Why My First Blog Failed - Shay Thomas Blogs

Bloggin’ ain’t easy and baby let me tell you exactly how my first blog failed so I can help yours succeed.

Telling people why my first blog failed has always been a sore spot for me. Especially because in hindsight, it didn’t have to. I was green to the screen and knew nothing, so I lost everything. A year of hard work gone down the drain over a few simple mistakes and tricky marketing tactics. Every reason I have for why my first blog failed was completely preventable. IF ONLY I HAD KNEW THEN WHAT I KNEW NOW. That’s why I’m sharing my story because I’d hate for it to happen to you too. I used to be too embarrassed to talk about it but, that’s not how you help fellow bloggers be successful. You have to share the good and the bad.

Why my First Blog Failed – It wasn’t making ME money

When I started my first blog I had only heard of two ways to make money, through affiliate links and ads. I didn’t do much research into either method so not surprisingly I joined one of the crustiest ad companies who totally spammed up my website with non-relevant low performing ads. These ads were horrible and paid barely anything.

I knew of Google adsense but getting approved was taking a lot time. The ad network I used I can’t even remember the name of but they’re out of business now and it’s no surprise.

Secondly, I tried to do affiliate marketing. From what I knew all I had to do was link to a product. So, that’s exactly what I did. If I found something I liked and wanted to share I straight up shared the link and figured the company would see where the buyer came from. WRONG.

That’s not how affiliate marketing works.

I remember being able to track people who clicked on the links from my website and wondering when I would finally get paid or wondering if the people ever made purchases. I always wondered how did anyone really keep track of this affiliate marketing thing? Turns out, you don’t post any link, it has to be YOUR SPECIFIC LINK. How embarrassing.

In addition to not making any money, my first blog failed because it was costing too much money

This is the part I used to be embarrassed to tell people about “I lost my blog because I couldn’t afford it“. Who wants to tell people that? Turns out, not a lot of people but I’m going to. Blogging isn’t necessarily expensive but it is an investment. When I started my first blog, everyone was suggesting one of the big dog hosting companies BLUEHOST. They had an amazing price point something like $1.99 or $2.99 per month. This was years ago so I can’t exactly remember but it was LOW. Even with all the add-ons I still thought paying one or two hundred dollars to get started was okay because surely I’d be able to make my money back. I truly believed that my blog would be paying for itself in the first year.

Yes, there are plenty of bloggers who have made this happen but, I wasn’t one of them. I was making mistakes left and right. But, the kicker was once my first year of blogging was done and my renewal with Bluehost came up I absolutely did not have the money they were asking for. That low price I initially secured was gone and replaced with astronomical fees I couldn’t afford or justify. I was looking at hundreds of dollars that I wasn’t willing to part with.

You Might Enjoy: Lyrical Host Q & A

I’m not shaming Bluehost, I enjoyed their services enough that I figured I would just save up and try blogging again later. Fortunately, I came across another WordPress hosting company Lyrical Host, who I’ve been with for 3 years now.

What I like about Lyrical Host is there upfront and affordable rates. There’s never been a big price change at renewal and I feel really valued as a customer with them. If you haven’t gotten started with your blog yet but have been thinking about it, you should check out Lyrical Host. I’ve got a special discount code for new clients. Click the image below and use code SHAYTHOMASBLOGS for your savings.

Paying for things I really didn’t need

Not only was I finding that I couldn’t afford the hosting, I was spending money on things I really didn’t need. When your just starting a blog you don’t need everything under the sun. Trust me.

I didn’t grow my email list

Although finances played a major role in why my first blog failed, to be completely honest I think the fact I didn’t focus more on growing my email list had a big effect too. I had a steady stream of traffic, people were clicking my links and sharing my articles but, I wasn’t doing anything to keep my audience mine. They would come and go and that was that. It’s definitely a mistake I wish I didn’t make. Even if my first blog failed I would have been able to use my email list to let everyone know I was live again on a different website. So, even if you don’t have a following yet it’s important to set up your email marketing.

What can you do to prevent your first blog from failing?

You’re probably wondering how these mistakes can help you start your first successful blog. Well, it’s simple and my number one tip is to watch out for introductory fees. There’s a little more regulation now a days on what a company has to tell you upfront but, it’s still all the same. A lot of hosting companies will lure you in with unbeatable monthly prices. Don’t be mistaken, these really are good prices. But, they hit you hard with add-on services that you really should have or need. Then they only make a quick mention that once your introductory period is over your monthly rates will sky rocket. Oh and you don’t pay monthly you pay upfront for a year or two years. Whatever the company is choosing to offer.

If you want to start a blog but are afraid of committing so much money upfront I really do suggest Lyrical Host. They have amazing rates for ALL THEY HAVE TO OFFER. Things that you’ll be upcharged for with other companies are included with Lyrical Host plus you can pay monthly. I do and I’ve found it works very well for me. It’s a great option for people who only have a little bit of money to start.

My next tip is to take a course on affiliate marketing and truly understand how it works and what to look for when you choose to join an affiliate program. The most important things to look for are transparency. You don’t ever want to get with a company that doesn’t let your see how often your links are being clicked. There should be a dashboard that’ll be easy for you to track everything on your own. My next tip is to realize you don’t have to join every single affiliate program there is. Focus on things that are relevant to your blog.

Grow Your Email List

I’m going to say it again and again and again! Grow your email list!! Email marketing is such a great way to really connect with your audience and even potentially make sales. No one can take your email list from you. That means if you shut down your blog, guess what? You can still contact and connect with your audience and let them know where to find you again.