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Do you get discouraged because other bloggers "Do it better than you do?"

My brain is just churning these past few days with thoughts, ideas, and doubts about my blogging. I first started blogging several years ago, very casually, never really being consistent or putting too much thought into it. It was just a fun little hobby. Obviously, I didn't have very many readers at all (not that I do now, either!). I literally knew NOTHING except how to publish a post.

Fast forward some time, and I've come to the realization that blogging is really something I want to DO with my life. I'm trying to learn more and more, (and there is SO much to learn) about all aspects of blogging, technical, business, networking, quality writing, etc.

However, I find myself getting discouraged at times. My first blog was a coupon/deal blog. I still have it, but it's not doing very well. It needs a lot of work, work that I am willing to do. But when I look at all the "popular" or "successful" coupon/deal/frugal living blogs, I want to just toss my hands up and say "Why bother?" These blogs are already so great, there is really no need for my blog, and I'll never do it as well as they do!

Then I have my "personal" blog, which is a whole other post! LOL

I would love to hear some other voices on this topic! Has this happened to you? How do you deal with it? Any advice for me?

Thanks, guys!

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Permalink Reply by JulieK on October 31, 2010 at 2:53pm

I do. I do get discouraged when I see these phenom bloggers doing it oh-so-well, and oh-so-wittily. When I see list of "Top 50 mom bloggers" or "blogs with 40+ Klout" - I think - I'll never make it on that list.
But I try to have perspective and remember that some of these bloggers have been at it for 2-3 years. I have only been doing this 6-7 months. Sure, some other bloggers rise to fame in 6 months too.
My time will come, I say. Meanwhile, I just try to put out quality posts, enjoy myself, and improve my writing.
And also, study these blogs that are so popular and ask, "Why?" Not to change myself or who I am but to see if I can learn anything that will make my blogging better, easier, more accesible.

It's hard though sometimes when the progress seems slow! Just keep moving forward! :) Keep putting the work in on those blogs of yours and you'll see steady progress!!! :)
Feel free to share your blogs with me! :)
Mine is http://www.ayearwithmomanddad.com - feel free to stop by for a visit!
Best of luck!
Julie

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Permalink Reply by Shari Von Holten on October 31, 2010 at 4:12pm

My site is a bit different than the regular "mom" blogs. I feel totally discouraged. We have a mom section but it started out as celebrity entertainment and we just added the mom section.

We have the traffic but very little "klout".

Not sure what to do to raise the klout.

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Permalink Reply by JulieK on October 31, 2010 at 4:46pm

I just went and registered for "Klout" at klout.com - I think it takes awhile to get status.
Also have you tried registering at Technorati?
Do you have a facebook and twitter to go along with your blog?
That's all I know about networking! :) Just thought I'd mention it! :) Good luck!

Shari Von Holten said:

My site is a bit different than the regular "mom" blogs. I feel totally discouraged. We have a mom section but it started out as celebrity entertainment and we just added the mom section.

We have the traffic but very little "klout".

Not sure what to do to raise the klout.

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Permalink Reply by Anne-Marie Nichols on October 31, 2010 at 7:50pm

I feel that way all the time! I'm a food blogger and look at all the ones out there with gorgeous photography, beautiful styling and terrific original recipes - and amazing traffic and followers because of that.

I get very discouraged at times thinking "why doesn't my stuff look as good as theirs?" But after going to BlogHer Food this year, I realize it's because they spend a full day doing one post - writing the recipe, cooking (maybe multiple times, food styling, photographing, etc.

I don't have time to devote like they do because of work and family. And I'm OK with that. So many of the fab food bloggers are childless or do their blogs with their spouses or partners, and I can't devote my time the way they do. I've come to accept that being a "good enough" food blogger is what works for me.

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Permalink Reply by JulieK on October 31, 2010 at 9:50pm

Oh I hear you - I always wonder WHEN people have the time to do all the blog work they do. I only have 1 baby so I have time but I know that once I have more kids, my time will go to them more and more, and like you, I am okay with that!
My sister wants to do a food or cooking blog. I keep encouraging her but she is stuck thinking she "can't write" (not true) or that she doesn't have a good title for her blog. I hope she does it someday b/c she's a really good chef! :)
What is your blog so I can show her to encourage her to get started? :)
Julie

Anne-Marie Nichols said:

I feel that way all the time! I'm a food blogger and look at all the ones out there with gorgeous photography, beautiful styling and terrific original recipes - and amazing traffic and followers because of that.

I get very discouraged at times thinking "why doesn't my stuff look as good as theirs?" But after going to BlogHer Food this year, I realize it's because they spend a full day doing one post - writing the recipe, cooking (maybe multiple times, food styling, photographing, etc.

I don't have time to devote like they do because of work and family. And I'm OK with that. So many of the fab food bloggers are childless or do their blogs with their spouses or partners, and I can't devote my time the way they do. I've come to accept that being a "good enough" food blogger is what works for me.

