Tell us about an element or two of your blog or social media presence that you are unsure of and would like opinions on.
All of it! My blog archive might go back six years, but I'm still finding my way in this world of being a Blogger (as opposed to someone who blogs) I've only been blogging “for real” for less than a year, so this is a new world and new aspect of it all for me. But anyway… something I'm unsure of.
I want to build more of an audience/community, and am not totally sure how to go about doing that… I've gained a decent number of followers since November of last year, but am not sure how many people are still or regular readers. I don't know what I can do to become more of a destination blog; giveaways? contests? Ongoing series? Start a really popular meme? I tried hosting a link-up a couple of weeks ago and I don't feel like I can really call it successful, with only 8 link-ups.
Tell us about something blog or social media-related that you see as a strength of yours, as well as an area that you could improve upon.
I'm pretty comfortable with the design side of things, even if I am a little concerned about starting new with WordPress! But I can make a banner or a button in no time flat.
I could improve on my consistency of posting I think; when I discovered The Red Dress Club, I didn't miss a prompt for a couple of months, and then once I missed one, I lost track of the schedule and have missed a bunch in the last month or so… same thing seems to happen every time I join something, and it's frustrating! It's a personality flaw, I know, am just trying to force myself to change…
If you had to start over with your blog, what would you change and why?
Well, I kind of am starting over! I'm moving to wordpress.org in the next couple of months, and am planning a complete redesign when I do it, so I'm changing lots of stuff, most of it being things I've been wanting but that Blogger won't let me do. I'd love a couple of static pages; real About Me and Contact Me pages, for example!
I'd really like to be able to interact with my commenters better! I know there exist plug-ins and add-ons for Blogger, but as a short-timer here, it's hard to put any more effort into this specific spot.
I'm going to incorporate my 365 Project into the new blog as well, so a Not Just Thursdays section is needed as well. I've got lots of plans, just need to solidify them!
With the redesign, I'm using a lighter, brighter color palette… I like this look well enough, but am ready for a change. I'm planning to use this palette, and am building my new design from the ground up.
What are your blogging & social media goals? Is there an area you feel is keeping you from achieving these goals that you would like advice on?
I'm actually not sure what my goals might be, at this point.
I'm just taking it all in and will see where it goes from here! These days, I'm enjoying what I'm doing, and if it gets to where I'm not having fun? I'll stop there and reevaluate.
I'm linking up with Liz from A Belle, A Bean, A Chicago Dog and Jessica from Four Plus an Angel for this Summer Blog Social; they provided the prompts and I'm writing on as many of them as apply! Click below to join!
You'll LOVE WP!
Did you know that you can add static pages on Blogger?
I love your new color palette!
I love your blog design, but the new palette looks great.
How to grow your audience is a tough one. I struggle with that too. What keeps me coming back to a blog is either a personal connection with the blogger or a sense of what their focus is (presuming it's something I'm interested in). I also have to like a person's writing style (and I do like yours).
I totally missed that link-up. Will check it out!
I love your new design colors!! So bright and fun! Im linking up as well. Cant wait to read more.
I think respond best to a blog that is authentic. I tend to unfollow blogs that sound trite and contrived. The thing I love most about the internet is you can be who you are and find like minded people so there's no need to alter yourself to fit in.
The best way I've found to gain followers is to publish blog posts regularly and not change the essence of my blog. I blog about my house renovation and stuff related to my store (crafting, sci fi conventions, selling online). I don't blog about politics or religion or my kids or a whole host of other stuff because it's not why people come to my blog. I think you have to find your voice and stay true to it 🙂
Also, giving comments that contribute to the conversation (something other people can comment back to) has also helped people find my blog. Going beyond something trite and "zomg you're so wonderful" ends up being real connections with the people I comment at. I don't comment on everything I read, but when I do comment, I try to make it meaningful.
I love that you're assessing your goals- so important.
Also? Sounds so grown up! 🙂
I love your new colors and can't wait to see them live!
WP is awesome and let me know if you have any questions after you make the switch.
Also, maybe try a calendar to keep track of blogging things, linkups, etc that you want to do. Just an idea…
Boy do I know what it's like to change blog platforms! 🙂 Good luck with the future migration. You've chosen some gorgeous colors!
WP is awesome! I made the switch last year and I am SOOO glad that I did! If you are wanting to get your posting schedule organized, WP has an Editorial Calendar plugin that is great for scheduling post! I use that & go old school and have an Erin Condren life planner that goes everywhere with me where I schedule my posts as well as jot down ideas!
And I LOOOVE the color palette for the new design!
You're not alone in trying to figure out WordPress! LOVE the deadpan audience banner. 🙂 or should that be 😐 ?
Moving to WP? You will love it! Really like the color palette you chose as well. So glad you linked up!