Unveiling the Truth: The Dirty Secrets of Blogging
In today’s digital age, the allure of blogging has captivated many. The promise of passive income, flexible hours, and the potential to turn a hobby into a lucrative venture sounds like a dream come true. Yet, behind the glossy facade of success stories and Instagram-worthy lifestyles lies a reality often overlooked—the dirty secrets of blogging.
Today I will dive into the unspoken truths and challenges bloggers face, shedding light on the less glamorous aspects of this seemingly glamorous pursuit.
Blogging & the Dirty Secrets No One Tells You
I share these insights not to play the role of a whistleblower but because of my extensive experience providing online content for two decades, both for my websites and others’. I’ve been involved in blogging since its inception, long before it gained widespread popularity and social acceptance – we’re talking PRE MySpace days. The prevalence of stories touting six-figure incomes from blogging fails to capture the full picture. It’s essential to question the narratives: How long did it truly take these bloggers to achieve such success? How much personal effort did they invest? And importantly, how many other streams of website income do they rely on?
But First, About Me and Mine
When I bought the domain for Nevermore Lane, it was to be a place for all the other blogs I had started and let fall to the wayside. To be a place for the things that did not fit on my food blog, YUMeating. I wanted it to be a place to share my love for words, for the things that brought me joy.
Then, in 2015 I got a divorce. Right around the same time my biggest blog sponsor, Mode Media, filed for bankruptcy. To make things worse, Detroit Examiner also closed and that was a huge outlet for me, not only in the Entertainment department, but I had a Healthy Food column there as well.
I lost my voice. I had no desire to write about family, food, or create recipes. My world was completely upside down. So, YUMeating just sat there, collecting dust. Eventually, I let it go. I sold the brand and moved all the content here to Nevermore Lane. But, even then, I didn’t do much with it. I bounced a few ideas around, focused on lifestyle-type topics, but I quickly realized that beauty and fashion just are not my thing. I like to travel, and I like food. But, sadly, as much as I tried to find my voice for these things again, I just failed – repeatedly.
It did not help that the world of blogging went through a major shift.
Eventually, I came back. I missed writing and I needed an outlet for it. These days I am no longer worried about making money. If I do, great. If I do not, great. Maybe I will take the time to clean up old posts, maybe not. I just want to write again and not worry about taking the perfect photo or crafting a stellar string of keywords that sound like they belong.
Making money blogging isn’t easy. Making money as a food blogger was hard. But, not impossible. I even have a post to help you get started with over 270 ways you can make money blogging.
Now, let’s talk about some of the dirty secrets of blogging before you get started.
The Blogging World and It’s Dirty Little Secrets
Step into the world of side hustle blogging, where gleaming income reports and tales of overnight success paint a glamorous picture. Yet, beneath the surface lies a realm of hidden truths and undisclosed practices. With two decades of online content creation experience under my belt, I feel compelled to peel back the layers and reveal the harsh realities that often go unnoticed.
Unmasking PLR Material
Private Label Rights (PLR) content is a shortcut embraced by some bloggers, sacrificing authenticity for convenience. Yet, this practice undermines the genuine connection between creator and audience, leaving readers craving substance over superficiality.
PLR is not just blog content, but also videos, printables, downloads, and even wearables.
I am not against PLR, what I am against is the deception of using it and touting it as being your original work. If you used the PLR for a general guide and you rewrite the majority of the material – that is a different story. These types of things should be used as a tool to help, nothing more.
Google: white label products … that is a whole other wormhole to go down.
Originality vs. General Stock Photos
Behind the captivating imagery that adorns many blogs lurks a dirty secret: stock photos masquerading as original content. While general stock photos may dazzle the eye, they often lack the authenticity and creativity of original content. The prevalence of photographers and recipe creators selling their work to bloggers further perpetuates this cycle of unoriginality.
