Today marks the one year anniversary of The Brave Ski Mom blog. In honor of this momentous occasion (at least it’s momentous for me), here’s my 10-step process for how to start a blog.
1. Have an idea. Try to get someone else to do it, specifically your kids. They won’t.
2. Still have the same idea. Think about doing it yourself. Write a few “practice” posts. Share them. Get good feedback. Beam with pride when your son tells you “I didn’t know you could write. This is pretty good.”
3. Get excited about starting a blog. Begin researching platforms, themes, monetization, and all sorts of other “tech-y” stuff that you don’t understand. Talk to too many people, with too many opinions. Quickly become overwhelmed and lose all enthusiasm.
4. Forget about the blog. Forget your idea. Let time go by — 16 months to be exact.
5. When your 13-year-old says to you “Remember your idea about a blog? I knew you wouldn’t do it,” agree with him. You knew you wouldn’t do it either. Who has time? Plus, it is so confusing.
6. A few days later realize that you are being a BAD ROLE MODEL. As a mom who is a BAD ROLE MODEL, you have two choices. You can either feel guilty about your failure to demonstrate perseverance and follow-through, or you can FOLLOW THROUGH and start the blog.
7. Start the blog. You’ve got one hour to spare on a hot, late July afternoon. You get online and with almost zero forethought, chose a platform and theme and write your first post.
8. Click “publish” and realize that you feel the best you’ve felt in 16 months. You had an idea and you acted on it. It just took a while.
9. Write and publish 154 posts over the next year. Each time you click “publish” experience that same gratifying feeling of accomplishment.
10. Ask yourself “Why did I wait so long to start a blog?” and keep writing.
So a big THANK YOU to everyone who has read and supported the Brave Ski Mom this year. One of the greatest benefits of the past year is meeting so many new friends and fellow ski moms (and dads).
As of yesterday, BSM has had over 22,000 visitors. Hundreds of you are now sporting Brave Ski Mom stickers and many of you have contacted me with comments and questions. While I might keep writing just because it is so much fun, the fun is multiplied when I get your feedback.
Thank you so much.
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Congrats BSM! Glad you are being a GOOD ROLE MODEL, but even gladder you are doing something personally fulfilling and meaningful. Looking forward to reading many more posts…
Thank you Angie!
Yea! Maintaining a blog takes follow through. Way to go. I started my blog because everyone told me that, as a writer, I needed a blog. I, too, got confused over much of the tech-y stuff. And still am, to be honest. I’m glad I started blogging, and plan on continuing on. Keep up the good work.
Yes, I am still confused by the tech-y stuff as well. That may be a permanent condition with me. I have received your book and look forward to reading it!
Congrats on your blogiversary! I’ve enjoyed visting and reading it over this past year. I know how much work it is maintaining a blog, but knowing people are reading and enjoying your posts makes it all worthwhile. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Linda. I have enjoyed reading your blog as well! Someday I’m going to ski with you in Oregon…or based on your summer posts, hike with you in Oregon!
Yay! Congratulations on your BSM 1st anniversary! What a GREAT accomplishment. Keep it going!
Thank you Michelle!
Thanks for the sweet comment at Four Little Monsters – your blog is great! You came in 6th place, right!? SOOO close! Your cookie recipe looks fantastic, anyway – so bravo! 6th and 8th place ain’t bad! Keep up the great blog, I’ll follow you!
Hey, cool blog! I love reason #6 in particular.
Thank you! Nothing like some self-imposed guilt to get one moving!
And, I just visited your blog. It is nice to make the acquaintance of a dad who blogs! The site is http://clarkbeast.wordpress.com/ or Postcards from the Outback. Well done.