5 Blogging Tips for Beginners I’d Ignore Now
When you’re just starting out, the internet is bursting with blogging tips for beginners—checklists, must-dos, expert hacks, and golden rules.
I followed a lot of them. Some helped, some didn’t, and a few… well, I’d gently ignore them if I were starting again. Not because they’re wrong, but because they didn’t fit me—or the kind of online space I wanted to create.
This post is the first in my Midweek Musings series—
A gentle midweek check-in where I share reflections, small lessons, and honest moments from behind the scenes of building online.
It’s a little pause in the middle of the week to breathe, regroup, and remember you’re not the only one figuring this out.
When I first started my online journey and building a blog, I soaked up all the advice. I followed the checklists, read the “Top 10 Things You MUST Do,” and tried very hard to do everything “right.”
But here’s the truth: not all advice is created equal. And some of it, I now realise, I’d gently… let float past me with a smile and a nod.
So today, I’m sharing a few pieces of “must-do” advice I no longer take too seriously—because sometimes, letting go is just as powerful as pressing on.
1. “You must post consistently—every single week.”
Ah, yes. The weekly blog schedule. While consistency is helpful, real life matters more. Illness, family, or just needing a break? That’s okay.
What matters most is continuing—not how often you hit publish. Some of my most engaged readers have come back after a gap and simply picked up where they left off.
Gentle swap: “Show up when you can, with care. Your audience will understand.”
2. “Pick your niche before you do anything else.”
Now don’t get me wrong—I love a good niche. But finding yours is often a journey, not a one-time decision.
If I’d waited until I had it perfectly figured out, I’d never have started. It’s okay to begin broad and gently narrow in as you go.
Gentle swap: “Let your niche unfold as you explore what feels right.”
3. “You need a logo, brand colours, and a polished website before you launch.”
Oh, the hours I spent fiddling with fonts, colours and logos before I wrote a single post…
Truth is, no one’s coming to your site for your logo. They’re coming for you—your voice, your stories, your help. The polish can come later.
Gentle swap: “Start messy if you must—just start.”
4. “You must be on all social media platforms'
There will always be a new platform. And yes, some people thrive on Facebook or Tik-Tok or X etc—but if social media drains your energy or feels inauthentic, you’re allowed to say no.
For me, Facebook and Pinterest feel natural. I’ve made peace with not doing everything. I chose Pinterest because I like looking the images! Whatever floats your boat.
Gentle swap: “Choose one or two spaces where you actually enjoy showing up.”
5. “You need to make money in your first 6 months.”
Oh, the pressure this creates! And what a load of nonsense!
Not everyone starts an online business for fast cash. Some of us are here for freedom, creativity, purpose, or a second chapter.
Success looks different for everyone—and it’s okay if yours includes learning as you go.
Gentle swap: “Let your goals fit your life—not someone else’s sales pitch.”
And Finally...
The internet is full of advice—some helpful, some not quite right for where you are.
So if your head is spinning with too many “shoulds,” take a deep breath and come back to what feels right for you.
Your journey is yours. Gentle steps still count. And sometimes the wisest thing we can do is… kindly ignore the noise.
What’s one piece of advice you’ve heard that didn’t sit quite right with you?
Have you found your own way around it? I’d love to hear in the comments.
Let’s remind each other that we’re allowed to do this differently.
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