January 2, 2016. Right after the New Year’s Eve, in one afternoon, I decided to create one of the biggest challenges of my life: Surfer Girl On The Move.
I started this blog as a result of my three biggest passions: writing, travel, and surfing. And what began as a hobby, as an internet product that allows me to share the world I live in, has developed into a project that I work with great love and pride, a lot of persistence and, as I like to think, some success.
It has been three years of hard work, since I can’t devote 100% of my time to the blog. Unfortunately, there are bills to be payed and trips to make and the blog doesn’t allow me (at least until now) to have financial sustainability to live only from its writing. Maybe one day…
But you know you’re doing something you love when you work incessantly and days seem to never end, and, nonetheless, you’re willing to work, even harder, you’re always smiling and thinking of new things to do.
3 things I learned with this travel blog
I’ve already learned so much from this life of a travel blogger, but during this time there were three lessons that helped me go even further.
1. It’s never too late to learn
Since I started the blog three years ago I haven’t stop learning new things.
I love writing and I think I do it well, but when I look at a blog today I’m fully aware of all the hard work that lies behind it.
To do the Surfer Girl On The Move I had to learn how to work with WordPress, with hosting servers, learned Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere and even some After Effects, I’ve seen numerous photo tutorials, read endless articles on SEO and social media… anyway, a long path of learning that’s far from having come to an end.
But as I conquer my objectives I think all that time spent was worth it, and today I want to learn even more and be able to do more so I can bring you one of the best blogs you’ve ever seen.
2. Be proud of what you do
Which brings me to a close point: be proud of what you do!
Of course, there are countless travel blogs around the world and many with higher quality than mine. I know that, but I like to think that it makes me want to do even better.
I’m proud of this blog! I don’t have all the time in the world or a professional team supporting me, but I know that what I’m presenting is a quality site, pleasant to read, with interesting information and beautiful images.
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Well, I have to say that I don’t have a professional team working with me but I do have my travel and lifetime companion that encourages me unconditionally and has been my greatest support to carry forward this dream — thank you, Nuno! ❤️
3. Be persistent, never give up
Perhaps one of the biggest difficulties I have faced is the recognition of the blog. Well, I know I can count with those who follow me and my friends, and even the recognition from my peers, which work is an inspiration that leads me to want to do more.
But when you work so much, you spend so much time, so many quality content made and that doesn’t translate in more visits to the blog, views or shares, it’s difficult.
Don’t be fooled thinking that the world of travel blogging is easy. On the contrary, it’s hard because there’s so much offerout there, that you always have to be evolving and innovating. We have to fight against algorithms, advertising tricks or notoriety purchases.
But I have to be persistent, never give up! As I said in the previous points, build the best content in the world and be proud of it. After all, I can be making a difference to someone.
What next?
If all goes well, many many more blog years! This is always the wish of any birthday girl.
I hope that many more travels will follow so I can show you more beautiful locations and more adventures; if possible, do even more blog publications; and there are more surprises coming soon, but I don’t want to reveal them just yet… stay tuned for what’s coming 😉
I also hope you continue following this adventure, making comments and suggestions, and also inviting your friends to come and follow the blog.
This is a journey that has just begun!
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