The document provides tips for overcoming fears and barriers to blogging regularly. It identifies common issues that cause procrastination like insecurity, perfectionism, lack of clarity on goals and priorities. The author discusses 13 strategies for getting past these mental blocks including setting low expectations, focusing on writing quality over other elements, holding oneself accountable, and finding ways to create a sense of urgency around regular posting. Regular blogging is positioned as an important practice for any writer or content creator.
4. Who am I?
• Hi, my name is Alycia Mitchell - @artdecotech
• Marketing Analytics & SEO Specialist at Sucuri
• I work with the Sucuri blog every day
• I’m super passionate about web technology
• 7 years in communications for cybersecurity
• I struggle with my personal blog
11. #4 – Unknowns
• This is new
• This is scary
• I like my comfort zone
• What is going to happen when I click publish
• How much work will I need to succeed?
12. #5 – Success
• What if I make a mistake?
• What if readers want more than I can give?
• What if I get publicity?
• What happens if I decide to stop blogging?
• What if I have haters?
13. #6 – Perfectionism
• It’s evil
• Endless planning and proofing
• Configuring every WordPress feature and integrations
• Diminishing returns – Do not pass GO; do not collect $200
• Done is better that perfect
19. #10 – Priorities
• Excuses and distractions
• Procrastination and resistance
• Trying different themes, plugins, email signup, social media accounts,
pages, menus, CSS…
• Busy life and responsibilities
21. #1 – Secure your site
• WordPress runs 25% of the internet = Big target for hackers
• Every WordPress site gets hit with bots and scanners
• Get plugins and themes from trusted sources and apply security updates
• Balance risk vs. paranoia for your comfort level
• Bare minimum (free):
• Install a backup plugin - do not store backups on your server!
• Install a security plugin (Sucuri) for auditing, hardening, and scanning
• Use unique, complex, long passwords to prevent brute force
• Best options (paid):
• Use a professional website firewall for protection
• Install a server-side scanner for monitoring and detection
• Research to plan for security incident response
22. #2 – Prepare for promotion
• Participate in one (1) relevant online community to:
• Ask and answer questions on a relevant hashtag, group, forum, Q&A site
• Research your audience and get inspiration from them.
• Find one (1) influencer in your niche who:
• Posts regularly and has time to respond to a direct message
• Might find offer feedback or find value and share your posts
• Repeat as needed.
• Set up Google Analytics (use a plugin or manually add to header.php)
• Sign up for Google Search Console
• Install an SEO plugin (Yoast) and learn a bit about using it
24. #1 – LIMBO
• Let go of other’s opinions
• Imagine everyone will love it no matter what
• Make it smaller – your goals, your posts, your expectations
• Be yourself
• Offer something to readers – what is the point of your post?
How low can you go?...
26. #2 – Get better at writing
• Maybe it has been written before – but not in your words
• First use your own imagination
• Next do some research to improve your content
• 10x content = 10 times better than other blog posts you find
• Avoid comparing yourself with others
• Everyone you admire started at the bottom of the mountain
27.
28. #3 – Hug the slog
• The grind and legwork
• The vomit on the page
• Use brainstorming and outlines to organize ideas
• Know that you will eventually clean up the mess
• Progress is, in fact, being made
• It’s about the journey!
31. #5 – Become accountable
• Get support for feedback and criticism (friends, family, meetups)
• Digital Hang nights with friends to work on projects
• Schedule time to blog in a calendar app
• Use apps to reinforce writing habits:
• Habitica - if you like RPGs, DIY, and to-do-lists (join my Bloggers guild)
• Fabulous – if you prefer guideance, a nice UI, and timers
• Network with people who share the same goals
32. #6 – Vulnerability is attractive
• Vulnerability is courage
• We love watching people embrace their flaws
• By pressing publish, you win
• By putting yourself out there, you win
• Challenges and failure = growth
• Troll kryptonite
• If someone doesn’t like your work, tell them to get on stage.
34. #7 – Make time
• What time of day is best to write?
• Piggyback on existing routines.
• What current habits are you going to trade for blogging?
• Do you need to get up earlier?
• Alarmly – take a photo to turn alarm off (ie, bathroom sink)
• Structure your day and schedule blog time – big rocks vs. sand
• Reward yourself when you stick to it
• Aim to write something every day, even just a post title
36. #9 – Record all your inspiration
• Trello, Google Keep, etc.
• Paper and pens everywhere
• Especially next to bed
• Because you’ll never remember that amazing idea you had while falling asleep
• Shower thoughts are “billable hours” for your blog
• Don’t be shy about recording ideas in front of people
• In your community, ask questions and note questions they ask
38. #11 – Escape the rut
• First, you have to get mad!:
• You know you are capable of more!
• You know you deserve better!
• Your silly brain hormones are totally not helping you right now!
• Get passionately angry – it’s better than being depressed
• Show up for yourself
• Convert your passionate energy into enthusiasm...
• Choose FIGHT (not flight) with irrational FUD
40. #13 – Relieve anxiety
• Make a list of accomplishments
• Take a gratitude break for 1 minute and be thankful for something
• Practice breathing, meditation, and affirmations
• Aim for imperfection (take that, you perfectionist!)
• Focus on baby steps, not the top of the mountain
• Do something to boost your confidence or reset your mindset
41.
42. #13 – Create urgency
• Promote your blog when you regularly posting
• Set a consistent posting schedule that readers can expect
• Pay for creative coaching or counselling
• Commit to a campaign: host a webinar, buy some ads
• No turning back when you have a deadline!
• Example: I signed up to speak at this WordCamp!