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.
Carolyn says
It takes a lot of guts to put yourself completely “out there,” but we love you for it. Keep up the great work and Happy Blogiversary! Looking forward to many more to come.
Carolyn
Carla says
I’ve been blogging since 1998 … infrequently because I’ve lacked focus and passion (just like what you wrote), and also because design really matters to me. It took me years to finally listen to that little voice that kept guiding me and telling me to simplify my blog design and make it true to who I am.
This sounds so goofy, but this process has been a huge stumbling block for me. I’m a writer and write best in a blogging format, but I’ve held myself back for years. Last year I decided to start pulling my blog together. It’s happened in bits and pieces. The thing I’m learning as I get ready to launch is to just let go. Focus on my writing and my passion for sharing stories, and don’t get so consumed by design and coding details.
If I follow my own advice, I should be ready to share my blog sometime next week!!
Anna says
I work in the field of financial advice. One thing I have learnt is that money is just a number, it tends to ebb and flow during the course of your life. Family (and friends) are everything, they will always be there. We spend more time talking about relationships than we do about investments with clients – and that’s the way it should be.
Having had an awful year for disasters in our state (top half wiped out by cyclone, bottom half destroyed by floods) we have had many requests for withdrawals of funds to help out neighbours, family and friends. It is wonderful to be able to tell someone that yes, they have enough savings to be able to buy their sister a car after they have lost everything but the clothes on their backs.
Vicky says
Love all the shots of burger! Too cute
Laura says
I <3 Burger!
Elizabeth McGonagle says
I run a small home business–I am a piano teacher with 24 students per week. For me the fun and passion of this job comes with getting to know my students well, teaching them to read music, matching music to their personalities, and then watching them grow up and grow in skills over time (years). Although it moves slow (takes about 10 years to learn to play the piano well) it is a joyful and satisfying profession if you keep the big picture in mind. There are endless creative opportunities. I was a fine arts major too, and there are many parallels with visual arts. Like your job, I couldn’t do it well if I didn’t love it. I read your blog every day–it is fun to read, full of creative ideas, and I learn how to do things (love the tutorials) Plus I’m a mom with four adult children in your age group, soon to be a grandma! Exciting! I also lived in Richmond for ten years and love the town.
Suzanne says
I like the reminder to blog about what you love, not what other people’s expectations are for your blog.
I started mine for a specific scary health concern that no longer exists – yay! After a period of blog dormancy,I rediscovered an affection for blogging, & have now picked it back up in a new direction.
It can create a funny little split personality disorder, one I’m always trying to work through. :)
Thanks for the good advice!
Deb says
Inspiring week of posts guys. As someone who has been casually thinking of blogging for a while now these have been great in discussing the good and bad parts. Perhaps I’ll stick to reading blogs a little longer.
My career (enviro science) has taught me to always plan out my time (even if the plan gets changed)and to never underestimate the power of good socks in keeping a long field days positive and a good chair in keeping long office days positive.
Elizabeth says
I’m not a dedicated blogger like you guys; but what I have learned in my profession as a teacher-turned-therapist is that you need to believe in your ability to do hard things. Ya know that whole “fake it till you make it” thing? It’s true – just jump in, and do it! Too much thinking makes everything a lot harder. And always, always ask for help; seek out the people in life who are going to give you positive, helpful feedback. My favorite quote, “keep away from those who belittle your ambitions – small people always do that; but the truly great will make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – And you guys are great! I love your blog and I am so happy for your success! :)
Amanda K. says
thanks for sharing. i just started blogging with the sole purpose of having a way to share baby pictures with my overseas sister (plus, when you have a baby, you HAVE to start a blog, right?)
i’m enjoying the outlet, and definitely looking forward to being able to look back to my little guy’s firsts.
melody says
I have an art blog, and I appreciate your advice. I feel like I have a pretty great blog, but so few people read it. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that the reason I started the blog is because I love art and I wanted other people to see the process that goes into creating paintings.
Beth says
Congratulations on your blogiversary yall! I have really enjoyed this week’s posts and learning all about the behind the scenes details. Great job!
