Blogging Tips
I’ve put off this post in the past because there are blogs way more successful than mine and I’m embarrassed to even pretend to be in the same league.
However, a common email I receive asks for tips on how write a successful blog. And since I’ve been able to turn my blog from just a hobby into my dream job, I guess I do have some qualifications to write such a post.
There’s no way I can sum up all my blogging tips in a single post; I’ve been blogging a long time! So how about a series on blogging tips? Obviously I’m not an expert in technology (Far from it!), but I can offer tips learned from experience. In many cases, they’ll be tips of things not to do, based on mistakes I’ve made. Hopefully if I offer up my own mistakes, I can spare y’all the frustration of repeating them.
Part One: What makes a successful blog?
Truthfully, there is only ONE criterion for determining whether a blog is successful or not: Do you enjoy blogging? Are you excited to create new posts, to connect with others, to publish for the world to see?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then (in my opinion, at least) your blog is a success! It doesn’t matter if you only have five readers or if you publish ten posts in a row about nothing but your love for Boston terriers. If your blog makes you happy, it is successful. Period.
On the other hand, if you have a huge readership and yet blogging feels like a chore, I’d argue your blog is not successful. What good is having a popular blog if you don’t even enjoy writing it? That’s like those poor, rich businesspeople who hate their jobs… yes they make a lot of money, and yes they’re successful by society’s standards. But are they having fun in life?
Blogging should be Fun
Based on the above criterion, my own blog is wildly successful. I have fun with it every day. Dreaming up recipes, experimenting in the kitchen, photographing my creations, writing blog posts, and connecting with readers…
I cannot imagine anything that could be more fun, especially when so many of the aforementioned kitchen experiments involve chocolate!
Such as my peanut butter stuffed brownies.
When I started my blog, it was a lot of fun.
I had about three daily readers and barely received any comments. Yet, I loved my baby blog because it was mine. I imagined it being an online scrapbook, where I could write whatever I wanted (no one was reading anyway!). With no readers, there’s no pressure. You can blog when you want and about what you want.
How to make your blog successful:
First, ask yourself if you’re having fun with your blog. If the answer is yes, you really don’t need to change a thing! If the answer is no, here are some ideas that might be helpful:
- Look over your old posts. Was there a time when you did have fun with your blog? Are there any particular posts you were especially excited to publish?
- Look at the blogs you love most. What about these blogs makes you smile?
- Are there any aspects of the blogging process you enjoy more than others? And any aspects of blogging you hate? For example, maybe you really like the writing process but hate taking photos. Or maybe photography is your thing, but you’re not one for words.
- Change your blogging style so that it suits YOU. If you love pictures but hate writing, who says you can’t do photo-only posts? Or, on the other hand, who says a good post needs a photo? What’s awesome about blogging is that you are your own boss ;).
(It might be helpful for you to make an actual list on paper, jotting down notes on what you like and dislike about your blog, about other blogs, and about the blogging process.)
Questions of the Day:
Do you enjoy blogging?
And what are your favorite aspects of blogging (or reading blogs)?
Connecting with people who are like you? Learning about new foods and trying out recipes? Taking photos? Looking back on your old posts?
By the way, if you want a laugh, check out my very first post.
🙂
Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life says
I just started my blog back in january and I LOVE IT! Thanks for the great tips, I do love reading your blog everyday!
[email protected] DiVa DiSh says
Awesome tips katie! You do have a great and successful blog because you are yourself and bring amazing delicious eats to the table with an adorable personality 🙂
I’ll be a fan forever!
Hela says
haha, you look so excited in your first post!
thanks for the tips! I have to start a blog soon, as part of an assignment in my online marketing class. can´t wait 🙂
Katy sparrow says
Ah, you rock the blogging world katie and I love ur tips!! I am a beginning blogger and feel overwhelmed by all the awesome blogs but I realize I can relax and just continue to write a blog in my own style and own standards of success! Xoxoxo xoxo
VEGirl says
what a great post Katie!
Jill K says
Thanks for the info! I just recently started my blog last month. I love that it’s like journaling and you can reflect on what you’ve done. My memory is shot half the time so it’s nice to see and remember things again and again.
Hollie @lolzthatswim(andrun) says
What great advice Katie. I would also love if you did a series of blogging tips. Your blog is one of my favorites to read. I love reading different blogs and getting different aspects of everyones lifestyles…not just my pancake only diet.
Liz @ VeganFoodRocks says
I am excited for this series, I am always looking for new tips on how to make my blog better! I love reading your blog!
Eric Jaffa says
“So how about a series on blogging tips?”
Yes, do a series.
[email protected] says
Great post! I think thats something a lot of people forget, blogging should be about sharing your passions! I love to create and share recipes, try out others recipes, share my shopping hauls and generally connect with others with similar interests. I love looking through my old posts too!
Jessica @ Dairy Free Betty says
I think a series would be awesome!! 🙂
Great tips and your blog is wildly successful and fabulous!
Melissa says
Awe, these are great! I love the idea of a series. What I’ve noticed since I started blogging is that the blog world can be a little bit clique-y and competitive. That’s not the kind of environment I’m out for on my blog. Yes, it’s wonderful when people read and I can connect with them in the comments, but first and foremost, I want my blog to be something I enjoy. When it stops being for me, then I don’t think I’ll like it anymore.
