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10 Things I’ve learnt In Two Years Of Blogging

Two years ago I decided to start this blog and it was something I’d been considering for a while but with two young boys, it seemed like another thing to add to my ever-growing list. Little did I know then that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I’ve always enjoyed writing and in my younger days, I religiously wrote a diary but then life got busy and writing fell by the wayside.

This blog gave me back my passion for writing and recording memories of our family life. I only wish I’d started sooner and had a record of when my boys were babies. I know that when they are older they may not want me to continue to write about their lives and that’s okay, but until then I will continue to record and capture their moments.

Here are some of the things I’ve learnt in two years of blogging:

  • The blogging community is a really great place for help and advice. I have found Facebook groups invaluable.
  • Ditto for close blogging friends – they are always there when you need to sound out an idea or be there when you are having a bad day (you know who you are!)
  • You’ll spend a ridiculous amount of time in front of a screen – whether it’s your laptop, phone or camera!
  • Ideas for blog posts are constantly in your head. Until you actually sit down to write and then you will procrastinate and faff about on social media instead of actually writing (please tell me it’s not just me!)
  • On the other hand, you’ll surprise yourself with how quickly you manage to bang out a post when you are on a deadline
  • Your other halves will learn to have the patience of a saint wherever you go. Especially if you are out reviewing a restaurant and they aren’t allowed to eat until you have the perfect photo. Better still – they take the photos for you whilst you are having to deal with taking the kids on numerous toilet trips!
  • Blogging is what you want to make of it – some are happy wittering away into the ether whenever it suits, others manage to turn it into their full-time job and earn a good salary from it. I am sitting firmly in the middle of these two camps. Although it would be great to give up the day job…one day!
  • I won’t lie, there are some great perks to blogging. You get invited to some amazing events, review fantastic items BUT they honestly are not the be-all and end-all. They all require a lot of hard work and dedication.
  • Taking blogging breaks are essential. It feels great to walk away from the screen for a bit. Spend time with family, yourself, read, go for walks or take an actual break away – whatever floats your boat. The blog will still be there waiting when you are ready to start again.
  • Being a blogger means that not only are you a writer, you are also your own social media manager, marketer, photographer, designer, coder – the list is endless!!!

What have you learnt as a blogger so far?

Related posts:

What blogging means to me…What blogging means to me… 7 ways to make money through blogging7 ways to make money through blogging My blogging goals for 2015My blogging goals for 2015 5 Big Benefits of Blogging5 Big Benefits of Blogging

About The Author

Picture of Maria
Hello and welcome to Suburban Mum! I'm Maria and I'm mum to two boys - E who's 14 and M who's 11. This blog is about my family, the ups and downs of being a working mum and everything in between. If you want to find out more about me and my family head over to our About us page.

80 thoughts on “10 Things I’ve learnt In Two Years Of Blogging”

  2. TheIrishBabyFairy

    Wow well done on making it to your 2 year blog birthday! I’m not even 4 months in and agree especially with the procrastination – aghhhhh social media has a lot to answer for! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  3. the frenchie mummy

    It’s not just you faffing about on social media instead of writing! That is pretty much what I did for a good hour or so today LOL. I love your list at the end. It makes me feel like an accomplished woman , merci! #KCACOLS

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  4. Ky

    I am the queen of faffing around on social media. I’m terrible for it. I’m also guilty of having so many ideas and not knowing where to start with them all. Just discovering the group side of facebook but so far it’s been great and super helpful.x #kcacols

    Reply
  5. The Mum Reviews

    I was chuckling at the bit about faffing on social media instead of writing. I totally do that! Thanks for sharing your insights and experience. I think our attitude to blogging is similar. But I’ve only been going for a month and a half so let’s see if I can stick with it as long as you. #kcacols

    Reply
  9. Nicole @ The Professional Mom Project

    Great post! I’m the same way – I always have ideas in my head and a running list on my phone but have such a hard time actually writing (which I really do enjoy). I also feel like I’m always in front of a screen. I think that’s my least favourite part but I do love constantly learning and reading. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  10. Agent Spitback

    You have done well for 2 years! Definitely the blogging community and friends are things I never thought about before blogging and that’s the best part of blogging. I have also been in awe of the amazing content and learning about other people’s lives and stories – it has really widened my horizon! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  11. kristin mccarthy

    After only a few months I have scored a few articles on online publications and am super excited about that- not quite sure how to make more than five cents a day from ads though. Also I have hit a roadblock in my member subscription. I know these things take time… congrats on having the endurance to do this for two years!

