What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Starting a Website in Midlife

I’ve been part of Wealthy Affiliate, on and off, for over twelve years. Long enough to watch it evolve, to see new members come and go, to leave for a while myself — and come back.

This year, I made the decision to truly commit. I returned with a clear goal: to build a website that supports midlife and older adults who want to get online — calmly, confidently, and without tech overwhelm.

I brought with me years of experience, steady curiosity, and a teaching background that helps me explain things step by step. I created regular blog posts. I recorded videos (scary). I developed a lead magnet. I learned about SEO in 2025, coped (nearly) without my go to Jaaxy, I built tracking systems. I showed up.

And yet, what I wasn’t prepared for — even after twelve years of being around this space — was the deep, persistent quiet.

The Silence Is the Part No One Warns You About

I didn’t expect overnight results. I’ve been here long enough to know better than that. But I also didn’t expect how invisible the work would feel, even when I was doing it right.

There’s a period in website-building — and I suspect many of us hit it — where you're doing all the things:

• Publishing helpful content
• Updating older posts for SEO
• Sharing on social
• Offering something of genuine value

…and nothing seems to move.

No comments.
No referrals.
No flicker of recognition.

Even Google won't index!!!

It’s hard not to take that personally. Even when you know better. Even when you tell yourself it’s normal. Even when the training tells you, “This takes time.”

Because knowing something intellectually and feeling it emotionally are two different things.

But Here’s What I’ve Learned (and Am Still Learning)

That silence — that frustrating, disheartening middle ground — is not failure.
It’s part of the process no one talks about.
It’s the compost stage. The part beneath the surface.

And it’s the part where most people quit. Not because they’re lazy. But because the effort doesn’t echo back quickly enough to feel real. It's 'what's the point?' stage.

I’ve thought about quitting more than once in recent months. I’ve wondered if maybe my audience doesn’t exist. Or if I’m just not cut out for marketing. Or if the internet has moved on without people like me.

But I haven’t quit.
And not quitting matters.

What’s Helped Me Keep Going

After twelve years in and around this platform, I know this truth intimately:
The people who win at this aren’t necessarily the fastest or the flashiest.
They’re the ones who keep quietly showing up.

What’s kept me going is:

• A simple, sustainable rhythm (2 how-to posts + 1 thoughtful post per week + videos to accompany them)
• A content plan that reflects who I am, not just what’s trending
• A growing body of work I’m genuinely proud of — even if it hasn’t “taken off” yet
• The knowledge that when someone does find my site, it’s ready for them

And, honestly, some self reflection!.
Writing the truth helps me stay connected to the “why.”

If You’re in This Space Too…

If you’re in the stage where your content is ready, but the audience hasn’t come yet… I see you.

If you’re quietly working, refining, learning, and feeling like no one notices… I understand.

If you’re wondering whether this is worth it, whether you’re cut out for this, whether it’s ever going to click — you are not alone.

And Finally…

I’ve been around this platform a long time. Long enough to know that people come and go quickly — and that sticking around quietly often speaks louder than anything else.

If you’re here too, quietly sticking it out, I’d love to hear your story.

What’s been the hardest part for you?
What’s kept you going when results were slow?
Let’s talk about the real parts — not just the highlights.

You never know who needs to hear that they’re not alone.

Don't give up

Have a fabdiddly day

Jackie