Hello, and welcome to “Blogging Bits and Bytes” a free mini-series designed to motivate and inspire you on your blogging journey. I’m thrilled you decided to join me!
Photo: Barb Brookbank, Bouquet: Barb Brookbank, Composition: Brenda Kearns, Lettering: Kylie Letters, Location: Kim Klassen | The Studio, Rivers Manitoba
If you subscribe to the Blogging Bits and Bytes newsletter, a note will have arrived in your inbox which included a prompt for writing a blog post as well as a little freebie download. I haven’t decided on the exact length of the series, but I’m aiming for the end of November.
I believe there’s a place for everyone in this vast blogging world, and I refuse to listen to the naysayers who declare that blogging is dying/dead. Changing, yes … but not dead.
To that end, I want to share what blogging means to me, and why I do it. In the process, I hope to inspire you on your personal blogging journey. Although this is not a technical course, a few techie bits will be included.
Quite likely most of you either have a blog already, or have some basic understanding of what a blog is. It is simply a frequently updated online journal. And it’s your journal, to do with whatever you please.
YOU are the boss of your blog. NO apologies OK?
Now, for my first bit of advice if you are just starting out and trying to define your blog. Consider the name very, very carefully. It may:
- take you where you want to go, or
- hold you back and haunt you forever.
So what did “Keeping With the Times” do for me? Well, I’d have to say both … at times I deeply regretted the name, but ultimately it has taken me places I didn’t know I wanted to go … .
I chose a name and started posting. I posted recipes, DIY tutorials, home decor. Then a bit of our travels, then a bit of landscape photography, then a bit of still life. It was a creative hodge podge.
Early on, I began to have doubts about “Keeping With the Times” … what exactly was that? Here, I must backtrack and tell you it started out as “Keeping UP With the Times” but when I tried to purchase the domain name … it was taken (note: a bit of cautionary advise right here) so I had to switch gears and change it to “Keeping With the Times” which was confusing and a bit of a bummer … but it’s OK … it’s all OK.
I remember laying in bed trying to define what my blog was about … what was I trying to accomplish? I knew I was using it as a learning platform, but did anyone else? Starting over wasn’t an option, I’d already invested a ton of time and effort and love.
So I began searching for quotes that suited “Keeping With the Times”, and after several weeks of unsuccessful attempts, I came across “learn something new, try something different” by Brian Tracy. Bingo. That’s it! This is what my blog is about people! I’m living, and learning, and keeping with the times … (cue the trumpets!) … I’m learning how to use a camera, create new recipes, and make crafty projects, as well as how to navigate the online world of blogging and social media.
If you’re struggling to come to terms with the name of your blog, or why you even have a blog, try finding a tagline that suits it. Write down all the reasons you started blogging in the first place. This seemingly small effort will give you confidence, and will validate what you already know in your heart. It may just be the encouragement you need to keep updating your online journal.
Next in the series: Inside a blog post … and beyond …
Hi Barb, I have been blogging for awhile and to tell you the truth I have almost stopped on several occasions. Sometimes, I just didn’t want to make the effort but I have met so many wonderful people and I don’t want to loose contact with them. So when I saw that you were starting this class, I thought, just what I need to get excited about blogging again. Thank you for sharing your story today and for having such a sweet and generous heart.
I look forward to the next installment…
Hi Nancy … when people don’t post for a while, they think they should just throw in the towel … I don’t agree. Just pick up where you left off and don’t think that every post has to be a blockbuster!
First, I love your still life image! That is a gorgeous pitcher! Second, thank you for your encouragement to keep blogging. I’ve had more difficulty lately blogging, but I know it’s from life circumstances. I love the community of online friends and photographers that I’ve met through my blog. I began my blog years ago through a scrapbooking/writing class. It started as a place to post pictures and stories that my family would enjoy, hence the name, “Gramma’s Little Corner.” I’m not real crazy about the name now, but I guess it still works. It is my little corner of the world and I am a gramma! Looking forward to the next in the series!
Hi Cathy,
Thank you for your kind comment on my image!
I’m happy to hear my post has encouraged you … writing blog posts is work, but it’s work that is satisfying, and results in a person having a record of their life that they may not otherwise have. I know I’ve looked back on my blog to remember particular moments my life … and they are not recorded anywhere else. It’s interesting how many people don’t like the name of their blog at times. I decided I had better learn to like mine or start over (which I didn’t want to do.) So happy to have you taking part in the series.
