Today is my 6 month Blogiversary! Apparently that is a milestone because many give up before reaching a mere half year as a blogger. I understand why. I think I knew it would take time because I read and studied for months before working up the nerve to get started. I underestimated how much that amount of time actually meant in units of your day. It’s a good thing I’m a mom. You get used to not needing as much sleep!
Having my own blog has given me a place where I can talk write as much as I want. I see people everyday who are making mistakes with their money. I know ,because I’ve made most of them myself. While it isn’t appropriate to run up to a complete stranger and tell them not to buy that because it is a rip off, I can write about it all day long.
I’ve also found a great community of like minded people who keep me up to date with the latest strategies to find good deals, pay off debt, and achieve financial independence. I know they have my back and would crank out a guest post if I needed it. I’d do the same for them.
Things I’ve Learned
Consistency is Key-You have to regularly post relevant and interesting content if you want people to read and come back. I’m not the best writer, but some of you must like what you see or get a laugh out of my attempts.
Give More Than You Get-The first six months are all about reaching out to other blogs by commenting, creating well written guest posts, and interacting with you fellow bloggers. If you are generous, it is usually comes back around
Don’t Expect to Get Rich- For the time put in, the amount of money paid back is pitifully low. I expect it to grow, and I know there are some Rock Star bloggers who have done really well within a very short time frame. I am not a Rock Star, maybe more like the guy who carries the guitars. I get to hang around the scene, but am not the one being driven around in a limo. I never expected to make much money, so anything that comes in is like icing on the cake.
You Don’t Have to Be a Computer Geek to Get Started- I still know next to nothing about technical components, which you might be able to tell if you are a computer geek. With WordPress, you can pretty much get started without knowing much. I hope to continue to learn as I go. If you want to start a blog, you can learn tons from other bloggers like Jeremy at Modest Money or Andrea at Nuts and Bolts Media. I also used How I Make Money Blogging and still refer back to it quite frequently.
Fun Stats
Since I installed the Alexa toolbar, I’ve gone from over 11,000,000 to 75,499 at this writing.
My page rank went from 0 to 3.
For the month of August 2012, I had 104 unique visitors and 599 pageviews. For the past month, I had 3043 unique visitors and and 15,136 pageviews, a pretty good increase!
I went from never having a Twitter account to 877 followers. I have 623 Facebook likes, but only 2 who ever read a post!
I have gotten to do some pretty fun things like guest post for the Debt Movement and get added to the Money Crashers Top Personal Finance Blogs list.
Since I’ve been blogging, I’ve paid off all my credit card debt, gotten on a budget, and switched to part time work. It’s been a very eventful 6 months. Thanks to those who have read, commented, subscribed, followed, liked, and been a better audience than I could have ever expected. I look forward for many more milestones down the road.
Do you have any suggestions for posts, format, or anything in general you would like to see me do differently?
Outstanding job Kim! In my first 6 months I still had yet to have a single reader. So to do everything you have already is pretty amazing.
I’d love to tell you I have some good advice for the back-end of your blog with SEO and setup improvements. But as you’ll see in a post tomorrow, I think I may have screwed a few things up on my blog in terms of those things. Maybe you can learn from my mistakes!
Your next goal: Let the income start rolling in!
My Money Design recently posted..4 Passive Income Ideas I Learned From Robert Kiyosaki
I’m sure there was at least one lurker back there somewhere!
Well Done! This gives me hope too, I’ve been blogging since October, about as long as John over at FrugalRules.com (I think he’s a rockstar blogger), and I appreciate how hard it is to post regularly with everything else going on in your life.
I wouldn’t pay too much attention to page rank unless you’re bothered about ranking in google for certain search terms, (I do SEO for a living). I barely come up in google search terms at all, but I’m still getting traffic, most of it from twitter and commenting. It’s funny how it all builds up isn’t it?
Matt recently posted..Should I Convert My Car to LPG?
I can certainly tell a difference if I can’t get around to comment as much. It takes lots of time, but is worth it for many reasons. Traffic is great, but I also really enjoy what everyone has to say.
Congrats Kim! Those are some amazing accomplishments in just 6 months! I have yet to make it to the 200k mark with Alexa but its due to my inconsistency with reaching out to other sites and utilizing the yakezie community. Keep up the good work!
Jessica @ Budget for Health recently posted..Smitten by Group Fitness Classes
It takes lots of time, but I’ve found sticking to a set posting schedule makes things easier.
I think you are doing a GREAT job! Congrats on the six months, and I have enjoyed reading your posts and commenting. I started about the same time so we pretty much have the same experiences. My only suggestion is stick with it, idk what I’d do without your daily posts!
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted..Friday Giveaway Post – 21 Giveaways – I’m Freezing Edition
You too DC.
