It seems like the internet is filled with checklists of things that you should be doing. Five ways to lose weight. Six things to try today! More, more, more… Right now, the last thing we want to do is add one more “must do” thing to my list. We want to take things OFF the list! So, with that in mind, we thought it would be good to share a list of things you should STOP doing. Rather than more things you should fit into your already over-flowing cup, here are 5 Things to Stop Doing Now to Make Your Blog more Successful.

1: Stop Trying to Be All Things to All People

Do you think your bride would find a pair of Christian Louboutin heels at Walmart? Would she be surprised? No. Because Walmart doesn’t carry designer heels. Everything about the brand is strategically planned around the idea of affordability. They don’t try to appeal to a higher end clientele. The company is focused on their target client like a laser beam.

So, let’s take that idea to your blog.

Who READS your blog? Does your bride shop at Walmart or is she looking for Louboutin? Maybe that’s a little bit of a severe comparison. But really, think hard about who your target client is. Because if you’re trying to appeal to recently engaged couples, recently married couples, expectant mothers, AND single fathers… You’re going to have to write a TON of content to be able to appeal to everyone!

First things first: stop trying to be everything to everyone. Stop trying to write your blog for everyone in the nation who wants to get married. Stop writing even for every single person in your target market who is getting married. Specialize. Think specifically about your dream client and write specifically to that person.

Think hard about who you want to work with and then, write directly to that client. To learn more about the power of focusing your content, take a look at this post, “How to Create Marketing that Attracts your Ideal Client,” from our friends at ShootDotEdit.

2: Stop Seeking Permission from Others

Should I write a blog post about “Unplugged Weddings?”

Chances are, if you really feel passionately about a topic, you’re going to write about it regardless of what we have to say about it. Furthermore, the beauty of your brand, your blog, and your ideas is that they are yours and feature your unique signature style. People are going to buy you before they sign on to hire you. Stop worrying about whether or not you should use a specific marketing technique and try it out.

“Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another.”  – Madonna

You are good enough. Your ideas are awesome. Don’t worry what other people think about them. When you make a decision that is right for your brand, stick with it. Let your passion lead you, and all of your content will shine with that passion. If no one ever forged ahead into new ideas and new areas, we’d never grow.

Challenge yourself. Embrace growth.

3: Stop Creating What You Think You “Should” Create

Musicians and artists create music they want to listen to, draw art they want to see, and write books they want to read. That’s how you probably approach your photography, taking pictures you would want to look at. So, what about your blog?

Make sure you’re writing what you would want to write. If you have no interest in telling the story of how a couple met, don’t. Your work needs to resonate with you first. So, no matter how many articles you read that tell you about how your content needs to be “evergreen” and “shareable,” you need to create posts you’re passionate about. Be genuine. Be authentic.

And… just like we talked about in #2: be you.

4: Stop Looking for Happiness

You know the saying… “Birds of a feather, flock together?” The truth is, you attract what you are. Happy people gravitate to happy people. If you want the things happy people have, you have to be happy. Be the change you want to see. Stop looking to be happy and decide that you are. It isn’t a place you can get to using GPS. Happiness isn’t in another zip code or with another website designer. It comes from your attitude. Your decision that from today forward, you will shrug off negativity and forge ahead.

“Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There’s going to be stress in life, but it’s your choice whether you let it affect you or not.” – Valerie Bertinelli

Results come from your attitude and your behavior. Not the other way around. What does happiness have to do with blogging? When you actively reject negativity and start focusing on what you can do and what you can have, all of your business tasks become easier.

• Instead of dreading putting up a blog, decide to get it done early
• Don’t worry about writing well and just write
• Focus on the small wins

Oh, and for more reasons to be happy – check out this list of Three Reasons You Don’t Blog (And Why They’re Wrong).

5: Stop Ignoring your Inventory

Tying in with looking for happiness is another trap that’s easy to fall into: ignoring what you already have.

Your images are currency. Chances are, you already have a wealth of unique, sharable content. Don’t forget about the work you’ve already done. When you’re too busy to blog, dig into your inventory and share something again.

Your amazing images are already taken; there’s almost no work needed!

So, pull out posts from last year and leverage the successes you’ve already had. The list of content you can create goes on and on:

• Anniversary posts
• Spotlight on a specific location
• Focus on a selected venue
• Showcase a theme
• Draw attention to a specific detail

Just because you’ve posted it before doesn’t mean you can’t use that image again! Make sure you set yourself up for success with a strong content sharing strategy with our Beyond Blogging eBook!

In any business task, the first step to success is passion. If you approach blogging with passion and enthusiasm, it will become easier. Stop wasting your energy on these five items and start blogging happier. If you aren’t sure where to start or if you need a hand developing your content strategy, please contact us. Blogging is our playground and our craft. We’ll be happy to help you.