It’s funny: 8 years ago, I don’t think I would have seen this post coming, at all. So many things have changed in so many years, both in my life and in this messy, messy world and yet… I’m still here, 8 years later, celebrating yet another year spent on this little corner of the internet.
It’s been nice, having this incredible place to share my love for books with you all for the past years. It’s not been all sunshine and rainbows, obviously. I’ve had some real, stressful changes in my life and on the blog (like, when I self-hosted and panicked for SO many weeks about it). I’ve had some times where I wondered: whatever, blogging’s dead anyway, isn’t it. I’ve had some moments where I truly fell in love with the process, all over again, as well.
Ups and downs, right?
Today, I thought I’d compile some of these complicated feelings into a best book blogging tips post. A little mix of my experience as a book blogger in the past 8 years, of everything I’ve learned (and had to unlearn, as well), all put together into some hopefully sensitive, interesting and relatable advice. I hope you’ll enjoy it.
🎁 And keep on reading: there’s a giveaway for you at the end of this post (and yes, obviously, it’s INTL) ! 🎁
8 of my Best Book Blogging Tips
You don’t owe anyone anything
For so long, I’ve struggled with this myself. I started book blogging for myself, because I loved books and wanted to share this love with some like-minded people all around the world.
And yet. With book blogging comes responsibilities, as well. Like, authors and publishers start sending you books, free of charge, in exchange for a review. Other bloggers start commenting on your blog, interacting with you and so on.
It’s complicated, especially as a people-pleaser (aerm) to deal with these new interactions. It’s easy to feel like you HAVE to reply to every request you receive, like you HAVE to interact with everyone and so on.
News flash: you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. You don’t OWE anyone, anything at all.
When it comes to ARCs and books by publishers and authors: if you’re not offering paid services (*cough* does anyone succeed at asking for paid book reviews, because, nope for me *cough*), you don’t OWE anyone a review.
When it comes to interacting, replying to comments and so on. It’s okay to take your time. I personally, truly believe in not ignoring people interacting with you, especially on your own blog, but… it’s okay if you reply days later. I used to freak out about that, a lot and burn myself out by trying to reply so quickly. No one’s going to be mad if you take time. No one’s going to be mad if you’re a bit like Phoebe Buffay, sometimes.
You also owe it to yourself to keep yourself happy. Blogging isn’t worth the headache, it’s here to make you happy.
You should read what you really want to read (and no, you don’t have to read more)
There’s this strange kind of pressure (or maybe it’s just me), when you join the book community. Everyone’s reading (obviously), talking about new, exciting books left and right and suddenly, your TBR goes from 10 to 1000 books.
It’s easy to feel like you need to read ALL the books, in order to be “in the hype”.
It’s easy to feel like you should read MORE books, in order to fit in with people reading over 100 books a year.
Always remember to read what you really want to read.
We’re all different. Over the years, I might have caved and read some highly popular books, only to realize they weren’t the kind of books I’m too fond, of. I let myself be influenced by the hype, hell, I even spent money on some books that didn’t end up being favorites.
Of course, I’m not saying you shouldn’t try anything. Try new books! Expand your horizons! That’s what book blogging’s for. But in the end, always remember that it’s OKAY if you haven’t read, nor have ANY interest in reading the latest hyped book. Reading should be fun. Read what you want and what makes you happy, even if you feel like that makes you stand out. GOOD. You weren’t born to stand in, anyway.
As for reading 100 books a year… (I’m taking 100 as a random number, here, by the way). Well, let me say that again: everyone’s different. Some people are students, some are part-time, full-time workers, some are stay-at-home parents, some are doing this or that. Some people read super fast, others are sloth. It’s okay to be a sloth and it’s fine if you’re reading at the speed of light.
No pressure. Read what you like, in your own time. Reading’s not a race, it’s something you love.
You need to be who you are (and not anyone else)
This advice probably goes hand in hand with my earlier one, but I just want to make a point, okay?
The only wrong way for you to blog is if you’re not staying true to yourself.
If you truly despise writing reviews on your blog, that’s fine. You don’t have to do whatever everyone else is doing if it doesn’t feel right. If you’re a book blogger and want to talk about cooking, traveling, your dogs or mental health…seriously, just do it. I know they say having a particular niche will help you rank better on Google and will probably help you gather a better audience.