Emily says
Ah, you took the words right out of my mouth! I get so frustrated with the whole cliquiness of blogging, and certain bloggers. It’s like they only link to the same other people ALL THE TIME. And some big bloggers, like Katie or Tina or Kath are big on their own, but then I see some other bloggers and I wonder how are they so popular? Then I see that they KNOW Kath in real life or something, and so she links to them a lot, and so THAT is how they’re so popular… kind of like when famous siblings are so easily able to get into show business. It’s not what you know, but who you know.
Katie, I am NOT talking about you. You’re obviously popular on your own, and your blog is refreshingly non cliquey. And I love how you even take the time to visit us little bloggers and leave kind comments if we make one of your recipes. I can tell you, a lot of big bloggers don’t even bother!
Melissa says
I’m glad you “got” what I meant, Emily! I didn’t want to offend anyone, but it does bother me a little bit. 🙁 I just want there to be room for everyone, ya know?
Lisa C says
I don’t have a blog, but I loved this post anyway, just because it’s so geniune. But really, that’s just how you always are, and it’s one of my favorite things about your blog. Besides the chocolate of course! 😉
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I love blogging. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I love thinking about random recipes to make and themes to carry out and write posts in my head all the time. It’s a bit selfish, and I don’t consider myself to be all that popular, but as long as I enjoy it, I’m happy. 🙂
Erika K says
Haha I loved your intro post! You sound so excited to start blogging!
Marina says
Great post!
I love to blog and read blogs, and although I realize my posts aren’t brilliant and funny, I enjoy writing them. It’s like my own personal therapist, and a place where I can share my thoughts with blogging friends, and always get an advice. Who cares if I don’t have 100 visits a day 🙂
Val says
Love this post!! Can’t wait to her more. So glad you did this. I really enjoyed reading it especially since I’m so new to blogging. I love your definition of a successful blog! I am really enjoying my new blog. Burst the same time I feel like sometimes I don’t have anything interesting to talk about. I’ll keep trying though. Thanks for being an inspiration!
Also I told you I would try one of your genius blonde recipes. I made brownies. They were great! Ate them all by myself (in two day). Check out my blog to see what I did!
Leslie says
Your blog was the first I ever read, and it’s the only one I even leave comments on :). You are just too adorable to not love!
Mary says
I’d definitely be interested in a series. I’m also getting out a pen and paper as we speak, so I can try out your fun checklist idea! Thanks Katie!
Jessica @ Bake a Little says
Katie, what an amazing post! Thanks so much for including these, it really helps me to remember why I love blogging so much!
Jess @ Keeping It Real Food says
Thanks for this post! I think my favorite parts of blogging are the writing and connecting with other bloggers : )
vegan gal says
my favorite part of blog reading is trying out the recipes! when i first became a vegan, i was eating so boring, just salads all the time, because that’s what i thought vegans ate! my world has been turned completely over by blogs like yours. 🙂
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
Awesome post! I would love a series on blogging tips 😀 I’ve made some pretty stupid mistakes in the short time I’ve been blogging, but I guess everyone makes mistakes. And I really do enjoy blogging and sharing my recipes and food. And honestly if no one read it I’d still like having a place to keep all my recipes 😀
Pine Apple says
“It doesn’t matter if you only have five readers or if you publish ten posts in a row about nothing but your love for Boston terriers. If your blog makes you happy, then it is successful. Period.”
This is so so true! I took up blogging in 2005 and continue to this day – it’s all sorts of fun to read back on my personal journey. Although my blog is more like a personal diary style thing I have gathered a number of readers over the years and I’m all like “who are you?!”. Except for real life friends no one ever comments and frankly, my ramblings are not really that interesting, haha.
I just love to read bigger blogs like yours, they have and continue to inspire me so much. You can’t imagine how excited I was to stumble upon a Whole Foods in London … I bought so many bars I had read about on blogs but aren’t available where I live. Crazy, lol.
Point is: your blog is totally rad! 😀
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww thank you! And I’m so impressed you’ve been blogging since 2005!
Lisa Letting Go says
I LOVE to blog! I think meeting new people from all over the country (and world) is so much fun. Plus, it gives me a creative outlet to express myself.
Also, didn’t realize you went to SMU! I work at TCU, but think SMU’s campus is amazingly beautiful 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha my mom always thought I should’ve gone to TCU, because it’s close to Spiral Diner… she was like, “Then you can work there!”
Silly mommy, thinking I would base my decision on the location of a restaurant. Moms always want to make sure we’re fed! 😉
jenna says
Yes, please do a series on blogging tips. This post helped me SO much!
Lisa says
I can tell you love blogging by the way you write- thats how I can tell if Im going to follow a blog or not!
I LOVE blogging. I love writing reviews, trying new samples, commenting on other peoples blogs, its SO much fun!
and although you may not think you are in “the same league” as other bloggers, I think yours is SO successful. YOu have so many followers and ppl like myself who LOVE this blog!! 🙂
here’s to Chocolate Covered Katie blog!! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww BIG chocolate hugs to you, Lisa!
AliceBakesCakes says
YAY! I’m new to blogging, so it’s always good to have any tips and advice, particularly from a blogger as amazing as you! Thanks for this!
Megan says
Im new here, but I love blogging so far! I cant wait to look back on posts a while from now and see how or if I have changed!
Lissy says
yes, you are most definitely a successful blogger. There are two kinds of blogs in my RSS feed, blogs that I want to read and blogs that I have to read. Yours is the former. I subscribe to a lot of food blogs, yours is one of the more fun ones to read 🙂
I’ve been blogging since, well, blogs existed, but it’s more like a diary than anything. I never cared if anyone read it. I have a few close online friends who come comment on my blog and then I comment on their blog and in some cases, this has gone on for years and years.
Mostly, I like having a record of my life. It’s a lot of fun going back and reading entries from years ago.
This is an entry from June 2002, my how far I’ve come 😀
“OK, is there some like huge conspiracy against comic sans ms? Like seriously! i’ve gotten about 5 complaints about my font today. They’re all like, comic sans, hiss boo! Ya know what! I happen to like comic sans ms. In fact, it is my favoritest font! And if u have a problem wit dat, den too bad”
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Wow, I am in awe that you’ve been blogging since 2001! I thought I’d been around a long time, but you have me beat by like 7 years!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
I am a big fan of pictures and recipes. It’s probably because I’m constantly in the kitchen and am always so excited when I find a recipe that inspires me for a meal. I also like when they are more narrative and not just a laundry list of what was done that day. Granted, if it’s written well those “laundry lists” can be fun, too. So…I guess strong writing is something that I look for, too!
In case you were wondering, your blog has all of the above 😀
Alyssa says
Hey! I was wondering if you had advice on good ways to market a blog
I love blogging and reading about blogs, but I’m definitly wanting to build more a community.
Any advice would be awesome 🙂
P.S tried your blondie recipe the other day!! take a look if ya’d like (there was one minor fail on the texture…magic bullet fail lol)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I think the BIGGEST thing you can do to meet more bloggers and feel like you’re a part of a community is comment, comment, comment on other blogs. Don’t just comment once on a particular blog; keep on commenting. It might take a while, but soon the blogger (and other commenters) will keep seeing your name pop up and start to remember you.
I commented a lot on other blogs when I first started out. Nowadays, I don’t comment much anymore at all because it was just taking up too much time; there are SO many amazing blogs out there, and when you’re often getting around 100 comments on every post, there’s no way I can be fair and respond on every blog, although I appreciate the comments SO much! But if you’re just starting out, that’s a good way to get your name out there. Otherwise, no one will know your blog exists.
Also, twitter! I dragged my feet and didn’t get a twitter account until about 4 months ago, but it helped me find a LOT more friends!
Good luck!! 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh, and I’m so honored you made the blondies! (I did read your post, but I can’t comment because I don’t have a google or wordpress account.)
Heather says
Blogging is a creative outlet for me, sometimes I write about food and sometimes I share details about what is happening in my life. It is therapeautic:)
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I love blogging because it is a place where I can truly share who I am.. on a daily basis..and be connected with tons of people who I share SO much in common with. I love knowing that people are repsonding to my writing..learning new things.. and supporting my journey!
Lisa Fine says
Love these tips – thanks so much for starting a series like this, Katie.
I go through phases with blogging, and always realize that when I’m not being true to who I am and what I love, I get bored with blogging. Your post has inspired me to experiment more with my writing style and blogging format, so I’ll be linking back to you soon. Thanks!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aw, I’ll be excited to hear what you write! 🙂
Emily says
Aw I love this post! I focus my blog mainly on my life because that’s what I love, and it just so happens that eating healthy and exercising are two of my favorite things so I blog a lot about that.
Vivianne says
I love this. I would love a series on blogging. I am about a month in and I’m still fumbling like an awkward teenager! I am still trying to figure out my writing style and voice.
Thanks for sharing, Katie! (:
Carrie (Moves 'N Munchies) says
i LOVE bloggin!! and i make sure i keep loving it!! if I ever feel like im getting in a drag.. il just take a little break or put up a small post- i gotta love what i do or it wont last long!
Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries says
Great post, girl! I’m still a baby blogger, but I love it so so so much. I have such a good time with it!
Kate says
Lol Katie, you don’t give yourself enough credit for how big you are. Even just from the number of comments your blog gets, it’s obvious that you’re one of the big bloggers. And it’s no secret or fluke as to why, it’s because you’re just so darn awesome!
I love reading your fun posts every single day :).
The Healthy Hipster says
Thanks for the very informative post, Katie! I still feel like im finding my own groove in the blogosphere…seeing what works for me and what doesnt…just like any creative outlet I’m trying to find my own style and then stick to it! Wish me luck 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Good luck! 😉
Caroline @ Out of Liney says
Hey Katie, thanks for the tips! It’s not just chocolate, but your enthusiasm, that makes your blog so fun to read. As a new blogger, I absolutely love writing Out of Liney, but I’ll try to keep your wisdom in mind for tougher times!
lindsay says
i loved your first post, so cute and down to earth. these are great tips katie, thank you! and I agree, it is all about passion.
Ragnhild says
Katie, I love your Intro 🙂 So much fun to think back- I used to read your blog from time to time. I didnt really knew what a blog was back then. then I lost your address, but found it again later- and was superhappy 😀
Thanks for your blog tips- your so right! It IS important that it is fun! It really shines through if a writer like to blog or not!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m so honored you’ve read my blog for so long lol!
Cara @ EAT. PRAY. RUN. says
Awww Katie this is great and I would LOVE a series! You’ve come a long way and as a respected and known blogger I, and I’m sure many other bloggers would love to take some pointers from you!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
Katie I would love for you to do a series on blogging tips — you have done really well and I really enjoy your blog!
I have been blogging since Aug 2010 and I really like it so far — I did take a 2 month break and I changed the name, but the experience as a whole has been great!
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
I love this series!!! Girl, you are my inspiration. Thank you for everything you do! Thank you for all of the time you put into your blog. It has really changed me for the better. 🙂 Thank you. 🙂
Tori (Fresh Fruition) says
I love blogging! I know how inspiring and fun it is for me to read other blogger posts, so I love sharing with people my unique perspective and personality and experiences, and hopefully I can inspire them, too!
