Changes to This Quilter Blogger's Blogging Cycle

Do you remember my 'Katie Jump Rope' from last year?

I was just learning to FMQ on my Janome domestic machine. I snuggled under this quilt last night, and slept in a chair. There were so many thoughts going through my mind--big decisions for me to make.

Quilting is my true passion. It fuels my creative fire, and makes me feel whole. I am here to share my love with you. Some days I feel like shouting it from the rooftops.

I have a request for you, dear Reader. Please hang in here with me while I revamp my blogging process and cycle. I hope by explaining to you now you'll understand my reasons. I need to make a few changes in my priorities.

I want to be a quilter more than a blogger, and am seeking balance between the two.

I won't be posting as often--1-2 times a week. 

I won't be responding to comments only, but I love when you say the project rocked or the colors are great. Do I appreciate them? I absolutely do! They are honey for my heart, but I am trying hard to cut my time online. I will be popping into your blog instead, and reading about what's going on there. If you have something personal to say to me, my email is in the sidebar or juliebehappy1@gmail.com.

I will continue to answer questions both online and in email. Anything you need. I'm here.

I am suspending the Pet Project Show. It was a lot of fun, and I met so many talented bloggers, but it's another big use of my online time.

I want to be a quilter more than a blogger, and am seeking balance between the two.

Almost every blogger starts out thinking blogging is just writing about the really cool stuff they're doing in life. Within a short time, they realize there's a lot more to it. The complex blogging cycle refers to managing your content, marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and maintenance. Let me give you a quick definition of each.

#1. Content: A cycle within the cycle

We break our content down into subcategories like basic tutorials, finishes for the week, project progress reports, fabric buys, etc. Some types we tend to post regularly, and others are fluffy fillers. Yes, we can write fluff. Often we write so we can link that post up with a linky party, contest, or hop. Too often this drives our content, and we fail to post outside that cycle=No original creative content.

Content includes pictures. Taking beautiful pictures is hard work, and is also dependent on your available light. A change of season and position of the sun means where you go to snap some pics in the spring isn't going to be ideal in the fall. Natural light outside is almost always best, but where is your back up if there's a solid week of rain?

#2. Marketing: The way in which you support the expenses of your blog, your art/hobby, or if this is your real job--yourself! Do you sell or advertise something you make, sell advertising for someone else, or what keeps your coffee cup full? 

Or, are you geared toward the social media platforms? Do you work hard to get people to follow you on Instagram, Twitter, Flickr, or Facebook? Many bloggers will follow the trend setters within their field, and see what they are posting. Liking and commenting on someone else's posts is also a way of networking within the community. 

#3. SEO: Search Engine Optimization: How search engines like Google hit on your blog when someone is looking for key words in a search, and you've worded things correctly so one of the top hits is your blog post. Some bloggers write specifically for this, and there are many formulas to help you figure out how. Many times we can read through a post, and hear how many times it repeats those key words. It may not sound as smooth as writing without it, and we need to decide if it's important to our goal.

#4. Maintenance: Do the links on your site all work? Are all the pictures still there? Do you link back to relevant posts you've done in the past to keep them current and active? Do you link externally to other bloggers' posts, and are they still up and live? Do they link to you?

Readers use cetain aspects of a blog page like a search box, links to popular posts, etc., and they can change over time. We need to be aware of what our readers needs are.

Blog pages need to stay fresh looking, current or at least seasonal for some, have engaging graphics and updated pictures. 

Did you have any idea of all this? It's an amazingly complex undertaking for any person, and I'm not the only one saying, "Stop the Merry-Go-Round! I want off!" Even if just for a short time to catch up the rest of my life.

My Plan A 

Content: I want to provide solid content for you the majority of the time. I want my readers to leave feeling they got something worthwhile for their time and effort to visit. Not only pretty pictures, but how to do something new. More than anything, I want them to feel inspired enough to start doing something creative. Let me be your cheerleader.

Marketing: I dearly love both longarm quilting and original quilt design. I am officially opening my door and hanging my shingle for business. Contact me with any questions, but I will be posting more in that area very soon. I will be changing out some of the adverstising you see, and adding others. If you feel it's a nuisance as you are reading, let me know. It does help me if you purchase through my Amazon links, Craftsy, or visit the advertising here.

SEO: I don't write for SEO, and don't plan to. I value an authentic voice.

Maintenance: I have been working through the summer, and will continue archiving content. The rest of the list is long, but one immediate goal is to have a link page with all the current link parties for you. If you know of one I don't have or a new one, let me know. I'll get it on there. This link is in my header under Links & Party Buttons.

I want to be a quilter more than a blogger, and am seeking balance between the two.

Focus is everything. It took me a year to say what I wanted from blogging. I tried on many hats, and some fit better than others. I can't tell you how much the online quilter blogger community has changed my world in a year. Can I say here how much I love you all? But I've got to feed my fire and limit my computer time, throw some balls for Effy, and do some sewing with big learning curves. I know I'm on the right path when I can't get it right the first or second time, and there are so many new things I want to try. Will you hang in here with me, please? I'll see you more often on Instagram if you're there. Follow me as pinkdoxies or the button below, or see you back here in a few days.

Come on, Doxie girls.

Let's get off the computer, and go sew.

               

Linking up with~
Show Off Saturday
Richard's & Tanya's LAFF
Fort Worth's Fabric Friday Frenzy
Sarah @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Amanda Jean @ Crazy Mom Quilts