• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

5 Huge Mistakes I Made As a New Blogger

June 5, 2018 | blogging, social media

I have been blogging over eight and a half years (wow) and there is still plenty that I don’t know. That’s what is so fun about this job, I learn something new every day because things change so quickly. If you want to be successful, you have to learn to adapt, which admittedly isn’t my strong suit…hence why this has been so good for me. Anyway, I’m rambling. I recently came out with an online guide for bloggers wanting to make money working with brands.  I wanted to help bloggers that were looking to make money with their blog and social media accounts that didn’t really know where to start. But then I started thinking…let’s back up to before you even get to that point, right? I feel like I skipped a step. I have a free email course for people wanting to start a blog, then I have my how to make money eguide I mentioned above…but nothing really for “in between”, so I thought I would craft a post with 5 huge mistakes I made when I was in my first 6 months or so of blogging in hopes that you can avoid some of them, and be on a faster path to success.

5 huge mistakes I made as a new blogger

1.) Blogging too often just for the sake of posting: When I first got into blogging, I was writing posts SEVEN days a week. Lawd. I mean, I know I didn’t have a child then so I had more time on my hands (can you believe I used to get BORED on the weekends?!? That clearly hasn’t happened in over 3.5 years)…but WOW that’s a lot of writing. The problem was, I felt like I “had” to blog every day because that’s what everyone else was doing, and so I would crank out a post even if I didn’t really have anything to say. This led to some really boring and useless posts that make me want to hide my head in shame. Now, I only blog typically two or three times a week, and my posts are much more informational and “deep”. Writing a post and editing photos is a big undertaking. Don’t get burned out by thinking you have to put up new content all. the. time. Because you don’t. It’s better to have QUALITY stuff that people will resonate with and want to come back for more of again and again.

2.) Not asking for help/not networking: Sometimes I will admit I can let my pride get the better of me, and this can lead to me trying to do things on my own. Blogging is NOT one of those things that you want to try to do on your own. Your peers are a wealth of information, and most bloggers are happy to share tips, help cross promote for you, and encourage you. If you put yourself on an island, you will remain on an island. People talk, PR agencies talk about bloggers to each other and to other bloggers. If you are viewed as someone who doesn’t play well with others, it could hurt you in the long run. There are some great Facebook groups out there you can plug into for some help and advice.

3.) Tried to be someone I wasn’t: I think at one time or another we have all fallen into this trap. We see someone else having success, and we want success too, so we do as they do. Granted there is nothing wrong with getting ideas from other bloggers, but there is a difference in getting an idea and making it your own, and trying to be someone you aren’t. Remember that your readers are reading your blog because they like you and what you have to say, not because you are just like someone else. Own your unique perspective and find your own voice. People will notice and you will find your tribe!

4.) Not being self hosted: It took me a minute after I started blogging to jump on the self hosted bandwagon. One because frankly I had no idea what it meant other than it sounding technical and complicated, and two, it meant spending money on my blog, and I had not even made any money, so it was scary to take that leap! Just remember, if you wait until you “have more money” to do things in life that have the potential to MAKE you money, then you will never make the leap. Being self hosted does have a cost, but it’s not high when you consider all the things you most likely spend money on in a week. You can get started for just $3.95 a month, and it will enable you to host ads on your site that will make you income. I don’t have to ever touch my ads and the money just gets deposited into my account every month, and it way more than pays for my self hosting.

5.) Not promoting my posts enough: When I first began blogging, I thought you wrote a post, shared it to Facebook and Twitter once, and that was that. It’s sad to think how many of my posts would have done so much better had I promoted them more. (I have gone back and reworked and re promoted some things, but still, it’s sad.) There are so many more ways to promote your posts, and you should definitely promote them more than one time! You did all that hard work, so get as many eyes on it as possible!

If you have any questions about the links above such as my free email course or my new eguide, let me know.

