In it for the Long Run

wellness | intuition | curiosity

Blogging Is Better With Buddies

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Something that didn’t really sink in until my second year of blogging, was that blogging is not a zero sum game. So if another blogger is successful that doesn’t mean that I am therefor not successful. In fact, I’d argue the opposite happens. Instead the pie is growing. Ok, gonna say that again only because it’s so effing important.

Blogging is not a zero sum game

…. nor is it a race or a competition. Especially if your voice is unique.

If you’re a blogger right now, one of the absolute best things you can do for your blog is be generous. Be generous with your ideas, your time, your talent. Why? It builds trust. It fosters deeper relationships and honestly it makes you feel awesome. Want to feel awesome? Cool. Be generous.

[Tweet “Blogging is not a zero sum game. Why it pays to be generous “]

I used to hoard my ideas, my strategies, and my tactics because I thought they would lose value the more people who knew them. WRONG. I’m glad the lightbulb went off. Because the exact opposite happens when you share, instead of losing value you gain more.

Here’s an example: I wrote 2 posts fully detailing how I was able to grow my Instagram following and engagement from 200 to 4000 in about 3 months. Want to know what happened? My traffic soared and I’ve since kept growing (i.e. I more than doubled that number). The better bloggers do, the better BLOGS do. How to Grow Your Instagram

I felt the same way about my peers when I graduated from college. Communications is a competitive field, but if someone from Ithaca College scored an awesome job, that meant that the Ithaca reputation was elevated. That meant I had one more contact in the industry and another win for my alma mater.

What's Next

I’ve mentioned this before, but one of the best parts of blogging, for me (and I suspect I’m alone in this) are the relationships I’ve made over time. One of my favorite ways to connect and share ideas has been through a little group of healthy living/food bloggers that’s come together called Bloggers Gonna Blog. Shameless plug, if you’re a blogger and you want to share ideas and grow stronger together, then check us out. The only rules are: Be rad, don’t be a jerk, help others, ask questions, be yo’self and don’t be a spammy troll.

The Foodie Swap

This past month we did our second foodie swap. Anyone who wanted to participate partnered up with a fellow blogger and sent a surprise(ish) care package filled with delicious goodies. This time around I swapped Tori who sent me a ton of fantastic goodies (she totally caught on that I have a sweet tooth). I can’t wait to dive into the granola (no surprise there).

Blogger Friends Blogger Friends Blogger Friends

You can check out all the bloggers who swapped here:

Healthy Liv

A Healthful Heart

Hello to Fit

The Blissful Balance

My Healthyish Life

Runs & Roses

Sweets & Beets

Lean, Clean and Brie

Your Turn:

  • Snackage: Do you prefer sweet or savory?
  • Bloggers: Has community helped your blog?
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. AH! How did I NOT know about your little blogging group?! I am so excited to become a part of this awesome group. And OF COURSE community has helped me. I am still new but would not be where I am if it weren’t for everyone’s help. Between you, and Lee from Fit Foodie Finds, and Davida from The Healthy Maven, I would still be so lost. THANK YOU. <3 <3 <3 I can't wait to join in the foodie swap because seriously, I love all things snacky foodie related 😉

  6. Heck ya. I recently watched the new live action Cinderella (loved it btw) and the whole theme of the movie is to “have courage and be kind.” I think that totally applies to blogging too, this isn’t a race, we’re all in this together so why not make it more enjoyable for everyone and build each other up? BGB is the most rad group of people doing just that! <3 <3 <3

  7. Yes times a million! Sure, I guess it’s technically possible to grow a blog without help BUT it’s not only easier with the help of [blogger] friends – making new friends is THE best part of blogging. Okay, and great conversations in the comments.
    I’m a little angry with myself for not joining the blog buddy challenge in the Facebook group but I wasn’t sure about my intentions for the blog myself so laid it off. It’s a great group in anyway.

  8. Yaaaa i agree with you 100% on this blog post!! I even have requested to join your FB group because I admire you so much 🙂 I would love to be a part of that wonderful group. Keep inspiring Georgie!

  11. I couldn’t agree more that having a blogging community makes blogging 100 times better. I love that our Facebook group is a place to go and connect with other like-minded people (since us bloggers can be an interesting bunch) and grow our blogs in the process. It really doesn’t get any better than that! Well, unless we could all actually meet IRL.

  12. I love this whole concept, Georgie! I’m definitely learning that blogging is totally about community. Thanks for letting me be a part of this 🙂

  13. I definitely would love to join this group! How did I not come across your group before is beyond me! I think think this is really cool and I absolutely loved this post! So many gorgeous photos! I am still learning my way around the camera! What do you take your food photos with?

    XO,
    Kat

  14. So freaking true!! I LOVE the FB group you’ve created (and I love that it’s smaller and more personal..unlike some of the other ones I’ve joined in the past).

    I honestly used to feel the same way about sharing recipes…desserts were my special thing and I felt like sharing them would make them less special. It’s a weird thing giving away your secrets (basically for free!).

    I need to check out those Instagram posts! 3 months to 4k followers is crazy fast!

    • So glad you’re a part of it Amanda – I was definitely frustrated with the lack of connection I felt and so many bloggers have such different experiences that they can bring to the table and it’s a total win win!

  15. Absolutely love this idea! I really need to work on connecting with more bloggers. My blog is fairly new (less than a year old) and my life has gotten crazy with starting dental school that I find it hard to even post myself! But in all seriousness, this food swap is one of the coolest, most creative ideas I’ve seen in a while! I love trying new healthy snacks/ foods and what better way to be introduced to them??

  17. Oh my gosh, I so look forward to following your blog. I’ve been thinking of starting my own, because I think it would help me as I start on a new journey to a healthier lifestyle and as I begin my search for my first apartment alone, and knowing that there’s blogs who support the growth of other blogs is so amazing! I found your blog on Pinterest this morning, and can’t stop reading!