Write Like No One’s Watching!
As of today, I’ve officially published my 50th blog post! If you’re just starting out or considering jumping into the blogging world, I want to share some of the things I’ve learned along the way. Trust me, I was exactly where you are now—not too long ago. Let’s get into it.
The First Blog Post: Overcoming the Fear
Let me take you back to the beginning. When I wrote my very first blog post, I was absolutely terrified. It was a paralyzing experience filled with doubts:
• What if it’s not good enough?
• What if no one reads it?
• What if people read it and think it’s terrible?
• What if someone I know reads it and they laugh at me?
These thoughts were so overwhelming that it took me three days to write that first post. And let me tell you, it wasn’t even a groundbreaking or highly technical piece (You can read it HERE). I positively cringe now looking back at the writing style, the images etc. But I don’t regret it – it was so important for me to just get over the hurdle of publishing my first article.
I vividly remember the moment I was about to hit the publish button. What if this was a mistake? What if I was putting something out there that would haunt me forever? But then, something inside me just clicked (it was also 3am so there’s that!) and I got up the courage to hit publish. And just a few weeks later here I am at 50 blog posts published and feeling a whole lot better about the process.
Fast Forward To Today
So here’s what changed for me after that first post:
• Drafting, scripting, publishing, and pinning a blog article is something I can now do with ease.
• Bulk content creation is a game-changer. I brainstorm 5-10 articles at a time and sketch them out and then create about 5 of them in a single sitting every week.
• My editing process is more efficient.
• I’m better at cutting down unnecessary words and spotting areas that need fixing.
You can do this too.
It won’t always be as hard as that first post, I promise! Here are some key pieces of advice I’ve picked up along the way to help you on your blogging journey.
1. The First Blog Post is the Hardest—But It Gets Easier
Let me start by saying that the first blog post is, hands down, the hardest. It’s like standing at the edge of a diving board, peering down into the deep end of a pool for the first time. Your heart races, your mind is filled with “what ifs,” and you feel like you’re about to take a leap into the unknown. But here’s the good news: once you make that first leap, every post after that becomes easier.
Here’s why:
• The first post is more about overcoming mental barriers than anything else.
• It’s the fear of putting yourself out there, of being judged, and of not being good enough.
• Everyone feels this way at the start—what matters is pushing through it.
So, don’t worry about being perfect or having every word in the right place. Just write. The more you write, the less intimidating it becomes. Before you know it, you’ll be hitting that publish button with confidence.
2. Write Like You Speak
One of the most freeing pieces of advice I can give you is this: write like you speak. When I started, I thought I had to sound a certain way, like I was writing a formal essay or trying to impress some invisible audience. But that mindset made writing so much harder than it needed to be. The truth is, blogging isn’t about being the next great novelist or crafting the most eloquent sentences. It’s about connecting with your readers in a personal, relatable way.
Here’s how to do that:
• Forget about perfection: Focus on being you.
• Write as if you’re having a conversation with a friend.
• Let your personality shine through in your words.
This approach makes the writing process easier and makes your blog more engaging and authentic.
3. Editing and Refining: It’s a Skill You’ll Develop
In the beginning, editing was one of my biggest challenges. I’m dyslexic, so catching spelling errors or awkward phrasing doesn’t come naturally to me. But editing is a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier with practice.
Here are some tips that helped me:
• Cut down unnecessary words: It’s easy to include too much information. Trim down to keep your message clear.
• Humans are the best editors: ChatGPT is no match for my awesome husband who is basically also now my free editor! He reads my work and often catches those little mistakes, or suggests phrasing that might better suit my audience (I’m a Brit and my audience is predominantly in the U.S.)
• Spellcheck multiple times: Especially if you struggle with spelling. Use tools to help catch errors.
• Don’t aim for perfection: Focus on clarity and making your content accessible.
Editing isn’t about making your writing perfect; it’s about making sure your readers can understand and enjoy what you’re saying.
4. Don’t Be Afraid of Imperfection
If there’s one thing I wish I could tell my self 2 months ago, it’s this: don’t be afraid of imperfection. When I first started blogging, I was so worried that my posts wouldn’t be “good enough” to share with the world. But here’s the truth:
• No one expects you to be perfect—especially not when you’re just starting out.
• Your readers are looking for authenticity, not perfection.
• Typos and awkward sentences won’t ruin your blog; they make you human.
• There’s probably no one reading it at first! This sort of hurt my ego but once I realised I was getting just a couple of visits a day to my blog for those first couple of weeks it certainly took the pressure off worrying about what people thought! And don’t worry, the blog traffic picks up QUICK!
5. Have Fun and Enjoy the Process
Last but certainly not least, remember to have fun with your blog. Blogging should be something you enjoy, not something that stresses you out. Here’s how to keep it fun:
• Experiment with different styles, topics, and formats: Don’t be afraid to try new things.
• Celebrate the small wins: Whether it’s publishing your first post, hitting a milestone, or getting your first comment.
The important thing is that you’re putting yourself out there and sharing your voice with the world. You’re the only You there is – be authentic and honest and your tribe will follow soon.
You’ve Got This!
If you’re new to blogging or thinking about starting, my advice is simple: just write. Don’t overthink it, don’t aim for perfection, and don’t worry about what others might think. The more you write, the easier it gets, and the more you’ll find your own unique voice. You’ve got this – just hit publish!
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As always I’d love to hear about your experiences. Drop a comment below and let’s connect – let me know how your blogging journey is going!
