Friends, guess what today is? It’s my first blogoversary! That’s right, Three Chatty Cats got its start one year ago today on January 20, 2016.
That date seems like so long ago, yet also just yesterday. First off, I can’t believe that it’s already 2017. And that a whole year has gone by with my blog is amazing (to me, anyway).
While I still have a lot to learn about blogging, I thought I’d take this time to share what I’ve learned this past year. So, if you’re new to blogging or an old pro, I hope something from this list speaks to you.
6 Things I’ve Learned About Blogging
1) Blogging is Hard
Well, it’s not hard in the sense of ‘I can’t do this’ type hard. It’s more like, ‘It’s hard to write quality content, take good photos and post on a regular basis’ hard. It amazes me when I see a blogger who posts 4, 5, 6 or even 7 days a week. How do they do it?
When I first started, I posted about three times a week. And my life had basically become my blog. I hadn’t read a book in months, I was always at my computer and all my free time was devoted to working on my blog, be it writing, formatting or researching. So, I recently decided to take a step back and post less frequently so I could truly enjoy when I do blog.
2) Blogging is Fun
With all of that said, there’s no way I would’ve made it a year of blogging if I didn’t find it fun and enjoyable. The experience of crafting a post, taking photos and seeing it all come together is exciting. Each post is a mini accomplishment. Yes, some posts are better than others, but the feeling of putting something out there for consumption can be daunting. And when I see that first comment roll in, it is gratifying. Do you feel that way, too?
3) Stats and Pageviews Aren’t the Be-All and End-All of Blogging
This lesson learned for me goes hand in hand with #2. Blogging is and should be fun. Obviously, we write for other people to read our posts. Otherwise, we’d just have a journal. But playing the stats game can be draining. Do I have awesome stats? That’s a big fat nope. And if I constantly worried about stats and pageviews, I’m not sure I would keep blogging. Of course, I’d like to increase my numbers. But with the types of posts I currently publish and the amount of time I’m willing to set aside for blogging, I don’t see a big increase coming my way. So, while I will pay attention to stats to know which posts work or not, I don’t plan on worrying about stats anymore. Que sera, sera. Amiright?
4) Planning Ahead is Always Good
Okay, this one I may not have conquered yet. I know I should plan ahead, but I just haven’t managed to do it consistently. It’s the lack of planning that has taught me how important planning ahead is for a blogger. For example, I missed mentioning Sophie’s Gotcha Day in November. And I didn’t even realize it until a month later. It was November 29th, btw! I have a million calendars – I just need to start using them effectively. Planning ahead will definitely be something I work on for my second year of blogging.
5) Blogging Opens Doors
One recent post I did was about decorating a Rose Parade float. Had it not been for blogging, this opportunity would not have come about, so directly anyway. And there’s another opportunity that has come my way that stemmed from blogging that I get to announce very soon! Although that’s a bit cryptic, just know that blogging has provided me with opportunities that wouldn’t have occurred without Three Chatty Cats.
6) Fellow Bloggers are Some of the Best People
I cannot say enough nice things about the fellow bloggers I’ve met, either online or in person. Having attended BlogPaws last year in June – I’ll admit that I was nervous as a newbie – but everyone was so nice and welcoming. And you don’t have to even meet someone in person to know and feel how supportive and kind they are. A quick email, a nice comment left on a post – it’s gestures like this that can keep a blogger going at times. And I’ve definitely looked to fellow bloggers for inspiration and support throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who has shown kindness and support during my first year.
Looking Ahead
I’m excited to continue my blogging journey into a second year with Three Chatty Cats. And because I enjoy blogging so much, some of you may know that I also launched Cat Lady Alley in November last year.
For Cat Lady Alley, I’m trying to up my game with photography, as that blog lends itself to other photos beyond just my cats. To assist with that goal, I now have a mini studio set up at the house, which will come in handy for both blogs actually.
In the upcoming year, I also hope to work more with brands. In fact, just this month I signed up to be a Chewy Influencer, which I’m excited about (the cats are, too!).
It will be fun to see where blogging takes me in 2017. Had you asked me last year on January 20th if I thought I’d be where I am today with my blog, I would’ve said no. This past year, I’ve highlighted people and groups in the rescue world, shared my cats’ antics and received two BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose nominations.
But my proudest moment so far with Three Chatty Cats was when someone told me that my profile piece truly made a difference for them in what they’re doing with rescuing cats. That’s all I could ever ask for.
How long have you been blogging? Do you have any tips to share?
