• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Marilyns Treats

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Kitchen Tips
    • Tips That Help In The Kitchen
  • Party
    • Why Choose Linkup Parties?
  • Contact
    • Welcome to the Neighborhood!
    • Who’s That Girl?
    • Legal
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Questions All Bloggers Need To Ask Part 4 The Bottom Line

September 15, 2017 by Marilyn 65 Comments

TwitterFacebookPinterest

Questions All Bloggers Need To Ask Part 4 The Bottom Line Series Final

 

Questions All Blogger Need To Ask Part 4 The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line and Emotional Toll of a Bloggers’s Life

A few weeks ago I presented a checklist of 10 questions titled Questions All Bloggers Need To Ask. The next week we learned how to Define our Niche. Last week we tested the waters and Set Sail using our answers to define the direction and cost our blog should take as we start out. If you would like a quick review of what we worked on to date please follow the links above and read parts 1, 2, and 3 again. The rest of us will wait with our checklists, pencils and note paper while you catch up.

For this last part of the series I want to talk about a subject not really talked about at all. This topic is bloggers experiences. I am referring to the toll blogging takes on you, your family, your job, and your life. Just like any endeavor you take on, blogging affects your direction of life as well as the lives of everyone around you. Read that again. Blogging affects your direction of life as well as the lives of everyone around you. There are consequences you must deal with that affects your relationships. How you allow these to play out and how in tune you are to them will decide how you grow as a blogger and person. These last questions will show you how many circumstances that will pop up you never actually considered when you decided to start blogging. Things you weren’t prepared for before you started your journey. Things that are changing your daily life.

How you deal with these issues will strengthen and grow your personality as well as your blog. Being aware of the changes will help to keep you from experiencing second guessing yourself, burnout and failure. You aren’t going to find a definitive answer written anywhere to guide you in your direction. However you will understand what changes are taking place and you will be able to react in whatever way is best for YOU.

The remaining questions are:

3. How much do you know about the Internet? Your subject(s)? How much are you willing to learn? Are there any areas you DON’T want to be a part of?

Blogging affects your direction of life as well as the lives of everyone around you. This is a key question. In addition to finding content and publishing it there are things you have to become familiar with. Research, finding articles by others and finding out the unique way you wish to present your own response to these ideas isn’t something you just sit down and discuss. Deciding how your valuable idea and response is different than others and how it provides and answers a need of your readers can take time to develop. It is key to developing a trust and bond with your readers.

 

4. Are you willing to spend the time it takes to achieve your daily/weekly/monthly/ goals? Can you put your Blog away to take time for yourself, your family, and the unexpected?

The time you set aside for your blog has to come from areas of your day that are now spent on other activities. By choosing this time you must be conscious of where it will come from and what if anything will suffer or thrive by this change.

7. Impact on you and your family. What choices will you make in completing your goals. What are the positive effects and adverse effects? Are you prepared to compromise? 

Your work days and time spent on your blog will be different at times and that is ok. The key is BALANCE. Make sure you set your priorities every day for that day. Your career, family, faith, and health are very important and each needs to be considered. Be aware that making changes are good responses. Your readers are people just like you. They will understand if you don’t post everyday. They may not be reading blogs every day. They will be following you because they identify with you! Writing more may actually hurt you if you flood your readers with info. And your posts can get buried as your readers try to  navigate your blog.

8. What part of your goals need to be met for you to feel successful?

This final question is meant to let you know and understand when you need to step back and take stock. Allow yourself to feel positive when you have accomplished a goal no matter how small. Your biggest critic will be yourself. Allow your successes to make you feel good about the time and energy you spend. It is the little things, that when added together, create the bigger successes you achieve. Allow yourself to see the steps you have taken are moving you forward. If they aren’t, you need to reevaluate your goals.

My goal in this series is to get bloggers to realize that the trials and tribulations you face are not a burden, nor are they unique to just you. Know yourself, define your needs and never be afraid to  stumble, to change, and to grow!

 

Happy Blogging! Thank you for being a part of this series! As always I recognize how hard you work on your content! Let me help you share it. Please sign up for my weekly newsletter to be notified about future Blogger Opportunities.

You can find Part 1-4 at the links below.

Part 1 of the 4 Part Series. Questions All Bloggers Need To Ask

Part 2 of the 4 Part Series. Your Niche

Part 3 of the 4 Part Series.  Setting Sail

Part 4 of the 4 Part Series. The Bottom Line

TwitterFacebookPinterest

Filed Under: Work Smarter Tagged With: work smarter

NUTRITION DISCLAIMER

Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.