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  12. natalie

    Happy Blog BIrthday – I am celebrating 1 year blogging this month and have written a similar post. It is such hard work. I think I need to faff on social media a little more – this will always be my downfall!! #kcacols

    Reply
  13. Fi - Beauty Baby and Me

    I love this. I feel like I am constantly learning with blogging and as you say, so often have ideas in my head that I have to make sure I write down! The blogging community is so supportive I feel very lucky about that x #KCACOLS

    Reply
  14. Tracey

    Happy 2 year blogiversary! I have learnt that I need to keep a notebook of all my thoughts because I always go to bed with great ideas and forget all about them the next day! #kcacols

    Reply
  16. Soppymum (Sara)

    I’m quite new to blogging and am finding it all a bit confusing!!! Need to make a good to do list and find some time to tick things off!!! #kcacols

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  17. Claire

    Congratulations on your two year blog birthday! I’ve been at it two months so I don’t have any words of wisdom to share yet! #kcacols

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  18. Emma Island Living 365

    I learnt very recently that taking a blogging break is essential! I had a lovely two weeks blog free and it was really well needed. I have also learnt what a supportive community the blogging one is 🙂 #KCACOLS

    Reply
  19. justsayingmum

    I’ve learnt that I love it too! So much more than just the writing isn’t it? I love all the aspects of blogging and so please I started too! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  21. Shaney

    I know what you mean about procrastination! I get loads of idea when I’m out driving the trains and then as soon as I sit down I’m scrolling through Twitter and Facebook and sometimes forget the idea all together! THank’s for sharing X #KCACOLS

    Reply
  22. Sunita - Lucky Things blog

    What a nice post and congrats on the 2 years of blogging – that’s incredible. Lucky Things blog has only been officially out there for 6 months. Yep our partners and friends have to be so patient when where taking shots for reviews! Lovely reading your blog Maria, it’s one of my favourites x Sunita #KCACOLS

    Reply
  23. Poppy Reflects

    I know what you mean about adding onto the never ending list of things to do in a day but somehow the motivation just gets me to write and it really is enjoyable! And as for sitting in front of screens, I’m not quite sure I’ll ever get used to that but it does seem a huge part of life right now. Happy Two Years of Blogging! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  24. Jason

    So many great points here. Its so much MORE than writing, a lot of people don’t realise. One other thing that wasn’t on your list is dealing with the negativity. No matter what you write, I’ve found, there’s someone out there that will take umbrage with it. Still, just gotta step back, take a breath, and keep pushing on.
    Thanks for sharing #KCACOLS

    Reply
  25. Sarah

    I faff far too much on social media too. I really need to sit down and plan a proper schedule…just off to check twitter first though…#KCACOLS

    Reply
  26. Cheryl @ ReimerandRuby

    Happy 2nd year of blogging! I totally agree with you, “Being a blogger means that not only are you a writer, you are also your own social media manager, marketer, photographer, designer, coder – the list is endless!!!” These are all the things I’ve learned as well since started blogging. Wish you more blogging years! #KCACOLS.

    Reply
  28. Angela Watling

    Oh my goodness, I’m so glad you blank out when you actually get in front of the screen. I always have great posts forming in my head at bedtime then at blog time…zilch! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  30. Tammymum

    Yes this is very true! And no you are definitely not the only one, I always have ideas in my head, usually when I should be sleeping but when I come write they’re gone. Yet sometimes like you say I can word vom and get a post out in minutes. Bloggers life eh. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  31. The Hippy Christian Mum

    What a great post, you have coined it so well, and not it’s not just you! I was sat looking at a blank screen for ages last night having not done a post for over a week, I had an idea for a post but it just wouldn’t come out right. So I thought well what do I really want to write about and then it came flowing and that is what I have just posted. It’s writing for you then and writing for readers and getting that mix. I’m really enjoying it. I always like coming to your blog because it’s so clean and fluid and I like your video reviews too as they’re often succint but really useful. Thanks! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  32. Andrea @Topsy Turvy Tribe

    Well done on reaching two years. Happy blog birthday. We’re just starting out really…glad you still really enjoy blogging! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  33. Kirsty - Winnettes

    I definitely procrastinate as soon as I sit down to write. I’m not sure how it happens but I swear Instagram opens itself! I am enjoying just wittering away at the moment, I used to write when I was younger but as you say life gets in the way. I started to really miss the process of writing which is why I started blogging. I’ve been doing it just over a year very periodically but I really enjoy it so I’m doing it more and more now.
    #KCACOLS