Hi Barb- There’s no huge momentous reason I started blogging but I know no matter what I can’t & don’t want to stop…I miss my little space when I’m not there to fill the empty page! I do struggle with the why a lot. I don’t have a brand and couldn’t commit to anything at this point. I know I’d miss the small community that visits me. So now You’ve got me thinking! I like the title of my blog because that’s how I feel about that next photo that’s being taken-and the catch phrase came about in the hurry scurry of life with kids and purposely slowing down to catch the little things. I can’t get beyond those things-so-maybe through this course I’ll find the answers.The life of my family is changing-and in a few years my husband and I will be leaving CA to start our retirement, I’ll be an empty nester and lately I’m consumed with this and feel life is passing me by & feel that your course came at the perfect time. I look forward to the growth. Xo
Hi Kelly, I love hearing that you need to blog (I do as well) and hopefully together we can all encourage each other. I love the name you chose, and your tagline is perfection! I don’t think life is passing you by just because its changing – I found that as the kids left and I had more time, I became super-passionate about being creative. Some days I almost wish I could turn it off!!
Hello Barb!
Such a nice place to land today as I see you’ve changed things up a bit and added some fun things along the way. Your images are just so lovely. I like the name of your blog as I can relate to it completely….
I’ve signed up for Blogging Bits and Bytes so that I don’t shy away from getting my blog going. Struggling with shyness and such sure stopped me in the past but I kept feeling a strong tug on my heart to give it ago… I love sharing about all my creative passions and projects I enjoy working on… Why, not…. I’m getting to old not to, right? I enjoy reading blogs and I’m sure I’m not alone….
Warm regards,
Karla
Hi Karla, thank you for dropping by, and for joining Blogging Bits and Bytes! I hope I can help to inspire you in some small way. Your blog and your photography is amazing – I say just keep doing what you’re doing!!
Hi Barb, Thank you for this, I really, really wish I had chosen a different name for my blog. I feel that I have changed since moving house in the Summer and instead of just posting photos from various lessons and courses as I have done in the past, I want to be a bit more diverse now…..hmmmm, do I just jump right in ? I guess I do…..
Love your photo as always, I do so admire your style :(
Caz xo
Hi Caz, thank you so much for dropping by today! I’m with you – I was stuck in a bit of a rut just posting my “artful” images. Its so much more fun to have a variety. That’s why I really enjoyed writing about our trip to the mountains. It’s my journal and photo album and now I can look back and remember it (also, just by writing about it, I remember things much more clearly.)
Barb, this mini-session is going to be just what I need…I started a blog, just because a few family members had one and it sounded intriguing, except for months I kept it private. I thought I would use it to journal thoughts, and actually made my first post on my mom’s birthday. At the time I was fairly new to digital photography, knew NOTHING about post processing, and knew no one online. The name I chose came from my love for an old folk song that we sang in school, and lavender being one of my favorite colors, so I’m fine with it, but have found other’s that came about later than mine. The direction of my blog has been mostly about my photography and post processing journey….not a lot of direction really. I’m hoping your tips will help me find the right direction and meaning going forward. Thank you for sharing all your thoughts, and especially for this beautiful photo. You’re the best!!
Hi Beverly, I think you’ve found your direction! A person should post what makes their heart sing … and I have a few thoughts about that too ;)
Hi Barb..I somehow missed this in my mail..or perhaps I haven’t gotten yet…but I am signed up and the sounds of this class sounds wonderful..I love your work..who doesn’t…and it will be fun to share blogging time with you…
Thanks so much for all you share…
Hi Cheryl, you should have received the email … have you checked your spam folder? If you add me to your contacts that might help? Sorry you missed it … I’ll try to send you a direct copy. And thank you for your sweet words, Cheryl xo
Hi Barb I really need to kick start my blog again. As you say it is so difficult deciding what you focus is and why you are blogging in the first place. Looking forward to to renergising and meeting up with friends.
Hi Viv, I love your blog … I say just keep doing what your doing!
Hi Barb!
I am so glad I stopped by today. (I really need to check to see if I am on your email list)
I took a long, very long, blog break this summer and almost didn’t start it again. Then I decided to post only once a week to make things more manageable and started on Instagram.
I began my blog to share photography and now I am not sure what direction I want it to go. I like ‘Knee Deep In Dandelions’ but it doesn’t really say what the blog is about. I need a new ‘tag’ line. I will try your writing exercise today and see if I find any clarity. Funny I should end up here today with all these thoughts going on in my head. :)
Thank you for sharing your insights on blogging, you do have a beautiful blog. I am looking forward to the rest of your series.
