The Five Things I’ve Learned as a New Blogger

It is Hard Work!

Scrolling through Instagram and looking at bloggers’ feeds can leave you with the impression they live very glamorous lives.  Before I began to understand the world of influencing and blogging, I remember wondering what “those girls” did for a living that allowed them the time to create such beautiful content.  It was obvious that it took time and work…I just didn’t understand how MUCH time! I realized I was following a lot of women who are full time influencers and bloggers and making life and style look perfect is their job!  It takes planning and work to create the curated images you see on Instagram and blogs. I am still working on my basic photography skills and learning to capture a great outfit shot. I would love to create product and lifestyle shots in the future! 

I researched “how to start a blog” for months before I launched “Her Best Always” in March of this year.  I bought a new Mac computer, downloaded and tried a dozen photography apps and have spent countless hours on YouTube learning to use WordPress (website builder).  And, this is everything that happens BEFORE researching sales and ordering work wear fashion that is affordable. (Yes, I still pay for all of my clothes!)

It has been a lot of work, but at the same time it has allowed me to use a different skill set than in my daily work life and I have a lot of fun doing it (most of the time – see wonderful husband section below)!

Women Can Be Supportive!

Let’s face it, large groups of women aren’t always the most welcoming, encouraging and uplifting sector of society.  Maybe that sounds harsh, but you know what I mean…we can be caddy, competitive and gossipy. I have no doubt that goes on in the world of blogging/influencing, just like it does in every other area of business… BUT…

I have honestly talked with and met the sweetest and most supportive women on my journey.  I have reached out to other bloggers (both micro influencers and women with 400k followers) to ask questions and have almost always received answers and support.  I have met some serious #bossbabes who are running their little slice of the world and killing it both in their daytime careers and as an influencer. I have received some of my collaboration contacts because another woman recommended me for the job…how amazing is that?  

So far so good…wish me luck in dodging any haters and “mean girls” out there!

Quality Over Quantity Matters

I set so many goals when I started this journey…goals that I have realized just aren’t attainable right now.  Most of my goals had to do with quantity. How many posts on Instagram per week, how many blog posts I can publish in a month, how many new followers this week…it was all about numbers!  

Quality has also been super important to me, and this journey has taught me that quality over quantity DOES matter!  It matters to you, it matters to the ever frustrating Instagram algorithm, and it matters to brands. As it should.

I have definitely put a few posts up on Instagram that I wasn’t in love with, just to “get something up.”  I regretted it as soon as I did and my analytics later confirmed what my gut told me.

Quality has always mattered to me, but the social media game seemed to support quantity over quality at first glance.  I have found that it really doesn’t. This is good news…I would much prefer being able to slow down and focus on quality content.

Photography by: Josh Hartman

The Comparison Game Will Kill You

Turns out, I don’t have the best body image.  This blog is FORCING me to work on it.  I’m really trying to be happy with where I am right now…older and out of shape!   

I literally named my blog, “Her Best Always” and I rarely feel my “best” lately.  A few months ago I wondered if that meant I was a fraud. I didn’t want to be a fraud to my audience…I wanted to be as real as possible.  I try to jump on stories after an exhausting day or after I’ve left the gym, so you can see the real Jenny!  

“Comparison is the thief of joy” – Theodore Roosevelt

What I have to keep telling myself is that “Her Best Always” doesn’t mean looking your “best black tie gala” self all the time.  It just means that if you put a little bit of extra effort in getting yourself together, for any occasion, that you will feel better.  Sometimes my “best” is throwing on a cute baseball hat to cover up my day 4 dry shampoo head…but that is OK!

So, don’t compare your worst day to someone’s best shot of 100 attempted shots for Instagram!  Next time you are scrolling and you stop at something or someone beautiful, think about what is BEST about you.  I’m not talking about clothes or exterior image either…are you trying to be the BEST mom to your kids? (note I also said “trying” – which is all we can do)  Are you the BEST career woman you can be? BEST spouse? BEST daughter or sister?

This is one of those areas where it is sooo much harder to practice what you preach.

My Husband is Wonderful!

I knew this before I married him and before blogging…but, this new venture of mine has taken a lot of hours away from “us” and he has really stepped up and been supportive throughout it all.  He always says, “yes” or “you should” when I discuss different opportunities.

His #instahusband skills are on point! I tend to get a bit bossy and flustered shooting looks in 90 degree heat, but he keeps trying until he gets a shot that makes me happy.  He has acted as my “assistant” on photoshoots with pro-photographers and has had to learn the difference between a wedge, mule and slide! He even hiked up and down sand dunes carrying outfits and a bag of accessories on this featured photoshoot in Michigan!

He probably doesn’t realize I am actually appreciative for some of the arguments and harder conversations we have had surrounding blogging.  He has had to point out when I am obsessing over things that don’t really matter, acting as my reality check. When I get in my head playing the comparison game, he reminds me of who I am on the inside and the greater purpose in starting this blog.    

Outfit Details:

Dress: Cremieux from Dillard’s

Clutch: DSW

Necklace: Kendra Scott

Earrings: Kendra Scott

This photoshoot turned out to be a great representation of “Her Best Always.”  Sleeping Bear Dunes in Empire, Michigan is a gorgeous backdrop for any photographer!  However, I didn’t have any control over the weather…and since we were traveling for vacation, I didn’t have the time to reschedule.  I wasn’t sweating, like my normal Florida shoots, but instead I was dealing with high winds, overcast skies and a sandstorm pelting me in the face!  We had a lot of fun, but my hair quickly became a mess and I was eating sand every few minutes! I think they turned out pretty awesome, considering what we were dealing with.  Josh was great and he didn’t let my wild crazy hair stop him!

I’ve learned…

So much!  I am excited for what the future holds and continuing to meet so many strong women!  I love interacting with you on Instagram and Facebook, so please don’t ever hesitate to ask me a question or just say hi!

Do you have any questions about blogging, me or Her Best Always?  Leave them below!