Nine years! Nine years, baby! And we’re still blogging.
Happy to join our host, Amy Burkert of GoPetFriendly.com for the virtual block party every pet blogger looks forward to. If you want to join the fun, answer the challenge questions on your blog and link to the hop.
Now let’s get down to it.
For those who may be visiting your blog for the first time, how long have you been blogging and what is your main topic?
Damn, I already gave it away.
I’ve been blogging since the day I brought Honey home to live with us, almost nine years ago. Honey was born in January. So guess how old she’s going to be this week?
Honey asks that no one send her gifts. In lieu of presents, she asks that you play with a dog of your choice.
But anyway, I’ve blogged about life with Honey and building a strong bond with our dogs.
In 2015, we sold nearly everything we owned and moved into a sailboat. We’ve been cruising the eastern United States ever since. I’ve been slowly transitioning into writing about our travels and sharing tips for others who’d like to cruise with their dogs.
What was your proudest blogging moment of 2018?
Does managing to blog at all count?
One of my goals for 2018 was to win an award for a blog post. I’m pleased to be a finalist for the best online article on behavior or training at the Dog Writer’s Association of America.
Read What Big Ships Can Teach You About Walking Your Dog, my entry in the competition. A Something Wagging trademark? Learning more about dogs from something absolutely unrelated (at first glance).
Cross your fingers for me. The DWAA will announce the winner at their annual dinner on February 10.
What was the biggest blogging challenge you faced in 2018, and how did/will you tackle it?
My two biggest challenges? Finding the confidence to blog and the time to blog.
I have a feeling that if I could recover from the first one, I’d find a way to work through the second.
Both Mike and I work from the boat. We also have to maintain it. And everything we do takes longer–walking Honey, cooking, bathing, cleaning, etc.
Add to that travel days where we often rise at 5:00 a.m. to get Honey off to shore before weighing anchor at 7:00 a.m., and then travel all day before taking Honey off the boat again, making dinner, cleaning up, and falling asleep to start all over again.
Oh, and don’t forget getting in an hour or so of paid work for our bosses.
Not only do I have less time to blog, but I also have less time to follow other bloggers. It feels isolating at times. And my confidence wanes as I wonder if anything I write is worth reading.
I have tons of things I want to do with Something Wagging (I have a new theme waiting to be set up) and no shortage of things to write about. I even have some great ideas for funny videos starring Honey.
I’ve been contemplating starting a collaborative relationship with another blogger. As an extrovert, having a buddy is a big help.
I’ve also reluctantly finally bought a smartphone. I need to teach myself how to use it so I can do blog tasks more easily.
Which of your 2018 blog posts was your favorite and why? (Please include a link.)
That’s like trying to choose between your puppies or kitties! Are you crazy, woman?
Okay, I’ll pick When You Need A Sign, It Will Appear. Just Not Before.
I wrote When You Need A Sign while I was contemplating Honey’s mortality after treating her for a stubborn infection. It’s one of those goofy posts linking unlike things together. I love to write them and they’re an utter waste of time as far as Google is concerned.
Which of your 2018 posts was most popular with your audience? Why do you think it does so well?
Generally, it takes a few years for posts to get a lot of hits. But in 2018 30 Best Cheap And Safe Dog Treats From The Supermarket was most popular.
I’m proud of the post. I think people find it helpful. Especially in an era where supermarket dog treats and fatal illnesses are increasingly linked.
Did you implement a new series, feature, or practice on your blog in 2018 that you’re enjoying?
I’ve started writing posts about places we travel. I reviewed the pet-friendly towns of Beaufort and Georgetown in South Carolina. And when I wrote my 2018 year in review post, I included GPS coordinates for some of my favorite anchorages to help fellow cruisers.
I have tons of notes and pictures for other interesting places we’ve visited like the Dismal Swamp and Beaufort, North Carolina.
I hope new readers, in particular, enjoy learning about the places we travel and find it helpful if they visit with their own pets.
2018 also saw me getting professional help from Jessica of You Did What With Your Wiener. Jessica runs a mentorship program where she helps bloggers meet their goals.