Outsourcing and Illusions of Engagement
The illusion of bustling activity on certain blogs is often maintained through outsourcing and automation. Virtual assistants work behind the scenes to manage comments and social media interactions, obscuring the reality of genuine engagement. There are countless Facebook groups specific to bloggers to gain engagement on their blog posts and social media accounts.
The Myth of Blogging Riches
For every six-figure success story in the blogging world, countless others struggle to make ends meet. Lindsay & Bjork, Jeff Goins, Darren Rowse at ProBlogger, and Pat Flynn with Smart Passive Income may capture headlines, but they are the exceptions, not the rule.
The Brutal Truth About Blogging Income
Contrary to popular belief, making money through blogging is far from easy. It demands relentless dedication, perseverance, and a diversified income strategy. However, for those willing to put in the work, blogging can serve as a powerful tool for entrepreneurship and self-expression.
To Blog or Not to Blog
In the realm of blogging, success stories often eclipse the harsh realities of the journey. Aspiring bloggers must arm themselves with knowledge, embracing authenticity and originality in their pursuit of success. By acknowledging the challenges and complexities of the blogging landscape, they can navigate the path with clarity and resilience.
7 Things Every New Blogger Needs to Know
#1. It’s Not as Easy as It Seems
One of the biggest misconceptions about blogging is the idea that it’s a quick and easy way to make money. In reality, building a successful blog requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. From creating high-quality content to promoting it effectively and engaging with your audience, there’s much more to it than simply writing a few posts and waiting for the money to roll in.
You also have to take into consideration that things are always changing. Google changes its SEO, brands go from blog sponsors to Influencers, and social media is always changing its algorithms and how we see content. If you do not like change, this will not be a good source of potential income for you.
#2. It Takes Time to See Results
Contrary to popular belief, success in the world of blogging doesn’t happen overnight. Many aspiring bloggers are lured in by the promise of quick riches, only to be disappointed when they don’t see immediate results. Building a loyal readership and monetizing your blog takes time, often months or even years of consistent effort.
#3. Monetization Isn’t Guaranteed
While it’s true that many successful bloggers can monetize their blogs through advertising, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and other means, it’s important to understand that monetization is far from guaranteed. In fact, the vast majority of blogs never generate any significant income at all. Making money from blogging requires a sizable audience, strategic planning, marketing savvy, and a bit of luck.
Those who are making money are utilizing social media much more these days instead of relying just on their written word. As they say – content is king. They also say one should not put all of their eggs into one basket. Take advantage of all of the resources to turn your blog into your brand. Marketing is going to be your friend.
#4. It Can Be Lonely
Blogging is often portrayed as a glamorous and social activity, but it can be quite lonely. Many bloggers work alone, spending hours in front of their computers without any direct human interaction. This can lead to feelings of isolation and burnout, especially for those who are used to more traditional forms of employment.
#5. It’s Not Always Fun
While blogging can be a rewarding and fulfilling creative outlet, it’s not always fun and games. There will be days when you struggle to come up with ideas, times when you receive negative feedback or criticism, and moments when you question whether it’s all worth it. Maintaining motivation and perseverance in the face of these challenges is essential for long-term success.
#6. It Requires Constant Learning and Adaptation
The world of blogging is constantly evolving, with new technologies, trends, and algorithms shaping the landscape regularly. As a side hustle blogger, it’s crucial to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments to remain competitive. This means constantly learning new skills, experimenting with different strategies, and adapting to changes as they occur.
#7. It’s Not for Everyone
Finally, it’s important to recognize that blogging isn’t for everyone. While some people thrive in online entrepreneurship’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, others may find it overwhelming or unfulfilling. Before diving headfirst into the world of blogging, take the time to honestly assess your skills, interests, and goals to determine whether it’s the right path for you.
While blogging certainly has its appeal, it’s important to approach it with a realistic understanding of the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead. By acknowledging the dirty secrets and unspoken truths of this popular pursuit, aspiring bloggers can better prepare themselves for the journey ahead and increase their chances of success in the long run.
