When you started blogging, you probably had an idea in your mind of what you wanted to blog about. My very first blog was about training for a half marathon. It was specific, it had purpose. But then something happened. I wanted to write about things other than running. I got pregnant and I wanted to write about my pregnancy. It was time to evolve, and I wasn’t ready to let go of that little running blog that entertained friends and family all throughout my training.
But it was time to move on.
Blogs are transient. They come and go. It’s a shame, because while the subject matter may change, the intent is always the same: to connect with others using a “voice” on the web.
So I closed the running blog and started a new blog all about being pregnant. But then I had the baby. It didn’t make sense, so I started a baby blog to talk all about parenthood and share pictures and stories with family members.
But it wasn’t enough. I needed a place for me. I needed to evolve again.
It took me here, to Mommy’s Still Fabulous. And “here” feels good. It feels comfortable.
I write about evolving and evolution of a blog because so many of us start with an intention of a subject matter. Maybe we want to blog about our kids, or our jobs, or some niche category. Maybe we want to just get out there and join the conversations and memes. Maybe we want to do it all.
I have a friend who is just starting to blog. I’ve watched her struggle with content and a title before coming to a decision about who she wanted to be online. I saw her evolve before her first keystroke, and I can almost guarantee she wont be blogging about the same thing one year from now.
And that’s okay.
It’s okay to change direction. It’s okay to not be the next Power Blogger. It’s okay to claim your space in this corner of the web and call it home. And, it’s okay to change, to grow into your blogging self and see your voice change over time.
If you’ve been blogging for a while, how have you evolved over the years? If you are new to blogging, where do you see yourself one year from now? Will you stick with the subject matter you write about today, or will you embrace the possibilities?
This is fifth in a series of blogging tips. A was for Audience, B was for Building your brand, C was for Creativity, and D was for Design.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
oh this subject has been SO near and dear to my heart recently! I think it’s really important to acknowledge how *hard* and *slow*evolution can be sometimes – and that you need to give yourself permission to really understand how you’re changing before you make the next move.
Says the girl who’s been trying to figure it out since before Bloggy Boot Camp!
Kirsten´s last blog ..Inspiring Whodathunk
@Kirsten, You are so on your way. The fact you are thinking about it is a great start…. Take a break. Summers are for porches and friends!
I have been blogging for over three years and since my blog started being about my life as a mother of triplets, it really hasn’t changed that much. I just wanted a place to tell my stories and help me remember my kids growing. And I think that is what I have. I often wonder what will happen when my kids get older. Will they still allow me to write about them?
Jen´s last blog ..I am Going to Need a Cabana Boy and a Fruity Drink
I put a lot of thought into what I was going to name my blog. And I hope with the title and tagline that I’ve positioned myself to talk about several subjects – marriage, career and food. But you are right; we all evolve, and I probably won’t be in the same place several years from now. Perhaps one day, I’ll be cooking every night for my husband and children and This Wife Don’t Cook won’t be appropraite anymore … or maybe not … only time will tell.
I’ve been lurking on here, but I have to say I love these blogging tips! I thought you were going to just do the ABC part, and each week when I see a new letter pop up I get a little excited. I hope you have enough fodder to do the whole alphabet… these are wonderful.
@Booyah’s Momma, I do have fodder for the entire alphabet! Glad to meet you… and welcome!
I’m still a blogging baby since I really only started in January, but I’m already startign to find that my blog is evolving. I’m hoping that by this evolution I’ll be able to attract more readers, but being as bus as I am I find it hard to find the time to grow my readership. I try to visit as many blogs as I can and leave comments, but to no realy avail. I’m often lucky if I can get 1 or 2 comments on a post. Not that I think my posts are overly thrilling, but when I see posts on some blogs that are total drvil and then get like 15 comments, it does make me feel a little down. I keep at it though, telling myself that it will eventually get better, that I’ll find time to promote my blog more. Now to figure out where I’m going to find that time!
@suzi, I love your blog. I think we all try to find time for… well, everything. Don’t get bogged down by numbers. Keep posting, commenting, interacting and enjoying it and your readers will come. Promise.
Nice post! My blog looks much better now days, It’s nothing to what it used to be. by time, reading for more great bloggers and getting to know about blogging tips I managed to develop it
Hinda´s last blog ..Just added to my library