We thought we’d wrap up blogiversary week with one last post for anyone else writing a blog and/or trying to make a business out of it. We don’t like to think of ourselves as formal blogging experts, but since we always share our learn-as-we-go insights when it comes to home and DIY, we figured it made sense to share what we’ve learned in the past four years of blogging too. Oh and we included pictures of Burger to help illustrate some points along the way. You know, for kicks.
Rule #1: A blog should be born from passion (not a business plan). At least for us, that seemed to work. We write about DIY because we love it, not because we picked it off of a list of “hot topics that might make you money.” Writing about what you truly love makes all of the not-as-fun “maintenance” parts of blogging worth it, and helps make the fun parts that much more fun to do.
Rule #2: Blogging is not a get rich quick thing. Again, at least not in our experience. It’s more like a write-over-2,000-posts-over-four-years-and-make-a-modest-living thing. So in the beginning you might just be sniffing counting pennies, but remember rule #1… you’re doing what you love!
Rule #3: “Success” is an insanely random beast. We have no idea why our little blog grew like it did. There are thousands of amazingly creative blogs out there, so it’s not like we think what we do is terribly unique (see this post). Our best guess is that’s it’s some combination of hard work and a series of lucky breaks (more on that here). Though our geekiness, honesty, and borderline annoying can-do attitude might contribute as well.
Rule #4: Don’t try to be anyone but you. This honestly should be rule #1 because it’s the first and most important (albeit extremely tried and true) tip that we could ever pass along. Mimicking a blog that’s already big won’t get you there, nor will acting snarky if you’re not (or acting not-snarky if you are?). So if you’re not a taco loving chihuahua, don’t try to play one on TV on your blog. It’s much easier to detect phoniness online than you might think, and people will connect with you more strongly if you’re just being good ol’ fashioned you.
Rule #5: Not everyone will love every post/idea. We’re still working on this (hence Goal #4 yesterday) but that old saying “the fastest way to please no one is to try to please everyone” is a famous quote for a reason. There will always be folks asking for more of something while others want less of it. But in the scheme of things, it’s your blog. And blogging (like design) is subjective – so there’s not one “right way” to do it. It definitely helps to accept that opposing opinions are par for the course, then just hold strong to Rule #4 and you’ll be ok.
Rule #6: Blogging is a desk job. As you saw in our pie-chart-tastic post on Tuesday, we spend 80%-ish of our working hours doing something on the computer (writing posts, editing photos, responding to emails, writing columns, answering comments) so even though our subject matter is pretty “active,” projects are probably a smaller part of what we do than most people think.
Rule #7: Blogging’s also a creative after-hours not-desk job too. Which is our favorite part. The fact that painting a room, building a desk, or creating free art is a part of our job rocks our socks off. And that’s a big reason why we keep doing what we’re doing, because we recognize how incredibly fortunate we are to get to make a living doing what we love (which brings us back to Rule #1).
Rule #8: You work harder for yourself than anyone else. We’ve heard this from lots of people who have their own business, and it’s 100% true. The pressure is on when things like buying food and paying the mortgage all depend on your “venture.” And it’s especially hard to unplug when you work from home, since the line between laptop time and family time is blurred (we’re still working on it, hence Goal #1 of yesterday’s post). Just try to get some fresh air every now and then. We come up with some of our best ideas when we’re on a road trip or out walking around the neighborhood.
Rule #9: As your blog grows, the expenses will grow too. Many of our friends are surprised to hear that we have business expenses (hence this post on Tuesday), but between paying for hosting, site support, insurance, business fees, accounting, and quarterly taxes there’s definitely a price to blogging (not to mention all the projects that we take on, which have to be budgeted for as well). So it might help to prepare for that stuff by learning how to stay organized, track your money, and balance a budget. Heck, getting chummy with an accountant or two can’t hurt either.
Rule #10: It’s all worth it! So just relax, have fun, and see where you end up. In spite of some of the hard behind-the-scenes stuff about blogging, one thing is for sure: we love what we do. And we wouldn’t rather be doing anything else. Seriously. Four years ago when we started this whole shebang we never dreamed that we’d end up here. But we did. And for that we’re extremely grateful. So remember to enjoy the ride. Heck, feel free to wag your tail a bit.