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Permalink Reply by kristen ellis on November 1, 2010 at 12:51am

I actually did feel that way for quite a few months. But, ya know what? If I follow their route, I am a wannabe. KWIM? I write the way I think and speak. I write when I can. I write about what I WANT to write about. If that isn't what the masses consider Huge, well at least I am having fun and being true to myself. And really, I have decided I am ok with that.

Now, that said, do I want more exposure, better numbers, more interaction, and more recognition? Of course I do! But, I guess I want them on my terms.

Besides, well, sometimes the laundry has to get done, dinner cooked, homework helped with, cozying up with hubby enjoyed, and well you get the picture!

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Permalink Reply by Show Me MaMa on November 1, 2010 at 9:03am

Well, I am not going to sit here and say no, because I occasionally I do. But I see it as an encouragement for me to do even better. They inspire me that if they can do it, so can I. That's how I grow within the blogging world and most of all, I try to bring something unique each and everyday.

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Permalink Reply by Heather Heinzer on November 1, 2010 at 12:38pm

I used to, but now I've realized that I'm going to grow my blog my way. I've found that by writing from the heart my blog is growing much quicker than when I was blogging to a niche. I never would have thought that frugal green living or cooking would become a niche for me, but it has.

I recently did a post on Organic Blogging which is allowing your blog to develop naturally. Over time, I'm learning how to market this blog without begging for follows that really don't equate readers. I'm trying to find affiliate programs that fit in line with the path my blog is taking. Over time, the focus may change, but it will change naturally.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Noel on November 1, 2010 at 1:20pm

I totally get caught up in the comparison game sometimes. But honestly I'm really lucky to be where I am and I have to try and focus on that. There are too many bloggers our there who are working full time (totally unrelated to blogging/writiting/pr) and doing the things that I'm doing. I have had some amazing opportunities that I wouldn't have had without blogging and that's what I focus on. Not what I haven't achieved, because there's PLENTY of that. But I do try to consider where I am with others to see what those who are doing better, are really doing BETTER. I believe some of this is luck but I also have tor realize that some of it is really based on content and sometimes I put out nothing but fluff or laziness and that's why I don't always see the growth I want.

http://www.ohboyohboyohboy.com
http://www.ohboybooks.com

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Permalink Reply by Susan Braun on November 1, 2010 at 1:27pm

Interesting topic! Maybe I just have too much self-confidence or something, because honestly I don't find too many blogs that I feel are "better" than mine. "Get more comments" - yeah. "More popular" - sure. And really, many times I'll see a blog with hundreds of followers and I really wonder why. They're either filled with spelling/grammar errors (a pet peeve of mine, as I'm a former teacher), or they're just not that interesting (all my opinion, of course!).

I feel that my blog has a lot to say, and wish it had more of an audience. But then again, I know that most all bloggers feel that way.

Feel free to stop by anytime - I'm open to critique! And, I always do visit blogs of those who comment at my place :)

Susan
www.girlsinwhitedresses.wordpress.com

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Permalink Reply by Anastasia Borisyuk on November 1, 2010 at 1:29pm

Yes, I definitely feel like that sometimes! I've already been blogging for almost two years and my following is not nearly as large as some successful blogs that have only been around for a year!

But I try to look at it this way, I don't spend nearly as much time as some bloggers do perfecting Eco-Babyz.com. I spend a lot of time with my daughter and I work part time (plus we plan to homeschool). I cook all meals from scratch and bake nearly everyday. I feel like I have my priorities straight and I am happy with that. Sure I might only make a couple of pennies off my blog, but it is something I am passionate about and I love sharing what I learn along this parenting journey. Plus if I ever need to let go off the blog to make my family a bigger priority, I will not feel so bad about it!

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Permalink Reply by Anne-Marie Nichols on November 1, 2010 at 1:34pm

My blog is www.thismamacooks.com.

JKMommy said:

Oh I hear you - I always wonder WHEN people have the time to do all the blog work they do. I only have 1 baby so I have time but I know that once I have more kids, my time will go to them more and more, and like you, I am okay with that!
My sister wants to do a food or cooking blog. I keep encouraging her but she is stuck thinking she "can't write" (not true) or that she doesn't have a good title for her blog. I hope she does it someday b/c she's a really good chef! :)
What is your blog so I can show her to encourage her to get started? :)
Julie

Anne-Marie Nichols said:
I feel that way all the time! I'm a food blogger and look at all the ones out there with gorgeous photography, beautiful styling and terrific original recipes - and amazing traffic and followers because of that.

I get very discouraged at times thinking "why doesn't my stuff look as good as theirs?" But after going to BlogHer Food this year, I realize it's because they spend a full day doing one post - writing the recipe, cooking (maybe multiple times, food styling, photographing, etc.

I don't have time to devote like they do because of work and family. And I'm OK with that. So many of the fab food bloggers are childless or do their blogs with their spouses or partners, and I can't devote my time the way they do. I've come to accept that being a "good enough" food blogger is what works for me.