My goal was to recover my traffic after a deep dip. And I was thrilled to learn a lot more about SEO and am working to reorganize my blog to make it more useful.
Sadly, I feel the pressure to write thinking about SEO. And it feels much harder than just writing whatever silly thing comes to my mind. But I’m sure I’ll integrate all I’ve learned eventually.
As the social media landscape changes, how are you promoting your blog posts and connecting with new readers?
As a nomad, one new way I’m promoting my blog is talking to fellow cruisers I meet. Creating new readers one at a time is not efficient. But it’s loads of fun.
You can also find Something Wagging on Instagram. I have no idea how to use it to promote my blog yet. But just one more reason to learn how to use my phone.
Yes, I’ve been posting to Instagram from my computer. Isn’t it amazing how hard I work to do things ass-backward?
But once I get my blog reorganized and onto a regular posting schedule, promotion is my next goal.
Looking forward to 2019, if you accomplish only one thing through your blog, what do you hope it is? What steps are you planning to take to ensure you reach your goal?
Hmm, good question.
My first five answers felt too small. I guess what I want to accomplish with my blog in 2019 is that I want to integrate it into my life. I want to share the places we travel, new things I’m learning about Honey and myself, and to help other people go adventuring with their dogs–especially by boat.
The steps I plan to take?
- Finish reorganizing the content of my blog (nearly 1500 posts and counting)
- Set up a new theme that will make it easier for readers to find the information they want most
- Post regularly
- Develop a relationship with another blogger to help keep me motivated
- Learn how to use my phone to do blogging tasks while underway
Oh, and you’re hearing this first–I’d like to start another blog related to but different from Something Wagging This Way Comes.
I’ve bought the domain name Emotionalnomad.com. Can you guess what it will be about?
Years ago, I had two blogs of my own while writing as a contributor to a third and working full time. Do you think I can do it again?
Now it’s your turn! How can we help? Is there an area where you could use some advice, or an aspect of your blog that you’d like input on? Share it here, and we’ll answer you in comments!
In 2018 I worked as a virtual assistant on three blogs/websites besides Something Wagging. I love helping other people succeed in their passion projects. I just wish I could convince myself that I’m as worthy of the effort as other people are.
Does anyone have any ideas to help me develop as much confidence in my own work as I have in other people’s?
If you do, 2019 could be the year that Something Wagging This Way Comes (and Emotional Nomad) kicks ass.
Travel Through 2018 With Meander
I lack in confidence in so many things myself. If I am not often told I did a great job, I start having doubts, in my job and in blogging. The only place I feel confident is in my dog sports. For me, you are amazing. I don’t know how you can live on a small boat, with a dog, and limited internet. I would go nuts. Your niche is so amazing, I know if you can get to regular posting, it will all take off as you would like. You have a great writing style, and your whole blog is very unique. I had phones myself, everything is so tiny, so I almost always use my laptop, but maybe the phone will work better for you. Keep doing what you do and you will succeed!
Thanks so much for the encouragement. Although it makes me sad to think of you not having confidence in yourself. You work so hard. Your blog is amazing. And you are such a presence in Blogville.
I can see why dog sports would be a boost though. You get instant feedback. And even when things don’t go perfect, you’re still building your bond with your dogs.
Ya know, your quest for self-confidence in part reminds me of Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood desire to not be afraid of many things. His approach was to just do those things he was most afraid of while acting unafraid until he was no longer afraid of doing them. If you know anything about TR, you know it worked.
Meanwhile, the girls and I are blogging sporadically mostly because we don’t do much out of the ordinary these days. Shadow doesn’t enjoy car rides like she did when she and Callie were Ducky’s age. And she’s slowing down with age. She still likes to play, but Ducky’s turbo-charged energy wears her out faster. At 14, she’s already past her life expectancy so I tend to “coddle” her a bit at times. Plus, I’m not anywhere near as organized as I used to be (in my pre-retirement years) and especially without any school work to do. I have my DayRunner calendar/planner inserts, but I’ve as yet to really set it up.
