success in blogging

It’s my one year blog anniversary!! It has flown by.  Man, this year has definitely had it’s ups and downs but I’ve learned an insane amount over this time. I would love to share with those of you are contemplating starting a blog or already have one.

Over this year, I have learned it is rare to have success in your first year of blogging.  I will share some tips and lessons I’ve learned. However, I have to say, first and foremost…I attribute ALL of my success to God.  I honestly believe there is no way I would of done this well without constant prayer, giving my blog to God daily, and trusting Him for what He wanted to do with it.  So…here are some other reasons I believe I had such a successful first year.

I did a ridiculous amount of research.

I spent an insane amount of hours researching everything about blogging.  How to make money, how to build a business, how to gain followers on social media networks, how to take better pictures, how to increase page views, and the list goes on.

I ran into A LOT of hurdles and stuff I did not understand (I am not tech savvy). From coding to fixing random glitches on my site, I would find an answer and teach myself how to do it.  Most things that would probably take another person 20 minutes would take me 3 hours, but it was worth doing it myself.

The blogging world is another world.   I was completely oblivious to how everything works. I read blogging books, spent A LOT of time on Google and Pinterest; reading articles non-stop and learning as much about it as possible.   Even now, I still spend a good amount of time reading and learning how to run my business better.

I worked on creating great content.

This means writing about stuff that your audience will love.  For me that is: Parenting, Jesus, Saving Money and Recipes.  Discover your target audience and write great, helpful posts that will make their lives easier.

Spend time brainstorming topics you would like to write about and just start typing.  Get as much good content under your belt as possible.

Reading over your content a few times is also helpful for catching mistakes but don’t obsess over it.  Don’t over analyze so that you never click “Publish.”

I got really involved with my social media.

I started a Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook blog page and Instagram account.  When you start trying to monetize, many brands look at this as well as your stats and engagement.  It is important to show you have a social media presence, no matter the size.  I looked for ways to grow my followers on each network and would set aside time each day to be active on each.  This is something that is helpful to schedule out so it doesn’t get too overwhelming.

I focus more on Instagram than my other networks, because I get a lot of business through them.  However, whatever network you pick , I think it’s great to pick a network you spend more time on than others to really build your following.  Always share others content and not just your own.  This is also helpful with creating friendships.

I networked like crazy.

I made friends with others that were starting a blog at the same time as me, but I also reached out to those who were clearly making a good living and already had great followings.  It is so important to connect with others that are in the same walk of life and get what your going through.

Again, this blogging world is another world and you need to communicate with those who have done it for a while, as well as those still figuring things out.  This helped me more than anything.

I made some awesome relationships with women all over the United States and we share tips with each other, vent and just encourage each other in this journey.  Just reach out to someone, and if they aren’t that friendly, try someone else. You will find people just waiting for a blogging friend.

I took better photos.

My pictures when I started, versus now are night & day.  I still have a long way to go from what I want them to look like, but apps are your redemption.  Filters and apps can make any photo look amazing.  I looked at photos of successful bloggers and researched tips on taking better pics.  Daylight is your friend.  Every photo should be taken in natural light if possible and if you can’t edit the mess out of it.  Your photos are what will draw people in and I started to grow as my photos got better.

I created a schedule & got a planner.

As a stay-at-home mom, I couldn’t let blogging take over my life.  I wanted to be a great mom still and a great business woman but that also means I can’t do it all at 100%.  So, I created a schedule that worked for my home and my kids so that I could still put in a lot of time doing both well.  Most nights that means, not getting to relax and watch TV but, staying up late working because that is when the house is the quietest.

I write everything in my planner.  I started this early and it really helped me plan out what my monthly goals are and track my activities for each day to make sure my time is as productive as possible.

I created a business plan & monthly goals.

Most people are more likely to complete things when it’s written down.  Every month, I created goals realistic goals for myself.  Some examples in the beginning were: Get 5 new e-mail subscribers, make 2 new pins for Pinterest, write 4 blog posts, get 30 new followers on Instagram.  Now as I’ve grown they are very different and include how much I want to make, and how many posts I need to write.  My goals now are much more extensive, but the point is to keep your goals realistic and attainable every month.