Hi Michelle … I love the name of your blog too! Finding a tagline for me was like a lightbulb going on – I wasn’t going to change the name, I just had to come to love it! So happy you’re here!
Hi Barb!
I’m amazed at your never failing energy, at your so artistic creativity, at your unlimited desire to help, to inspire, to share… The new subject you propose to share about improving blogging seems to be unanimously waited for and I’m happy to see that many bloggers already subscribed.
I’ve never be tempted to write a blog, maybe I’m too much lazy to keep it on a regular mode and I’ve always thought that I’ve nothing new or interesting or different to write and post… there are so many beautiful, interesting, inspiring, creative minds all around the web and your blog is among the ones I love to visit regularly.
I agree that the name of the blog is really an important choice to be thought of before creating it… and posting everyday or even less is a huge commitment that I’d be afraid to dive in…
You seem to be so perfect in so many ways, photography, cooking, crafting, writing… I enjoy each of your posts, your lovely pictures and your writing style which is bursting with so much enthusiasm with often a touch of humour…
So many people like you and some other women I have met through Kim’s classes keep such talented blogs in which they share highly inspirational pictures, lots of useful advice, beautiful ideas and moving life experiences, that visiting your blog and some others every morning at breakfast time is like making a beautiful trip…
Your pictures and creative energy, Barb, illuminate my days and I’m entirely pleased with this!
Hi Odile, I’m always so thrilled when you drop by … your comments are so encouraging … and I have to say your art is amazing – just absolutely amazing and I love visiting you on Flickr!
Hi Barb. My blog has absolutely no direction at all. I started my blog to stay in touch with out of town family. The name of the blog is my business name (imaginative huh?). I have an etsy shop and sell photos and such. I also crochet and have a ton of hats, scarves and kitchen items that I sell. I decided that I needed to pick one thing and go with it but I’m having little success. i’m hoping your tips will inspire me to pick a path and run. Thanks for taking the time to do this….I look forward to it.
Hi Pam, I think a business name is perfect – especially when you are selling product. I often wonder if I had just named my blog “barbbrookbank.com” hmmm …
… so glad you’re here!
Hi Barb, this is a great post , and it sounds like a lot of your readers are in the same boat in regards to blogging. I have a blog which I retired , it was a popular blog at one time, all about my art work, I had some tutorials and free printables, ended up with one of my little crafts in a Craft magazine. It was all good for years, then I no longer felt it was me anymore after I got into photography , and so I retired it and have not started another blog. Something holds me back and I don’t know what it is. I put the link to Her Creative Spirit in this post if you want to see , I worked hard at getting traffic to my blog and it still gets some good traffic so I am leaving it there. Especially for the little tutorials I made there.
Thank you Lynn! I’m so happy you are here! I checked out your blog – it’s beautiful, and I am once again blown away by your talent … wow … I’ve bookmarked it and will be visiting often to explore your tutorials. Thank you for sharing it!
Hello Barb
As I could feel a blogging slump coming on, and my first really since I started, I am looking forward to your mini series to motivate me.
My next post will be our first prompt from the newsletter as to why we started blogging and the name chosen. I know this is going to help with putting it down in text to read and think about afterward. My reasons for starting my blog have changed and I honestly feel this is why I am lost for direction.
I know the slump is temporary because I do enjoy blogging and have met wonderful women across the world, a few whom have become friends. Time heals all… :-)
Thanks for hosting the series.
Hi Barb,
It’s so interesting to read about that experience you as well as others have with blogging, we all have a lot in common. When reading the previous comments here, I was really surprised how many people doesn’t like the name of their blog… even the people who chose a name I feel envious about. :) I love your choice as well, “keeping with the times” sounds timeless. I’ve just posted a post based on the prompt from the first newsletter, you can find in on my sharingmyreflections.blogspot.cz blog.
By the way, wouldn’t you consider adding at the end of your blogging-bit-and-bytes relating posts that gadget enabling to share links so that everybody who would write a post based on your prompt could share it there? I’d like to share my posts but even more, I’d love to read what others have to share.
Have a nice day!
Hi Petra, thank you so much for you stopping by and for your kind comment!
I think I’ll ask the question about linking up blogs in my next newsletter. If there’s enough interest I could certainly add a link up! Thank you for that suggestion.