I've written a few posts in the past providing an insight into some of the tips and tricks I've picked up on in the three years I've been blogging consistently, but this isn't one of them. This post is intended more to address the fact that (as many people keep reminding me) everyone and their mother has started a blog or a YouTube channel. Young women everywhere are snapping their meals for Instagram posts, registering custom domains and filming monthly favourites videos.
It's not easy to stand out and cut through the noise, but as the hobby becomes more and more popular it's worth remembering that competing for pageviews doesn't have to be your only aim. People regularly ask me why I still bother to do it when there are probably hundreds of thousands of other bloggers out there trying to do the same thing, but luckily for me I can think of plenty of reasons to continue.
It keeps your creative juices flowing
My very first blog started way back when I was at university as a place to share my poetry and short prose. Things have changed a lot since then but I still use my blog as a place to be not only creative but productive. I love getting my camera out to shoot a post and planning exciting content as much as I love the writing side.
You get exciting opportunities
I had been blogging furiously three times a week for at least 6 months before my first opportunity to collaborate came along. I was invited over to the High Tea Club in Cambridge to review their menu. Looking back it felt pretty special to have been able to go, and I've worked with brands like Thorntons and Multipower since then too. It really opened the doors for some amazing experiences, from cocktail making to massage treatments. It takes some hard work to get noticed but once you do it's very much worth it.
You make amazing friends
The more you get involved in the blogging community, whether online or offline, the more you grow to appreciate it as a special place to be. I've met tonnes of lovely people like Pippa and Lauren through local events and meet up groups - it takes up half my social life some months and I wouldn't have it any other way. I used to hate meeting new people as I'm awkward as hell but blogging has helped me to embrace it!
You can see yourself making progress
Having an archive of blog posts to look over isn't just the chance to have a big ol' cringe fest at your pre-2013 flatlay skills and 'What's in my bag' posts. It's an opportunity to see how far you've come, how your life has changed, your skills have improved and you've continued to stick at something - I find it really helps boost my confidence. It's also a great thing to have on your CV for those very reasons. Use it as a tool to motivate yourself to keep going.
So if you're struggling with motivation, post ideas or making time to get shiz done, don't forget to remind yourself that blogging has more to offer than being a mere popularity contest.