Tuesday, August 4, 2015

One Year Blogiversary & Moda Modern Progress



Do you know the feeling of the 3rd lap while running a mile? You've used up a lot of energy, and still need to pull off that last burst? I'm there. Yesterday was a good day even though I only added a few new blocks. I am working strategically, and finishing up sections. These 2 below are sewn together now. There are 12 more 6" blocks to go, but the section top left can be sewn together. Half the top will be finished by afternoon, and I'm focused on my goal.



Without much ado, today is the One Year Anniversay of Pink Doxies, or its Blogiversary. I feel accomplished to have survived, but more shocked in realizing how much I've learned. Before I do anything else, let me thank the dozens of people who have shared their own stories and help to get me this far. You have all been my heroes, or as I call one amazing blogger friend, Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict, my Yoda. Thank you each and every one!

If you've just recently found me and the Doxie girls, you can visit my About Me page above.


New Pages for You

You asked me where I had just pictures of projects and I listened. There are 5 new gallery pages in the bar above titled Pink Doxie Quilts, Just Bag It!, Wall Hangings, Pillows, and Dog Beds.

What I've Learned in 365 Days 

Blogging is a great way to channel energy, and I enthusiastically encourage you to do it if you're considering it. Here are 6 quick ideas to light your fire while planning your own blogging adventure.

Where Are You Going?

Have a map. Make goals. My biggest road block in the beginning was, "Where did I want my blog to take me?" Why drive around with no destination in mind, I thought? I had to turn that around to, "Where did I want to take my blog?" I was in the driver's seat--not a passenger. Know where you want to end up. Concrete goals were helpful keeping on track and watching growth. 

In the whole month of December, 2014, at 5 months old Pink Doxies had 601 views, and I was thrilled. The past 30 days it's had well over 18,000 visitors. This blog is reaching many more international readers, too, and that's most exciting for me. Thank you so much for coming here to read, and reaching out on Instagram. I love meeting you all through the comments!

When Will I Be Blogging?

Most of the time. Statistically most blogs fail because of lack of time and planning. The blogger fails to post. That should not keep you from starting, but recognize it is a time commitment. Even if you're not actively working on it that minute, your mind has to be in the game. 99% of my blogging goes on behind the scenes. Family and home take priority so I snap pictures, take notes, and do my research in between daily activities. It's multi-tasking cubed if you're also working another full time job.

What Can I Blog About?

Pick something you have substantial knowledge about already. People read to be entertained, but they want to learn something, too. No one will waste their time reading fluff every day. Expertise isn't necessary, but be prepared to learn something new every day about your subject. Whatever that subject is, you need to have passion for it. Read, do, write.

Why Do It?

This is the biggest question of all. Don't quit your job that provides a real paycheck. Unless you're an overnight success with thousands of followers all at once, a blog won't pay bills. The ads you see on most sidebars pay very little. Blogging is a form of social media networking meaning you meet people, and get exposure for your product, if you have one. Selling a product or providing a service is where you are more capable of earning income. Blogging can facilitate that.

How Should I Start?

Read other blogs. Take notes on what you love, and what drives you crazy about them. Take some free courses like Blogging University or Google for lots of other free courses. Free is Good. Learn all you can before your first post, and come out of the starting gate like you trained for this. Test your computer technology, your photography and photo editing skills, and have some friends read a few dummy posts. Don't be discouraged, but listen to what they have to say. 

Determine your audience. You'll write for children differently than people thinking about retirement. Use the words they use.

Don't focus on getting followers in the very beginning. You'll look back on your first posts later on, and think "What was I doing?" Focus on good content instead.

Plan a monthly schedule--or better yet, two. Can you fill it? In the beginning, my goal was to post 2-3 times a week. Now I aim for 4-5 times a week. Statistically, more posts get more readers.

Write your post, proofread 3 or 4 times, and hit publish. Link it to your other social medias like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and see what happens. Don't give up if a lot of people don't read it right away. I know some of my early months were slim. Readership flows with the seasons. Join blog hops and groups for new bloggers. Comment on blogs, and use this time to build relationships with other bloggers. If you get a reader comment, be sure to communicate back. The human interaction is why blogging is thrilling. Something as small as "Like that thing you did," and as big as, "Love your blog!"  