I don’t think you have to be doing unusual things to be interesting. We like hearing about you and the girls because we care about you. But I can imagine you have a lot going on anyway.
And yes, I like the TR approach. I’m a big believer in the “you’re gonna feel like $hit just do it anyway.” 🙂
I love reading about your boating adventures. I would love to know more about how you got your VA gigs, I’m trying to get my own practice off the ground and I’m struggling.
Thanks for the encouragement to keep writing.
I’ve found my VA jobs through interacting with people in Blogville. My first VA job was with someone I met through blogging. She later recommended me to another company for whom I did a short job. I applied for my other main VA job when I saw a job post on the blog’s FB page which I followed. So I’d start spreading the word among people you know that you’re available.
And it probably wouldn’t hurt to have a VA resume you can post to online job boards.
I’ve seen people in the Pet Blogger Support Group on FB talking about hiring VAs lately as well. https://www.facebook.com/groups/petbloggersupport/
Since I also often lack confidence, I don’t think I can be much help in that department! I was very surprised to read that is an issue for you. I think it had to take so much bravery, and confidence, to start the adventure you have!
And to start another blog? I can barely handle the one. That’s impressive, the title is intriguing, and I look forward to it.
Isn’t it horrible that the most talented people lack confidence in their gifts and some of the most mediocre have the ability to rise no matter how much they screw up?
Thanks for the encouragement. I have no idea how I’m going to start a new blog when I’m so badly managing the one I do have. But it’s very motivating to tell people you’re going to do something, eh?
Oh, and living on a boat is far less adventurous than living on a farm. 🙂
LOL, I can’t help. I am less organized than you and have similar emotional baggage. But I love your blog and get excited every time a new post shows up in my inbox.
I enjoyed your most popular post so much that I shared it on my dog club’s FB page (2000+ followers). Hopefully some of them enjoyed it too!
Keep blogging, and let me know if you guys come back to Florida. Maybe we can share a glass (bottle?) of wine. — Kelley
P.S. Sorry my blog doesn’t like you. Blogger can be a PITA, but it’s cheap and easy for the computer-challenged blogger to navigate.
Awww, thanks for sharing my post.
And I’d love to meet you one time when we hit Florida. I think of you every time we land at the Sisters Creek dock in Jacksonville. Not sure we’ll be getting to Florida this year thanks to slow travel thanks to work. But we gotta keep the money coming in.
Yep, it is true. There are actually cruisers who aren’t independently wealthy. I think there are 6 of us. 😛
And don’t worry about Blogger. Just want you to know I’m reading with interest.
Wow…you really hit it “out of the boat” this year on this annual challenge, Pamela. All best wishes as you move forward with this year’s goals. I wish I had half your talent. Please keep inspiring and impressing us. Bravo.
Awww, thanks. As for talent, I wish you were more accessible to the coast. I’ve been carrying water colors with me ever since we moved onto the boat. I’d love to get a few lessons from one of my favorite artists.
I struggle with some of the same things you do. I get stressed out when I try to write for SEO, for example vs. just writing what I feel like writing. I can also relate to working differently on other people’s projects/collaborations than you do on your own. I think it’s important to focus on your own work FIRST at least a few days a week vs. answering to everybody else. Or maybe blocking out certain time periods for your own blog/projects. That helps me anyway!
I’ve always recognized you as a talented writer, by the way!
Thanks for the ideas for focusing on my work. It is a struggle when I’m traveling because I have so few free hours in a day. And at least one of my bosses has very time-specific work. But I am trying to make a habit of visiting Something Wagging first thing in the morning like I did years ago.
And yes, it’s tough to get distracted by SEO. I try to remind myself that writing interesting and helpful content will be good for SEO. But there’s still that niggling “so should I move the keyword closer to the front?” distraction.
Since I left the pet blogging world 58667 years ago myself, for many reasons – some having to do with the pesky SEO requirements you mentioned, I have also stopped reading them and reaching out to people. This is a shame but I guess once something is no longer in your life, other related parts fade as well. Anyway, one of the blogs I do still try to check in on is yours. It makes me sad to hear you are lacking in confidence as a writer. Not only are you talented and clever and full of fresh observations in your writing, but your voice is distinct. I always come away learning something and feeling just a little bit happier.
