I’ve been blogging now for 2 years and I admit that for most of that time I have been blogging blindly. The time has come to be more organised about it. I need a strategy.
So this month I have signed up for Blogging 201 which is all about Branding and Growth.
It started yesterday and here’s what I have figured out so far.
Day 1 Monday 14th September
Dream Big and Set 3 Goals
- I am creating a beautiful, inspiring and useful gardening blog. It is a resource for gardeners both new and experienced.
- I am developing my blog into a website so that it is like a magazine and full of interest.
- I am building a reputation as an expert in Country Gardens. I am connecting with people around the world to develop a community of like minded readers.
- Most of all I want my blog to inspire readers to have a go at growing some beautiful plants because it’s so easy and rewarding.
Why am I doing this? There are so many benefits to growing your own flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. We all know that gardens are good for wildlife and I believe that gardening makes you happy and healthy. You can see a more detailed explanation about why I feel compelled to blog in Blogging 101
My Short Term Goals
Goal 1
I am developing a strategy to organise my thoughts and ideas.
I have a list of posts I’d like to write and there will be feedback from readers who have questions.
These will be built into my weekly schedule.
I am setting up an editorial plan for the rest of this year from 16th September – 31st December 2015.
Goal 2
The articles I write all have some connection to Country Gardens.
After all I’m the country garden expert!
Posts vary in length from quick short posts with just a couple of photos to illustrate the point to longer articles with detailed explanations. I am establishing a regular schedule and a weekly feature entitled How to Grow…
Goal 3
I am working on building relationships with people around the world.
I am developing my readership by connecting with other bloggers and finding ways to reach out to non-blogging readers too.
I am joining in with existing link parties and I’m also creating my own.
Day 2 Tuesday 15th September
Audit Your Brand
I have been working on my blog to try to get the look I want for it ever since I started blogging. I have a very clear picture in my mind of how I want it to look and more importantly to function. From 2nd August this year and for the time being Goran is my theme of choice.
But please don’t think I am sitting here twiddling my thumbs. Oh no! Today I have added a contact page to my website (in case readers would prefer to approach me directly rather than via commenting on a blog post.) and you can see it in the footer.
Ideally I’d like my blog to show readers that I know what I’m talking about, and that I am friendly and approachable too.
I would love to know what your thoughts are on my website/blog.
Specifically I’d like to know what messages this site conveys to you.
Your suggestions for changes and improvements are most welcome.
Thanks for reading, liking and commenting. Gillian :)
I love your blog! I can come and visit here and enjoy your garden…such beautiful colors. Thank you for sharing. I am amazed as to how you capture so many butterflies so perfectly on the flowers.
Thanks very much for visiting MaryLou. I appreciate your comments. Do you think readers would like to know more about how I get the pictures?
Hi Gillian, I have found that when I write about my photography it is well received. I think that would be a good idea.
Righty Ho. Thanks for that Annette.
I enjoy your blog very much. It is just lovely and very refreshing with your beautiful photos. I am also taking this course to improve my personal blog. I find this very helpful. Have a wonderful rest of the day.
Thanks very much for your lovely comment Patricia.
Enjoying your blog. Love your photos. Nature speaks to me.
Thanks for visiting and commenting Christine. I’m gladd you like it.
Good luck with 201. I enjoyed it when I did it some time ago. I think I could do with a refresher, so maybe reading your responses will help. Overall you blog comes across as a happy place with lovely photos. Your love of your plants shines through. Enjoy the course.
Thanks very much for letting me know what you think Annette. I am enjoying 201 so far and glad it’s helped you too.
Gillian, as you know I am a big fan of your blog! It has fantastic pictures and is presented very well. Last year I took 201 and learned so much! Annette and I teamed up as partners and her input to my blog has been invaluable and we have kept in touch and I consider her my friend. You have several categories and I think your interests and knowledge would draw many people to your blog. One thing I have tried to do, is remember who I am writing for and why I blog. It is for two people! So I’m very comfortable with my blog and thrilled that anyone else has found it interesting!
Thanks very much Cady. I must admit that I do tend to write about what interests me. It’s hard to know what readers want to hear about isn’t it? I know a lot about design and construction which I’ve hardly touched on, propagation, designing with plants and now photography too. Perhaps I should do a couple of Polls and ask them!
Brisk, energetic and efficient – that’s my impression. 🙂 I admire your youthful energy!
Thanks Eliza. It’s very interesting to find out what others think. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.