1) It’s more like a part time job than a hobby. I typically post 5 days a week which takes more time that I’d expected when I started but it’s more than just writing time. Supporting and contributing to fellow travel enthusiasts, time learning and utilizing social media, time promoting and raising awareness of my blog.
2) It uses more mental awareness than I’ve dedicated to previous personal endeavors. I used to think in facebook status, now I think in blog posts. My blog and its content is always on my mind someway or another. I have to try not to always talk about it with my friends so they don’t get burned out.
3) Commitment matters. After my first months as a travel blogger I’ve started to see a consistent growth in readers. I’ve heard from several others that commitment is key, staying with it, posting regularly and not giving up. At times it has felt like people haven’t been connecting with my blog and other times
4) The achievements come slow but bring a greater sense of accomplishment than I’d anticipated. Random e-mails of encouragement and thanks for my blog, having others share my blog with friends and social websites as well as each day I surpass a previous record.
5) As thrilling as the growth of my blog is, it’s more exciting knowing that I am finally making better use of my memories, lessons and experiences. I started this blog as a way to document my perspective and to share my passion. I hope it will connect me to new opportunities and new friends while I travel, but that’s just a cherry on top!
See Also: 5 Tips from my First 6 months of Travel Blogging
Heather is passionate about 3 things. 1) traveling 2) humanity 3) education. In 2012, upon earning her Integrated Studies degree in History & Political Science she is leaving her life in Salt Lake City , Utah to live the life of an expat. With only the intention to travel, she is leaving the planning & itinerary to where the trade winds of the universe send her. Follow Heather’s journey on her blog HeathersHarmony, @heathertravels and facebook
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Heather,
I don’t think non-bloggers realize the commitments that are needed to run a successful blog. I’ve found my blog and projects more demanding than any girlfriend I’ve ever had
Ha Ha! I can totally agree with that Samuel! I had no idea what I was getting myself into and its a bit like a relationship and falling in love. You’ve gotta have a little faith and hope the jump is worth it! Luckily the industry has been really great and supportive!
Had to comment on your reply Samuel – it is so true! I never had any idea how much time and how much of my mental “power” would become devoted to my blog.
It’s so fun though I don’t know if I could stop if I wanted to.
Kate recently posted..Foodie Destination: Magnolia Bakery – New York City
Hiya Heather,
All of those points are so true!! Being a new travel blogger myself, I can totally relate to everything you’ve put down there. It definitely feels when you first start out that you’re slightly out of the ‘travel blog’ loop, as you just don’t have those connections that people who have been doing this for years have. But as time goes on it slowly starts to piece together.
I’ve already used the blog to meet some great people in real life and I bet there will be loads more to come – irrelevant of the business side of blogging, forming new friendships through your online endeavours is such a positive aspect.
Tom recently posted..The Average Cost of Backpacking Across Europe: An Indepth Look At My 2 Month Trip
Thanks Tom! Its definitely had a learning curve getting into the community, I’m hoping to attend TBEX in June, it’ll be great to make connections in person! I’m loving the travel blogging community so far!
Keep at it please
your blog is really informative and I have enjoyed reading your posts on my first visit here. You provide a good variety of posts on different topics which I think is important to keep visitors coming back for more.
I think writing the content and thinking of topics is the hardest part of the experience, getting comments and responding to people is the fun part.
Chris recently posted..Family Lodge Holidays in Staffordshire – A Perfect Holiday Retreat
Good to know that,
i’m planning travelling and live with my blog, it looks more hard than i thought.
How many hours you spend on your blog per day?
Ryan Lesacados recently posted..Comment une agression au Brésil m’a aidée à mieux voyager
It is good to know that you are gaining a lot of lessons during month long in travel blogging. Do you know that one of my favorite kinds of blog that I love to visit is a travel blog because I love seeing other places and adventures. So excited to check out you travel destinations,
Marnie Byod recently posted..Home Seller Tips in Mitchelton
My boyfriend and I just recently started our travel blog in preparation for our trip in September and we are started to see just how much work it really is. Social Media alone could be a full time job! It’s both overwhelming and exciting to learn the ins and out of travel blogging, connect with over travelers/read their blogs and plan the trip itinerary as well as continue to write posts all at the same time! SO much to do!
Just discovered your blog. Excited to see what’s next for you!
Hi Heather!
I agree! As a newbie travel blogger myself who like you has just completed 6 months of blogging, I can totally relate to your learning. Although my traffic is nothing much to speak of but I believe commitment matters. And putting in the lot of hardwork that is required.
Cheers
Venky