I started this blog in 2016 but the world has changed a lot since then. This blog post contains some real and raw challenges I have been through the last few years with blogging and my writing…
Why No Blog Posts recently?
If you’re not subscribed to my newsletters or following me on social media you might be wondering where I’ve been lately. I’m okay, but I’ve been super busy with tax season and trying to complete the final stages of my next book.
Something had to give and I will explain why it was the blog posts in a minute
While we are on this topic I just wanted to share some things about my work and the next book. People don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes….
The Challenges Of Blogging These Days
A few years ago there were big changes to the Google algorithm that made getting my blog posts found on Google very hard. My articles that used to do so well suddenly lost most of their daily readers (from Google search).
Around the same time, Pinterest which was where most people found me, decided to join the TikTokification of social media. Short-form vertical videos were now a priority and my popular photos on there suddenly became invisible overnight…
Just post more videos, right? Pinterest also removed the ability to link these new short videos to anything off their website… Killing blogs and small businesses. Sidenote, they recently brought it back after losing so many creators and monthly users.
This sudden lack of traffic to my website meant a dramatic loss of book sales. Despite this, I never gave up and kept learning about what Google SEO wanted and posting helpful articles but nothing seemed to work. My blog has never recovered.
Creator Burtout
Instagram also joined the short-form video bandwagon. Even now, your followers won’t see your posts or videos unless you create copycat-style viral videos (thanks again Tiktok!). There’s no growth there for most creators and artists I know.
I, like many eventually felt burnt out from trying to figure this all out, post pandemic…
Why Blogging May Be Dead
In the last few years, blogs are no longer the go-to for learning new things. Video is now the preferred way for people to learn online. There are many things that I can’t do in an article that I can do in a video.
People feel more connected when they listen and see a real human being. Especially when many blogs are now just A.I. generated…
Being an author or writer means nothing to Google’s search engine. Taking my own photos instead of using generic stock photos means nothing (it’s so much work for me).
When I search for topics, Google only shows big media companies (with a team of writers) or big businesses with multiple employees and SEO teams working 24/7 to get on the 1st page. I can’t compete with that.
I used to encourage blogging to writers and entrepreneurs, but no longer. Google is broken but they might get back to the grass roots one day.
So, that’s why the blog posts were not the best use of my time and energy lately. I hope you can understand this now
Will I Keep Blogging?
I am still unsure what to do. I’m just going to take each month as it comes, I may need to reevaluate things. I might have to reduce the blog posts and focus more on videos. What do you think?
How This Impacted My Writing…
I’ll be honest with you, the last few years from 2020 have been a struggle. And yes, many of you reading this will relate. This really hit me hard and trying to write a big book during this time was impacted. This is part of the reason the book has taken so long to complete.
Learning To Pivot
Like many people, this is why I had to try other things. I can report that YouTube is actually working well for me. It’s the only platform where I am seeing any growth and finally managing to reach my existing and new readers. It’s been a learning curve and takes time – but it’s rewarding!
Unlike the hamster wheel of content creation, many are now caught in on social media, YouTube values long-form videos, depth and community. Unlike everywhere else these days, your videos don’t vanish after 24 hours. Videos I posted over a year ago get lots of views daily.
YouTube will suddenly promote a video I made 9 months ago! It also supports content creators who are essentially free labour on other social media sites. YouTube pay creators to create content through the ads shown.
I am well aware that Google owns YouTube but it is a completely different platform and has different algorithms which seem to favour real people.
The Lesson Learned
I recognised the lesson here was that I needed to diversify my income and YouTube is starting to do this for me, which is encouraging. I also know that I need to create online courses for those who want them. I’m feeling positive about the future and will keep going.
Thank you to those who read between the lines last year and sent me tips on Buy Me A Coffee. That kept me going and helped me know you are still getting value from my work while you waited patiently for the next book…
Crystal Grids Power 2
Crystal Grids Power 2 is in the final stages. I still have to design the cover and format the ebook. There is loads of technical stuff when you self-publish that I won’t bore you with but I want things to be right before it’s released.
I have been nervous about releasing this book as it’s 4 years of my life. You put your heart and soul into these projects and every time you release a book it’s a gamble. Will they like it? I’m much more positive now as I know that the book is my best yet and many of you are excited about its release. Thank you, that motivates me to hear it!
