Viral blog posts are exciting, until they're not
I don't often blog about blogging anymore. Mostly, I feel like I've come to a place where I now know what I don't know, and don't really feel like I'm the person to share "blogging how to's" or any "wisdom." This post isn't so much a "how to make your blog post go viral" because honestly, a lot of that is luck and timing which can't be outlined in ten easy steps. More so, this post is about what it's like when it does happen. And about the three biggest misconceptions bloggers have about what it will be like to have viral content on the internet.
I feel like every blogger is chasing that dream; having a post get shared all over the internet. Tens of thousands of page views. Fame, fortune, and whatever else misguided perception the blogger has of going viral. But I assure you, that is NOT what it's like.
I've had three posts go viral in my three years of blogging. All of them were written last year, but didn't gain traction for six to 12 months. That's the first misconception bloggers have - that it will instantly be the greatest blog post anyone has ever read, and immediately go viral. Nope! Sometimes, things take a while. Sometimes, they take a long while. All three times, I've looked at my page views on google analytics and thought, "when the heck did I write that again? Wait, why is it getting popular NOW? That crap is a year old! Why did it take so long for people to find it?"
The second misconception on viral blog posts bloggers have is that it will go viral because people LIKE it. Because they think it's great. All of my posts that have garnered tens upon tens of thousands of views have gotten negative comments. People were confused by the title of this post, so most comments were supportive on the actual post after people read it. Well... Most. There were a few bizarre or nasty remarks. But as we all know, idiots people on social media comment without actually reading what they're commenting on, and man did I get some hateful things said to me!
The final misconception that bloggers have about viral blog posts is that they'll know what people are saying and thinking about the post. This last one is actually what inspired me to write this post. In the past two weeks, I've had people share my content on Facebook that drove about 30k hits to my site. I could tell what two posts they'd shared, and that it was coming from Facebook, but I couldn't tell who had shared it, I couldn't see the actual post that they had created on social media and I had no idea if what they were saying about me and my blog was favorable or not. It drove me nuts that I couldn't see that! I couldn't even detect WHO had shared it. That's the weird thing about being a blogger; once you hit publish, your content is out there. People can do with it as they please. It's really weird when you know that people are talking about you and your content - a LOT of people - but you have absolutely no idea what they're saying.
I'm not sure why bloggers are in love with the idea of viral posts. Perhaps because they sound good. A lot of people see your content, read your words. You assume it's because they love it or support it or support you. But that's not the case. Or, I should say, it's not likely the case. Even for my posts that are largely popular because people agree or support it, they're are tons of negative comments too. Sometimes, you legitimately have no clue if it's going viral out of love or hate! There's a lot of misconceptions of viral content in the blogging world. My best advice? Be careful what you wish for!
for each load. The weight of the wool works to pull apart the shirts, socks, towels and underwear that would otherwise clump together in wetness. Your laundry gets dryer faster that way, and you're able to save more energy with faster loads.
- The shorter length of this capris is perfect for spring and summer. But the best part? The stitching on this pant is so flattering! Lucy exaggerated the seams going up and down the length of the capris to make your legs look longer and added some diagonal stitching around the mid section to make your waist look smaller, which is especially great if you're pairing these with the trendier crop tops.
- I've talked about this one on my social media before. It's HANDS DOWN my favorite yoga pant on the planet. The high waist tucks everything in and smooths it out, the length is perfect (no matter your height) to wear any shoe with it and the fabric is light and breathable enough to wear in the summer, even with the longer length. 
- besides the obvious (that this tank is super cute!) I'm loving the mesh detail at the collar bone. It's longer, so if you want to keep that tummy covered you're in good shape, but it doesn't compromise style with the draping in the back.
- if you know me in real life, you've seen me in this tank because I wear it all. the. time. It's loose enough to be comfortable, short enough to be trendy, and the extra large arm holes serve two purposes: a) it makes the tank more breathable and airy and b) you can show off the cute sports bra you have under it! Need cute(r) options? I got you:
- I love the double strap detail, and all the crisscrossing in the back not only looks good with open backed shirts, it helps distribute the weight of your chest if you happen to be larger chested. 
- this one is just plain cute! I'd wear only it to a barre class or running outside in the summer heat... You know, on a "skinny day." Don't judge. The neck detail makes your shoulders look broader and it carries around to the back, making it a cute, sturdy piece.
- this one is just a great, basic staple that's available in any color. The scoop neck is flattering yet still modest enough to wear with kids (maybe it's just my boys, but they tug down my shirts on the daily) and the biggest bonus? The sleeves are long enough!