Yet. Will it make you happy? If you have a slight hesitation here, just, do whatever you want. Whatever screams “you”. Do it with passion, or not at all.
Social media isn’t everything
I’ve said it before: nowadays, a book blog isn’t enough. You have to be on twitter (or maybe not, since this is going down), on instagram, on Tik Tok and on every new, suddenly hype social media platform to feel like you exist.
Your existence isn’t related to your presence on social media.
I also feel like it’s important to say: it’s okay if social media isn’t for you, at all. Or if you love one, but can’t stand another. You do you. Try it out, see what happens, what you like, or not.
Contrary to popular belief, I don’t think social media IS everything.
Do publishers pay more attention to social media following than book blogs’ audience? Yes. Do people feel like book blogging is dead and useless? As much as it pains me to write this, yes. I do feel like it, sometimes, as well.
Yet, in times where twitter’s going down and instagram’s algorithm’s all up and down, a book blog still remains something steady you can count on. Your own platform, entirely built up to your image, that’s NOT going down because a billionnaire bought it or something. So… yeah.
☂️ Also read: Blogging VS. Social Media: why having a book blog still matters
You shouldn’t force anything
Sometimes, I stare at my computer, at my book blog’s notion calendar and I want to cry. I have no idea what to write and, after 8 years, maybe I wrote EVERYTHING that could ever be written.
When this happens, I obviously scream at my sister (sorry, Nyx), I look for inspiration by re-reading my old blog posts, lists of ideas scattered on my computer… sometimes a lovely idea comes to me. Sometimes it does not.
Sometimes, you’re just in a slump and it’s alright.
It’s funny: I often felt like taking a break, missing ONE day of posting would be the end of the world. Spoiler alert: it was not. The world’s still standing and so is my blog and YOU, somehow still came to read this despite a little (or bigger) break.
People that matter will stay, in life and in blogging, if you ever need a break. Don’t force things, it will only make you despise something you used to love. Take a step back when you need it.
You should connect with others
The best part of these past 8 years have been the people I met (hi, Kat!).
It started with a comment and turned into a years-long friendship. I truly met some incredible people from all around the world, people I’m so, very grateful to have in my life, now, not only to scream about books with, but a lot of other things, as well.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to others. A simple comment can go a long way, and will certainly make someone’s day.
Statistics are cool, but don’t let them get you down
One of the most amazing things about book blogging is to see how much you can grow. Whether you’re a statistics nerd or not, you can’t deny this: in a society that’s heavily based (and takes its worth) in numbers, well… seeing numbers grow is exhilarating.
There are many tips and tricks to grow your book blog. Interact, focus on SEO… I’m not here to tell you all about them, though. (If you’re interested, read: How To Increase Your Book Blog’s Traffic : 7 Easy Ways To Grow)
I’m here to tell you that, while of course, it’s absolutely incredible to have followers, thousandths of pageviews and comments per month, it’s not EVERYTHING. Numbers come and go. People get busier, some people leave and might not comment, anymore. Some blog posts might work great, others might not.
I learned that, while I can apply some of these tips to grow my blog, some things are still out of my control. And it’s okay. Blogging’s a hobby, I’m not paid with my pageviews. I just want to focus on writing some things that make me happy.
You’re allowed to grow
This is one of the advice I try remembering, more often than not. Whether you’re new or have been blogging for ages, you have to realize that things won’t stay the same.
I know I’ve changed a whole lot, personally and, as a consequence, so has this platform.
Sometimes, I miss the way things used to be. I miss all the comments I got, I miss how easy it felt to blog when everyone was still on book blogs and not on social media too much. I mourn the engagement I lost, as well.
And yet. I’m still proud of the path I took with this little platform, taking the scary but exciting jump to self-hosting, seeing my blog grow and rank on Google more. I’m proud of the way I mention my blog in job interviews and the opportunities it got me, both in my personal and in my reading life.
It’s okay for things to change. It’s okay if you start blogging in a certain niche, then find yourself wanting to expand it. It’s perfectly alright for you to want to change your blogging’s design, your entire brand.
It’s okay to take a break, to leave, to come back refreshed, not to come back at all.
Blogging takes time, energy, passion. As days, months and years go by, maybe this time and this passion changes. Let it carry you forward. That’s what I’m doing. I’m still here and still happy to write this and I guess we’ll see, in a year, how I feel.
