I’ve been blogging for a few years, yet I still fall into blogger ruts here and there. It’s super easy to fall in a rut, between having a full-time job, a social life, and manage sponsored campaigns. Sometimes you just fall into a pattern of producing content that’s just, blah.
Case in point, I fell into a rut earlier this month. I was posting less, spent minimal time on the weekends to prep my blog, and in general just blogging because I felt like I had to. It’s completely normal to fall into these patterns, so don’t beat yourself up about it. At the end of the day, I know that I’m still passionate about blogging, so here are a few things I do to get myself out of a rut.
Remind yourself of the campaigns you killed it in.
I don’t know about you, but I am my own harshest critic. I’m a perfectionist, and 99% I’m not completely content with the things I do. Instead of being too hard on yourself, remind yourself of your posts that went viral and/or garnered buzz in your community. Remember why those posts worked: was it well written? Did you accurately depict a story? Was the photography on point? Did you encourage people to share your post? Figure out why those particular posts worked, and incorporate those elements in your upcoming posts and campaigns.
Work with a new photographer.
Working with a blog photographer has definitely been something that has elevated my blog, hands down. Whenever my budget permits, I shoot with a photographer rather than a friend/other blogger. I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with numerous different photographers as well. I have to admit, it’s super easy for me to keep working with the same photographers or keep picking out the same locations. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it right? Wrong.
There’s nothing wrong with collaborating with one photog on the regular, but switch things up. Working with a new photographer can give you a fresh new perspective on things. Even though I have shots that I like and prefer, a new photographer can help me see things differently and curate fresh new visuals for blog posts.
Hang out or network with new blog friends.
I have to admit, one of my least favorite things about blogging in D.C. is how clique-y it gets. There were dozens upon dozens of bloggers in the city, yet I found myself going to happy hours and events with maybe the same ~8 people week after week. Nothing wrong with having a girl gang, but you need to switch it up to gain fresh new inspiration. If you’re at an event, make it a point to meet new people, or mingle with those bloggers you don’t get to see on a regular basis. Reach out to a blogger you’ve met in the past who has a different aesthetic and meet up for coffee. Expand your blogger horizons, and avoid getting comfortable only seeing one group of bloggers.
Stop rushing to create content.
This is my biggest challenge as a blogger and something I know I need to fix. Between having a full-time job and a very full social life, I admit I often rush things. Instead of working with a photographer for a product post, I’ll shoot a flat lay in 5 minutes. Instead of looking for new shoot location, I’ll shoot at the same apartment building I’ve shot at 20 times before. Slow down and take the time to produce quality content. If you have to post less, post less. I was at a point where I was posting 5 times a week, and I know that isn’t feasible for me anymore with my crazy schedule. I was posting mediocre content 5 times in one week. Why not slow it down and produce high-quality content three times a week?
Collaborate with someone who isn’t exactly in your niche.
This is one step above grabbing coffee with a blogger you don’t regularly hang out with: collaborate with someone who focuses on something completely different. For example, I’m primarily a fashion blogger, however, I could collaborate with a food blogger on a party shoot or collaborate with a fitness blogger to chat about both activewear and simple workouts for girls on the go. The possibilities are really endless with these sorts of collaborations, and it forces you to step outside of your comfort zone and create original content.
Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up too much when you get into a rut. It’s normal! Use one of these 5 steps to get yourself back on track and inspired.
What inspires you when you fall into a blogging rut?
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