What’s Happening Next?
All my focus needs to be on finishing and releasing the book. I have learned from past experiences not to give a release date until it’s all done and ready to go. I have to wear many hats and there are so many moving parts with self-publishing.
I will let you know when I’m there. There are other projects that I will be doing only after the book launch such as my oracle cards and my first course. New adventures that I hope you will join me on.
My oracle honestly got me through these challenging times and reminded me of my life purpose. I hope you can appreciate me being real and raw here. It’s been a strange few years for ALL of us. Thankfully, I am feeling very optimistic now and believe things will get better.
I hope when the book is out you will understand why it took so long and why it was all worth it in the end.
Thank you for all the continued support,
Ethan
P.S. Please keep comments on topic! Search my site or comment on related posts if you cant find your answer. Thank you!
P.P.S. If you feel I have helped you and you want to support me you could share this post, check out my books, leave a book review, or you can Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you!
Copyright © Ethan Lazzerini – The text and photos should not be used or appear elsewhere without permission from the author Ethan Lazzerini. You can share links to it but don’t copy it! Thank you.
I’ve always enjoyed reading your blog posts, Ethan, and look forward to more whenever you find the time. Wishing you good luck with your new book and other endeavors!
Hi Ethan it’s sad to hear all you have to go through o get your wonderful information out to us. I have your books. I enjoy your blogs and YouTube. I hope this all balances out for you. I look forward to your next book. I’m I’m always watching out for your posts.
Wishing you all the best. Love and Light Carol ✨️
I appreciate it, thank you Carol!
I have been reading your blog for years. I have learned much from you and would be sad if you decide to stop blogging. However, as an author and blogger, I understand where you are coming from. I know YouTube is probably the way to go, but I haven’t been able to let go of my resistance to video yet. If you choose to channel the energy from your blog to video instead, I will continue to follow you on YouTube and share your videos as I did your articles. Thank you for the time and effort you put into your content. You are appreciated.
Hello, Ethan. I prefer reading blogs than watching youtube videos. Tik-tok is too noisy and jarring. I actually watch instareels/videos without volume.
I guess I’m old-school. I like to go to libraries and bookshops to browse through books. Am looking forward to your new book.
Thank you. I can cofirm that people watching my videos are finding and reading my books too
I’m of two minds on this topic. On one side, literacy is going down the toilet more than it already has bc people don’t read. On the other side, we’re all so inundated by information with only so much time in a day, that we’re far more likely to put on a video in the background than take the time to read the same material. Creators need to eat too. I think if YT is working, despite how unfortunate it came to be, use it! People make livings at it but I’m 20+ years too late. I like the show and tell aspect of YT and always remember, change is the only constant in life. You got this.
What ive seen is that although they are videos on YT, viewers are still buying my books. Had a lot of people say they found my books through YT so it’s actually pretty cool for authors.
Hi Ethan! I’m sorry you went through such a rough time. I hope your future endeavors will be more lucrative. I thoroughly enjoy your content – blog and Youtube.
I’ve been working with crystals for a while, and I’ve only ever followed two creators – you and Hibiscus Moon. She also “packed it in” so to speak.
You should seriously consider doing a course or two. Maybe start with something small, as an extension of your book on grids… just a thought!
Thank you Sonja, yes a grids course is on the cards
I will watch you anywhere you post! Please don’t make yourself crazy and finish your book! All will be well. We are living in chaos now, so take more breaks and get out into nature! Love, light and many blessings!
Thank you for the support and being so patient, Nancy
I personally prefer reading a blog post to watching a video. It’s more relaxing and I just process information that way, but I totally understand the need for the change. I can’t wait for your next book. My husband loved the others and I will be getting the next one for him. I am looking forward to the Oracle deck.
Thank you both for the support and showing an interest in my future offering!
Hi Eathan,
Yes we understand totally and have similar experiences. It makes it hard to get information out there. We have a mailing list, but again, that costs a lot of money to ensure protection from hackers. Sadly it will get worse as governments have wanted total control of the internet for some time and spiritual sites seem to be easy targets. So it’s not just google. Thank you for you wonderful information on crystals – wonderful energetic beings.