Never miss a post!

Please read my Privacy Policy for more information on how your data is used.
You might want to browse around my site a bit more and have a look at
  • My Recipe Index 
  • Kitchen Tips 
  • Party Directory
   
Previous Post: « Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones
Next Post: Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amethyst | OneSageMama

    September 28, 2017 at 8:51 PM

    I love that you touched on the commitment bloggers make and. How that affects their loved ones. I always try to balance my online life and my real life. Sometimes I’m more successful than others. Aren’t we all? Xx #fridayfrivolity

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      September 28, 2017 at 9:16 PM

      Yes Amethyst. I am in a burnout right now and reviving this series has really made me update my goals. My domain comes due in December and hosting January, so finding balance is crucial right now. It will be interesting how it turns out. Thanks for sharing your comments. Have a great week.

      Reply
  2. Erlene

    September 24, 2017 at 6:15 PM

    Blogging definitely takes a toll on the family. I actually cut back quite a bit on blogging to find more balance since my kids are still in school and at home.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      September 24, 2017 at 6:19 PM

      I am happy for you Erlene!! You can’t bring back any missed chances to make those bonds with the kids. I bet your blog hasn’t suffered at all either! I am always amazed when posts from 2-3 years ago become popular again without me posting them. Enjoy your week!

      Reply
  3. Sandra L Garth

    September 23, 2017 at 4:04 PM

    I, like others, are striving for balance. There are times when I spend way too much time online, from Pinterest, FB and just researching ideas. Thankfully, I’m retired and have lots of free time. I’ve read that you should treat your blog like a job in regards to setting hours and that’s a good idea. Thank you for sharing these suggestions.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      September 23, 2017 at 5:15 PM

      I am retired too, Sandra. When I am relaxing with the TV on or listening as my husband watches the game I also multi-task. I have had to totally only visit social media once a day. I can open FB or Pinterest and don’t realize 4 hours has slipped away! I now set a timer, and when it goes off I am done blogging for the day. Thx for your comments. Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  4. At Rivercrest Cottage

    September 23, 2017 at 1:09 PM

    Marilyn, I loved a lot of the ideas you covered on blogging. Your blog is a great example of finding your niche. I’m wondering if you might someday cover not letting ads take over one’s blog? I think if people used someone else to see how their blog’s ads operate, they might reconsider allowing so many ads to interfere with their content. I’ve actually had to discontinue going to some very good blogs because the ads overwhelm the content. Thanks for all you do to enrich people’s enjoyment of blogs.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      September 23, 2017 at 5:11 PM

      I would so love to write about the do’s and don’ts of ads. I mainly use an iPad and my screen is like 10″. Social shares on the side, ads, videos, popups, having BOTH ads and shares on the bottom cover about 90% of my screen. I can’t close them because as I scroll they come back. And many don’t realize they cover the entire left half of the comment form. Also, if a popup hits while you are trying to pin it won’t let you pin! You just hit my biggest pet peeve!! LOL. I would love to do a video of those blogs and post it to the owners. I agree, I don’t come back unless I need to. Then I pin and run. Sad. Have a great week!

      Reply
  5. Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond

    September 22, 2017 at 10:33 PM

    Some great advice here Marilyn and the hardest part for me is trying to find a balance with blogging and a life. Thanks for sharing your series with us at #BloggersPitStop and have a great weekend.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      September 23, 2017 at 10:31 AM

      Balance is the key. You are so right Sue. Balance is important in every part of your life. Defining my expectations help me keep my balance. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Enjoy your weekend!

      Reply
  6. Nancy Andres

    September 22, 2017 at 3:02 PM

    What a great post that I pinned. Visiting you at Bloggers Spotlight Link Party #82, where I posted “Favorite Fall Fruit and Vegetables.” My blogs give me much pleasure and I limit posting to twice a month when I’m able. That keeps writing (blogging) and daily living somewhat in balance. The self-care activities and physical and spiritual practices I do help me the rest of the way. Be well and thanks again.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      September 22, 2017 at 4:56 PM

      Eliminating stress and keeping balance in your life are so important. We seem to forget that in this busy world. Blessings Nancy and thanks for the pin!

