Is Anybody Out There? Hang in There, Travel Bloggers
Recently I've noticed more than a few travel bloggers becoming frustrated. Frustrated about being passed over for blogging opportunities. Frustrated at being left off lists of “top” travel bloggers. Frustrated over feeling left out of the clique of “cool” travel bloggers who seem to be so much more successful than everyone else.
Someone said that travel blogging feels a lot like being back in high school. The kids who are deemed cool remain so, and it's difficult for any newcomers to reach that same level of coolness.
I've felt frustrated, too. It's not easy to always feel left out, or feel like you're lagging behind with no chance of catching up. I think it's especially bad when I put a blog post out there that I'm really proud of, and then it flops. Some days, I wonder who I'm even blogging for; I wonder if anyone is even out there, paying attention.
But I think this feeling of frustration is only natural.
The “cool kids” of travel blogging started in the exact same place that I am now. True, there wasn't as much competition in the travel blogging market a decade ago as there is now. But everyone has to start somewhere.
So, on those days when I start feeling frustrated, I try to remind myself of a few things:
- It's not the end of the world if no one leaves a comment, or retweets my new post. Sure, it's disheartening. But, in the grand scheme of things, one off day shouldn't ruin my whole week. If anything, it should just inspire me to try harder next time.
- Sometimes, it's just dumb luck. I can write what I think is a brilliant post, but maybe I just post it on the wrong day. Maybe the people who would also view it as brilliant just aren't around. And maybe the next day, when I post some silly Top 10 list, that's the day someone like Lonely Planet decides to retweet my post. Often, I think it's just one of those things that's very hard to predict, and impossible to control.
- There can be no success without failure. I'm really just a baby blogger when it comes to the travel blogging universe. I haven't been doing it for that long, and yet I'm slowly crawling my way up in the ranks. The little successes — the RTs from Lonely Planet, the occasional big boosts in traffic — feel even better due to the little failures. If I keep at it and don't let the frustrations ruin the experience, eventually those successes will come more and more frequently.
- It's not anyone's “fault.” I cannot blame everything on the successful bloggers. I can be jealous that they continually get opportunities I would kill for, but I can't blame them for being successful. They've worked hard to get where they are, and what I should be doing is taking note of how they made it happen for themselves.
Obviously I'm not going to become one of the “cool kids” overnight. Contrary to popular belief outside of blogging circles, travel blogging is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, and even more dedication. It's not something you can just half-ass and expect to be successful at.
I know that, in the end, I'm the only one who can make my blog as successful as I want it to be.
And no amount of whining or feeling sorry for myself is going to change that fact.
Are you feeling like this too? Are there days when you feel like you're just screaming into a void, begging to know if anybody is even out there?
Well, you're not alone. Believe me.
Giving advice on handling this sort of frustration is near impossible. But here are the best tips I can come up with to try and break into that “cool kids” clique. It's my plan of attack, at least:
- Post a variety of quality things. Some insightful, some silly, some practical. You don't want to pigeon hole yourself into one specific sort of advice or writing. (Or maybe you do?) Especially when first starting out, I think a bit of experimentation with your writing can help you figure out what works and what doesn't for your blog. But, no matter what, focus on quality. Proofread your stuff. Make people believe that you know what you're talking about.
- Stay true to yourself. Even though you want to try and hone in on what people want to read by trying a variety of approaches, you also want to stay true to yourself. Don't write about something you don't enjoy. And certainly don't write about something you don't believe in, just because it's what you think people want to hear. Stay true to your own convictions; your voice will shine through.
- Don't make comparisons. No two blogs are the same, because no two bloggers are the same. You shouldn't be comparing yourself to others, or feeling bad because you don't feel like you stack up. If all bloggers were the same, what would be the point? Be who you are, and others will undoubtedly appreciate it.
- Read and comment on other blogs. If you remain in your own little blogging bubble, it's going to be much more difficult for people to find you, and — more importantly — relate to you. Read other travel blogs. Leave comments and share your insights. After all, how can you expect others to do the same on your blog if you're not doing it yourself? Plus, reading other blogs can give you a sense of different styles, and perhaps help you figure out the sorts of things you do and do not want to write about yourself.
- Be active in social networking. Start a Twitter account. Utilize StumbleUpon. Create a Facebook page. Engage with your potential readers, and forge some online relationships with other travel bloggers. Not only will you make some friends, but it's likely that you can help each other out by driving new traffic to one another's sites.
- Be open to guest blogging. A good way to gain some free exposure when you're just starting out is to write a guest post for another (perhaps even more successful) blog. Save something good for your guest posts, and you'll likely be rewarded with some new readers.
