Thursday, December 5, 2013

Is There Anybody Out There Part 4, Volume 2

Hey guys!  As promised I'm back with more.  Just when you thought you'd heard enough blog talk right?  Well don't worry, for those of you seeking the superficial, I'll be back tomorrow with my Friday Favorite.  For now though, let's talk shop.
Today I'll be covering:
-Not meeting my personal goals
-Creating a blogging schedule and sticking to it.        
-Why you shouldn’t pay for a blog design until you've been a blogger for at least a few months.
-And how happy I am that D is finally taking my blogging seriously.
So first up, not meeting my personal goals.  I know this is going to sound incredibly silly to some of you, but somewhere along the lines I decided I needed to reach the 100 reader (I absolutely hate the term "followers") mark by the end of November.  One hundred people I don't know reading my blog seemed like a good number to me so all month long I focused on getting there.  Some days I'd pick up 3 or 4 readers and I thought for sure I'd meet my goal, but alas, I fell short by 8 readers.  
Initially, I was down on myself (you didn't market enough, you're not mainstream enough, etc.), then I made excuses (nobody was online over the holiday, it's not me, it's them) then I looked at my growth since I started in August and I gave myself a reality check.  I've managed to grow this little blog 20 to 30 readers a month all by myself.  I haven't sponsored other bloggers, I haven't plastered my badge all over a million blogs.  I've spent a lot of time writing sincere comments on relevant posts and darn it, 92 readers is great!
So in typical fashion I'm going to lay it out for you guys (month by month).  Please keep in mind I'm combining GFC, Bloglovin Brass Honey and Bloglovin' Shannon Kerns numbers.
After my first month of blogging I had 9 readers
After my second month of blogging I had 38 readers
After my third month of blogging I had 61 readers
And finally after my fourth month of blogging I had 92 readers

With that said, I still want my beloved 100 readers but I know my time will come and I'm not stressing about it.  Besides, quality over quantity right.  And as I've said before, nothing in this crazy blog world seems to come quickly, except maybe the time in between posts, ha!

That's actually a great segue into my next topic, creating a blogging schedule.  I hate to admit this but I've been struggling with balance again.  The momentum I gained in November sent me into overdrive and I've been spending a TON of time blogging and not so much time doing much of anything else.  I've never really had a set posting schedule, I've always just said that I'd post 3 to 4 times a week, but I've found myself posting more than that lately.  And let's be honest, posting is really only the half of it.  In an attempt to put some normalcy back in my life I've created the following blog schedule.  


Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
4-5 hours of content creation and networking at my leisure
Lunch: Book a conf. room at work and catch-up on Bloglovin’

After work: Me time, wine, The Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules and Keeping Up With The Kardashians
Lunch: Book a conf. room at work and catch up on Bloglovin’

5:00-9:00 P.M: Content creation
Lunch: Book a conf. room at work and catch up on Bloglovin’

5:00-9:00 P.M: Content creation
Go out to lunch!

5:00-9:00 P.M: Content creation
Lunch: Book a conf. room at work and catch up on Bloglovin’

After work: Date night/time with D      
3-4 hours of content creation and networking at my leisure



 So far this schedule is working and best of all it sets boundaries for me and let's D know what to expect.  I'm very interested in knowing whether you guys keep a blogging schedule and if you do, how do you split your time between networking and creating content?

Not quite the nice segue here, but hey we're moving on from schedules and onto blog design.  Let me start by saying a few things before I jump right in.
  
