100 Blog Posts Later – Lessons and Advice for New Bloggers
After publishing my 100th blog post—a milestone I never thought I’d reach so quickly—I sat back and reflected on the journey. When I first started, I found it incredibly helpful to read advice from bloggers who were further along the path than I was, and now that I’m here, I wanted to share some thoughts and lessons that might help those of you just getting started.
Blogging has been an empowering journey, filled with highs, lows, and unexpected lessons. I hope my reflections on these 100 blog posts can offer you some guidance and encouragement.
17 Lessons I’ve learned after 100 Blog Posts
Lesson #1: You’re Stronger Than You Think
When I began blogging, I was uncertain about how my dyslexia would affect my writing. I worried that my posts would have errors, and truth be told, sometimes they do. But that’s okay. Over time, I’ve realized that overcoming dyslexia has made me stronger and more resilient than I ever gave myself credit for.
If you’re someone who’s dealing with any kind of challenge—whether it’s dyslexia, self-doubt, or anything else—take heart. Blogging will push you, but you’ll likely discover strength in yourself that you didn’t know was there. And if you spot a spelling mistake on my blog, feel free to leave a comment to help me out—just be kind!
Lesson #2: Just Hit Publish!
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is this: just get your content out there. Seriously. Don’t overthink it. Looking back, I spent far too much time worrying about my early posts, and in hindsight, I wonder what I was so afraid of. You can always go back and edit your old posts later.
The most important thing is to start. You’ll improve with every post, and you’ll learn more from actually doing than from endless preparation.
Lesson #3: You Can Change Direction Anytime
When I first started blogging, I thought my content would be short, snappy opinion pieces. But as I got into the groove, I realized that wasn’t really my style. So, I shifted gears. I started writing longer, more thoughtful posts where I could truly express my voice.
The beauty of blogging is that you can always pivot. If something isn’t working, or if your interests change, you can adapt your blog along the way. Authenticity is key—write what feels right for you, and your audience will appreciate it.
Lesson #4: Some People Are Meaner Than You Ever Thought Possible
There’s no other way to say this: keyboard warrior-itis is real. Some people will leave nasty, hurtful comments for no reason other than to make you feel small. The first time I experienced this, it hit hard. But I’ve come to realize that these people are the exception, not the rule.
It’s important not to let negative comments derail you. Instead, focus on the positive and remember why you started your blog in the first place.
Lesson #5: But MORE People Are Just Amazing
For every negative comment I’ve received, there have been countless positive ones. People are kinder than you might expect, and their supportive comments and emails will keep you going on the days when blogging feels tough.
I’ve been blown away by the generosity and kindness of so many readers, and it’s this community that makes blogging worthwhile. Don’t be surprised if a simple “thank you” from a reader brightens your entire day—it’s one of the best feelings in the world.
Lesson #6: Scheduling Is Important
If you’re planning to blog consistently, creating a schedule is one of the best things you can do. I’ve found that having a set plan for when posts are going live keeps me on track and prevents me from scrambling at the last minute.
At the same time, remember to be flexible. Life happens, and sometimes you need to push a post back or adjust your schedule. Just don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to post every single day—quality is always better than quantity.
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Lesson #7: Days Off Are VERY Important
I can’t stress this enough: take time off. Blogging can be all-consuming if you let it, and burnout is real. I’ve found that taking regular breaks from writing is essential for avoiding burnout and boredom.
Taking a day off to recharge will help you stay creative and inspired in the long run. Plus, blogging should be enjoyable, not a chore. So step away from the screen once in a while, and don’t feel guilty about it!
Lesson #8: Tailwind Gave Me My Life Back
When you’re just starting out with 10 or 20 blog posts, manually pinning on Pinterest is manageable. But once you’re sitting on a backlog of over 100 posts, it becomes nearly impossible. That’s when I discovered Tailwind, a scheduling tool for Pinterest.
Take a look at my screenshot below – I have over 3000 Pinterest Pins scheduled to go out over the next 4 months so I don’t have to worry about it. This is how I was able to get my Pinterest time down to just a few hours a week so I can concentrate on creating good content instead!
Tailwind has a handy spam safeguard feature too which means they highlight if you’re in danger of over-pinning and risking having your account flagged as spam on Pinterest.
Tailwind has been a lifesaver. Whether you opt for the free or paid plan, it’ll save you a ton of time and effort. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your Pinterest strategy, give it a try—you’ll thank yourself later. [ad]
Lesson #9: Affiliate Marketing Is Hard (Seriously)
Before I started blogging, I assumed affiliate marketing would be a breeze. After all, there are so many people out there claiming it’s a get-rich-quick scheme. But the reality is, affiliate marketing is tough, especially when you’re just starting.
You might get accepted into programs like ShareASale or Impact, but that doesn’t mean you’ll start making money right away. Rejections will happen, and building an affiliate income stream takes time. Ignore the scammy YouTubers or Pinterest pins that promise instant riches. Affiliate marketing requires patience, persistence, and a solid strategy [ad].
