Blog Goals. Oh, Blog Goals.

Friday, January 27, 2012
"So what are your current goals with Of Woods and Words?" Andy asked the other day.

We were in the middle of nowhere on yet another ice fishing adventure and frankly, at the moment, I was more concerned with downing a couple of cheesy crackers in front of the crackling fire than talking writer goals.

Goals for Of Woods and Words, you say?

When I started Of Woods and Words back in October 2009, of course there was that niggling thought in the back of my mind that it would be pretty bomb if my little blog went viral. Nearly two and a half years later I'm still here, but far from being the next Pioneer Woman. (But a girl can dream, right?)

When I post that first blog post, I was pretty ignorant of all things bloggy. I had no idea that blogging was such an industry. I quickly learned that your blog's success can be measured in any number of ways:
  • GFC followers
  • Page views
  • Facebook page likes 
  • Twitter followers
  • Ad revenue
  • Number of comments 
  • Etc. etc. 
There are many, many blog posts out there railing against the popularity contest that can be blogging. This isn't going to be another one of those posts. After all, success when it comes to blogging demands readership and the best glimpse of that readership comes in the form of statistics. I'd be lying if I said I didn't pay attention to my follower numbers. It feels good to be recognized by Minnesota Moments  as a Minnesota blogger. Recognition and growing numbers are always nice, think. 

Growth is important and will always be one of my goals with Of Woods and Words, but I'm not willing to achieve that growth by compromising the voice that's been long established on this blog. (There's a reason why you don't see giveaways here. . . maybe someday, but it seems out of character at the moment.) Quality over quantity any day.

When I started the blog, I wanted a place where I could write on a regular basis and gain some exposure as a writer. I feel I've been successful with that simple goal, but I also feel that's a goal without an expiration date. The only way to keep meeting that goal is to keep writing. So I will.

In addition to that basic founding goal, in the coming months, I'll likely be:
  • Continuing to explore sponsorship options - the blog might as well earn its keep and at least pay for its annual domain registration. 
  • Working to provide my wonderful group of readers with helpful and interesting content; namely, I'd like to make this blog more of a resource for aspiring freelance writers.
  • Recording more mundane details about life in the woods. If the blog is nothing else, it's an excellent diary/photo album and that in and of itself makes it invaluable to me.
Maybe someday, I'll have 1000 followers. Maybe someday I'll go back through the post and publish them as a collection of essays. Maybe.

Until then, I'm glad to have you along for the ride. I don't say it enough, but thanks for stopping by.


12 comments:

  1. Hi Ada,

    I enjoy reading your blog. My one blog goal: BLOG MORE! I think I have too many distractions.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ahhhh talking blog goals always stresses me out..... but you seem to have a grasp on healthy goals!

    ReplyDelete
  3. One of the very first blogs I discovered was Pioneer Woman. Yet having spent some time at her online business blog, I figured it didnt do anything for me! I am a faithful follower here because I so like what and how you write. I prefer quality over quantity, even more though, I prefer class. In writing and the person behind! That is why I am here.

    ReplyDelete
  4. good luck with your goals..and congrats on being recognized!
    I enjoy your posts and pictures..a whole lot different than here in central Pa!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I went through some examinations of why I blog and who do I blog for and what do I hope to gain... and I think it is safe to say that when I go through those questions the next time (and I will) that my answers may be different. The one constant is that I love to write, I have to write and I always hope that my writing will bless others. If it's just one person it's worth it. And always, my writing-- the ability to write-- blesses me. So that is a win-win. Thanks for sharing and letting me share too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ada, I enjoy your blog because of the interesting content. The fabulous pictures you post and getting a glimpse of life Up North is inspiring. I am not a native Minnesotan, so I am still learning about life here! I do not visit blogs because of prizes or give-aways. I second the quality over quantity statement! Congratulations on your recognition in MN Moments!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've been thinking about this too in terms of my blogging. I can only imagine that your blog will grow and grow this year and I can't wait to continue to read your wonderful posts!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ugh numbers can DRIVE you CRAZY if you let them. I glance at my stats maybe 2x a month, but nothing too often. And ever since moving to wordpress, I'm less interested (but probably should be MORE interested!)

    Also? You got me as a follower because you always comment on my posts. And I love that!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I just happened upon your blog from an Afterninetofive link-up. I'm excited to find someone who spends as much time in the freezing outdoors as I do! I'll be sure to follow along :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm very happy to hear there will be more tips for writers! Keep em coming!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm starting to see the point about blogs easily becoming a popularity contest. A little healthy comparison is good, but when it sets you up to be writing for the sake of having more posts per month than the other person, the writing's only going to suffer.

    Your goals are good and your writing is better. I'd love to see more posts about your writing and blogging. Thanks for the great work!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I think it is so easy to concentrate on the numbers/comments and such. No matter where my blog goes from here, I started it to have an outlet for myself...to have a place to come to and write/post pictures. So in the end that is all I really care about. Although I won't lie...I have been approached lately about sponsorship but, am a bit scared even though earning even a tiny amount would be nice!?

    I always love coming here, you never disappoint!

    melody

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts with Thumbnails