1. I don't hate my blog design.
  
2. My blog was designed by Marquis at Clarke Creative Design.  Marquis was amazing, quick and so easy to work with.  She charges very reasonable rates and I would highly recommend her.
Can you feel the but coming???  Really, it's nobodies fault but my own, I jumped the gun (typical Shannon).  I didn't give myself or my blog a chance to become anything before I spent the money to have it designed.  I used tabs and side bars I saw other bloggers using.  I figured if it was good enough for them, it was good enough for me.  After 2 weeks I think I had used up my 2 blog edits and after 3 months, I'd change at least a few dozen things.  
That's just the tip of the iceberg though.  The even bigger issue I have is that when you first start blogging (despite even you're best intentions) you're trying to fit in.  The pink and yellow on this blog are so not me.  I'm not a cutesy twenty-something, I'm in my mid-thirties and I like dark jewel tones.  Think deep teals and warm ambers.  The font isn't me either.  I'm bold and kind of in your face, not so much of a curly-q cursive kind of girl.  In the design phase, Marquis was nice enough to present me with two completely different looks, one of which was much more me and I opted for this (who says peer pressure isn't real).  As I said earlier, I don't hate this blog design, I just wish I had given myself a chance to find my bearings before I committed to something this big.  
Ah commitments, that brings me to D.  Let me fill you in a little on D and I.  If you're going through a breakup you may want to stop reading now (warning over).  D and I are indeed what you would call the "lucky ones".  I think we literally fell in love the night we met and that feeling hasn't wavered one bit.  We've gotten ourselves out of enormous debt, we've moved across the country multiple times, we've lost parents, we've "dealt" with parents, we've pretty much run the gamut in our 10 years together.  
Now, I'm not making excuses for D because believe me, there have been a number of time where I've felt like he's been completely non supportive of this little venture of mine, but what I will say is that when you've found "the one", you tend to worry about them.  D is and always has been very protective of my mental and emotional well being and lets face it, this whole blogging thing has created some waves in our pretty calm pool.  
From the get go D made it clear that he knew nothing about blogs nor did he see the point in blogging.  What he did know was that I was stressed out, spending lots of my time on something that seemed to be bringing me nothing but troubles and that it was disturbing our otherwise very predictable lives.  
As the months have passed, he's gotten use to the idea.  I can have a conversation with him now without him getting annoyed or without me getting annoyed because he didn't seem to care.  I think by now you all know that his blog means more to me than anything has in a really long time.  For my partner not to have gotten that, it was painful.  In the last month, he's driven me to Newport Beach for the Kendra Scott launch, he's taken outfit posts, he's debugged my affiliate links and more importantly he's taken in interest in this new and very important part of my life.  He won't be promoted to VP of Brass Honey anytime soon, but we're getting there and that means so much to me.  Bloggers, when you started blogging, what did your partners think?
Readers, do your partners know you read blogs?
I can only imagine what the next month will have in store for me, whatever it is there, I'm here and ready for it.  If you've made it all the way to the bottom of this post, THANK YOU!  The sheer fact that you're here with me right now going though this meas more than you know.
Have a great day!
  

18 comments:

  1. I love this post! These things are all so true about blogging!!! And I love that D supports your blogging habits. Nate supporting me is so important and, honestly, very necessary! :-)

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    1. Hey Susannah, Thank you so much and you totally nailed it, the support of our partners is very necessary. Have a great evening :)

      XO,
      Shannon

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  2. I'm with you on waiting for a design. I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to jump the gun... but like you said, I want to get a real feeling for my blog first.

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    1. Amanda, you're definitely proof that professional blog design isn't necessary. You're over there kicking butt and taking names. You've definitely motivated me to look into losing my blogspot.com :)

      XO,
      Shannon

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  3. Hi Shannon,

    First up, your blog is cute, I like the scribbled fonts. But if you're feeling like it isn't you and that's important to you (of course) then yes definitely change it. You'd be surprised what you can do with some of the free websites like fotor.com, pixlr.com and picmonkey.com things like creating collages, adding text etc. You may already know about or tried these - I must add that I am a new reader (and a new blogger) (clicked on from heartifb.com). I know in the blogging industry there is pressure to have a blog that looks good, that fits in as you said and generally looks it too. With mine, I've just done little details myself - and I am by no means skilled in design. Mine is just very simple.

    Next, reader numbers. Jeez you are doing really well! Please do not beat yourself up about this. Organic growth is better than growing really fast then discovering no-one actually reads your content. So take a minute to be proud of what you have achieved so far! P.s. I'll follow you on Bloglovin' later :) Currently on my lunch break and have little time to have a good read through your posts.

    Finally, the support from your other half. I can empathise with this. My boyfriend has been a little supportive but they just don't really 'get it' at times or take it very seriously. They wonder why we want to write about our lives and what we do on the internet. But it definitely sounds like D has realised how important it is to you now and is taking it more seriously.

    You seem like you work really hard on your blog! One thing I need to do is invest more time in posting comments and building community, and equally on content. As well it's hard being in Australia (from the UK) with the time difference - from everywhere pretty much!