Ok, now we want to hear from you guys. To those who blog, we’d love to hear what you’ve learned (I’m sure the lessons are completely different for everyone!). And if you’re not a blogger, we’d love to hear a few things that your current profession has taught you (are we the only nosy folks who find other people’s jobs fascinating?). For example, in advertising I learned to be flexible, not get married to an idea, be passionate, and wing it.
With that, we have reached the end of our big ol’ fourth blogiversary. Thanks so much for celebrating with us!
Update – Some of the most frequent requests that we get are for info about professionally blogging (how we made our site, how we grew our following, how we make money, etc) so we shared all of the details about how we started a blog, grew our traffic, and turned it into a full time job.
Lauren says
Burger is such a cutie patootie!
Janelle says
Love all the shots of Burger. What a handsome man!
Ann says
Congratulations on your success! I’ve been reading your blog for years and it totally ROCKS!
Ally says
Yay! Another post to get me through to the weekend!
Shelley says
Love the not getting married to an idea thing. I was taught that lesson my first year of design school, though it’s still a struggle!
Kathy says
Great post. I started a blog awahile to document our house projects as well (kind of like why you guys originally started the blog). But I spend my entire day at a desk looking at a computer, so then typing up a blog entry was the last thing I wanted to do when I got home (glass of wine is usually first on the list, haha!).
Kate Battle says
I’m pretty new to this blogging stuff. I also do it because I love it. I have found when you are getting started that you need to set a schedule for yourself, otherwise you end up doing all the projects, taking pictures and then never post it unless you make it a habit to post regularly.
I try and post twice a week (since I do have a different day job and the blogging thing is for fun right now, though I would love to be a “blogger” someday!) Posting regularly helps people who discover and like your blog keep coming back too because they know there will be fresh content x number of times a week.
Molly P-H says
Another home reno blog with a DOG!!! Hello, Leo!! And THANKS YHL for linking me to Retro Ranch Revamp :}. Molly in Florida (mph3555 on twitter)
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
Great last blogiversary post! One tip my husband gave me when I started my blog was to stick with it, no matter what. There may be days when no one reads and you feel like you’re talking to yourself, but you have to get over that hump and keep working at it. Which I’m still doing, I still hear crickets at times :), but I always think back to him telling me that in the beginning. Baby steps.
Brandi says
Burger definitely makes any great post that much better!
Amanda @ Our Humble A{Bowe}d says
I have a blog (http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/) and I’ve learned that it is much more difficult than people think blogging is. It really is a job. Between the projects to do, writing post and taking pictures, it all adds up. And, despite all of your hard work and effort, you’ll still get someone that wants to rain on your parade. I’m still learning how to deal with the harsh criticism. Mostly when it comes to non-home related stuff, aka critiquing our parenting.
Kristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says
Love all the Burger pics. :)
I’ve been blogging since the end of March and I think I’ve learned that the more I blog, the better I get. I’m also surprised at how a small topic can end up with a large 1000+ word post but a long-term project can mean a smaller post.
I started to get all of my thoughts & ideas for our wedding down in one place, but even after the wedding is done, I know I’ll continue with just daily things. It’s a lot of fun!
Jen says
The number one thing I have learned is to blog for myself. I love reading my old posts about my pregnancy and the time right after my daughter was born. It gives me the best dejavu feeling!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh that’s such a good one! Blogging is like keeping a diary with pictures! We love looking back to see what we were doing years ago!
xo,
s
Kathy says
Burger is so cute, he makes me want to get a dog again!
Jessica says
Oooh – check out petfinder.com to find adoptable pets in your area!
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
I’m not a full time blogger but I’ve learned that inspiration comes and goes and it’s always frustrating when you get stuck and/or run out of projects to do!
It’s also hard to want to continue to blog when you’re first starting out and you don’t have a lot of readers because you feel like you’re talking to no one and that no one is ever going to read your blog but then the sweet comments come in and it makes it all worth it :)
Kathy W. says
Congratulations on your fourth year!!
