Common New Blogger Fears (and How to Move Past Them)

Sometimes our minds are not on our side.

You sit down to work on the blog that’s supposed to change your life, bring financial stability to your family, and get you out of your 9-5, but the only thing in front of you is debilitating fear.

That voice in the back of your head sneaks up to the front and whispers:

“Who do you think you are?

No one cares what you have to say.

This has all been done before.

You have nothing new to offer the world.”

And then you freeze, because it feels true. It’s heartbreaking. And just like that, you’re drowning again.

I get it. I struggle with it, too.

So many new blogger fears are incredibly common, especially when life is heavy and the stakes feel high.

But here’s what I’ve learned: you can feel the fear and still take the next step.

This post isn’t about ignoring your fears or pretending they don’t exist. It’s about naming them, understanding them, and learning how to move past them.

Because you have something to say. Something worth sharing.

And you don’t have to be fearless to move forward.

Let’s talk through some of the most common fears new bloggers face—and how you can gently and confidently work through them one step at a time.

TL;DR:

Starting a blog comes with a ton of fears for new bloggers. These new blogger fears are so real, and they can feel paralyzing. This post walks through some of the most common fears new bloggers face, such as imposter syndrome, judgment, and fear of failure, and offers some ways to work through them so that you can keep showing up for yourself and your future.

---

The 5 Most Common New Blogger Fears

If you’re on the high that comes with starting up a new website and launching your blog, I’m so excited for you!

Honestly, it’s one of the best feelings to get that rush of motivation and excitement that pushes you to create something from scratch in an effort to serve your people and build your own future.

And while that high is so much fun, it’s often followed by fear.

And that fear isn’t just because you’re new, you’re inexperienced, or you’re not good enough for this.

That fear hits all of us.

Every blogger posting to Pinterest, selling digital products, building an email list—even the heavy hitters who are writing books and meeting celebrities—each one has faced the fear.

The only difference between you and them is that they worked through it and kept going, which, honestly, is easier said than done.

The first step to working through the fear is identifying what you’re feeling and why. Then we’ll chat a bit about how to move past it.

Fear #1: “What if no one reads my blog?”

This one hits hard, especially when you’re putting your time, heart, and energy into creating something meaningful.

It’s tough to sit down and write when you feel like you’ll never see a return on your effort.

This fear is the reason most bloggers give up before they really even give themselves a chance.

But here’s the truth: every single blogger starts with zero readers. 

Yep—zero.

That blogger you admire? They started there, too.

What matters isn’t having an audience right away—it’s building one by showing up consistently and offering value over time.

This fear usually comes from a good place.

You care.

You want your words to matter.

But it’s easy to forget that the early days are for planting seeds, not harvesting results.

And it’s hard to keep putting in effort and having to wait for results, but you’ve got to lay the foundation first so that you’re ready when the traffic finally comes.

Here’s how to move past it:

• Shift your focus from numbers to impact. Instead of “how many people saw this,” ask “did this help someone?”
• Keep creating—even when it feels like no one’s watching. Consistency builds trust, and trust builds traffic.
• Start with just one person in mind. Write for her—the beginner you were not long ago. She’ll feel seen.

And remember: your words don’t need to go viral to make a difference. Sometimes, helping just one reader is exactly how momentum starts.

---

Fear #2: “What if people judge me for blogging?”

Let’s face it. If you put yourself on the internet, you’re opening yourself up for others to be able to criticize you, judge you, and say whatever they want behind the anonymity of their screens.

Or worse, maybe the people you know will laugh at you behind your back.

This fear runs deep, because it’s not just about blogging—it’s about being seen, whether you want to be or not.

And let’s be honest: it’s one thing to worry about strangers on the internet. It’s a whole other level when you’re afraid your friends or family might see your blog and think, “Who does she think she is?”

New blogger fears often stem from the pressure of feeling like you need to prove yourself to everyone around you. Especially when the people closest to you might not “get” what you’re building or believe it’s possible to grow a blog into something real.

That’s why so many new blogger fears come from trying to please people who aren’t even your audience.

But here’s the truth: you’re not building your blog for them.

You’re writing for a very specific, purposeful audience—the kind of person who needs what you’re creating.

And guess what?

That person might not be your best friend. Or your sister. Or your high school buddy on Facebook.

And that’s okay.

Your blog isn’t for everyone—it’s for your niche. Your people. The ones searching late at night for answers, encouragement, or a little push in the right direction.

👉 Need help defining your niche audience? This post will walk you through it.

