All right! Your blog is up and running. You’ve created and filled out your profile on all the hot social networking sites. You follow all the key blogging and marketing experts. You’ve pinned and favorited those massive infographics crammed with social media helps. You participate in linkups and engage, engage, engage! You’re doing everything you’re supposed to be doing, and yet this nagging feeling persists that something is off. The idea of disappearing and taking up residence inside a cave grows more appealing with every passing moment.
Yeah, this is doable. I wouldn’t need much. A few pants and tops. Some underwear. I could wash them in a stream and line dry them. I can live off the vegetation. After all, I’ve always wanted to be vegan, and I would no longer be tempted by Cinnabon or Ben & Jerry’s. Sleeping on the ground won’t be a problem. I mean, all that yoga prepared me for that, right? I will have to learn to build a fire. Should be easy. If cavemen did it, so can I. Yeah… yeah…
Ohhhhh-kayyyyy! Let’s put that fantasy on hold and reassess. It’s not as bad as you think it is. Yes, blogging and social media can be overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it entirely on your own. But the beautiful thing is that you are not alone. Communities exist where the members are eager to help and see you thrive. These are great forums for asking questions or bouncing around ideas. (Hmm, does IBA ring a bell? *wink*)
You may even benefit from a consultation with a marketing strategist. While you should certainly tap into the invaluable, free advice from various sources, perhaps you need a more tailored approach. Unless you’re comfortable with and knowledgeable in marketing, this could be challenging (and a contributing factor to your need to run!). A professional can review your work with fresh eyes and guide you in developing a plan that will yield results… and allow you to keep your marbles!
So, the next time you get the urge to hit DELETE on all of your efforts, pause, breathe, sip some tea or wine, and turn to your peers for help. When you belong to a terrific group, those peers become your friends ‒ bonus!! Hey, you’ve made it this far; you’ve got what it takes to see it through… and your friends will be there every step of the way!
If you are interested in a marketing consult, I highly recommend Nerdy Girl Websites.
About the Author: Elle writes about Classics, linguistics, languages, and social change. Words and grammar inanely amuse her. She rides a pegasus to work everyday.