5 MINUTE READ
If you are a regular blog reader or a big social media user you’ll probably have come across posts with titles along the lines of….
WOW! How I Made £5000 in my first Month of Blogging!!
Or
I Gave up My Horrible Job and Now Make $200k pa blogging – Here’s How You Can Too!!
Or
Chanel begged me to review their SS Collection – and keep it!!
Well, not this Lil Ol’ Blogger. No siree. I am bucking those particular bloggy trends.
Me – well, I’ve been blogging for exactly one year – that’s 55 really rather random posts – and unlike tons of successful bloggers, vloggers and shloggers (ok I made that last one up) my income from blogging has been exactly £0 (that’s $0 if you’re in the States).
Nothing. Nada. Big Fat Zero.
AND…I’ve probably spent the cost of a very nice city break setting up and developing my blog.
AND… if I’d used the time I spent developing my blog on my real job I’d have earned a good few quid.
So does that mean I should have I’m A Bloggy Twat tattoed across my forehead?
Not yet.
Truth is I love blogging – it’s my (over-used word alert) PASSION. Some people can’t get enough of baking cupcakes, others spend their weekend dismantling and…ermmmm remantling cars, and some folks take up Day Drinking.
Me, well I regularly spout forth unsolicited thoughts and opinions to anyone who’ll listen – on everything from Who the Hell are The Kardashians? to Why all the best Ideas in Life Come at 3.17am – Precisely
But before you guys at the back start organising a Whip Round for me (ok if you insist, Paypal works for me) I’ve loved every minute of blogging and learned so much that at times my brain hurts.
Here are some of the things I’ve learned during one year of blogging
I remembered that I love writing
…and have done ever since, at the age of six, when I first put pencil to paper and composed this little ditty, entitled Snow, which, I think, clearly highlights my potential…
Snow is Cold
Snow is Nice
Snow brings Showers
Snow Brings Ice
Bloggers are amazing
…and supportive and generous and go out of their way to help each other, apart from the horrible ones, who I’ve heard about, but thankfully not encountered. They are jealous and take credit for other people’s hard work and push you in the playground.
Be Gone Nasty Bloggers.
I Love Feedback
For fear of sounding like a Miss Universe contestant I love when I get comments on my posts (thank you) saying I’ve made someone smile or laugh or choke on their coffee and gone into a convulsive coughing fit and had to be a hit really hard on the back before they pass out
Some bloggers make an actual living at blogging.
And it’s not just young, gorgeous, pouty ones called Zoella or Something Hadid. Some bloggers are experts in website design, setting up a blog or using social media, and provide consultancy, training, and support. Other bloggers monetize (that’s a thing) their blog by featuring advertising or selling items that they mention on their blog, while some get paid to write featured posts. Hats off to them all.
I have an opinion on almost everything.
Sometimes it’s scary how many opinions I hold. I even have opinions on things I hardly know anything about – like Hershey Bars and The Offside Rule.
Technological Thingamabobs give me a frontal lobe headache
…and makes me whine-y and Cheeky to Call Centre Staff
I am prone to moaning.
My go-to starting point for most blog posts is to grump about something. I try and limit moan-y posts to one a month.
Even when I have nothing to write about something always comes up
…like How I’d Prefer to Tackle My Corns That Watch Rugby or What I’d ask the Queen if we had Dinner Together
Sometimes Blogging makes me do things I’d probably otherwise not do
…just so I can blog it – like Renting A Dog or Organising My Sock Drawer
I know the difference between a Plugin and a Widget.
Just don’t ask at the moment, but honestly, I do know the answer.
Google is a Bloggers Best Friend.
She knows everything. What’s the difference between a Widget and a Plugin? Did Anne of Cleves smell? What the best way to organize your sock drawer?
Unboxing is a thing.
It’s where a young person (or someone older, who should know better) makes a video of him/herself unboxing (yes, that’s taking something out of a box) a product. It could be a new Louis Vuitton handbag or a new Mac computer, (which I guess can be useful if they show you how to get it started), but there are also people who have made videos of them unboxing a lipstick. And they take 10 minutes over it. Yes, seriously. Google it.
It’s got me thinking about launching an Unpacking Series – where I make a video of me unpacking my Sainsbury’s shopping saying –
These are Eggs – said while holding one up to the camera.
This is Milk – then pouring some into a glass.
What d’ya think?