- Try new things. Never tried your hand at video editing? Not sure if travel photography is really your thing? Try it out anyway. Who knows, you may discover a new talent. And adding things like strong images and video to your blog will only make it more appealing.
And, most importantly:
- Don't give up. If travel blogging is really what you want to pursue, then don't let those rough days get you down. Don't let anybody tell you that you'll never succeed. Because, if you're serious about it, I think you can make it happen. You have to be persistent. You have to actively go after what you want. Eventually, it will pay off.
The frustrating days suck. But, often, at the end of those days, I get an e-mail from someone who has just discovered my blog, or a great comment, or a kind retweet from someone I respect. And those make all the difference.
So hang in there, fellow travel bloggers.
Because, yes, it seems there is somebody out there, paying attention.
Do you sometimes get frustrated with blogging, too? How do you cope?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
Stumbling on this post rather late (2 years late – almost), but I enjoyed reading every piece of advice you’ve given. Sometimes I too wonder if anyone out there is really reading (and appreciating) what I’ve written, and if they find it good enough to share it out with others. Sometimes, calling it quits looks like a viable option. But the occasional email or comment from a reader (or fellow blogger) reassures that yes I do have an interested audience, and that I should stay in there.
I have a feeling though that bloggers doing it on the road – sharing their round the world trip experiences etc. – find it easier to get a larger audience than the less mobile ones. But there’s an audience for everyone, if you know what to do, and do it for long enough.
Thanks Amanda.
You are very welcome, Timothy. And yes, I know that it seems like the permanent nomads have an easier time gaining an audience. But, if it makes you feel any better, I’ve built up this site while largely NOT traveling and living/working at home!
Thank you for writing posts like this! I knew I looked up to you for a reason and that was before I read all your amazing, helpful and encouraging posts! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Aww, you’re gonna make me blush! I’m glad you’re finding posts like this helpful! 🙂
This is a great post, made all the more epic from the comments now spanning 2010, 2011, 2012!
Thanks, Nate! It’s been amazing to see the comment count on this post grow, and also amazing to realize that it’s still helpful to people even after all this time!
I’m only a year or two late to the party, but THANKS for this post Amanda. It’s funny reading all of these comments now, as so many of the other bloggers that were once struggling are flourishing and others have simply stopped posting or lost patience. I just happened to find this on your sidebar and realized I’d never read it.
I try to be like you and stay on the positive end of things – thank goodness we’re getting traffic at all, thank goodness we are slowly gaining readers, thank goodness for the handful of experienced and wonderful travel bloggers that do lend a hand to new blogs that aim to create great content. It’s a slow process, and I knew that when we started Wanderlusting a few months ago it would probably be years before anything paid off.
Just look at yourself though! A little over a year later, and I’m the one feeling honored you commented on my post about Romania. Thanks for being one of the kids that is more concerned with being a nice kid than a cool kid… it shows (and you were cool in my book before anyway)!
It’s always great to still get comments on this post, even though so much time has gone by since I published it. I’m glad this gave you a little boost after reading it, and it’s good to hear that you share my positive attitude towards blogging. It’s how I approach mostly everything in life, and I’ll definitely say that having a good attitude helps me get through the rough days much easier! I don’t see the point in being anything but nice, unless you give me a reason not to be. 😉
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I am just starting out (my blog has been up for only a couple months) but I am determined to make it succeed.
It is hard some days, though, when I have been working so hard at this for the last couple months, and I only have a relative handful of readers so far…
How do I know if I am on the right track with what I am doing? What milestones do you think I should be looking for down the road? It is just so hard to know what to expect and what to be able to look forward to…
It is hard when you’re just starting out, Shanna – it may not seem like it now, but I was right in your shoes not so very long ago. My advice is to just stick with it if you really enjoy what you’re doing.
As far as milestones and benchmarks, I really can’t give much advice there, since “success” is defined differently by everyone… But when you’re on “the right track,” you’ll know – your traffic numbers will begin to rise, and you’ll be getting more comments and interaction on your blog. Interaction is really the key!
Always worth remembering your travel blog is NOT aimed at other travel bloggers. Check out your traffic metrics, see who’s reading. Your really need to aim your site at the general public who are not travel bloggers. Maybe your site will inspire them to be one some day (you’re doing great work in this section of your site). Don’t judge your success against other travel bloggers. Sure you could copy them and their advice on becoming “successful” but success is a relative measurement. It’s whatever you want it to be. Whether it’s money, notoriety, traffic, praise, etc.
