Did you all catch Jenn’s list of blogger essentials yesterday? We’re not ashamed to admit that the new year totally inspires us to kick things into high gear. (Can you tell we’ve had new content every day this week?!) So when writing our annual blogger resolutions, we decided to brainstorm the things that would keep us motivated, and we think they’ll help you grow your blog too. Here are our suggestions!
Cut content that no longer inspires you
If you’re writing about something that fails to inspire you, this is not what you should be blogging about. Sometimes it takes awhile to come to this realization. Unless you started a blog for some reason other than you like blogging, this isn’t one of those careers or hobbies you do because you think it’s a good skill to have. Really loving it is key! And it makes for read-worthy content, too.
Make blog friends
Since engagement has moved to social media for a lot of us over the past couple years, comments on blogs and messages via email have gone way down. Most people choose to connect via Instagram comments, a Facebook group, or a twitter chat about their blogs these days. Whether you decide to adopt one of these methods or go old school and leave more blog comments, resolve to make more connections in blogging this year. It’ll keep you inspired and help you stay in the know on all things blogging.
Go beyond the blog
There are many ways to extend your blog beyond your normal posting and social media schedule. Late last year we opened our stock photo shop as a way to continue inspiring our readers in new years, and hopefully generate a little income for our hard work! You can sell a product, add a services page that might allow you to connect with others using your skills, or just plan a meet up to talk about blogging in your physical community. If you feel ready to try something new, this is a great way to evolve.
Create consistency in your blog design
Make this the year you reach final decisions as far as your colors, fonts, and photos go, so you feel it best represents your content. Sometimes spending so much time making little tweaks throughout the year can distract you from the content you really want to share, or trip you up in terms of branding. If you land on something you love early on, you’ll free up more time for other blog necessities.
Lisa // Fjords & Beaches says
I loved reading this – what great resolutions! It’s easy to get stuck with resolutions that are mainly going after certain numbers, so this was definitely refreshing :) Thank you!
Angela says
Thanks Lisa!
Joanna says
Great resolutions! I’m definitely hoping to make more blogging friends this year! My main goals are blog consistently throughout the whole year and to collaborate with fellow bloggers :)