When I started blogging in 2008, I never imagined Confessions of a Northern Belle would become anything more than just an online diary for planning my wedding. As the years passed and my life changed, I realized I wanted my blog to be something more. What if I could create a place for people to seek advice, recipes, pregnancy stories, and more? Confessions of a Northern Belle slowly became more than a hobby and is now what I consider a job… a paying job. I feel so blessed and so proud of all the hard work I have put into it and the blessings I’ve received. Wanna read about my top blog moments of 2017?
The only way to keep my blog growing is to nourish it … so I’ve come up with a plan for a better Confessions of a Northern Belle in 2018. Here are a few personal goals that might just inspire my fellow bloggers.
1. Find my voice – use it loud and proud.
After attending the CT Bloggers Holiday Soiree, it dawned on me that I’ve been struggling to find my voice. There are times I look at my IG and wonder if I am reflecting my blog appropriately – so let’s make it all cohesive. Confessions of a Northern Belle is a Mommy/Lifestyle blog, focusing on the lifestyle of a mommy because, duh, that’s me. As for the content – I love fashion, cooking, motherhood, writing reviews of products, and oversharing about my life. I’m gonna shout all that from the rooftops, loud and proud.
2. Engage my audience with useful and relevant content.
Instead of trying to spit out a blog post every single day, I’m only going to post 4-5 times a week. I used to feel so much pressure to have a new post daily, but sometimes the content was neither useful nor relevant. Engaging my audience is what keeps readers coming back and pinning/sharing my posts, so that’s what I want to do.
3. Reach out to brands who align with my brand.
In the past, I would work with any brand just for fun and not because they align with my brand. Instead of wasting my time promoting items I don’t or won’t use, I will focus on organic collaborations – like BOGS (which I swear are the best winter boot I’ve ever worn). The best way for me to create posts YOU want to read is to be honest and write about what I love.
4. Know my worth.
Another takeaway from the CT Bloggers event was that it’s important for influencers to know their worth. I’ve spent so much of my personal time writing posts and taking photos for brands that don’t reciprocate the love. I end up feeling used and frustrated. If you’re a blogger or influencer, remember that every min
ute you spend writing, taking photos, posting on social media is WORK. It literally did not dawn on me until 2017 how much I ignore my family when I’m in blogland, so make sure you’re being compensated and appreciated for the time you spend away from all that’s around you.
5. Be a BADASS.
Okay so my sister gave me this book months ago and I’ve barely read it despite knowing that it will change my life. Yes it’s a ‘self-help book’ but from the few chapters I’ve read it has inspired me to create a life I love by believing in myself.
I’m hoping in one year I’m doing a happy dance over the way Confessions of a Northern Belle has blossomed. For those of you who have been here since the start, I hope you stay. If you’re new around here, I hope you stay too. Here’s to bigger and better things!
And because I want you to succeed in the new year too, I’m giving away my favorite planner to one lucky reader!
The giveaway begins today and ends Thursday, January 4th at 9am. One lucky reader will win a custom Plum Paper Planner worth $30 from ME (in other words, this isn’t a sponsored giveaway). It’s easy to enter and win! Good luck =0)
Photography by Elizabeth Grant.
I look forward to continuing to see your blog blossom!
And is there really anything better than a fresh clean planner?! I love planning out my to do list, meals, and other obligations 🙁
NOTHING better than a beautiful planner! Yours is gorgeous! #plannerenvy
Totally entering the contest. Also, I’m reading You Are a Badass right now, too! LOVVVVE it!!! (as if we have time to read….LOL)
I need a new planner to help sort out all the changes going on in my life! We just moved to North Carolina, my husband works a wonky schedule, I’m teaching and going back to school, and we’re buying a house. Life is crazy (in a good way!) and the fact that you can customize this planner means I can make it fit MY life.
Love these planners! Also love your blog and can’t wait to see what you have in store this year?
I’m so excited to see what’s in store this year for you and your blog! Continue oversharing your life, I love following along on your house hunting adventure!!
I need a new planner because #NewYearNewJob and I need to stay organized more than ever now!
I LOVE planners. I used to have a minimum of 3 at any given time. I love to plan my day, life, month, what have you. I feel a little lost without one at the moment, but I’ve been trying a dumbed down version of bullet journaling for a while.
Excited to see where your blog goes in 2018. Have enjoyed reading over the last couple years and following on Instagram. I could use a planner to keep our busy school, sports, dance, and work schedules organized.
LOVE this whole post my friend…so many truths. Your blog is fantastic and I can’t wait to see what this future has in store for you. I’m also hoping it includes more fun collaborations with yours truly! Wink, wink. So happy to have you back in CT!! Rock on with your little badass self!!!! Xoxo
I love blogging, but I have found it hard to do once I had my kids. I want to post so much and have a scrapbook of our lives, but I’m so nervous to plaster their faces all over the internet. I SO miss it though. Maybe my goal this year should be to find a happy medium. A way to post without revealing too much! You’ve inspired me!
Oh, and for the planner entry… I’ve got so many things going between work and home, TWO kids! I need to organize my life! Haha
Just last night, I was adding things into my planner (updating the daycare calendar to be exact) and realized that my current planner ends in June! I’m a long term planner & am going to need a new one stat!
That planner is lovely!
I love reading your blog posts! I have recently decided to start blogging so it’d be nice to have a planner to track and set my goals for the year!
I love planners! I need one because as a working mom with kids in different activities, it will keep me organized. Who doesn’t love a cute planner??
I would love to win the planner. It would help me be more organized! I always enjoy reading your blog and Instagram account. I am @cavaliermom
Ha, I just asked you about a Plum Paper planner on IG. And I ended up ordering one, so thanks! I LOVE planners and the organization/motivation I get from having a good one.
Adding a second kid into the mix is really throwing me for a tailspin…. not sure how I’ll keep it all organized! Plus, I love a good planner. I am a sucker for office supplies.
I need a new planner to keep me on track. And also because I spilled my coffee on my old planner.