I have been doing a lot of thinking about the future direction of this blog. And although I don’t have it completely figured out, I feel a need to write this post.
You see, I don’t make resolutions. I don’t have a word or phrase that I want to define my 2015. I do, however, make plans.
I’m guessing 98 percent of the people who read my writings couldn’t care less about the inner-workings of the blogging world. Most of you are not interested in Google Analytics, SEO, sidebar advertising, layouts, social media, link ups, etc. And to be honest, I’m not all that interested either. You read this blog to be entertained. You read because you’re curious. Maybe you read because you can relate. You stop by this teensy little space every once in awhile, just to hear what I have to say.
And that is simply incredible.
I started Cotten Tales nearly 18 months ago purely for my own enjoyment and the entertainment of my family and friends. It was going to be a small side project to keep me busy during the late stages of pregnancy, but frankly this blog has grown so fast that I’m having a hard time keeping up. I am blown away by the number of you who take time out of your day to tell me that you enjoy reading my writing (seriously, thank you for that), and your comments push me to give you something new and exciting every week. While my original intent in starting this space is still mostly the same, it now sometimes feels like this blog is a rodeo bull just waiting for the gate to open…
… and I’m the one holding it back.
I have the potential. I know I have the creativity, the talent and even the guts to make this blog more. So, after 300+ words of prelude, we’re back to my plan. My future direction.
This is the part where I need your help.
I have three objectives in this working plan. Three main areas where I want to focus my efforts this year. Please read them. Tell me what you think. I need a sounding board, and what better audience do I have available? Am I heading in the right direction? What to you want to see happen in this space in 2015?
FYI – most bloggers would cringe at this post. I’m not most bloggers. I just genuinely want feedback.
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1 | Quality/Quantity
I try to write 3-4 times per week. Some weeks I succeed, and some weeks I fail miserably. In the same vein, I write about whatever strikes me. There is no editorial calendar.
This is changing in 2015.
I want to feature more focused, thoughtful content without losing the day-to-day life feel. I want to know what I’m going to write about before I sit down at my computer. I want to share stories of my life, but also provide topics that are about more than just me (see: My Husband Doesn’t Babysit or You’re Not A Bad Mom). I want to continue to feature my favorite things, participate in link ups, and host parties and giveaways. In fact, I plan to bring back (and maybe revamp) the Stitch Fix reviews.
Thoughts?
2 | Use Your Camera, Samantha
I have a terrible habit of just using my iPhone to take photos, while I have a very nice Nikon sitting right next to me.
In 2015, I vow to use that camera more. You deserve pretty pictures.
3 | Putting Me Out There
I’m going to make the jump into advertising. From what I can tell, the best way to get my face out there is to put it on a more popular blog. How does this help you, my reader? Hopefully it means I’ll get to introduce you to new blogs, new people, new products, etc.
We’ll find out together.
Along those lines, I hope to unveil a redesign this year (nudge, nudge). A pretty new face will hopefully draw in more collaboration opportunities and *gasp* maybe even advertising of my own.
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If you made it this far, thank you. You’re seriously the best.
Any thoughts, ideas, “Sami, you’re insane” speeches, etc. – I’m all ears. Leave a comment, send me an email, message me… heck, we can even meet for coffee. I just want to hear what you all have to say for a change. 😉
Samantha, I am really proud of the success you are having with your blog. I love reading about Dot (of course) and you and Courtny.
Parenting is a tricky business so putting your thoughts out there and making it real for others is really a great gift. Continue to write from the heart and give us all a little chuckle along the way. Aunt Tammy
I think your ideas and the direction you are wanting to take the blog are great! Keep going and make 2015 great!
I happen to think your posts about motherhood and being a wife, relocating and pinterest fails happen to be my favorite. They are the most raw, the most you. They make me feel like I’m not totally screwing up with whole motherhood thing and that sometimes, Mama needs a time out too. You inspire me, reassure me, and enlighten me.
First of all, I am a fellow blogger but I like be reading your blog. I read and think, “I would like to be her friend.” So please, keep writing!
I have made the jump that you are making, and I love helping others do the same. If you ever want to talk or you have questions, send me an email!
I have never read a blog before nor have I, myself, blogged! I just like reading post about a fellow mom trying to make it in this crazy world! ☺️
I do love the Stitchfix posts–even thinking about asking for one for my upcoming bday!
You have a great way of using your words to relate to me and my world & that’s why I stop in & read!
Hi Samantha! I am a big fan of your blog and I love the direction you are heading in this year. As a fellow blogger I can totally relate. I have been trying to figure out what my readers want as well. I’ve tried doing a post similar but didn’t get a response. I love your posts about random, day-to-day happenings and I love hearing about your journey as a mom. You’re so relatable and I think that’s what we all enjoy. I would love to hear about your leap towards advertisement. I wish you all the best.
Just keep doing what you are doing! I really like your style of writing, no matter what the topic is! I feel that the way you are writing is very honest and funny at the same time! Keep it up! I also like that most post are not endlessly long. I quick and entertaining read is what I want 😉
I love your blog Sami! I love being a new mom, and having a sweet baby boy is fun, but it’s also so frustrating and scary. Seeing you go through the same things with Dot and seeing what I’ll be looking forward to keeps me sane. I don’t feel so alone. I also love your blog ambassador posts and seeing your inner girl scout show itself. I can’t wait to try some of the things with Jay that you have done with Dot. Just keep showing yourself in your blog like you have been. You’re an awesome person and it makes for an awesome blog.
I love your witty sense of humor when you face motherhood obstacles. It makes me feel like you’re a real person typing out your blogs. Haha but seriously, like what others said before me, I like you’re relatability and truth, keep doing what you’re doing and I will keep reading 🙂 You are different from all the other mom type blogs I’ve read and I like that! Bring on 2015