So just remember that. You touch people. And I envy how you never seem to run out of ideas. You are and have created something very special. I can’t wait to see where you take your writing in 2019.
I am so flattered that one of my favorite writers came by. Thank you for the encouragement, my friend.
Good luck with your new blog and crossed fingers for your award. I enjoy reading your posts and even though i’m in Australia, i like to read and see places where you’re travelling to. I love seeing pics of Honey and i’m sure you will get the hang of using your new phone in no time.
” i’m sure you will get the hang of using your new phone in no time.” He he. You do know I’m 53 years old, right? 🙂
I am so glad we’ve kept in touch over the years. You’ve done a wonderful job with your blog and come visit on Instagram – you will love it. It’s addictive.
Aww, thanks. And yes, I aim to master Instagram this year. Heck, at the very least I need to keep up with you in a very exciting 2019!
It breaks my heart to hear that you question whether what you’re writing is worth reading, Pamela. You’re one of the most brilliant people I know and have such an interesting perspective to offer. It’s unimaginable to me that someone as smart and witty as you would question the value you bring to everyone you touch! I wish I could flip a switch and you could see yourself the way everyone else sees you.
I’m tickled that you bought a smart phone and can’t wait to see you using Instagram more. Check out linktr.ee. They will provide you a url in include in your Instagram profile, and then you can set up several links within your account – like to your blog, newsletter signup, etc.
Anytime you want to chat, need a cheerleader, or want to bounce an idea off someone, let me know! And I’ll be streaming the DWAA awards and keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Thanks for the encouragement, Amy. I’ve observed over the years that confidence trumps talent (pun intended) every time.
And thank you telling me about linktr.ee. I’ll check it out.
Maybe we should live tweet the DWAA awards? 🙂
In joining this blog hop, I’m glad to have found the content that I want to read … I’m relatively new to blogging (my first attempt was horribly disorganized, mod podge, you name it) but I feel like you’re there in your passion, you just don’t recognize it right in front of you! Perusing through your blog, I’ve already been sucked in and interested by all your posts lol
So glad you joined the hop and stopped by the say hello. I definitely feel a lot of passion. I just wonder how many other people are crazy enough to share it. 🙂
If you find a way to use your phone to be more productive for the blog, let me know! I use my phone for Instagram and that’s about it–I hate typing out long things with my phone and voice-to-text never results in what I wanted to say, so I don’t use my phone for anything blog related!
I’ve loved reading about your adventures lately. You’ve been spending time in the area I grew up in, so it’s nice to get to visit those places through your pictures and posts. But every time we walk along Lake Erie at our state park, Barley and I look for your boat on the transient docks in hopes that we’ll have a Honey sighting!
He he–I think for me the phone will be about capturing pictures and video on the fly–once I figure it out. When we sail through a pod of dolphins or Honey teaches herself sailing maneuvers, I never have my camera ready. Of course maybe I’d do better if I put a GoPro on my head at all times.
Editing can be as time consuming as writing. But maybe you’d find a camera on your head to be a good way to make blog content while you’re competing with Barley and Rye?
And wouldn’t it be fun to meet up some time? We recently heard that a large stretch of canals on the Great Loop will be closed down. So it doesn’t look like we’ll make it to Lake Erie soon. But maybe someday…
First off, are you going to the DWAA banquet? I hope so as it would be fun to meet in person. Though you mentioned you are an extravert, I am an introvert, but promise not to be too quiet if we meet at DWAA. LOL!
I struggle with the confidence and time, too. Both are a constant battle for me as well. I don’t have any answers. My only advice is just to forge ahead – even if (and maybe especially when) you are feeling not so confident.
I’m looking forward to reading your post “when you need a sign …” I am a big fan of non-SEO quirky posts. I try to balance my content between SEO driven posts and just good old-fashioned storytelling. And sometimes, the stories that I write just for me and/or my core followers do OK for themselves so you never know!
