First, let me remind you about the Thirty One bag giveaway, the Plaid Crafts giveaway, the Cutting Edge Stencils giveaway and the Pick Your Plum giveaway, WHEW!! Ok, now on to the post…
It’s the last day of my Blogiversary Week! I’ve had a great time sharing some behind the scenes stories and great giveaways with you. I thought to wrap things up I’d give you some lessons I’ve learned in this past year of blogging. So here we go…
I started this blog because I love to create new things. I’ve always been an artist who likes to get her hands dirty and try new, creative projects. I didn’t start this blog to have millions of followers or make money. This was a personal blog to document all of my crazy ideas and home improvements. And I probably haven’t stuck to something of this magnitude ever in my life. Blogging is very time consuming! So you ultimately have to love it or leave it.
I get asked this question a lot. How did I grow my blog so fast in the first year? I have about 1950 Facebook fans already and I’m still stunned by that number. I think the main reason I’m growing is because I’m not focused on other bloggers or blogging towards other bloggers. By this I mean there are normal, everyday women reading this blog who just want to know how to create something cheap and cool. They want to see crafty projects, recipes, DIY home improvements or how to paint a dresser. I’m trying to blog for them… for YOU. I create cheap projects that anyone can create. I’m just an ordinary girl with a glue gun, just like you.
Listen, I’m not the craftiest kid in the world (as mentioned above). I know this. But I embrace this! If something isn’t turning out the way I had first envisioned it, I change course. There’s nothing wrong with adapting your original plan. Just know to go with the flow. If I miss a day of posting because my wreath doesn’t look quite perfect, I’ll live. I’d rather have quality than quantity.
Yep, I’ve noticed a huge difference in comments and reactions since I’ve upgraded my camera. I think my projects look better with my new DSLR camera (I got a Canon T2i for Christmas). The colors, brightness, contrast are all amplified (especially if you know how to shoot in Manual mode). And you don’t have to be a blogger to appreciate a nice camera!
OH, this is my biggest helper! I have lists and schedules for everything, literally everything. I have a daily planner for How to Nest for Less where I schedule my upcoming posts weeks in advance. I will actually write my post about one week in advance, but at least the idea is on the schedule about a month beforehand. This way I can do some research, shop for my supplies, create the project, take photographs of the end result. Like I said, my biggest helper is having a week’s worth of posts completed and ready to rock. Keeps me sane in case something happens and I do fall behind! And if you want to hear more about my crazy schedule, check out yesterday’s post!
I heard this tip from the Bloggy Boot Camp I attended back in April and have been using this idea in my everyday life ever since. Sometimes when my kiddo asks for something and I’m on my laptop, I say “just a minute”. Then she asks again, and again I say “hold on just a sec”. When she asks the third time, I MUST SHUT MY LAPTOP. It’s my new golden rule. My kiddo won’t be young forever so I’m going to make her my top priority until then.
This one is hard, but I must have some uninterrupted family time! I will work on some projects (mostly in the morning before the hubby wakes up!). I’ll also have him help me on the huge projects, like paneling our master bedroom wall. Other than that, our weekends are spent at soccer games, birthday parties and family dinners at my parents’ house.
Whew! I think that’s enough ranting for one day.
I just want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I’ve had an amazing journey so far and I’m so thankful for all of your love, support, comments and friendships. I’m a busy girl living in a busy world, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! You guys make me want to get out my hot glue gun, drill, paintbrush, oven mitt and anything else crafty!
Great post! I just started my blog in January and I still have SO MUCH to learn. I love your list and the reminders, especially the one about the kiddo’s. Thanks for sharing! XOXOX
You’re doing such a fabulous job already, Sunday! I can’t wait to see more from you :)
Yes, she is fabulous because most people aren’t able to learn from surrounding & life lessons. But she have showed how to do it. Even she made a great list. Thumbs up.
Congratulations Erin, on your first blogiversary! As a newer blogger myself, I appreciate all of the tips you shared here. Thanks so much!
Thanks Laura!
Again, Happy Anniversary to you & your blog!! I am happy I got to meet you out here in blog land. Have a wonderful weekend with your family =)
I’m happy I got to “meet” you too, Shannon!!
Great lessons! Thanks for sharing!
Those are all really great tips. Your golden rule I definitely need to take, I’ll remember that the next time that happens. Thanks for this post, and yesterday’s as well, they are both really inspiring. You are definitely helping motivate me to live my dream and achieve my goals. It’s the nice words and the connection that I have to your posts that are really helpful, not just in blogging but in life. Thank you!
-Jordan
Thanks so much Jordan! I’m glad I could connect with you and share some insights. Good luck to you and thanks again!!
Awesome post! :) Love you & your blog.
You’re too sweet, Ginger! Thanks!!
I am new to your blog, but this post is so true! I think everything you said makes perfect sense. You are doing a great job with your blog. :)
Thanks so much Laura! I appreciate it. Have a great weekend :)
Amen to #3! Though I’ve found that sometimes it’s worth the chuckle to post the mishaps. Makes it easier for me to laugh instead of get frustrated.
I have only recently started to follow your blog and I love it! And I myself have only recently started my blog, so these tips are awesome! Thank you for sharing with us, and I’m looking forward to the next year!
Thank you so much Kim! I appreciate it :)
This is so great! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Hilani!
Thanks for this post! I especially appreciated #2 when you mentioned that you don’t blog for other bloggers. Its a good reminder for me to stay true to why I started blogging in the first place. I’ve just recently gone public with my blog, so these tips are great!
Thanks Jessika! And good luck with you blog!!
I loved #2. I think everyone cycles through that. I started for me, got fancy for “them”, and it’s taken a little time to circle back to what I love, because I love it and not because it might get noticed. Being true to yourself is so hard sometimes but I’m always the happiest when I do it. You seem very good at doing just that. Loved this list. Happy one year to you!
Thank you Melissa! I totally agree with you. You seem to circle back and find a groove. LOVE that!
Congrats Erin on your one year anniversary. You’re doing a great job.
Thanks Karen! I appreciate it!!
Erin,
I just came to your post via 4 You With Love, and I greatly appreciate your words here. I’m a newbie (at least with this go around of blogging) and have been looking for blog tips. Even though your post isn’t as much a how-to, I think it’s even more beneficial. Thanks!
Blessings,
Carrie
I’m so happy this was useful for you Carrie! Good luck to you!!