When I first started blogging I was completely ignorant that there was a blogging community, blogger events and the fact that you could actually make friends with fellow bloggers. I was just a shy girl blogging from her bedroom in Hull for the love of writing and for something to do in her spare time (I'll stop talking about myself in third person now because it makes me sound like a class A loser).
When I started I didn't have Twitter or Instagram so it was a whole year before I even discovered that there was a Hull bloggers group and I didn't know how to promote myself at all. When people actually started reading my blog it made me nervous - I was almost happier writing things that nobody was reading because I didn't have to worry about anyone judging my writing, my photography and me as a person. I was also confused as to why anyone would want to read my blog - I didn't think it was particularly good or interesting, I hadn't found any sort of niche and I certainly wasn't doing anything massively different from anyone else.
The first event I ever attended was a local one and I was horrendously nervous. I got lost on the way so arrived late, didn't know anyone and was awful at making any kind of conversation or introducing myself. Luckily I sat with the nicest people who made conversation with me and made me feel at ease, but I didn't feel like I belonged in this blogging world or that I deserved to be at the event at all. I left feeling as nervous and uncomfortable as I had when I arrived.
Fast forward to a year later and I was on my way to the Blogger's Blog Awards with Ashton. I'd attended a few more local events, met some lovely people and come out of my shell a bit more. I was still disappointed in myself at how shy I was at the actual event though and wished I'd had the guts to talk to more people. A lot more people were reading my blog by this point and I was actually pretty happy with my content and photography (although I'm one of those people who feels like I can always improve and I'm never 100% happy with anything I do) so I didn't necessarily feel out of place being at the event, just overwhelmed, shy and annoyed at myself for being so. I think each event is a stepping stone though and the more you attend and the more bloggers you speak to, the easier it becomes.
This year I feel like I've really been pushing myself in terms of both content and photography and eventually think I've found my niche. One of my non-blogger friends said to me a while ago that my blog is interesting because I make it so, my niche is me. I didn't really think about it at the time because it seemed a bit self indulgent, but I've realised that I read blogs for the person, not the blog. I read blogs where you feel like you're getting to know the blogger behind it and simply because I like that person. This year I feel like I've been writing for me rather than writing a post that I think will get a lot of views or that people will want to read because hopefully people will just want to read my blog anyway. This way of writing has given me a newfound confidence - I think because I'm not trying to please people, I'm not trying to get views and it's coming so much more naturally.
So when I attended BlogConLDN this past weekend I felt that confidence in myself as blogger, I felt at ease and like I belonged there. I wasn't nervous at all, I chatted to everyone I wanted to without being worried and I had a great time. A big thank you to Ashton (who I now want to be my personal photographer after taking the above photos), Kirsty and Rachel who definitely played a big part in making me feel at ease and also to all the lovely people I chatted to and finally got to meet! I feel really inspired with blogging at the moment so I'm hoping that will continue and that my confidence will continue to grow. I've learnt that I need to push myself out of comfort zone and *mega cheesy quote alert* feel the fear and do it anyway.
Amy x
I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI like reading a blog and seeing the persons personality shine through. Makes it so much more interesting to read. Your photography is amazing!
Tania || www.taniaalexandraribeiro.com
xxx
Aw thanks so much Tania. Yeah I love seeing the personality through the blog! xx
DeleteWhat a great post Amy! I still get really nervous walking into blogging events on my own but everybody has been so lovely I don't know why I do! I'm glad that you've found your blogging confidence!!
ReplyDeleteHave a good day :)
Rosanna x
Rose's Rooftop
Thank you Rosanna! I think it's normal to be a bit nervous before an event - but I agree everyone is always lovely xx
DeleteYou go, girl! It's wonderful to hear about you blossoming through blogging! We had pretty much opposite routes into blogging, it was actually coming across the blogging community randomly on Twitter that introduced me to blogging in the first place! I too was really nervous before attending my first blogger events, not knowing anyone is a really anxiety-inducing experience, but as soon as you get chatting to one person or a small group, it's all ok! It's great to hear that you've made such good friends though blogging! Completely agree with you tha Ashton's photography is stunning, you sensational in these pics! Wishing you a continued confident road in blogging!
