I know this is going to come as a huge shock to most of you, but I am the biggest introvert EVER!
Those who know me well, can attest to this. I have great trouble talking to people. I’m incredibly shy, I’m not charismatic, and I never really know what to say. I’m horrible at small talk and can’t carry a conversation very long. It takes every ounce of my body just to go to church every week. I’m used to going when there’s 80-100 members and at my church now, there’s like 300+. It drives me insane. It frustrates me, why can’t I just talk to people. It’s normal, right?
If you feel like this, there’s good news. While I’m extremely introverted, I also run a very successful blog business, and you can too!
Can an Introvert Run a Successful Blog?
For the most part, I feel that I’m really different from everyone around me. That they don’t or won’t understand me. As normal as I seem online, I’ve just always been known as the oddball. Not many in person really understand my blogging career. Even some Christians in my circle can’t understand why I work as hard as I do, to stay home with my kids and provide for my family from home.
I’ve never been a follower, so I can’t just follow whatever a crowd is doing. I have my own thoughts, ideas, dreams, hopes, and goals. I know a small piece of where God is taking me and people in person don’t seem to understand that.
On the other hand, you have all the people who want to be your friend just because you’re “famous,” which I definitely am not, but I think that a lot of people see me that way because I’m running a blog, been on TV, etc. I even get that from my kids sometimes. They say, “Oh, you’re going to put my picture on your website. Awesome, I’ll be famous.” I ask them, “Why is that?” “Well duh, you’ve been on TV, mom. You’re famous.”
For the most part, I just stick to myself. I don’t like keeping up appearances with those that want something from me and the people who know me best, some have turned extremely jealous and try to cause me to fall. Others could care less about what I do and they don’t get at all why I do what I do. It just seems easier to stick to myself. That may not be right. It may not be the best idea, but it is me. That is who I am.
The truth is that I’m an introvert, through and through. The challenges that introverts face, I understand them. I can also understand the challenges that outgoing people face, because all my life, I WAS outgoing. But years of emotional abuse for 14 years with my ex-husband changed that. Then, when he left, feeling all the more rejected completely, it got worse. I’m not sure how to pull myself out of that and just all the sudden, be an extrovert.
Being an introvert causes many problems in life…but none of that matters when I’m online.
When I’m online, I feel free to just be ME. To just be who I am inside. To let the real Sarah Titus shine through. There’s no barriers, there’s no problems, the people who leave nasty comments on any social media, by mail, or on this blog get immediately blocked, no questions asked. It’s okay to disagree, but not get nasty about it.
In that way, I can keep my world happy, chose who I spend time with and it makes ME more happy and content with my life. I control things more. That’s why I love my blog so much. It’s an expression of who I am and I can fully 100% be ME.
A lot of times I get asked if I think it’s a good idea an introvert start a blog. “Can an introvert run a successful blog?” they ask. “I don’t know…you tell me…I’m an introvert!” I jokingly reply.
Even though I am a huge introvert, I’m opening up on my blog and I feel like it’s a GOOD thing when an introvert starts a blog. I think that it allows us to be in our comfort zone, while still making our comfort zone bigger. It stretches us, little by little, over time and helps us to grow as women.
Yes, there ARE going to be more opportunities for women who are extroverts online. The whole public speaking thing is definitely good, being on TV, etc. it’s all easy for extroverts. For me, it seems impossible. All I can do is pray through situations like that and some I do turn down, I have to admit. I run from the spotlight. I’ve always considered myself to be a helper in the background. You know, the women serving meals and helping that no one takes the time to see. I like those positions. I like being in the shadows just doing my job, helping others excel, lifting others up to reach their full potential. I had no idea God wanted ME to be in the spotlight and that He’d use all of this for my good and His glory. It has stretched me so much farther than what I thought possible, so much farther than I WANTED to go (!!!) and He still stretches me more and more each day.
While I’ve never been much of a follower, blogging has allowed me to embrace and become more of a leader than I knew was possible. It helps my kids to know to go after their dreams, even when the whole world says you’re crazy…do it anyway.