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
Omg you’re not going to believe this BUT I have a post about blogging tips in my drafts and am going to be publishing it later today.
It comes at the heels of some recent unfortunate events I’ve found myself at the receiving end of and as much as I have not wanted to write this post, I am going to.
I am keeping it positive, about what to DO, rather than what not to do, when one is starting a blog. Some people truly just don’t know, and I get so many questions about it all, I figure why not. And I have been working on it or a few years, in my mind, that is 🙂 And then bam, you have yours and I know you’ve never done one like this. What are the odds.
Will link you back, of course 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh Averie, maybe we are such good friends because we think alike? Haha you and I both know how bloggers’ ideas are often so similar… sometimes I have a post written up in my head, only to see someone else post a VERY similar recipe first, and then I am like, “Oh sh*t, ppl are going to think I copied her if I post now!” LOL but I know that it takes a lot of pre-planning to write a blog post; it’s not just something you think up in a day. So there’s no way I’d ever think you copied me… besides, you have your own creative, crazy mind. It’s one of the best in the blogworld! You have no need of copying mine!
I’ll be excited to read YOUR thoughts on blogging, as I always am! 🙂
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola says
You know how sometimes you just really need to see something and then when you do it all just clicks? That’s what this post did for me today. Just last week I started my blog and am really enjoying writing it. But I admit that it’s harder than I thought it would be to take pics and to post every day when I have a very long work day and am usually busy at night. And although I am trying to make peace with the whole- it’s ok if people aren’t reading my blog- the hard part for me is that I feel like it means I’m failing at something- and as a total perfectionist- I HATE to fail. I even just tweeted this morning how bummed I was to find that my 2 comments were actually only spam. Bummer. But reading this has really inspired me to not base my success on readers or comments. Besides- that will come, right? And I need to enjoy the process where I figure this all out 🙂 Thank you again for this post- it really, really spoke to me!
Emily says
Me too! I just wrote the same exact thing: I needed to hear this!
Glad I am not the only one :). Oh and we have the same name too! 🙂
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) says
Haha in that case I am VERY successful because I LOVE blogging! The best part is DEFINITELY making friends with SO many amazing, inspirational and wonderful people like YOU!! 😀
And awww I love your first post! So sweet! 🙂
Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) says
P.S. You are DEFINITELY “qualified” to give tips!! You are an AMAZING blogger and sooo many people love you!! Can’t wait for the rest of this series!! <3
Emily says
I feel like you were writing this with me in mind! I so needed to hear it. Thank you :).
Jillian says
I have only been blogging for 2 months but I can already see how people fall in love with it. I actually have already started looking at jobs in social media just because I have seen the impact it makes on people! I am specifically interested in fitness and health blogs and it’s so inpsiring and comforting at the same time to see people who love the things you love. I constantly connect with other bloggers when I read things they write because I think or do the same things, but people around me in my every day life don’t understand! I love seeing new recipes and amazing food photography on so many diverse blogs!
Speaking of first post…I already look back at my first one from two months ago and laugh lol… I see progression already and I definitley look to other bloggers for ideas and inspiration.
Gen says
Aaaw awesome tips!!!! I’ve really been enjoying having my blog! 😀
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
This is such a great reminder. I have been stressing lately about my busy, busy work-life and getting a blog written every day. You comments about photos/text-heavy reminded me: “who says I have to post EVERY day?!
Love your first post – too adorable. 🙂
[email protected] Apples"N" Oats says
yeaah thanks for the tips!I just started mine a couple of months ago, and I love that you emphasize how the most important thing is to enjoy blogging!
Dawn @ Blonde on a Mission says
Yes, please do a series on blogging! I believe I found your blog by searching cinnasnaps cereal & I have been hooked on the fit blogging world ever since! I love blogging about making favourite foods healthier and to share certain aspects of my life because I love reading about those kinds of things. Thank you for these words of bloggy wisdom 🙂
anonymous says
thank u for this post!
Ashley says
aww I love your first post!! And no matter what you think, your blog is a success!! I dont know one foodie blogger that ive read of that hasnt at least tried one of your recipes. Plus you have shown me that veganism isnt all vegetables and grass eating, it can be really really good food too!!
Pure2raw Twins says
Katie you are so smart 🙂 These are great tips and advice. And so true about if blogging is not fun than it is not worth it. We have gone through our moments of ‘disliking’ blogging etc. but then something would happen like get an amazing comment or email and helps us remember why we blog. To help and inspire others, and to let our creative mind flow 🙂 xoxo
Iris says
Katie, this is wonderful! I think a series is a great idea. And yes, I think having a passion for writing your blog is the #1 thing that makes it successful. I absolutely love blogging and would do it full-time if I could. Dreaming up recipes and writing makes me ridiculously happy, so I guess my blog is successful. 🙂
Alexis says
I love this! Being new to this blogging world is so fun and exciting. I enjoy thinking of things to write about even though I’m a terrible writer. who cares! I like to blog how I talk/think. I love your blog!
Rachel (tea and chocolate) says
Please do a blogger tips series! I’ve been reading your blog for years and it’s always been one of my favorites. You definitely are qualified to write tips–no worries about that!
I totally agree that blogging has to be something you enjoy. Sometimes I feel a little down about my blog, but then I just remind myself that I started blogging to meet people with similar interests and I certainly have done that. Thanks for the inspiration Katie!