Meg@Keeping up with the Jenks says
The best thing I’ve learned about growing your blog is that you have to put yourself out there. If you don’t tell anyone about your blog, now one will know about it! (I have to say, my blog was very no-one-knows for almost a year! But, I was very shy about it.)
Go spread the commenting love. Tell people you like what they are doing/saying and maybe they will return the favor!
Annie says
Thanks, Meg! I read your comment and finally did what my husband had been telling me to do for weeks and emailed my family and friends to tell them about my blog. :)
Stacey says
I have taught preschool for 17 years. I have learned along the way that you MUST be flexible, you MUST be enthusiastic, you MUST always have a backup plan, and you MUST always sing!!! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love it! Singing helps with Clara meltdowns too!
xo,
s
Holli says
singing TOTALLY helps with meltdowns. I sang “Baby Shark” for an hour during a long car ride to keep my little one happy- and I’d gladly do it again if it means no more screaming!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- we go through the ABCs and She’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain ten million times! Hey, if it works, why not have a little singalong…
xo,
s
KathyG says
I sing Christmas songs to my dogs when they are anxious. I don’t know why, that’s just what pops out when I’m trying to calm them. Rudolph and Jingle Bells can make anything better, I guess!
Enjoyed this week, thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so cute!
xo,
s
Amy says
Whenever I have to take my cat somewhere in the car, she cries and cries unless I’m talking to her. I often run out of things to say to her (’cause you know, she’s a CAT) so I start singing the soundtrack to the Phantom of the Opera and she quiets right down. LOL.
RebeccaNYC says
Yes to all of that! I’m a singer ( a full time chorister at the Metropolitan Opera here in NYC ) and I totally agree with Stacey…ALWAYS SING! My job has totally taught me how to appreciate my life. I stand next to and sing with some of the greatest singers of our time. AND I get to read fabulous decor blogs when I am off. Could it get better than that? Happy Blogiversary!
Sharon says
Thanks for sharing your tips! Burger is da bomb! :)
Melanie @ Mailbox Journey says
Love the pictures of burger! I’m too new at this blogging thing to have any lessons yet. But my current profession, a secretary, has taught me business skills, and that you should keep track of every single thing that goes on, as in write it down, keep a log, something like that so you can always reference it when things go crazy.
Laura says
I plan weddings and events for a living and that is really a LOVE LOVE LOVE what you do industry. Its fast paced, last minute, people pleasing and VERY demanding (aka needy)! But I love it and wouldn’t want to do anything else. That being said I sort of blog about trends and events that I’ve done….but I find it hard to keep up with I’d rather be running around setting up an event space or fluffing a brides train as she goes down the aisle.
*Must be better at blogging!
Lindsay says
Congrats again guys! Great work – loved the whole Blogiversary week. Also, Burger sniffing pennies is right up there with Burger doing yoga, hysterical!
Meredith says
Hmm…in four years as a lawyer/compliance person, I’ve learned:
1) There are slow times and high-stress times, so appreciate the slow times when they come around.
2) Details, details, details.
3) Good people skills=life-saving.
4) No one’s life is at stake (unless you’re a surgeon or something…scary), so try to relax and just do your best and things will probably work out.
So glad you guys started blogging, it’s a bright spot in my day, every day!
Kelly says
This is an excellent list of rules I am keeping bookmarked to share with friends and strangers who ask about making a business out of blogging.
While I did go into my blog thinking it could eventually become ‘something’ I never dreamed it would take me in the direction it has! The one thing that hasn’t changed is my love of blogging, and my topic (saving money and living well on less).
It’s so much fun to do what you love, but it’s still hard work. Just a kind you don’t hate. ;)
laura says
I don’t comment often, but just wanted to drop in and tell you how much I enjoyed the Blogiversary week! I read each one of your posts every single day, but got even more excited this week because I loved hearing all the “behind the scenes” details of how your family works/job works! (I’m nosy too;)!) Thanks for a great week!
Bethany says
I think being yourself on a blog is key. Yes, I of course love seeing your DIY projects, but I think I keep reading YHL because you two write in a way that seems so authentic and down to earth. The way you write about a project is the exact same way that I picture would speak about it in real life. Thanks for keeping it real!
