Confessions of an RV Blogger

It seems every RVer and their workampin’ mama wants to start an RV blog. And why not?

You get to talk about your travels, meet people, heck! Maybe even make a little money, or get sponsored by Winnebago and get a free RV.

Just kidding. They 100% don’t do that. And they’ve asked that you please stop asking.

So naturally, when I was trying to figure out how to make a living on the road, I told myself,

“Liz, you’re gonna be the biggest thing that’s hit the RV scene since automatic levelers, baby! Let’s do this!”

Well, I’ve been at this blogging thing for almost two years and would love to bestow some wisdom to anyone out there thinking of starting an RV blog of their own. And by wisdom, I mean my most embarrassing confessions.

Buckle up, my friend. This may get bumpy.

My laptop battery is broken so I must have it plugged in to work.

And the plug in is broken so I must tie a rope around the laptop to secure the plug in.

I confess to having my phone overheat while doing an Instagram live.

I also confess to be a part of a Camping World Instagram live where the phone overheated.

I have sent out way too many “please let me stay here and I’ll write you a review” emails.

On the other hand, I haven’t sent out enough “please let me stay here and I’ll write you a review” emails, as I am still paying for campgrounds. This is beyond ridiculous to me as a travel blogger.

I’ve done things for the RV industry in the name of exposure.

Sounds gross. Feels gross. 10/10 would not recommend.

Now, I’m not saying I should get paid for every social share, tag, and email I ever write. But I live in an RV with a toddler who is an only child. I ain’t got time to write a blog post for your company for free.

Can I get an amen?

I tried to start a YouTube channel.

And I even paid for a year’s worth of Adobe Premiere Pro.

In retrospect, this is absolutely hysterical as I hate even taking photos for my blog and social media. What in the world was I thinking shelling out $30/month before I had even made my first affiliate sale from Amazon?

Honestly, Liz.

I’ve asked strangers for RV tours.

And then immediately asked them for rights to post any and all pictures on social media.

I don’t know how to not bring up my blog in conversation.

I mean, I’m a full-time RVer and a blogger. What could be more interesting?

Seriously. I dare you to tell me.

I’ve delivered a coaching call where I’m the so-called expert in an arcade.

Inside an RV park.

With glow-in-the-dark spattered walls.

Wearing a ridiculously loud shirt.

“Hello, my name is Liz Wilcox. Today I’d like to talk to you all about how NOT to establish credibility as a speaker.”

I’ve changed my Instagram handle too many times to count.

And if you know anything about Instagram, then you know anyone named Liz Wilcox is screwed if she ever wants to open an account.

(Side note: Follow me here.)

More often than not, my fingertips are bruised.

Yep, I’m what they call an “aggressive” typer. Typist. Whatever.

Okay, that’s not really a thing but I secretly hope it is. I can’t be the only one, right? Right?!

I fangirl over my subscribers.

I’ve met up with a lot of my subscribers and loyal readers. And I’m pretty sure I’m the one acting like a 1980s teenage girl about to meet Rob Lowe.

Honestly though, I am just a lady in an RV. And my newsletter is a mix between “omg RVing is so awesome” and “holy crap. I’ve got to sign a lease.”

I don’t know how my subscribers put up with it. And I’m so grateful for each one, so the chance to meet them is like WOW! You are the coolest person ever!

I’ve stayed up way too late and gotten up way too early…

All in a desperate attempt to catch up with Facebook groups, Instagram DMs, and Pinterest pinning.

This is truly maddening.

I am a wifi thief.

This is something I’ve accepted. I am not wiling to change.

Panera, Lowe’s, Wendy’s. I take your wifi with no intent of purchase. May the guy pulling into the drive thru right now buy enough for the both of us.

I’ve made a fool of myself in front of Jeff Goins, Sean McCabe, and Dan Miller all on the same day.

Oh, and Ryan Holiday.

And Leo Babauta.

#noragrets

(If you don’t know who these guys are, please spare me and don’t Google them.)

I’ve gone on subscribe binges.

This is where a blogger feels like they need ALL THE INFORMATION and they go around subscribing to every single blog that might answer their questions.

Then I read through countless emails for weeks never getting any of the info I actually need. Then I have to spend the next year trying to remember to unsubscribe the next time I see an email from so and so.

I’ve been cheap where I shouldn’t be and spent money on things I didn’t need.

This is no joke.

I spent money on things I didn’t need (read: special fonts and pretty themes) but was too cheap to spend money on a course that might actually help me with growing my blog.

Big ridiculous mistake. I wasted more time on Google than a bored algebra student whose Facebook won’t load.

Buy the coaching already, ya cheap [radio edited].

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Well there you have it, my friend. The confessions of a true RV blogger, obsessed with turning her blog into something bigger than herself.

I’d say I’m embarrassed, but reading back through these I think I’m more proud. Proud of learning from these mistakes and proud that I can now help new RV and travel bloggers avoid them and just get to the awesomeness that is blogging!

If you’re interested in starting an RV blog, my buddy Pete has the best resource to take you from start to finish. Seriously. Just click here to check it out. Pete is one of the biggest influences for me as a blogger. I’ve been following him for about two years and think he’s so cool and knowledgable that I asked him to attend a conference with me…and he did!

Photo proof….he’s the one standing next to me.

So do you have an RV Blog? Or any type of blog? Put it in the comments. I’ll check it out!