What are the rules for blogging?
There are so many posts out there, detailing all these things you are supposed to do, to create a perfect blog that will make money/attract followers/sell your book…
But really, are these rules for everyone?
If you are blogging for a purpose, as a career, then maybe.
But for those of us out there who started to blog for our own entertainment, as a pass-time, are these rules appropriate?
Here’s my take on what you should do to operate a successful, happy blog!
1) Post regularity
Whether you post once an hour, once a day, once a week or even once a month, if that is what is good for you, then that is perfect!
I know some out there hate to be flooded with notifications of posts from one blogger every day, but then, if they enjoy your posts, surely they would be happy to see an influx! (although, I must add a point, mentioned in the comments by Erika, make sure your regular ramblings have some sort of content, not just minute snippets of nothingness… That’s where you link your blog to Twitter or Instagram and we can follow you there too!) Similarly, if you post sparsely then your loyal followers will be on the look out for your next post.
If they don’t like it, they can always unfollow.
2) Unfollow?
OMG Ritu! What are you saying???
I worked so hard to get my followers… I don’t want them to switch off!
Really?
But seriously, look at your numbers… I remember reading somewhere that if you get at least 10 % of your followers liking or reading your posts, you’re doing great!
I have over 3500 WP followers. Most of my posts get less than 100 likes. That is a pitiful amount if I have these apparent followers!
3) Stop Number Crunching
Yes. I find that the more you fixate on the numbers, the more your content suffers.
When you start out, it is so easy to get sucked into the whole stats thing. I remember in my first year I found myself checking my app countless times a day for notifications, and to see what my daily stats were saying. It started to rule my day.
I started to resent blogging. I was getting agitated that the numbers I thought I should see were not appearing on that stats page. Tuning into my blog was beginning to be a chore.
The moment I realised that, for me, the stats really meant nothing, was when I started to accept my Blogily.
4) Blogily and the Blogosphere
Your blog is part of a much larger picture.
In order for your blog to flourish, you need to connect with others, create your blogily, your own community.
And how do you do that?
Don’t expect others to come to your blog space if you are not prepared to go and visit others.
5) Commenting is key
It’s all well and good, whizzing through the reader, liking all and sundry, but if you really want to connect, you need to reach out and comment on posts that mean something to you, that touch you, make you laugh, cry, cringe.
Posts you can relate to.
Commenting means you can build up a relationship with others, start a conversation, a rapport, which can lead to a deeper relationship than just a follower.
And it works both ways.
6) Keep up to date with your notifications
If another blogger is reaching out to you, by commenting on one of your posts, don’t ignore them! You don’t want the reputation of that blogger who thinks they are too good for their followers, not deeming them worthy of a reply.
Thank them for a reblog or a pingback.
Respond to their comments.
7) Write from the heart
Nothing will allow your posts to be more human than if you write with genuine emotion. We are all human. It is likely that whatever you write about, will be being experienced by someone out there. And even if they feel unable to express their own feelings, they will appreciate what you are going through, and relate to you.
8) If you don’t know, ask
This one is so important! Once you get going, you are bombarded with so many technical blogging terms, that for someone that may not be tech-savvy, it can be daunting.
But fear not.
Your blogily will have a few members who are seasoned professionals and they are usually always happy to help.
In the early days, I had fellow bloggers posting screenshots of how to do things for me, so I could work out simple things, like creating hyperlinks, and pingbacks.
Since I have become more experienced, I have managed to post ‘how-to’ posts to help out my fellow bloggers, and they are always much appreciated!
9) You don’t need a niche!
I know some experts tell you that you should have a theme for your blog, posting only on that topic, but if you are like me, you are almost a Jack of all trades, Master of none!
Check my blog out:
- Fiction
- Poetry
- Recipes
- Reviews
- Tips
- Thoughts
- Motivation
- General silliness
- Insights into my life
No particular niche there, see! And yet it still gets hits. It still gets follows!
There you are Peeps, my random ramblings for a Tuesday morning!
Have a wonderful day, and enjoy your blog for what it is, your space to express yourself freely!
Images as always by Bitmoji!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Sep 04, 2017 @ 14:57:48
This is really a nice write up. Really guides me a lot as a very new blogger. I really appreciate Ritu
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Sep 04, 2017 @ 17:22:07
You are most welcome!
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Aug 29, 2017 @ 14:37:15
Nice information. Thanks for the sharing
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Aug 29, 2017 @ 15:48:52
Thanks
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Aug 26, 2017 @ 16:13:27
Thank you – useful tips for a beginner like me!
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Aug 26, 2017 @ 16:26:37
You’re welcome!