OK, I couldn’t figure out how to comment on the “Looking for A Sign” post so I’m commenting here. I can see why it is one of your favorites! I love the idea of trusting that signs are there even when you can’t see them and that they will appear when you need them. This is certainly true (though sometimes difficult to remember) whether you live on water or land. Trusting the natural flow of life is tricky sometimes – it takes some bravery and faith for sure.
Thanks for the kind words about “Looking for a Sign.” I’ve turned off commenting for older posts. But maybe I should reconsider that, eh?
Sadly, I decided I couldn’t make it to the banquet. It was just too expensive to make the trip. But you’ll be awfully busy. It will probably strain your introversion to the max. 🙂
It sounds like you have a good approach for blending posts optimized for search and some that you write just for yourself and fans. I’ll try to channel your attitude and fret less in 2019.
You’re amazing! I still can’t believe you moved onto and live on a sailboat! And you still blog! I’m glad you got the smartphone. I just looked at my traffic from last year and 74% is from mobile and 8% from tablets. Only 18% comes from desktop now. It’s super important to know what your site looks like on a phone and it will be good for you to test your new design on your smartphone.
Unfortunately, I can’t help too much with the confidence as I suffer from the same problem. I have long stretches where I don’t publish, not because I’m not writing, but because I don’t think what I wrote is worth publishing. I’m going to scroll through your comments to see what others do that works for them. Give Honey a treat from me! 🙂 Happy 2019!
I’ve suggested to Amy we start a pet blogger’s therapy hop. Because if every awesome blogger could have the confidence they need, imagine what we’d get done.
It sounds like we have a lot in common when it comes to challenges related to blogging. 9 years is awesome! My blog will be 9 later this year, in October, so I’m right there behind you. Keep up the good work, and happy 2019!
When so many people give up after only a few years, it makes 9 sound even more impression. Congratulations!
Congratulations on 9 years!! That is a wonderful accomplishment. Look me up when you take the Instagram leap. Have a wonderful 2019!
Yep, I definitely have a lot to learn from Instagrammers. I’ll definitely check you out soon.
Congrats on being a finalist for the best online article on behavior or training at the Dog Writer’s Association of America! This is a huge validation of your writing.
I love your article “When You Need A Sign, It Will Appear. Just Not Before.” Why is a waste time for Google?
I post to Instagram from my computer too. Hey, it works!
All the best in reorganizing content on your blog. I redesigned and restructured my blog this past year. I suppose that should have been my most proud moment…. to me, it was just my most exhausting moment. 😉
I lack confidence too. My husband is one of my greatest supporters. Having a blogging partner could be good for you. Otherwise, if you’re enjoying what you write and reaching even just one person, then your blog has worth. That’s my two cents!
Building a site is such a difficult job. Especially if you’re not a pro in the field. You should be really proud of what you’ve accomplished with Lincoln Pet Culture.
As for waste of time for Google on my When You Need a Sign post–it’s hard for a bot to tell what a post is about. It would get more search traffic if I named it “how will you know when your dog is getting old/dying” or something like that.
But sometimes I just write for myself. 🙂
Hi! New here from the pet blogging challenge. Wow – such an exciting life. I know it’s your “normal” – but to us it seems exciting 🙂 It will be fun to see how your new blogging project unfolds. It’s a great niche!
I have also thought about starting another blog. Actually, reawakening one I have let fall aside. Oh, and writing a book. And starting a magazine with a friend. I can’t do it all. If you can manage two blogs and your work, then go for it! And then tell me how you do it, haha.
As far as confidence, I struggle with the same thing. For me, it’s really about celebrating the small wins and practicing putting myself out there, especially when it’s scary.
I read all the comments about self-confidence(and lack of same) so I felt right at home! Wow! I’m overwhelmed with just my little book-related blog. It’s tough to write manuscripts and do all the promotional work while holding down a day job but I know a lot of other people besides myself doing just that. You’ve got to love what you’re doing and/or feel the sacrifice is worth it.
Thanks to a dog, I caught the writing bug late in life.
http://www.lanceaspiritunbroken.com