If you’re blogging just to beat other bloggers in “top blogger” lists then you may want to rethink what you’re blogging for. Blog because you love to travel and share that advice. The more focussed you are on what you think “success” is the more you’re likely to achieve it.
Yes, I agree that a travel blog should not be geared towards other bloggers (unless of course the blog is about travel blogging… then that’s different), But even if they aren’t meant to be your main audience, the truth is that bloggers do tend to read each others’ stuff. And they also tend to be pretty supportive of one another. And, on the “off” days, sometimes it’s nice just to know that somebody else is out there who understands what you’re going through.
This post definitely wasn’t written for my general audience, but I’m still glad I wrote it!
It’s important to stay positive – a good attitude will help you keep your focus of writing good quality posts about your exciting adventures. Like you said yourself, ignore the “cool kids” attitude that some might have and you’ll power through and be successful.
I’m in the process of interviewing travelers (and travel bloggers) about their current and upcoming trips. If anyone is interested in being interviewed for our blog, shoot me a message to info [at] budgetyourtrip.com. We’re always interested in showcasing new bloggers and travelers that are doing something amazing with their life.
Hang in there Amanda, your blog is great!
Always good to get an upbeat encouragement. Thanks!
My pleasure!
I love how encouraging your posts are, especially this one. These are some really nice, solid pieces of advice for a beginner travel writer. I like the part about staying true to yourself the best. That and I love the point that you should retweet and help out fellow travel bloggers by sharing their work with others. The travel blogging community is quick to offer help and assistance to others, so even “bad days” don’t feel so bad when you know you have a forum of kind, encouraging people to rely on!
I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Jill! Thanks for reading and for leaving such a nice, encouraging comment in return!
I think staying true to yourself is great advice no matter what the situation. But especially when writing, keeping your voice above all else should at least help you feel more confident in what you’re doing. And, yes, in general, the blogging community is amazingly helpful. Whenever I’m in need of advice, I always know I have plenty of people to turn to.
Thank you very much for this insightful post! As a new travel blogger, I’m still feeling my way around this new world that is the travel blogging community, which can be intimidating to an outsider. It’s refreshing to see an honest, down-to-earth view of the community. Thanks again, and I look forward to reading more of your posts!
Well welcome to the neighborhood, Meggie! I know that this community can indeed seem intimidating in the beginning. But don’t let that get you down. There are a ton of super friendly travel bloggers out there who love to help each other out. Don’t be afraid to reach out! And good luck!
I’m having a particularly frustrating and disheartening blogging day and just happened upon this post- I couldn’t have found it at a better time, and I very much appreciate your putting it out there. It’s incredibly difficult to put in so much effort, follow all of the advice and “rules,” and put yourself out there through your writing to have no one react or notice at all. It’s incredibly exhausting but at the end of the day, I have to remember to do it for me.
I’m sorry to hear you’re having a frustrating blogging day. 🙁 But, if it makes you feel any better, we’ve all been there! Many, many times. I hope this post gave you at least a little hope! Hang in there. It will get better!
At the end of the day you write for yourself. And that’s what really matters.
Judging by the amount of comments on this post, you are doing fabulous!! But yes, I get frustrated so very often too, But then I need to remind myself that I started writing my blog for myself and for my own memories and outlet. And I have been proud that I have kept it up for three years, despite not being in a consistent mode of travel. But it doesn’t hurt when I see someone has added themselves to my list of readers or when I get a comment!
We all need those little reminders sometimes – even I do, despite the fact that I know I’m doing well now. But you’re right – the little things like comments or RTs or Facebook “likes” never hurt!
Great post!! So glas I found it. I “started” a blog a few weeks ago, I say “started” b.c. I pretty much got everything set up then when it was time to actually write I got so nervous about things like this I just made myself “too busy”. So freaking lame, but you’ve inspired me! Thanks!
Don’t let the nerves get to you, Manuela! If blogging is something you really want to do, just do it. Write for yourself first, and worry about everyone else later. It’s no use stressing yourself out about it, otherwise you’ll never truly enjoy it!
Good luck!
This sure did get a lot of comments- found it because of your My 7 Links post, so I guess it was worth jumping on the chain letter. I enjoyed reading the blog and it sure did get a lot of response. Even some “A List” travel bloggers. Good job!
Yes, this post continues to get traffic and comments — which is almost ironic, considering the topic! (In fact, some recent commenters have even pointed this out.) But I can say for sure that, when I wrote it, I had NO IDEA it would get such an overwhelming response!