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.
Neha says
This post is soo cool. I have few points to learn from your article.
Also you looking amazing in your pics π
Karen says
Hi Liz, I so get you and the true life of a blogger. It sounds so much like our lives. We’ve been on the road fulltime in Europe since March 2016 and blogged from before left. We’ve reached travel and blogging burnt more than…. 4 times at least. I like to go to places because I can blog about it not because I want to go. Although I’m learning. Still it’s 7.15am in Spain and whilst he snores, I’m doing my Social Media stuff before I finish off my latest eBook on Denmark. Then its onto Norway and another crazy blogging day! Check us out. http://www.motoroaming.com
Kiana says
Loved this post! Iβm a newbie at blogging, but I am having fun doing it. And you gotta get that wifi wherever you can-especially when itβs horrible at your campground! I have driven forty minutes to sit in a Starbucks for six hours to use their wifi π
Ashley Mann says
I really try not to bring up in conversation that I’m a full-time RVer and blogger, because I’m kinda over it lol (at least I’m over impressing people with it), but it inevitably comes up anyway.
Liz says
lol!!!!!
Melissa Lahti Brown says
Thank you for this!!! I am going to stop feeling lime i have to keep buying to keep using the wifi! I need to go to a place where I hate their food/ drinks. I haven’t found a place like that though!!
Liz says
haha Melissa! Don’t feel guilty! You’re building an empire on a budget! haha!!!
Denise Bumby says
Always a pleasure to read what we all secretly feel as we move along on this road. Keep up the good work Liz!
Liz says
You’re so sweet Denise. Thanks for reading and taking the time out to comment. This post was so fun to write!
Daniel Larsen says
I aspire to steal as much wifi as you do. I hope someone from dell reads this and sends you a new laptop. #shoutout #allthefreestuff
Liz says
haha Thanks Daniel! That would be pretty sweet!!!
Heath Padgett says
All the chains will survive without your purchase Liz, keep stealing that wifi! :). Love this post.
Liz says
Woah! A blog comment from the one and only Heath Padgett! I’ve made it folks!
Brian Gant says
Julie Gets your humor because she has to endure mine π
Liz says
Sounds like we should be best friends, then! haha
Teresa says
OMG I am DYYYYYING! Stuff like THIS is why you are the QUEEN of RV Bloggers, my fren. In case I didn’t already love you enough, this pushes it to borderline inappropriate. π
Liz says
Awww you are too much! (bows like royalty!)
Shari from USA-RVNomads says
Too good not to share! I always enjoy your posts, Liz, and hope to meet you in person when our paths cross somewhere along the road.
Liz says
Yes, I hope we meet too, Shari! Thanks for sharing this. It means a lot!!!!
Dick Carlson says
If you send me a money order for $100, I’ll send you my course “How To Make $100 A Day By Commenting On Blogs”.
Liz says
bahahahha Seriously, you need to write me that guest post already!
Julie Gant says
You totally crack me up, Liz! I love your tongue-in-cheek writing!
Liz Wilcox says
Thanks for always reading, Julie! You’re the best. I’m glad you get the humor! Not everyone does!
Carrie says
This post is hilarious and SO RELATABLE! 1/5 of my laptop LCD screen is broken from a stupid fidget spinner accident over a year ago, and it’s slowly progressing… (why I was playing with a fidget spinner I will never be able to rationalize) and I can totally relate with the email list subscription binges… It’s a real problem. The Blog webinar sounds awesome, you guys are killing it π
Liz Wilcox says
Thanks Carrie. Not two days after publishing this post, my laptop screen was broken because I forgot to untie the rope and someone tried to close it…a hairline fracture that is causing the darn touch screen to glitch like mad. ARGHH!!!!
So glad you enjoyed the post. I figured this would be a fun one to do!
Sandra Crespo says
Haha this had me cracking up the whole way through!!!! I love your confessions! I might be guilty of one, two hmmm maybe more of these ???
Liz Wilcox says
I’m honored that you read this my dear! RV bloggers are a special bunch, for sure! I’d love to see your version of this!