RELATED: The Ultimate Blogger Guide for Working With Brands

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carrie says

    June 5, 2018 at 10:45 am

    Oh my gosh, it’s so nice to know that these seem to be common mistakes! I’m getting my act together to revamp my brand and move forward with a whole lot more knowledge! <3

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day
  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 Ready to escape to para 🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 

Ready to escape to paradise? I spent a few dreamy days at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers, and I’m giving YOU the chance to win 2 FREE nights at this beachfront oasis! 😍☀️ #margaritavillepartner

Here are 5 things I didn’t expect to love so much (but totally did):
1️⃣ Fins Up Beach Club — live music, great drinks, and cabana vibes for days!
2️⃣ The Rooms — bright, coastal decor and ocean views that make you feel like you’re living inside a vacation postcard.
3️⃣ The Spa — a total hidden gem. My massage was next-level relaxation.
4️⃣ The Restaurants — from casual beachfront bites to more elevated dining, the food alone is worth the trip.
5️⃣ The Vibe — laid-back luxury with the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. It’s always 5 o’clock here! 🍹

✨ Whether you’re staying overnight or popping in with a day pass, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is pure island bliss.

🎉 Now YOU could win a 2-night stay!

🏖️ Prize: Complimentary Two-Night Stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach
⚠️ Blackout dates apply.

How to Enter:
✅ Like this post & follow both @HeathersLG and @margaritavillefortmyers
✅ Tag at least 2 friends in the comments (extra comments = extra entries!)
✅ Comment: Are you a pool or beach person?

🌟 BONUS (not mandatory) for 5 extra entries: SHARE this post on your stories and TAG me so I can see it!

Good luck — and remember, it’s always island time somewhere! 🌊🍹

Redemption Details:
Winner must book by August 31, 2025
Valid for travel between August 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway closes midnight July 25, 3025. Not sponsored by Instagram. 

#MargaritavilleResort #FortMyersBeach #BeachClubVibes #CabanaLife #SpaDay #BeachGetaway #ResortGiveaway #FinsUp
I’ve had an interesting first few days of being I’ve had an interesting first few days of being in my 40’s. A bit of a nerve wracking medical week I guess you could say. 

Have you ever had an MRI? Do you suffer from hearing loss? 👂 

#thisis40 #hearingloss #mri #inmy40s #40andfabulous
✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad Sin ✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad 

Since turning forty, I’ve been all about simple changes that help me feel strong, healthy, and confident — inside and out. 

Adding Organixx Collagen to my coffee each morning has been one of the easiest ways to support my skin, hair, and joints while juggling busy mom life. It blends right in and makes me feel like I’m doing something good for myself every single day. 

Because for me, it’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling my best, staying active, and showing up for the people and moments that matter most. 
Radiance starts from within, and @organixxco helps make it part of my everyday routine.

🤩Use code HMONTGOMERY to save 10%! Link is in my bio.

 #organixx #organixxcollagen #CollagenRoutine #GlowFromWithin #BusyMomLife #ThisIsWhatRadianceLooksLike
I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met some of the kindest most fun cast members while getting our pictures taken. 

If you don’t get pics taken with them often you probably won’t get this reel, and that’s ok. IYKYK. It’s all in good fun! 💚

What did I miss/forget?😆

#disneyphotopass #photopassphotographer #disneypics #disneyfunny #disneymeme
Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀ Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀️

#backtoschool #parentinghack #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolshopping
I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like t I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like this has me reflecting—not just on what I’ve accomplished, but on who I’m becoming.

I’ve always been driven to achieve, to push, to prove. But lately, I’ve been learning to celebrate presence over performance, connection over perfection.

Today wasn’t about checking a box or hitting a goal—it was about pausing, feeling grateful, and eating a ridiculous amount of cake with people I love. And honestly? That feels like growth.

Here’s to 40: more aligned, more grounded, and still a little extra. 😉

#thisis40 #40andfabulous #thankyoujesusfor40years #birthdaygirl❤️ #40andoverclub
Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 Big milestones always Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 

Big milestones always make me pause and ask:
What am I proud of?
What needs to shift?
Am I becoming the woman I want to be?

💡 As an Enneagram 3, I’ve always been wired to achieve — and for a long time, that meant shaping myself into whatever version I thought people would like best.

There are tables where it’s clear I’m not welcome — and that used to wreck me.
But at 40? I don’t do cliques. I don’t do shrinking or contorting to be accepted. 👀

I’ll always be kind. I’ll always be respectful. But I’m done dragging a chair to tables that were never built for me.

I’m moving over. Making space.
Creating my own table.

✨Who’s in?

#ThisIs40
#OwnYourStory
#ReelTalk
#Over30Club
#ChristianWomen
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#enneagram3

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d