Your blog is a success because of your honesty, integrity and genuine warmth & humor! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring all of us both as bloggers and home warriors. Here’s to another happy DYI filled 4 years!
rosa says
hi! i started blogging when blogs were more of online journals and my blog has pretty much stayed the same since 2003. i think about five people read my blog, and once every blue moon, someone comments, but i continue to write as much as i can. i know my blog will never pay the bills but i also do know that i will continue writing random stuff about my life, whether it be something that frustrated me at work, or a new project at home, or my day-to-day randomness.
Lizi says
Burger is TOO DARN CUTE! I love it!
Lori says
Hello,
After years of working property management, retail, management, clerical work, the list goes on and on… I found my calling when I started my blog (www.vintagebylori.blogspot.com) and it’s amazing to just have the freedom to write. I am still a baby blogger, even though I am a writer (I have my first novel in the making). Thank you for being inspirational!
May God bless you guys,
Lori
ashlee says
even though i just started blogging, i’ve learned something very important. well, maybe a thing or two.
i’m not blogging to make money. it’s simply a pass time. i’m currently off work on sick leave, and it gives me something to do. little itty bitty projects here and there to help me pass the time.
what i’ve learned. not necessarily through blogging, but through life in general. for the love of god, be yourself. don’t feel the need to fall into a cookie cutter home because everyone else has one. don’t feel pressured to decorate with nothing but dark wood because everyone else does. put your own personal touch on EVERYTHING. it makes a home a HOME.
don’t get frustrated with yourself. i do this. i am incredibly hard on myself. as a result, i’ve learned to do ONE project at a time. i cannot multitask without becoming extremely stressed.
Maggie says
Happy Blogiversary and great job! Have loved your blog for years. Know who else follow you? TORI SPELLING!!! Ckeck it out: http://www.torispelling.com/post/diy-pull-string-pinata.
YoungHouseLove says
How crazy is that?! It completely blows our mind. Haha.
xo,
s
Annie says
Thank you so much for this week’s posts! As a newer blog, I have learned so much and have an idea of what to anticipate if fate ever leads my blog to bigger and better places. Thanks for being so open, clear, and detailed!
Dacia says
In the short amount of time I’ve been blogging, I’ve learned that it’s OK to unplug and take a break for a few days. If I’m running short on time or not feeling particularly inspired, I just remind myself that I started my blog for me, and it was meant to be a stress reliever, not a stress maker.
Katie says
So I was trying to figure out which book you mentioned that Clara had about the sloth saying “slowly slowly”….is it an Eric Carle book? Also, I love trying to find books with kids names in the title as gifts and I did a quick search for “Clara” related books…have you seen this one?
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/claras-counting-tea-party-helen-stephens/1015351944?ean=9780764162473&itm=10&usri=clara
Since you’ve mentioned Clara’s love of books I thought she might enjoy one with her name in it :) Happy weekend! I hope you’re relaxing after the craziness that was Blogiversary Week :)
YoungHouseLove says
Funny you thought it was the Eric Carle book. It’s actually some book called Animal Babies in The Rainforest we got from the library, but just this week we saw that Eric Carle book at our dentist. We couldn’t believe there was a second book out there that might teach her that. And thanks for the Clara book recommendation!
-John
ashlee says
if clara likes books (which i’m sure she does, every baby does!) ezra jack keats has the best books for children. i absolutely love them. even as an adult :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Ashlee! We’ll have to check those out.
xo,
s
Kristin says
I love your blog. I follow you guys regularly. For so long that I forget how I even came across your (original addy) blog!! How crazy is that!
Katie of Cabbage Ranch says
I’ve definitely learned that nothing is ever perfect, and I’ll never sit back and consider everything “done.” [enter: epiphany, stage left] Now it’s all about learning to enjoy the process and appreciating challenges.
Crystal says
Thanks for your posting. You guys really inspire people! I totally agree with Rule#4 and #10 the most. Not only posting on blog, but almost every step of life is not suppose to for anyone but you. And, thumbs up for the various angles of Burger!!! Burger is such a cute dog and I really enjoy seeing pictures of Burger and Clara together.