Stefanie @TheNewHealthy says
This is so very true! I absolutely love blogging and while it’s not a job (only a passion) I do consider myself successful for that reason! 🙂
O.C. says
Yayy for this post! Thanks times a million Katie 🙂 as a new blogger I’m always looking for tips and they’re even better coming from someone I look up to and admire as much as you 🙂 my favorite thing about blogging so far is connecting with other like-minded individuals and of course yummy recipes! Blogging makes me so inspired to get in the kitchen and dream up new creations of my own to post about.
Jessica says
At the risk of echoing a TON of other people, I just have to say that your blog is my absolute favorite Katie :). Don’t ever change :).
Faith @ lovelyascharged says
It really is true that you have to enjoy it. I have periods when I don’t feel as creative, successful, chatty or “likeable” as other bloggers…but I refuse to compare! I love my blog, I enjoy the foods it prompts me to try and the community that it allows me to be a part of, and all of the support I get from my readers! Of course, I’m trying to grow it as much as possible, but I refuse to let it stress me out. Then it just becomes a chore, and why would I want to keep that up when I already have tons of other chores? When I remind myself that it’s a hobby and can be light and fun, my blog gets so much better!
Helen says
Love this! I needed to hear this. Thanks 🙂
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
Haha, I love your first post 🙂
Blogging has never felt like a chore yet, so when it does, I won’t do it anymore 🙂 I have fun with it!
Alyssa says
I absolutely LOVE blogging, but there are days when I just can’t bring myself to do it…probably because I work full time, have a family, and do blogging on the side. I wish I had the time to devote to it like a job!!
Also, I just posted a recipe that I’m pretty sure you will love 🙂 Check out my vegan/gluten free recipe for Coconut Banana Bites!! http://glutenfreemuse.com/2011/05/26/coconut-banana-bites/
If you like it, I would love to see your version of them!
Katherine says
Thanks for this!
Bianca- Vegan Crunk says
I love blogging! And your first post is adorable….I think I’ve been following since not too long after that. 🙂 In fact, the one thing that makes me sad about blogging is when other bloggers/followers just fall off. People stop blogging, and you totally lose track of someone you considered a friend. Remember Romina? Or the Voracious Vegan? Or Chelsea from Portland? Man, I miss those dudes. I am soooooo glad you’re still around though!!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh I know! I miss them too! (Well, I know Voracious Vegan is still blogging, just not as a vegan anymore.) I loved Romina… no idea what she’s up to! You’d better not disappear, Bianca! I’ll come find you ;).
Holly @ Pink Runner says
Thanks for the great post! As a new blogger, I am always looking for new ideas! Your first post is cute 🙂
emma says
I love blogging! I love connecting with like minded individuals, getting recipe ideas, workout tips and generally just doing something creative!
Lenna says
I enjoy blogging so much, it is amazing that you can connect with people who have similar hobbies, opinions, lifestyle etc. I love to read their comments and to have discussions over things I am interested in! Blogworld is great 🙂
Cait's a Runnerchick says
Aww, your first blog post is way too cute! hehe. Thanks SOOO much for posting this! I have so much to learn about this whole bloggy process and reading your thoughts about it all really helps. To make sure that you actually enjoy it should be the top priority and if you’re doing that you’re a success…you put it so perfectly. 🙂
Thanks for this and you are so kind for sharing what you’ve learned. And don’t even say you feel embarrassed because you don’t think you’re ‘successful’ enough to post this, because you ARE. We all have those insecurities or self doubt but girl, you’re rocking this blog-o-world and your recipes are amazing! Keep it up. 🙂
Another Lauren says
The synchronicity of the universe strikes again! I’m just getting down to the nitty-gritty of starting a blog as a work project, so this is a very helpful post. Not being a vegan, I wasn’t sure your site was for me when I stumbled upon it about a month ago, but then I came across your posts about college—I was hooked! I like your candid style and that your recipe posts are sprinkled with personal stories. I hope I can bring that kind of authenticity to my writing. Thanks for the inspiration and recipes!
P.S. Also, I really love garbanzo beans so I’m really excited to try your blondie dip.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’m so glad you found my site, Lauren! LOL I think the majority of people who read my site aren’t vegans… or even vegetarians. Just as long as you like chocolate, right? 😉
kaila @ healthy helper! says
OMG my first posts are so embarrassingly lame! I would love to see a series like this….you have so many readers and I would love to know more about how you grew your readership!
I love SO many things about blogging: finding people that are like me, being introduced to new foods, and the writing in general! Its all so fun and such a great hobby!
Albizia says
Thank you for the tips. It is so nice of you to try to help other people improve their blogs. Unfortunately, no matter how passionate they are and how much they enjoy writing, some bloggers will never be popular. Your blog just has this power of attraction that makes people come every day for more 🙂 . I had a popular blog when I started blogging on another site a few years ago but then I moved to WordPress for various reasons and since then I’ve been living in a quiet black hole. But I still enjoy blogging and I keep writing for my own pleasure and my 5 readers 😀 .
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
But there are positives to not having a big audience too! Sometimes I feel pressure or worry that people are going to take something I wrote the wrong way :-?.
Nathalie says
Thanks for the great tips! My blagh is still only in the larval stages, hahah. Basically for the edification of my friends and family back in the states so they can connect with my life here in Japan more. I do need to start perusing (and commenting on) more blogs though.
Oh, I tried making your “boatmeal” last night. I used chocolate chips, and mushed banana instead of pumpkin/applesauce. I also added some cooked oat groats to it. ‘Twas delicious.
I feel like I had a running question I wanted to throw at you but I can’t remember what it was X_x. Oh well. Thanks always for the awesome blog/recipes/sunshine-y attitude =)
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL well yoou know where to find me when you think of it ;).