    Though do you ever feel that you want to post about something but feel that you can't? Like it would expose you? I have this feeling about a few post ideas I have.

    Very relatable post!

    Sarah-Louise
    www.notlikethemoviesblog.com

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    1. Sarah! It's comments like yours that remind me that the quality of readers is what really matters. I know that in my heart of hearts, it's just easy to get caught up in the numbers. Thank you so much for stopping by and for spending a part of your lunch break here. I know what that's like and it means everything to me. I can't wait to hop over and check out your blog!

      I've never heard of fotor or pixlr so thank you so much for the recommendations. I've used picmonkey for a few collages, but I swear, my vision is a lot better than my actual execution :)

      As far as feeling like I want to post about something but can't because it will expose me. My initial thought is no, but there is one area that D has asked me not to cover, money. I vaguely referenced that D and I were in enormous debt in my last post. Well we devised a plan and then clawed our way out. I feel very strongly that I have something valuable to share here, but he knows me and knows I'd go into every gory detail, so I've promised not to go there. Other than that, I think I'm a pretty open book. With that said, I know a big part of that comes from me being older. I'm in my mid thirties and I'm a lot more comfortable with myself then I was ten years ago, or even five years ago. I guess if I were afraid to share something I'd start by asking myself what I was afraid of (rejection, family disapproval, being too weird).

      I'm so glad you found me Sarah. Talk soon.

      XO,
      Shannon

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    2. Hi Shannon,

      No thank YOU for blogging. I love your blatant honesty in your posts - I think that's also part of what made me read this one - as you are a relatively new blogger and you weren't afraid to come out and express your frustrations. And for noting that all other bloggers do these "what I've learnt from five years of blogging" where really it's sometimes a little hard to take given that they are now super successful, gets thousands of readers and can reflect on their YEARS of blogging - of course they worked hard to get there, but you reflecting in these early months has definitely made me feel better.

      Also, on the honesty, I think yes it definitely stems from the fact that you are a little older and wiser and comfortable in your own skin - I just read your "34" post (which I'm about to comment on) and I loved it.

      Fear of posting - I think a lot of it is that I'm feeling like I'm changing as a person (naturally, I'm 23) and I'm feeling confused and questioning what I'm doing with my life. This year has been a really hard one. I want to share some of my experiences, life lessons and struggles on my blog but I'm afraid that people who "know me" will be like 'what the hell' - honestly I feel a little alienated. I think I'm also afraid to be vulnerable online. I haven't even added my blog to my personal facebook as I don't feel comfortable with my "friends" on there seeing it. It even took me a while to show my boyfriend the design with my picture in the sidebar. Ugh, evidently I have a LOT of issues, with confidence, self-assurance etc. I think I could really learn from you.

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    3. Ah Sarah, you're killing me. I don't really know how to respond because everything you're saying is spot on and absolutely true. All human beings, myself included want to be loved and accepted so we sensor ourselves and put on phoney persona's so that others will find us pleasing. That's why you're afraid to post, and rightfully so. You look to your "friends" for support, good times, companionship etc. because that's what you need in life.

      Believe me when I say that being blatantly honest comes at a price. I happen to think ti's worth it, but not everyone would. I haven't talked to my best friend in years because of a drug addiction (hers, not mine) and I went several years without speaking to my mother or brother. These were very influential people in my life that weren't there for me when I was figuring out life and having a tough time of it. It taught me that in life, though the ups and the downs you really only have yourself (it's not as sad as it may sound) and in order to be happy, really happy, you can't placate others. You have to be who you and then hope that eventually you'll find people who like you for who you are. It's not an easy road but it's one I chose to continue to walk down.

      Even as I write this though there's a part of me thinks I'm disclosing too much to a "stranger". I do it anyway because it's true and it's real.

      Sending you love and wishing you contentment.

      XO,
      Shannon

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    4. Hi Shannon,

      You're totally right, I have to just be myself, the person I'm meant to be - it's just a little scary! I've been thinking about this and I figure I really just have to write what feels real. Being authentic is very important to me, it's part of my mission for my blog and I feel I need to get back on that thought train. Sure it may take me a while to put some posts together on this subject but i feel like I'm just bursting with things to talk about and I need to let it out. Even my blog name is part of this, it's a sort of "life is not all rosey, and that's ok" type thing and I guess as time goes on I'll get a little braver with sharing this type of content - as well as the other stuff i like to write about.

      I really appreciate your honesty and you disclosing part of your experiences etc - good and bad across your blog and am really glad I found your blog. I think in one of your other posts (part of this series if I remember right) you said about how you follow fashion blogs but are looking for something more and that's how I am too. A little more substance not just perfect photos and few words. Some reality and normality. You've got a good balance!

      Thank you so much for the advice :) and for your well-wishing. I guess this world is like a crazy jungle that we are all trying to survive in and find our place.

      Sarah-Louise
      xo
      www.notlikethemoviesblog.com

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    5. Hey Sarah!

      I hope you enjoyed a nice weekend. I think it's important that you know that I'm equally as glad that you found me. I love the conversation we have going on. i'm here if you ever need someone to bounce ideas off of or if you'd like someone to read a post before you hit publish.

      Take care friend.
      Shannon

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  4. i made it to the bottom of the post ;] p.s. it gets better. also, i referred you to my sister's company ricefield.co *small little surprise* you'll hear from them soonish.

    hearts & such,
    Kris x loveyouduh

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    1. Kris!

      You're most recent post stopped me in my tracks as usual. You're so beautiful!. I'm so happy that you made it to the end of this post, it was a long one! I'm looking forward to hearing from your sissykins company, and I'm beyond honored that you'd refer me for anything. You're amazing and thank you.

      Stay warm.

      XO

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  5. Great addition to the series!! I like the learning new things side but I get frustrated with the set-backs as well. I think you are making great progress!! You are really close to your goals, so you should definitely be celebrating! I have to say we certainly have some life similarities :) P has been so supportive (he actually says he's proud of me starting the blog), which helps on the setback days :) I think it makes it easier to have that support, yay D for getting on board :) Congrats to you Shannon on 4 months!!

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    1. Hey Mariah!!! It's so good to hear from you. Did you see I featured your blog in my post today? As for the support, I'll die when D says "he's proud of me for starting Brass Honey". We're making progress, but we're not there yet. So glad P is helping to keep you goiing.

      Have a great day.
      Shannon

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  6. Hey Shannon! I'm a new reader. Can't wait to start following you. I like your writing style. Finding times to blog is hard. I try to post in advance but then being such a perfectionist, it ends up taking longer because I am 'never satisfied" with certain words, edited pictures, and so on. This is a great schedule and I admire you for being able to stick to one. Wedding planning is keeping me from having a strict blogging schedule. I just have to do a little bit each night ;)

    Ginny
    www.buttergirldiaries.com

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    1. Ginny,

      Thank you so much for stopping by and for the comment. It means so much. I can totally relate to the "never satisfied? feeling, but I guess I've realized that I'm only human. There will be typos and mis-spellings from time to time. I try to write like I speak so I think that makes things a bit easier. You've got an amazing blog and I totally enjoyed reading your post about your engagement. Your fiance is such a talented photographer. You guys make a great team!

      Take care and talk soon.
      Shannon

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  7. My husband knows I blog, and he knows I blog very openly about the issues we've had in our marriage. I really don't have anything off limits, and he doesn't care. He's just as open as I am so it doesn't bother him any. I wouldn't say that he's overly supportive, but he doesn't hate it either. He really doesn't care one way or another, and I'm slowly wearing him down to guest post for me. He's done a Vlog with me and I'll read him certain posts that I write that I think are funny or important for him to know about because of the things I said in it.

    And girl you've come FAR by blogging standards for only blogging four months! I've been blogging a year and only have about 50 more people than you do. Don't stress it, you're doing great!

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    1. Hi Becca! Thank you so much for stopping by and for taking the time to leave me a comment. I really appreciate it. And thanks for the pep talk about my numbers too. I hate that at times I feel I need to measure my success by my numbers because I know in my heart of hearts what really matters is that the readers I do have let me hear from then and are willing to build real relationships with me. That's happening everyday which fills my heart.

      Good luck getting your husband to guest post. I love when bloggers do that. I'm going to hop over and watch your vlog now :)

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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