Hey soul fam—can you believe it’s been a month since I officially launched Exclusively Souled?
If you’ve been following along or are just now stumbling upon my little corner of the internet, welcome. I’m here to take you behind the scenes of what the first month of blogging has really been like—no fluff, no filters—just the raw truth, sprinkled with insight and a few stats to keep it real. This is for anyone thinking about starting a blog, or who’s in the thick of trying to figure it out like I am.
From Research Rabbit Holes to Actually Blogging
Let’s start at the beginning. When I first decided to start a blog, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Not a faint idea. But that didn’t stop me—I dove in headfirst, determined to figure it out one step at a time.
I spent months researching everything from SEO strategies, blog templates, how to create content that connects, how to promote it, which platforms to use, how to code (lowkey still learning), and so much more. At times, it honestly felt like too much. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel overwhelmed or question if I’d ever actually start.
But here’s what I realized: you can’t learn everything before you start. Sometimes you just have to start. And that’s exactly what I did.
What I’ve Learned in My First Month of Blogging
This journey has already taught me so much—not just about blogging, but about myself too. Here are the top lessons that really stuck:
1. Just Start. Seriously.
Getting started was the best thing I could’ve done. I kept waiting for perfection, but putting the blog into motion helped me figure out what actually worked, what didn’t, and what needed adjusting. Action breeds clarity.
2. No Promotion = No Traffic
This one hit hard. I realized quickly that if I didn’t talk about my blog or share new content, there was literally zero traffic. Whether it's Threads, Instagram, Pinterest, or even a simple text to a friend—you have to promote your work consistently.
3. Play the Long Game
Instant gratification is tempting, but blogging is a long game. I got more engagement days—even weeks—after I posted something. Create valuable content and let it breathe. Don’t stress the slow build. It’s building.
4. Start Small with Platforms (Then Expand)
I kind of did the opposite here—I launched on Instagram, Threads, Pinterest, and Blogspot all at once. In the name of "research," of course. 😂 But in hindsight, starting with one or two platforms might be easier. I do think it's helpful to experiment, but don’t burn yourself out trying to be everywhere at once.
5. SEO & Keywords Matter More Than You Think
In my first week, I got Google search hits. That didn’t happen by accident. I thought about how I search for things and used that to inform the keywords I put in my titles, descriptions, and image tags. If you’re starting out—learn SEO early. It makes a difference.
6. Take Advice, But Trust Your Path
Everyone says start with WordPress, get your own domain, hire a web designer—but honestly, if that’s not in your budget or comfort zone, it’s okay. Exclusively Souled is built on Blogspot right now, and it’s working just fine for me. Learn what you can, try things out, and build your blog your way.
7. It’s a Lot of Work, But It Can Be Fun
There are days it feels like a second job. But when you’re creating content you genuinely care about, it becomes a labor of love. The more you lean into your “why,” the more rewarding it becomes.
8. Imposter Syndrome Is Loud—But Not the Truth
I’ve felt like a fraud more than once. I’m not a developer, not a designer, not a marketing expert… but somehow I’m doing all of that as a new blogger. It’s scary, but also powerful. I’ve learned that completion beats perfection. Every post I publish silences that voice just a little bit more.
My First Month Blogging Stats (As of July 31st)
Because transparency matters and growth starts with a baseline, here’s a look at where Exclusively Souled stands after one full month:
🌐 Blog (Blogspot)
- Total Views: 456
- Countries Reached: United States, Ireland, Sweden, Australia
- Posts Published in July: 3 (6 Total Since Launch)
- Followers: 0 (Still building!)
- Total Views: 1.3K+
- Engagements: 56
- Content Posted: 3 Carousels, 2 Reels
- Followers: 14 (1 New)
💬 Threads
- Posts Shared: 30
- Followers: 3
- Weekly Post Views: Trending upward (from 29 to 42+)
- Note: Threads analytics are limited under 100 followers
- Monthly Views (Since July 23rd): 269
- Pins Created: 8
- Followers: 0
It’s slow but steady—and steady is still progress. Every view, every like, every save is a sign someone connected with my content. That means the world.
Encouragement for New Bloggers
If you’re thinking of starting a blog, or you’ve already started and feel like you’re barely keeping up—this is your reminder that you don’t have to do it perfectly to do it well.
Try things. See what feels good. Learn as you go. And most importantly—have fun with it. Blogging can be hard work, but it can also be incredibly soulful and fulfilling if you stay true to your voice and your vision.
Imposter syndrome might show up, but you get to decide who stays.
Let’s Connect 💬
If you’re a new or aspiring blogger, I’d love to hear from you!
What are you curious about? What’s been the hardest or most exciting part of your journey?
👇 Drop your questions, suggestions, or topics you'd love to see in next month’s update in the comments!
And if you're feeling this post, don’t forget to share it with someone who needs that extra push to finally start their own blog journey.
Here’s to being Exclusively Souled—authentic, growing, and figuring it all out together. ✨
Keywords (for SEO): new blogger tips, first month of blogging, starting a blog on Blogspot, SEO for beginners, growing a blog from scratch, blogging journey, creative blogging, blog growth stats, overcoming imposter syndrome, hands-on learning blogging, beginner blog traffic
✍ Until Next Time,
Exclusively Souled ✌
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