“Dear Santa, please help me to achieve a successful blog.”
We’ve all seen the various income reports posted by successful bloggers. You know, those ones who’ve managed to churn a few hundred dollars in their first six months. We’ve also read posts by those whose following grew significantly in such a short span of time. I’m certain most of us have even read what they call ‘surefire ways to grow your blog’. We have read the how to posts, taken notes and implemented the steps… Well, at least I have, yet nothing seems to guarantee the success that each of these bloggers experienced! It’s frustrating, disheartening and can surely kill a newbie blogger’s drive to keep posting. Is that you?
Having interacted with quite a few other bloggers that have been at the game for under a year, it seems to be the one thing we all have in common. One of the main questions that I’ve been asked and seen floating around is “how can I make my blog successful?” But you know what? I keep asking myself the very same thing. It’s taken every ounce of effort to admit that I am genuinely not happy with where my blog is today. At the very same time, I have come to the realisation that success looks different for everyone.
If you are also feeling some type of way about the progress of your own blog, you’re not alone. Be it the number of followers, your page views, the levels engagement or the sponsorships – we’ve all been there! What I have realised this year is that we need to keep ourselves in check and be consistent. But we also have celebrate the small victories that come with each milestone!

Determine what a successful blog looks like to you
Did you start your blog out as a hobby or something to generate income? Whatever the reason, both will take a lot out of you before you begin to see any true results. My blog is hobby, but I do hope that it brings in additional income at some point. After all, the time and effort that go into it are worth something to me. What does success look like for you?
Not every blogger started out with the same end goal, so it is unreasonable to use others’ measures of success to evaluate your own progress. It is very important to decide what you want your blog to look like and what it’s purpose is. You also need to determine what you expect to get out of it before comparing it to your peers. The same way that you can study at the same university and take the same classes as someone but get very different jobs is exactly how things play out in the blogging world.
Set realistic goals
Thinking back to when I first started my blog, there were so many emotions involved that definitely brought on unrealistic expectations. Initially, I had hoped to just get any kind of interest in this new hobby I had found. Soon enough, I found myself watching the stats like a doctor monitoring a dire patient. I couldn’t sleep without checking the WordPress app on my phone a million times. I had even expected that with every ‘refresh’, there would be more likes and comments. Guess what? They didn’t come.
It takes time to establish yourself as a blogger and grow a decent following. This is something that cannot be explained by a simple formula or a wish list that you have jotted down in your diary. Yes, some are able to gain thousands of followers in the span of a few weeks but it boils down to covering the basics first then hoping the stars align. Let’s face it, wordpress.com has done a few things to make SEO a little harder so people won’t find your blog from typing a few keywords. You will actually need to comment on other blogs, promote your site, write relatable posts, etc. Even then you might not be found! Keeping that in mind, be patient and stick with it. I would even go as far as saying to expect nothing in your first few months blogging.
Just spend the time learning the ropes and having fun.
Write for yourself
A lot of blogging advice speaks to writing what your readers want to read. This is definitely important if you are trying to earn an income from your blog and need to churn the numbers quickly. The question I have to ask, though, is what exactly do people want to read?
If your blog has a small niche, it’s a great thing to make sure each post is very well rehearsed. This way, you can hopefully become the ‘go to’ site, kind of like how many of us would refer to WebMD and Healthline for medical concerns.
If you are blogging for fun and want to use your platform to bond with like-minded individuals, write for yourself first. It’s advice that get’s thrown around a lot because it’s true! If you are truly writing passionately, the right people will take interest. You really don’t want to get burnt out in trying to please others, or change your writing style to match what’s popular. Seasons change, people’s likes/needs change and art evolves with time.
The great thing about writing is that it is a form of art in itself, a love language if you must, and each person’s writing style is unique. Find your footing in your own skin doing what you love and you will see the rewards. It may go against popular advice, but we don’t need a million ‘how to’s ‘ on the same topic. Be different.
Conclusion
Many will read this post and think “well that’s probably why she isn’t seeing the numbers shooting through the roof”. That’s ok, but trust me when I say, realising the three things I’ve mentioned has been the best thing for my mental health and blogging journey. The fact is, if you want a successful blog, you have to be positive about it. I enjoy what I do and can tell when others do too!
To my fellow bloggers, how are you finding your blogging journey?
When I first started back to blogging in July I really didn’t set my expectations that my blog would grow or i’d get anything out of it. And I think thats what helped me. Once we start putting pressure on ourselves and becoming obsessive with where our blog is going to go, thats where we start trying too hard.