Samuel@Stained Glass Tutorials says
Hey Sherry !
I really admire and appreciate your firm and well fabricated thoughts.I have found your all the 10 rules as an universal truth of blogging world.I must say that your Rule#1 is co-related with all your 9 rules,if we think thoroughly the we found that your rule no. 1″A blog should be born from passion (not a business plan)” is a main factor for all the other outcomes.That’s why i think i am following your all the rules because i blog for passion.Very very thanks for sharing such a great,valuable and interesting post with us.
Good Luck and God Bless!!
With Regards!
Samuel Joshua
Virginia says
I am still quite new to blogging but I have learned that it should not be a chore, but something I want and enjoy doing. I am excited about my business and want to blog about it. I find myself getting excited thinking about my next blog post.
saver says
hey guys, just wanted to say thank you for these behind-the-blog posts.
i’m unemployed and we’ve hit very hard times. for over a year now, i’ve been toying with the idea of starting up a blog, and I know what I have in mind is very unique and there aren’t blogs filling that niche. but every time i’ve dismissed it that germ of an urge within me, and there’s always some fear of failure excuse for the dismissal. just today i was thinking about it again and thinking “ok, i’ll do it, but how? I don’t know where to start, or how to code and how will i come up with a steady stream of posts to put there, and how will i plan out what to put” etc etc etc and then i come to get my YHL fix and catch up on several days of posts, and what do I find? where to start and how to learn coding and how to plan posts, etc etc etc.
sometimes (nix that, always) the Universe really is listing to us! and sometimes it sends charming messengers like the S & J bearing the answers to our doubts. so, a heartfelt thanks and much continued success to you guys!
p.s. please thank the Burger and the bean for being cheerful, smile-inducing models to break up the intensity of business posts.
p.s2: image server… ever considered investing in one to have at home? a high end desktop tower with plenty of storage and a high end processor will work brilliantly as an image server. pair it with a raid array system of backup hard drives and you should be good. if it works for high end video editing projects with tens of thousands of hours of audio, video and special effects, it should work for your needs. and you could probably set up a great system for about one year of image hosting. or less.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the image server tip! It’s definitely something we’ve been meaning to look into! And good luck with everything. Burger and Bean send their love.
xo,
s
Kathy says
John and Sherry,
Just wanted to congratulate you and thank you for your blog. I’m one of the few in their 50’s who read your blog. I love it. Thanks for the humor, the obvious love for your family and the great ideas! My husband and I have been married for 30 years and in the last couple of years our decorating tastes have changed. We’re going from country to midcentury modern. Crazy, huh?! I love how you repurpose furniture and “use what you have” sometimes. And, lastly, I love to see how you are getting to spend such valuable time with Clara. What a blessing you BOTH get to spend everyday with her.
Can’t wait to see how you re-do your kitchen!
thanks,
Kathy
Lindsey says
Congrats on four years of successful blogging! I own a small business and recently celebrated two years of being gainfully un(self)employed. You are so right – nothing beats working for yourself if you love what you do. I have been incredibly lucky and am grateful I am able to work this way.
Have you been surprised at the time needed to keep up with administrative tasks – accounting, marketing, even “HR”-type duties (insurance, etc)? I am shocked at how much time I spend on these types of tasks! Any tips on keeping up with all of it?
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, it is kinda surprising how long it can take. My only “tip” is to keep things organized in the short term (putting receipts and bills in one consistent spot) and then deal with things in bulk. I find it’s easy to just do all of my accounting / bills at the end of the month so rather than eating minutes out of my day everyday, I can just take a couple of hours of bulk admin work as each month wraps up.
-John
Molly says
I’m officially launching my blog in a few weeks, but I’ve been reading yours for years. Thanks for the advice and inspiration!
Roxy says
After giving birth to my second child, I was on maternity leave for a year -(thank you government of Canada)- this gave me plenty of time to blog about my daily mom-adventures, crafting & cooking projects, etc.
It was a great way to keep a journal of some accomplishments throughout the year and it gave me an outlet to express feelings that I otherwise wouldn’t have known how to express.