Congratulations on your 6 months. I’ve been blogging 1 month and its such an interesting, immersive experience. I’m not in any position to give advice, but I think focussing on just writing great content tailored is ultimately all that matters. If you can do that consistently people will keep coming. Also sharing as much of your personal story as you can, because people want something to relate to (which I think you are doing a great job of!)
Integrator recently posted..Western Union: Is there growth?
Thanks for commenting. I am not the foremost finance expert in all topics, but I can share what I know and hope it helps someone.
Yea!!! Happy blogiversary, Kim! Know that you’ve been a blessing to so many of us as well. Thanks for all of the great tips, and for the laughs along the way. Here’s to many more years of happy blogging!
Laurie @ The Frugal Farmer recently posted..January 2013 Financial Recap
Thanks Laurie. If you can’t laugh at yourself, what’s the point?
You’ve done a great job! Congratulations!
Emily @ evolvingPF recently posted..January 2013 Month in Review: Money
Thanks Emily!
Congrats Kim! I am about 4 weeks behind you and I can relate to many of your thoughts. It can take a ton of time and if I can do some of the technical aspects of it then anyone can. I think you’re doing a great job and would not change a thing. Keep at it Kim, you’re doing awesome!
John S @ Frugal Rules recently posted..Frugal Friday: Blog Posts That Ruled This Week, How Can it Be February Edition?
You are the true newbie blogger Rockstar. We should all be Frugal Rules groupies.
Wow definitely sounds like your blog is doing GREAT!
Michelle recently posted..$6,523 in January Extra Income and GOALS
Happy six months! I know what you mean about feeling like the band roadie instead of being in the band. I feel like I’m more advanced than just a hobby blogger, but not near an income earning blogger yet. Just on the cusp…I hope! Good luck with the next six months! I’ll be one year in May! Do I get a chip or something?
Budget and the Beach recently posted..Link Love/Week in Review 2/1/13
I’ll see if I can snag a guitar pick or something for you.
Good for you Kim. I can see why you are doing so well and it’s because you give back, you are real, personable and don’t let your site get in the way of who you really are. I’ve slowly learned alot about blogging which I equate at times similar to highschool but that’s ok.. being different and on one’s own is a good thing. It just means that the fans that come your way come because they want to be there. Keep up the good work…. keep smiling and congrats on all that debt pay off! Cheers
Canadianbudgetbinder recently posted..Financial Advisors: 101~Get The Inside Scoop!
I see the high school point. I am much more sure of my voice now that I was then and I’ll try to always let that come through. Thanks for reading and commenting and encouraging.
Yay! Congrats Kim! (Lots of blogoversaries today.) You are rockin’ it!!!
Greg@ClubThrifty recently posted..VIP Club Roundup – 17th Edition
Is that even a word? Blogoversary or Blogiversary?
Congrats on making it to 6 months. I think you have the formula down. Now it’s just a matter of rinse and repeat. One thing I would also recommend to anyone starting out is to buy a domain name from day 1. Going with a free subdomain only hurts your growth potential.
Edward Antrobus recently posted..Using Dedicated Income Streams for Debt Payments
I’m very glad I did that. I know you had a big ding when you had to switch, but it seems that you have been going up from there. I always enjoy your posts and comments.
Consistency is also key for your own personal benefit. If you get on a regular posting schedule, it becomes routine, but if you don’t, you’ll find that you can go a long time without posting, which is the first step toward blogging doom. So, keep on a good schedule and you’ll be celebrating lots of milestones ahead!
Money Beagle recently posted..Was The Payroll Tax Holiday A Good Idea?
I am pretty good when I give myself a schedule. I haven’t missed a post yet because that is part of the job description I’ve given myself.
I’m VERY impressed it’s only been 6 months Kim! You’ve built up a great blog and a thriving community of commenters. Keep it up. Good things start happening after years 1 and 2. VERY good things. Just got to stick with it!
Best,
Sam
Financial Samurai recently posted..How To Pay Little To No Taxes For The Rest Of Your Life
Thanks Sam. It is encouraging to see what others have done over time. I don’t ever expect to be a Financial Samurai, but I’m anxious to see what is possible.
Congrats Kim! You are totally rockin’ this thing
Mackenzie recently posted..Link Love: Superbowl Weekend Edition!
I don’t know about rocking. Maybe foot tapping lightly?
Happy blogoversary Kim! And congrats on the journey, you’re doing really great. I always wonder if my time on FB is worth the dedication… guess 2 friends is better than no friends at all!
Way to be optimistic!
Congrats on the milestone Kim. I am a month behind you and still have some work to do. This takes a lot of dedication and time that many people don’t realize, especially if you work full time. I always appreciate your posts and your comments on my blog, so thank you. Good luck in the next 6 months!
Grayson @ Debt RoundUp recently posted..Weekly Personal Finance Blog RoundUp – 2/1/2013
Thanks, you too.
