8 years of blogging - what I have learnt

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I can't believe that today is the 8th birthday of my blog, Della Loves Nutella and I've been writing on it for 8 consecutive years. The commitment to this blog is something I'm not only most proud of but incredibly grateful for.

Making the decision to start a blog in 2013 has to be the best gift I've given to myself and I'm really glad, I still enjoy writing blogs 8 years on, and have the same passion for sharing my thoughts and words online.

This blogging journey has been an incredible one and also something that has grown with me as a person and allowed me to see how I've changed over the course of 8 years. I've not only shared my tips and advice online, but I've also documented incredible parts of my life including my travels, fab memories with my best friends, and my personal journeys. These posts are always the loveliest to look back on and I'm grateful to have written them down.

8 years of blogging - what I have learnt

Whether you're new to my blog or have followed me for the 8 years I've been blogging, here is everything I've learnt.

Writing what I love is the most important thing

Writing is my biggest passion; all I've ever wanted to be was a writer and share my words with the world. My biggest dream is to still become a published author and have my books sitting on the shelf in every bookshop in the country.

This blog has given me that writing outlet for 8 years and will continue to do so as I can't ever see myself giving it up or walking away. But, what I've learnt in terms of writing it writing what I love is the most important thing. There is no point in sharing content online that I don't like writing or creating, as it won't sound as authentic as something I'm truly passionate about.

I've only ever really shared the things I'm truly passionate about online as it's what is easiest to write and comes naturally to me, and I find my audience enjoys that content. I've read blogs in my time where you can just tell the passion isn't there, and they're just doing it because they think that's what people want to read and that isn't right. Write what is right for you and the right audience will come to you.

The blogging community will always have my back

I've loved the blogging community since day one and feel so grateful to still be apart of it 8 years on. There are bloggers I still follow from the early days of blogging and I love seeing how far they've come and that we still support each other.

The blogging community has changed a lot in 8 years in terms of how blogging has turned into a job for a lot of people, there are a lot more doing it and competition is higher. However, what's not changed is the genuine love and support from the community. Every blogger I've spoken to over the years has always been incredibly kind, positive, and supportive in anything I've done or asked about.

It's all about enjoying it

Blogging can be a hard ball game, it's not as easy as it used to be in terms of getting views and making your stamp in the blogging community. However, as more bloggers have come about, all I've tried to remember is as long as I'm enjoying it, that's the main thing. Although sometimes numbers can be discouraging and I can compare myself to other blogger's success, I always try to bring it back to the point that as long as I'm happy, that's all that matters. This point also feeds into anything in life - as long as you're happy and enjoying it, keep doing what you're doing.

It's okay to open up about my experiences and thoughts

I've always been a very honest person in every way, including expressing my feelings and thoughts. It's only as I've gotten older, I've felt more open talking about certain topics on a wider scale - and that includes my blog. People's experiences and people's stories are all part of what shapes us learning new things and educating ourselves, whether that's with mental health or sexual assault experiences.

We all have a story and something we've learnt from and I've found my blog to be a place where I can talk about these things openly and receive encouragement and support, and it also inspires others to speak up too. It's also made me realise how all of these 'taboo' subjects are okay to talk about and should be spoken about more so we can learn and normalise them. Education is key to creating a more open-minded world.

Having a niche and authentic voice is important

I've always written from the heart and how I would exactly say things, especially with my blog as it comes down to the pure honesty element that I have in my soul. But, through the years of blogging, I've learnt how important it is to have a niche and authentic voice on your blog, as it gives you ownership.

When a blog focuses on too many things, I find myself gravitating away from it and I prefer when I read a blog that has a unique voice and a selection of topics they focus on. I know over the years, my niche has changed as I've gone from a beauty and lifestyle blog to now a more lifestyle and travel blog with a sprinkle of beauty and book posts. But throughout it all, my voice has remained the same, it's just gotten a little bit smarter and wiser as I've grown.

Social media can be your best friend

Even though social media can be toxic when it comes to comparing yourself to others, for blogging it can be your best friend. Social media has given me a platform, well several platforms to promote my blog and also connect with like-minded bloggers and individuals.

Twitter I find is best to promote my blog and meet new bloggers, Pinterest is great for blog traffic and Instagram is a great platform to boost up other bloggers. The platforms all have great benefits if I'm honest and without them, I don't think my blog would have the readership it does.

I've achieved more than I ever thought I would

Over the past 8 years, I've achieved more than I ever thought I would. If you would have told my 16-year-old self, I have travelled all over the world, made some epic memories with my best friends, grown my confidence, overcome my anxiety to a level where I know how to cope, have a successful marketing career, have my own business, and keep a blog for 8 years, I wouldn't believe you.

