It’s no secret that I love this outlet. I write because putting words out there is a part of me. It is how I process life. It’s how I grow as a person. And I am so grateful to you beautiful women who join me every week as we blunder our way through motherhood and never stop trying to offer our families our best.
Before I started writing Let Why Lead, I made a friend who always treated me like I was interesting. She was curious about my life experiences and often asked about my interests. But I was submerged in the newness of motherhood—the strict adherence to naps, the obsession over nighttime sleep, the elbow-deep diapers! I could barely remember what time I had gone to sleep the night before, much less remember what had interested me before I had a baby.
Eventually, though, the exhausting and yet exhilarating baby fog lifted, and I started finding my old self again. But it is because of writing this blog that I have completely found her again—and grown even more.
For the most part, I’m good at focusing on why I really blog. After all, “the why” is the whole point of this space! That said, I still find myself wondering every now and then when I notice other bloggers celebrating, say, 500 facebook likes—why isn’t mine growing as quickly?
In this saturated blogging market, there is an abundance of information out there about how to do it “right.” How to “skyrocket your numbers.” But after a year and a half of faithfully writing here (and reading a great many other blogs), I can tell you exactly how to grow, with one minor clause: how to grow slowly. And after that, I’ll tell you why you might want to.
How to Grow a Blog Slowly
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Be judicious in the linkups your participate in, because you actually want to be able to participate in them, not just link and run.
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Don’t host a linkup unless you are certain it will benefit your readers.
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Don’t host or participate in a ton of blog or social media hops. You may gain a dozen likes in one day, but how many of those will become genuine, invested readers?
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Don’t host so many giveaways that your audience forgets what your blog is really about.
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Try not to apologize when you go quiet for a bit, because it assumes that people are holding their breath waiting for you to post.
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Never call the people who read your blog or follow your Facebook page “fans.”
The beautiful thing about growing slowly is that you gain friends, not numbers. Connections, not stats. My growth has been slow but steady, and I am sincerely touched each time one of you comments…or shares something I wrote on facebook or pinterest…or mentions a post of mine in real live conversation (for all my local girls!). Those little touches make it feel worthwhile. They take this part-time, unpaid, purely because-I-want-to job and turn it into a privilege.
But like life, blogging is a constant balancing act. I want to grow and I want to stay grounded. I want to be happy with my numbers, but honestly, I still want to extend my voice.
So rather than than turn this space into something you don’t recognize in order to boost my numbers, I’m going to keep writing what I feel matters, and I’m going to ask you to help me grow in a more organic way. When you read something that sticks with you, will you share it with friends? If you know someone who would benefit from reading this blog, will you tell her about it? I’m happy—honored, actually—to grow the old fashioned way, by word of mouth. No excessive linkups or fishing for likes.
Just me. And you. Helping this space bloom.
Thank you so much!
I love your philosophy on blog writing, Erica! There are so many blogs out there and I think eventually it comes down to which blogs people really enjoy reading. Your blog is so insightful and I enjoy your thought provoking posts!
Generally, I write when I have something to say but sometimes I feel like I “should” be doing more. I have yet to start earning income from my blog. I have thought about it but I don’t think I am quite there yet. I guess I shouldn’t get all caught up in the numbers but it’s hard sometimes.
Have a great week! – Shelley
Erica, this is so spot on and showcases one of your many, many strengths–being genuine. I have loved seeing your blog grow and am excited to see where your lovely, slow growth leads. I think blogging, like food, is best enjoyed when it is savored. That is what is most nourishing.
I love your blog! I’m glad you are so genuine and write about what you really care about. Keep it up! And I will remember to share when there is something that really touches me. You are a wonderful writer and I always love reading and relating to my own experiences.
Thanks so much, Rach! You are the best supporter (and sister) a girl could ask for! I LOVE it when you talk about motherhood on your family blog. It’s just a subject that I am kind of obsessed with! 🙂
I thought I’d share the reason I found this blog, so you know why you gained this reader. It’s because you and I have a mutual friend. She’s mentioned you on her blog once or twice, but the big thing that attracted me to click over to your blog and “meet” you was that you consistently comment on her blog posts. I know you’re doing it because you are a good friend and a kind person; her blog is private, so you’re not just commenting so her readers will become your readers (but that’s what happened to me!).
I should say, though, that the reason I’ve *kept* reading this blog is because I like your content. Thanks for not making it all about the giveaways and products you love and linkups and whatever else. I love your happy focus on motherhood while still being real. Keep on blogging!! 🙂
Hi Beth! I can’t thank you enough for your kind comment. I actually feel like I know you, from your comment on the same blog! Ashely is one of the best people I know; she always inspires me to be a better mom. Anyway, thank you so much for reading, and have a great week!
You, my friend, are a rock star! Seriously. I so admire your ability to remain consistent, always keeping your “why” at the forefront of your mind and ignoring what other people are doing. It inspires me to do the same. I’m getting there, but I still trip up more often than I’d care to admit. Anyway… love your heart, girl!
Thanks, sweet girl! I don’t know that I’m always so consistent, but if it appears that way on here, I’ll take it! 🙂 Love ya!
