Blogging- What is okay and what isn’t?

In case you haven’t heard, my blog will be relaunching on Saturday, 1 September with a refined and refocused direction (much of the same themes you love, but more info to come on Wednesday, 15 August)- while I am very excited, I probably won’t be chatting about blogging itself on the blog much. Overall, while I love blogging, I don’t know that I know enough to actually be a solid resource. (After 3 1/2 years, its still mostly questionsin this brain!) However, I did want to share one last chat of my thoughts on the state of blogging in general, and where I intend to head…

Blogging Giveaways 

I was going to do a giveaway for my relaunch, to celebrate my followers- however, once I started looking into it further, apparently requiring someone to follow you in order to enter is considered buying followers. I’m bothered by that, because when the international shipping would have been factored in, I would have put $130-150 CAD of my own money into it. In my head, most people who entered it are already following me somewhere, so it isn’t an issue. It seems though that there are a lot of people who just float around the interwebz entering giveaways that are not interesting in following anyone. I do still want to thank my readers, so I’m looking at other ways of reaching out/thanking you, but for now, giveaways are shelved for me.

Affiliate Links 

For the past 3 1/2 years, I’ve been putting 20+ hours a week into my blog. For the last 7 months, I’m guessing that’s probably 30+ hours a week- that’s essentially a full time job (on top of the full time job I already have, my puppy, and the general life things I have going on). I need my blog to give back to me now, so I am most likely going to be looking into affiliate links! I’m not sure what networks/products will be involved, but there will be a note in my “About Me” page once I start using them that there are links on the site, and each individual post that contains them will have links, as well. I am going to do my best to be mindful of my international, global community here and continue to share things that are accessible to most people!

Social Media Connections

2018 has certainly been the year of social media connections for me- I’ve put a lot of time into my blogging social media, and it is really starting to pay off, in the best way. Yes, I do have more followers, which is lovely, but I’ve also discovered new favourite bloggers and sites, and I’m making personal blogging connections rather than strictly “professional” networking. I’m also just really having fun with Instagram; posting Stories every day and interacting more with people has really improved my Instagram “experience”, and it’s a lot more enjoyable now! If you would like to connect on social media, please leave your handles in the comments, or follow me (links below my signature).

Also, if you want to see something particular on one of my networks- shout out! Do you want to see a particular board on Pinterest? I can probably make it happen! Interested to see more of Agnes’ routine? I can post more stories about her. I’ve been sharing more of the reasons why I’m choosing my Outfit of the Day on Instagram Stories, and I’ve been receiving a lot of positive feedback. I’m happy to share what it is you want to see!

Breaks and Absences 

My goal for the next year is to stick my schedule entirely, and avoid huge breaks and absences. Because I write my posts ahead, I can usually afford to take a weekend off here and there when I need a break or all of life happens at once. My life as a whole is fairly scheduled, so I can plan for extra time as a buffer.

My biggest pet peeve when following a blog is when there are random, unexplained absence, and I’m going to do my best to avoid them after mine last year. I take my blog incredibly seriously, in terms of “being there” for my readers, so when bloggers disappear out of the blue, and it isn’t because of a crisis/critical event, it makes me question how seriously you take your blog. Being casual with your blog is absolutely and totally okay, but that isn’t what I am looking for myself- if you are super busy, drop down to 2-4 blog posts a month that are regularly schedule! I will come and find you on those days. (Or just let your readers know “I’m doing this from X date to Y date, and will be back on Z date”, so we can come and find you then.)

Availability 

If you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to get in contact! Send an email, leave a comment, send me a message on Facebook, or Instagram, or wherever else you can find me. A few people have been lovely enough to point out things that are missing or look odd now that I’ve moved over to self-hosted- if something looks out of place or amiss, please let me know! It might not be possible for me to change it right away, but more eyes on the site is the best thing for it.

My goal is to be as upfront and accessible as I can, and I’m happy to chat about anything with you! If you want to talk about something I am doing on the blog, working together in some way, or just what my thoughts on the new season of Great British Bake Off are (WHY CAN’T I BAKE IN AN OPEN AIR TENT?), please do reach out!

On Wednesday, 15 August at 1pm CST, I will be sharing more information on the new direction for the blog! It will still be the same Historian you know and love with a bit more direction and focus! 

Also, please let me know your thoughts on giveaways and social media networking!

Until tomorrow,
The Historian
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