With anything, things should happen organically. And people forget that things take time.
We spend so much time comparing ourselves to others that we forget that we are not them. Our journeys are different. Everything takes time and alot of hard work.
My advice would be to not give up! Keep going even when you dont feel like it. You’ll see results when the time is right
Thanks for the kind words Olivia 💖 You’re absolutely right about that! In all honesty, things that don’t come easily are way more worth it too~
Awesome post. I definitely needed this. I picked up blogging again this past summer and have been slowly growing it, with the emphasis on ‘slow.’ I know that many bloggers do give up after a certain point because it does take time. But as you say we shouldn’t give up and keep at it. We’ll get there eventually 🙂
Gosh Helen, mine is so slow it’s moving in reverse! Just keep keeping on, we’ll eventually get there – wherever there is! What’s you vision for your blog?
Yes, slow and steady wins the race! <3
I hope to use my blog as a platform to showcase my writing as well as to help others.
How about you?
Same actually! Writing is very therapeutic for me, so this really helps stay sane 🙂
Absolutely!
Love the post – love how you’ve tried to simplify it especially for newbies (including me!).
Honestly, my goal has never been to monetize my blog. I started writing here as a space to vent and hopefully find likeminded people who’d resonate with my thoughts. I’ll admit the growing followers did get me obsessed with the stats and for a short time I did feel frustrated about the fact that I wasn’t growing as fast as other bloggers. But to grow faster I started putting out content that wasn’t fun to me. So I shut off all notifications from WordPress and realized I actually like just writing for me. I obviously look forward to engaging with other bloggers. To me that is success – being able to write what makes me happy and have a blogging fam that enjoys my content. So I think your last point, defining what you think is success is THE most important. 🙂
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
I’m stuck in that rut at the moment, so it’s great to see others who’ve been there and pulled away. Your blog is amazing as it is, so I can’t imagine you writing generic stuff just to please the general public. Keep doing you girl! 💖 your true supporters will stick with you that way!
Awesome post Shelly.
Genuinely posted your experiences.
Coming to my blog, I started my blog just for hobby but I spend more time on my blog.
It took me almost four years to gain 500 plus followers.
I don’t get disappointed because initially I was not so consistent and gradually I improved my skills and learnt a lot of things.
As time passed I learnt new things, I can relate seeing stats in WordPress mobile app.
But I enjoy being here in WordPress sharing my thoughts and learning new things from my fellow bloggers.
I love your posts Shelly.
You will definitely going to achieve the things which you dream.
Happy Blogging 🙂
I need this information as new blogger. I have no clue how everything works,I am learning as I go Thank you
Yay! I’m so glad this was useful to you. How long have you been blogging?
It’s only been a week. And I’m learning so much from everyone in this community.
Great post Shelly!! This was very well-written and on a great topic as well. I truly believe that all great things take time 🙂 and of course motivation and persistence 😊 I really do love your blog ❤
Thanks so much hun <3 That warms my heart!
You're right that great things take time, but it's so painful to wait! lol
It really is lol
This was much needed. I started blogging as a hobby. I’ve always loved writing, but what to write?! So blogging was my escapism. I always find loads of people don’t understand the blogging concept. I always get asked- why blog- just Instagram…. My answer- why not both? We are in a ‘double click’ to like a picture generation and I feel that makes it harder to blog…
Yay, I’m glad you can relate! I totally get you… people don’t care so much about words anymore as they do about videos and pictures. Isn’t that more of a reason to keep at it though? And yes – do both 😉
I agree with you 100% Shelly. While I admit it feels good when I see the numbers going up, that’s not my focus. My blogging goals are about things I control – how many posts I write, how many pins I create – rather than things I don’t control.
I also write about what I want to, and select topics where I feel I have something of value or interest to say. Yes, I think about other people and whether anyone would actually want to read what I write, but that’s secondary.
Michelle that’s brilliant! It’s great to see that you are already where most bloggers need to be – myself included. I know your blog is your hobby right now but what are your plans for it?
At some point, it would be nice to generate some income from my blog but not if it would limit the things I can write about.
When I started my blog, I thought it would be cool when I had enough content to take some of my best posts and publish them in a book. Maybe I will do that one day!
Do it! I’m gonna do that with my ‘Accepting Grief’ series as soon as I get a minute 🙂
I completely agree with you💯 I blog as a hobby, haven’t gotten any sponsor but I’ okay with that I try not to focus on other bloggers getting paid. Because I know someday or eventually I will generate money from blogging but I love blogging and writing about products and just love interacting with bloggers. Thank you for this post made me think all over again why I love blogging!
