I read an interesting post by Dee Kumar recently entitled How To Stay Ahead of Your Industry. One thing he said that I'd like to rabbit-trail on is this: "…we must always understand that our business [or blog] has a shelf life."
It's a good reminder that blogs come and go. If I think back to when I started blogging in 2004, I can name quite a few blogs that were wildly popular then, but have fallen off the map since. The enduring ones have morphed along the way. (It also reminded me of an infographic I saw recently about how Netflix destroyed Blockbuster, but I digress.)
So, what's my point for bloggers? It's two-fold.
1. For Veteran Bloggers: If you want to be on, or remain on, the "blogging map," accept that you will have to change and grow.
On the web, things change in an instant. Internet users, blog readers, Facebook Likers and followers of any sort get bored easily. Routinely look ahead to what might be next. Maintain a running list of ways to expand. Think of new things you could offer your readers. Keep your eyes and ears open for things your target audience is looking for but can't find. Follow the pioneers and the movers & shakers in your niche; even if you don't actively participate in the conversation, know what they're talking about. Stay informed.
2. For New Bloggers: If you've been faithfully blogging and can't seem to get any traction, don't be discouraged.
Interests change, people move on, things lose their appeal. People establish new interests and discover new things. There really is no one in the world like you and it's entirely possible your blog will be among the next new and fresh ones. Blog because you're passionate, unless it becomes clear you should quit. Keep doing the next right thing, but don't let the internet kill your blog. Be you.
Blogging is about finding the balance between staying the course and looking ahead at the same time.
Photo by emdot.
Here at BloggingWithAmy you'll find tips, tools & tutorials about blogging and websites. In plain English. Want to 
Amy, I recently found your blog and your "the shelf life of blogs" post is the first one I have received as a subscriber. I will find much that is very helpful on your site. As I record my nightly diary entries from the first half of the 1960s (with an eye on the publication industry) I would like to put your statement, "Blogging is about finding the balance between staying the course and looking ahead at the same time." – Amy – Blogging With Amy – at the top of my site.
May I have your permission to do so? My husband would say "It sounds like golf," but I promise not to mention that – only your quote and the name of your blog.
Hi Barbara, I'm honored. You are certainly welcome to do so. A link back to BloggingWithAmy.com is appreciated but not required. Thanks so much for asking!
I think it's a great point to always be looking for ways you can reach different people and offer something different. I personally love to get in a rhythm (some would call it a rut lol) where I know just what to do every day and then be done with it… however, I've found it's so important to do new things, push yourself out of your box, and do things you might find uncomfortable, or scary.
This summer I'm running an interview series ~ which I've never done before, and I'm loving it! My readers are enjoying it as well, and I'm meeting and talking to some really awesome entrepreneurial moms along the way!
Jackie…I like what you say about doing things you might find uncomfortable or scary. I think when you get too comfortable, you're being stangant. Trouble is, I like comfortable! hehehe But, this is great advice and also a great way to keep the creative juices flowing.
"Trouble is, I like comfortable!"
Don't we all!
I appreciate your advice to keep going until it becomes clear that you should quit. For me this means that on those days when you are feeling a little unsure of yourself or your blog. Winston Churchill's advice helps, "Never, never, never give up." Thanks for the encouragement.
Oops – just re-read my comment and realised that I didn't complete my thought. Feeling unsure of yourself is not a reason to give up. And then… kudos to Winston Churchill…
Totally agree. If I quit every time I felt unsure of myself, I'd do nothing.