Blessings
Lynette
Thanks so much, Lynette. It would not surprise me
I’m sure your book will be every bit as valuable and good as your first. Many of us, as you said, faced incredible change and growth in our businesses and personal lives. You move forward with those life lessons and experiences. Be well! Namaste!
Thanks for your positive words, Gregg!
I am sorry that you are going thru all this. But I refuse to do the videos. I speed read and it is easier and faster for me to read something and save it (for future reference of my own use) than it is to watch a video. Unfortunately I am in the minority so I guess I will miss the blogs the most.
I completely understand. Just incase others see this I just wanted to say that I chapter all my videos, so you can jump to the section you need from the bottom of the video. Also you can fast forward the videos by different percentages (bottom right video settings) for those that need things in a more concise way.
Looking forward to the new book Ethan, I’m sure it will be fabulous just like your other books. Your books got me into crystals they are very easy to read and one of the best one the market in my opinion. I hope it’ provides you with the success you deserve for all of your hard work. Best wishes
That’s great to read. Thanks for the positive feedback on my books, it means a lot!
Quite understand, Ethan. It’s all like wading through treacle! I like the blog posts as I can print them off and read them wherever I am..(for instance, taking with me on holidays with no internet). YouTube I find too many distractions, i watch your vids, then other stuff comes up. Before I know it, I’ve spent my whole evening on the tube! I need a crystal or two for self discipline .
Everything you do, and wherever you put – is very much appreciated.!! Really looking forward to your new book. ♥️
Yeah, it can be like that. Thank you for the continued support!
I love your first book, your blog posts and your videos. Stephanie said it well about literacy. Personally I’m one of those people who prefer to read, however please don’t worry. Speaking as someone who found you through reading, I will continue to follow and support you on any platform and in any media you choose to present your content. I’m sure others will too. You need to do what is best for you. Times have been chaotic and a lot is changing. You’ve come this far though and you’re still going, you’ll make it. I can’t wait to see the new book. I’ll share a quote I like that’s helped me through some tough times, “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.”
It’s true I am learning a lot from all this. Just what I said to Stepanie, Youtube viewers are also readers. Many are now finding my books through these videos, which is great!
Hi Ethan,
I am not sure if the blogs you refer to are the the articles in your newsletter? I enjoy reading those as they are very informative. However, watching a video takes much longer than reading an article so for that reason I prefer reading articles. Perhaps that problem could be solved by giving a transcript of the video directly underneath it (in your newsletters) or even just a summary of the main points.
Ethan, I am so sorry. I love reading and I grow up blogging too in 2000s. Its sad to see where the world is now, the young ones so lazy to even read and preffering stupid dance videos.. Thankfully many people are waking up so hopefully not all is lost. Keep up the good work, maybe you can make some live online class where we will all meet?
Looking forward to your projects and good luck 🙂
Thank you for sharing Ethan. I appreciate raw and real. This is very helpful information for aspiring content creators too. You are one of the content creators whose content I regularly seek out. I have one of your books, read your emails and watch your YouTube videos. I like YouTube videos because I can listen to them in my car on my way to work. I would love to buy you a coffee but I have been hesitant to do so because I’m in the United States and I don’t know if I will be charged an international fee by my bank. Do you know anything about that? Thank you for the quality content. I also buy courses and like small group live interaction.
Thank you Beth for the feedback. No worries with BMAC, I am not sure sorry, their website might say.
Sorry to hear about the difficulties you’ve faced over the past few years with changes to Google’s algorithm making it harder for people to find your articles and the negative impact TikTok has had on creativity.
I do hope that your YouTube channel will continue to grow and grow ✨
It was through one of your YouTube shorts on the Galactic Wisdom Oracle card deck popping up in my recommended videos that I found out about your work this year.
I’m not sure if Medium might be a good place to post your articles (if you don’t already) but some writers seem to do well on there.
Thank you for sharing, it helps others who might be thinking of blogging.
Thank you. It’s good to hear that you found me in a short video on YouTube. I will look again at Medium, I had heard about it a few years ago but haven’t tried it.
Greeting Ethan. Can I use an Orgonite Pyramid for the Center of a grid?