      Reply
  7. Mary

    September 7, 2017 at 9:56 AM

    Marilyn this one has to be the hardest. Especially now with all those facebook groups sucking you in there is no time for a life. I have started putting the breaks on a lot of that facebook activity because it is really wearing me out.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      September 7, 2017 at 2:56 PM

      I have mostly stopped all groups on Facebook. First, the view rate isn’t worth the time. I spend only so much time a day on self promotion. I post to all my social medias once and then again when I answer comments. That spreads it out and remains consisitent. Then I add the weeks links to parties. I attend a lot of parties. I actually get more coverage by promoting others. And parties is how I do it. I find my followers are much more loyal and consistent. Also, FB suckers me in with the dang leading titles on articles. Glad someone else thinks so too! Have a good day.

      Reply
      • Jean | DelightfulRepast.com

        September 21, 2017 at 12:19 PM

        Hi Marilyn, this is a great series of posts. Facebook groups? I’m not even ON Facebook. Or Instagram or … Whew! I’ve seen food bloggers who post several times a week, are on every social media in existence, have kids and full-time jobs! How do they do it, I want to know! I post just once a week, do a little Twitter, a little Pinterest – that’s about all I can handle. I do participate in a few link parties every week and always visit and comment on some of the links. As you said, the key is balance – and that’s going to be something different for each of us.

        Reply
        • Marilyn

          September 21, 2017 at 8:46 PM

          It sure is Jean. You have a handle on your blogging and that is what is important. Many people that “juggle it all” don’t seem to realize what they are giving up. I know many that put everything on autopilot. To me, that is defeating the entire purpose of blogging. Many also have virtual assistants to do the mundane tasks. I can’t justify that for my purposes of blogging. I cut way back on social media and just share using my soical buttons. My main schedule now is republishing old recipes and doing parties. Sharing and visiting bloggers is what motivates me. As you noted, though, everyone is different. Thx for sharing your thoughts.

          Reply
  8. sue

    October 30, 2015 at 12:47 AM

    I love your knowledge and how you are so generous with helping others with blogging. Love the whole series.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 30, 2015 at 12:38 PM

      Thanks Sue. I really enjoyed doing this series. Have a great weekend.

      Reply
  9. Betty

    October 28, 2015 at 1:13 AM

    Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 28, 2015 at 10:22 AM

      You are welcome Betty! I am always happy to join.

      Reply
  10. Debbie W.

    October 27, 2015 at 9:12 PM

    Love your ideas and I really love that little table. Looking for one that size. Is yours and old one?

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 27, 2015 at 10:05 PM

      Thanks Debbie. I wish that was mine. Unfortunately it is a srock photo. If you fibd it let meknow! Have a great week.

      Reply
  11. Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom

    October 27, 2015 at 5:53 PM

    Wow Marilyn, these are such critical and reflective questions every blogger should be asking themselves.

    Impact on family… YES!! I had no idea how blog life would impact family life and it’s a constant challenge for me to reign things in and remember that for me, blogging isn’t a job and I’m here for them. For me, they must ALWAYS come first.

    Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely day.
    xoxo

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 27, 2015 at 8:37 PM

      Thanks for the input Jennifer. It was rhat exact WOW moment for me that got me to write that post. Many times my grown son who lives with me would make comments about how I am living life on my iPad. I ignored it since he is full grown and has a life of his own. It wasn’t until my 6 year old granddaughter crawled on my lap and took my iPad and asked, “grandma, don’t you want to play with me while I m still young?” That I realized just how much I was letting go. Out of the mouths of babes!

      Reply
  12. Quinn Caudill

    October 27, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    Great series Marilyn. It does tend to be a 14 hour a day job especially when you are trying to make a business out of it. I need to work on my schedule so I am not trying to work on a 100 things at once. Trying to continually learn, get better at photography and writing, create recipes and share with social media always seems like there is something that needs to be done. Thanks for sharing with us again at #Throwback Thursday.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 27, 2015 at 3:00 PM

      Thank you Quinn. I know you will hit your groove soon. Just don’t take two years like I did!

      Reply
  13. Jane @SustainMyCraftHabit

    October 26, 2015 at 10:56 PM

    Thank you for giving me something to think about. I don’t think we realized when we started how consuming blogging would be and it’s true, it’s had an effect on our family. So far though I think it’s been net-positive.
    Stopping by from the Throwback Thursday Link Party.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 26, 2015 at 11:22 PM

      Thank you Jane. I am happy to see you recgnized the things that change and are making them into positives. That is so impirtant to do to give you that selfsatisfaction and continue in a positive direction! Thanks for commenting nd have a great day.