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Thanks for sharing. I used to have this thing that I had to blog every Friday and do a podcast every Monday but to be honest I stopped that. I love both podcasting and blogging however I was finding it hard to come up with topics with the passion I wanted to deliver them so now I approach it with when I feel the need to get the message out that’s when I podcast or blog.
Firstly both these shouldn’t be a chore they should be enjoyable, I let my followers know how they can keep up with me. I personally have a wide variety of places instagram, Facebook, you tube, wordpress. They are all tools for speaking, why just stick to a certain one. I enjoy following you not only via your blog but instagram.
So I guess my tip is use every bit of technology you are capable of and all the best in 2017.
Congrats! I’m always envious of your photos! Although I find my blogging easier (essentially mine is a diary so all I have to do is observe) I wish I could take better photos. Thank god for digital — it’s the only reason I manage to get any at all! ;-) And yes, if it wasn’t fun and wasn’t for the delightful readers and commenters I’d have stopped ages ago and just kept a private diary.
Hi Rachel,
good first birthday to your blog :-)
In a week even my blog will make his first year.
Your articles have always been an inspiration and you’re the first reader and strongest supporter.
Keep it up and a big hug to your guys!
I’ve just started my Cats Protection fundraising blog so it’s great to read your tips from your first year. I’m only a few weeks in and have been worrying about producing regular content – the reminder to have fun is a good one! Thanks for sharing :)
Absolutely LOVED this post and agree with everything. I have been blogging since 2009 (for Cody), Dakota’s blog didn’t start til 2011. To be honest, I wish I didn’t have to have two blogs, but for my Ambassadorship I do. Having two blogs is HARD!!!!! Like you, I have made it a point to back off a bit because it DOES become way too time-consuming!!!! Happy Happy Blogoversary, we love everything about your blog and YOU!!
HAPPY Blogoversary!!! We are happy to call you friends and wish you great things in the years to come. Mom says that she could do better on the calendar/planning thing, but tries to get posts done over the weekend and then schedule them so she has time after work during the week for her stuff and us. :) Great tips!
My biggest struggle is planning too. Most of my posts are more spontaneous … but I have a list of specific things I want to intersperse with the random conversations and since I’ve joined the blogosphere and spent so much time reading other blogs, they’re always something I’m going to do TOMORROW. Blogging is the one job where you can always do more (find/read/follow more blogs , site design, research, promotion …) … I’ve almost quit several times because I was just worn down with that and I wasn’t having fun. Decreasing my post schedule helped A LOT (7 days to 4) … as did realizing that I can only read so many blogs in one day … sometimes I just have to let a few go. Getting to know you before and at the conference meant everything to me … so thanks for that!
ps – your photography is always stunning … but that picture of Sophie associated with forgetting her Gotcha Day … awwww. I always forget Bear’s. Don’t tell him that’s a “thing.”
Congrats! Your first year is pretty typical. Many people work to post daily. Unless you are publishing phrases or photos, this is hard and you burn out. You have a niche blog but it’s one of the friendliest niches of all. Animal lovers are the best! As for stats, you are right to not get rattled. Posting quality stuff is the best way to increase your readership. Also commenting on other blogs and even guesting on other blogs. You are doing great so keep it up!
ComCATulations! Your first blogoversary – what a big accomplishment! You’re absolutely right – blogging can be all-consuming, which is why I had to take a break for a few months at the end of last year. I couldn’t stay away for too long though, because like you said, the friends we’ve made are some of the best. Congrats again on a successful year. We look forward to the next one!
Rachel, con-catulations on your first blogoversary! I always enjoy seeing your new post alert in my inbox and love reading your posts. I can only see your blogs going from strength to strength in the future. I can relate to all those points and as a new blogger I find it really hard to keep churning out quality content. So I also blog when the inspiration arises. There’s so much to learn and one can easy get sucked down the rabbit hole of information overload but I’ve learned that baby steps are okay 👍🏼
Love the kitties faces in this post, too darn sweet!
Happy Blog Birthday! I always enjoy your posts and I like your new Cat Lady Alley one also. I think you have come a long way in one year. Keep it up. You are inspiring me because it is very hard to find the time to write, and I really enjoy it when I do.