Erica, what a coincidence that we’ve both published posts about blogging today! Your philosophy on parenting, family, and life are what keep me coming back. I love how purposeful and reflective you are in each post. You’ve also created a beautiful space that feels safe and inviting. I often cite let why lead as one of my favorite blogs to friends and hope they’ll make the jump over, too!
Thank you so much, Evanthia! I appreciate the word of mouth! I’ve been meaning to add you guys to my blog roll on here. Will do asap! Congrats on your wonderful progress! I might be emailing you at some point if I need some advice!
In the past, I’ve been frustrated with the slow growth of my blog. It seemed like other blogs that started at the same time just left me in the dust! But at the same time, I’m so grateful for my handful of truly engaged and faithful readers. I do think slow is the best way to grow! Loved this post!
Every since I found your blog I’ve vowed to come back. I’ve been coming back ever since. I love your writing style and I feel like I know you. Ultimately, I’ve learned that your readers want to connect with you. They want to feel all of who you are in each and every post. That’s what is important. And truthfully…that’s why your readers keep coming back. Me included!
I love this post! What a great encouragement and reminder not just in this post, but in the whole premise of the blog…to let why lead! Thanks for sharing!
Best,
ML
Thanks so much, Mary Leigh! I hopped over to your blog and am excited to read more. From your about page, let me just say that you and your husband make such a cute couple! I’ll be in touch!
Aw, thank you so much – he’s definitely a keeper! I’m excited to read around on your blog too! I love the whole premise of it and it looks like there are lots of helpful life reminders around here. 🙂
Wonderful tips! Loved reading this!!
Wow, I really love this. As a fellow “small time blogger,” I wholeheartedly agree. You’ve just gained a new follower. 🙂
Thank you so much, Melinda! I just followed you back via bloglovin. I’m excited to read more and get to know you better!
I think you have it exactly right!
Well said and I agree! 🙂
I LOVE this post! You put into words my exact feelings on this. I always second-guess myself about why I’ve been bloggins o long and still only have “x” amoutn of followers, but the truth is, I don’t want to do what it takes to grow quickly because I feel like I will miss out on knowing who is reading my blog and making friends with my readers! Building a tight-knit community is more important to me than gaining a ton of followers who may or may not care about what I have to say. Thanks for sharing! Pinning this. 🙂
“”The beautiful thing about growing slowly is that you gain friends, not numbers. Connections, not stats. My growth has been slow but steady, and I am sincerely touched each time one of you comments…or shares something I wrote on facebook…or mentions a post of mine in real live conversation (for all my local girls!). Those little touches make it feel worthwhile. They take this part-time, unpaid (got ads, btw!), purely because-I-want-to job and turn it into a privilege.”
seriously – what you said.
I love the connections made through blogging. I don’t have a ton of fans – I have a small reader base. I don’t do giveaways or host linkups. I don’t blog hop. I participate in linkups very sparingly. And it’s better for me than way. God is giving the increase. Slowly – sometimes more slowly than what I want. But the connections are deeper and longer lasting. This post – perfection.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, and I am with you word for word. I wrestle with the slow-growing numbers sometimes, but when I step back and think about it, it’s really the best way for ME and what I value. Genuine, engaged writing and following. I’ll be sharing this 🙂
You, technology, and thoughtful writing continue to inspire and amaze me. Keep up the good work!!!
Love this post. It’s so very true to the Erica that I read and admire so much 🙂
This was exactly the post I needed to see today. Thank you so much for sharing your learnings. I really enjoy your blog and your blogging philosophy.
Nice article. My blog is new and traffic is slow but building. But as you said, I blog because I enjoy doing it. I do try and write content that I think will be helpful or interesting to my readers. I think if your content is consistently good, and you do a little promoting such as submitting to search engines, people will eventually find you. There are tens of millions of us now so I just enjoy writing and hope some will enjoy reading. We all have different perspectives and together it makes a beautiful mosaic. The audience for my little part in the mosaic may be small but as long as people enjoy what I have to say, I will keep writing.
Thanks for sharing this. I started a link up party about a month ago and I havent been pleased with it or what its doing for my readers. Thank you for giving me the permission I needed to just let it go … and I’m so excited to instead join a dear friend of mine and start sharing our simple sundays instead. Much more my style 🙂 Nice to meet you
Oh my gosh! THIS is what I’ve been trying to say! I have been blogging for 2 months, So I guess I can’t say it with the experience you have, but the the stuff about having a voice and building something that is authentic, that is what I’ve been trying to articulate. I am trying to adjust to this blogging world of intense social media and gimmicks and fakeness. Ugh. I am slowly collecting a handful of blogs I’ve found that are actually real. Following you now!
Excellent advice! Thank you, Erica!
I’ve been blogging for a couple of years, I have 15 followers so I’m not sure what that says 🙂
Found you blog via Emily’s, I,m very happy to follow both as you have great interesting life stories!!
Hi Erica 🙂 thanks for your kind comment on my blog, it encouraged me to come back here and “meet” you 🙂 my blog is growing slowly too, and your post was SO encouraging!