Rachel says
I’m not currently blogging, but I work in the Title/Real Estate/Mortgage and now Legal field. Yeah. So, I’ve learned to be flexible, and that you can always take what you know, turn it on its ear and make a living somehow. I’ve learned to do less with more and keep expenses to a minimum since my husband and I have been through 5 layoffs before we turned 30, to try to view the next chapter as an adventure, however it unfolds, and remember we are more fortunate than we think.
Julia @ Chris loves Julia says
In my own blogging and diy experience (just a hobby, not a job), I have learned to be humble and honest. When a project doesn’t work out or falls apart, no matter how much I have raved about it–I make sure I blog about it’s failure and try again. It’s hard and a little embarrassing sometimes, but people seem to really appreciate it.
Kirsten says
What have I learned from my current work?? Read YHL when bored, it’s so fun to check out and will help pass the time!! :-) For reals though, thank you for always providing fascinating reading at my sometimes-boring gig! This week in particular has been so cool to learn about the behind-the-scenes action! Cheers to the freakin’ weekend!
Chelsea Karlgaard says
Is that a new ottoman we are waiting to see? The white with cute green trim :)
Chelsea
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- that’s actually Katie Bower’s (http://www.bowerpowerblog.com). We snapped a pic of Burger lounging on it when we were visiting her back in June!
xo,
s
Wendy says
My husband and I are brand new to the blog world, having started http://www.oldtownhome.com this past April to detail our nearly 9 years and counting of renovation adventures. What we’ve learned so far:
– It takes much more time and effort to write a blog post then one would imagine. Between doing the DIY project, writing about it, photographing it, editing the post, etc., it can take hours. And this is all after a hard day at our “real” jobs.
– In our situation it’s a true team effort to make it happen – one person writing and the other editing. Not to mention our teamwork on completing the projects themselves.
– Some of the best advice and tips come from our readers. It’s amazing what fresh perspective can offer, especially when you’re stumped.
– In looking at our analytics, people tend to find us through search engines via very unexpected search terms. Our site has become a resource to people in ways we never imagined.
– People love puppies. We always get more comments when our beloved four legged crew members are featured.
– If you love the area you live it, don’t hesitate to make the blog local-centric.
– Don’t start a blog as a way to get rich. (We haven’t make a dime.) We do it because we’re passionate about it, like to share our progress, and love to learn from others.
Erin says
These are all great lessons and ones that apply even to a blogger like myself, who isn’t trying to make a living at it. I’m blogging because it’s fun and a welcome break from writing what I write at work. I also love meeting new people and being involved in the “blog community.”
I would say the two biggest lessons I’ve learned (which completely juxtapose one another) are:
1. You get out of it what you put into it. Don’t expect to get a ton of readers if you only swing by your blog once a month and never visit other blogs.
2. You can’t be superwoman/superman. You can only do what you can do and not lose your mind, so if you have a really hard deadline week at work, it’s ok to only do one post that week (note that this doesn’t help lesson #1). For me, when blogging becomes another job, I don’t want to do it anymore.
By the same token, I’ll be completely honest and say that I do get frustrated when I see blogs that don’t appear to put half the amount of work I put into mine getting thousands more readers. I try not to get down about this and instead try to figure out what are they doing that I’m not. Just because I don’t make a living doing my blog (and I have a 50-60 hour/week “real” job) doesn’t mean I don’t want my blog to be wildly successful.
Lauryn says
Im a wedding photographer, and blogging is a big part of my business too! I agree with all of your rules/tips! Especially the expenses part, as things grow, expenses grow. Just a natural thing. I do a “handmade weddings” series on my blog, which costs $$$ too. But, its how a lot of people get involved! I love blogging, and totally understand all of your sentiments! Thanks for sharing!