The Wrap Up

I'm an adrenaline junkie, and I blog to share my joy in creating things, but this has been an even greater tool at building relationships. There is nothing better than seeing the awe of enpowerment a new sewist or quilter feels.  I believe in one-on-one mentoring, and helping others learn to use this medium. I hope they will then reach out to others spreading the joy of sewing, quilting, and creating.

Come on, Doxie girls.
Let's go sew.


24 comments:

Tish Stemple said...

Let me start out by saying...Happy Blogiversary! I hope I can keep pushing forward long enough to see a blogiversary. I wish I had been reading your blog from day one, but I am happy that I found you a few months ago. You have given me inspiration and I enjoy reading your posts very much. Can't wait to see what is in store for you and the Doxie girls in year two!

Debra said...

Happy Anniversary! This is all good, sound information. Especially the part about the time commitment. But the best part that you mentioned, that is so true, is the relationship building that goes on. Quilters are the best! Congrats again, looking forward to your future blogging.

Wendy @ Wendysquiltsandmore said...

Congratulations on your first year blogging, and well done on your progress with the Modern Building Blocks. I considered doing that quilt, but changed my mind at the last minute. I admire those who have made the commitment and are making progress.

Bernie Kringel said...

Congrats on yr first year. You have had such a productive year. I look forward to seeing where you take this! Good post- loads of good food for thought!

barbara woods said...

congrats

dortha said...

Congratulations. Keep the inspiration coming.

Unknown said...

You are an inspiration. I'm was aimless but through BU and new quilters I have a better idea where I want to go. I do like getting lost some times, you find treasures.

Linda @ kokaquilts said...

Congratulations on your 1st year of blogging! My 1st yr went by so fast, I didn't even realise it until too late, having too much fun! Your BB quilt is looking good. I really like the top L)hand section in the 2nd pic... those peachy /orange blocks down the side seem to merge beautifully together!

Teje Karjalainen said...

Happy Anniversary Julie! Difficult to believe that your blog is only 1 year. You have done a great job and I love your blog and your work! Really good post about blogging. x Teje
www.nerospost.wordpress.com

Maryse said...

I love this quilt, and the color scheme as well. Congratulations on your first year and wish you many more!!

Jayne said...

Congrats on making it through your first year of blogging! You have done a fantastic job, made a big splash and I know there will be much more coming from you!!

Purple Boots and Pigtails said...

Congratulations on your first year!

Mari said...

Happy Blogiversary! The quilt is looking pretty good, and your advice for newbies is pretty good too. So great to have you in the blogosphere! Congratulations!

Sarah Craig said...

Congratulations, paduan learner! You have done well in your first year!!! Love the Moda Modern quilt!!

Kate said...

Congratulations on your first year. Moda Modern is looking great!

Heather Graves said...

Happy Blogiversary!

Kaja said...

Happy blogiversary and congratulations on your first year of blogging. The current quilt is looking great.

Pedal Sew Lightly said...

Congrats on the milestone! And, thanks for the great information. I have loved all your individual blocks but, with this quilt, the sum is truly larger than the parts. Wow!

Stephie said...

Congratulations on your anniversary!

Anita said...

Congrats on one year! My four year blogiversary was August 4th. :) Seems like a good day to start a blog I guess. I love your Moda quilt! I haven't had a chance to buy this pattern yet.

Anita said...

P.S. Visiting from "Let's Bee Social"

Val's Quilting Studio said...

This was a good reread!! I found myself having a mental check list as I read...thank you for sharing and reminding us why we blog. :) PS I'm always inspired by your color combinations!

Jennifer Fulton Inquiring Quilter said...

Nice post! I'm a new blogger and my audience hasn't really found me yet but I'll keep trying, using your article as a guide. Thanks for posting.

JanineMarie said...

Congrats on your anniversary! (Now it's almost a year and a half already! Isn't that awesome?) I'll be looking at this again. You have some really good blog insights. Thanks!