And here I stand, an introvert that runs a wildly successful blog. In my first year of blogging, I hit nearly a million in page views and going strong ever since! It’s amazing all the opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met, the friends that I’ve made, and the readers that I inspire. It’s one of my greatest honors (besides being a Christian and a mom to my kids).
So, yes, I would say wholeheartedly, if you are an introvert, that doesn’t HAVE TO stop you. You CAN go for your dreams. You CAN run a successful blog. The only thing that can stop you is yourself. You tell yourself you CAN’T do it because of this or that. THAT’S what stops you, not that you’re an introvert!
Are you an introvert? Do you love the idea of starting a blog? Have you taken that step yet?
Reelika says
I can totally relate to you! I used to be such an introvert and extremely shy. However, I have been working on that for years now. I have noticed that so many bloggers are introverts in fact. I guess writing is something that allows introverts to open up little more 🙂
Sarah Titus says
Very true Reelika. 🙂
Anna says
As a fellow introvert with a successful blog, I just had to chime in here! It for sure can be done and honestly I think blogging is one of the BEST options for anyone who is introverted for the reasons you mentioned above — you can just be yourself, and you’re in control. I’ve never more comfortable doing anything else.
I’m so introverted that I don’t Periscope, I don’t YouTube, and I even go as far as to request that brands and businesses communicate via email rather than phone calls because I try as hard as I can to avoid situations where I might feel nervous. Sometimes I still find myself in situations where phone calls are necessary, but do everything I can to avoid it. And despite that, my blog continues to grow.
I love reading your posts — keep up the great work!
Sarah Titus says
It’s funny what you said about phone calls. I’m the same way! lol.
Charlee says
Aw, Sarah! I was just thinking about how you are always yourself. You never try to mimick someone else, and I so admire that! I am an introvert as well, and blogging has made it soooooo much easier for me to open up about a lot of things. I rarely talk. Even when I am with friends, I listen. I am always labeled as a good listener, but sometimes I am off in my own little world, nodding. Ha. Anyways, I’m so glad you wrote this. It makes me happy. 🙂
Sarah Titus says
That’s awesome Charlee. 🙂 So glad it brought a smile to your face. I didn’t realize how many of us bloggers ARE introverts. LOL.
Katie says
Thanks for this uplifting post, Sarah! I think our culture still doesn’t appreciate or understand the contributions and qualities of introverts. We’re made to feel less-than because of our nature, and we have so many unique gifts to contribute! A few years ago, I had to take a Myers-Briggs personality test for a class, and I learned that I’m an “INFJ.” It really helped me to learn more about my personality, made understand why I was so “quiet,” and showed me that being an introvert isn’t bad. I’m encouraged to see that so many successful bloggers are introverts.
Sarah Titus says
Very encouraging, I agree. 🙂 I’ve not taken a personality test…I wonder if they even have an option for all my weirdness. LOL.
Michelle says
Katie, you are SO right! (I’m also an INFJ). I’m a very new blogger with a background in psychology and counseling. I have found writing to a much more effective form of communication because I can process my thoughts more thoroughly and articulate my point. I think the reason blogging works so well for many introverts is because they are able to connect with others without the “energy drain” of large groups. I also understand your point about extroverts often being more highly coveted in society in many fields (including my own). Both introverts and extroverts have strengths and it is good to know we can both succeed in various fields.
Addi Ganley says
Thank you for this post and sounding very similar to myself. I was just talking about this same thing with a friend. Sometimes I feel like I don’t even know what to say to people and I sit there thinking of something to say. But I too run a successful blog and never find myself at a loss for words or inspiration.
I just let my husband do all the talking when we are out and about! 🙂
Sarah Titus says
Is your husband a talker? Definitely hard because you don’t want to be like nosey, but then if you don’t talk, you come off as rude or snobby. Ugh! I think that I get in my own head a lot with that. I don’t want to ask too personal questions, but then how are you supposed to get to know someone, you know….
Traci says
Hi Sarah,
I really enjoy reading your blog! So inspiring! I have a little blog of my own. I hope you can teach me how to make it successful! Thank you for putting yourself out there. I’m an introvert, too.
