It’s hard to believe that I launched my first blog back in 2017. Since then, I’ve watched trends come and go, experienced seismic Google algorithm shifts, and even welcomed the rise of AI-assisted writing. Yet here I am—still blogging, still learning, and still growing. As I celebrate seven years behind the keyboard, I want to share seven key takeaways from my journey that can help both new and seasoned bloggers thrive in an ever‑evolving digital world.
1. Blogging Is Far from Dead
Remember when people declared “blogging is a dying art”? I heard it in 2017, I heard it in 2020, and I’m still hearing it today. But here’s the truth: blogging endures—so long as you adapt. Yes, the landscape has changed (AI, new platforms, revamped SEO rules), but the core of blogging—sharing your voice, expertise, and experiences in long‑form—remains relevant. If you’ve been hesitant to start, know this: the best time to launch your blog was yesterday. The next best time is right now.
2. Don’t Put All Your Traffic Eggs in Google’s Basket
In late 2023 and early 2024, the Google algorithm roller coaster sent shockwaves through the blogging community. Some sites saw 100,000‑plus monthly visits evaporate overnight. I was lucky—my traffic stayed steady—but that was no accident. Diversifying traffic sources is non‑negotiable. Alongside SEO, weave in:
- Pinterest: A powerhouse for lifestyle, travel, DIY, and more.
- Social Media: Beyond Instagram and Facebook, consider LinkedIn for professional niches or TikTok for snappy tutorials.
- Email Newsletters: Your direct line to readers’ inboxes.
By spreading your reach, you cushion yourself against algorithmic upheavals.
3. Your Email List Is Gold
Unlike fleeting social feeds, your email list belongs to you. A strong newsletter can:
- Drive consistent traffic back to your latest posts
- Build a deeper connection with your audience
- Be a platform for selling digital products or services
- Attract sponsorships and affiliate opportunities
I’ve nurtured mine from day one—now nearly 11,000 subscribers strong—and I send a weekly newsletter without fail. If you haven’t started an email list yet, make it a priority. Your future self will thank you.
4. Add a Personal Touch—Readers Crave Authenticity
In the early days of blogging, faceless “niche sites” could still dominate Google search results. Today? Readers want to connect with you—not just your content. We’re drowning in generic, AI‑generated articles, so anything that feels human stands out. Share anecdotes, lessons learned, behind‑the‑scenes peeks, or candid opinions. When you write with genuine voice and personality, your blog becomes a place readers return to, not just for facts, but for the author they’ve come to know and trust.
5. Care About Your Niche (But Balance Passion with Pragmatism)
It’s tempting to chase the hottest money‑making topics—cryptocurrency, NFTs, or wellness fads—but if you don’t care about your subject, burnout is imminent. Conversely, a niche you love but that has zero audience interest can also stall growth. Aim for sweet spot: a topic you find engaging, where you have experience, and that boasts a viable audience. My travel blogs thrived because I truly love exploring new places; my college‑advice site succeeded because I’d recently navigated campus life. Seek that blend of passion, expertise, and market demand.
6. Embrace Pinterest as a Traffic Powerhouse
When SEO traffic dips, Pinterest often picks up the slack—if you know how to use it. Unlike other social algorithms, Pinterest rewards strategic pinning, clear visuals, and keyword‑rich descriptions. Over seven years, I’ve fine‑tuned a simple system:
- Design a handful of branded pin templates.
- Schedule them consistently with a pin‑management tool.
- Refresh top‑performing pins with updated keywords.
It’s not magic, but it is remarkably effective—especially for lifestyle, DIY, food, and travel bloggers looking to diversify beyond Google.
7. Work Smarter with Shortcuts and Templates
Blogging isn’t a get‑rich‑quick scheme. It demands consistent effort—writing posts, crafting emails, promoting on social media, and optimizing content. That said, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Smart shortcuts include:
- Stock Photography: Instead of staging every shot, use high‑quality free or paid image libraries.
- Post Templates: Create a reliable structure for listicles, how‑tos, or product reviews to speed up writing.
- Selective Promotion: Focus on one or two platforms where your audience lives, rather than spreading yourself too thin.
By delegating or streamlining repetitive tasks, you free up time to focus on what you love—writing.
Looking Ahead: Will I Still Be Blogging in Seven More Years?
If seven years have taught me anything, it’s that adaptability is key. Blogging will undoubtedly evolve over the next decade—new tools, shifting algorithms, and emerging platforms will reshape how we connect with readers. But the heart of blogging—sharing stories, expertise, and personality in long‑form—remains timeless.
For anyone standing at the brink of starting a blog or wondering if it’s still worth the effort, here’s my advice: embrace the journey with curiosity, cultivate multiple traffic streams, protect your direct line to readers through email, and never lose the human touch. If I could build a six‑figure business in this dynamic space, so can you.
Here’s to the next seven years of blogging—let’s write them together.
