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.
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
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.
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 :)