To Blog or Not to Blog

A lot of my friends have been asking how this whole blogging gig is going so far and some wonder if they should start a blog. To blog or not to blog…that is the question. I have to tell you, it’s SO MUCH FUN!  However, it’s a lot harder than it looks. To be honest, I am still getting the hang of it, and know I have a long way to go.

When I came up with the idea for the blog, it was purely just a fun place to put my thoughts, somewhat of a passion project. I am artistic and creative so this would be that outlet. Well, let me tell you, now that I am in it, it will hopefully be much more; as in a real career.

After getting to know a lot of other bloggers, I have seen so many opportunities open up and what this can truly become. In 5 years, I would like to be doing this full time; maybe even 3 years if I am lucky.

To really make it as a blogger (I by no means have “made it”), there is a lot to consider. Will you have a designer for the website, or is it all on you? Who will take your pics? Are you ready to devote hours before and after work (I work full time too)? Do you genuinely love to write, or do you just want to make money? Are you ready to post on Instagram twice a day and truly engage your audience? Are you driving SEO? Are you working through all of the social channels? Will you invest in Photoshop and Lightroom, and will you  like editing photos at midnight? These are just a few questions you must ask yourself as this is the reality. You have to LOVE it.

I have found that I am up by 6 a.m. every morning either starting work early or blogging. Then there is the challenge of coming up with new ideas. Just like other writers, this can be hard. Some days I could write for hours, while other days I sit and stare at a blank screen…tick-tock, tick-tock. Ooops, now it is well past bed time, and I’ve got nothing accomplished. Although, I have gotten better at staying organized and planning ahead, but that can be hard too. I have to plan out time for when I can plan. LOL!

I have also been shopping a lot more (place embarrassed face emoji here).  My husband will attest to this. Staying up on the latest trends, having cute outfits to wear, and being super current is not so easy. I’m not going to lie though, I don’t mind all of the shopping. The harder part is having time to photograph it all and doing so before it isn’t in store anymore. I want to deliver the inspiration that I feel when I see something I love on a blog and want to buy and wear it.

The support aspect has been huge for me. Trent and my family have been in my corner truly cheering me on. I have also met a wonderful group of fellow bloggers. Everyone is really there for each other and is always open to offer advice. I don’t know what I would do without them. Blogging can be lonely, and it takes a lot of time to build a following.

I am still trying to figure out exactly what I want this to be, and where I want to take it. What is my brand and what exactly do I stand for (in the blogging world)? I get closer every day, and I embrace that it will always be a work in progress. I am really happy to have the support out there, and I hope I can inspire you, my readers, a little every day. I hope my love for this truly shines through, because it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made….To Blog!

P.S. If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them. Email me at melanie@withlovemelanie.com

P.P.S. Outfit details/inspiration are below. I am obsessed with this clutch from J. Crew. Besides that, a lot of my outfit is made up of older pieces.