Parita says
Thanks so much for sharing this, Katie! I really needed to hear this. For me, blogging is just a passion – I enjoy writing and sharing random things. There have been times when I stress myself out by comparing my little baby blog to bigger blogs. But then I remember to just do me, and everything falls back into place! 🙂
Kelsey @ Unmitigated Grub says
Love this, lady! And I couldn’t agree with you more. As soon as I stop loving blogging and it becomes a chore, I’m going to stop. Until then I will have fun 🙂
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says
you sum it up really well Katie. It truly is about whether you enjoy it or not. passion is what makes people successful- bottom line. because u can be good at something and not enjoy it, you can be rich, and not happy, but u cant be successful and not care. you were one of the first blogs i ever saw and you were one of the biggest motivators for inspiring me to blog. u sparked that passion in me, of photography, cooking, baking, writing, and networking. thats why im a Chocolate Covered Katie fan for life hehe <3
Aja says
Great advice, Katie. I love blogging, I just rarely have time right now with finals. So sad.
Also, this is random, but I was reading your blog at school today (bad me) and when I clicked on the picture of the blondie batter dip, a message came up to tell me I couldn’t view it because the content was blocked. The reason: adult-and-pornography. I couldn’t stop laughing.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL! That’s like all the crazy google searches I get for naked girls covered in chocolate. Yikes!
Aja says
Eep. The internet is scary someimes.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
I would love to read a series of posts about this topic! And girl, you are TOO modest for your own good! I consider you one of the top dogs out there in blogging world! I could tell from the first post I ever read of yours that you LOVE this blog…you can feel the excitement and passion from each and every line!
You hit the nail on the head on what I love most about blogging: “Connecting with people who are like you? Learning about new foods and trying out recipes? Taking photos? Looking back on your old posts?” I could never pick just one!
I know I’m still new to blogging, but I hope that the same excitement I had as I typed up tonight’s post NEVER goes away!
PS, I LOVE Boston Terriers! 😉
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
They’re so cute, right?? My mom used to call them the “ugly dogs” but then my sister went to BU… and now she wants to buy every single Boston Terrier item she can find!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
What mainly draws me to a blog is if they have a multitude of things to talk about. Food’s great, but there’s definitely more to life!! Also, they have to have an upbeat attitude! I understand we have bad days and what not, and that’s fine..but they should make post after post about how much they hate their life or anything like that.
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says
I love your definition of blogging success, Katie. If blogging ever becomes a chore to me or I find myself not loving it, I will absolutely quit. Right now, though, I love it. It’s a great creative outlet and I love the connections I’ve made.
Meghan @ StruggleMuffins says
Very helpful Katie, thank you for sharing!
Sarah says
I am still new (umm.. 3 days??) to blogging, and still love it 🙂 It’s my journal. Doesn’t matter who reads it, but it’s fun documenting my day and having a tangible record of my life at THIS moment in time. I’ll always have this time in my life to look back on.. and I think that’s success in and of itself!
Tara says
These were the best blogging tips ever! I love how you made it about your own personal happiness versus trying to market yourself or something. I like to measure my success by my happiness, because if I am content then all is well. I love blogging and I don’t blog when I don’t feel like it, but most of the time if I don’t blog it’s because I’m busy and WISHING I could! I love how it’s connected me to other people and introduced me to more blogs that I probably never would have noticed if I hadn’t started my own.
Aska @ Finding My Happy Ending says
You make a good point about the definition of success when it comes to blogging. I have felt like blogging was a chore before and it takes away all the fun. You made me realize that it’s okay to not blog some days…thanks for this post!
P.S. I didn’t know you live in Texas! Hello fellow Texas resident :)!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Ooh howdy :)!
michelle says
I love your advice Katie! I know my writing is not proficient and I’m constantly worried about my grammar and spelling. I do however love to create recipes and am working on my photography. It’s just very refreshing to hear to that not all aspects are necessary for a good blog.
McKayla @ Green Groats says
Love your outlook! Great advice, you HIGHLY QUALIFIED (and wildly successful in many aspects) blogger, you.
I’d say right now, I’m in the “I LOVE BLOGGING PHASE.” Blogging is still fairly new to me, so perhaps I’m in love with the novelty, but I hope that I’ll continue to love it as time goes by…
Ann Claire says
Thanks for the tips! I think you’re definitely right that we must always remember that blogging should be fun and enjoyable, not a chore. It’s good to be reminded of that.
By the way, I was just browsing foodgawker and I noticed your fruit salad photo 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL! That was one I was SURE they would not take. I was so surprised to get the confirmation email… I almost deleted it! It was a nice surprise :).
bitt of raw says
Wow, your blog could become a JOB! Then you have to make extra sure you love it if it’s your livelihood. I like blogs for finding new types of vegan foods and also for finding out about someone’s life, I think there’s a personal element that’s nice.
Kayla @ SproutyBuns says
I started my blog a week ago and am already addicted! I find myself thinking of posts during my run, driving to work, while falling asleep … basically any time my brain has a chance to wander! 🙂
BroccoliHut says
I truly do enjoy blogging–there is such a cast community of like-minded individuals out there who love food and fitness just as much as I do!
I get so much inspiration from reading other blogs, both culinarily speaking as well as in the exercise realm. I never would have signed up for a 5k had it not been for reading blogs!
Sam says
A series on blogging advice and tips would be great! I enjoyed this first post and I’m sure the rest would be equally as informative.
