When I first started my blog in 2012, it wasn’t for follows. In fact, I didn’t even know that people could follow me until the topic came up during a job interview in which I wore heels that were probably too high and a face that was likely too made up!
It wasn’t about sponsored posts, becoming a brand ambassador or any other benefits that comes along with blogging nowadays. I was just a broke communications graduate that no one would hire. I figured that blogging would be the perfect way to vent my frustrations while creating some great writing samples in the process.
Blazer- Poshmark.com
After receiving rejection letter upon rejection letter, and pitching some successful and unsuccessful article ideas to various media outlets, I decided that whether anyone hired me or not, I was going to write. If people read my posts or not, I was going to tell a story. I wrote about everything from how I spent my weekends to how irritating and offensive it was (and still is) when my co-workers and others would attempt to touch my hair and, of course fashion!
Since then, I changed my blog’s name from Life of the College Grad (who I was at that time) to A Black Girl About Town, a name that suits who I am today. I post because I want to, not because I feel like I have to and I suck at sharing my posts via social media, although I’m trying to get better at that. I say all of that to say this; I’m guilty at times of letting the politics of blogging get to me.
Shorts- Similar Here| Shoes- Here
We live in a day and age where sadly, success is measured by the number of followers you have. It can be discouraging at times for anyone, especially those of us who are serious about our craft but may not have a huge following. When I found myself bogged down recently with numbers, stats, monetization, etc, I was reminded of why I started blogging in the first place.
The goal never was to be a blogger. As a writer, it was always about encouraging others through written word. The blog just so happened to be the platform that allowed me to do so. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to one day get paid for what I enjoy doing. But I never want that desire to consume me to the point where it takes the fun out of blogging. So, if I never gain a large number of followers or land a sponsorship, that’s okay! That wasn’t the goal. Remember why you started!
Lola Belt|Milano di Rouge|Sold out
Let’s talk. Have you experienced these feelings as a blogger? How do you handle them?
-A Black Girl About Town
A Black Girl About Town 
I’ve gone through this several times before. It is always good to reflect on why you started blogging. The purity of blogging because you want to and not simply for the “likes”, “views”, or “numbers” allows you to not get wrapped up in forcing posts. You’re doing great and remaining genuine.
Thanks so much!! And you’re so right. Blogging because you want to takes away that unnecessary pressure. I want to keep it that way 😊
That is what blogging is about, right. If it wasn’t, I think you’d have given up on it by now. This was a great reminder! Thank you
Exactly. I had to check my feelings. Lol. All of those things are nice but they don’t make or break me. That’s not my purpose as a blogger. ❤thanks for reading. And you’re welcome!
It felt like I just needed to “hear” this. I have been blogging for 7 years too and I have to say that I still love it as much as I did when I started back in 2012. Sure, getting sponsorships, paid campaigns and freebies are nice but I also do like not getting stuff. This allows me to really enjoy what I do and share my experience with my readers.
I love your content and that says a lot because these days you don’t get bloggers that make you think and want to read. Its all shiny pictures and press releases.
Ps love your outfit! Nevermind looking like a snack, You look like a whole meal!
Thank you!! I’m so touched! ❤I just feel like social media and the internet as a whole has defined what success is and it’s really shallow! I just want to blog, connect with people and if it gets me somewhere that’s great.
And thanks for always supporting! Your comment about my outfit has me 😂😂😂😂
Hey Zee,
I new you had style at “my”1st work party, lol but I didn’t know much about you, except I liked you and you style. I could see determination and drive in your tiny statue and I’m so glad to have met you. You go with your black girl magic!!
Awww 😊💖🌹thank you!! Yess back when they threw us the good holiday parties. 😂😂😂
As someone who is somewhat just starting out, and with a minimal following, I definitely appreciated hearing this advice from a fellow blogger! I started my blog so that I could write my poetry, essays, and just random thoughts and ideas that I have, in the hopes of inspiring the same passion in others. I struggle sometimes to stay motivated just because I don’t have a lot of followers, even with promoting on social media. However, thank you for the reminder to remember WHY I started. Even if not many people read it, it’s still a good outlet for me and I feel better when I write. INCREDIBLE POST, thank you! ❤
No problem, love! That’s what it’s all about, inspiring and encouraging each other throughout our journeys. ❤ it has its highs and lows but reading comments like this makes me feel like I’m on the right track. Keep doing what you enjoy and you will attract genuine readership.
You are so gorgeous! Nice to come across your blog as it motivates me to start my very own 😊
Thank you! Glad I could help in some way 😊
Your very welcome! 😉
This has been me to a T! I started my blog in 2017 and since then it’s gone through so many changes as I’ve struggled to find and maintain my blogging voice. But once I took sometime to remind myself why I started, I realised I didn’t have to do the most to enjoy blogging. I just had to be me even if I wasn’t always sure what that was. I should use my blog to figure that out and hopefully it would encourage others to do the same. Glad to know I wasn’t the only one out here struggling with it and I’m glad I found your blog!
Keep it up!
Lydia x | lydiaonlife.com
Hi beautiful! Thanks for your comment! The great thing about blogging is that your blog can be whatever you want it to be! You don’t always have to have it figured out from day one. Overtime you’ll begin to see what your niche is and even then, it’s still subject to change. Definitely appreciate every stage because there’s definitely something to be learned at each level. Looking forward to checking out your blog! 🙂
Couldn’t agree more! xx
Wow, I relate to this on a holy level right now! Thank you so much for sharing 💚
My early years in college I wrote a bit for other local ‘famed’ super white publications and had my creative license stifled there.
Now, I’ve been more bold in accepting my whole self – including my Caribbean heritage – and my value in the world. I realize I wasn’t able to express my true voice when I was writing for other people!
Instead of being overworked, unpaid, and writing to fit in a small box, I just wanted a platform that was run by me. My blog has given me the opportunity to be myself! Even though it’s not well read or maybe even well understood, it’s authentically me 🙂
-Déja 🌺
Aww, thanks so much for reading and for your comment. When it comes to my writing, I’ve become super selective. I used to pitch to various outlets to no avail. And while it’s a writer’s dream to get published, it also became discouraging when I got no feedback. I said to heck with that! I’m going to write PERIOD! I advise you to do the same! There’s a tribe out there that needs to hear from you. There’s room for everyone ❤
Yay! I agree 100%. I started blogging just this month and it really is because I feel that I have a voice and I want to share my thoughts, whether it is with 2 persons or 2000, it doesn’t matter, I just really enjoy writing and putting my thoughts and pictures together in a blog post. PS. I also struggle with the social media thing also, only recently did I begin posting more consistently on IG. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this piece 🙂
You’re welcome dear! And good luck in your journey😄
Happy Blogging,
Zeena ❤
Thank you 🙏🙏
Love this post! Ohwww Yessss!👌🏾👌🏾 ThnQ for this post! Hugz & Kisses, Miss B.
Thanks love! ❤
Love this, I can definitely relate to the reasons behind starting the blog! 🙂
Thank you for reading. I’m glad you can relate! 😄
Love love love this!!! Thank you for sharing. I needed this!
You’re welcome love! Thank you for reading! 💖
Thanks muchly. I enjoy your hesitant but engaging perspective as you began blogging. My reason is that friends tell me I must publish some stuff I wrote for approximately the last twenty years. And then I have suggestions of editors, and helpful or unhelpful suggestions, etc. etc. I have begun the blog journey to gain a bit of perspective on posts, presentation, etc. I’m hoping that responses (or non-responses) may serve as a teacher.
Thanks so much for reading! I wish you well on your journey!! ~ Zeena