Lesson #10: Traffic Takes Time
Let’s get real—building traffic takes time. I had no idea how slow things could be in the beginning, and it’s easy to feel discouraged. Unless you have an established following on another platform or a budget for paid ads, it can take 6-8 months for your blog to gain traction on Google or Pinterest.
So, be patient with yourself and your blog. Don’t expect instant success. Keep writing, keep sharing, and trust that the traffic will come as you build your content.
Lesson #11: Not All Courses Are Worth the Money
There are a ton of courses out there promising to teach you the secrets of blogging success. Some are great, but many aren’t worth the hefty price tag. Personally, I’ve found free resources like YouTube and Skillshare to be incredibly helpful.
That said, I’ve taken a few paid courses that I highly recommend. If you’re looking for solid blogging advice, check out Lisa Bass’s Farmhouse on Boone blogging course or the courses offered by Restored 316 Designs. Their ‘Styling Kadence’ short course, in particular, saved my sanity when I couldn’t figure out my menus!
Or try my totally FREE blogging resources – click HERE!
Lesson #12: Your Theme Matters (A Lot!)
When I first started, I didn’t realize how much a WordPress theme could affect my blog’s performance. But let me tell you, it does. Not only does a good theme make your blog look professional which helps when trying to partner with brands in affiliate marketing, but it can also significantly improve your site speed.
If you’re in the market for a new theme, I highly recommend Restored 316 Designs. I personally use them for my websites (you can use their themes on up to 3 websites!) They offer beautiful, professional themes, tonnes of resources and even a Facebook group for customers!
Don’t take my word for it – take their design quiz below to see which theme would be perfect for your blog.
Lesson #13: Blogging Costs More Than You Think
Blogging might seem like a low-cost hobby, but the expenses can quickly add up. Beyond the hosting fees, there are costs for tools like AI writing assistants, Pinterest schedulers, and even software for side ventures like KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). Plus, you’ll likely need tech equipment like external storage.
It’s not outrageously expensive, but it’s also not as cheap as I initially thought. Be prepared for some upfront investment, especially if you want to take your blog to the next level.
Lesson #14: Diversify Your Income Streams
After reaching 100 blog posts, I’ve started thinking more seriously about diversifying my income streams. While blogging is great, it’s smart to explore other avenues for revenue. For me, I’ve started dipping my toes into KDP as a new venture.
Consider experimenting with different platforms or strategies to supplement your blogging income. The more diversified your income, the more stable your business will be in the long run.
Check out my 1st KDP proof unveiling below!
Lesson #15: Be Cautious in Facebook Groups
Facebook groups can be a goldmine of information when you’re first starting out, but be careful. While I’ve found a lot of value in the groups tied to paid courses, the free groups—especially those centered around affiliate marketing—can be filled with sketchy advice.
Always do your own research and be cautious about following random recommendations. Not all advice is good advice, especially when it comes from anonymous users on the internet.
Lesson #16: Blogging can wreak havoc on your posture!
Seriously – why is no one talking about this?! Am I the only one this is affecting? Surely not!
Coming from a physically active job as a nurse, I didn’t expect to deal with so much neck and back pain after switching to blogging full-time. But hours spent hunched over an iPad or laptop will do that.
These days, I make sure to use proper equipment to support my body and take frequent breaks. If you’re new to blogging or you’re already feeling the strain, here are a few of products that could help to avoid laptop-use related back and neck pain:
Shopping Ideas: available on Amazon.com
Nulaxy Laptop Stand for Desk [ad]
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad [ad]
Lesson #17: Blogging Is Worth Every Challenge
If I could go back and start all over again, I absolutely would. Blogging has become a part of me—something I’m building from the ground up, piece by piece, post by post. It’s a business that gives me something of my own, especially as a stay-at-home wife.
When I relocated from the UK to the US to be with my husband, blogging connected me with people I would never have met otherwise. It gave me a sense of purpose and creativity during a time when I was feeling a bit lost.
That said, I don’t know if I would have made it through some of the early hurdles without the support of my husband. He cheered me on every step of the way and helped me navigate the tech side of things, which was overwhelming at first. Many date nights involved us sitting at the table, eating something simple, while he patiently taught me how to set up my blog. It wasn’t easy, but I learned a lot, and I’m proud of what we built together.
Good Luck and Keep Going!
Blogging is an amazing journey, full of growth, challenges, and rewards. After 100 blog posts, I’ve learned so much—about blogging, about myself, and about the online world. And the best part? I’m still learning every day.
If you’re just starting out, know that it’s okay to make mistakes, pivot when needed, and take time to rest. Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint, and your unique voice is what will set you apart.
Good luck! I hope some of these lessons are helpful as you start your own blogging adventure. And remember, don’t be afraid to hit that publish button—you’ve got this!
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As always, I’d love to hear from you, whether you’ve hit your 100th blog post milestone or you’re struggling to get your first couple of posts out, drop us a comment below and say Hi. We’re here for you!
Last update on 2025-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
