Isn't it quite amazing how much you can learn and get from just writing about what happens in your life or giving tips or reviews, the list goes on. Blogging is something I love to do, sometimes prioritise it over university work which is bad. I have learnt so much since starting up my blog. A few I thought I'd share if you are thinking of starting one.
An interest in writing
I was never a fan of English at school or essay writing but when it comes to writing about a subject of your choice which you can ramble on about whilst enjoy writing it, then I will put effort into it and make it enjoyable.
I know that not everyone will enjoy my style of writing so I do try and vary the style depending on the type of post but I feel it is very hard to do that.
My corner of the internet
My initial reaction to creating a blog was that this is my blog, my corner of the internet, where I can write about whatever interests me. For me, audience and statistics aren't a big thing. Of course I like it when a post now and then gets a popular response, I mean who doesn't? But I'm saying it is not what I particularly look out for when it comes to publishing a post. I know not everyone will enjoy reading my blog and I'm ok with that. I created this blog for my benefit so I can remind myself of my past travels and escape from reality sometimes; that reality is also known as university.
Online blogging community
Only in the last few months, sadly just as I moved to China with a stupid big time difference to the UK, I started interacting on social media more. All associated with my blog; I would get involved with chats, message bloggers about their content and working with them, and just generally be more sociable through my blog.
With the blog chats, it was do-able to participate in a few early ones which would work out to be 12am China time, but ever since the clocks went back it has been nearly impossible. Unless I stay up until 2am or wake up at 5am, I cannot catch the chats in time.
The main thing I love about blog chats is that they bring the blogging community together. No one is there to judge, just to share ideas and opinions. It is so nice to speak to people who share the same interests you and discuss each other's blogs.
Better organisational skills
When it comes to organising work, I used to be incredibly unorganised. Not particularly since my blog, but since I started my travels, I think my organisational skills have improved immensely. Ever since finding out about Buffer and Tweetdeck (which is only recently), both scheduling websites/APPs, I have always had my blogs scheduled for the following week. This then allows me to get on with my university work without having the thought of 'have I scheduled today's post already?' constantly in my head.
Also, from Jemma's Ultimate Guide to Blogging post, she mentioned keeping a spreadsheet of all the posts which you come up with and keep track of all of them. I created one as soon as I read this which tells me the date I will schedule them for and what the content will be. As soon as I created this, I organised the next month of posts. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulder, it was a good feeling!
New found love for photography
I have always had a big love for photography but I think ever since blogging, in the last month especially, I put more thought and effort into my photography to make my blog the best it can look. It is also always a confidence booster when friends and fellow bloggers comment on your photography!
What have you gained from blogging?