Blogging has made me much more social media savvy
…which is not so easy when you’re over 14¾. I can now Tweet and Facebook and Stumble and create a darn fine Pinterest Pin. Although Instagram and I are not talking at the moment.
I have no colour sense.
When I am making up Pinterest Pins or choosing colours for branding I think that the most ridiculous combination of colours will go together. I’ve started leaving Post It Notes around my home with Red and Green Should Never Be Seen on them.
Having a niche is good
…like beauty, fashion, food. Since I know nothing about any of those I opted for Midlife, not realising it’s a big thing. There are tons of midlife woman (and men) all over the world who are funny and sassy and stylish and doing interesting things and I’ve connected quite a few and am delighted to part of that particular tribe.
Here are just a few of the midlife blogs and vlogs I enjoy The Midult, Making Midlife Matter, Midlife Boulevard, Hot and Flashy, Midlife Dramas in Pyjamas and That’s Not My Age.
There are tons of amazing free stuff available online
…copyright free images, GIFs, Headline Analyser (where you can test if a headline is any good), YouTube How To Do Anything Videos, Bitly (link shortener) and the wonderful Canva (for social media graphics). Oh and Colour Selection sites that help you not match red and green.
SEO means Search Engine Optimisation.
I’ll tell you what that is at the end of Year 2.
So, my friends, thank you for reading and commenting and supporting me during my first year of blogging. I have some Bloggy Goals for Year 2 including Stop Moaning, Never Mention Corns Again and Figure Out What The Hell SEO Is. At the moment money still isn’t the point of blogging for me, but having said that, you have no idea how thrilled I’ll be if I make so much as £1 along the way. I expect I’ll write a blog post about it.
The End
Don’t miss a trick – tune in every Saturday for more randomness & unsolicited advice – or better still, sign up for Regular Updates (above right). You’ll also find me on…
Twitter @MidlifeSmarts
Yep well done Jill. You’ll stay broke and happy blogging. Been fun reading your thoughts (though we really really need to get you help about this rugby phobia). Here’s to another year….
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Thanks Geoff. Just as well I love it as it takes so much time!! Thanks for commenting.
Great post Jill! We are treading a similar path. I’ve been blogging for exactly a year too. Not made a penny. Learned a ton of stuff. Met (virtually) some great people. Niche-wise I’m all over the place… but I love it. Keep in blogging!
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Hey Pete, Great to connect and Happy Blog Birthday. The more I learn the lesss I know – but love it anyway. Thanks for popping on. Jill
Happy Birthday! I’ve been doing it nearly two years and also haven’t made a penny. I’ve also not collected many followers but hey ho. I’m concentrating on FB at the moment as followers there expect nothing but my humour, and they don’t unfollow me if I don’t follow them back lol! 😊 x
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Blogging is defo a labour of love. I look out for ur posts and always enjoy them – so you can count me among ur fans !! Jill x
You’re very kind. I look out for yours too. I’ve just had a clear out of all the blogs whose posts I now delete without even reading. I’ve been left following yours and four others! Harsh but fair Jill…harsh but fair 😂😂😂
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Cheers. Chuffed to know I’ve made the final 4. There’s only so many hours in the day and so many distractions so need to be brutal with our time. It’s great to have support from bloggers whose work I enjoy. Jx
Right back at you 😊
Happy Blogday Jill, yes you regularly make me snort coffee. I share your outlook on a lot of stuff…
I’m seriously considering doing a “(insert arbitrary number her) reasons why I shouldn’t blog about beauty” post. Still wondering how to best light a 25 year old lipstick in a flat lay to best show of the faded peeling labels 😂 – maybe when I have that sorted 😉
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That’s sounds like my kinda post Sonia. Remember to pout a lot!! Thanks for your lovely comments and support over the year. Jillx
An ‘old trout pout? Lol I don’t do selfies hahahahaha
I have to say, your blog is so professional looking, I was surprised that you’ve only been doing this for a year! You totally hit the ground running!
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Oh thanks Sonia – that’s lovely to hear. It’s been a HUGE learning curve. I try and keep it uncluttered as I can.
I still don’t know the difference between a plug-in and a widget (isn’t that what they put at the bottom of beer cans?), nor do I know what search engine optimism and I haven’t made a penny from blogging either, but like you I still love it. Also, I totally don’t get the unboxing thing. I’ll just have to conclude it’s not “my thing”.
