Soaking up the long-awaited spring sunshine
At long last! Another new blog post has (finally) gone live!
I’m sure it’s evident by my sporadic posting, but lately, I’ve been feeling very uninspired and removed from blogging. I haven’t been able to put my finger on exactly what’s been causing me to feel this way. There isn’t just one reason and it’s pretty hard to explain – even to myself!
I can’t tell you how many times in the last few months that I’ve clicked that “new post” button, started typing…and then quickly discarded the draft. I just haven’t known what to write about, or what people want to read these days. Heck, I don’t know what I want to see on a blog anymore! What I do know is, if I’m spending the time reading a blog post, I want to get something out of it. I want to learn something new, or feel inspired to try something.
A wonderful media lunch with Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc wines and Celebrity Chef Marc McEwan
Adding Value:
The posts that have performed the best over the 5 years that I’ve been blogging are not the #ootd’s. If you take a look at my “Popular Posts” section, there’s an obvious trend. It’s the posts with more substance that people want to read – the posts with value. Namely, beauty product reviews and how-to’s. It certainly makes sense.
In many ways, I think Instagram has taken some of the value away from daily outfit posts. Why go to someone’s blog to see 7 photos of the same outfit, when you can scroll through Instagram and get inspired by many outfits at once. And – since adding the “save” feature, you can come back to those outfits for inspiration later.
Am I saying that blogs are dying? No – definitely not.
Am I planning to give up blogging? No – definitely not.
I just think the nature of blogging has changed. Generally speaking, people don’t spend as much time reading and commenting on blogs as they once did. I know I certainly don’t!
This is why it is so important that if you want to grow your online presence, your website and blog needs to be engaging and well designed.
Whether your website is in need of a makeover or this is your first time dipping into the online world and you need a site designing from scratch, you might want to consider reaching out to a freelance website designer for some expert tips and advice.
Seeking inspiration at Sorry Coffee in Yorkville
And would you look at that. I’ve already gone ahead and broken my own rule. This post doesn’t necessarily add “value” per say, but maybe I’ve fed your curiosity a little bit.
Or, did I make you think about your own habits and blog preferences too?
Anyhow, it’s nice to be back…and you can expect more content from me soon 🙂
See Also: Easy Oatmeal Cinnamon Apple Scones and One Dress, Four Ways
Rach says
Great Topic Jackie! And I definitely think in this post you added value. You’re sharing trends of blogging (and Instagram) that some people may not know or validation. For me it was validation because that is what I noticed too. Welcome back!!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Jackie says
Thanks Rach – and of course, thanks for reading and commenting! Still trying to re-define myself amidst the changing world of blogging!
Maddy says
I’ve been feeling the same way- and it really is hard to verbalize my exact feelings. But in a way, I’m “over” it – if that makes sense. I’m struggling with what to share, not sure how to transition my instagram away from only outfit photos, and unsure if my internet space even fits into my life anymore. Like you I don’t want to give it up completely, but fashion blogging has become a beast and while there are a million and one blogs, lots of people are wearing the same trends or same items and it gets boring. One of my goals in the next few weeks here is to try to work through that and decide where mine is headed.
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com/
Jackie says
I’m so glad you can relate and to know I’m not the only one who feels this way. I obviously love fashion and sharing outfits (and getting inspo from other people), but it can get a bit repetitive. That re-discovery is one of my goals too. I think we can both use a bit of luck searching through that!
Lyddiegal says
I know how you feel – I want my blog to be about more, but I don’t know what. I know what I don’t want, like if I see one more post on how to tie a scarf… I mean, we know how to tie scarves!!! Value is important. But even if I like an outfit on instagram I still seek out the post itself to save the photo.
https://www.iamchiconthecheap.com
Jackie says
That’s exactly how I feel!! LOL but to be fair, those “how to tie a scarf” posts were super helpful like, 5 years ago on Pinterest 😉
Laurel Musical says
I completely agree with you Jackie. It was eye opener for me when I began to question the content I was reading and how it could be similar to the content I was creating.
Jackie says
I’m so glad you found the content interesting. I’m still trying to figure it all out – but I think we all are 🙂