This weekend I took a break.
For the most part I was offline, and as you can see in the photo; I took some time with family and friends and walked a 5k for breast cancer. Like my zebra pants?
One thing I’ve come to realize is that it’s okay to take a break.
It’s okay to step back from your computer, your blog and everything online. It won’t collapse. Trust me.
This weekend gave me a great opportunity to write down and ponder through a few questions that have been on my mind in regards to my blog here. I’ve been contemplating new goals, directions and opportunities I need to undertake over the next couple of months.
Answer these questions.
In honor of the spring cleaning season I think it’s important to do so for your blog. Following are a few questions I’ve found helpful to ask yourself, before you begin “spring cleaning.” It would be pointless to dive in without your goals impeccably outlined.
Take out a pen, and answer the following. They’d also make a great blog post.
- What direction do I want to take my blog?
- What am I trying to accomplish?
- What is my mission?
- What is my plan?
- How will I balance my time?
- How will I produce incredible content?
- How will I share my personality?
- Is it worth it?
- Am I chasing false dreams?
- Do I love what I blog about?
Here are my answers.
Here’s what I came up with, after answering those spring cleaning questions.
1. What direction do I want to take my blog?
I certainly want to bring my blog into a new chapter of its life. I feel like my blog hasn’t plateaued, but I have. I have this overwhelming feeling that there’s more to be written, but I’m just not tapping into that source of inspiration, creativity, etc.
2. What am I trying to accomplish?
I’m trying to write about the things I love and have the most knowledge of; while making it fun and readable for others. I want to grow this blog’s reach over the course of the coming months.
3. What is my mission?
My mission is to be a ray of sunshine for all I interact with. To smile. To live. Laugh. Love. I want Smart Boy Designs to be a place that brings a little joy into someone’s day. I think those things, are in part, my mission.
4. What is my plan?
I think it’s important to become more engaged. I’ll connect in greater ways with other blogs and people around me. I’ll observe life, and take what I learn to the blogging world. Drawing metaphors and conclusions that might help others and myself in many ways. I plan to work hard, kick this illness, and be successful.
5. How will I balance my time?
I think it’s important to spend time with family, friends & engage in the hobbies and sports you enjoy. I’m going to balance my time by waking early and going to bed earlier; and hammering out my blog duties before mid-day. This will leave some extra time for other work engagements, and the rest of the day for things that I think matter most.
6. How will I produce incredible content?
I always have a notebook with me everywhere I go and jot down notes, blog posts and thoughts. I’m going to keep doing this. I’m also considering lessening the content output here, and focusing on larger posts that offer greater quality. Reading is going to be a strong focus this year; as I study and learn about different skills and people. I think this will help me produce better content.
7. How will I share my personality?
I’m a smiley, huggy person. I want people that come to my blog feel like they’re getting those things from me. A smile and a hug.
8. Is it worth it?
I think my blog is worth it. I love interacting with others. I love to learn. I love sharing my thoughts. Those are just a few of the reasons I think it’s worth it. As soon as blogging, though, takes over time with family and friends; than to me, it’s not.
9. Am I chasing a false dream?
I think the best bloggers would write whether or not anyone ever visited them.
I think I’ve already accomplished my dream. I set out to write this blog with the intention of reaching people. I know I have, so I’m fulfilled. I think the best bloggers would write whether or not anyone ever visited them.
10. Do I love what I blog about?
I sure do. Technology, business, social media and blogging have been some of my passions since early youth. I’ve been amazed at how the field has changed in just a few years. It’s always changing and I like that.
There’s a lot to work on this year!
The Tech Side.
Now that we’ve got the emotional, goal-setting aspect of our blog spring cleaning finished; there’s the tech side. Below you’ll find a few bullets to check over on your blog, related to SEO, tech and more.
- Am I happy with my design? The design of your blog is very important. When people see your design they either stay or go. It’s much like a restaurant. According to what a restaurant looks like, determines your initial thoughts of the place. If you’re not happy with your design, look for ways to improve. Hire a designer to build a custom theme. Work with a friend. Just get it done!
- How are comments being handled? Have comments on your blog become stressful and difficult to manage? I have my comments set to be auto-published if I’ve approved the author previously; and I don’t receive comment notifications. That’s extra email; and a time sucker.
- Is your input being returned? What do you do in order to grow traffic? Is the time you’re putting into those avenues being returned in measurable ways? Or are you doing things that aren’t working; but hoping they’ll play out in the long run?
- Do you pay attention to SEO? Are you writing posts for search engines or for readers? Be sure you’re using a good balance.
These are just a few of the “tech” related cleanups you might do for your blog this spring. If you need more, feel free to email me or read more blog posts.
The Takeaway
I know this post was long; but I know it was worth it if you took the time to read.
What I want for you to take away from this post; is that the sky is the limit. You have everything at your fingertips in order to produce an incredible, high-traffic blog. You’re a better writer than you give yourself credit. People really are benefiting from what you write.
