If I were starting Gigi’s Ramblings today, knowing everything I know now, I wouldn’t do it the same way. Not because the early days were wrong, but because experience changes how you see almost everything.
Back then, I learned by doing. Now, I’d learn by choosing more carefully.
I’d Start With a Clearer Purpose
When I first started, I didn’t really know why I was blogging. I just knew I liked writing and wanted a space of my own. That worked, but it also led to a lot of wandering.
If I started today, I’d define my purpose earlier. Not a rigid niche, but a clear intention. What kind of conversations do I want to have? What kind of reader am I writing for? Those answers save years of trial and error.
I’d Stop Trying to Please Everyone
In the beginning, I wrote for an imaginary audience that didn’t exist. I tried to cover too many topics, appeal to too many people, and avoid saying anything that might turn someone off.
Now, I know better. Writing gets easier when you accept that not everyone is your reader. The right people will find you when you stop trying to sound like everyone else.
Related: Gigi’s Ramblings Then vs Now: A Decade of Change
I’d Learn SEO Sooner, But Not Worship It
SEO took me a long time to understand, and even longer to stop fearing. I either ignored it completely or treated it like a set of rules that controlled everything.
If I started today, I’d learn SEO early, but I wouldn’t let it dictate my voice. It should support the writing, not replace it.
I’d Be More Consistent From the Start
Consistency took years to master. I posted when I felt inspired and disappeared when I didn’t. That made growth slower than it needed to be.
Now, I understand that consistency builds trust, both with readers and with myself. Showing up matters more than waiting for the perfect idea.
Related: How My Voice as a Writer Has Changed in 10 Years
I’d Document More Than I Performed
I spent a lot of time trying to make things look good instead of capturing what was actually happening. I edited out uncertainty, confusion, and learning curves.
If I started today, I’d document more and perform less. The real story is always more interesting than the polished version.
I’d Stop Overthinking Every Post
Overthinking was my biggest time-waster. I rewrote, restructured, and delayed posts that didn’t need half that effort.
Now, I know that imperfect and published beats perfect and unfinished every time.
I’d Trust That Growth Takes Time
In the early days, I expected results too quickly. I wanted traffic, engagement, and recognition before I had built anything stable.
If I started today, I’d trust the process more. Real growth is slow, quiet, and usually invisible at first.
What Experience Taught Me
The biggest lesson isn’t about strategy or tools. It’s about patience.
I wouldn’t change the journey because it shaped the writer I am now. But I would change how much pressure I put on myself along the way.
If I were starting today, I’d still work hard. I’d just worry less and write more.
And honestly, that alone would make all the difference.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.