of bloggers fail because they don’t connect with others (thinking they can become well known on their own) and they expect to make money almost immediately. And I can’t say I blame them completely because there are some “gurus” out there giving out bad info.
But you can’t lose with by making a plan with the tips provided here.
~Lea
Lea Bullen recently posted..Why Hope Is All You Need to Be the Greatest
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 3:36 am #
Hi Lea,
That’s true, you’ve to consider some type of revenue stream because of the time you spend blogging; you need to have some sort of returns, even if its not big or much.
Building relationships with each other is how we’ve come so far, and with time some blogging relationships turn into such beautiful friendships.
It really makes me wonder how the ‘gurus’ seem to ignore this point. Some, of course, tend to find their way through optimizing their posts, just for the search engines, and using the right SEO ways etc. But their blogs are like ghost towns, if you’ve visited some and seen. To each their own. 🙂
There is nothing like instant success in blogging. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, and glad you liked the post. We appreciate it 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Lea,
Indeed, we do need to figure out some kind of revenue stream when we start blogging. As Harleena mentioned I too wonder how the “gurus” seem to ignore the point of building relationships.
I do think it is the most important part of our blogs. Now I’ve been away and if I didn’t build a relationship here with Harleena…this blog post would have never happened.
I am so grateful that I can leave town, be unplugged and have a trusted friend write a wonderful post like this and also be kind enough to answer everyone.
We need each other when we are bloggers.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
July 13, 2015 at 5:58 pm #
Hello ladies,
So nice to see you here Harleena and I appreciate you stepping up and helping Donna out. I know she’s thrilled to have you write a post for her because she knew it would definitely be worth it and you delivered.
This is a great post Harleena and anyone interested in knowing why most bloggers fail, well this is just the explanation they need.
As we both have observed over the years, people come and go. I think that they have heard about how you can make money online and how easy it is to do with a blog so they get one started, start writing content and then realize it’s not as easy as people made it out to be. That’s because they didn’t learn all the things you mentioned here that they need to understand before diving in.
We all know just how rewarding blogging really can be but it’s hard work. Nothing is ever going to come overnight, it’s a process just like anything else in life worth having.
Once again I can always say that I wish the type of information that is available today would have been available when I first started. If it had been then I would be much further along I think so I also believe that those coming online today need to take advantage of the information available and do their research before one more blog goes abandoned.
Really great share and thank you both for this topic this week. I also hope you both are off enjoying yourself too! 😉
Have a fabulous week now.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..How To Make Your Content More Interesting
Hi Adrienne,
Popping in to my blog in between traveling all over Washington State… I am so happy that Harleena has pitched in and wrote this amazing post.
Indeed, if we only knew this when we first started we would be ahead of the game, but we learned as we went.
I just loved the way Harleena started the AHA community and now is starting her new blog.
This topic is a great reminder to us all!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 1:32 am #
Hi Adrienne,
It’s so nice to be here as well! Yes, Donna had messaged about her being away, and how could I not be there to help such a dear friend 🙂
I hope so, and I think this post would reach out and connect with bloggers who feel they aren’t making it or those who have failed somewhere.
Absolutely! It does sadden us a bit to see some of our known friend’s leave blogging, but perhaps they had reasons of their own.
That’s true, and it’s the case with most new bloggers that I’ve noticed. They tend to leave blogging or drop off their blogs if they’re not able to earn quickly, without really having the patience to hold on for a while! Good things come to those wait, don’t we know that? 🙂
Unless bloggers know the very basics and how to proceed with a well chalked out plan, I wonder how can they achieve their goals. Even if one starts a little late, one should know the direction one’s headed, isn’t it?
True. Blogging is NOT easy, if done professionally, and it takes a while before you start seeing the results. It’s a journey, a process that you need to enjoy while going along.
Oh yes…I agree with you there because we started off pretty much the same way – self taught and learning through hits and trials. It would have been so much easier had we had all the information we have today. New bloggers are lucky in a way, though they need to gear up to take the challenges by being persistent.
Thank you so much for stopping by – we do appreciate it. Have a nice week ahead as well 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: piyushtoyou
July 13, 2015 at 1:52 pm #
Hello Harleens Maam, Donna Merrill maam,
As you mentioned in the very beginning that you have seen lots of bloggers in your four years journey that they come and go. First I would like to mention that I am one of them.
When I first started blogging i didn’t know about –
What is blogging?
What is a blog?
What do bloggers do?
Accidentally i discovered blogging.
Well, thank you very much for always standing out to produce new bloggers and help them via ABC and your incredible comments.
Here i just want to give a gimps of my blogging tragedies.
Well, i just discovered blogging thought that it was a social networking site :-). Not kidding. and please don’t laugh at me. 🙂
After a while when i know that people can make money throughout of blogging i just fascinated more about blogging and started learning about blogging more passionately. But some incident happens with me (you better know my conditions) and i quit
blogging.