Congratulations on your first (of many I’m sure!) blogaversary. I’ve been a pet blogger since 2011 and only do it for fun really – never promoted a thing except love of life with my cat Sam. Now that he’s gone, I’m continuing the blog with him (and his laptop in kitty heaven!) as my way of keeping my hand in the “creativity pool”……with writing. They say “once a writer/always a writer” and while I used to write books, I’m now blogging. You will enjoy expanding your horizons with Chewy and anyone else you align yourself with – and Blogpaws is a wonderful way to do that. I wish you tons of luck (not that you need it because your blog is fabulous)…………………and again – congratulations on your milestone!
Pam
Happy Belated Gotcha Day Sophie!! And Concats on the Blogoversary. I think the first one is the hardest then you settle in. Of course when you reach 7 or 8 ten you start to rethink things again. You do a great job with both images and stories. I’m glad we’ve been here for most of the journey.
Congrats on having such a successful first year! Yea!
Here’s a little secret – I am not a planner either. I sometimes pretend to plan ahead, but those are the posts I usually scrap because something better comes along at the last minute. I like the freedom of not planning ahead – I’m sure many would tell me I’m missing out by not planning ahead, but I’m OK with that.
Happy Cheerful Blogoversay :-D
Congratulations <3
Same problem with my blogging, but I don't worry about, must be my amazing side!
A propo, you have a Dexter, I have a Dexter too :-P
Ciao
Sid
Congrats on your first year of blogging! I agree with you on all your points. Blogging good content is hard, blogging is addictive and bloggers are great people :) Keep up the good work!
Happy Blogoversary!!! I agree that fellow bloggers are wonderful people. I am thankful to be a part of such an amazing group of caring people.
Happy Blogoversary! We’ve been blogging a long time but we agree with all of the things you have learned. Blogging is hard but fun…and we’re grateful for all the wonderful friends we have made through blogging.
Concatulations on your blogoversary! We’re on year 5 and agree with everything you said. You’re one of our very places to visit (Cat Lady Alley too!)
Happy blogiversary. Congrats on all your accomplishments this past year. I had fun meeting you at Blogpaws! We should connect in Old Town Orange sometime and blog talk!
ConCats and happy Blogoversary. We’re so glad we met you. Anhd Happy belated Gotchaday to Sophie. We know her day was purrfect. Those blog stats play a big roll in getting oppurrtunities, but you have really good ones, so we’re sure you’ll do great. Big hugs to all.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
Happy Blogoversary from all of us! It’s hard to believe you’ve only been blogging one year, you’re such a natural and always have terrifiic content!
HAppy Blogaversary!!!!
Happy blogoversary, Rachel! We really enjoy your blog, and your content is always wonderful. :)
We agree with all of the things you’ve learned, especially about meeting some of the most amazing people!
Congratulations! Thanks for sharing these awesome tips so we all can benefit from them. All the best for Year 2!
Happy Blogoversary! Glad that I recently discovered you!
Congratulations on your first blogoversary Chatty Cats! WOO HOO!
We loved this post, and we, aka The Heathen Hoard agree 100%. Neffur wurry about stats or page views, planning ahead sure does help, and we tend to wurk a few days in advance of each post but sometimes we fly by the seat of our pants and it’s done on the day! MOL Getting comments is pawesome and mew feel like mew’ve suddenly got all your furriends with mew having a little conversation, we love all the furriends we’ve made on our 4+ year journey – blogging is the best fun effur, and though hard as mew said to come up with new and fresh content, it’s so wurthwhile!
Sweetest purrs
Basil & Co xox
You should look into BlogPaws and their annual convention. I’ve never been but many famous cat bloggers attend and seem to really enjoy it!!
I went in 2016! Was a lot of fun!
Congratulations on your first Blogoversary! I agree with all you said. Blogging is hard work but it’s fun and it allows us to be creative.
Happy Blogoversary! Sorry we are so late! We are going on ten years of blogging. Ours belonged to our mom but we slowly stole it from her. For many, many years we blogged every day, but now we are down to three days a week. Mainly because as we get older, the photo ops aren’t there as often. It’s a lot of fun and we have met so many wonderful friends, some in person! Blog on Three Chatty Cats!
Happy Blogoversary!! We can’t believe it’s been a whole year since you started. These lessons are very important. Mommy still feels like she doesn’t have a life sometimes, and needs a good book to read!
Thank you for sharing all of that.. The more we share with one another the more we grow.
Happy Blogoversary.
It was your blogoversary and I missed it? MOUSES! How did I do that? Shame, shame, SHAME ON ME. Clearly, it was the peep’s fault. Of course. You know, most things are. Yup.
Anyway…
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY!!! I may be a little late or, maybe I’m super early for next year! PURRS.
Purrs,
Seville