ReplyDeleteAbbey ✨ www.abbeylouisarose.co.uk
Thank you so much lovely - completely agree it's fine once you get talking to people! xx
DeleteYour hair si so beautifuk dear, looks so gorgeous with this hairstyle!
ReplyDeletexx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: PFW STREET STYLE MARCH 2017 | RAINY PARIS
Thank you, just need to learn how to recreate this hairstyle myself! xx
DeleteSuch an inspiring post Amy!! The pictures are so beautiful and really makes me excited about Spring!
ReplyDeleteKisses,
http://www.taislany.com
Thank you so much! It was lovely to see all the blossom in London! xx
DeleteI could relate to you so much Amy! In fact I am still this shy blogger who cannot promote herself but reading your post made me feel positive in joining blogger communities, making few blogger friends. Thank you for sharing your story on growing as a person, it was an inspiring read :)
ReplyDeletexx
https://simpliannie.wordpress.com/
Yes you should definitely start promoting yourself, it feels awkward at first but gets easier :) xx
DeleteAmy, I loved this post. You look stunning in these photos and looked stunning on the day.
ReplyDeleteThank you for making the whole weekend so much fun, and for helping calm my nerves when it came to doing my workshop! :) xxx
Thank you lovely :) I was just thinking today what a great weekend I had with you and Ashton, we need a get together soon for sure :) xx
DeleteYou looks so pretty! Lovely photos ❀
ReplyDeleteDo you wanna follow each other via GFC or Bloglovin? Lemme know ♥
* Blog de la Licorne *
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These are lovely photos of you; feeling those Spring vibes! It's lovely to hear how you've gained confidence as a blogger; I suppose in any area of life, confidence usually takes a while to discover! Hope you're having a lovely week :)
ReplyDeleteaglassofice.com
x
Yeah I think it probably is true of every area! Thanks so much hun, hope you're having a great week too xx
DeleteAs a newbie blogger, I can seriouslyyyyy relate to this post. I'm always thinking how there are so many great blogs (like yours!) out there, that there isn't a point in me having one as well. I'm just trying to take it one day at a time and not focus on my blogging insecurities. It's comforting to read that over time you were able to gain your confidence. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAw there is definitely a point in you having a blog! Keep doing it and the confidence will come with time :) xx
DeleteThis was so lovely to read. Sometimes it can be so hard with events, but Ii think once youve been to one, your confidence does indeed grow. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteKate xx
themakeupartistschoice.com
So glad you enjoyed it and definitely agree your confidence grows the more you attend :) xx
DeleteI love how honest you are here. This post has certainly served as a reminder to myself to step out of my shell a bit. It seems like you're proud of what you're putting out now, and you should be! Your content is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAmber - amberelb.com
Thank you so much lovely! I'm definitely happier since coming out of my shell :) xx
DeleteThat's just awesome, and the photography on your blog is just beautiful!
ReplyDeletewww.jeannieinabottleblog.com
Thank you - Ashton Gibbs took these pictures and I'm so happy with them! xx
DeleteSuch a nice post and really beautiful pics.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks so much Gemma - I need Ashton to be my personal photographer! xx
DeleteBeautiful hair, loved it! I am glad that you developed this confidence as a blogger, and yes, we can make so good friends, starting from blogs and then in person. So nice that you are going to events and feeling good! I really think, or at least it is so for me, that this is one of the main reasons for blogging! And it's also true, there's always room for improvement, for all of us! Hope you have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteDenisesPlanet.com
It's definitely one of my main reasons for blogging now! Thanks Denise xx
DeleteI remember your previous blog, Amy, then you disappeared from blogging world, I think. I'm glad to see you back to blogging. You look amazing in these photos. have a nice day, dear.
ReplyDeleteNina
Nina's Style Blog
I think you might be confusing me with someone else but thank you! xx
DeleteI was really sad to read your post after the blog awards about shy you felt so it's so nice to read this! Glad you enjoyed blog con!
ReplyDeleteCorinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com
Aw thanks Corrine, it was such a great event! xx
DeleteYesssssss girl! I LOVE this post - I remember that period of thinking hang on why are people reading my blog haha! It's still such a weird concept even now sometimes; so glad that you're confidence is growing - I adore the content you create! <3
ReplyDeleteHayley xo
www.frockmeimfamous.com
It is isn't it?! Thanks so much for your support lovely xx
DeleteWhat a beautiful picture, I love your hair! And I can relate to a lot of the things you said - in the beginning I was pretty happy that no one read my blog haha. But it's amazing to be part of the community and I would love to attend more blogging events in the future. BlogConLDN was actually my first real blogger event and I was so nervous about going (although I had such a good time!). xx
ReplyDelete113thingstosay.com
Glad you had a good time and it was so so lovely to meet you! xx
DeleteI think this post is relatable for so many! I used to feel like my voice would be drowned out by all the others, but now I just focus on what I love about it and the great relationships I have built with other bloggers. Great post! X
ReplyDeletehttp://www.leopardandspice.com/
Thanks so much, I'm glad you and others get what I mean :) xx
DeleteI also was oblivious to the blogging community until I fell into it one day! I love the way blogging changes people for the better and I am loving watching your blog grow :) Also, beautiful photo!
ReplyDeleteSteph xx
Steph's World | Lifestyle Blog | www.stephsworld.com
Thanks so much Steph, I'm glad I wasn't the only one who was oblivious! xx
DeleteYou've grown so much a blogger in the past few months, Amy! So proud of you xx
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Edye | Http://gracefulcoffee.com
Aw thank you so much Edye, that's the loveliest comment! Thanks so much for your support too xx
DeleteThank you, hope you've had a great day too x
ReplyDeleteLovely post. Gaining a bit of confidence in yourself and blogging can be scary at first but worthwhile in the end. I had to tell myself, "well, it's now or never," and a wee shout of "how badly do you want this!" to get myself in gear. Have a lovely weekend. x/Madison
ReplyDeletehttp://fashiontalesblog.com
Yes exactly! It's a bit of a feel the fear and do it anyway kinda thing isn't it! xx
DeleteYou go girl! Your blog is one of my favourites and your photography skills make me jealous xxxxx
ReplyDeleteAw thanks lovely, so nice to hear it's one of your faves :) xx
DeleteI totally agree with your post, i didn't realise how big the community was and how many friends i would make :)
ReplyDeleteBTW your hair is gorgeous <3
perfectfixations.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you! Just need to teach myself how to do it myself haha xx
DeleteYour blog is definitely one of my favourites and your YouTube channel. Your photography are always amazing too. Xxxxx
ReplyDeletelucylovesbeautyxo.com
Thank you so much Lucy, I'm so happy to hear that! :) xx
DeleteI'm so proud of you! There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking blogging a step at a time! I still haven't even gone to an event yet!
ReplyDeleteSian x
http://theenglisheverygirl.blogspot.co.uk/
I remember you were going to come to one I was going to and then you were ill? Come to the next Hull one, would be lovely to meet you :) xx
DeleteBeautiful pictures! I'm loving your posts lately, and it's great you've been writing for you rather than what people want to hear/see as I feel like your personality comes out more!!! It's so tough finding that balance but you should be mega pleased with yourself! I'm so sad I didn't go to BlogCon though, glad you had fun ❤
ReplyDeleteLove Izzy | www.ADoseOfChatter.com
I'm so glad you've been liking them Izzy! Thank you so much, shame you didn't make it to BlogCon, maybe next year :) xx
DeleteAww this is a lovely post, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it :) I'm glad you've found confidence in yourself as a blogger! I'm still on my journey there.
ReplyDeletewww.lovefrommaira.co.uk
Thanks so much and don't worry, you'll get there :) xx
DeleteI'm glad that you're starting to fell more confident in your blog. It is great and I'm really pleased I've found it and get to read it. I also started out writing just for myself and it was a LONG time before I discovered there was a whole social/promotional side to blogging. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete