A blog post about goals in early January…I know. I know. It’s a bit cliche isn’t it?
SNAP! came together so quickly last summer, I never really had the chance to step back and think about what I was getting myself into, much less how I was going to accomplish it.
Though your site may have come together a bit differently, I am sure you can identify with finding yourself in the midst of something far bigger than you expected it to be, right?
Where I am at today isn’t where I thought I would be even three months ago…Over the last several months there have been some adjustments. Tweaks here and there. Hopefully, for the better…
It’s really just been the last two weeks however, that I’ve been able to step back, sit down, assess where things are at and set some blogging goals.
Today, I thought I would share the results of some of that planning and the types of blog goals I am setting for SNAP! this year.
Better utilize Google Analytics. I am a bit of a research geek. When I went back to school for graduate work, I spent all my time studying the research and theory for targeting communications.
Did you know that digging deep into your Google Analytics account will tell you nearly everything you need to know about your readers? It does and I am looking forward to spending more time learning about you!
I am planning to share bits and pieces of what I learn along the way…What would you like to learn about Google Analytics?
Boost engagement. When I first started blogging several years ago, Facebook didn’t exist. There was no Twitter. Pinterest wasn’t even thought of.
Back then, we had conversations. Full conversations. Right in the comment section of the blog. It was lovely. Those conversations don’t seem to be happening as much and as a result, I am not getting to know you as well as I would like.
Sigh. This is a hard one for me. I love Twitter. Everything about it. But, I also have to recognize that only 23% of you have joined me there. Pinterest is also lovely, but so few people are really engaging there.
While I will continue to spend time using those tools, I am going to be spending MORE time working on the site and on Facebook.
Engagement is a two way street. I am hoping this also frees me up so that I can spend more time on your sites too!
What do you think? Am I crazy?
Continue to focus on my family. I found this wonderful blogging niche when I met my Mr. and his boys.
While I’ve been pretty good about setting aside the site to be “present” when with them, I have let it suck up all of my personal time (read: sleep). That lack of personal freedom and peace has caused me to be short and cranky. Enough said.
Focus and streamline. I am attracted to shiny things, i.e. easily distracted. I find myself trying every new tool and attending every party and event. In short, I have spread myself to thin (apparently, my body has chosen to combat the spread, by growing to cover it.)
This year prior to engaging in an “online” event, committing to a guest post, utilizing a new tool or attending an event I will ask myself three questions 1) Is this targeted to my niche? 2) Will this benefit my readers and bring me closer to my audience? 3) How much time will this take away from my current activities? 4) How will this affect my family?
This means I will not be going to as many parties. I am not going to be at as many conferences and guess what?! It will be just fine. In fact, I think it will work to everyone’s advantage.
I’ve made it a habit to write down and hang up my goals where I could see them every day (out of sight, out of mind). I am tracking my goals on this calendar:
If you’re so inclined, you’re welcome to download and print a copy for yourself.
Looking to read up a bit more on goal setting for your blog? Wendy has a great post on setting long term blog goals. I also love how well Melissa has put blogging goals into perspective.
So tell me, what are some of the things you’re planning to work on this year?
Oh and speaking of goals…This week’s Twitter #SNAPChat will be all about blogging goals. Watch for more details here on the blog Tuesday afternoon and then join us online Thursday at 10:30 a.m. MST.
About Tauni
Hi Tauni-
I enjoy all the posts you write, but this one made me smile. I loved hearing your thoughts about social media. I enjoy having the conversation on my blog in the comments. It is so open and engaging – real, not cryptic. I like simple – having to be everywhere in the social media world just takes time that I don’t have. I do remember when I first started blogging that sometimes the conversation going on in the comment section was better than the post itself. Twitter sometimes feels only as a vehicle for promotion. I agree with you and you are not crazy
I am sure there are many that feel they same way. I think we do it all because we are “supposed” to have a presence and some arbitrary source tells us we need to do it. I like your priorities and will be doing the same – streamlining.
I also would love to learn more about Google Analytics. I only know about 20″% of what it does. Looking forward to those posts.
My best- Diane
Diane@InMyOwnStyle recently posted..How to Make a No-Sew Fabric Covered Cushion
Diane, It’s so nice to connect with you here on the blog. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. You totally made my day. Really. I was just telling some of the other girls that sometimes when writing I have such a hard time being open and engaging…I think it’s all those years as a PR exec writing material for someone else, you know?
I’ve really been thinking a lot about my time online recently and though it has so many advantages, I hate to admit that I think I’ve let it suck me in a bit too much in the last year. While I expect to grow SNAP! in the coming year. I hope to work smarter, rather than longer. It will be an interesting experiment to say the least.
When it comes down to it. I think it’s super important to be educated and understand the tools available. That DOES NOT mean that you have to heavily utilize them. I think it’s actually more authentic and engaging to use the tools you enjoy the most whatever they are…
Thanks again!
xoxo
Tauni
Sounds like you’ve got some awesome plans and goals! And I’m glad SNAP is part of it
I did the “one little word” goal for this year and chose the word “Reclaim” I wrote about it here and I’m really excited about it:
http://craftingintherain.blogspot.com/2011/12/word-of-year.html
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain recently posted..Make a Splash
Steph, Reclaim is such a lovely word. I am sort of jealous! LOL I too have a one word goal that I will be sharing over on Less Cake, More Frosting in a couple of weeks. Though it’s not glamorous, it’s mine
I am excited to stop by and read your post!
xoxo
Tauni
I would like to grow my blog a little bit more, but before I do, I really think I need to find my focus. I’m a little bit all over the map, ha! I’m thinking maybe setting up a weekly schedule for posting will help me out with that a little bit more. I also started my first series on my blog and I’m really excited to see where that goes. It has to do with my personal goal of getting healthier in 2012. http://itsacraftylife.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-to-fit-club.html
Kim recently posted..Welcome to Fit Club
Kim, I TOTALLY know what you’re talking about. Here’s the problem I had for a long time…I was worried so much about finding my focus that it was inhibiting me from actually blogging. I sort of dropped the worry and simply started writing about what interested me, instead of what I thought I should “focus” on. I came to a bit of a natural focus. To be honest, I think some of my most loyal readers have come from some of those early ramblingish posts…You need to find a focus, but I don’t think it should stop you from growing your blog…WOW. That was long. Sorry!