But the fascination bring me once into this filed and now it become my hobby. Here for the first time i would
like to mention that i have launched two new projects and started working on that. I will revel those very soon.
I must say that this article will help the newbie bloggers to keep blogging more passionately and drive them to the success
Thanks maam.
-Ragards
Piyush Ranjan
Piyush Ranjan recently posted..25+ Most Powerful & Professional Blogging Apps (Android)
Hi Piyush,
Welcome to my blog! No, not laughing at you lol. Many people come into blogging and network with their site. Then they realize they could monetize it. After a while, it becomes part of your business plan.
When blogging well, while launching your products, they can integrate. As you launch your products, people will check out your blog to see who you are, what you know and so on.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 12:58 am #
Hi Piyush,
Good to see you here 🙂
I’m glad you could relate to the post, though I wouldn’t say you have really failed, as you’re back with a bang!
You’re so much like me I’d say because when I became a blogger, I had NO idea about what a blog was, or what was blogging all about, because I was a freelance writer, which was a completely different niche. More so, I started freelancing writing after leaving my full time job, so that was in itself a change of career to something totally different.
It was freelance writing that led me to blogging actually, but there’s been no looking back thereafter.
Coming to how you started blogging…that’s so sweet! But as Donna mentioned, one isn’t laughing at you at all because for someone totally new, blogging might look just like that.
I can understand what you mean, as such is the case with most new bloggers. They tend to take blogging as a place to make quick money and sometimes take up wrong ways to go about it all, only to regret later. Yes, you did share the incidents with me and the reason for quitting, though you didn’t give up, and that’s what really matters – that you hold on!
That is wonderful indeed! We look forward to your coming projects, which I am sure would be helpful to other bloggers too.
Yes, this post was written for new bloggers and others too, especially those who feel they have failed or are losing their motivation.
Thanks for stopping by, and we value you for being part of the ABC as well. Also, feel free to reach out and let us know how we can help you, anytime. That’s the reason we are there – for you. 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: coachtocoachguy
July 13, 2015 at 1:40 pm #
Great advice as usual Harleena!
Thanks so much for featuring her Donna!
As I was reading your excellent post, and you mentioned how you’ve see so
many wannabe bloggers come and go!
I’ve noticed the exact same situation occur with one of the blogging commenting
communities that I’m active in!
It really boils down to the 80/20 or 90/10 rule!LOL!
Meaning, a very small percentage whined up being the backbone of the community!
They are the most consistent week by week and month by month!
And the vast majority (for whatever reasons) constantly come and go!
Thank you for sharing such sound an extremely honest advice Harleena!
Because a newbie definitely needs to know and understand, what potentially lies
ahead, before they dive head long into this particular form on online marketing activity!
And that’s the other reason why I diligently study and follow David & Donna’s
proven advice!
Because they, like you, have been there & done that!LOL!
Mark recently posted..Asset Management:How Far Too Many Savvy Entrepreneurs Accidentally Shoot Themselves In The Foot!Part Two
Hi Mark,
You sure hit the nail on the head when you mentioned that newbies definitely need to understand this concept.
Even some bloggers that have been here for a while, need to know that we need to be consistent, and never give up. Yes, there will be problems along the way, but we have to persist.
Thanks Mark!
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To
Twitter: harleenas
July 14, 2015 at 12:48 am #
Hi Mark,
Glad you liked the post and could relate so well to it 🙂
That certainly is true. So many bloggers who started off with a bang, have left blogging or seem to have lost their mojo and aren’t really visible any more. I guess you too noticed it in the blogging communities, as you mentioned, which just goes to show that something is surely amiss here.
Absolutely! New bloggers especially need to take care of this aspect and understand the reasons behind the cause of blog failures and how they can avoid it. Once they have a plan in hand and know where to take their blogs, they would be on the right path.
By following Donna’s and David’s advice, you can never go wrong – yes, been there, done ALL of that!
Thanks for stopping by, we do appreciate it 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Twitter: harleenas
July 13, 2015 at 1:33 pm #
Hi Donna,
Thank you for having me over as a guest author on your blog – a pleasure to be here 🙂
You wrote a guest post for my blog a long time ago and now I get the opportunity to give back and thank you – its wonderful!
That’s right, we have been associated for so long and I’ve learned a lot about blogging during all these blogging years.
Experiences are the greatest lessons and I loved sharing my blogging lessons with your blog audience. I just wish that every blogger is successful and is able to avoid failure.
I hope this post helps all bloggers. It’s okay to have different views and I’d love to discuss them and make this post more meaningful to the readers.
I look forward to engaging conversations! 🙂
~ Harleena Singh
Harleena Singh recently posted..Blogging Basics: CRUX of Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Hi Harleena,
I am so blessed that we have known each other for such a while now. You are an incredible blogger and you sure do know your stuff when it comes to blogging.
I’m sure that anyone who reads this will be helped. From a newbie to a seasoned blogger. There is never enough to learn. I like the way this is written and appreciate all your guidance.
-Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..The Most Common Excuses For Not Being Listened To