That is the best mindset to have! Power to you girl! When you do get your sponsorships and become famous, don’t forget about little old Growing With Spawn and your dear friend Shelly 😉
Thank you!! ❤ I won’t.. have to remember all my fellow blogger friends 😄 next week I will be nominating you⭐
I laughed at the intro of the conclusion. But you know that is not true. And like you said, mental health and fun are so much better! I agree with you, with the definition of success and writing for yourself. We all come into this with different motivations and there will be unique ways to realize our goals. For me, making lovely blogfriends is definitely enough.
Hahah thanks for reading 🙂 I can actually tell that you enjoy blogging! It comes through in your writing. Both of you actually!
I can 100% relate to this. Checking the stats and becoming obsessed with how to grow this blog. I have started my blog years ago and it’s only recently I have gotten attention. I have come to realise as you have said “not to put pressure on yourself” and enjoy the blogging journey.
We start our blog for a reason. Stick to that reason and not let the numbers bring you down.
Since starting my blog, it truly made me fall in love with writing and that’s something.
Great post✨🤗 xx
Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
I’m glad you didn’t give up and just stuck to your guns. I enjoy reading your blog and I’m sure there are others who do too!
I’ve been blogging for 3 months now and I’m definitely not seeing the growth that I was expecting for the amount of work I put in. I only post once a week and I think that has a lot to do with it. I keep telling myself that it’s a slow process and it will be worth it in the end 🙂
I know that feeling! It could be the frequency, but it can also be a few other things… your niche, your domain name, your branding, your social media skills, etc. I don’t know the right formula but I can tell you that I’ve what NOT to do lol
Hang in there~ slow is better than stagnant 😉
Yeah it’s better than nothing. You’ve learned what not to do? Please share 🙂
Lol it’s a long list! I’ll hit you up in an email 😉
Thanks! 🙂 Any advice helps
My advise would also be to define what a successful blog is to you! We all are different and we all blog for different reasons. Some do it for income whereas others do it to express their feelings..hence the definition of a successful blog will just not be the same for everyone!
Ahh definitely needed this coming back from a long hiatus 😅
Thank you for sharing. I absolutely know that feeling and struggle of checking your blog for likes and comments but seeing little to no engagement. I am grateful and excited for every show of support.
You’re right that it’s important to define what success means to you , set realistic goals and write for yourself.
Welcome back Krisna! I’m glad to have been able to ease your return 😊Are you back for good this time?
Thanks Shelly! 🙂 yes i’m easing back to it slowly. I’m trying to be a bit more organized and planning some things more carefully so I don’t feel too overwhelmed like last time.
That’s the best way to do it 😊 Welcome back!
I have a different take on Point #3: Write for yourself.
I write for an audience which has worked well for me. When I write, I imagine that I am talking to a large audience of people! Chances are, the things you write down for yourself, many others can relate to as well. 😊 My tone (yes, writers have a tone of voice) is more one-one-one, but I try to make it so that people can relate to it and that it’s less of a diary-style blog post.
That’s fair! I like that actually. When I think of writing for others, I’m thinking about the “how to wake up in the morning” kind of posts not the “here’s how waking up worked for me”. Your style is more of the second and is definitely relatable!
As always, thanks for reading and commenting, Hilary 💖
It’s definitely possible to incorporate both styles into one blog post. Lists for instance, I use when writing for an audience, but I also include first-person I and me in these posts. “How to Wake Up in the Morning” would make a great title, with some anecdotal examples added to the body of the blog post for relatability, if that makes sense 😊
When I decided to start my blog at the end of October I didn’t have any expectations. I never really read blogs before or have known anyone to write a blog so the whole experience was new to me (and still is!). I’m not on any social media so even though I was hoping someone would read my blog I didn’t have any expectations about how many followers or likes I wanted. Having zero expectations has really made each follow and like I receive super exciting. Compared to other bloggers I’m not sure how I’m doing but I’m really happy with how my blog has turned out! I’m writing about things I enjoy, I’m connecting with people who I never would have met before, and I’m learning something new.
I enjoyed reading through the comments that your post inspired, it is really interesting how everyone views blogging in so many different ways.
Wow that’s really great! I was quite similar to you but then the stats took over my life! Lol funny enough, when I started caringC things started slowing down!