Since returning back to work full time & running a business part time, I’ve been on a blogging hiatus, and am really feeling the affects of it — I feel like there’s a huge void that I can never find time to fill.
The thing I appreciate most about having started a blog though, is that I cherish my everyday moments as though I’m going to blog about it afterwards. I take photos as though I’m telling a story with them, and I start crafting projects with the idea in mind, that someone may find inspiration in something I’ve created. I find passion in everything that I do, and I credit that to my short rendezvous with blogging.
Do you guys find that you go through your day, constantly wondering “is this blog-worthy?”
I do…even just the simple tasks around the house or when I’m out and about, I’m always on the look-out for some good content..just in case :P
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes! We probably photograph 90% of our life just because we think it might be blog worthy! Then we end up sharing about 30% of it and the rest goes in the family album. Haha.
xo,
s
DeeJay Conley says
We love Burger.
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Hey, John & Sherry!! Big congrats on #4, so happy for y’all and all your success. Totally deserved for all the hard work you’ve put in. I love reading your blogoversary recaps with your tips & ideas about blogging. I think we all have similar things that we’ve learned. I’m going to have to do more posts like that too, people love hearing about the blogging journey. I’m going to hit 5 years in Feb. & it has been an amazing ride for me as well. I’m nowhere near your level, but it’s been such a fun journey & I am now blogging full time as well. I think this blog world will just keep growing & growing from my experience. Happy week!!
YoungHouseLove says
Congrats on your almost 5 years Rhoda! That’s awesome!
-John
Lindsey says
You guys are so inspiring – keep up the good work!
Katrina says
So I really love your blog! When I was reading the part where you wrote you don’t know why your little blog has grown so much, it made me think about what drew me to it and why I read it every day now! So I thought I’d tell ya. :)
First, I loved the layout. I’m the kind of person who is drawn to a product by it’s packaging! You guys made your blog easy to read, and easy to look around at the different subjects, like the house tour, projects, etc.
Also, you guys are good writers and you make your blog fun to read!
Another thing is you guys are consistent. It’s fun knowing that everyday I know there will be a new post to read and I look forward to it.
Lastly, it goes without saying that you guys have great style. You really have an eye for decorating and for colors so your blog is a great way to get inspiration! It’s so great for people like me that aren’t as talented in that area, to get shown in simple ways how to decorate in a way to make your home a more fun and comfortable place to be, and to do it in a way that’s affordable!
So thanks for all the hard work and time you put into it! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the feedback and all of the kind words, Katrina!
-John
Hillary says
Love these tips!
Blogging has taught me to try new things and branch out. I’ve tried new recipes, new writing styles, and new workouts all because of my blog, and I kind of love it.
In “real life,” I’m a middle school teacher. Teaching has taught me more lessons than I can count, but among the best ones are: be patient, be kind, respect others and they will respect you, and never take yourself too seriously. I live by those rules every day, and my students and I are both better off because of them!
Jessica@nucheysmommy says
Hi, thanks for the blogging tips! I’m a fairly new blogger & can use all the help I can get….although, I’m just a hobby blogger :) I am so happy to have found your site! I am a follower of Censational Girl & just read her feature on you :) Look foward to following u2!
Margaret says
Totally unrelated to the blog. Does Burger have a hair loss problem. I noticed the side of his face looked sparse. Our recently adopted Chi has Canine Alopecia and I know nothing about it.
YoungHouseLove says
Don’t think so – Burger’s always been relatively hairless (he’s completely bald on his belly) so he’s kinda always looked that way on his face. And the vet has never mentioned anything. Sorry to hear yours has Alopecia! Hopefully your vet has some good info on it for you.
-John
Bella Daylight says
Now that I am looking at all these really cute pics of burger I am wondering. What happened to his blog? Does it still exist or did you delete it?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh it’s still there! Hamburgershouse.com. He’s just a very lazy dog blogger indeed. I thought he might come back to it in the summer but he just lazed around all day. Haha.
xo,
s
Carolinaheartstrings says
We loved all the blogiversary posts. Helpful, insightful, entertaining. Thanks.
meghan says
I have found an amazing community in blogging. Started like you, to keep family posted, but ended up being so much more. I blog about house projects (we just bought a new fixer upper and about struggles and joys of pregnancy (due tomorrow) and other assorted randomness. I love having a little record of our lives.