Mary@The Good Life says
Wow, that week flew by! I feel like I learned so much, it was like a VH1 Behind the Music episode. Or five. I don’t know much about blogging, but I do agree with all of those points- being authentically you is essential (and oddly, can take work sometimes). I love that blogging for more people than just my husbands parents (like five more people, haha) has made me much more conscious of how I compose my photos, how I tell a story, and it makes me try harder. On the flip side of that, I am reminded that at the end of the day, I get a narrated account of my life, and that truly is the prize at the bottom of the cereal box. I also love that I have a place to “trade” my other bloggers when I read about their lives. A way to give back a little of my hello-how-are-you that I take from them (YHL, BP, Enjoying the Small Things, Dig This Chick) every day.
I love your blog and am trying to clean up my bad language moments with baking terms a la John. It’s definitely the little things, but mostly a sense of a really big community that I love about blogs. So glad we got some photos of the adorable Burger, too!
Traci @ yellowWISHBONE says
Thank you guys for publishing this list and just for being you! Your genuine spirit leaps from your blog and I think that is what people connect with.
I am a new blogger and have learned that it is okay to feel like I am writing to myself. I didn’t start my blog with lofty business aspirations in mind. I am just having fun basically journaling of my life as a newlywed and keeping my parents, who live 3,000 miles away, up-to-date with us.
Sarah says
Wow…and I though shark week was number one for best week of the year. You guys are giving them a run for their money! Gotta say, I’m quit curious as to what’s going on behind the scenes this week……….
shereen says
This is great! I have a little blog just to keep family up to date on what’s happening with our house. I’d love to take it up a notch someday, but for now my full time job is keeping me engaged and interested. Over the years working for the federal government (within the Health Department, trying to improve the health of Canadians!) to be flexible, honest, and most importantly (and surprising to some) creative!
Drea says
Ive been away for a while, due to job loss and a move. But loved catching up :)
so agree with being original!!!
your new layout looks great btw.
Ashley says
Happy end of the anniversary week! I can’t wait to see all the projects for next week/the coming weeks that you guys have been working on and not blogging about this week. I’m sure they will be great as ever! No pressure though! ;)
kimb says
I don’t know what I have learned working as a cad tech for engineers (I fell into this job). I have 3 degrees Major in History, Minor in Art History, and a degree in Interior Design and I don’t use any of them.
I have learned that you do what you have to, to make your famiy’s life the best it can be. I’ve also learned if you don’t work at what you love, then make sure you work at something that makes you enough money to do what you love on the weekends. lol
Kyley and Ammo the Dachshund says
I love Rule #4 “be yourself” – so very true! And I think that’s part of the reason everyone LOVES reading your blog. Anyone can write a blog about home design, but no one writes/lives it like you guys do. I thoroughly enjoy seeing your posts everyday! Can’t wait for year #5 :)
P.S. Ammo the Dachshunds says “What’s Up” to Burger.
Sara says
I’ve definitely learned PLENTY from you two in terms of how to make blogging your own. I am still a “newby” to the blogging world and am trying to find the courage to quit my day job and focus 100% on the blog but my insecurities about security are a little too high at the moment. I’ve learned that sharing the love with other bloggers (aka commenting on other posts you love) will get you MUCH further than just crossing your fingers that your latest post will bring in a lot of comments. I’ve recently switched over to a more “professional” looking blog and am still eyebrow deep in making changes and improvements but, as you said, I’m loving every minute of it so it’s all worth it. I would obviously love to be able to snap my fingers and have an income streaming out of every mouse click but I know that it’s not that kind of job. Here’s hoping I find success like the FAB-U-LOUS Petersik’s!
karen says
omg…that second picture of burger…looks just like sherry!!! and i mean that in the BEST way possible!!!
you guys need a vaca after all these posts this week!
and can i say how awesome it is that you shared all this info for aspiring bloggers.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahahahahah. COMMENT OF THE DAY.