      Reply
  14. Mary Gilbert

    October 26, 2015 at 5:37 PM

    Share….Thank you for sharing with us at #JoyHopeLive!

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 26, 2015 at 8:37 PM

      Thank you so much Mary. It is appreciated! Enjoy your day.

      Reply
  15. Jessica Powell

    October 26, 2015 at 7:56 AM

    I’ve really enjoyed this series – blogging is so addictive so it’s always great to read about what worked (and what didn’t!) for people who have been there and done it. 🙂 #anythinggoes

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 26, 2015 at 8:36 PM

      Thank you Jessica for the kind words and continuing through to the end of the series! I appreciate your comment. Have a great week.

      Reply
  16. Sarah

    October 25, 2015 at 7:38 PM

    I definitely didn’t realize the impact blogging would have on my life. Half of our family functions come about because I’m researching something or another for my blog. Fortunately, we’ve made some good memories doing it. I really enjoyed this post. Glad I found it through #theleisurelink

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 25, 2015 at 8:32 PM

      Thank you Sarah. I am glad you enjoyed it and you seem to have a good handle on what works for you! Be true to yourself. Have a great week.

      Reply
  17. Brenda

    October 25, 2015 at 7:20 PM

    I’m just getting started with blogging and there is so much I need to learn. I appreciate your perspective as I have to figure all this out!

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 25, 2015 at 8:30 PM

      Thank you Brenda for commenting
      , i hope you spend less time spinning your wheels because of my post. Just one thing to remember: As a blogger, there is always something new to learn. The trick is, deciding if what that is matters to why YOU blg. Happy blogging and have a great week.

      Reply
  18. Shellie Bowdoin

    October 24, 2015 at 9:04 AM

    Good stuff, Marilyn and it’s all oh so true. These questions are things I have been working through in the last few months. Blogging can take over your whole life if you’re not careful. Thanks for linking to #OMHGWW !!

    Shellie
    http://www.thefabjourney.com

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 24, 2015 at 5:12 PM

      You are ahead of the game Shellie! As long as you take stock once in a while nd are true to yourself you will do great with any decision you make. Thanks for also filling out a form for the directory. I really am excited about other bloggers voices in one spot to guide new and ols bloggers alike!

      Reply
  19. Terri Webster Schrandt

    October 23, 2015 at 11:09 PM

    Marilyn, you are wise beyond words! You saw by my post when you linked my dilemma in keeping the leisure link open. Thank you for linking and your faithful participation! Also, I would like to add my two cents to your request. When do you need (other than ASAP)? 🙂

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 23, 2015 at 11:40 PM

      Terri, thank you. I only have three replies and wuld like at least ten. I have a few more days to share this so anytime over the next few weeks is good. I am looking forward to it!

      Reply
  20. Random Musings

    October 23, 2015 at 8:24 PM

    Fantastic post, and some great advice about areas bloggers need to think about. I went into blogging totally blind, with no idea it would be so time consuming or addictive. Luckily, I have managed to fit it (mostly in place of Netflix and often sleep lol), but I imagine it would be a lot harder for parents in particular.
    Thanks for linking up to #AnythingGoes
    Debbie

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 23, 2015 at 8:47 PM

      Thanks Debbie for your comments. They are all valid answers and there is n wrong answer when you are true to yourself. Have a great week!

      Reply
  21. Debbie

    October 22, 2015 at 2:20 AM

    Great tips, Marilyn!
    I’ve been doing a stretch because of some studies, but you are so right: there must be balance. Otherwise, one waste time and energy, and generally, get no results.
    Thank you so much for your contributions to #tiptuesday.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 22, 2015 at 1:18 PM

      Thanks Debbie. I am in the process of making better balance in my own life.

      Reply
  22. Emily Rose

    October 21, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    Great bottom line! I loved your questions and this post in general. Makes me think harder about what I am trying to accomplish with my blog. I am still defining my niche and working on building an audience. Thanks a bunch for sharing this helpful post!

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 21, 2015 at 7:53 PM

      Thank you so much Emily Rose. I appreciate you leaving such a nice comment. I hope you come back and visit again soon! Have a great week.

      Reply
  23. Maureen | Orgasmic Chef

    October 21, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    I often ponder what I get out of blogging and I think it’s the joy of writing and the friendships I’ve made. Good series.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 21, 2015 at 10:20 AM

      Maureen those are great things to have as rewards of bloggng. You do a great job and if you ever are overwhelmed you don’t let that show. Keep up the great work. I love to visit your blog.

