Backstage Pass: Insights Into Blogging Take 3
Who is "we", you might ask? Well, let me tell you!
How it works 3 times a year, Brittney, Johanna, Dannielle and I will answer ten questions about blogging. Since we've all been blogging for different lengths of time, and we're all in different niches, the answers will be wonderfully diverse. In that, we want to give an insight into blogging, and how a blogger and their blog evolves over time. We think it's something that hasn't been done in quite this way before, and we're really excited to share our thoughts and insights with you. If all goes as planned, this series will allow you to accompany us along our blogging journey over time, and maybe (hopefully!) even learn a thing or two.
1. What is your favorite thing about being a blogger?
By far, the best thing about blogging is the blogging community. There's a lot of cyber-bullying that has happened this year, but I have thankfully never experienced it. Rather, I have experienced the community and camaraderie that comes with opening your life up online, and I have made friendships I would not have otherwise made.
2. How do you deal with spam comments and unwanted emails?
I thankfully don't get too many (or at least I don't think I do), but I tend to just quickly delete emails on the go. Isn't that the beauty of a smart phone?
3. Which social media channels do you use? Has Facebook cutting organic reach down to 2-3% affected this?
I love love love Instagram. Like, really, people... I love it! I also really dig Twitter because I get to have so many conversations with people there. Facebook and I, well, we have a love/hate relationship. This whole cutback on organic reach has HUGELY affected me, but I won't let them win. I won't pay to have my posts seen by people.
4. How has your blog design evolved in the last 4 months?
It hasn't changed! Ha! Remember how I said it would? Well apparently I'm a big liar. No, but really, I have reached out to a designer I trust and she's got me down for June. She was really busy so I decided to wait for her rather than go with someone else. It's coming!
5. Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by your blog, and the pressure to keep it going? How do you deal with that?
ALL. THE. TIME. I now write for 3 other sites/blogs. There is major pressure to keep up with the demands I have there and keep up with my own blog, which often goes ignored for a week or 10 days a time. Insane! I'm not sure how I deal with it. I just figure my blog is my own and I can do what I want, right? Also, I don't think my readers will leave me just because I don't write every day - quality over quantity.
6. What's one thing you wish you would've known before you started blogging?
I wish I had been more aware of social media, how it can affect you, and how to use it to grow/start a blog. I really wish I had known more about blog design.
7. Has blogging enriched your life? If yes, how?
It has most definitely done so. The relationships made and the doors opened have been amazing, and I would not change any of it!
8. Do your family and friends know about your blog? Do you feel like this censors or restricts you in any way?
Ohhhhh yes! And they all read it, which is kind of awesome (right? You guys all read it, don't you?). I feel zero restrictions or need for censorship. They would all tell you the same thing - that I write the way I talk. My blog is me. 100%.
9. How do you measure your blog's success? Do you feel like you compare yourself to other bloggers a lot?
I don't, really. Sometimes I find myself falling into the dark pit of comparison, but I try not to make it a habit. My journey is my own, and no one else's is like it. I'm glad for those who find success, and I feel like my own blog IS a success because it's a representation of me and what I love.
10. For the next four months, what are your top three goals for your blog?
Well that redesign needs to happen. I'm attending a blogging conference again in Toronto (Blog Podium... whaaaaat!!). Sharing a few other things based around design on the blog - potentially some fashion inspired things. Eeek... scary! Alright, so that's that, you guys. Another round is finished, but don't you worry... there's more! Go check what these lovely ladies have to say about blogging. Go visit Dannielle, Johanna and Brittney for some serious awesomeness! Until next time!