Rejection
As you may know from reading some of my past posts, I’ve been trying to turn my blog into a little business while I stay at home with my twins. It’s a lot of hard work, takes a lot of time, and did I mention it takes a lot of hard work? Well, it really does.
Not only do I try to write a post every day, I have to add graphics/pictures (which I’m still not very good at,) then I promote it on all my Social Media channels. I also belong to a few blog groups, where I post and interact with other bloggers and network. I do this when I first get up (before anyone else realizes I’m up,) during nap time, on my phone when there’s a break in the toddler wrestling matches that happen in the living room, and after everyone else, including my husband, goes to bed. Did I mention running a blog takes a lot of time? Yes, it really does.
Oh! I forgot. I also have to wade through a bunch of emails from people wanting me to promote their products/websites/apps/services (mostly for free) to find if they are legitimate offers or something that I can support. I also apply for writing and blogging opportunities through bigger publications and agencies.
Monday, I got a rejection (actually it was the second time) from one of the agencies I was hoping to work for. Just getting into the agency doesn’t even guarantee you paid jobs, but just gives you the chance to apply for them. It really hit me pretty hard getting the rejection because I thought I had improved my blog since the first time I applied. But, no. They still want better, bigger pictures, less graphics, and more Twitter followers.
Quitting
I was ready to throw in the towel. Why am I doing all this work for no pay? I spend so much time and effort on it, and have been neglecting other mommy and wife duties.
Maybe I’m just not cut out for this, and this blog will never be a success.
Back to Basics
I let myself wallow in self-pity for a few hours, dragged myself to ballet, and danced my little heart out. I felt a little better, but then I stewed about it some more last night and this morning.
Then I realized something. I realized why I write this blog and work so hard.
It didn’t start out to be about making money. It started as a way to express myself, to educate others, and to help others. So, that is what I will continue to do.
I’m going to stop stressing about making money, pleasing giant companies and agencies, and go back to writing about what I love. I’m going to write about my twins and spread awareness about Premature Birth. I’m going to keep waging the fight against TTTS and help my friends raise money until there is a cure. I’m going to share our experiences with the March of Dimes and help us be the best Ambassador Family we can be.
I’m going to talk about my oldest son, his school experiences, and my experiences as a new mom in the school system.
I’m going to keep bringing you new families every Monday to share stories of hope and inspiration.
I’m going to continue to share my goals and healthy living plan in hopes to motivate others.
I’m even going to keep doing reviews, when they are for something I believe will benefit you, or if it has benefited me and my family. However, I’m not going to go out of my way pursuing companies and products right now. I’m also going to take a step back from promoting so much.
My kids are only going to be little for so long, and I just don’t want to miss out because mommy was on the computer or her phone.
So, I hope you’ll stick with me, even if I don’t post every single day or tweet on the hour every hour. As I was reminded last week, life is precious and short, so I want to enjoy a lot more of it.
It’s easy to get caught up in the money making scheme. I did too. But then I had to remember what my initial mission was. I’m glad you realized it now versus later. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Brenda 🙂
how cute are they? I have two friends who are also moms of 3 boys 🙂
Your family is too cute and good for you for not giving up and realizing you need to write about what you love instead of just trying to please others.
Great post!
xoxo, Jenny
Thank you!
First of all, I love your blog and I’m so glad you’ll still be continuing and sharing what it is truly about. Sometimes we can get so carried away with trying to promote and make money. For me at least, I have to remember that’s not what it’s all about. I also wonder if we got rejected from the same agency. I was also told I need better photos and more twitter followers, which really hit hard because I’ve been focusing a lot on my photos and thought I was doing pretty well. Plus I see so many other blogs that are a part of that agency and I don’t understand why I’m not. Sigh.
Yes! That’s what I was thinking too, Becky. Thank you for always being so supportive. I love your blog too. It always makes me smile.
