Should You Get a Blogging Mentor or Coach? Make the Right Choice in 2024

You know that feeling when you stumble into something that completely changes your life?

That’s exactly what happened to me when I decided to start blogging back in 2022. Here’s the thing… I was totally clueless about what I was getting into.

Like most people, I thought I could figure it all out on my own.

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So, I did what any eager new blogger would do… I bought not one, not two, but three different blogging courses.

Talk about being ambitious!

But here’s where it gets interesting. Two of those courses? They just didn’t click. The coaching style felt too rigid, and the process too mechanical. I ended up asking for a refund.

But that third course?

That’s where the magic happened. The mentor behind it wasn’t just teaching blogging or affiliate marketing specifically… he was sharing a vision of what’s possible in the blogging world.

His coaching relationships felt real, and personal, like he genuinely cared about his students’ success. It was exactly what I needed to learn blogging the right way.

Let me tell you… in 2024, blogging is far from dead. It has changed into this incredible money-making opportunity, but only if you know what you’re doing.

Should you get a blogging mentor or coach? that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today.

Key Takeaways

Understanding Blogging Mentorship vs Coaching

Coaching and mentorship can be confusing. Let me break down these two approaches that can transform your blogging career.

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Clear Definitions of Each Role

A blogging mentor is like having a seasoned friend in the business. They’ve walked the path you’re on and can offer valuable insights from their personal experience.

My blog mentor Ciaran didn’t just teach me about writing; he showed me how to think like a professional blogger and a business person.

A blogging coach, on the other hand, takes a more structured approach.

They’re focused on specific skills development and measurable outcomes. Think of them as your personal trainer for blogging success.

A good coach helps you master technical aspects while keeping you accountable for your goals.

Well, if you want to succeed in blogging, you need someone who has both skills… ( someone who can be your mentor and your coach)

Key Differences That Matter

The main difference lies in how these coaching relationships unfold.

Mentoring relationships tend to be more organic and long-term focused. My mentoring program included regular check-ins where we discussed everything from content strategy to life balance.

Business coaches typically work with more defined objectives. They might focus on specific areas like monetization strategies or website optimization.

Both approaches can be effective… it just depends on what you need right now in your blogging journey.

Benefits You Can’t Ignore

Working with a blog coach often means getting:

Meanwhile, mentoring works differently, offering:

Making Your Choice

Here’s the truth… Like I said earlier, sometimes you need both.

I started with Ciaran, who’s now my blogging mentor. He started as my coach, and very soon he became my mentor.

The key is knowing where you are in your journey and what kind of support will serve you best.

Signs You Need a Blogging Mentor or Coach

Let’s be honest… every blogger hits roadblocks. Here’s when you know it’s time to get help.

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Those Moments When You’re Stuck

You know that feeling when you’re publishing post after post but getting nowhere? That’s usually the first sign.

Maybe your social media platforms aren’t bringing in traffic, or your email list isn’t growing.

These are all hints that you need expert guidance.

Struggling with Strategy

Without clear direction, blogging can feel like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks.

A good coach or mentor can help you develop a concrete plan that aligns with your goals.

Your Blog Growth Has Flatlined

If your blog’s growth has plateaued, it might be time for fresh new ideas.

An experienced blogger can spot opportunities you might be missing and suggest ways to break through that ceiling.

You’re Having Tech Troubles

When you’re spending more time fighting with your website than creating content, that’s a red flag.

Technical challenges shouldn’t eat up all your creative energy.

Struggling to Make Money From Your Blog

If you’re struggling to turn your blog into a profitable business, you’re not alone.

This is where a business coach can be worth hiring – they can help you develop solid monetization strategies.

Investing in a Blogging Mentor or Coach: What to Expect

Let’s talk about what it really means to invest in professional guidance.

Understanding the Costs

The price range for mentoring and coaching varies widely…

Blogging Mentorship	Costs
Individual coaching	$200 – $2000/month
Group mentoring programs	$100 – $500/month
Intensive workshops	$500 – $5000

But here’s what most people don’t tell you… the cheapest option isn’t always the best value.

Free workshops and Facebook groups can be great starting points, but they rarely provide the personalized attention needed for significant growth.

Time Investment

Working with a mentor or coach isn’t just about money. You need to commit real time to (This time could be more or less, depending on you):

The Real Return on Investment

The true value goes beyond just learning about blogging. You’re gaining:

Available Options

From one-on-one coaching relationships to group mentoring programs, there’s something for every blog type and budget.