Sarah Titus says
I’m so glad it’s inspiring Traci! 🙂 I tried to visit your blog, but nothing is there…?
Jenn says
Love this! I’m a major introvert who has tried to be an extrovert many times in my life. It’s completely draining!
I have taken every personality test I’ve found, and I ALWAYS come up with INFP. No matter when I take it.
I am encouraged that you have done so well with your blog, and hope to follow in your footsteps. 😀
Thanks for all you do!
Sarah Titus says
Yes, God is very good to me. 🙂 He chooses to use me to reach others in a unique way and it’s incredible to watch. Praying that your blog does well. 🙂 I love that you put your faith on it. SO important. Some people tell me to take all that off mine, but God is a part of who I am and I’d rather get less traffic and be myself, than fake my way to a high status! As you grow, my only advice is not to compromise, because you WILL be tested!
Tessa says
Thank you for your blogging posts and thank you for your heart. I need a kick in the pants to get my businesses off the ground. I took a blogging break a year ago to deal with some health issues but it might be time for me to get started again. I also have another business that I’m hoping to launch before Christmas, but there is so much work to do (photographing products and uploading and typing 1000 product descriptions, etc). My husband and I also run a dairy farm, so he works long days with very few days off, which leaves the kids and housework largely on my shoulders. I know my strengths (housekeeping is not one of them, lol) and do very well when I only have to focus on those. It is all those mundane tasks that I hope to be able to hire out some day. You know, links, photos, post sharing, formatting. Just let me sit in a room and write those “emails to my friends” and I’d be hunky dory.
When you put those long hours in, how do you care for your kids? How do manage laundry and dishes? How do you not get completely exhausted and burn out? I akso don’t have the same income motivation that yiu have so maybe I should tell my husband to quit his job so I am forced to get my butt in gear! Of course I jest, but the thought has crossed my mind as being the boost that I need.
Sarah Titus says
Tessa, definitely sounds like you have a lot on your plate. That is so awesome you guys have a farm! As for the mundane tasks, you have to get to a point of letting them go and not doing them. Focus on what’s REALLY important or those mundane tasks will bleed you dry! There’s always something to do, whether in blogging or in life, and we have to learn where to focus (long term goals) and where not to focus. I’ll be working on a post in the next few months on where to focus time as a blogger, and where not to waste your time. 🙂
For the kids, mine are older and in school, so it’s a lot easier. Laundry, my daughter does. Dishes, my son. We all work as a team and nope, my house is not the cleanest in the world. It’s not the right season for me to worry about that right now. 🙂
For being burned out, I do get burned out and just take breaks when I need it. Then, I’m recharged and ready to go. I’m highly motivated because I know my purpose and my path. I know that I’ve had to work 80 hours a week for the past 4 years, but now, as of a few months ago, I’m finally at a place where I’m only working when the kids are at school (for the most part). My hardest job, the hardest “season” is over! Also, it comes down to knowing there are millions of people out there counting on me to be consistent, and that I absolutely 500% love what I do. It’s not a “job” to me. It’s fun. I love every minute of it. The stuff I don’t absolutely love, I have an AH-mazing staff that helps me!
For motivation, it used to be being home with my kids, but I was able to do that on eBay, so when I started blogging, it was (and still is) about helping other moms be able to stay home. I don’t believe there are very many women who actually have to work, regardless of income or debt level. If I could do it on $18k/year as a single mom back then I feel like anyone can and it’s my job to teach them how. If they need an extra $500/month to be able to quit their job, okay, easy! If they need to stop money from flying out the window, okay, easy! Whatever the hurdle is, it’s just a hurdle, not a road block. 🙂
Karen says
Sarah, I am so glad I found your blog. I have always wanted to start a blog but was so confused. I too am an introvert and a Christian, I love what you said about church. I still wonder if I will be able to blog , because I never feel like I have enough to say about anything. I really need to do something because I quit my job over a year ago due to health reasons and now it is starting to take its toll on our family. I am trying to get the courage to start a blog. I am praying about it because I have made so many bad choices in the past and can’t afford to loose any money, even the $3.95 to start my site. I don’t even have money for Christmas. I am a grandmother of soon to be 12 grandchildren , who understand not being able to buy birthday presents and Christmas presents. I am going to take the plunge and pray this is what GOD wants me to do. Thanks again Sarah!
