Everyone of us has a story, and it’s as remarkable as we make it. We are but mere humans – which means we have lots of  imperfections but each of us also experiences joy, passion, love and lust for life in some capacity. For some material goods will make their heart happy. Others may be satisfied by enjoying the sunrise each morning. With that being said, we all have a commonality. Whether it’s because of our role in a family, belief system, profession, pursuing a quirky hobby or being a dream chaser – take comfort. There are people out there that are just like you. When you start a blog you get to build that community as far and wide as you want. If you want to start a blog then you should! Today we’re going to discuss the top 5 blogging myths that prevent people from beginning their own.

5 Blogging Myths That Are Absolute Hogwash

A lot of people will never start a blog. Chances are because of one of the five blogging myths listed below. By blogging myths, I mean excuses. But they don’t actually stand up to scrutiny. Take it from someone who’s only been pursuing it seriously for a few months. They are holding you back, are pretty ridiculous, and unfounded.

1. “It seems intimidating. I could never set that up, I’m not a website designer.”

If I can figure out the technicalities behind the scenes, you can too! Lack of confidence in your skills with electronics is one of the top blogging myths that many listen to. Especially if you’re willing to make a small investment into a company that provides excellent customer service. Even if you choose to do this in a completely free manner – truth bomb – you don’t have to be a coding expert. I sure as heck am not. But much like any other hurdle, you can probably find an answer on the internet. Or in the supportive network of people you discover along the way.

Now that doesn’t mean there will not be a learning curve. Or that you won’t spend a few minutes feeling like  you want to pull your hair out. Or like a straight day or two starting out.

But it’s less frustrating than trying to learn to paint with watercolors. So that’s promising. (Literally those lasted an afternoon, I’ve been doing this since August.

2. “It’s too expensive. I don’t have room in my budget for that financial investment right now.”

Another common bullet on the list of blogging myths is that it’s going to cost you an arm and a leg. A blog is not something that is inherently expensive to begin monetarily. You can choose to invest more in other places on your blog (design, etc.), and even eventually hire out to do the things you don’t want to learn. But you don’t have to right away. In all honesty if you truly want to invest in something (whatever it is), you will find a way.

In college I was able to pay all of my bills, but I didn’t have expendable income. I did the paycheck to paycheck thing which is so hard. Because it’s cyclical. There are holidays, and birthdays and every now and then you want to buy a new piece of clothing or eat something from a restaurant. I get it. I’ve been there. But I didn’t want to be stuck there forever.

So I applied feverishly for scholarships until I was able to afford a digital camera my junior year. Then I took my experience from my photography class and started my own fledgling business. In high school I was so involved at school I didn’t have a job. But I knew that whenever I needed money I could play my violin at the farmers market on Saturday for a few hours to make a few bucks. Which bought my prom dress and gave me some spending money.

It also got me a lot of questionable looks when I bought an entire basket of hobby lobby products with $1 bills.

There is nothing shameful in working hard to make an honest dollar to support your dreams. I realize that not everyone can afford to take a class to make money on the side, grew up playing an instrument, etc. But if you want something bad enough you will find a way. Maybe it’s making plates of food to sell. Perhaps it’s offering to mow lawns for $10/pop. Or shoveling snow (if you don’t live in the land of enchantment.) Walking dogs. Watching houses. Babysitting. They may not be the most glamorous of jobs, but they still work.

It’s also important to note that if you get better at blogging and pursue it seriously, you can definitely make good money doing so. I mean the blogger behind Making Sense of Cents made over a million dollars last year.

3. “I don’t know why people would even read what I write. What do I know? I’m just an ordinary person.”

I think the most common of the blogging myths I hear from people interested in starting a blog is this one. You may not feel special all the time. But your experiences could help someone.You have a purpose in this life. You were created this way for a reason.

So you’re not a perfect mom, but you try awful hard. Your work with a tight income, you have kids you love and raised them well. You strive to keep up with the cooking, cleaning, being a wife and a human.

Do you know how many blog posts you could write from that description alone that could honestly help people?

You’ve been a mom. That means you’ve made it through carrying a child. Childbirth. The first year. The terrible twos. The angst-filled teen years. You’ve raised kids. You have a method to your madness even if it isn’t for everyone.

You work on a tight income? I bet you have a budget you worked hard to put together. That you’re inventive and resourceful regarding ways to make extra money.

Your house/apartment isn’t immaculate but it’s definitely not hoarder status? You’ve worked with your husband to make improvements. You have a cleaning system/schedule?

Congratulations, you have so much to share! I realize that these are the basics and they may not be too glittery on the surface. But these are questions people honestly need answers to.

You know what, this is something that seasoned bloggers deal with too. It’s called imposter syndrome. But wherever you are at in life, you have a testimony and you should share whatever you’re comfortable with.

4. “I don’t have time but will one day.”

This statement kills more dreams than failure or doubt ever will. Instead of saying “I don’t have time” try inserting “It’s not a priority for me” and see if that changes your perception. We all have to balance. You’re talking to someone with a full-time job who spends fifteen to twenty-fours on this blog each week. Trust me, it’s doable. If you want some guidance in time management, the pomodoro technique is a great way to find more hours in your day.

I don’t have kids. So my structure and schedule is going to look different than everyone else’s. But everyone has a little bit of down time, no matter how brief. You are the master of how you spend your time. For pete’s sake J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter when her kids laid down for a nap everyday.

We all have the same amount of time in a day. How you choose to budget yours is up to you.

5. “There is no benefit for my business to invest in a blog.”

Again, false. There are certain things in your own niche that only you have to deal with. Even if you’re not a doctorate level expert in it you probably have more knowledge about it than the average person. It may not be glamorous, but it may be needed information for the average person.

If you provide people with valid pertinent information regarding a subject – don’t you think they’ll purchase the product or service from you next time?

If you’re not interested in providing information to your customer base in this way that’s your call. But at least do it once weekly so people understand that you are a human and work in an office full of humans.

If you want to blog, you should! Over the next few weeks we’re going to show you the basics to get you started blogging successfully.

Thanks for reading!

Lauren