I am brand new to the blogging world and have absolutely no readers, but I’m OK with that! I blog because I love connecting with others who have the same goals and interests as I do. I also love writing and communicating my thoughts and ideas to others and I hope that keeping a blog will help me improve on these skills. I can’t say that photography is my strong point, but I do have an interest in it and would love to improve my photo taking skills.
Lexi says
Thank you for this post. It really helped me get over my ‘writer’s block’ hiatus thing and rethink blogging in general. Here’s my response, in case you want to read:
http://recoveryruminations.blogspot.com/2011/05/blogging.html
Kristen @ The Red Velvet Life says
Awesome tips, Katie! I’m loving blogging for so many of the reasons you mentioned, so I guess I consider my blog a smashing success. 😉 Aside from all the exciting recipe inspiration, I just love being connected to so many passionate people who are living lives they love. I can tell that you’re doing what you’re meant to do with your life . . . and that’s inspiring. So very happy to be a part of this community. And for the record, your blog ROCKS (obvi) and you are in a perfect position to offer advice. 🙂
Oc Ziegler says
I just made my first blogroll and added i you to it! thanks soo sooo much for this post Katie, it is so inspiring to new bloggers like me 🙂
LizAshlee says
I love sharing my passion for food & fitness! I love creating new recipes and trying new creations! I love TASTE TESTING (minus when my tummy gets too full-it happens:)! I love taking photos and experimenting with what shots look best! I love writing!! I love connecting with others who share the same passion! I love helping who maybe struggling by sharing my knowledge! I love learning from other people & increasing my own knowledge! There may be a few things I left out, but altogether, I LOVE blogging!!
Misadventures of Fat-free Baking says
I don’t have many frequent readers but after reading your post, I now feel like a sucessful blogger! Thanks! 😀 I really love blogging, editing my photos to make them look good to others (usually not very sucessful though) and sharing stuff with people, and I guess that love is just enough. Thank you for your wise words! 😀 Rock on!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Awesome tips! I do love to blog and being part of the blogging network. There’s some amazing people in blog land.
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl says
Well first off, I definitely consider your blog a success so you are thus extremely qualified to be giving tips! I really enjoy blogging – it’s helped me to get closer to that dream job and for that, I feel so lucky. Unfortunately, I still have that other “not dream job” during the day. So it is a struggle for me to balance them both at times. The hardest thing for me thus far has been writing posts that I think are great and maybe not getting as many reads/comments as I would have thought. It makes me worry that I’m not connected with readers. However, I know that this is an ever-evolving process and I’ll continue to learn and grow as I go along.
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
I love blogging! Even though it’s a baby blog, it helps me to get my thoughts out. I like writing, I like how it keeps me on track with eating healthy and working out. I love the support I get from other bloggers and I just think it’s fun!! 🙂
Ali @ Around the VeggieTable says
Good post 🙂 I would say 90% of the time I am super happy and have a lot of fun on my blog…the only time it feels like a chore is when I’m super tired at the end of a long day of my real job (lawyering) and there are certain days when I think “Gosh, I still have to blog.” I get about 30 readers daily, and I used to check every day to see how many I was getting, but now I don’t care. I just like doing it. I like creating recipes, I like learning about photography, and I like writing. So I guess my bloggy is a success then!
jess @ littlegirlbigappetite.com says
THanks Katie 🙂 I’ve been slacking off with blogging lately, but you just motivated me to blog last night!
Sam says
I already posted a comment up above, but I just wanted to let you know that your post inspired me to write my own on the subject. I realize that you are a very busy woman (creating delicious treats for us all to try!), but if you get a moment you can read my post here.
So thank you for the inspiration and I look forward to reading the rest of your blogging tips series.
Marykate says
THANK YOU for posting this! xoxo
Kelsey @ CleanTeenKelsey says
Thank you for the tips! These are awesome. I also appreciate good blogging tips, since I’m always trying to improve my blog. Yours is wonderful and I absolutely love it. 🙂
T.Lee says
Thank you so much for this post, Katie! I love your blog, and it’s always inspiring to hear how other, more established bloggers do it! And yes, to me (an to a lot of folk), you are a “more established” blogger. No need to be modest 🙂
Diana (Soap & Chocolate) says
Katie, these are great tips. I’ve been blogging a while myself (since 2005, if you count my first blog, which I wrote during my year in China…the blog as we know it now didn’t really start til 2008, I think. But who’s counting!) and I will admit it feels like a chore these days, so I appreciate your putting these questions in front of my face because I don’t want to let the blog die entirely. There are so many things I love about my blog and being in the blog community, so while my real-life priorities have shifted, I have to remind myself it’s ok for the blog to shift along with it, since it’s nothing if not a reflection of me. So even though it’s often hard to get myself to sit down and write every week, I end up enjoying it without fail! I think it’s important to write about things that are exciting to you as the author, because otherwise anyone reading it will sense that it is forced.
A.Cook says
Hey girl,
Just wanted to let you know that this post meant alot to me. I’m coming up on 3 years of blogging (though I definitely didn’t post regularly the whole time) and I recently was looking back on my early posts and feeling really nostalgic. I couldn’t quite pinpoint why…I decided part of it was missing my old, pre-law school life–those last couple of months that I lived with my parents and shared cooking and gardening with my dad, that kind of thing. Anyway, I kind of put it out of my mind, but then I read your post and it really spoke to me. I realized what I miss is the wonder and excitement I used to get out of trying new vegan recipes and exploring new foods. And law school definitely kept me out of the kitchen…but I’m not letting anything get in my way anymore. I’m going to address all of this in my next post but I wanted to tell you first, since you are the one that helped me realize it. So thanks 🙂 And keep up the great work; your blog has always been one of my favorites. Your joy really does shine through in every post.
