I have been enjoying the many recaps and reflections from Blissdom circulating across the web. The weekend was full of learning, laughter and reconnecting with friends, but I’ll admit I’ve been recovering all week — apparently traveling across time zones, speaking in front of people and having that much fun takes its toll. It was such a wonderful event. I wish I’d taken better photos; I only managed three, and they were all a little blurry. Fortunately, Deanna from Domestic Chicky sent me a shot of Nester and me, so I have one photo to share.
BLISSDOM
The highlight of Blissdom for me was getting to meet friends, both old and new. My roommates — Nester, Emily, Kimba and Sandy — were an absolute delight. I would have loved to see more of you there; next time I’m dragging you all along.
This was my first Blissdom, and I was a bit nervous beforehand. If Nester hadn’t been going, I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to attend. I’m an extrovert by nature but can easily become introverted and overwhelmed in a crowd of new faces. Still, everyone I met was warm and welcoming, and I quickly realized I had nothing to fear.
MISTAKEN IDENTITY
Nester and I spoke on a panel about blogging, but much of what I intended to say never actually came out. I’m a blogging mom who once glued her hands to quarter rounds — not a natural public speaker. Nerves and the Q&A format left me feeling scattered instead of polished.
Before our panel, I started shaking from nerves. The room was cold, which didn’t help, and when I glanced at Nester she was shaking too. We were both terrified and relieved when it was over; we may even have embraced in a spontaneous hug out of sheer relief. Honestly, we would have been happier talking about the dangers of hot glue or thread counts on sheets.
WHO LET THESE GIRLS TALK ABOUT SUCCESSFUL BLOGS?
It felt strange to be introduced as examples of “successful bloggers.” Neither of us set out to be so, and we certainly don’t claim to have all the secrets. We make mistakes, we don’t always understand HTML, and social media isn’t our superpower. We’ve simply muddled along, writing about the things we love.
For a long time I didn’t even know I had subscribers. I didn’t track traffic with analytics, and SEO and keywords were unfamiliar territory to me. To be frank, ProBlogger isn’t likely to recruit us for his writing team. We just create content because we enjoy it and because it connects us with people.
WHAT IS A “SUCCESS”?
From the beginning, the sense of success I felt came from small discoveries and meaningful connections more than raw traffic numbers. While it’s gratifying to see higher stats and more comments than in my earliest months, that increase hasn’t fundamentally changed how fulfilled I feel. Each new connection or kind comment brings the same sense of rightness I experienced early on — the feeling that I’m where I should be.
Sometimes more traffic can feel overwhelming; anonymity can be a kind of safety where mistakes feel less public and responsibilities feel lighter. For me, success is measured by growth in confidence, relationships and satisfaction, not by zeros on a stat counter.
SUCCESSFUL HOME & SUCCESSFUL BLOG — CAN YOU HAVE BOTH?
Blogging should support a successful life rather than replace it. My blog has challenged me, helped me grow and encouraged me to face new experiences, yet it can also wear me down if I let it dominate my priorities. The same is true of homemaking: routines and projects can add beauty and richness, but they can also drain us if we lose sight of the underlying purpose.
WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE IN DOING WHAT WE DO?
We have to ask ourselves what we’re truly trying to accomplish. Is the goal of blogging to chase ever-higher stats even if it costs time with our families? Is the goal of homemaking to maintain a picture-perfect house at the expense of playtime with our children? It’s easy to lose sight of what matters in the pursuit of more.
WHAT STAT COUNTER ARE YOU USING TO MEASURE YOUR SUCCESS?
Comparisons can be dangerous. It’s tempting to measure ourselves against the marthas and mavens who seem to do it all, but using someone else’s scale will only leave us feeling inadequate. We fret over imperfections — mismatched furniture, secondhand finds, or that less-than-perfect day before a holiday — and fear judgment. That fear can also apply to blogging, where exposure and vulnerability open us to comparison and envy.
DON’T QUIT YOUR REAL LIFE
There are many strategies to grow a blog — improving posts, building readership and increasing authority — and some of those actions are worthwhile. Still, to preserve sanity and priorities my simple advice is: don’t quit your real life. Let your blog enhance your days without eclipsing the things that truly matter.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY AREN’T THAT INTO YOU (ANY MORE)?
Traffic and attention ebb and flow. New blogs appear that are flashier or trendier and moments of recognition can fade. Don’t let waning numbers define your worth. The life you live behind the blog — the relationships, routines and daily moments — is what counts most.
Allow your blog to enrich your life and stretch you, but don’t let it consume your identity or overshadow your priorities.
SO, IS IT WRONG TO WANT OR EVEN HAVE A SUCCESSFUL BLOG?
It’s perfectly fine to want success. Rising stats and recognition are exciting and can bring new opportunities. The key is to define success in a way that honors both your blog and your real life. Balance and intention matter at every step.
TOP TEN SUCCESSFUL BLOGGING TIPS, IMHO:
- Write about your unique passion and carve out your own space online.
- Build real friendships — be genuine and engage with others.
- Be a supportive blogger: link to others, showcase great ideas and encourage people sincerely.
- Find an accountability partner who helps you keep priorities in check.
- Learn as you go. You don’t have to master everything at once.
- Study other blogs without falling into comparison or discouragement.
- Work hard at your blog if you want growth, but don’t sacrifice your real-life priorities for it.
- Follow your own path; don’t feel obligated to copy popular formulas.
- Accept opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone.
- Post when inspired, and take breaks when needed. Play with your kids, take a walk, recharge — your blog will benefit.
I’m grateful to Alli and the Blissdom sponsors for supporting bloggers and making the conference possible. Blissdom was an incredible experience, and I would definitely go again. I hope to see you there next time. I also want to thank Simple Mom for her encouragement and for always inspiring me — she was truly a class act.
Speaking of blogging resources, there are e-books and guides available that can help you sharpen your skills and manage blogging alongside life. If you explore such resources, choose ones that align with your goals and values and use them to support a balanced approach to blogging and living.
Blissdom was memorable and energizing. I left encouraged, connected and ready to keep blogging in a way that serves my life, not replaces it. If you’re considering attending an event like this, go — you’ll learn a lot and meet people who make the whole experience worth it.