      Reply
  24. Horace Williams Jr

    October 20, 2015 at 11:44 PM

    Hello Marilyn,

    Thank you for this wonderful checklist! I love all 10 questions. I am going to get a copy of this to my mother who is considering starting a blog herself. I want to encourage her while making her aware of all that goes into producing a blog. Thabks again for sharing this great information!

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 21, 2015 at 10:17 AM

      Good to meet you Horace and welcome to Marilyn’s Treats. I am honored you found my checklist worthy to share with your mom. I hope she does start a blog. Blogging makes my retirement fruitful and I love the people I meet. I signed up for your email. I love how easy your blog flows, the colors, and the topics you write about. I would like to invite you to join #AnythingGoes to share some of those great ideas. You fit right in with my readers and offer a unique perspective. It runs Sunday evening thru Thursday evening every week.

      Reply
  25. Renard Moreau

    October 20, 2015 at 9:29 PM

    [ Smiles ] Yes, it is all about balance.

    Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 20, 2015 at 9:42 PM

      Thank you Renard. It is a word we need to use in our lives more often!

      Reply
  26. sue

    October 20, 2015 at 9:26 PM

    A great series Marilyn with invaluable information. I think this is the hardest of all – not letting blogging take over your life! Some really great tips here and I look forward to your printable. Thanks for sharing at #WednesdaysWisdom.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 20, 2015 at 9:41 PM

      Thank you Sue. It is important to take stock and keep on top of your priorites, isn’t it?

      Reply
  27. Emily

    October 20, 2015 at 8:17 PM

    Thanks for sharing your insight and experience. I had no idea how much time blogging would take when I first started. Since my son is young, I usually only work on my blog while he is sleeping which isn’t a whole lot. You are right, it certainly affects those around us as well.

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 20, 2015 at 9:40 PM

      Thanks Emily for sharing your situation. It sounds like you have a handle on it and that is wonderful! You are doing great.

      Reply
  28. Valerie

    October 20, 2015 at 6:42 PM

    Hello! I have been blogging for 4 months and I’m at it like a full-time job. I need to work on letting some blog stuff go in order to balance my family life with 4 kiddos! Thank you for the needed reminder today (as I read blogs lol).

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 20, 2015 at 6:59 PM

      You are welcome Valerie. It is o easy to fall into the trap of wanting a COMPLETE blog right away. In my first 18 months of blogging I put up 700 recipes. I realized that most people only read blogs other than favorites a few hours a week. I had put out most of my recipes and now those are so hidden inside my blg most can’t be found. Once you realize that, slowing down is easier! Good luck. And of course, read my blog everyday! jK!

      Reply
  29. Jess

    October 20, 2015 at 3:33 PM

    You always write the best posts for new bloggers! 🙂

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 20, 2015 at 6:56 PM

      Thanks Jess. I read all your tutorials when I was starting out!

      Reply
  30. Julie

    October 20, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    Thanks so much Marilyn for sharing this blog info with us at Cooking and Crafting with J & J.
    We can’t wait to see what you will share with us next week!

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 20, 2015 at 8:55 AM

      Thanks Julie. I love your party!

      Reply
  31. Jo-Anne

    October 19, 2015 at 11:35 PM

    Hi just dropped by to check things out and say Hi can’t stop have to go and wake up as sick little boy asleep on the bathroom floor and go and get another little boy from school, but I was here and I will drop by again

    Reply
    • Marilyn

      October 20, 2015 at 8:47 AM

      Thanks Jo-Anne for taking a minute out if your busy day to visit. Hope the kids are better today. I look forward to seeing you soon.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Get notified of Recipes or Parties!

Please read my Privacy Policy for more information on how your data is used.

Find it here!

Appetizers Sidebar   Bakery New Sidebar   Brunch Sidebar   Dessert Sidebar   Dinner New Sidebar   Sauces and Sides New Sidebar   Snacks Sidebar   Tips Sidebar  

About Marilyn

I am Marilyn Lesniak. Writer, Photographer and Chief Bottle Washer behind the scenes at Marilyn's Treats. There are always dirty dishes in my kitchen and something cooking in my oven. Read More…

Copyright © 2019 Marilyns Treats on the Foodie Pro Theme

This site uses cookies to provide you a better user experience: Click for Privacy Policy