Yes! Try not to let rejection get you down.. and continue doing what you originally set out to do for your blog and it will all come together!
Thank you!
I know it’s tough, but keep at it. Just because it takes longer than we hope sometimes, doesn’t mean we can’t do it!
I love this post! I’ve been so obsessed with promoting and making things bigger and better, all while watching my stats move up so slowly that I haven’t even tried to reach out to people yet. But lately I’ve been thinking more and more about this drive that I have to be a blogger and I’ve been wondering when that became my main focus. I started my blog because I wanted to connect with all the inspiring people that I saw blogging and, as a writer, I knew that blogging and connecting with all of these people could be a benefit if I ever get an agent and start a publishing career. So I need to stop worrying about being the next big blogger and just focus on connecting with people, like I wanted to do from the start.
Exactly! That’s exactly it, Crystal. Thank you.
Totally understandable!! You need to do what is best for your family. Even now without kids I’m thinking I’m putting a bit too much time into my blog, especially for no pay. I decided I’m going to keep working really hard at it for a few more months and reevaluate. I’m sure I’ll always keep blogging, but sometimes something has to give in a schedule.
Exactly. And sleep can’t be one of those things 😉
Love it!!! I have been in a rut lately with my blog and posts. I can’t seem to find inspiration. I have also been rejected a bunch of times now for different campaigns I really wanted to do. That is life. haha Well we are here to support each other and I can’t wait to see how your blog develops =) Blogger love!!!
Thank you so much! 🙂
When I get discouraged I ask myself why I started my blog and then get back to work again too. 🙂 Your boys are SO cute! How old are they?
Thank you! My twins are 3 and my oldest is 6 🙂
Aww, they are so adorable! I’m a twin too. Were you surprised when you found out? My mom had already bought single stroller and everything for only one baby. Haha!
Oh yes, I was very surprised! My husband was in shock. 🙂
Keep going!
I much prefer blogs about real things and real topics anyway. When every post is sponsored, it feels completely inauthentic. You have a great blog, and I know it will grow organically over time and offer you some awesome opportunities!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that 🙂
I just started my blog too and have been following you for a few weeks. You have one new fan if that helps. 🙂 I have noticed that once a week I get in a slump too. I never thought blogging was this much work and I still need to get out there and actually start promoting myself which I haven’t done yet. 🙂 keep plugging on and hopefully good things will happen. 🙂
Thank you, Carolyn. I appreciate the support, and I look forward to reading more from you, as well.
I too have been wanting to monetize my blog but I have a fear of rejection. I love your blog!! It’s great that you are bringing awareness about Premature birth. I love seeing all of the different families you feature on the blog. Keep up the great work!! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Thank you, Mistle 🙂
Shann, don’t lose hope! You can do it! If you’d be interested, I’d be more than happy to chat with you about some of my consulting sessions for building your blog into a biz which you might be a perfect fit for. I want you to make it happen for yourself! Shoot me an email anytime if you’d like some support. <3
Coming Up Roses
Thank you Erica! I really appreciate the support!
I think you are doing fantastic! And can I just say that I love the new blog layout and design? Totally suits you! One of my blogging tips on periscope yesterday is to not give up. You’ll receive many rejections before you find what hits. And you know – that will make success all the more sweet!
Thank you so much 🙂
It IS a lot of hard work! I spent countless hours at my computer trying to perfect my blog until I finally got my first paid gig. It’s definitely rewarding, but I have to admit that the last few months I started shying away a bit from the sponsored posts because I felt like my blog was losing my voice and it was flooded with reviews. Now I just do them here and there and have picked up a few writing gigs that pay. Whatever you choose, keep up the great work!
Thanks Sue. I appreciate that!
Awesome post and something I also need to remember quite often. It is a slow and steady business. Keep up doing what you love and results will happen.
Thank you!
Oh Shann, I’m sorry to learn about you’re having trouble getting approved with that particular agency. It truly sucks, but if I may, I’d like to share the silver lining I see for you.