Congrats on hitting 6 months. We’ll all hit 1 year before we know it!
FB is funny… does anyone ever use it in their “real lives” anymore? I know Mr. PoP and I pretty much never sign into our personal accounts.
Mrs. Pop @ Planting Our Pennies recently posted..Apparently I’m Unemployed… Who Knew?
I signed into my personal account last week and had messages from Thanksgiving. I guess I should look at it more often.
Congrats Kim! Looking forward to what the next 6 months brings on your blog.
Kyle @ Rather-Be-Shopping.com recently posted..5 Frugal Tips for Better Home Security
Thanks Kyle.
Wow, those are fantastic stats! Well done.
You’ve certainly got me beat. It does take So Much Time. My spouse always tells me that I work for pennies an hour, haha. (Don’t worry, it’s understood that I enjoy it.)
Anne @ Unique Gifter recently posted..Tis the Season…To Save
It challenges my brain and it might turn to mush if I don’t make it work from time to time.
Happy anniversary! I don’t think I can be giving you any tips…the fact that you have 5 pageviews per visitor is unbelievable! Your bounce rate must be unbelievably low.
I almost averaged 2 pageviews/visitor this past month and I was STOKED! lol.
Keep up the great work and there is little doubt you’ll see those numbers increase. Congrats on making it this far, Kim!
Jason recently posted..SmarterBucks – Helping You Pay Down Your Student Loans More Quickly
Thanks. You have done amazing things with WSL. I get lots of encouragement from watching your progress.
Wowee! Well done Kim. You’re blog is really rockin, and kickin’ the socks off mine, all your success is definitely deserved! Excited to see it continue to grow and to follow your journey to financial independence
Jacob @ iheartbudgets recently posted..Redecorate for Zero Dollars
Thanks, my new budget will surely get me there!
Congratulations on your 6 month anniversary, Kim! You seem like a pro to me! I don’t post as frequently as you do, but I agree that blogging is a time-consuming, but worthwhile endeavor. For me, it’s visiting all of you guys that eats up my time. There are so many great blogs to visit that it’s easy to get sucked in and spend the day reading and commenting. But it’s so much fun!
Shannon @ The Heavy Purse recently posted..Gratitude versus Entitlement
I hear you there. I start reading and then it’s been two or three hours. I wish I could hit everyone every time, but you can only do so much.
Congrats on the milestone! What you mentioned is great advice to anyone wanting to start a blog. You are doing great and I have enjoyed the posts that I have read here. Like you, I am pretty new to this and don’t have as much time to put into this as I would like. I’m only able to post several times a week so sometimes I feel like I’m missing out. But it is a process that takes time and like you said, generosity and patience will eventually pay off. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Brian @ Luke1428 recently posted..Gambling on Super Bowl XLVII – What I Didn’t Know
I just have to accept that I can’t do it all. If I had time, I could read and comment on 100 blogs a day, but there are only so many hours in the day and I don’t want to spend them all on the computer.
That is an awesome growth in 6 months! Congrats! You will see a jump after 1 and 2 yrs as well. All good things ahead. Keep up the great work!
Suba recently posted..Make more money : Convert your skills into profitable freelance business
That seems a long time away, but if it goes by like the first 6 months, it will be her before I know it.
You have done amazingly well Kim. I really enjoy most of your blog posts and find that your writing style is so easy to read.
I am sure your blog will continue to grow and I think you should be really proud of your achievements and how far you have come in such a short period of time.
Glen @ Monster Piggy Bank recently posted..MPB – Pool Room Posts #15
Thanks Glen. Same back to you.
Congratulations on making the 6 month mark. Great increase in your stats too. Phenomenal growth in traffic as well. I would love it if my little blog was doing this well in six months.
My Financial Independence Journey recently posted..Identifying the Core Material Aspects of Your Life
I still have a long way to go, but it’s come a long way. Thanks for reading.
Congratulations on making it this far! Keep up the great work!
Kathleen recently posted..If not online dating, then where do you meet people?
Thanks Kathleen.
Congratulations! My blog is only one month old. I only hope that I can be as successful as you have been in building it up. You’re right about the time involved. I severely underestimated the amount of time you have to put into it. But on the bright side, I’m doing something interesting, learning new things everyday, and am meeting (virtually) a great group of people!
Jose recently posted..Do You Have An Asset Protection Strategy In Place?
I feel the same way. Keep with it.
Great tips Kim. It’s easy to take these tips for granted but when they are applied they can defiantly help you out, especially when you’re getting started. I like you’re second tip the best, giveback is the best way for others to take notice of you and work with you. I guess it’s like they always say when you help others get what they want they will help you get what you want.
Chris @ Stumble Forward recently posted..Weekly Mentions – It’s Groundhog Day!
Absolutely!
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