I am going to do wonders…I will develop a website and write daily content that will top the search engines and attract tons of readers, all captivated by my infinite wisdom and knowledge.

Sounds simple. Doesn’t it?

And so, after my initial excitement at fine-tuning my expectations, I begin to build the dream, I start with designing the site; spending countless hours on an eye-catching design and mulling over logos and images, I create the contact page and even – after numerous re-edits – the ‘About Me’ page until finally it sits on the world’s virtual stage, sparkling and new…and very, very empty.

I manage to write my first post, hoping 456 words is long enough…and gingerly wait for the onslaught of visitors who are eager to read my thoughts.

It’s quiet and really lonely…and my drive hits a wall.

My intentions start to grey out, and my motivation fades, taking with it some of the enthusiasm I once had.

My expectations have just hit reality.

I didn’t expect it would take so long to get a visitor, I didn’t expect to have to put in so many tedious hours to market my site, and I didn’t expect it to cost so much.

I didn’t expect it to be this hard.