The key is finding what matches both your needs and resources.

Rookie Mistakes That Almost Killed My Blogging Career (And How My Mentor Ciaran Saved Me)

Do you want to hear something funny? When I first started blogging, I thought I knew exactly what I was doing.

But, the truth is, I have no idea… I didn’t have a clue.

Let me share the mistakes that could have ended my blogging journey before it even began, and how my blogging mentor Ciaran helped me turn things around.

Picking the Wrong Niche

You know that feeling when you’re super excited about an idea, only to realize later it was completely wrong?

That was me with my first blog.

After I heard about choosing your niche… I decided to write about “losing belly fat for women over 40”.

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On paper, it seemed perfect… good target audience, clear problem to solve, decent money-making potential.

Here’s where Ciaran stepped in.

After seeing me struggle with just three posts, he asked me the question that changed everything: “Do you see yourself writing about weight loss three years from now?”

That’s when it hit me… I couldn’t even imagine writing 10 posts, let alone running this blog long-term.

Instead of letting me waste more time, Ciaran guided me to choose my first niche.

He helped me understand that successful blogging isn’t just about market potential only… it’s about finding something you’re genuinely passionate about.

That’s how I ended up in the dating niche, where writing content feels natural and exciting rather than forced.

Cheap Solutions Cost More

“I’ll just use Google Sites to save money,” I told Ciaran during one of our first mentoring sessions.

I can still remember his facial expression… that mix of patience and “Oh honey, no” that experienced bloggers get when they hear newbie mistakes.

Let me tell you why this was such a bad move.

Google Sites might be free, but it’s like trying to build a house with a toy hammer. You’re limited in everything… design, functionality, SEO options.

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Ciaran showed me how this “free” solution was actually costing me valuable traffic and credibility.

Although I used Google Sites for the blog about “losing belly fat for women over 40,” after I quit that blog, I invested in WordPress for my dating blog.

Sure, it meant investing some money upfront, but the professional features and control over my website made it possible to actually grow my blog into a business.

Treating My Blog As a Hobby Rather Than an Actual Business

This mistake was subtle but crucial.

I was treating my blog like a hobby, writing whenever I felt inspired. Ciaran called me out on this fast. “If you’re hoping to make money from this,” he said, “you need to treat it like a real business from day one.”

What did this mean in practice?

It meant setting actual work hours, creating content consistently, and most importantly, developing a real strategy for growth.

Ciaran taught me to think like a professional blogger, a business person, not just someone who blogs.

I Didn’t Fully Understand What SEO is All About

Here’s something embarrassing… when Ciaran first asked about my SEO strategy, I thought having a few keywords in my post was enough. I literally had no idea what I was doing.

“SEO is like a language,” Ciaran explained, “and right now, you’re just guessing at the words.”

He took the time to walk me through proper research and optimization.

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It wasn’t just about stuffing keywords everywhere… it was about understanding user intent, creating content that actually answers people’s questions, and structuring posts in a way that both readers and search engines love.

And the best part is that once I understood SEO basics, my traffic started growing.

Those two to three visitors a day turned into hundreds within months. All because Ciaran showed me how to write well-optimized content that actually gets found.

Not Knowing Who My Audience Really Is

“Who are you writing for?” This simple question from Ciaran stopped me in my tracks. I realized I had no clear picture of my target reader.

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I was just writing what I thought people might want to read, without any real understanding of their needs.

Ciaran introduced me to something that changed everything… actual audience research. He showed me how to:

This wasn’t just about gathering data. It was about really getting to know the people I wanted to help.

They became real to me as if I could see them.

Once I started paying attention, my content became more focused and relatable. My readers could tell I actually understood their struggles.

I Don’t Promote My Content

“Creating content without promoting it,” Ciaran told me, “is like throwing a party and not sending invitations.”

Man, did that hit home… I was spending hours writing blog posts but doing absolutely nothing to get them in front of readers.

Which is really frustrating by the way… as a beginner, there are many things you don’t understand or know how they work yet.”

This is where Ciaran’s experience as a blogging mentor really shined.

He showed me that promotion isn’t just about randomly sharing links. It’s about building relationships with other bloggers, engaging in relevant communities, and creating content worth sharing.