🎁 INTL BOOK GIVEAWAY 🎁
To celebrate my 8th year of blogging, I’m hosting an INTL giveaway! Not one, but TWO winners will get the book of their choice.
Quick rules for this giveaway:
- This giveaway starts on November, 27th 2022 and ends on December, 4th, midnight (G.M.T), 2022.
- This giveaway is for a BOOK OF YOUR CHOICE (under 20€. If you can fit two books within the budget… go for it!). It will be sent via Book Depository or Blackwell’s.
- You have to over 18 or have parental consent to give away your mailing address (for shipping purposes only, obviously).
- The winners will be randomly picked on Monday, December 5th and will be contacted via email. Without an answer provided by the winner in 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
For more blogging tips, check out these blog posts:
- 10+ Essential (And Free!) Blogging Tools To Grow A Successful Blog
- 5 Really Easy Ways to Support Book Bloggers (they deserve it all)
- How & Why Engagement Changed on my Book Blog (And What I Do About It)
📌 Pin 8 of my best book blogging tips on Pinterest!
How long have you been blogging for? What are some of the best tips you have? What are some things you’d love to work on, when it comes to blogging? I’d love to hear from you in comments!
Twitter ☂️ Bookstagram ☂️Goodreads ☂️ Bloglovin’ ☂️ Support the blog
Subscribe to the newsletter for more book recommendations, exclusive intl giveaways, behind the scenes and more:
Happy Blogiversary!
Thank you so much!! 🙂
I have been blogging for just over four years now, although for much of that I didn’t post at all! It’s really taken off in the last two years and I now can’t imagine my life without my blog.
I think something I have struggled with is the way that my blog centers so much around books – or at least I feel like it should. The name of my blog is Zbestbooks, which I chose when I was young and didn’t really know what I wanted from my blog. I have an idea for a new name, and want to redesign sometime. The point I’m trying to make is that I feel almost restricted by the name of my blog, because it implies that it will be all about my “best books” which isn’t what I want at all. I love the more rambling free and random posts and I want to get into posting more advice posts and lists of recommendations.
These tips are very insightful though – especially the ones about being yourself and not forcing it. I also don’t have social media (I am only a teenager and don’t want to get sucked up into it, especially when I have to study!!) and the points you made about that are so interesting. I do often feel like blogging is dead and like there isn’t as strong a community as there used to be, or as there is on tiktok and instagram. It’s a tough one!
I rambled on for way too long, but thank you so much for this post!
Zoe x
zbestbooks.blogspot.com
Please never, ever apologize for rambling, Zoe, I LOVE these kind of comments so much! <3
I completely get what you mean. My blog's name is also related to books and sometimes, it feels a little bit restrictive. I think it's important to think about what you'd like to do with your blog, next. A full rebranding might be great for you if you're feeling like it and who knows, maybe it'll keep you inspired, as well. What matters the most is that you're creating a space you're proud of and where you feel comfortable, happy and excited to go to, every day! <3
Thank you so, so much for sharing your thoughts and for your sweet comment <3
Congrats on 8 years of book blogging. Love your Frank and honest tips. And your Friends gif are the vest
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Happy blogiversary! Great tips! Reading challenges can feel like a competition, but absolutely agree that it should be fun, it doesn’t matter if it’s 1 or 100 books it still counts and I shouldn’t feel obligated to read more.
Thank you so much, Melanie! I agree, reading should be fun before anything else! 🙂
Happy 8th blogiversary!! 🙂 I can’t even remember when I started really blogging first… I’ve been on tumblr for so long already and I’m honestly not sure when I migrated to wordpress and then my self-hosted blog 😀 but I think I love blogging now even more than I did back then, I’m so tired of social media tbh
Thank you so much, Kat! 😍 Ahh the tumblr era! I get what you mean, social media is a bit…tiring and so fast paced, even more lately. I like the calm, lovely pace of blogging!
Yes, I so agree! It’s easy to feel like bloggers owe people stuff! And book bloggers are super nice so they WANT to be friendly and say yes and interact all the time. But it’s okay not to. Blogging is supposed to be fun! I agree that it’s beneficial to interact and respond to comments, especially on one’s own blog. Much of the joy of blogging is the community! At the same time, I think most bloggers realize we’re all people and we’re all just trying to do our best. If someone is having a bad week or month or year…it’s okay to step back. I don’t keep track of people who haven’t answered my comments and I don’t judge them for not answering because I don’t know what is happening in their lives.
