What Blogging Has Unexpectedly Taught Me: Celebrating 4 Years of The Yellow Spectacles


Hello, Everyone. Happy June! Before I get onto this week's kick-off post, I want to say thank you for reading--whether this is your first time or your 100th--This month, The Yellow Spectacles turns 4.



Growing something over the course of four years is reason alone to say thanks, but I wanted to use this blogging anniversary to reflect & share a few pieces of advice/blogging wisdom I came-to/ learned over the course of my journey {which is still very much underway & always evoloving}.

No, none of the 'reflections' pertain to earning excess $$, becoming internet famous, & getting free stuff--as I feel there's a deeper meaning & purpose to having a blog & wanting to start one.



  • Good Intentions are Good. Right Intentions are Better: Starting a blog for creative reasons are the right reasons in my opinion. Today, it seems like everyone has a blog {from previous Bachelorette contestants to the girl down the road}. So, there's just a lot of content out there. Knowing why you're venturing out on the blogging road can make your content clear & discoverable to potential readers. *In my experience, I was seeking a place to write. Today, my writing job{s} very much reflect my blog & monthly posts. The same can be said for my blog. I have earned several writing experiences based on my blog & blogging connections. 


  • Consistency is Key: There are days, stretches of time when you think, 'why am I doing this? Does anyone really care?' The answer is yes! Whether it's one reader or 10,000--building an audience doesn't happen overnight! Picking {& sticking} to a  post & blogging schedule is so important. Eventually, you'll have an audience who comes to expect your Monday morning post. To be honest, I started off doing M, W, & F posts which was just too much--my Wednesday posts were always like 'space fillers.' So, I switched to M & Thurs--which worked/works out so much better for my schedule & creative process--every now & again I'll add a hump-day post if it's something pressing. 
California Rosé via OneHope {c/o} Celebratory Occasion

  • Aesthetics are Important: Aesthetics, your demographic, your vibe, your niche--all things to consider when starting a blog & running a successful blog. At first, I had no clue--I followed 'preppy' accounts on IG & as like oh, maybe I'll be that. LOL, but as time goes on, I settled into a groove--& you will too. Of course, your interest, style, & so on will change, but your blogging core {maybe its fashion, lifestyle, fitness, home interiors ect} will help ground you in what type of content you want to focus on. Your audience will grow with you, & appreciate your consistency.   


  • Blog What You Love: In the beginning, there's always pressure to say 'yes' to every opportunity--because it's an opportunity. However, it's good to say no--feels wrong-not something you're really passionate about? Pass-it-up! By doing so, you're figuring out your vibe & your readers will take note of that!  

  • Good Web Design & Your Own Domain: I say if you made it past your first year of blogging & you can really see yourself continuing on invest in a good blog design & your own URL. I purchased my URL through GoDaddy & run The Yellow Spectacles off of Blogger. In this recent post, I share my blog's design as well as some possible choices. Your blog's design doesn't have to be fancy or flashy--I think there's beauty in simplicity--a cute logo doesn't hurt either! Feel free to email me as I know of other reputable blog-designers too! 

  • Photography: I didn't come to expect just how much I'd grow to love photography as a blogger! It has turned into my favorite hobby--mind you, I am very bad with the technical jargon & need a PhotoShop class {ASAP} but bettering my photography is one of the things I am most excited about moving forward. I just bought a Sony a5001 camera--I'll keep you posted. 

  • Find the Fun: Above all, goals are great--you should want to grow as a blogger & reach those #blogginggoals dreams. While you're in the process of doing so, remember to have fun & be nice!

Pop the frosé {over the age of 21-drink responsibly} Frosé/OneHope Gift Box 

I am looking forward to sharing more blogging-celebratory posts with you throughout the month! Including one about where I shop for glasses & the {dramatic, lol} start of me wearing glasses--oh about 20 plus years ago! I'll be sharing more on Instagram @katelynchef

8 comments

  1. Congratulations girl!! We started our blogs about the same time, and I just celebrated 4 years too. So glad we found each other! XO

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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    1. ahh really? that's so cool and yes! you're one of the best bloggers out there!! xx Katelyn

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  2. Yay, Katelyn! Happy 4 years! ❤️
    http://youngcosmopolite.com

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  3. This was so lovely to read and so inspiring to me as a blogger! Congratulations on four years!

    Anika | anikamay.co.uk

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  4. Happy Blogiversary, girlie! These are all such great tips you've shared here to ensure fun and success in blogging. Thanks for sharing and I hope you have the best week ahead!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    THE STYLE CONTOUR

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  5. Congratulations on 4 years! Your blog is always so well-done and so creative, so I trust every word of advice you have to give. I've only been blogging for a year, but I'm already starting to see these lessons come up, thanks for the help! See you Thursday :))
    - Meghan | livingasunnylife.com

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  6. Blogging about what you love is SO true- simple, but seriously KEY.

    Happy 4 years, lady!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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