The 8 years have been up and down for sure, with a lot of life lessons learnt the hard way but I'm so grateful I kept this blog to document the progress through it all.

To always follow my heart and passions

I always say to follow your heart and do what makes you happy as your happiness and mental health should always come first. Although this isn't something I've directly learnt from my blog, it does feed into it - as my blog is an outlet where I talk about my passions and share what I love. It has given me the platform to write about things that make my heart feel full and happy. And, it's a lesson which should be applied to do anything in life.

To be consistent and keep going

Consistency is key with anything that's worth having, including this blog. If it wasn't for consistently writing and upkeeping this blog, I wouldn't be writing this post eight years later. I've learnt that keeping consistent and having the energy to keep going is important if it's something worthwhile and that I enjoy. Hard work will always pay off.

How grateful I am for everything around me

This past year has been one of growth and I've become the most grateful I've ever been with realising the love I have around me, the memories I've made, and the travels I've been on - and it's made me realise my privilege. But, this blog has also made me realise that as I've had the opportunity to document these words. I'm so grateful to have my blog and over 8 years have had the chance to ramble about whatever I please on my space on the internet.

If you're a newbie to my blog, have read since the beginning or started reading recently, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the continuous support, the kind words, the lovely comments, and truly, for taking the time out of your day to read my thoughts poured into my writing. I appreciate it more than you ever know.

I hope you enjoyed this post. How long have you been blogging?

Thank you for reading <3

69 comments

  1. This is such a lovely positive blog birthday post! 8 years is an incredible achievement and you should be very proud of yourself and your lovely blog x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, that's so lovely of you!!

      Delete
  2. Oh first of all congratulations!! I am so glad to have found your blog and read your positivity and helpful tips to boost self confidence and self love! Hope it will bring you even more xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. A big congrats on 8 years of blogging Della, I hope to go as long as you in blogging lovely! I discovered you during lockdown and I'm so happy that I did! x

    Lucy | www.lucymary.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much lovely, I'm really happy you love to read my blog! xx

      Delete
  4. Lovely post! It's my 8 years this year too - I can't believe I've been here this long! You've learned some incredible things and I'm so glad I found your blog! :) x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Ah well done to you too - that's so sweet xx

      Delete
  5. Oh my goodness gracious, eight years is SUCH a massive accomplishment. Congratulations! I'm so glad you've enjoyed this journey over the years. Your blog is such fun to follow and I can't wait to see more from you over the next eight years ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so so much, that's really lovely of you xx

      Delete
  6. Congratulations Della! Youbare so right on everything you have written in this post. It's amazingbeing able to share the ssme interest as milllions if other people and receiving so much support'! Always appreciate everyone��

    Catarina | http://beautyofcafe205.blog

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh wow! Congratulations on 8 years of blogging! You sure have learned a lot too. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Happy blogging anniversary. You've learnt so many great things. I've had my blog for 10 years and agree that so many things have changed in that time. SEO wasn't a thing back then but one thing that's always been constant is a supportive community.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Happy 8 years of blogging, Della! This is such a lovely post and I can definitely agree to all as I've been blogging for 12 years-ish. Your blog is so much fun and inspiring! I hope you will never stop blogging xx

    lenne | lennezulkiflly.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!! Oh wow, that's such a long time - well done you xx

      Delete
  10. I can really relate to most of this post, it's my 7th year blogging anniversary this year & I can't believe how long it's been! Authenticity and voice really do matter x

    ReplyDelete
  11. 8 years!!! That's such an awesome, long time filled with lessons :D I agree; blogging should be authentic and writing what you love!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congratulations on 8 years of blogging that is such a great achievement to have that dedication. I am four years in this year and don’t know what I would do without it. Thank you for sharing your experience.
    Lauren

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow!! Congrats on 8 years of blogging that is such an incredible milestone!