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  34. Louise

    Congratulations on your 2nd birthday! I only started blogging this year, but I have already seen how lovely the community is. To many more years blogging! #KCACOLS

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  35. Rachel Bustin

    Congrats on 2 years of blogging! I am 18 months into my blogging journey although only 6 months of that serious blogging! I like you have learnt and appreciate how lovely the blogging community is around us. It’s now my way of life. My next big hurdle is too fit it around going back to work in 3 weeks eek! xx
    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  37. Laura @ Mama, Eden & Me

    Well done on two years. I’ve learnt recently that blogging isn’t just about writing. Apparently you need to do more than write to be “successful”

    Reply
  39. Suzanne

    Blogging gave me back my passion for writing too. The discipline of feeling like you ‘have to’ write is really god for getting you back into the habit. I love the last point about all the skills you gain too – even if you can’t/ don’t make it your full-time career it will certainly help you with another one. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  40. Ali Duke

    Congratulations on 2 years of blogging. It is so easy to get lost in social media rather than write isn’t it lol. I love that writing a blog has opened up a world of blogs that I might never have seen otherwise. The blogging community is wonderful x
    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  41. Sam @ayoungmumsguide

    Congratulations on you 2 year blogiversary! I’ve just started a new blog but I’m definitely better at faffing about than blogging! Seeing how supportive and lovely most of the blogging community are defo motivates me to stick at it though!

    Reply
  42. Jess Powell (Babi a Fi)

    I’ve learned so much through blogging – it’s a really rewarding hobby in that respect. It does drive my other half nuts sometimes, but other times he actually writes posts for me and thinks up new ideas. (Before going back to complaining… lol) #KCACOLS

    Reply
  43. Alison (MadHouseMum)

    I’ve learnt that it is addictive and all-consuming! I just love writing and when I started I had absolutely no idea about the ‘blogging community’ – which is just awesome! Congrats for making 2 years – very inspirational. Alison x #KCACOLS ps when your boys are teenagers you can still blog about them – they will just have to give it the once over first. Pictures generally prohibited, with the odd exception!

    Reply
  44. Pen

    Hi,

    thanks for this post. I am firmly in the witter away into the ether camp and probably always will be. I have a full time job and I think I would find the additional deadlines and work associated with monetising a blog would take away from my pleasure when writing.

    Pen x #KCACOLS

    Reply
  45. Rachel George, Ordinary Hopes

    I am only three months in so still learning the ropes. My husband already thinks I spend too much time at it. It is amazing how consuming it can be, especially as mine is really to back up a campaign to make life better for my son and other disabled people. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  46. Alana - Burnished Chaos

    I’m only 7 weeks in with my blog but I can definitely relate to most of these already, especially the faffing and the amount of screen time!
    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  48. My Petit Canard

    Congrats on reaching two years! Its such a fantastic achievement. I am just about to hit three years in November and am doing a lot of reflection too at the moment. I can definitely say I agree with and have experienced most, if not all of these. Especially the procrastinating and getting lost in social media instead of writing posts! Emily #KCACOLS

    Reply
  49. Mum in Brum

    Great list Maria! I too and such a procrastinator and get sooo distracted by social media! I’m yet to take a blogging break for any length of time, but have cut down my posting schedule on some months and sometimes if I don’t feel like posting then I don’t bother – like you say, the blog will still be there when you return xx #KCACOLS

    Reply
  50. Sonia

    Faff, ignoring husband, faff, making children pose for a ‘blog’ photo, faff and more faff. That about sums it up but I love it!!! Xx #KCACOLS

    Reply
  52. Alex Fihema

    Even at this infant stage in blogging I can relate to what you say, especially the fourth point when you have ideas but get too busy with social media.
    My oh my does social media become an endless, almost, secret guilt #KCACOLS

    Reply
  54. Sharon Parry

    Well done on two years of blogging – a big achievement. I agree with every single one of those points. Ideas of posts come to me in the shower/when i am driving or just about any other time when it is impossible for me to write them down and then I freeze when i am in front of my PC. Will certainly take your advice about taking a blogging break too. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  55. becca farrelly

    I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started blogging! 🙂 Its been a steep learning curve that’s for sure and although I have had some amazing products to review, I would have never imagined how much work goes into creating and writing a blog post! I do love it but I’m not ready to take it to the next level yet 🙂