I could share a million other things I’ve done, which I’m sure I will as I continue to blog, but these are some of the major things that have had a big impact on me having so much success in my first year blogging.  I am so grateful to all of you that follow me on my social media networks and read my blog consistently.  I appreciate you more than words can express.  Thank you friends! I look forward to our journey together and continuing to bring you helpful posts as well as sharing my heart in various seasons of my life.

If you are a blogger, feel free to share some more tips below that have brought you success in the comments for those considering starting a blog! Thanks!

 

 

How I had success in my first year of blogging

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148 comments

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Happy Blogiversary! This is a great list. I really need to get a planner- there are so many things to keep track of in blogging and without one I’m feeling lost! It’s so true about blogging friends and learning from others. I’ve learned a ton from many, including you! 🙂

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YES! Thanks so much! Appreciate it!

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Congrats on your first year! What an exciting milestone!!

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Thank you for sharing this information! I just began my blog 3 months ago and it can be quite overwhelming! I too give it all to God, for He brought me here, and it’s His Journey…always. Blessings!

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It totally can be but keeping God first is definitely my key!

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Thanks so much for sharing this! I started my blog about 3 months ago so found this very helpful!

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That’s awesome! Good luck at it!

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Congrats! You have done so well. I enjoy your blog because you are Another sister of three boys. 🙂 God bless you in the years to come!

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Aww thank you Sue! Appreciate it!

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This is a great post! I really struggle with the networking part, I get so exhausted running two blogs that I struggle to stay on top of facebook groups etc but I know how important they are. Congratulations on your success 🙂

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Yea, facebook groups are a whole other crazy thing! I just manage which ones I use daily.

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This is a great post. I love learning about how other bloggers found success and the tactics they used to get there. Thanks for sharing.

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Thank you! So glad!

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Congrats, Jehava!!

Nothing could be more joyful when your hard work pays off. I can imagine this as my blog has also started earning a good amount within 5 months and I am working to release out my income reports very soon!!

Keep Going!! 🙂

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That’s awesome~ I look forward to checking them out!

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I love reading about other blogger’s success. Congrats to you. I know you have been working hard and deserve it!

The How-to Guru

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I really appreciate that! It’s nice to see it pay off!

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Congratulations on your success – here’s to many more years!

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Thank you!! I hope it continues lol

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All of these are must. I have had my blog for over a year, and have grown so much. I am still going to keep growing with it and take all this advice. Thanks for sharing.

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Thank you! Good luck with it!

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Thanks for the great tips! I’m trying to grow my little baby blog right now and I’m going through the learning and experimenting that you talk about in this post. There’s so much to figure out…it can be overwhelming sometimes!

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It truly can! I figure out one part and just work on that for a while and then add more to my plate.

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Congratulations on your success! I can’t believe it’s been a year already. These are awesome tips that no matter how long you have been blogging you can learn something from.

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Thanks so much hun!

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Congrats on your one year blogiversary! I love hearing tips from other bloggers. I have really been trying to grow my social media to drive more traffic to my blog.

xoxo, Nicole | http://www.blondeintheburbs.com

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Yes, social media helps a lot!

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I love this post alot! i need to up my photo game and I JUST started a blog schedule! So much to learn but I am enjoying it!

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Thanks so much! Yes, I still need to up mine too lol

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Congrats! I love seeing bloggers succeed at doing something they love– blogging!

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Yes, I truly love it!

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Love this list! I just started blogging in February and am knee-deep in research too. It’s awesome how many resources are out there for all different niches. I’m trying to create a schedule for myself too – and my planner is my right-hand man for that. Thank you for these tips. And Happy Blogiversary! 🙂

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Thank you! Yes, a schedule took me a while to figure out but, it will come!

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I was blogging as a hobby last year and this year, I recently decided that I would try to make money from it. Starting out, I knew nothing about the need for SEO, image optimization and all the blogging jargon. But I’m slowly (ever so slowly, lol) learning bits and pieces. I would love to start making money. But going “all-in” with a full-time job makes it a bit difficult. Great job mama! So happy for your success!

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Yes, working with blogging is so hard. I don’t know how people do it! Thank you!

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Congrats! I love these tips. I’ve been trying to focus on these things as well in hopes to grow my own blog! My main focus has been — and always will be — creating great content.

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Yes, great content goes a long way but, you have to promote with that too!

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Congratulations on having a great year! I have found that having written goals works for me too. I love crossing things off of a list!

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Yes, lists are my favorite! I have one for each day lol

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This is my first year of blogging and I have high hopes on making it successful! I love reading success stories and finding out what worked for others!

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If you put your mind to it and are willing to put in the time you will!

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Way to go! The one year anniversary felt big to me, too. I’m curious, as a blogger who has been around for longer than a year, but is finally considering getting more serious about the business side of things…what have you felt was MOST helpful in making the transition to monetizing your blog? How have you effectively connected with companies, etc.? Thanks, and congrats again!

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No problem! Feel free to send me an email of DM if you want to ask other questions but, I honestly felt like connecting with others that were monetizing and they directed me to start applying for networks to get accepted in by increasing my page views and I went from there. I got a template together that worked for me to send to companies and directly pitched to many as well. Hope this helps!

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I’m just starting out too, so found this post super helpful, thank you!

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Thanks for reading!

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I feel like we are in the same boat! I’ve learned everything myself and it takes me twice as long but it’s very gratifying! I need to get better about my social media though…

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Yes! Exactly!

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Congrats! Mine was last April and I can say I was able to look back and be more focused, but not as “accomplished” as I had hoped. I will be looking to you for advice along year two!

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Yes, feel free to ask anything.

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Thank you for sharing these great ideas. I am super grateful ??

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Thanks for reading!

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Happy One Year! It sounds like you’ve done so amazing! Everything here is super important. I’m with you on not being tech savvy. I’m horrible and have had to research and self-teach! Some things were learned by trial and error, which wasn’t ideal, lol!

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Yes exactly! LOL Thank you!

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One year already! Congratulations sis. Even more success in the future.

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Thanks sis!

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Great Post & Points!

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Thank you!

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You have done an amazing job! I need to work on a business plan for my blog and life.

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Yes lol I totally feel ya!

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I loved reading this. My one year blogiversary is coming at the end of July and I’ve been figuring it out on my own too. I’m with you on not being tech savvy and having it take way more time than it would for an experienced person. We get the satisfaction of knowing we did it though! ?
I’m now faced with refocusing (or finally focusing) my niche so I’m re-doing a lot but I’m having a great time. For me, I’ve found that only focusing on one thing at a time helps me get a lot further than if I try to focus on everything all at once. So right now I’m focusing on getting my Pinterest in top shape and finally getting my disclosures created and on my blog! There’s so much focus on growing your following and monetizing and not really enough focus on how important it is to get the legal aspect of your disclosures up on your blog from the beginning.
I look forward to continue to follow along with you on your blogging journey! ?

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Thank you so much and for sharing!! Yes, Pinterest is something that is so beneficial to focus on with your blog!

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Wow! You’ve achieved so much in one year. I wish I knew all of this when I started. I really had no clue about what I was doing in the first three years or so. Keep up the great work lady!

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I totally get it! It took me a bit too and a lot of trial & error. Thank you!

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Congratulations, Jehava!! Your tips are exactly what I do for my blogging journey, too! I haven’t been able to pursue blogging full time yet because I am still trying to find a good balance with my children, but I know I will get there soon. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing your amazing growth as a blogger and you have truly inspired me in so many ways. I am so thankful to have connected with you in the “blogging world”. You truly are an inspiration and I wish much more success as you continue your journey as a blogger!

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Thank so much Jennifer! You have always been so encouraging! Yes, this family/blog balance is no joke but, I think family is more important so, sometimes that means not reaching my full out goals until another season and that is ok with me!

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Wow..so much to learn from you. Create business plan and monthly goal is really something I have not done yet. Maybe that’s why I blog really slow as I still want to enjoy my free time and spent time with my family. Thank you for sharing this.

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Yes you can definitely do both! Just sometimes I cut back on one to enjoy the other more!

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Content is king! After all, social media may not exist tomorrow. You own your blog, not social media. Congrats on the 1 year!

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Yes very true! thanks girl!

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Awesome! I love how organized you sound. It really looks like you’ve had a good first year. Congratulations. I launched my blog not even two months ago. It’s a lot of fun, but also a struggle. I would like to spend more time on my blog, but can’t because I still work fulltime. I’m a blogger from the Netherlands, so things go a little differenly here I think. But, to me you’re very inspiring.

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Thank you very much! Give it whatever you can and keep up the good work!

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I’m about five months in and loving the “therapy” of it. I’m not in it for business purposes right now but have been curious for sure. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
http://www.athomewithdot.blogspot.com

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Yes, there is therapy in it!

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Congrats to you on your success! I’ve had the content and social aspects down and now bought a real camera to up my photo game.

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YES!I totally need to invest in that!

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Happy one year! You seem to have learned a lot and are doing very well, and that’s not easy! I just started at the beginning of this year and I hope I continue to grow and learn just as you have done. I’m not tech savvy at all either so it’s nice to know I’m not the only one!

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Thanks I appreciate that! I’m sure you will!

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Congratulations on the one year anniversary! I know it’s hard but it is so rewarding. I’m like you, I like to figure it all out on my own so I spend countless hours researching and trying to fix things myself, it just feels so rewarding!

I’ve been blogging for three years and am just now figuring out pre-planning content and block scheduling! You’re doing awesome. Keep it up!

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Yes! Thank you lady!

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Congratulations on year one! You clearly have done a great job. As a new blogger, I really appreciate these tips. I can completely relate with having to read and figure out all of the tech issues. I’ve been teaching myself too, and I know it probably takes me triple the amount of time it takes someone else 😉

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YES! but I feel so much more accomplished too! LOL

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Thank you so much for sharing! I am newer to the blogging scene so any tips are much appreciated! I too focus much of my social media following on Instagram! If you have any advice for my website please let me know or if you would be interested in collaborating!

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Thanks so much! I will check it out and feel free to send me an email!

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Congrats on your success girl! I think the most important thing for me has been consistency and just putting myself out there!

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Yes I totally agree!

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These are all great tips! It is so overwhelming starting out, with all of the planners and social media, and networking groups!

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Yes it really is and still can be!

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Congrats on your anniversary!! And thank you so much for giving us some insight of how you made this year so successful! I really have a lot to learn. 😉

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Thank you!!

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Congrats on a year!!! That is so exciting. Thanks for all the learnings and advice.

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You are very welcome!

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Hi Jehava,
I do remember following you very early in my blogging journey which will be one year in the Fall. You have grown tremendously since that time, and I’m so happy for you. Congrats! I wish you continued success.

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Thank You so much!

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I’m so glad you shared this post. It was really inspiring for me. I just started blogging a couple months ago and sometimes I get down because my numbers aren’t what I want and I haven’t made much money, but I just try to remind myself that it takes time.

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Yes it does and we all have an important perspective to share!

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Yes content is everything. I’m on second year of blogging and now I can tell that hard work pays off!
Congratulations to you!

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Yes! Thank you!

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I agree, I think networking and sharing other people’s content is so key! Congrats on one year!

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Totally agree!

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Can you expand on “sharing other people’s content”? Do you mean sharing it on your blog, or on social media, or both?

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I sometimes do guest posts where we swap content to expand our reach and gain new followers but, I share content mainly on my blog Facebook page, Twitter and Pinterest 🙂

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I have gone through my old posts lately and cant believe how far I have come in 8 months. It is always crazy to look back at old posts

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Yes! I was horrible in the beginning lol

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Thank you for sharing your succeses and what’s worked for you! Also, happy first year of blogging! That’s a HUGE accomplishment!! <3

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Appreciate it! Thanks for reading!

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I’m thrilled for you Jehava!! You’ve done amazing things in a year!!!

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Thanks sweets!

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Happy one year! Blogging has totally changed my life – it’s taught me so much about networking and putting effort into something that I love. I’ve found that writing a business plan has really helped me take my blog to the next level!

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Yes! Me too! Business plans are so inspiring!

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I can definitely relate to this! I’ve been blogging for a long time as a hobby, but just started getting serious about blogging as a business in January. There has been so much research, trial and error, and learning involved, but it’s really a fun process. Congrats on your success so far!

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Yes! It is so fun and everyone has a different journey!

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Congratulations on your success! This was a great post to read! Doing your research is extremely important when starting anything, especially a blog.

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Thank you! Yes so important!

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This is so great! I love the smaller monthly goals instead of just the big quarterly or yearly ones. They actually help you get things done in a practical way

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Yes exactly!! 🙂

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These are great! I am just starting (reeeeally starting) to focus on my blog. Thanks so much for the great tips

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Thank you! I appreciate it!

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Congrats on your one year anniversary! The blogging world is so fast paced that it’s easy to get sucked into tasks for hours. Great tips here!

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Yes, I couldn’t agree more!

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It is amazing how much your blog has grown in just a year!! I have been blogging since 2011 and only started trying to grow my blog about two years ago. Then came full time jobs where I was working 50-55 hours a week so I’ve been through some blogging slumps. Getting back on the bandwagon and so I love this post!!
-Olivia
Miss Olivia Says

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Thanks so much! Good luck on your journey!

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Although I’ve been blogging for 3 years, I didn’t decide to be “professional” about it until this year. There is such a learning curve! It can be overwhelming trying to take it all in and juggle it all; especially as a stay at home mom. But good for you for going for it anyways!

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Thanks so much! Appreciate it!

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Congratulations! You’ve built a wonderful website and deserve success!

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Thank You very much girl!

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I second all of these!!! People think its an “easy job” but they just have no clue!

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Omg! I had no clue lol

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Congrats on your blogaversary, and thank you for sharing all the things that worked for you!

Sounds like it has been a very exciting year and all of your hard work has paid off! Wonderful to see.

I’ve been blogging a lot longer (over 5 years) and I think there’s always something new to research or read up on so it’s great you continue to do that! 🙂

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Thanks so much! Yes, there is always new research!

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Congrats on your first year of blogging! And wonderful that it was so successful! xo

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I appreciate that!

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Your advice is on point! I agree with SO MUCH RESEARCH – it’s really never ending. So happy you’re on this blogging journey 🙂

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Thank You so much!

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I’m so glad I came across your blog and this post! As a new blogger, it’s refreshing to see how you’ve grown your blog over the last year. Congrats on year #1!

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Thank you very much and I hope it’s helpful on your journey!

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Love it!! Congratulations for one year!! And yes, connection is such an important key, rock it girl!

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Thank you very much!

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Happy first blog anniversary! I loved each and every point you mentioned. One actually learn to take appropriate steps with experience and hard work. Definitely a great post for beginner bloggers who are looking for steps to take after they start blogging.

Arfa 🙂

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Thanks so much!

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Hey Jahava,

Woot, congrats on having an amazing first year. I hope to be where you are this time next year (maybe a bit earlier in the year).

Thanks for the encouragement,

Nadalie, It’s All You Boo
NEW POST: How Do I Slay My Goals?

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I hope you are too! Keep up the work!

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Congratulations on your success lovely. I love seeing someone who isn’t afraid of a little hard work to achieve their goals!!

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Yes, it takes hard work for everything!

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Love the tip of networking with bloggers at the same stage as you AND bloggers who are more established! It’s great to kind of share struggles and stuff with newer bloggers, and then talk to more experienced girls!

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Yes, It has so many benefits!

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Great post, it has inspired me to keep blogging 🙂

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I’m so glad!

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I came across your blog while thinking of starting a blog myself as i’m a sahm and feel a calling to do so. These tips came at the perfect time for me. Thank you and I wish you plenty more success!

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