He taught me specific strategies for each piece of content:

I Skipped the Keyword Research

The day Ciaran reviewed my content strategy, he noticed I was targeting impossible keywords.

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Think “weight loss tips” – super competitive terms that new blogs have zero chance of ranking for.

“You’re trying to compete in the Olympics before learning to run,” he said. Instead, he showed me how to find those golden opportunity keyword terms with decent search volume but lower competition… (he called it the NOOR strategy).

This completely changed my approach to content creation.

I Focused on Quantity Rather Than Quality

I used to think more posts meant more traffic. Ciaran quickly corrected this misconception.

“One outstanding post that truly helps people,” he explained, “will outperform twenty mediocre ones.”

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He taught me to focus on creating comprehensive, well-researched content that actually solves problems. This meant spending more time on each post, but the results were worth it.

My bounce rates dropped, and reader engagement shot up.

I Didn’t Know how to Make My Blog Post Visually Appealing

“Your content is good,” Ciaran said during one review, “but it looks like a college textbook.”

Ouch. But he was right.

My posts were walls of text with zero visual elements to make them engaging and easy to read.

He showed me how to transform my content with:

I Ignored Email Marketing and Building my Email List

This was probably my biggest oversight. When Ciaran asked about my email list strategy, I just stared blankly. “Your email list,” he said, “is your blog’s most valuable asset.”

He helped me set up my first lead magnet… (a conversational starters guide) that actually provided value to my readers.

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Now, for my blogs, my email list drives consistent traffic and income.

Looking back, each of these mistakes could have derailed my blogging career for years. Thanks to Ciaran’s mentorship, they became stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks.

His guidance didn’t just help me avoid these pitfalls… it gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward when things got tough.

What to Look for in Your Perfect Blogging Mentor (And Red Flags to Run From!)

Finding the right mentor is like finding a great writing partner for your blog. Let me share what I’ve learned after working with my mentor Ciaran for over 2 years now.

Your mentor Needs to Have Experience.

Do you want to know the biggest mistake new bloggers make when choosing a mentor?

They focus too much on follower counts and not enough on actual results. Here’s what really matters when checking a mentor’s experience.

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A truly experienced mentor should be actively running their own successful blog while coaching others. They should have a proven track record of helping other writers transform their blogs into profitable businesses.

When I was searching for advice, I noticed many “experts” had flashy websites but couldn’t show concrete results from their mentoring work.

Look for someone who’s not just talking the talk… they need to be in the trenches, actively blogging and coaching others to success.

Ask about their current projects or search for them… Check out what his students are saying about his mentorship and courses.

You Mentor Should Speak Your Language

The best mentoring relationship feels natural, like talking to someone who just gets you.

When I first watched Ciaran’s courses, I just felt this strong connection that led me to refund the other 2 courses I bought on the subject.

Also, he explained complex blogging concepts in simple terms.

Your mentor should adapt their coaching style to match how you learn. Some people need step-by-step writing guides, while others prefer more hands-on practice.

The right mentor will recognize your learning style and adjust their approach accordingly.

During your initial conversations, pay attention to how they explain things.

Do they rush through explanations? Do they check for understanding? These early interactions can tell you a lot about their mentoring style.

They Should Have Proof of Their Results

Real talk now… anyone can claim to be a blogging expert.

What separates great mentors from the rest is their ability to show concrete results. When evaluating potential coaches, dig deeper into their success stories.

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Ask for case studies of bloggers they’ve helped. Look for specific examples of how their mentoring has helped others overcome similar challenges to yours.

The best mentors maintain relationships with their past students and can connect you with their success stories.

They Have Expertise That Matches Your Needs

Just like blogs have niches, mentors have specialties too.

Some excel at technical SEO, while others are masters at content strategy and writing. Think about your specific needs and find a mentor whose expertise aligns with your goals.

For instance, if you’re struggling with monetization, look for a coach who has experience turning blogs into profitable businesses.

If content creation is your challenge, find someone known for their writing expertise.

Watch Out! This Particular Red Flag Means “Run”

After spending time in the blogging world, I’ve learned to spot red flags in potential mentors.

The most obvious one? Promises of overnight success. Good mentors are honest about the work required to build a successful blog.

What Good Mentoring Looks Like

The success of any mentoring relationship comes down to the right mix of structure and flexibility.

Let me share what I’ve learned about what makes coaching truly effective.

Do you want to know something fascinating?

