Hello, luvs! Today I am here to talk about something dear to my heart, but also to announce to you the launch of something very special! But, before I get into the launch, ahem, *inwardly jumps up and down* I wanted to talk to you about three things I wish I knew when I first started blogging.
I started this blog 6 years ago this March, and I have to say, it doesn’t feel like it has been that long in the least. Until I go and start digging up some of my original content as I cringe all over the place. Yep, it’s been a while. I was young, full of ambition and had no idea what I was doing when I first started. I started off the blog with a desire to be one of those DIY ladies with all kinds of how-to posts and highlights of my sewing career and a modest fashion blogger who drew her inspiration from blogs like Fresh Modesty and the Boyer Sisters. I started this blog long before I was an author, a graphic designer, or any of the other things that capture my interest at this present date. And while this blog has morphed along with my dreams, there are some things that I wish I could tell my freshly new blogger self.

1~ It’s all going to be okay.

Blogging can be incredibly overwhelming. It takes a lot to start a blog and it’s a ton of work. Don’t bow to the pressure of what others are putting out, don’t judge your content by others material, don’t stress out about the numbers (or lack thereof) and certainly don’t force anything. God had a unique purpose for my blog and every time that I tried to force something, or be just like someone else, or create content that I thought would be attractive to the ‘in’ crowd, it didn’t work out. All that ‘trying’ always fell flat and no one really resonated with that content at all. But more than that, when things don’t go your way, your blogging schedule gets messed up, you take an unplanned sabbatical, or your stats take a drop for the worse, just remember, it’s all going to be okay. It won’t matter a year from now and you will probably have learned a lot through the process.

2~ Consistency.

I don’t want you to kill yourself with blogging. I really don’t. If once a week is as manageable as it can be for you, then do that, but here’s the thing. Do it consistently. I know that my blog schedule of posting at least 3 times a week is way too intense for most people. And honestly, there are seasons of my life where it is too stressful for me. (today is not that day however as my blog can’t keep up with the content swirling around in my brain). But consistency is key. I used to throw up a post every once in a while when I thought of something, and planning blog content was certainly not something I ever thought I would do. But once I reached a point in my blogging career when I started consistently putting out content, even if that was just once a week, that is when my stats started leveling out and started climbing.

3~ Don’t make it about the stats

As much as stats play a part in where you can go as a blogger in the realm of income, sponsorship etc, it can’t be about that. If you can blog for the sole purpose of garnering views, followers etc, then go for it. You do you. But whenever that became the focus for me, it crippled me. The creativity was squashed, and I’ve come to realize it was because I was serving the wrong master. I was serving the prospect of views, not the actual content. And you can even draw God into the picture (I certainly do) because I can’t tell you the amount of times that I hesitated, but posted something anyway, or was frustrated that a post was delayed, but when it went up, so many people said it was just what they needed to hear in that moment. God’s timing is always perfect. It needs to be about my heart on the page before it needs to be about the stats and the sponsorships. I trust that God will bring the income about in His perfect timing, but for now, I strive and pray that I steward what He has given me faithfully right here and now, the stats and followers are just an added cherry on the sundae.
There you have it! Three of a list of things I wish I knew when I started blogging. And now, for the launch announcement!

My sweet friend and sister in Christ, Livy Lynn has created from scratch a video course series for new and experienced bloggers alike. I learned a lot from this series and still go back to learn a few more things every once in a while when I have a specific question about something.

Fire Starter – Launching a Blog that Blazes

Livy’s format is encouraging, fun, informative and her background extremely knowledgeable. She draws on her experience running a viral website and her in depth research into the world of blogging and marketing. Her experience has groomed her to be the perfect teacher. She is encouraging, informative and inspirational! Her course is worth every penny and I have to tell you, I would honestly, (even if I didn’t know her) pay full price for the course, it is that good. This is information that I still need and wish I had at my fingertips when I started blogging. From finding who your audience is, to creating an email newsletter, this info is so invaluable and I am literally serious when I tell you that I am using this course over and over again for things such as learning about SEO, and newsletter logistics. As I am getting set to move over to a new sight, I am finding this course to be without a doubt the most helpful thing I have been able to find.

The exciting news is that if you use my coupon code, Victorialynn, you can get her course for only $50. That’s $100 savings!!! When she told me what my coupon would be good for, my jaw hit the floor. She is being so generous in the way that she offers this course and I have to tell you, it is so chock full of information, you won’t have to turn anywhere else!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmAI_Z7treM&w=560&h=315]
So without further ado, be sure to go check it out. If you are a blogger, or are interested in starting one, I highly recommend you check out this course. I can honestly say that I really wish I had known all that this course teaches when I first started blogging. So what are you waiting for? Go snag yourself a copy with the limited time coupon code, victorialynn. <3.
Where are you in your blogging career? Newbie? Been at it for years? Tell me in the comments below! I’d love to hear all about it!
By God’s Grace,
Victoria