Sarah Titus says
Karen, it sounds like it might not be the best timing to start a blog for you, especially not having money for Christmas. I think that if you are in a position of not having a little money to invest in a blog, it can become a problem very quickly. It does take a few hundred dollars to start a blog. Like any legitimate business endeavor, you put sweat equity in, and the rewards are not paid right away. Not that you are thinking this way, but the #1 comment I always get is that new bloggers expect to put up a blog and make $1,000 by next month. It’s just not realistic. A blogger may invest time and money into the blog for 6 months without seeing any profits. If a person is starting up a blog with the #1 focus of making money, they will never, ever make it. Again, speaking in general here, but the reason is because blogging isn’t ABOUT making money. It’s about using our God-given talents and heart to serve others on a wider scale than we could in person. Anyone whose primary focus is money, I never suggest to start a blog or any other self employment endeavor. It won’t work and they will just spin their wheels. There is money to be made for sure, but that can’t be the #1 goal. Joining you in prayer that God lead you where He wants you to go. <3
Amy says
I am definitely an introvert but I don’t struggle in social situations as much as I used to depending on the circumstances. But I also still have moments when I wish I had invisible powers!
I am really glad you wrote this post. My blog has been sitting silently in solitude for the past year because I have been so afraid to put myself out there! But I’m taking the plunge.
Just pray I don’t make myself look like a complete fool! 🙂
Sarah Titus says
Better to look like a fool than hide in the shadows. 🙂 No one is perfect! Will pray for strength in your endeavors. <3
Sunny says
Sooo encouraging!! Thank you Sarah! 🙂
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely! 🙂
Sunny says
Oh, I had a question…I was wondering how you get that little heart to show up on the tab in the internet browser when someone pulls up your blog? Is that a plug in, and if so is it free or do you have to buy it?
Sarah Titus says
No, it’s free. You just have to set it (YouTube video’s will help). It’s called a Favicon. 🙂
Forest Rose says
Oh my goodness this is so me too I have to force myself to make conversation and do social events, but when I write I am the person God created me to be!!! Love this.
Sarah Titus says
Really? See I always thought you were outgoing. 🙂
dory says
Hey There Sarah,
I just found you, my Mama mentioned your name as she found you yesterday and immediately told me about you. Reading through your material, I feel as if I could jump over the moon. I want to be always be home with my children. As an artist I find that difficult, though I do make money online through art web sites. I need to step it up a bit. Your willingness to share all of this valuable information is REALLY EXCITING, and I plan to heed this advise as a person much like yourself. I don’t care that people think that doing alternative work to those jobs outside the home is “crazy.” I want the life I want…on my terms! I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU for your inspiration and I look forward to this journey.
Warmest Regards,
Dory Diavelone
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely. Live life on your own terms! 🙂
theresa likert says
Looking forward to reading and implementing more!
Thank you!
Daundra Becker says
I’m glad I’m not the only one who gets anxiety about going to church!! 🙂
Bridgett says
Hi Sarah,
I love what you said about being introvert, I find myself the same way. I do child care and am in total burn out but I need to bring in some money to pay off my house and start retirement. I am an Entrepreneur at heart. I have tried every avenue there is to work for myself, but I also get bored really easy. I am a homeschool mom. I have 3 kids of my own 18, 16 and 4. Funny right? My issue about blogging is I am not very good with words and everything I know has been talked about and would be afraid of repeating and don’t want to step on any ones toes. I am a very Godly woman. I also take things to God. I think He wants me to do this because of how emotional I am. But I always question if it’s in my head. Please help me decide if this is an avenue I want or need to take. I also still don’t understand where the money comes from. I have been reading blogs for I while now and haven’t paid a dime.