First, don’t feel bad about being rejected, that comes with the territory. To this day, I get emails telling me I didn’t meet an agency’s requirements for whatever reason. I’ve learned to have a thick skin and not let that bother me. Like you, my main goal is blogging about what I love and sharing it in hopes it will help others.
But the good thing about those rejections is, it comes with an explanation and that’s the benefit. In your case, you mentioned they want bigger, better picuters and more twtiter followers. That is such an easy fix.
For images, use Pixabay. You can download images for free to create your featured post image. There are some that are watermarked…those aren’t free but they’re are plenty of options.
Then use Canva to create the featured post image. Just upload your image and decorate it with the title of the post using their styles, colors, etc. They also have free images so if you don’t find one on Pixabay, you can look there too.
As far as getting more twitter followers. Besides participating in social follow events, like the one in our Facebook group…follow 5-7 people a day in your niche or relative to it, like other mom blogs and other moms who blog about premature births. You’ll start to see 1-3 of those you follow will follow you back.
What I’m trying to say is, you are a great writer and I think you have something to offer those agencies. I know you said you’re getting back to basics but if you decide to try again at the monetization thing, please keep my comment in mind. 🙂
I hope this helps. Keep your chin up lady! I’m here if you want to talk more. 🙂
Cori
Thank you so much, Cori. I really value your opinion, and I appreciate all of your help. I may take you up on it in a few months. Thanks again! 🙂
Sorry to hear about the rejection. Your blog looks great keep at it
Love this
*Hugs* Soooo glad you aren’t giving up. I feel like that at times to, but then I just dig in and keep going. Your blog is amazing and touches sooo many lives. Don’t ever give up, you are truly making a difference <3 <3 <3
Thank you so much. I appreciate that. 🙂
I love this! I’m hoping to monetize my blog soon and I know I will face a lot of these challenges too. I’m so glad you are sticking to the heart of your blog. Your heart to love on your kids and raise awareness about premature birth is unique and wonderful and I’m so glad you’re holding on to that!
Thank you so much Lauren. 🙂
Your kids are so cute! Sorry to hear that you were rejected, but hey – their loss 😉 I’ve been at this for less time than you have, but even so there have been multiple times I’ve thought ‘Why am I putting myself through this?!’. So I stopped. I post 3 days a week, I promote 3 days a week. I don’t have littles at home during school hours, and still – it’s just so overwhelming sometimes. Good for you for getting back to the basics (and I’m so glad you didn’t quit altogether)!
Thank you Trish!
Totally have been feeling like this the past couple of weeks and just took a week off to regroup and figure out Plan E. I wish I was gracious enough as you were, to take the time to let my viewers know what I was up too. Now I know what to do next time (maybe really soon, lol)! Thank you for sharing your blogging hardships and the light that came from it! Great post! 😀
Thank you so much. Sorry to hear you were going through a hard time too. I hope your Plan E works 🙂
I went by the same process as you just did! We want to do it all, but we have to realize that we blog for a reason and it’s not always for making money. The important part is that you found it out in time and you can now go back to your initial purpose. You have a beautiful blog and an awesome family! Keep doing what you love! 🙂
Thank you so much, Nataly 🙂
Blogging is hard work! Don’t let rejection get you down! Keep on doing what you do!
Love it! As bloggers, sometimes just getting back to the basics helps us recenter! I’ve read a few of your posts now and I love them. Just keep at it and you’ll find your own version of success!
It really is hard being rejected. Even though I try and tell myself it’s just business and I won’t let it get me down, I can’t help it. And it will really play on my mind 🙁 I have the exact same problem with emails though, you really have to go through a ton and mostly it’s people wanting you to do stuff for free. I mean, I didn’t start blogging for money, but now I have turned it into my job don’t I deserve to be paid for a day’s work? I’ve been at that point of giving up before too, but we just have to keep on keeping on and working hard! 🙂
Thank you! And yes, you do deserve to be paid for a days work….and then some.