Author
I think the support from other bloggers is one of the best things about blogging. And also having an outlet for all the random thoughts we have!! Thanks for your support during the last year. Jill x
Happy bloggy birthday Jill you may not have made a penny.
But I can assure you some of your blogs have been priceless to me😀especially when it comes to picking presses (no more black and red undies for Anne) thanks for your wisdom to the poor guys, that are to embarrassed to ask. No need now, we have your venerable wisdom. xx
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Hey Peter – thanks so much for popping on and sharing my posts. Great to know I’ve helped in the old pressie buying department 🙂 We aim to please. Jill x
Keep going Jill, brightens our weekend mornings to read your post aloud over breakfast tea and start the day with a smile xx
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THanx Lorna, that’s so good to know. Jx
You’re hilarious! I’ve made many thousands blogging. It also made me an Amazon best selling author and magazine columnist. Blogging rocks!
You have a great voice. You just need to tweak some stuff to make it pay. Happy to help. I’ve blogged on and off since 1999. It’s definitely hardest when you start a new blog. I just got back into it after taking a break for a couple of years and am remembering the slog. But every part of the journey is worth it. Embrace the blog slog! Actually, I wrote a blog post about embracing the struggle. Might help. Keep going! 🙂❤️
Happy Blog Birthday, Jill! Seems like you’ve been blogging much longer. xox
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Haha Lorna – tell me about it!! Seems like years but I really do enjoy it especially all the support I receive from fellow bloggers. Thanks Jillx
You never fail to make me laugh, Jill! Maybe we BUYBers could be the schloggers?? Or at least us in a certain mid life period……I still don’t have a clue what I’m doing most of the time, yet have 3 shocked kids who can’t believe anyone follows me….and that I use social media (if not well ha, ha, ha,) C x
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Haha. Love the idea of ur shocked kids with their cool mum and her followers!! Yes I bumble about a bit here and am always surprised and delighted when something technical works!! Jill x
Happy one year blogiversary! You could start a new trend… unbagging with your weekly Sainsburys shop. You could be like Nigella but just with me unpacking of the ingredients! I’d watch it…just saying!
I look forward to many more fabulous posts here’s to another year and many many more! 🍾
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Honestly I cannot believe some of those UnBoxing videos – they go on for ages!! It’s been a busy year and great to connect with you – and some other fab supportive bloggers out there. Roll on Year 2 – my To Do List is endless! Thanks JIll x
Happy birthday! I’ve made a combined total of like $21 and I’m not even allowed to take it out until I make $100 so I’ll hit that in probably 2045. LOL!
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$21 is not to be sniffed at!! The drinks are you on 🙂 Seems like Blogging is more about love than money for most of us. But hey, who knows in the future we might be the ones writing those ‘How I made £10k in one month’ posts some day!
Cheers, Jill x
Discovering (or rediscovering) a love of writing is a far better prize than whatever you were going to get from Prada anyway. You’ve got the right perspective! (of course, if someone sends you to Coachella to blog about it, you’ll take me with, right?)
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Coachella – absolutely! Joking aside I totally agree about rediscovering a love of writing. And there’s a freedom in being able to write about anything you please. Thanx for popping on . Jill
Congratulations and Happy Bloggy Birthday! I have been blogging for nearly 3 years now and also have earned the same as you (I am either a very slow learner or just bloody crap at affiliating or whatever it is called)! I have enjoyed reading your blog since I found you via ‘Big Up Your Blog’ and look forward to your future posts!
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Hey Judy so great to hear you enjoy my blog. Right back at you! Yes I need to add Learn about Affiliates to my endless To Do LIst!! Thanx for your support during my first year of blogging. Much appreciated. JIll
Jill, I have always loved your blog and this post is no exception 🙂
I LOVE blogging. It’s why I began and it’s why I continue. I make very little from my blog, you know? Most months I make nothing at all. I just enjoy writing and sharing what I know and love. It’s why I gave up my job two weeks ago and got into this full-time.
