When I first started this blog in 2012, there wasn’t anyone out there to tell me exactly what I was getting myself in for. Truth is, there’s a lot to consider before starting a blog. And I’m not just talking about what you’re going to write about and what your cute blog name will be.

This post won’t be exactly how to start a blog, but I will be writing a completely honest guide to blogging over the next few months. So, if you’re a blogging newbie or beginner, hold tight and get ready for my fantastic tips (note: hint of sarcasm).

If you want to find out my tips on blog names and themes, pop back next week for another instalment of An Honest Guide to Blogging

1. Why are you really starting a blog?

Firstly, consider why you want to start a blog. It could be to express your creativity or it could be to boost your CV. Either way, that’s fine, as long as you know why you are doing it.

Blogs are a tricky thing; times will get tough and sometimes you will just feel like giving up, but if you can think back to the original reason why you started it will motivate you to carry on.

On that note, please make sure you have a genuine reason to want to start a blog. If you’re only doing it to receive free things, you may find that your passion will soon fizzle out.

2. How much time can you actually commit? 

After 5 years, I still struggle to fit it all in, and often I don’t post anything for a couple of weeks. I’ve also had whole months off, even a whole season once if I remember correctly.

Whilst this is fine, it has impacted my blog a lot. Be prepared for late nights of writing, taking photographs, scheduling social media and all the other little things that need doing.

It’s true, some posts take me half an hour to write, whereas some could take all day or week to prepare, write and promote. It’s great fun, but can be exhausting.

A lot of people I know set out a day or afternoon a week to bulk write posts. I personally just fit it in when I can because that’s how my creative, yet chaotic brain works. I’ll be posting more about blog time management later on in this series.

3. Can you handle rejection? 

Unfortunately, not many bloggers will have huge success within the first few months of blogging. It can happen, but I’m still waiting for that day to come and I’ve been doing it for half a decade!

I think this ties in with the first one, if you’re truly passionate about what you are writing and you enjoy it, then coping with the fact that you’re just not as popular as others will come easy.

Also, it’s important to note that blogging isn’t all about having 1000s of followers. I have a few loyal followers who I hold dear to my heart, and I love it when they say “Yeah I saw that on your blog.” – it means the world to me.

Of course, there’s a lot more to consider before starting a blog, from blog name, to theme, to platform, to what social media to use. But, don’t worry I’ll be covering that in this series! If you can think of any blogging topics that you’d like me to be honest about, leave it in the comments below or Tweet me @retroandthrift.