Thank you so much, Krysta! 🥺 YES that’s exactly it. I hate having to say no, but sometimes it’s necessary and… we need to keep things fun and to do things at our own pace, as well. You’re so right, and I always need to remind myself that it’s okay to take things slow and to step back, if needed. What matters is to enjoy ourselves 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! 🥺
Congratulations on 8 years! Your blogging tips are mentally heathy and refreshing. I don’t have a blog, but always appreciate how much time and thought go into each post.
Thank you so, so much, Danielle, you’re so kind!! 🥺
These are such great tips Marie, congrats on eight years!! I think being yourself and realizing you don’t owe anyone anything are the most important ones to me, and the latter is something I definitely need to keep reminding myself of 🙂
Thank you so, so much! 😍 I also need to remind myself of that last one, too often, ahah, but it’s important to keep it in mind. <3
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY MARIE!!!! 💜🎉😊
8 years is amazing! I started my current blog 7 years ago so I’m just behind you!
I loved reading your tips because they are SOSO true! That first one I have to keep top of mind because sometimes I get toooo invested in my blog and the things I have to do… when in reality I’m doing it for me and no one else!
Thank you so much!! 🥺 7 YEARS ahh yay, what an accomplishment! We’re dinosaurs here ahah, but I’m so glad we’re still here! <3
I constantly need to remember that 1st one as well. We do this for us, and no one else! <3
Ahaha yes we are dinosaurs, but I love dinos so I’m a-ok with that! I’m glad we’re still here too! Here’s to the next 7/8 years! 💜🎉😊
I’m okay with that, as well ahah! YES here’s to the next 8 years together! 😀
❤️😊
Happy blogiversary! These are all amazing tips!
Thank you so much!! 🥺
Happy blogiversary! 8 years is such a huge accomplishment!
Thank you so, so much! I feel like a dinosaur ahah 😂
Happy blogoversary!! Mine just got 5yrs too 🥰
All good tips 👏🏼👏🏼 The hill i’ll die on is not fitting fully into ONE niche only- since i’ve expended to anything in general I wanna write, blogging has gone so much better!! Way less stress on my writing.
HAPPY 5th year wow, yay!! So exciting 😍 I’m so happy to hear that. What matters first and always is to write what you’re passionate about and what you really want to write! <3
congratulations on completing eight years of blogging!! that’s such a huge number and as someone who has also been in the book blogging game for a long time, I completely relate to what you say. Anyway, excited to see more from you as the years go 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your sweet words and for your support, it means so much! <3 <3
Happy blogiversary, Marie!! 🥳🎈🎊 Wow, eight years is truly an achievement – you should be really proud of how far you’ve come! I also really love your blogging tips 💙 I feel like it’s so easy lose yourself in the pressure of trying to meet everyone’s expectations, so it’s good to take a step back every once in a while and think about why you’re really doing this. Anyway, thanks for this post and the trouble you went to organizing the giveaway! I’m heading over there to check it out right now!
Ahh thank you, you’re so sweet 🥺 Completely agree, I find it way too easy to lose myself and to want to please everyone. It’s important to know that it’s okay, to take a step back and to work at our own pace. To have fun, before anything else!
Thank you so much! <3
Marie hi, congrats on 8 years! I loved this post so much and I was just sat nodding my head like yep, I had to figure that out to and accept so many of the same things. There was a time where I felt like I had to post things or restrict myself to certain content for the niche and also in a way to keep an audience. In doing so I was also squashing parts of myself that would attract other people to my blog. Whilst I know my blog doesn’t get the same engagement it used to, I also have days where I consider just quitting. I keep coming back to my blog because I truly love my purple outlet for all my thoughts and feelings. I enjoy being able to have my own space and the fact people care enough to read my posts, that I am still able to connect with new bloggers and make friends is invaluable to me.
I have a love hate relationship with social media, whilst it definitely isn’t the be all and end all, it does help in many ways. I just wish people realised blogs are probably the most stable platform out there because short of the servers going down, we’re not beholden to an algorithm and we still put in so much work into our posts.
