Blogging is a very satisfying, fun, and potentially profitable venture. For that reason, a lot of people (including myself), jump right into it before really understanding what they should be doing. Basically, diving in head first before actually considering what you’re getting into, and how you’re going to navigate this new passion.
As of June 2024, I have been running this particular blog for over a year, and have picked up some dos and do nots, as well as some things to keep in mind. Here is my advice to anyone wanting to start their own book blog.
Consistent Reading
Solo blogs don’t need to be updated every day, especially those that focus on long-form mediums like literature. Still, you’re going to need to keep in the habit of reading, or you won’t have anything to talk about. You can only rely on your past reads for so long, and the pool to review shrinks with each published post.
A good baseline goal should be one or two reads per month. What those books are is up to you, it can be fiction or non-fiction. If you’re struggling to get through books, then seek out shorter titles to help fill out your review portfolio, but definitely keep reading on a regular basis.
Establish Your Content Types
The above point was made with the assumption that you’ll be doing reviews on your book blog. After all, it’s what most blogs talking about any form of media do.
However, as a solo blogger, you can’t keep depending on one type of content, especially the sort that takes a lot of time per posts. That is why considering additional content is important, even if you find it to be more like filler between the main content. Consider things like mentioning new releases, talking about authors and publishers, showing off your hauls, making monthly reading updates, wish list posts, and whatever else comes to mind.
If you think the B grade content is worthwhile enough, and you are happy to produce it, then it’s definitely a solid idea to use it to pad out your blog in between your more fleshed-out reviews.
Your Budget
Books can be expensive, especially if you’re operating out of your own pocket and seeking to review the latest novels. After all, those will probably draw more eyes, but you still need to learn your limit.
I buy a lot of my books from second-hand shops and websites, so I recommend anyone starting out without much of a collection do the same. Moreover, there’s no harm in borrowing books from a library, or asking friends and family to lend you some titles.
By all means, spend as you like. It is your money and time, but do try to hold back until your following grows, and the momentum begins to justify more spending and investment in your blog.
Don’t Expect Profit
Whether it be ads, donations, or sponsorship—don’t expect it from the get-go. I’ve been doing this for a year and have run ads on my website for basically all of that time (until recently). I haven’t even generated one dollar of ad revenue, so it’s safe to assume that a fresh-faced blog won’t be raking in the dough either.
As time goes on, and your viewership grows, then it becomes more realistic to expect some donations or increased ad revenue. However, at the start, take it slow and value each view, like, and comment.
Advertise Yourself
This is my mistake, and still continues to be. I don’t like to push my projects into people’s face, but I really should learn to. If you want a booming blog, then you need to make content on other platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram.
You also need to learn not to be so humble. I am not saying you should mention your blog to everyone you encounter, but there is no shame in directing attention to it, or even mentioning to friends or asking for some help spreading the world. It really depends on your objective, and how much you do it for fun or for prosperity.
Avoid Burnout & Work Ahead
Burnout or mental block can come out of nowhere. One day you can wake up and not feel in the mood to read, blog, or do much. Naturally, it is best to avoid that if you are serious about consistently blogging.
Sometimes we can’t prevent it, but we can try. By pacing yourself, understanding limits, and knowing what your priorities are. Should your blog take over your life? Definitely not. However, if you let it go weeks or months without new contents, there’s a good chance you will see declined engagement upon returning.
It’s a game of taking and giving. When you feel energised and creative, work like hell on your blog and capitalise on that. Once the fatigue inevitably arrives, take a step away from blogging and reading; the content made during your creative periods can be scheduled and spaced out enough to sustain your blog while your mind is basically on hiatus.
Reading Will Change
Just like how video game speedrunners say you can never play the game the same way once you take it so competitively, the same is somewhat true about treating books as something to review and discuss.
When reading, try your best not to concern about sentences to include in your review, or points you want to make. Resist the urge to establish a premature opinion of a book, and also don’t make reading a forced commitment, try to keep doing it for fun.
However, you should keep in mind that your approach to reading might change, perhaps for better or worse. You might be more critical, you might feel pressured to read more, and you might find it hard to not rush things.
This caught me off guard at first, leading to many slumps in my reading habits, but I have now learned to utilise this blog as healthy motivation to keep working through my many unread titles. So you should do the same!
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