I have visited your blog a number of times and always love reading your posts. I’m sorry about the rejection (their loss! you are a terrific writer). BTW love the picture of your three boys – they are so cute! – Trish
Thank you so much Trish. I really appreciate that. 🙂
When I first started blogging, I was part of a group of ladies who were all starting, like me, and they started getting sponsored posts. And it’s really kind of sad now because I’m still here, almost EIGHT YEARS later, loving my blog and posting when I want, and the people who started making money, or getting really amazing things to try out/review.. their blogs suck. They are all crappy. I remember when they were fun, and you could get emotionally connected with them because they had a story. Now it’s all sponsored posts, fashion posts, or the small “thankful” or “happy” lists or Wordless Wednesdays (have I ever mentioned how much I hate Wordless Wednesdays?! LOL!!) and it’s like- I have zero time to read that. If I want to learn about fashion, I will grab a magazine. I’ll watch an informercial if I’m interested in a new product. And yeah, it’s awesome to be thankful and happy, but what’s the story? I’m just over here, happy doing my book reviews and posting about real life. I’m never going to make money, but that’s OK. That was never my goal when I started. I just needed an outlet to stay sane. 😉
Thank you Sara. I love reading your blog…you always make me laugh. I feel like I know you (even though I don’t really,) and that’s how I want people to feel about me and my blog too. So, thank you. I’m glad you get it.
Very inspiring.
blogging is hard work, but you can do it! Don’t give up 🙂 Btw – your boys are adorable! such a cute photo xx
Thank you!
It is so hard to find that balance, and working towards a goal can feel like you are not getting somewhere at times. Sorry you are feeling this way. But it is really important to take that time to be a Mommy, wife and person who is not always working. Hang in there, I am happy you are finding a new way to make it all work. Good luck!
*Hugs* I personally think you have a wonderful blog. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to let the rejection get you down. You have a wonderful family and a wonderful story and many people including myself love reading your posts every week.
Like you I am a stay at home mom and I too want to earn something from my blog. Putting in all those hours can be daunting and discouraging when you don’t get the results you are hoping for. Have you considered creating your own product to sell from your blog? I am currently working on one myself.
I think Cori gave some great suggestions and I too use Pixabay for my photos. Instead of Canva I use Picmonkey so there is another free option for you. Although I did pay for the membership and like it a lot as well.
You also mentioned they wanted more Twitter followers and one easy thing I do is use the Crowfire website (it’s also an app) it’s free and easy to use. That is how I have grown my Twitter following. I couple of nights a week I will follow 20ish people and I give them about a week to follow me back if they don’t then I unfollow. If you start now and work on it slowly over time then by the time you want to retry with the agency your numbers will be there.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback and suggestions too. I haven’t really considered my own product because I’m not too sure what I could make that someone would really want to buy 🙂 But, maybe I’ll think of something when I’m laying awake at night…that’s when most of the inspiration hits 😉 Thanks for the info on Crowdfire. I haven’t heard of that, so I will check it out.
Really great photos – I love your new blog design too!! So cool!!
don’t give up! you are awesome and those boys are just too cute! keep your head up- this is inspiring
Thank you so much!
It’s so difficult to keep going in the face of rejection. Good for you for not giving up!
Thank you!
Great job! Your kids are adorable! I’m excited to read the new posts. Sometimes getting back to the reason why we started in the first place makes all the difference!
Exactly. Thank you!
Isn’t it surprising how emotional blogging can be sometimes?—and how much work! I’m glad you decided to press on, and remind yourself of why you do it. I had a bit of a “Wait. Why am I doing this and how do I do this well so that I keep enjoying it?” moment (month) recently. I’m posting less, but still enjoy it when I do. I got tired of reading so many of the same ‘ol posting-to-post posts that I had to step away a bit. And p.s. I said this before, but I’ll say it again, your blog is looking great!
