1. How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone stopping by for the first time, please give us a quick description of what your blog is about.
I began blogging on New Year’s Eve 2009. Bunny’s Blog started out as a way to get to know my Facebook fans and Twitter followers better. But it eventually changed focus to be about animals and animal-related causes.
2. Tell us one thing that you accomplished on your blog during 2014 that made you proud.
I took a three month break from blogging and all social media related to the blog. I know that sounds odd, but I really needed the break.
3. What lessons have you learned this year – from other blogs, or through your own experience – that could help us all with our own blogs?
To thine own self be true – I needed to get back to basics with my blog.
4. What have you found to be the most successful way to bring traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?
Having great people share my content. I am always grateful to my Twitter followers and blogging buddies who are willing to share my posts.
5. What was your most popular blog post this year? Did it surprise you that it was your most popular?
My most popular post was November marks National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. It’s the kind of post I really like to do because it shared important information AND helped to raise funds for a worthy cause. I retweeted it every day throughout the month (something I almost never do) and was happy to see it get shared by my followers.
6. What was your favorite blog post to write this year?
My favorite post was Happy Blogiversary to Me, in which I discussed the reasons for my three month break from blogging and what I learned while I was gone. If any of you are struggling with your blog, I definitely recommend a hiatus. It helps clear your mind.
7. Has your policy on product reviews and/or giveaways changed this year?
Yes and no. I never really did product reviews and/or giveaways, but I always wrestled with the idea. This year I decided to stop struggling and go with my heart, so no product reviews and giveaways. Period.
8. What’s your best piece of advice for other bloggers?
Follow your gut. I’ve been blogging for five years now. For me it is a hobby, pure and simple. But I went through a period where I felt that I should be a more professional blogger - work with brands, do product reviews and giveaways, etc. Now I know that’s not really my thing. I’m happy to share information about animals and to help animal-related causes in whatever way I can.
9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2015?
Just to keep blogging. My little blog doesn’t make a big difference in the world, but it’s something I enjoy doing and hopefully my readers find it interesting, educational, informative or just entertaining. If I can help raise funds or awareness for causes that I care about, then all the better!
10. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?
I’m actually in a pretty good place right now. Check with me in six months.
Totally feel you on taking a break... sometimes you just need to step back and recharge a bit. You were definitely an inspiration to me when I wasn't really blogging this past year - if you could do it, then I knew I'd be okay too. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, taking a break can be a really good thing. You have to feel it, or it doesn't work. And that goes right back to writing because you want to.
ReplyDeleteHere from the Pet Blogger Challenge. I agree that a hiatus can clear your mind. Glad you are still blogging, though. Have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki. Very attractive blog and happy blogversary. Thanks for using your blog to raise funds and do good. In my mind hat makes it very important indeed.
ReplyDelete"My little blog doesn’t make a big difference in the world, but it’s something I enjoy doing..."
ReplyDeleteNever underestimate what your words might mean to someone else. You may not realize how much another person enjoys what you share here!
Taking a break can be one of the best things a blogger to do. I've taken a few and I always come back to it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your break did what you needed. You'll probably give a few bloggers who need one the courage to step back and get the time off they need.
ReplyDeleteMy experience is very different. If I take even a day off I worry that I'll never come back. And I'm flooded with regret. I find blogging at least 5 days a week is a helpful discipline for me. It keeps my brain sharp and keeps me connected to the outside world when I'm spending too much time inside my head.
But we're all different. And that's a good thing.
It's great you gained some clarity during your break and I am glad you are still here. I've had to take a break a few times to take care of life things and because I lost my motivation to write. It always allows me to come back stronger and I found that my audience came back when I did.
ReplyDeleteI've been there and felt the need for a break. I truly commend you for knowing what you needed and implementing it.
ReplyDeleteFor me what I did was allow myself to take two days off per week and if for some reason I need another one, I don't beat myself up for it. That has made a huge difference for me.
I'm not sure I would have come back after a 3 month blogging break! A couple weeks and I'm questioning going back. LOL! Lots of your answers fit with mine. I think we feel about the same.
ReplyDeleteAfter my 2014 I'm with you on the just keep blogging. I'm hoping this years PBC jumpstarts my blog. I still have a lot I'd like to share.
ReplyDeleteHopefully your 3 month break has recharged your batteries. Good luck in 2015!
I am so proud of you, Vicki! The fact that you took care of yourself and your own needs this year when you took your break was inspirational. It caused me to think about my own blogging schedule and to lighten up on myself if I decide to goof off for a day (or two, or three) and I don't get a post up. You may not think you're changing the world with your blog, but you changed my world this year and I really appreciate you for that. Thanks for taking the Challenge, and for being such a role model this year.
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