How to move past this fear:

• Start small and private if you need to. You don’t have to announce your blog to the world on Day 1. I sure didn’t!
• Remember: judgment comes from the sidelines, not the arena. The people who build things? They don’t judge—because they get it, and they’re willing to grab your hand and bring you along.
• Write with one reader in mind—your reader. Speak to her. Help her. That’s who you’re showing up for.

Every blogger has to walk through this fear at some point.

Just remember that you can start things quietly until you’re ready to let the people around you know.

You can even blog anonymously.

It’s totally your call on how much of yourself you’re willing to expose and how much you’d like to keep quiet.

---

Fear #3: “I’m Not an Expert—Can I Still Be a Blogger?”

You finally sit down to write… and suddenly your brain’s like, “You’re not qualified. You don’t have credentials. What if someone calls you out?”

That inner voice, the one that says you’re not “enough” yet, is called imposter syndrome, and it loves to hang out with new bloggers. Especially when you’re trying something new and stretching out of your comfort zone.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be an expert. As long as you’re a step ahead of your readers, you can be helpful.

Your readers aren’t looking for a professor. They’re looking for someone who’s real, approachable, and understands what it’s like to be a beginner.

You can be the journeyman—the one who’s just a step ahead and willing to turn around and help the next person up.

Still doubting that “simple” can be enough?

Think about how many blog posts you’ve searched for with titles like:

• How to start a Pinterest account
• How to make a basic content calendar
• What to include on an “About Me” page

These aren’t complex topics. They’re foundational—and they’re exactly what beginners need.

Many successful bloggers built their traffic and audience by creating clear, helpful answers to simple questions.

They weren’t “experts.” They just showed up and shared what they knew.

You can do that, too.

How to move past this fear:

• Own where you are. You don’t need to pretend you have it all figured out. Let people come along for the journey with you.
• Share what’s helped you. Your personal experience is exactly what makes your blog valuable.
• Start with beginner-friendly content. What felt confusing to you when you were starting? That’s gold for your readers. The struggles you’ve already faced are the ones your readers are facing now.

The best bloggers aren’t always the ones with the fanciest credentials—they’re the ones who are honest, helpful, and consistent.

That’s something you can be, starting right now.

---

Fear #4: “I Don’t Have Time to Blog”

This fear is so real—especially for solopreneurs who are juggling families, jobs, responsibilities, and maybe even other creative ideas.

When you’re just starting, the world of blogging can look like an endless to-do list: content calendars, SEO, Pinterest, affiliate links, batching, analytics… it’s enough to make anyone want to quit before they begin.

But here’s what I want you to hear: you do not have to do everything all at once.

You’re allowed to build your blog slowly. You’re allowed to show up imperfectly. And you’re allowed to choose sustainable over speedy.

In fact, the bloggers who stick with it aren’t usually the ones who sprint out of the gate.

They’re the ones who create a rhythm that fits their life—and keep showing up in small, intentional ways.

A big reason so many new bloggers feel overwhelmed is because they’re trying to do everything at once, but most new blogger fears fade when you give yourself permission to grow at your own pace.

If that means taking a day (or a week off) to regroup, do it.

Here’s how to move past this fear:

• Start with one post at a time. Don’t worry about launching with 10 blog posts and a full Pinterest strategy. Just write the next post.
• Simplify your workflow. Tools like batching, brain dumps, and monthly planning (hello, I’ve got you covered 👋🏼) can save so much time and mental energy. And don’t sleep on resources like Trello to help keep you organized.
• Set realistic goals for your season. If you can only write one post a month right now, that’s okay. One post a month is still progress.
• Let go of “shoulds.” You don’t have to blog twice a week, be on every platform, or work yourself into burnout to grow. You just need consistency in your way.
• Track your time for one week. You might be surprised how much you can do in little windows—15 minutes here, 30 minutes there.
• Make it enjoyable. Put on music, make a cozy drink, light a candle—turn blogging into a mini retreat, not a chore.

And here’s a mindset shift to carry with you: You are not behind. 

You are building something—and that’s more than most people ever start.

Progress is progress, even when it’s slow.

---

Fear #5: “What If My Blog Fails?”

This is the quiet fear that lingers under almost all the others.

What if I waste my time?

What if I put in the work and nothing comes of it?

Or what if I try… and it still doesn’t work?

I get it.

Starting something new—especially something as personal and vulnerable as a blog—feels risky.

You’re not just putting content out there, you’re putting yourself out there.

And failure feels like it would prove every doubt right.

But here’s what I want you to remember: failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process.

Let me tell you a little story.