Yes to all! I have to say that I did miss reading your posts, and kept looking for new stuff on your blog, so I’m glad you’re back at it too. Thank you for all your support 🙂
Oh honey! I feel your pain. I was hoping to make money doing this too and I often feel like quitting. I’m glad you’re going to keep with it. Your an inspiration! I love reading about your goals. And your Micro Monday are really uplifting. You’re doing a lot of good! 🙂
Thank you Heather 🙂
Oh my gosh, sounds a lot like my life lol…I enjoy your blog lots so I’m here for the long haul!
Thank you so much Cindy. Much appreciated! 🙂
Ughhh I know this feeling pretty well unfortunately! Afew months back I got rejected from one of the bigger agencies I had my eyes set on since the beginning. I finally had my blog traffic at acceptance level so I thought I was a definite in. I have traffic, a following, my social media is on point for a blog my size…. How can they say no? Well afew days later I got that rejection email. I apparently do too many sponsored post when they did my audit?!? And my pictures aren’t to there level of liking…. I was so mad and wanted to quit blogging. Then I realized they didn’t like me because I AM a working blogger (I only do 40% sponsored post so I don’t get how I do too many?!?!) and they didn’t like me because my pictures are real…. Ridiculous we have to sell ourselves out to make the real big money…. I took a step back and started to blog things and post social things I Originally started my blog about and bam! I got my mojo back and have been booking more jobs with the agencies I am working with. Yes I’m not booking the thousand dollar gigs… But that’s ok! I’m happy with the gigs I get & I like my blog for being me and not some fake made up creation! Some people do like real so I’m thankful for that 🙂
Thank you CourtneyLynne! I definitely like real too. 🙂
Great post! I am totally with you, the week I took off for a vacation was just what I needed and it was also a great reminder that my blog isn’t my whole life! We should chat more off line and see how the sparkle life could better support you and your blog!
Thank you Becki. That would be great!
Good for you for realizing why you started your blog. I recently just made the decision to turn my parenting/food blog into just a parenting blog and I know it’s going to be a lot of hard work. For nothing. Stay focused and keep doing what you love!
Thank you! 🙂
You are amazing! I’m so glad you didn’t throw in the towel! I look forward to your stories each day!
Awe. Thank you Nichole 🙂
It is a struggle and hard work. But you’re right. Need to remember why I started in the first place.
I really enjoy your blog (I think it is because I’m a mom, but especially because I also have a 25+5 weeker, (Isabella Grace 😉 ) … actually I have to admit, am becoming quite a fan 🙂 I am very happy you are not going to stop writing your blog!! Some people just do things for money, and it is clear to see that you are not doing that, which I really like! therefore you aren’t writing about bullshit, lol, and at the same time you are doing what makes you happy! Your posts are real, and might I add, quite interesting!! 🙂 Also everyone gets rejected at some point in thier lives, it’s not fun, but it is just a part of life. Maybe one day someone will see how special your blog really is! (Hopefully!) my advice would be
.. don’t push yourself, like you said… remember why you started a blog, and write for those reasons, don’t worry about pursuing companies right now, enjoy your family, and don’t worry about not posting enough, you have plenty to look back on (thats what I do, I have read all your miracle mondays several times actually 🙂 ) You have a family with 3 kids to raise, and a house to keep up with, that is A LOT of work ALONE!! Lol… I have 2 kids and that is a lot, I enjoy writing but I can’t imagine how much time a blog would take to keep up with! Also when I read this it made me realize, that I am on my phone far too much also! :/ and I need to work on it… because yes, life is short and precious! thanks for always sharing! ♡
Awe. You are too sweet Lauren. I really appreciate all your support, and you continuing to read after you shared your inspiring story with us. Thank you also for your advice. I couldn’t agree more about how precious and short life is. Seriously, thank you for this comment. Your really made my day, and made me so happy. 🙂