Getting Started: Setting Your Goals

That first mentoring session is crucial… it sets the tone for your entire blogging journey. When you sit down with your mentor, don’t just talk about generic goals. Instead, have a deep conversation about your vision for my blog.

What type of content energizes you, who do you really want to reach with your writing, and what would success look like at different stages?

A great mentor doesn’t just accept surface-level answers.

They dig deeper, asking questions you might never have considered. They help you create a roadmap that’s both ambitious and achievable, pushing you to think bigger while keeping your feet on the ground.

Keeping in Touch: Communication That Works

The backbone of effective coaching is consistent communication.

With my blogging mentor Ciaran, we had regular strategy sessions where we’d discuss my blog’s progress, tackle challenges, and plan future content.

But what really made the difference was having reliable access to guidance when I needed it most.

Some days, I’d hit a writing roadblock and need quick feedback. Other times, I needed longer sessions to dive deep into content strategy.

What mattered wasn’t the frequency of our contact but its consistency and quality. Having a reliable schedule meant I could plan my blogging work around our sessions, maximizing the value of each interaction.

Tracking Your Wins

One eye-opening aspect of professional mentoring was learning to track the right metrics for my blog. Instead of obsessing over page views alone, my mentor introduced me to a more comprehensive way of measuring success.

We looked at reader engagement, email list growth, and content effectiveness. Most importantly, we tracked how well each post served my overall blogging goals.

The key wasn’t just collecting numbers… it was understanding what they meant and how to use them to improve my skills.

Each metric told a story about what was working and what needed adjustment.

Keeping You Accountable

The best mentoring relationships find that sweet spot between support and push.

Ciaran had a brilliant approach to accountability. Instead of just checking off completed tasks, we’d analyze the process.

What made certain writing sessions more productive? Why did some posts resonate more than others? This approach helped me develop stronger blogging habits naturally.

Also, in the group, we’re to post both our weekly and daily goals which helps keep you on track… since you have your fellow bloggers keeping you accountable.

When I missed a goal, we didn’t dwell on the failure.

Instead, we’d discuss the obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them. I normally do regular check-ins every single day.

Other Ways to Get the Help You Need

Not everyone is ready for one-on-one mentoring, and that’s perfectly fine. There are several other effective paths to improving your blogging skills.

Let me walk you through the options I’ve personally used.

Group Coaching

Group coaching creates a unique energy that you can’t get from individual mentoring. In these programs, you’re surrounded by other bloggers facing similar challenges.

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The shared experience accelerates learning as you benefit from not just the coach’s expertise but also the collective wisdom of the group.

While one blogger might struggle with technical aspects, another might excel there but need help with content creation.

These different experiences create rich learning opportunities for everyone involved.

Online Courses Plus Support

Modern online courses often blend structured learning with mentoring elements… (That’s how I got in touch with Ciaran)

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These hybrid programs give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace while still having access to expert guidance. I took a Ciaran’s course and joined his community… In my opinion, it’s one of the best ways to learn any skills much faster.

The structured modules gave me a solid foundation in blogging fundamentals, while the monthly coaching calls helped me apply what I learned to my specific situation.

The combination helped me make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed… while getting support from other bloggers in the community. ( Then I will constantly share whatever I’m doing with the group)

Masterminds

Masterminds has become quite popular over the last few years… It offers a unique blend of peer support and collective problem-solving.

Unlike traditional mentoring, masterminds put you in touch with fellow bloggers who are actively building their own successful sites. The power lies in sharing real-time experiences and solutions.

A mastermind is just like group coaching, only the goal is for everyone to share what’s working for them and what’s not so that other members can learn from them.

Sometimes the most valuable insights come from someone who just overcame the exact challenge you’re facing.

FAQS

Wrapping Up: Should You Get a Blogging Mentor or Coach?

The decision to get a blogging mentor or coach isn’t just about learning the technical stuff… it’s about transforming your blog into a successful business faster.

My journey would have been very different without Ciaran’s guidance.

He helped me avoid costly mistakes and showed me shortcuts I never would have found on my own.

If you’re serious about blogging, don’t wait long to get the help you need.

Whether you choose one-on-one mentoring, group coaching, or another option we’ve discussed, taking action is what matters most.

What’s your biggest blogging challenge right now?

Let me know in the comments below… I’d love to hear your story and maybe help point you in the right direction.