Julie says
What a wonderful week of posts (and past four years)! If there’s ever any question that blogging can be a full-time job, deserving of a decent wage, you two have put it to rest. Well done – keep on being good ol’ fashioned you!
Josephine says
you guys are just awesome and so inspirational – good things to you always xxx
Josephine says
oh yeah and i used to sing Mul of Kintyre to my daughter – seems weird hey but it was the first thing that popped into my sleep deprived little brain and she loved it!
Jeannee says
Thanks for this post! Since I’ve started a blog about two months ago now, I’ve read a few blogs on – well – blogs! and they were either so technical, they could put me to sleep in a dental chair ;- , or completely irrelevant. This was wasn’t, and it was very validating and helpful!
And Burger! Those Burger pictures are heartfelt!!!
ginger says
I died (of awesomeness) when my husband/sahd-to-clara started referring to YHL (ex: “I looked on YHL about oil vs latex paint”). don’t worry, our girl was named after a family friend :-) lol
congrats on your success!
I don’t blog for $, but blogging for fun can very quickly devolve into “who has the most followers?” I don’t want to spend more time worrying about my followers than the subject I blog about (my family). it’s easy to get swept up, though!
Kirsten says
I’m loving the info on blogging… Plus the last picture of Burger makes me want to play the Titanic music and yell ” I’m King (Burger) of the World.”
Jamie says
I’m curious about your thoughts on posting regularity (that sounds weird but you know what I mean). Not sure if you covered this subject at all so sorry if it’s repetitive. I find that I can’t always post everyday. I don’t work but I’m home alone most of the time taking care of my 1 year old. Sometimes a week will go by but that is my limit as far as blog silence goes. Any input on how that might effect readership and advertising income? Also any advice on making time to blog no matter what?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, I wouldn’t force posts if you don’t have anything to say, but if you could drop in a few times a week (maybe every other day or every three days) it might encourage folks who found you to drop in more regularly which would up your traffic (which in turn is attractive to advertisers). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Courtney says
So I am helping my boyfriend reno his parents bathroom. They had a big old lead and we have to rip everything out. (P.S.- being under the house- NASTY!!) Any hoo- I realized that I carried a common DIY practice in to my profession when my Dad said this phrase the other day while cutting cement board. Measure twice cut once. In my profession it’s, calculate twice, report once. Or maybe it should be calculate twice, goof none. Any way- I don’t ever want to look at another PVC. When ya’ll did the bathroom in your first house, was it one of the hardest rooms to reno? Did you get professional help with the plumbing- ugh.. I need to make friends with a plumber.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes the bathroom was by far the hardest project! We gutted it all the way to the studs and did everything ourselves except we hired a professional reglazer to refresh our tub (we wanted it to last a decade and were afraid of the fumes/potential to botch it if we DIYed it). We also hired a plumber to help with a particularly difficult shower plumbing issue. Never be afraid to ask pros for help if you can’t get something done on your own! Sometimes that’s the only way to keep things going and ensure that you end up with a result that’ll last for a nice long time!
xo,
s
Jessica says
I’m not a blogger. I’m a financial planning assistant. While much of my work day is spent buried in forensic accounting (only so-so on the fun factor scale, but it’s still pretty cool to pick someone elses life apart), the rest of my time is spent building peoples “dream lives” in my system. I get to hear their most intimate desires for thier lives and then I get to try my best to figure out how they can get there and show them a virtual picture of what that might look like (financially speaking). So the lawyer who spends 60 hours a week in his office might really want to own a bed and breakfast someplace amazing. Many times these intimate desires remain just that, but from time to time you get to see someone take that leap and make their dream a reality, and that my friend, is pretty awesome!
Jen says
Burger, such a cutie! And so wise :)