Your blog is cool, it’s so different to what everyone else posts! Maybe it’s a good thing you didn’t read other blogs 😉
Thanks so much for reading and also giving other bloggers an experience to read about! 😊💖
I can totally see how keeping track of stats could consume you! I will try to stay mindful so I don’t fall into that trap.
Thanks so much for your nice comment about my blog!
When I started out blogging in 2018, I was very ambitious about having an income and even possible sponsorships like you mentioned Shelly. I was addicted to my stats and it affected my thought process so much in those days.
Now, I blog for fun. First to please myself and then, to be of help to others.
Thanks for your excellent article.
This is a great post! I think writing for yourself is the most important one. If you started making content just because you think it’ll be successful but you don’t enjoy it, the fun is completely gone!
Thanks so much for reading! 😊
As a newbie, I found this really helpful! I definitely agree with writing for yourself as it’s easy to get sidetracked and blogging may start to feel like a chore. You can’t please everyone and there are many people who will embrace the authentic you.
Thanks for reading Kemi! I’m glad you found it useful 😊
Shelly, I love this post! I think the tips you shared are really realistic – success doesn’t happen overnight ESPECIALLY not with blogging! We tend to focus on the small minority that achieve instant success as our rolemodels and in doing so sometimes set ourselves up to fail … slow and steady growth is what I like to aim for 🙂 xx
It’s definitely important to stay positive and keep going. And not to compare ourselves to others. 😀
Yes indeed! That should be the number one rule when doing anything you love 😊
Thanks for reading! 💖
I think your blog is doing amazing! Mine is a hobby, and I definitely don’t follow a lot of the advice that’s out there. But writing a post makes my day better. So I keep doing it! ✌️
That’s very kind of you 😊 I’ll keep reminding myself of that!
It’s great that you’ve found your own rhythm and are jamming to your own beat! Keep at it!
Thanks for stopping by!💖
I definitely agree with your advice. I often struggle with the idea of making my blog more specific, for a certain niche, but the truth is I like writing for me. Thanks for your gentle reminders. I needed to be read them today.
Def feel like giving up somedays but I have a goal in mind so….lehhgo! Thanks for the encouraging post.
Thanks for reading, Rida!
Giving up is too easy, you’re much better than that! What’s your goal?
🙂 When you write for yourself, you end up attracting an audience that resonates well with your ideology and your unique style of writing.
Do enjoy the rest of your day, Shelly!
Exactly! I’m so glad you agree 😊
Thanks for stopping by~ have a lovely day too!
It has been a journey and I don’t see a lot of growth as I would like to see. I definitely know that I need to take more time to write my actual goals and expectations and engaging more with others. Once I get my systems in order and manage my time better, I believe those things alone will catapult me higher. Great post, Shelly! Thanks for the tips! 🤗
Thanks for reading, Lady B! You’re doing so well already, just be consistent 😉
Absolutely! I enjoy your posts! Now, “well” is relevant, lol, but thanks for the positive words. Definitely sticking to it though. 🙌🏽
Blogging is a rollercoaster journey. It pays to be consistent and patient. I’m loving the journey and I look forward to growth. Thanks for sharing Shelly 😊
That’s great! I’m glad you’re having a good time with it, that’s always the most important! Thanks for reading and welcome to GWS 😊
Happy to be here 😊
Success looks different to everyone. Comparing ourselves or our progress is not a good measurement of success because it can leave us with negative feelings. I believe that as long as you are doing your best you are successful no matter how many followers, likes, comments, or sponsors you may have. I personally think YOU and your blog are awesome!!!
Aww thanks hun! You’re absolutely right about that~ it’s something I have had to actively try NOT to do, but it’s hard… really hard!
It’s the conclusion for me! Like we underrate mental health in most things that we do. I blog for me too, with some consideration of what my audience like.
For instance, the music and movies section of my blog is the least popular but it’s perhaps one of the top three sections I’m most passionate about. And that’s why I keep at it.
Thank you for this. ♥️✨
Keep doing you girl! You’ve gotta love what you do else there’s no real point in doing it 😉
Thanks for reading!
‘Determine what a successful blog looks like to you’ – I haven’t really given this a thought in a really long time. But when I think back just now I think I did have a successful blog. Even though I haven’t hit the hundred dollars yet, I did earn a few dollars. I did have a few post rank on page 1 of Google. At the end of the day, I guess I need to remind myself to be thankful and just have patience and that I’m in the right direction. Love the content! =)
Wow, thank you so much for this post! This gives me so much reassurance as a new blogger (: