Wow – I’ve been blogging for a year, how crazy is that when it comes around?! I’m feeling pretty chuffed at the moment – mostly because I’ve kept at it despite time pressures, and life getting in the way pretty much most weeks. Knowing that I’ve gotten through the last year has given me so much inspiration and enthusiasm for the year ahead, and I’m incredibly pumped to see where I can take the site by this time next year. Onwards and upwards at Woman Seeks World!
Goals Achieved
January saw an increase in traffic, commenters and also the number of advertisers getting in touch with me. I’m now not having to spend any time looking for them, so it’s been great to finally reach that point. I feel like the site is starting to make a lot of traction so it’s an exciting time – I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing and hopefully continue to grow. There are a few exciting things in the pipeline to do with travel and some other projects, so when this is all decided, you will be the first to know!
Having reached the year milestone, it’s only natural that I’ve thought about where I want to take the blog, and my goals for the next 12 months. To be honest, I’m not completely sure on either of these points, but I know that I want to grow the site to at least two times the size it is now in terms of traffic and social media followers, and also try to get some more media coverage and press trips.
It’s looking like a realistic possibility that this blog could be big enough to fully support me financially by this time next year, so although I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on myself to make this happen, this is always in the back of my mind.
I’m excited about the year ahead, and would be grateful to anyone out there reading who has any feedback on how I can make this site better. I would really appreciate it!
Month 12 Stats
Traffic – 7,557 visits (Up 3,000 from last month! Traffic is increasing steadily recently – very exciting! I find I’m not only getting more traffic from social media, but also from Google. It just goes to show how consistency in posting and longevity in blogging can help you increase your stats)
Link Building – I’m pushing myself to do more of this, although it is what always falls to the wayside when I get busy! I wish I had more time to read all of the fabulous blogs out there, so this is my ongoing goal.
Content – Loving my more relaxed posting schedule and getting out at least two posts a week (sometimes three!). I feel more engaged in the blog than ever, which is only a good thing, so looking forward to writing some cool new articles this year and currently looking at plans of writing an in-depth e-book.
Twitter Followers – 2,042 (Up 93 since last month)
Facebook Fans – 623 (up 70 since last month)
RSS Subscribers – 205 (up 5 since last month)
Alexa Ranking – 281, 142
Income – Unfortunately a couple of advertisers didn’t renew their ads this month, so income was less than what I was expecting, but I still bought on new clients, so I’m happy! This month I earnt $825 from affiliate products and advertising.
About My Monthly Blog Updates
I wanted to start these monthly updates to hopefully help other bloggers out there just starting out or wanting some support in starting to monetize their site or growing it in some way. I certainly don’t claim to know it all, but I’m hoping that the lessons that I learn will be helpful and inspirational to others looking to make a living from blogging.
So, I think it’s fitting to put the question out there and see what you would find helpful to read about in these monthly updates – I will do my best to include it each month, so please let me know!
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Hi Nicole,
I think it’s a great idea to publish your monthly blog stats. I’m currently in the process of building up some content for my soon-to-be-launched blog on freelance writing and location-independence and it’s really interesting to see where I could (potentially!) be in a year’s time!
I’ll definitely keep reading your blog to see how things progress for you. Congrats on reaching the 12 month mark!
Hey there, I’ve been following your blog for quite some time. I’m looking at starting my own travel based blog and have also started my own websites recently. I’d love to have someone to chat to if you have any advice 🙂
Congrats on such a successful first year and I hope the following are even more wonderful.
Xx
Congratulations, Nicole!!
This is great!
Wow I didn’t know we started blogging in the same month! I too have been blogging for 12 months! I am not yet sure what I want to write about to commemorate it.
Twitter has been a great tool to increase my visits which are 9300 so far! Very happy about that.
Although I do not have the income you do, nor do I have the followers on facebook or twitter. Definitely something to work on after I graduate. I would be ecstatic if I could bring in $800 extra a month! A goal to set for next year.
I am thinking about taking my blog off of blogspot and going for a .com site. But this is after I hand out the many business cards I bought with the blogspot name on it.
I will be putting your blogging advice to use as soon as I am done with university – less than 2 months to go now!
Thanks for your help and happy birthday to you!
The Wanderfull Traveler
Thanks Gloria!
Hi Elly, thanks very much! The time definitely flies. Good luck with your site and goals, I have no doubt you’ll kick some arse! : )
Hi Izy! Thanks so much! I’ll drop you a quick email now so you can let me know any questions etc, or organise to chat sometime on skype : )
Thanks Murissa, and same to you! Congrats on your traffic, I bet its going to start ramping up now for both of us – I hear that 12 months is kibd of like a tipping point, so its going to be a good year! Definitely go to the .com site and get your cards out there – really helps to develop the brand I find. All the best for your last couple of months at Uni – nearly there now! ; )
Hi Nicole,
Its a really inspirational blog for me. I have been planning to launch my first blog site since past few months but I am always afraid if I would be able to dedicate proportionate time to it or not. But I have got a boost after seeing your monthly traffic stats. You have achieved a great milestone. I hope you achieve even higher milestones in this year.
Thanks very much! All the best with your site!
Your blog is gorgeous. I have another blog which is PR 2 but barely earns $100/month. 🙂 Look forward to your tips/tricks to do this.