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  56. Mummyhereandthere

    Yep it is constant with the blog ideas and blogging takes up a lot of time but it is also very rewarding too X #kcacols

    Reply
  57. Becci - The Unnatural Mother

    I love the point about your partner not being able to start his food in a resturant before you can take the perfect picture. Thats me ! Also my head is always full of ideas but when it comes to writing them i find myslef surfing FB or Twitter instaed #KCACOLS

    Reply
  59. Kerry

    Yep your not alone with the faffing rather than sitting down and writing! As well as wasting time on social media, I also write a lot of lists! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  60. The Geeky Mama Blog

    Very excited for you! I am only 3 months in and am just now realizing how tough all this can be. Even though I have my days of writers block and disappointment.. but in the end I feel like it is all worth it! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  61. five little doves

    Great post and I laughed at procrastinating, am the queen of that! I sit down ready to write a post and then nosy on facebook and Instagram for that long that the moment has passed. I really need to knuckle down more! Fab post though, great advice. #kcacols

    Reply
  64. Abi

    As a relatively newbie blogger this is an encouraging read! My other half has zero interest in my blog and therefore has zero patience with my ‘addiction to the screen’. I am most definitely an ether blogger but mainly because I don’t have the confidence (or capacity) to make it any bigger. Great blog! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  65. Twicemicrowaved tea

    I definitely agree about procrastination. And I’m always in front of a screen now (usually procrastinating!). I’m surprised how much time blogging takes up, and I only write about one post a week! I think I need to press publish sooner, rather than spending forever reading and re-reading everything I write. Maybe once I’ve been doing it a bit longer I’ll get a bit more confidence and I’ll speed up! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  66. Beta Mummy

    I started blogging coming up for six months ago and the biggest surprise for me has been how much time I spend on “blogmin” – far more than actually writing/doodling! I’m not sure whether I have the balance quite right, but I’m still learning.
    #kcacols

    Reply
  67. Nicky Kentisbeer

    Totally with you on the ‘faffing’ Maria. Glad I’m not the only one. So much so I’m in the process of putting together a schedule for myself so as to keep my little eyes from straying. Easier said than done! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  69. mainy - myrealfairy

    Very true about settling down to write a post then start to faff about on social media or just quickly reply to an email or check a linky. Its my biggest thing that I need to get a grip on. I love writing and need to do more of it!:)

    mainy

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  70. Cal at Family Makes

    I would agree with all of your points here, even after just a few months for me. I attacked it headlong and took things quite seriously at the start, but now I’m relaxing into it a bit I’m finding it much more enjoyable. The best part was the pleasant surprise about how nice everyone was to each other – I expected it to be much more competitive. Thanks for sharing your findings! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  72. Tim

    I think the one thing I’ve learned most is how much work goes into keeping even a moderately successful blog going. So often people thing blogging is a doddle – until they try it for themselves! Keeping going for 2 years is a big achievement in itself – it shows a degree of persistence and robustness that is beyond many. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  73. Mummy and the Mexicans

    I totally agree with you about having so many ideas for posts then faffing about on social media instead of writing! I do that too! I have so much still to learn. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  74. Crystal Green

    I like your list of things you’ve learned. I have to agree with everything. Like you, I’ve learned that sometimes taking a break is the most valuable thing in the world.

    I also struggle with actually implementing my blogging ideas when I’m actually in front of a screen to do it. Shoot, I can write an entire wonderful sounding blog post when I’m NOT on my computer screen.

    Visiting from #KCACOLS.

    Reply
  76. ERFmama

    Well I’ve learned a bit about wordpress and blogger. 😀 Since I switched from blogger to wordpress self hosted. I’ve learned that having a huge comment section on a blog post isn’t everything and that even if it’s empty that doesn’t mean no one read your post! 🙂
    Though I have to admit I do wish more would leave some thoughts on posts, don’t we all? 😀

    I have learned that it can be a very big tool for me both with spreading knowledge and also because it’s helped me tremendously work wise. 🙂

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  77. Tracey Bowden

    I agree with pretty much all of that especially the close blogging friends. If you had told me a year ago some of my closest friends would be bloggers I would never have believed you! I spend far too much time faffing and Olivia gets so annoyed when we are out having to take pictures of literally everything!

    Reply
  78. A Cornish Mum

    I was nodding all the way through this, I couldn;t agree more and a belated happy blog birthday! Crazy how fast the time goes 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #TenThings

    Stevie x

    Reply

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