I love that Burger looks like me. He totally should! He’s my baby! Haha.
xo,
s
Erica says
Absolutely LOVE the first picture of Burger. Such a ham, that Burger! (Get it – ham burger. Holy crap. That’s funny. The really sad part is it’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all day. That’s the price you pay at a cubicle gig!). Shhh – don’t tell the boss…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, he is a ham… burger. Hilarious.
xo,
s
Amy @ this DIY life says
I’ve totally loved this week of posts! I started writing my blog in February to keep our friends and family all over the world updated on our renovation project/obsession. It wasn’t long and I knew this truly would be my dream job (so jealous of y’all)! My husband has a sleep disorder and isn’t able to work outside the home so he stays home with our “kids” and does a lot of projects during the day. I was writing posts on my lunch hour at work since I was working 60 hour weeks. Working up until about two months ago when my position was eliminated. I’ve been taking the time to invest in my blog and try to turn my dream job into my real job. I know it will take time and I’m sure I’ll have to go back to a traditional job before I can DIY & blog full time, but I’m seeking advice from any outlet I can find, so thank you for these posts! And of course happy blogiversary. Looking forward to the next four years!
KiTx says
In my work experience in higher ed (working with deans, directors, advisors, students, etc, and I’m in a middle position of so-called “power), I’ve learned 2 big things:
1) Attitude is everything- as an employee, a student, a family member, every area of life. If you don’t give it your best, it shows, and you’re not going to get the result you want. When people have a bad one, try to overlook it and be forgiving- dwelling on it and being mad helps no one.
2) If you truly think it will make you genuinely happy, go for it. If you don’t go for it, you’ll never stop thinking what might have been. Leaving my well-paid but hated job for the low-paying but dream job I took at a university was one of the top 5 decisions I’ve ever made.
So glad you guys followed your heart and made my favorite blog ever so I can have happy-blogtime-lunch every single weekday. =)
Rachel says
Some days (like today) I wish I was a professional blogger. But I think its important to remember, whatever you’re doing, that the grass is always greener. While I sometimes dream of moving to New Orleans and becoming a street artist (despite the lack of artistic ability) on stressful days at work, I have to remind myself that street artists have it rough too. I think. I have no evidence to back that up though.
Elisa @ The Self Life says
Thanks for the great Blogiversary week! I’m a “for fun and family” blogger and I love that I get to chronicle all my ideas and also get extra motivated because I know I need to come up with SOME blog content (painting a cabinet at midnight? Check.)
I also want to say that, even after having Clara I love seeing how much attention you guys still pay to Burger. Dogs often get forgotten after having kids. But Burger seems possibly MORE spoiled? Hah! Love it!
Anna says
Great anniversary series!
I’ve been in Customer Service/Retail for 14 years. Now that I have been the boss for awhile and gained life experience I realize that how people react has to do with me. So when that person is yelling at me for not having organic carrots to sell them, they aren’t mad at me. They are probably mad because they told their husband to pick them up yesterday and if he had, there wouldn’t be this problem and now dinner is ruined and their mother-in-law is due at the house in 2 hours.
You can CHOOSE how you to react to everything.
Wrenaria says
I’ve enjoyed seeing so much behind the scenes info from you guys this week. It’s been really fun. You two are adorable. Thanks for keeping things real.
I have a blog about my cats (haha) that I started because I take way too many pictures of them and lots of people (friends, family, strangers) ask me about them since they are leash trained and have wild-looking spots. But mostly, I blog for myself. I like keeping track of my fur kids growth and changes. It’s at http://rambunctiousrosettes.blogspot.com/
Usually I stick to at minimum of once a week updates, but I’ve been bad about it this past month ever since I just got hired as a full time Social and Immersive Media Manager at Oregon State University. I had so much more time as a three-quarter time temp (though I intend to get back into the flow of blogging this weekend). But I love my job – a mixture of social media, graphic design, and development of virtual assets for immersive education – so it’s worth the loss of extra time I suppose. And the higher paycheck is nice too.
I’ve also learned this amusing tidbit from my job: educators procrastinate just as bad if not worse than their students.
Kara says
Love this-thanks for the link! I have a leash-loving, toy-fetching Bengal as well!
Stacy says
In my own career journey the number one thing I’ve learned is “to thy own self be true”. Long story short the best thing I have done for myself is admit that talent or no I am not cut out for the big time advertising world. I am not competitive enough, my skin is just not thick enough and being forced to be creative 40-60 hours a week made me miserable. By finally deciding it’s ok to be me I found a job that balances my enjoyment of working creatively with just regular old jobby job stuff. So what if I’m not going to be the VP of Creative at Saatchi & Saatchi…I’m happy.