When I started blogging, first off it was with zero plan of pursuing it as a career, I was just having fun sharing my thoughts on the interwebs. However, about a year in, once I graduated from school (and had way more free time on my hands) I really started taking my blog more seriously.
At that point I truly believed that success was measured in numbers. In pageviews, in the number of comments, in shares, likes, sessions, click throughs, you know, the metrics. I scoured the web for tips on growth hacking, figuring once I hit x amount of pageviews I would feel like I had “gotten there.” I think you can see where this story is going…
Focusing on the numbers didn’t make me feel great at all. I didn’t feel like my blog had developed its soul yet and as a result I wasn’t seeing any meaningful growth.
That’s when I stumbled across a post on minimalist baker about tribes. I won’t say it was a lightbulb moment of “oh duh I’ve been doing it all wrong.” But it definitely planted a seed in my mind that I was measuring my success in a way that didn’t map to my purpose or my happiness. It was also at that time a blogging acquaintance politely pointed out that I sucked at reciprocating in the comment/engagement department.
Those two events together made me realize how selfish of a blogger I was being. My posts served me, my actions served me and as a result I had no loyal audience. I was following an arbitrary formula for blogging that really served no one.
It wasn’t until the beginning of 2015, a full year and half into my blogging journey, did I actually understand the most valuable currency of blogging (and communication really).
That’s connection.
Connecting with other people. That’s it. That’s everything. That’s your foundation from which everything should grow.
[Tweet “Here’s why connection is the most important part of blogging”]
From this singular idea stems all of my current beliefs and subsequent measures of success for blogging: a reader first mentality, generosity without expectation, always add value, the importance of being vulnerable in your writing and content, all of it comes from a belief in the power of connection.
Connection transends online/offline boundaries too. Once I learned to fully be myself on my blog, I could also make valuable connections offline because I was confident in what I was creating.
These beliefs and desire to connect helped me start the Bloggers Gonna Blog community. Which connected me to Christina. From there, we’ve thrown our hearts into connecting, learning and growing in everything we do.
We were beyond honored when Nicole Culver, the entrepreneur and podcaster behind Blissful Eats Granola and the Blissful Bites podcast asked us to speak at her virtual Food Entrepreneur Summit. Suprise, surprise – the theme of this summit is all about connection.
Christina and I are speaking about how to figure out what it takes to stand out in an industry full of makers and shakers, and how you, too, can grow an audience by maintaining a balance of vulnerability and upholding a uniform brand image.
The summit is a week long series of 20 masterclasses complete with videos, pdf guides and access to a Facebook group with all 22 speakers. In addition to Christina and I you have the opportunity to learn from Lee and Davida from Fit Foodie Finds and the Healthy Maven, Ali from Inspiralized, Jessica from How Sweet Eats, Alexis from Hummusapian, Erika creator of Wild Friends Nut Butters and so many more amazing speakers.
You can learn all about the summit here
Today is the last day for early bird pricing so if you’re a blogger or food entrepreneur and are looking for a chance to connect with so many amazing inspiring female entrepreneurs this is a crazy awesome opportunity.
Day 3 looks terrific!
D’aww shucks – thanks Mom <3
I WISH I COULD GO, but you’re going to be amazing!! I mentioned this on Christina’s post today too, but I used to worry about never gaining enough readers. I thought I had to blog or write a certain way and then MAYBE I would attract some people. But I was wrong, once I started to write about what I wanted then it became easier and more meaningful. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom Georgie <3
Thank you for your kind words as always. I’m sure we’ll be doing something similar again soon. It’s amazing how a change of perspective can change so much in how you blog
You and Christina are so inspiring and I can’t wait to hear you speak for the summit! You guys have done amazing things for the BGB community and have personally helped my blog grow in many ways, thanks so much <3
Thank you so much Rachel! We’re so excited you’re a part of the summit
So excited for the summit! And super excited to hear your talk. When I first started blogging, I was talking to myself and did not work on growing a community, but once I started focusing on that aspect (thanks to BGB), I fell in love with blogging in a whole new light and it has helped my blog grow in ways outside of just numbers and stats.
You have no idea how much that means to me Brie. The whole mission behind BGB is around connection and learning so the fact that it’s helped your blogging makes me so so happy.
Oh boy, thank you SO Much for posting this. I have been learning a ton from you on the Instagram course about connecting, and I realized how selfish I was being on Instagram. Wow, that was a good ole slap in the face for me, and I’m thankful you also reminded me to sign up for the summit today. I almost forgot. O_O
I think we’re all a little guilty of it, because giving time is something that’s so valuable. However I do think it will make all the difference <3
This looks like such an amazing opportunity. I wish my full time job and crazy life allowed for me to participate in this, but I can’t wait to see what everyone else posts about after! Which is part of the whole point of community I guess 🙂
Thank you so much Alyssa – totally understand – life gets crazy busy. Hopefully we’ll be doing it again in the future.
You are awesome! Can’t wait to hear you speak!
Thank you so much Shannon!
Wholeheartedly agree with this post! All the feels over here. I’m stoked abut be summit (got my ticket yesterday) and appreciate all that you give to others. I’d also add that authenticity (something you’ve touched on tons!) is also key. You’re nailing both, girl! Lots of love and keep sparkling! XX
Thank you so much Katie – so excited you’re a part of the Summit. 100% agree in the power of authenticity too <3
I can’t wait for the summit! Thinking of my blog as a place to connect and build community has made it so much more fun than just writing to/for myself and hoping for my numbers to grow, and BGB has made everything about blogging more fun.
I really want to go to a blogger meetup some day! Awesome post, connection is so key!
Can’t wait to listen to your recording at the summit! There are so many amazing bloggers and entrepreneurs attending, so excited!!
yuppp connection can bring in real friends!!!! i had no idea food blog existed when i first shared my thoughts on the interwebs too but once i started to understand, blogging has so much more meaning than just likes or shares. i love the relationship and engagement it comes with it 🙂
girl it just goes to show that all your hard work is paying off. people are taking notice, seeing the amazing things you have to offer, and they’re loving it. you’re an inspiration to many
Beverley you are too kind – thank you so much for those encouraging words. So glad this community has connected us.
Blogging is SOOOO much better with friends! I’m so glad I stumbled upon BGB a while back and am beyond pumped about the Summit! I’ve learned so much from you and Christina already AND connecting with other bloggers is still my favorite part of what we do 🙂
Thank you so much Natalie! I’m so glad you found BGB too, we’re so lucky to have ya!
This is SUCH a wonderful post! I’m so glad I stumbled across it because I absolutely agree with everything! Connecting with other people ultimately ignited me to start a blog and it’s the reason why I put so much passion into it!
Thank you so much! It’s so much fun to connect with people who really get it and want you to succeed.
This is lovely, and so spot on! I’ve been blogging for about 5 1/2 years, and I’m only now building in-person connections with fellow bloggers around the area (including Amanda from Run to the Finish 😉 ) and it has COMPLETELY changed my perspective. I now feel like I have a “tribe” and a place to go that carries my whole heart, rather than just a paycheck.
So excited to check out your presentation!
XO, Jessica
http://www.semisweettooth.com
Yess! It really does make this whole thing feel more real and meaningful when you become friends with your fellow bloggers/readers
I wish I had stumbled on this post earlier! What a fantastic idea, and I would love to take part the next time you offer this!