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Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:23:38
I really enjoyed this post, I’m new to the blogosphere so just figuring things out and this helped me massively so thank you!! If you want to check out my blog but you don’t have to xx http://tamsinsview.wordpress.com
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Aug 24, 2017 @ 20:34:33
Lovely to meet you Tamsin. We are all here to help if ever you need 😊
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Jul 22, 2017 @ 22:30:39
Thanks 🙂
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Jul 22, 2017 @ 03:14:51
Different but relevant
Fab content ☕🎀
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Jul 17, 2017 @ 00:15:04
Definitely the best blogging advice, I have read so far. One important thing I have learned is that in as much as you want people to visit your blog, you must visit their blogs first!
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Jul 17, 2017 @ 06:51:13
Most definitely!!!!! Glad you enjoyed and related!
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Jul 16, 2017 @ 11:33:29
Commenting on other blog posts…that gets the followers.
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Jul 16, 2017 @ 11:47:36
It definitely helps!
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 13:15:32
This is excellent advice, Ritu. I couldn’t have said it better. 😀
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 18:19:07
Thank you!
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 02:19:34
I do have one question. My blog is not very popular, but I’m still proud with a current 3.7K views and 1.12K likes and 357 followers, but my views are going way down. A week ago I got 270 views in a day but before the end of e day today I got 30! Please help me!
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 02:20:06
*by he end of today
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 06:48:45
I wish I had a magic answer! I don’t always get huge views but then I don’t tend to worry too much. Make sure you are sharing your post. Are you on Twitter, and Facebook? That is one way to generate traffic.
And also interact with others. It builds your own little community up which can also get some regular viewers coming back!
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 15:13:13
No, I don’t have social media. I thought about it a little, but I think some of it is that I post at NIGHT. When it’s night time most bloggers don’t check wordpress at that time. If I post in the MORNING than I will get what I once had 😉
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 18:22:03
Write the post but schedule it for the next morning!
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 18:41:02
I forgot about at, thank you!
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 19:33:33
😀 you’re welcome!
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 19:54:35
😁
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 02:14:50
Thank you SO much for your help, I really appreciate it 😉👍🏻
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Jul 10, 2017 @ 06:47:00
😀
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Jul 07, 2017 @ 19:54:56
This is really useful information thanks again for the help
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Jul 07, 2017 @ 19:55:16
Welcome!
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Jun 18, 2017 @ 22:45:20
Hi Di! Thank you for popping over! Enjoy your space on your blog! It’s the best advice I could give! 😊
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Jun 18, 2017 @ 09:30:28
Great tips, Ritu. I agree with all of them, but especially #9. I remember, when I first started to blog, being told ‘you won’t last long with not having a niche.’ Three and half years later…😀
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Jun 18, 2017 @ 09:35:02
Yay! Look at us go Eh Hugh!!!! Thank you !
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Jun 18, 2017 @ 09:39:55
And you’ve just got your blog a super award to prove it. 😀
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Jun 18, 2017 @ 09:40:22
See… it’s not just all me rambling, eh!!!
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Jun 18, 2017 @ 01:45:06
Nice ideas! The following is never equal to the interaction which is always really frustrating!
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Jun 18, 2017 @ 08:48:51
Oh man totally!!!! But hey, as long as we are having fun!!!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 23:38:55
Easy to follow tips and most helpful. Thanks Ritu. 🌹🌹
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 18:44:16
Great tips!! As a new blogger I find this extremely helpful! I personally love the you dont need a niche. My blog is going to be about a lot of different things that meant something to me. Thanks so much!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 19:23:26
Enjoy it! It’s your space! 😍
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 17:45:48
Random Ramblings would make a great country western song title… Hee Hee… And yes some of your suggestions are about to be put to good use by little ole me…
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 17:53:29
I sure am random Forrester Lol! Hope my advice world for You!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 17:33:44
Thank you for this! My son is starting his own blog and I’m trying to give him tips. Since I’m his mom and my advice doesn’t count, I am going to forward this to him to read. I think he’ll take it seriously since I didn’t write it. LOL!!!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 17:52:41
Lol! Well I hope it works well for him!!!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 16:57:57
I really enjoyed this – so much good advice here 🙂
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 17:12:58
Thanks Ruth! Hope you gleaned somethiñg positive from it 😀
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 16:52:24
Ahh; I have heard much of this in anecdotes from bleary eyed souls staring at phones or tablets cursing the Stat Gods. Liberate from them and all fits into place. I find regular posts hard because doing that stops me writing. Some things I have had to step back from this year blog wise just to find myself in the worlds where my fiction draws from. The path was muddied for a while, but with that support and engagement thing you mentioned (and I can certainly write testimonials to the effect of the blog community going out of their way to help stuck folk) I seem to be finding my way back again! Great post Ritu #GaTu
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 17:12:03
Thanks Gary! The Blogily rules! #GaTu
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Jun 18, 2017 @ 14:48:58
Too right! I’m resisting the urge to berate our politicos with stop acting like children and start recognising that just because you are in another party does NOT mean every idea on the other side is rubbish.. along with start talking like us bloggers and find some blasted solutions instead of problems lol
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Jun 18, 2017 @ 14:51:36
I know lol!!!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 16:39:43
Great list! I totally agree that bloggers should focus less on the numbers and more on if they’re actually meeting their blog’a purpose. Sometimes I get discouraged when a post isn’t read by as many people as I think it “should” be…but then I get a comment that it was exactly what someone needed to hear. And that is worth all the week, statistical success be damned 😉.
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 16:44:44
Exactly! That one bit of interaction makes it all worthwhile!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 15:56:36
Excellent advice. The niche one is tough, because aalllll the other advice out there seems to be targeted at a very specific niche or assumes that your blog fits neatly into a niche. Which… I think mine does not? It’s definitely not a How To Do A Thing blog, which seems to be the only one those “gurus” believe can be successful. But my favorite blogs are not those, so clearly I am right and they are wrong!
At the end of the day, blogging is writing, and you’re supposed to be doing it because you want to, need to, because it fulfills you.
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 16:10:57
1000% correct! If you wanna write niche, then way to go! But if you wanna write, and just get your thoughts out there, then go for it!!!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 15:48:06
I love blogs that don’t have a set niche, it keeps things interesting for the reader and writer! I loved this post, it is very honest and realistic 😊
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 16:08:33
Thank you Emma! I always feel that we can get flooded with advice on how to improve our blogs, and gain more readership, or get it working like a business for us. That is fantastic, but it’s not for us all!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 15:09:33
Great tips, Ritu. I love the part about not getting sucked into the stats thing. I think that’s important for you to enjoy blogging and from your post, it looks like you feel that way, too. 🙂
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 16:03:56
100% Lisa! It swallowed me up initially but I have gone past it now. I do look at the stats, but they don’t rule my life anymore!!! 😀
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 16:11:32
Good for you! I used to do that, too. But now I concentrate more I my writing. 🙂
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 16:34:05
Well we’ve made it then!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 13:41:05
I’ve actually been unfollowing blogs that I am scrolling past!! While I don’t want to be a jerk and make their numbers drop, I realised that I wasn’t helping them in the least by not ever reading or commenting. I also need to stay more on top of notifications (eep!). This is a fantastic post!!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 15:58:46
Thank you so much for stopping by! When I started, I was just following back anyone who followed me… then I had over 1000 blogs, a reader that was never read, and stress by the bucket load! I realised that I had to downsize somehow, and I focussed on the blogs I love, making sure I got email notifications for their posts. The rest I kept, and scroll down my reader so I have access to the posts of others I like. And if I was really not reading or gelling with a blog, I unfortunately unfollowed… but it was for my own sanity, to be honest!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 13:25:30
Love blogging 😊 these rules just make me feel better about it all. Cheers☺
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 15:56:25
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! 😀
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 13:24:54
Love it. Especially #8. I’ve learned so much in our group.
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 15:56:14
Thanks, Christine! I hope that it is a reassurance for all those bloggers out there who are doing this for interaction and fun, rather than the stats side!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 12:58:37
Thanks, Ritu. As a relatively new blogger (but long time writer), this put me at ease. I work full time (like 50 hours or more a week!) and write in the early hours of my day so it’s been hard for me to keep up with the “stats” part. I am learning to “schedule” time to become more active in the blogging and writing community and am, slowly, building a blogily (yet another new term for me!!). These tips are so helpful – thank you, again! Diane
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 15:55:11
Thank you for reading Diane!
I guess I just wanted to reassure all those non-professional bloggers out there that we are all doing ok! And that it’s not about numbers, but about enjoyment and interaction for many of us!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 12:34:02
Great advice and nice to read a ‘real’ take on blogging not all the you have to do this/don’t do that. Blogging is meant to be fun and your tips help reinforce that.
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 15:51:25
Thank you so much! I really want it to be known that you know what, blogging is fun! Not just a means to an end!!!
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Jun 18, 2017 @ 08:27:14
Exactly!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 12:25:20
This is all great advice Ritu and I agree with every single one. And I love your non-niche blog.
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 15:47:10
Thank you Hayley! I am glad you enjoyed the post, and my ‘non-niche’ blog! 😀
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 12:22:26
Hello there Ritu,
I found your post from anommasview’s link to your post… congratulations. And thank you for this helpful information. I am only a few months in but I promised myself not to be one attached to the numbers as I did and sometimes still do, on Instagram.
This is as you said, a place to be me. I believed I’d naturally and organically attract those who liked what I had to say. I’d love to have time to read all blogs and comment on most but I feel I’m losing a battle there…
Thank you for an inspiring read,
Di 💐✨✨
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 12:10:53
Great post and thank you for confirming how I feel. I started blog by accident but now it has become so much part of who I am. Blogging has also helped me focused on other areas of creating. I love the community and you are a big part of that my blogging friend.
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 15:46:32
Thank you so much lovely Amelia!!!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 11:36:24
Such great advice, and sometimes it really does help to go back to basics – write what you love, keep a consistent tone and engage, engage, engage!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 11:55:48
My sentiments exactly 😍
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:36:30
So good to hear an expert say it’s OK not to worry about the numbers! I’d rather be chatting with some lovely bloggers than stressing about the stats for each post, but sometimes I feel like this means I’m not taking it seriously enough!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:51:59
Oh wow! Firstly, you called me an expert!!!
And secondly, I totally agree with you Claire! the interaction is what makes blogging for me!!! Enjoy it, don’t let it become a chore! 😀
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:54:42
Yay, that’s exactly what I’m going to do, thank you!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:58:40
😀
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:27:35
I love all of these and I love you. Thank you for being so real and treating everything like a conversation! xox
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:28:42
Thank you Lorna! ❤
I guess the conversation style comes naturally… I talk too much in reality too!!!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:18:36
Wonderful tips! And so refreshing when you see people posting about how much money they made or people start a blog purely to make money. Yeah, it would be nice to do that one day but mostly blogging is about sharing your thoughts, writing and reading great posts and making blogging friends!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:25:56
I agree 1000% seriously! Well… for me anyway! I know some are out there to make a career and money, and that is great! But there are plenty of us for whom blogging is a creative outlet, or a therapy, and I just felt it was important to say that you know it’s ok to blog for yourself too!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:10:38
Lol – posting every hour! Think I would end up wetting myself if I did that. Great post award winning blogger Ritu 🌸
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:11:54
I still remember your posting every day year Lucy!!! I am trying that this year too… trying to be meaningful, as well as having fun!!! Thanks lovely!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:08:59
Excellent advice. It is hard to keep up with so many amazing blogs.
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:11:11
Tell me about it! I believe my life is half reality, half blogging lol!!!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:13:57
Haha!! Me too.
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 10:15:26
Glad I’m not the only one lol!
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 04:20:45
I agree with your post, I love interacting with people and seeing how they respond. Everyone has different opinons on things and it’s good to hear another point of view.
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Jun 17, 2017 @ 08:57:21
Thanks Pam!!
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Jun 16, 2017 @ 10:12:16
Reblogged this on Annas Art – FärgaregårdsAnna and commented:
Excellent blog advices. Check out Ritu’s blog. Comments disabled here. Please visit original post and leave comments over there. Anna
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Jun 16, 2017 @ 10:28:12
Thank you Anna!
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Jun 16, 2017 @ 10:32:25
You’re welcome and thanks for a good post 🙂
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Jun 16, 2017 @ 05:43:28
Great post and tips Ritu! 😊
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Jun 16, 2017 @ 06:58:57
Glad you enjoyed them! ❤
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Jun 15, 2017 @ 00:15:10
Not only do I love your blogging rules and agree with you, but I also love the way you present them. In you funny and charming way! xoxo 😉
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Jun 15, 2017 @ 07:32:58
Thank you so much Sandra.
You always see all this business related advice… I thought it’s time to remember that blogging can be for fun too!
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Jun 15, 2017 @ 10:16:37
Exactly!
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 21:23:28
I don’t think either you need only one niche. I don’t have it (anymore). I started write various things what came in my mind and it’s nice! I think it’s good to be diverse. It can maybe even give you more readers when you’r writing different topics…I think…Great post!
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 21:27:52
It definitely has it’s advantages!!! Glad you enjoyed the post 😀
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 20:33:38
You’re spot on! Blogging should be fun, not a stats race. It’s the interaction with other bloggers that makes blogging fun. Good advices 🙂
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 20:38:24
Thank you Anna!!! That’s my thought Exactly!
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 19:00:04
Good one Ritu.
You have 100 comments and you are complaining?
Jackfruit of all trades, that’s a good one.
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 19:24:28
Thank you!
No complaints here! I am happy with my lot, and have finally settled into my Blogging routine!
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 19:29:23
You made peace with yourself.
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 18:27:02
These are fabulous and extremely relevant rules! I agree 100%!
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 18:34:20
Thank you dear Katie!!!
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 16:04:16
Hi Ritu,
I am resolved to return comments more than I do. Thanks for the added inspiration. Stumbled!
Janice
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 17:10:35
Lol thanks for the share Janice xxx
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 08:27:41
Great blogging tips Ritu agreed with every one! Writing from the heart is so important so your readers can see who you really are. 🙂
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Jun 14, 2017 @ 11:14:56
Thanks Marje. It’s this thinking that’s kept me going!
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