I started my first blog back in 2018.

I was a brand new mom with two babies under two and knew nothing about blogging—like, zero. That first blog was built from the ground up in stolen nap-time chunks and late-night learning sessions, all while figuring out how to be a good mom.

I wasn’t consistent and didn’t have a niche or content pillars or any kind of plan, but somehow, that little blog grew. I worked it up to enough pageviews to get into Mediavine.

And then? I quit.

It felt like a failure. The blog felt messy and scattered. I didn’t know how to “fix” it or clean it up. It felt too late. So I walked away.

But here’s what I’ve come to realize: that “failed” blog wasn’t just a hobby I gave up on. It was the training ground for what I’m building now.

Because I didn’t walk away empty-handed—I walked away with a skill set. 

I learned how to create content, how to get traffic, how to connect with readers, and how to keep going when things felt hard.

And now, in 2025, I’m using everything I learned back then to build something more focused, intentional, and aligned—with a clear voice, audience, and plan.

That “failure” wasn’t the end. It was the beginning.

In blogging—and in life—you either get the result you wanted or the lesson you needed.

How to move past this fear:

• Redefine failure. Not getting thousands of views right away isn’t failure. Giving up on something you care about before it had a chance? That’s the only real loss.
• Focus on your “why.” Why did you want to blog in the first place? When things get tough, come back to that. Let your why be stronger than your worry.
• Measure progress differently. Growth isn’t just traffic or income. It’s writing with more confidence. Hitting publish when you’re scared. Learning something new. All of that counts.
• Take the next tiny step. Success isn’t one giant leap—it’s hundreds of tiny steps taken when no one’s clapping yet.

You are not failing just because it feels hard.

You’re building—and it takes time, patience, and a whole lot of heart.

And the fact that you’re even reading this post? That tells me you’re already braver than you think.

---

Bonus Section: “What If I’m Just Not Cut Out for Blogging?”

This one doesn’t always say itself out loud. It sneaks in late at night or after a frustrating work session and whispers, “Maybe I’m just not the type of person who can do this.”

Let me gently stop you right there.

If you’re here—reading this post, thinking about your blog, dreaming about making it work—you are the kind of person who can do this. The desire is already in you. And that desire means there’s something here worth pursuing.

You’re not “too late.” You’re not behind. And you’re not disqualified because things have felt hard or messy. (You’ve heard my story—I’ve been there, too.)

Blogging isn’t about being the most confident, most tech-savvy, or most polished person in the room. 

It’s about showing up, learning as you go, and building something with heart and intention, even if your hands are shaking a little.

And here’s a truth no one says enough:

It’s not the naturally talented ones who succeed—it’s the ones who outwork everyone else.

The ones who show up when it’s hard. Who post even when they’re nervous. Who get back up after a setback. And who decide to keep going, even if they’re still figuring it out.

The truth? No one feels “cut out for it” in the beginning. But you get stronger in the doing.

So if that voice is creeping in—telling you to quit before you start—I want you to hear this voice louder:

You’re allowed to take your time. You’re allowed to build slowly. And you’re allowed to start scared.

---

Final Thoughts: You Can Move Past Your New Blogger Fears

If any part of this post made you whisper “ugh… same” under your breath, I hope you found a little nugget that’ll help you move forward.

These fears are normal. You’re not behind. You’re not broken. And you’re not disqualified because you feel unsure or overwhelmed.

You’re simply someone brave enough to try something new.

And that’s the kind of person who actually makes things happen.

New blogger fears don’t mean you’re on the wrong path—they just mean you’re doing something brave and meaningful. Fearlessness isn’t a requirement for blogging. You don’t need to have it all figured out.

Confidence builds with time.

What matters most is being willing to take the next step.

That willingness is what moves you forward. It’s what opens doors. It’s what helps you grow into the blogger you’re hoping to become.

And the people who succeed are not just the ones with a head start or natural talent.

It’s the ones who stay in the game. Who keep going and take imperfect action and trust that consistency will carry them through.

You’re already further along than you think. You’re already doing it.

And I believe—truly—that you can go even further.

Ready to take the next step?

Pick the fear that’s been holding you back the most—and take one small action this week to move past it.
Then come back here, reread this post if you need to, and take another step.

You don’t have to do it all today.

And if you want help getting organized and focused, grab my free workbook, Content Clarity: Plan, Publish, and Launch Faster—it’s a simple, beginner-friendly tool to help you map out your blog content with way less stress.

You’ve got the heart. Now let’s build the plan.

I’m cheering for you, friend.
Always.