I am excited to stop by and read more about your goal…sounds like it’s one I really ought to be following myself.
xoxo
Tauni
I decided this year rather than “goals” which I often don’t complete and then feel discouraged, I decided on a word like Steph @ Crafting in the Rain who commented.
My word is CREATE – I’m a creator by nature, making something new or recreating something I have seen. I have signed up for a couple on line classes with http://www.alisaburke.blogspot.com/ the most recent class is called Create Daily It started yesterday with creating a space to create and I have been cleaning and reorganizing my craft room both yesterday and today. It feels great to have a clean slate and space to follow through on my “word” for the year.
Commenting……………. Because I wish for comments on my blog and posts I try and comment when I visit blogs. I see my Analyitics stats and my Google stats through Blogger and I have lots of viewers on various posts and sometimes not a single comment….. Humm just a little disappointing.
Thank you or the calendar!!
Cheers,
Chrissy
Chrissy recently posted..2011 My Most Favorite Creations
Chrissy, You ARE a creator and I LOVE your one word. While I have set some structure for the blog, I am actually going with the one word goal in my personal life – something I have never, ever done. I owe this little change up from my dear friend Lara, over at Less Cake, More Frosting, where I will be sharing my word in a couple weeks. It surprised me how hard it was for me to come up with just the right thing.
Boy. I hear you on the commenting. As I mentioned, it’s something I really hope to work on this year myself!
xoxo
Tauni
Nice post. It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into what’s working for you and what is not worth the time. I much prefer the idea of having full conversations with others in the comments rather than tweeting.
My bloggy goal for 2012 is to just let it go. I was spending too much time thinking about what it “needed” to be and not staying authentic…and as a result, not finding joy in it.
Like Steph, I’m doing the one word personal goal this year and mine is “live”. My other very specific resolution is to avoid buying fabric this year.
Best wishes on a very successful year to you, Tauni!
Catherine recently posted..::: Reindeer Ornaments & Rambling :::
Oh my, I can totally and completely identify with what you’re talking about. Sometimes I put more time into worrying about whether or not things are “good enough,” than I do creating content. It’s such a shame. I applaud you for recognizing the problem so quickly and working on it – you’ve set a great goal! Your one word is excellent and I am excited to hear how it plays out. It’s taken me a long time to sort things out in my mind and come to the peaceful place I am today
I have to say, you’ve been consistent in leaving comments from the moment this site launched and I love you for it. I know that you’ve entered to win some of the ticket contests. If you’re still interested in coming, I’d like to make it happen for you. Would you send me an email? admin@snaptheconference.com
xoxo
Tauni
PS. I am impressed with your goal to not buy fabric. Either you’ve got a ton on hand or you’re going to be a very, very good girl this year
I have a ton of fabric. I’ve been accumulating at a faster rate than I’ve been sewing for about 15 years now. It needs a good purge and then I need to get my sewing machine humming.
Thank you for such a lovely reply. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone in my feelings. I’m off to send you an email.
-Cath
Catherine recently posted..::: Reindeer Ornaments & Rambling :::
Awesome post! It’s so easy to say I’ll just blog more! Way too broad! Thanks for providing some focus and a beautiful printable!
Gayle, Thank you so very much for your sweet comment. I am glad you like the calendar. It’s amazing how such a little thing can be so helpful.
I like to start with broad goals (as you probably noted from those that I listed) and then come up with two or three sub-goals
It’s fun to hear that you’ll be blogging more. Tomorrow I am posting about setting up an editorial calendar for your blog. I hope you will stop by and take a look at it – you might find it helpful in light of the goals you’re setting.
xoxo
Tauni
I’d love to learn more about Google Analytics with you! I’m also hoping to work smarter this year, not more!
I, too, have been concerned about the lack of connection with my readers. I’ve been trying to engage more on Facebook, but with the changes there, it seems like only a fraction of my followers are seeing my posts there. If you’ve got any advice on that one, I’m all ears!
Thanks for sharing your thought process as you continue to grow your influence! It is very insightful and helpful for the rest of us!
Ha! Kendra, you are too nice.
I really do want to understand Analytics better. I feel like what I know is the very tippity-top of the iceberg. I don’t know exactly how I will accomplish this, but…
Facebook is hard. Engagement on our page is definitely down. I don’t know if you saw my post on third-party posting, but I have quit doing that and it seems to help.
Good luck!
I love this post!! I too, will be focusing more on my blogging and facebook community. I would love to learn more about setting goals in google analytics as well. I know I’m not using google analytics to it’s fullest advantage. Hope you have a Happy New Year! Can’t wait to see what you have in store.
Aww thanks Jamielyn. I think you know how much I adore Twitter. I’ve actually been shifting my focus the last few months and it’s been really hard for me.
I can’t wait to learn more about Google Analytics! It’s useful to me, but I feel like it could be even more useful if I just knew a little more.