I've been blogging for a few years now, but very casually. I started my family blog in 2008. I started this blog in 2010 but I only had 25 entries that year and no followers. Last year, I wanted to increase my posting frequency and grow the blog. I posted more last year, participated with linky parties and gained a few followers, so my blog did get a little better last year.
This year, I hope my blog grows even more! As I reviewed my blogging from last year, a few things are evident to me that I can improve to make this blog better than ever.
First, I lack consistency. The few followers that I have really don't have a clue as to when I will post anything! That has to change if I really want this blog to become a success. My favorite blogs to read are the ones that post consistently. Some of them post every day, some post 2-3 times a week. But, they are each consistent. I know there aren't going to be random gaps in posting that last for 2-3 weeks. I know that if I check in every few days, I will have a new article to read. I need to be that consistent with this blog. I have struggled with this for a couple of reasons. One, I am not really ahead on my posting. I finish a project and try to post right away. I don't have posts written ahead of time. So, when my life gets a little busy, like during Christmas time, I let blogging take the back burner, hence no posts.
Also, I tend to only want to post a finished project or a perfectly staged reveal or awesome tutorial. However, those types of posts take an enormous amount of time. Time dedicated to crafting and blogging is a huge luxury for me. Between taking care of my 3 young boys and our home, I also work 24 hours a week at the hospital. So, I physically can't make every single post that awesome! There aren't enough hours in a day. But, I've learned from reading so many other successful blogs that each and every post doesn't have to have a fabulous completed project. As I've gotten to "know" the other bloggers, I enjoy reading about the little things-the thrifted chair they can't wait to recover, or how they organized their pantry... So, I am giving myself permission to write posts that include a little bit more about me and include half finished projects, ideas, inspiration, yadiyadiyada...
Even giving myself a little more leeway on what I write, I am still creating a schedule for myself. I want to post a minimum of 3 times a week. Last year I tried to have a weekly "Friday Fashion" post on which I sewed something for myself every Friday. In theory, it was a great idea. But I burned myself out trying to churn out a completed sewing project dedicated to me every week while also getting other crafts done. So, this year, I've created a schedule so that I am creating at least one guaranteed type of post every week. However, I am only posting a Fashion Friday post on the 4th Friday of the month. The other 3 weeks, will have different themes. I think this schedule will work a little better for me.
And as far as a schedule goes, I am going to be more strict with myself and a schedule. I can spend a little time around lunch most days reading emails, reading blogs, participating in linky parties, browsing pinterest, etc. However, I am not going to get onto the computer each day before then. Its too easy for me to spend way to much time surfing around. In the mornings, I will workout, complete my household cleaning chore for the day, and run any errands. Then, I can relax at lunch time. Then during nap/quiet time I will work on projects. After school I will be devoting to playing with my kids until bedtime. Then, in the evenings I can write. This of course is just a rough outline of a schedule, and it probably will only happen 1 day in 5, but I can try, right?
I've realized that the blogs I enjoy reading the most focus on home design, decorating and refinishing furniture. This year I want to spend more time on my blog posting about our home and the projects that I am working on. I will still post about sewing, crafts and recipes. However, I will definitely be increasing the number of posts I write about our home projects. Hopefully, because I will actually be getting so many of the projects done that are on my list...
My photography also needs work. I'm typically rushing to post a project and rush the photography. My pictures just don't do my projects justice. I have a basic point and shoot but that doesn't mean that I can't make fantastic pictures. I plan on learning more about photography so that I can take the best possible pictures with my camera.
I think that these changes will really help push this blog along. I really enjoy the time I spend blogging, and I plan to continue to enjoy it. I hope you will too as I strive to make this blog better than ever.
This year, I hope my blog grows even more! As I reviewed my blogging from last year, a few things are evident to me that I can improve to make this blog better than ever.
First, I lack consistency. The few followers that I have really don't have a clue as to when I will post anything! That has to change if I really want this blog to become a success. My favorite blogs to read are the ones that post consistently. Some of them post every day, some post 2-3 times a week. But, they are each consistent. I know there aren't going to be random gaps in posting that last for 2-3 weeks. I know that if I check in every few days, I will have a new article to read. I need to be that consistent with this blog. I have struggled with this for a couple of reasons. One, I am not really ahead on my posting. I finish a project and try to post right away. I don't have posts written ahead of time. So, when my life gets a little busy, like during Christmas time, I let blogging take the back burner, hence no posts.
Also, I tend to only want to post a finished project or a perfectly staged reveal or awesome tutorial. However, those types of posts take an enormous amount of time. Time dedicated to crafting and blogging is a huge luxury for me. Between taking care of my 3 young boys and our home, I also work 24 hours a week at the hospital. So, I physically can't make every single post that awesome! There aren't enough hours in a day. But, I've learned from reading so many other successful blogs that each and every post doesn't have to have a fabulous completed project. As I've gotten to "know" the other bloggers, I enjoy reading about the little things-the thrifted chair they can't wait to recover, or how they organized their pantry... So, I am giving myself permission to write posts that include a little bit more about me and include half finished projects, ideas, inspiration, yadiyadiyada...
Even giving myself a little more leeway on what I write, I am still creating a schedule for myself. I want to post a minimum of 3 times a week. Last year I tried to have a weekly "Friday Fashion" post on which I sewed something for myself every Friday. In theory, it was a great idea. But I burned myself out trying to churn out a completed sewing project dedicated to me every week while also getting other crafts done. So, this year, I've created a schedule so that I am creating at least one guaranteed type of post every week. However, I am only posting a Fashion Friday post on the 4th Friday of the month. The other 3 weeks, will have different themes. I think this schedule will work a little better for me.
And as far as a schedule goes, I am going to be more strict with myself and a schedule. I can spend a little time around lunch most days reading emails, reading blogs, participating in linky parties, browsing pinterest, etc. However, I am not going to get onto the computer each day before then. Its too easy for me to spend way to much time surfing around. In the mornings, I will workout, complete my household cleaning chore for the day, and run any errands. Then, I can relax at lunch time. Then during nap/quiet time I will work on projects. After school I will be devoting to playing with my kids until bedtime. Then, in the evenings I can write. This of course is just a rough outline of a schedule, and it probably will only happen 1 day in 5, but I can try, right?
I've realized that the blogs I enjoy reading the most focus on home design, decorating and refinishing furniture. This year I want to spend more time on my blog posting about our home and the projects that I am working on. I will still post about sewing, crafts and recipes. However, I will definitely be increasing the number of posts I write about our home projects. Hopefully, because I will actually be getting so many of the projects done that are on my list...
My photography also needs work. I'm typically rushing to post a project and rush the photography. My pictures just don't do my projects justice. I have a basic point and shoot but that doesn't mean that I can't make fantastic pictures. I plan on learning more about photography so that I can take the best possible pictures with my camera.
I think that these changes will really help push this blog along. I really enjoy the time I spend blogging, and I plan to continue to enjoy it. I hope you will too as I strive to make this blog better than ever.
3 comments:
My Mystical Photography The word photography comes from two ancient Greek words: photo,for "light"and graph for "drawing","Drawing with light" is a way of describing photography.When a photograph is made,light or some other form of radiant energy, such as X rays,is used to record a picture of an object or scene on a light-sensitive surface.The great thing about photography is its outward focus on the world around us,not the art itself.
I'm with you Leslie, trying to be more consistant and regular with my posting, I wish us both luck :) I love your blog and can't wait to see what you do this year!
Love your ideas; I think they will be very successful!
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