    ReplyDelete
  14. 8 years of blogging - that's so impressive! Such a testament to your dedication, that's awesome Della! xx

    mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Definitely huge milestone to mark!Congrats Della! And thank your for sharing this inspiring journey��

    ReplyDelete
  16. Lovely post! And I agree with everything that you said (well, except maybe the niche bit because I'd like to believe having multiple niches is ok). I've been blogging for 5 years and it has taught me a lot about consistency, continuing working in order to grow even if returns are low in the beginning, and blogging has also taught me a ton of skills.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow happy 8th blogging birthday! As a newbie to the blogging world (5months) this was a lovely post to read. J hope I am still loving it as much in that time (I can't see why I wouldn't) it can be disheartening when your blog posts don't get any traffic of visits but then I just have to remind myself that I started the blog as I wanted to wrote and I love books and reading so anything else is a bonus!
    Keep being you, I love to read your posts!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Massive congratulations on your blog birthday! 8 years is incredible!! I have followed your blog since my own early days, so for around 5 years.
    I have learnt a lot from you as a content creator and as a person.
    Your voice is 100% your niche and I often look to you for advice and ideas!

    I hope you can pop some bottles and celebrate in style!

    Rosie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for following for that long and all your lovely comments, I truly appreciate it xx

      Delete
  19. I love these things you've learned! I think enjoying blogging is so important x

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow, 8 years, that's incredible, happy blogiversary! Yours is one of my favourite blogs, I always come away having learned something and/or feeling cheerful! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!! That means a lot to me xx

      Delete
  21. Congratulations on your 8 year blogging anniversary, it's amazing that you've managed to stick to it for so long. I love how honest your posts are x

    ReplyDelete
  22. Congratulations on 8 years! I agree with you about the importance of enjoying what you do. I told my husband that the day that my blogging is a chore or not fun in the slightest, that's the day that I need to let it go. That being said, in finding a niche that I feel really passionate about, I haven't come anywhere close to feeling that at this point! I hope that I still love it as much as you do after 8 years.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Congratulations on 8 years! That’s an accomplishment! I absolutely agree with all your points - especially the real sense of community in the blogging world. Thanks for sharing and here’s to another 8 years!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Congratulations on your 8 Blog Anniversary. I like things that you share, especially this about unique and niche approach. I wish you a many more blogging years.

    New Post - https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2021/04/vichy-aqualia-thermal-rehydrating-rich.html

    ReplyDelete
  25. Congrats on 8 years of Blogging! It sounds like you've learned a lot in that time and I appreciate you writing a post to share and celebrate these. Thanks for sharing this post!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Aw, such a sweet post, Della!! I've been blogging for a little more than half a year and you are so right! It is so fun and the community is so great. Congratulations and I aspire to continue blogging like you have! xx

    Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much lovely, I really appreciate it!

      Delete
  27. Happy blog anniversary - 8 years is an amazing achievement so well done! I've learnt so much from blogging. While there can be negative things, it's also such an amazing community to be a part of. Em x

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow, eight years is a big commitment, it's amazing you're still so passionate about it! I completely agree that the surrounding community is so wonderfully supportive, it definitely enhances the entire atmosphere

    ReplyDelete
  29. Eight years is incredible, congratulations! So true about the blogging community, everyone is so supportive and I feel so comfortable asking for advice/help when needed x

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow this is so amazing! 8 Years is a really long time, congratulations to that!! :)
    I truly love blogging, even though in busy times I let it slow down, but I love the feedback and community so much :)
    Have an awesome weekend,
    Tiziana
    www.tizianaolbrich.de

    ReplyDelete
  31. This is so inspiring to read! I love how you've been so consistent after all this time. This is great!

    ReplyDelete
  32. oh wow 8 years! Congrats lovely :) I agree social media can be your best friend! And I've found the blogging community is so amazing and supportive x

    ReplyDelete
  33. Eight years in and still loving it is where I hope to be six years from now! I love your thoughts on how writing has helped shape you, grow, and evolve, especially your thought that your voice may be wiser but it still resonates the same.
    Thanks so much for sharing! Happy blogiversary.

    ReplyDelete
  34. It's so amazing to see what you've achieved! And it sounds like you've learnt some amazing life goals in this experience! Love it!

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Congratulations on 8 years, I love your blog and I hope I'm still enjoying it in 6 more years too.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks for sharing what you have learnt through out your blogging years, we all still have lots to learn, mine turns 6 this year so I do hope to have the energy to do more years :)

    Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes

    ReplyDelete
  37. Congrats on 8 years of blogging. This is post is so inspiring to me. I love reading your blog. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  38. 8 years is such an achievement! Well done! I can't believe I've only just discovered your blog this year!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Happy belated blog anniversary! :- ) It's always so interesting to read these posts from people who have been blogging for a looong time :- ) I've had a microblog with a tiny community in my native language (Czech) for years as well but I'm still relatively new in the English-speaking blogging community, which seems so vast and quite different :- D

    Daniela
    www.danielanina.com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful in anyway. I'd love to hear any feedback you may have.