We hear this all the time, don’t we?

I’ve heard it from so many over the years that it has become part of my default ways of coping. However, I put this post it will come across as if I am gloating. I guess a  way around that is to say

“well somebody has to pat me on the back”

So, I will go ahead with that in mind. When I started blogging way back in September. I had no idea the response if any I would get from people.

I got likes from Face book and Twitter which I am grateful for.  It was when I started getting Word Press supporters when my mouth dropped open wide; since I was concentrating most of my time on Word press.

Last year I ended up with a solid number of followers.  I couldn’t quite believe it. Since January that figure has doubled.

I’m not going to give you exact figures because that in my mind narrows you down to a number and you are not a number. I never thought people would communicate with me on my blog but people do. I’m proud of my achievements and humbled and in awe and  in disbelief at times.

I didn’t just get “lucky” as my partner points out.

This is how I think I have achieved what I have achieved in such a short space of time.

• Be consistent.

• Don’t be afraid to show your personality. If you swear, do it.

• Don’t worry what people think about your life experiences – a lot of people have some hectic life experiences themselves

• Take an interest in other peoples blogs/loves

• Acknowledge others. Interact with them -no matter how small the comment.

• Don’t beat yourself up that you don’t have hundreds and thousands of bloggers. Remember how you started. In my case with O., It is a good base and you can build on that.

• Be diverse- follow many different themes and type of blogs. For example, I’m not a huge fan of poetry but I have found a few blogs whose poetry speaks to me.

• Put yourself out there. Tell people you have a blog if you don’t mind your blog being out their and people knowing the face behind it.

• We can’t always have every blog post that get loads of likes. People have lives to live, not everyone is well enough to read loads of blogs or  be able to read or post daily. It is not a failure on your part. In fact, it probably has everything to do with what another person is experiencing than a personal attack on your post.

• Be happy and connect when people get your post. Jump up and scream with excitement.

• The more you grow as a person and the more interests you find – put them in your blog but make it personal to you.

• Praise people who are successful. Don’t harbour envy. It is hard but that person works hard. Learn from them

• Don’t get a big head : that 0 figure that you start with and can add to can easily be subtracted from too

• Don’t be afraid to take on challenges to broaden your interests and increase your writing prowess

• Think of time as an ally.It is a chance to experiment with your blog and get creative.

• The last one – don’t give up. No great blog ever succeeded because they  bloggged for xyz months and then gave up.  It takes time to build connections and relationships and confidence.