Sarah Titus says
Bridgett, my best advice on knowing if you should start a blog or not, would be to ask God to confirm it to your heart. It is a big decision and you want to do what His will is, so pray that He show you FOR SURE and He will. Here’s a great post on some things to ask yourself of whether to start a blog or not. Going one step further, online, and in our world, we can NEVER have TOO MUCH of God’s word and godly women blogging for His sake!!!!!! <3 Lastly, take note...there is nothing new under the sun, however, it's about the heart. Every single blog is different because every single person is different and unique. They bring their own spin to things. I don't look around what others are doing at all; I just do my own thing. If it's the same as others, okay, but I'm just being ME, and that's the most important thing. 🙂
Susan says
I just recently came across your blog and love it. I can relate to so much of what you say. Glad success has found a way to your door. You deserve it.
Keep up the good work. You’re an inspiration.
Sarah Titus says
Thank you Susan. I’m so glad you found my blog and love it. Welcome! <3
Sarah|Mommy'sBudget says
This is good to know! I’m new at blogging so I’m trying to read all I can about it and I see so many people saying that you have to network, create a tribe, an inner circle of bloggers…. and I’m like “well, there goes that idea!” because I’m such an introvert.
Sarah Titus says
I am too…but I’m not shy online. 🙂 You’ll get there; you’ll meet a great blogger you just connect with and start talking and become friends naturally. Then another and another and another and start your own tribe. 🙂 Just be yourself….whatever you do…be yourself. <3
Laurie Williams says
LOVE this post. Thank you! I am just getting started and this was my most recent concern. I have a lot to share/offer but the last place I want to be is “on stage” in front of people. I much prefer behind the scenes. You just keep giving hope—all OVER this blog!
Sarah Titus says
You don’t have to be on a stage in front of people to blog. I’ve gotten this far without it! 🙂 I was on Rachael Ray, but that was a video they asked me to create for them and send in.
Laurie Williams says
That’s exactly why I’m eating up all you share. Thanks again. Albeit a challenge, I am determined to press on because you never give up.
Karen says
Thanks Sarah. This was a fabulous piece of writing and exactly what I was hoping to find when I was searching for things like “introverted blogger” and “introverted sales person”. I am currently looking for ways to fire up my small business and give it a bit of a lift. While I love my products, that only seems to get me so far. I rely on that love and also the fact that as an introvert, I am a reasonable observer of people and can connect with them in quieter ways. It can certainly be tough, but I think I have to remember the strength of an introvert. Thanks so much for writing this. I read every word and you were spot on with it all. Thanks for your blog, which I am now off to explore.
Sarah Titus says
Glad you liked the post Karen. 🙂 Passion for what you do will get you super far! Definitely don’t discredit it. You just have to find the people who are as passionate about them as you are.
Natasha says
I can relate to so much of this.
Denise says
Reading your post is like reading myself. I am incredibly shy too and going to church is really a struggle for me (because we need to engage in small talks, don’t we?) Thank you for writing this, Sarah! You are wonderful!
I’ve recently started a blog and I’m taking your word about introverts running a successful blog. 🙂
Sarah Titus says
Absolutely Denise. So glad you told me you can relate. It helps when we know we’re not alone in our struggles. <3
Malvina says
Dear Sarah,
Oh, thank you so much for your inspirational post!
I really want to gain trust from my visitors so they keep coming back to my site. Many successful bloggers do that and people said that is a way to build trust. But I am too shy to let the whole world see my face through their computer screen. Do you have any advice for me, please?
Thank you, Sarah! You’re always helpful!
Amy Robinson says
I’m a new blogger here completely second guessing myself and what you said in this post resonated so deeply with me. I just found you and I am so grateful! Especially the part that said “When I’m online, I feel free to just be Me!”
As I’m learning to channel my voice and energy into my writing, I recognize that I have a very different way of thinking and was literally just telling my husband that. It scares me a bit that there will be no one out there that will enjoy my “style”. This post gives me hope! Thank you Sarah!!!
Sarah Titus says
So glad it gives you hope. <3 Lemme ask you a hypothetical question...if you had to be a robot like everyone else in order to GET traffic, would you? That always gets everyone. We wouldn't right?! We wanna be ourselves, so if being ourselves doesn't work, that's fine, but it's better than becoming someone we're not. 🙂 Just find a way to teach and give lots of value, all while being 100% yourself. <3