Putting yourself out there can be terrifying – especially in a public format like a blog. I remember when I submitted my first post to She in the CLE. I was scared out of my mind.
What if people disagree with what I wrote? Or absolutely hate it? Or what if no one reads it at all?
Once it went live, I pushed the doubts away. I decided I didn’t care if people hated what I said or disagreed. It was my point of view, and I was sticking to it no matter what. It was a stressful, yet exhilarating experience.
Since then, I’ve posted blogs that quite a few people have read, and some that nobody has read. I’ve had posts that people have disagreed with, and have even left hurtful comments on.
But mostly, people have been incredibly supportive. They’ve told me what I wrote has meant to them, and that’s what I hang onto when I have doubts about blogging.
If you want to blog, but are still nervous, here are a few tips to help you gear up for your first post:
- Share your passionate perspective – Blogging is all about YOUR opinion. It doesn’t have to be earth shattering or something completely new, but it should be something you’re passionate about. Also, you never know who it may resonate with.
- It’s okay if people disagree with you – Not everyone will like your opinion, and that’s okay. Be open to hearing what they have to say (as long as they’re not spam!), but don’t take it to heart.
- Have a blogging buddy – If you continue to be nervous about blogging, find a friend, family member or someone you trust to read your posts. Someone to run your ideas by who will proof your post for grammar and who will be willing to support them. Hopefully, they can help you push those nervous feelings aside!
The first post is the hardest to write and sometimes the most stressful to share, but I promise, it does get easier – and it’s worth it.
Want more tips on writing your first blog post? Follow She in the CLE on social media where every week our frequent bloggers are sharing their blogging tips! (And we’d love to share your first post, so contribute!)