Congrats on the one year anniversary and may the year ahead see even more awesome and hilarious posts from your stable. SO glad to have met you virtually 🙂
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Hey Shailaja congrats on going for blogging full time. That’s great. I try and follow what you’re doing and have picked up some excellent tips from you. I do love blogging and writing and the support from fellow bloggers is amazing. I still have so much to learn – seems like the more I know the less I know. Thanks for your support in year 1. JIll x
Congrats Jill! You’re making about the same money as I am. I have a similar post in my drafts that I’m scared to publish for fear of upsetting people with my sarcastic take on blogging hut I’m getting closer to hitting publish. You are going great and I always love reading your posts 😊
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Hey Debbie It’s good to know I am not alone with my ZERO income! So far I’ve focussed on learning all I can about blogging – and there’s still a long way to go!! I get nervous about certains posts too. I’d love to read you post if and when you press publish. JIll x
Happy bloggiversary. I particularly liked ‘Even when I have nothing to write about something comes up’. For my last blog I sat staring at a blank screen eating strawberries. Guess what, I wrote a blog about strawberries!
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Haha. Inspiration comes to us at the strangest moments. Thanx for commenting. Jill x
Great blog. Can’t believe you’ve been doing it for a year. Wow!
I look forward to finding out what topic you’ve picked every Saturday morning.
And bizarrely enough… I remember that “Snow” poem!!
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Haha. No wonder it’s a bit of a masterpiece ! Thanx for all ur cheering on. Jx
Ha ha ha ha ha! This right gave me a giggle. As a fellow midlifer I’m very glad you started blogging. Happy Blogabirthday! Sue x
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Hey Sue. Thanks for that. It’s comments like that that keep me going. Great to know you enjoyed. Jill x
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You website looks amazing. Just signed up.
I apologize for being a little late to the party, but Happy Blogiversary Jill! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed you’re blog over the past year and look forward to many more!
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Oh thanks Phil – that’s great to hear. And thanks for all your support and comments over the last few months. Blogging is proving a great way to connect with interesting people! Jill
I loved your poem. Short and gets to the point. Write more of those.
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Hahaha. It’s one of my better works!
Your blog always makes me smile, Jill. Congrats on your first year, and here’s to many more (please!).
Lis / last year’s girl x
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Thanks that’s so great to hear. Jill x
I love the humor you bring to life through your posts, Jill, and I’m so glad you want to share it with your readers. My blog earnings so far wouldn’t buy me a tank of gas, but I’m enjoying the experience and looking forward to filling that tank someday!
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Hey Candi – here’s to that tank of gas for us both someday!! Thanks for commenting – means a lot. Jill
Happy Blogiversary! I would never have guessed you’ve only been at it for a year (probably due to the gazillions you’ve spent on your blog and all the things you’ve learned along the way!) I still blog for $0 after 3 years but my blog has cost me $0 so I don’t feel bad about not selling my soul. I’ve learned so much, met so many fabulous bloggers, and found my niche (and all the other “in” bloggy terms). Beats me why it took me so long to discover this wonderful world!
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Hey Leanne, thanks so much that’s great to hear. Wow you’ve spent ZERO – that’s impressive. Your site looks great. I haven’t actually spent that much but have paid for some training along the way. All the bloggers I’ve met have been so supportive. And yes wish I’d found my way to blogging way back. Jill x
I am in love with this post! Thank you for the reminder that it’s okay NOT to have a 6-figure blog. Success is measured in so many different ways.
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Hey Erin, thanks so much. Most blogger do it for love not money. And the blogging community is so supportive. Jillx
I’m a big fan of your unbagging idea. Can’t wait to see the video!
I really love your writing style!
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Thanx so much. Jillx
The money will come . Soon. Wonderful blog Jill.
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Thanx LES. All u doing !! X
I’ve been a huge fan of your blog right from the beginning and I can guarantee that you will make money at some point from it – it’s insightful, relevant and hilarious!
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Thanx Suzie, that’s so fantastic to hear. And thanx for all your support x
Happy blogiversary! And welcome to the $0 club! Everything you’ve said here is GOLD.
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Hey Melissa. Lovely to hear that. I was getting empathetic fed up reading about people making £5000 after one month of blogging ! 😂😳. Jill. X
This is the first post of yours that I’ve read but you can count me in as one of your followers! Also, not to brag, but I’ve made nearly $30 (no, not $30k) in my 10 months of blogging. And I’ve had a lot of fun doing it! Keep writing. 😀
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Thank Ellen that’s so great to hear. ❤️❤️. $30 I’m impressed. $30 more than me !! Jill x
Lol! Too funny. It’s just a good thing blogging is fun 😀
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Totally Ellen. It’s got to be a labour of love!! Jill x