All the best,
Ashley
Kristin @ FoodFash says
I do enjoy blogging! The cooking, the picture taking, the writing, the editing, it’s all so therapeutic!
Kacey says
I completely understand what you mean. I have only been food blogging for a couple of years now, and it got to a point where I felt like I HAD to cook something bigger and better than last time. Instead of cooking what I wanted, I was trying to impress people (and didn’t execute it very well), and I found each recipe and post tiring, because I wasn’t excited about it, and I didn’t really want to make it in the first place.
I’ve been pretty busy lately, so I haven’t blogged as much as I would like, but now, I don’t care if it’s something simple, about how I like to eat yogurt in cereal in the morning, or something extravagant that I really want to make!
Great post and glad to see you stuck with it!
Kristina says
Thank you so much for the great tips Katie! I really enjoy your blog and check it quite frequently. I’m planning on starting my own soon, thanks in part to inspiration from you! 🙂
Ema Feramisco says
Perfect , keep writing
Liliane says
Hi Katie!! Ive been following your blog for a while…and I really love it!! I am thinking of starting my own blog, and I am not sure where to start : p I was wondering if you use word press (free or bought one), and if you design things on your website?
Thanks!! Liliane
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I started with wordpress, but then I bought my own domain. LOL but I really am a novice when it comes to technology, so I actually hired someone to help me move. (As for design… I really want to hire a graphic designer to make my site look more professional. But I’m dragging my feet because I am cheap :-?.)
sophina says
i made a few of your deserts.
which are delicious might i add
and decided learned about veganism.
and i have given up meat for about two months now.
dairy took a little longer..but i let it go.
and i discovered so many things not just about food,
but the environment too…
which is why ive started a blog and hopefully people will listen.
to become cleaner and save the planet..
its quite new so theres not much up yet.
but i have so much to share..
xox.
Tonette (@SmileNglow) says
I’m so glad I read this post… I feel exactly how you felt when you said you almost thought of giving up your blog… God bless your soul. 🙂 Sooooo looking forward to reading more of your posts and trying your recipes!!! So happy right now. Thank you!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Erica @ Cult of Kale says
I think I do love blogging. Some posts just come out so naturally, and others feel a little more like work.
I think my biggest problem is I don’t know how to categorize my blog and I feel so compelled to do so even though I’m such a young blog. Part of me just wants to go with it for awhile until I find my niche, the other part of me wants to focus now.
And then there is my husband who is pushing me to do more networking and SEO because he thinks that’s important. I guess it is important, although right now I kind of like being a small blog just figuring things out.
tara3598 says
Hi Katie! Your blog inspired me to make my own. I was about to delete my blog, because i had no visitors and no readers, then I realized how happy it made me! So I must thank you tons!
p.s if you have the time, do you think you could maybe check out my blog? It is really new: TeenageBakingBeauty.wordpress.com
THANKS!
tara3598 says
Hi Katie! Your tips helped me a ton! I am new to blogging and was really disappointed about having zero visitors/readers. I was about ready to delete it! But then I realized how happy it made me and I decided not to delete it!
if you could/have the time, could you check out my blog? it is: TeenageBakingBeauty.wordpress.com
THANK YOU!
Sarah says
Thank you for your tips on how to blog! I have just started a blog, and I really appreciate articles like this! Thanks! 🙂
Elise J. says
Thank you so much for writing this! Recently I decided to change a few things about my blog and grow my audience, etc. but then the changes to my site and the pressure of having an audience and needing to keep these strangers entertained, totally discouraged me and made me not want to blog or hesitant to post things that no one would care about. You so encouraged me to not be anything that I’m not and that my blog is already a success. I’ve already felt the weight lifted and my love for my blog come back to me. Thanks so much! P.s. I love your recipes.
Ella says
Thanks so much Katie! I ADORE you blog, in fact I recommended your site on my own blog (http://meetoprahwheatfree.blogspot.co.uk/p/more.html) . I am very new to both blogging and a whole new way of eating (I was diagnozed wheat allergic) and have also had to drastically reduced my sugar intake- your site has been a life saver!
Look forward to many more tips and, of course, recipes!
Ella x
Dawn says
Hi Katie! I’m doing a blog piece on technical food blogging tips – like what other websites do you use (ex. picmonkey, foodgawker, tastespotting), any products you use, SEO, best ways to gain leverage in social media etc. I will include a back link if you choose to share a great technical tip!
Thanks,
Dawn Hutchins of http://www.floridacoastalcooking.com
Sophia @ Pray. Work. Eat. says
This is a great post! I love blogging! 🙂 Thanks for the tips Katie. 🙂
Nicole says
I can see that you are very passionate about your blog! 🙂 I really want to start my own raw-food and healthy dessert blog 🙂 :)!!! How do you come up with your amazingly tasty recipes?
Quick feedback, you make ALL your blogs personal but you do not give out a lot of personal feedback, that takes a lot of skill and passion 🙂
Colleen says
I am too much of an introvert to ever consider blogging, so I am glad to have found this blog and only one other healthy recipes blog. I have not one single friend (besides my cats) so Katie you are as close to a friend as I’m going to get! Also my opinions have changed so radically from 10 years ago, that I am glad my old stupid naive self never got into social media or blogging. I am bitter and meaner now than in my care-free trusting 20s, wish I knew then what I know now. Thanks for the recipes and time you put into this, and I do consider blogging a real job.