I’ve been blogging for 5 years now and I genuinely can’t believe how much it’s changed and shaped me as a person. I mean without my blog, I highly doubt I’d have started listening to Kpop or watching Asian dramas because it was through one of my close blogging friends that I finally decided to check these things out. The types of books I read has also massively expanded, whilst at the same time narrowed, I’m consuming a wider variety of books but not compromising on the quality if that makes sense? Like I’ve figured out the types of books I enjoy reading and whilst I will step out of my comfort zone, I’ve been able to find so many books that fit the things I like which are diverse. I owe that to blogs and the friends I’ve made who recommend the books.
People may view blogs as dead but I prefer to see blogs as a constant. Social media trends come and go, algorithms change and everything moves rapidly. Blogs to me remind me more of the countryside, they run on their own terms, at their own pace and if social media were to ever fall. We’d still be here. 💜
Clo thank you so, so much for your comment, for reading it all and as always, for your unconditional support, it means the world😭🥺
It makes me so, so happy to hear blogging has shaped you and helped you turn into the person you are, today, just as well. I love that SO much about it: how much we learn from it, about ourselves, about books, how we expand our interests and so on. It’s just so, so wonderful. <3
I completely agree with you. I see blog as constants, and it's really, really nice to know we have these reliable places that are completely ours. <3
Thank you so,so much 😭🥺
Happy blogiversary!! Here’s to many more years to come!! I loved your tips for blogging and I agree it should be fun and you shouldn’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to be like others. You should do you!!
Thank you so, so much! <3 I'm so glad you liked this post and yes, it's so important to be ourselves <3
Congrats on 8-years! 🥳 That’s amazing and it goes without saying I love your blog! It is such a nice place to be!
I really value your advice, so it was great to get some extra tips (plus I love the gifs). Social media can feel like a necessary aspect of blogging, but it is not my strength. Plus, it takes so much time to do. You’d think it would be quick by looking at it but no. It is nice to have the reminder that you can do it at your pace, and it will be okay.
I hope you enjoy your 8th year blogging and look after yourself as well. 💗💗
Thank you so, so much Sophie! 🥺🥺 I completely get that. Social media isn’t my forte, either and I’d rather focus my energy on my blog, even if it’s a bit old school. Thank you so, so much for all of your support, it means the world <3
All amazing tips that we all wish we had known when we started blogging. I agree with all your points. Happy 8th blog anniversary. It’s a huge milestone.
Definitely! I wish I knew all of this when I started ahah. Thank you so, so much! <3 <3
Aaaah, Marie! Sorry for commenting so late, I hope you know how proud I am and always will be of all your achievements. You’ve been one of my best friends, even outside of blogging, for so long now, I’m glad we’ve been on this journey together. Also, thanks for the little shout out, always love to see it haha <3
I hope I don't need to say it, but your tips are obviously top notch. You know what you're talking about!
Ah Kat no need to apologize, AT ALL, never! <3 So grateful to have met you all of these years ago -I seriously can't remember how long it's been. We're really dinosaurs ahah. Thank you so much!!🥺
<3 <3 <3 <3
Happy blogiversary and here’s to another 8 years (if blogging still brings you joy in that time, of course)! The reason I keep coming back and am not able to let go of my blog is the community and connections I’ve made — they are what truly make this experience so wonderful! Thanks for being a bright spot of my bookish life.
Thank you so, so much, Kal! <3 I so get that, the connections are what's best about this whole adventure, that's for sure. Thank YOU for your sweet comment, so so grateful to have met you thanks to blogging!! <3
Happy Blogversary!! 🥳 (sorry I’m so late, life has been hectic, but I really wanted to congratulate you, as 8 years is an incredible achievement and your voice is so important ❤️)
I loved reading your blogging tips! I’ve also struggled with feeling like I owe publishers to always review all the Arcs I get. I try my best, but sometimes it doesn’t work out and I’m trying to feel less guilty about that!
Oh I also struggle with Social Media, now that my main social media side – … Twitter – seems to be slowly going down the drain, I’m unsure where to go, as no other platform feels right at the moment 🤔
Thank you so, so much Caro and please, no need to apologize, I completely understand <3 I'm so glad I'm not the only one struggling at the moment. I feel so confused and frustrated with social media, I'm trying my best, but I haven't found the thing and the place that just... feels as right as the blog does. It makes me a bit sad! :(