From Writer's Block to Self-Doubt: Understanding the Challenges of Starting a Blog

byBrendaMZ

6.9K followers

1 year ago

(cover image: paper pad with some paper crunched up after writing, like writer's block)

From Writer's Block to Self-Doubt: Understanding the Challenges of Starting a Blog

Do you want to start your blog but are overwhelmed by the project task ahead? Hey, You're not alone. Many bloggers here at Wealthy Affiliate face challenges that prevent us from putting our ideas into words. We put off publishing because self-doubt takes over.

Starting a successful blog can be difficult due to several obstacles, including writer's block and self-doubt. I share some tips on overcoming these common challenges so you can get rolling!

A lot of these tips I recommend are from my own experience and how I choose to overcome my writer's block and self-doubt.

Let's Get Rolling-shall we?

BrendaMZ's Personal Challenge with Writer's Block and Self-Doubt

I was like this four years ago. I have faced this obstacle for many years. I know how this feels. It sucks. The platform encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, and it took me some time to eliminate my self-doubt.

Thanks to my Prince from London, UK! The only YELLING- Prince ParthaB got me going.

He is the one who kicked me in my arse and told me to start writing.

Now, I am writing tons of content for everyone on this platform to read!

Why Starting a Blog is Challenging

Starting a blog can be challenging since you must learn how to plan content ideas. It can take much work to determine who our target audience is and how to write engaging, relevant, and exciting content.

Self-doubt can be a challenge for bloggers, as it makes them doubt whether or not their words are worthwhile or that anyone will notice them.

Creating and maintaining a blog involves a lot of practical considerations, such as selecting a domain, choosing an attractive theme, and promoting it.

Still, these can all be accomplished with creativity and effort.

What are Some Challenges Bloggers Face in the Beginning?

New bloggers face these struggles:

Procrastination due to lack of knowledge- As a new blogger, it is challenging to know what to do first or how to do it. Many new bloggers need to take more action.

Self-doubt and staying positive- every journey begins with a bit of self-doubt. It is essential to stay positive and keep pushing through these doubts.

Time management issues-Building an audience takes time, effort, and patience. You must update your content regularly, promote your blog on social media, and build relationships with other bloggers.

Lack of motivation to research can be a challenge for new bloggers. I would like you to stay informed about the topics you are writing about and the current trends in the blogging world.

Creating content that stands out -from the crowd can be intimidating, especially as a beginner. It takes practice and experimentation to write content that resonates with readers.

Creating content that resonates with readers: Writing content that engages readers can be challenging for new bloggers. Understanding your audience and learning how to write for them takes practice and experience.

Structure of Conent-the first time you start a blog, it can be challenging to figure out where to begin and how to structure the content.

Lack of Learning New Skills-It can be intimidating to start a blog if you have no prior experience in coding, design, marketing, etc., but it is necessary if you want your blog to succeed.

Regular blog posting schedule issues: Managing your time is essential to posting quality content consistently - keeping up with the regular posting schedule and promoting your blog takes much time.

Learning SEO- your blog must succeed through search engine optimization (SEO). New bloggers often find themselves overwhelmed by all the information on SEO and need help figuring out where to start.

Finding traffic sources-Finding the best traffic sources for a particular niche can be challenging. The success of your blog depends on the number of visitors you generate. Among the SEO optimization techniques you can use are link-building or paid search engine ad campaigns.

Overcoming Writer's Block

It is essential to relax if you are experiencing writer's block. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that everyone goes through periods of creative drought. The key is not to force the issue.

Instead, try some of these things that I did, and it worked:

Occasionally, the best way to get out of a rut is to take a break from the thing causing the problem.

Go for a walk, watch a movie, or read a book.

You may be stuck on one topic, so try writing about something completely different to jumpstart your brain and get the creative juices flowing.

Talking through your ideas with someone else can help you see them in a new light and give you new perspectives.

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you get over writer's block and help you move forward.

Dealing with Self-Doubt

When it comes to blogging, self-doubt can be a big obstacle. After all, putting your thoughts and opinions out there for the world to see can be scary.

But it's important to remember that everyone feels this way at first.

The key is to push through and keep writing.

Here are a few tips for dealing with self-doubt:

Write for yourself first and foremost. You don't need to worry about what others will think of your work.

You can focus on getting your thoughts down on paper (or screen).

Remember that everyone starts somewhere. You're expected to be flawed from the get-go. Just keep writing, and you'll improve over time.

You can find a community of fellow bloggers. These people will understand what you're going through and can offer helpful advice and encouragement.

Take breaks when needed. Step away from your blog if you're feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

Come back refreshed and ready to write again.

Be proud of your accomplishments. Whenever you hit "publish" on a new post, give yourself a pat on the back—you did it!

Developing a Writing Schedule

If you plan to write your post regularly, setting up a writing schedule to keep up with your work is best. This is easier said than done, especially if you're starting. You can make time to write, edit, and promote your posts without forgetting your daily obligations.

It can be helpful to schedule a specific writing day or time each week.

Can you make sure that you follow your schedule as closely as possible?

Sometimes you can write less than you planned or feel you need to write less.

That's okay! Can you get back on track as soon as you can?

Consistency is crucial to blogging success! It might not be ideal, but it's better than nothing if you can get up earlier or later if you need assistance writing.

Or, if you have some flexibility in your schedule, take a couple of hours during your lunch break or after work/school.

Regardless of your plan, please ensure it works for you and you can stick to it.

Tips To Overcome Blogging Obstacles

There are a few key things to remember to overcome the obstacles. Then, I would like to focus on the following tips to help you get going.

1. Be passionate about your topic. You can find a subject you're genuinely interested in and let that shine through in your posts. If you're not excited about what you're writing about, your readers won't be either.

2. Write regularly. In blogging, consistency is crucial – try to post at least once or twice a week, even if it's just a short update. New bloggers get excited, then quickly fade away after a few weeks. Keep your readers returning for more, and your search engine ranking will improve.

3. Engage with your audience. Have conversations with your readers by asking questions, responding to comments, and guest-posting on other blogs. The more you interact with other people in the blogosphere, the more likely they are to become regular readers of your blog.

4. Keep Learning New Skills. Word press and SEO, and follow the lessons of experienced bloggers to learn more about how o better your blog.

5. Promoting your blog. Share your new posts on social media, participate in online forums, and reach out to other bloggers and influencers in your field (again, with permission) to let them know about your

6. Network with other bloggers. Find other bloggers willing to talk with you who can help you grow your reach and find new audience segments.

7. Stay organized: Keep track of deadlines, ideas for posts, drafts, and published content. All those workflows help keep everything on track.

Final Thoughts

Starting a blog can be incredibly challenging, especially when dealing with writer's block and self-doubt. Proper preparation, researching topics you’re passionate about, scheduling regular content updates, and giving yourself time off from writing are all essential components of getting started. If you’re overwhelmed by starting a blog, don’t worry – remember that everyone has been where you are before! Just go and do it!

PS: Additional Resources 

How to cure writer's block, 101 blogging ideas

Dealing With Writers Block

Writing Within a Devised Plan Architecture