One year ago, today, I launched my blog! Oh what a roller coaster it has been. Today I am sharing my thoughts on the blogging process now that I have one year under my belt!
My Weathered Home is one year old today! Can you even believe it? I can not. It seems like just yesterday that I published my very first blog post entitled, 5 Weathered Pieces to Anchor Your Home. I can recall just how nervous I was and how I wasn’t sure if anyone would even click the link to see my posts. But, here we are one year later and I am just so amazed with the way my blogging journey is going so far. While I definitely still have a long way to go, there are certainly some things that I have learned over the past year. Today, I am sharing a few of those things below.
Time Is The Biggest Cost
Taking on a blog is a huge commitment. Yes, there is some financial commitment up front, but what I realized pretty quickly is that taking on a blog would require a pretty big time commitment. Time is probably my biggest commodity right now as a busy mom of three busy kids. So, as I eased into my blog I really had to analyze the idea of giving more of my time to it.
There is a quote that I live by these days and it goes something like this, ‘when you say yes to something you are saying no to something else.” With this in mind I made a conscious decision to give more of my time to the blog and in exchange I decided to take a few things off of my plate. I decided to walk away from a few commitments in my personal life that I enjoyed but that were not necessary and I also decided to downsize my antique booths a bit. These changes allowed me more time to dedicate to this whole blogging thing.
Consistency Is Key
I realized early on that in order to make the blog worth it I would definitely need to be consistent. I am a creature of habit so I knew that if I just tried to create an ‘expectation’ for myself then I would be all set. From the beginning, I have tried to commit to writing 3 to 4 blog posts a week. Some weeks I get that done easily and some weeks I only am able to get one or two posts out. My family and my home will always come first but when I do have the time, my goal is to be consistent with my writing and posting.
There is a benefit too to being consistent. Just like with anything, if I learned that if I am consistent then I am more likely to grow my ‘brand’ and my blog traffic. That is the goal here, to get eyes on the blog posts that I write – SMILE!
Writers Block Is Real
Some weeks I have a million ideas spinning inside my brain and then other weeks I can not for the life of me get the ball rolling when it comes to writing a blog post! Now, the good thing is that I love to write – I always have. That part comes easy for me. The hard part sometimes is coming up with a topic that I think you all will love and that is organic for me to write.
I have been thinking a lot about how to solve this problem and while I was at Haven (click here to see what that is all about) I realized that a content calendar is what I need to implement. About a month ago, I did just that. I use a ‘post-it-note’ system on a huge hand-made calendar and that really has helped me to keep all of my ideas organized and I have found that it has made writing so much easier.
Seek Out Help
This one has been so important to me. I really have needed a ton of help this last year and I am so blessed to have a huge group of people who are ready and willing to help when I ask. In particular, my pal Sarah Powell who helped me build my blog when I was having a few problems there in the beginning. She has been such a blessing. I also decided to join a blogging class and my friend KariAnne from Thistlewood is the leader of that class. She has been a great resource and has helped me so much. In her blogging class I have made some really amazing (and smart) friends and I have learned so much from them. I also went to Haven this year which is a bloggers conference. I learned so much there as well. Seeking out help and asking for it when I need it has really made blogging possible for me.
Time To Add the Ads
This is something that I am really nervous to do, but I feel that it is time. I love the way my blog looks. I mean, there are certainly things that I need to update, but I love the overall feel of my blog. It is clean and pretty easy to navigate. However, I think that I have realized over the past year (and especially after attending Haven, that blogging conference) that adding an ad network to my blog is the next step for me. An ad network affords me the opportunity to earn a bit of money. As I continue to spend more and more time writing content for the blog, it just makes sense that I earn a few bucks doing it. And believe me when I tell you, my husband is fully onboard for me to earn some money to help out the family – Ha!
The trade off will be that there will be ads on my blog and it will not be so ‘clean.’ I do hope you will still visit the blog!!! (I also hope that I can figure out how to add the ads onto the blog – I have been at a standstill with the process for a few weeks now. Ha Ha Ha)
Goals Moving Forward
I have been thinking a lot about this over the past few days. One of my biggest goals is to try and grow my email list. Email lists are a great way to stay connected with you all. I usually try to send out one email a week (I do not want to overwhelm your inbox) and usually that goes out Sunday evenings. If you have not signed up yet, you can easily do so by scrolling to the bottom of this page and typing in your email address in the “Let’s Keep In Touch” section. Also, feel free to pass along my website to any of your friends who you may think will love my content! That would be so amazing!
Another goal that I have moving forward into my second year of blogging is to continue learning about SEO and how to maximize the potential that each of my blog posts will have. According to google, SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the “practice of growing a website’s traffic from organic search results. It involves things like keyword research, content creation, link building, and technical audits.” It is really hard for me to wrap my brain around all of that – but the more time I spend on it the easier it will be for me to understand.
A third goal that I have is to really clean up a few of the pages on my blog. When I created all of the pages last year, I really didn’t know what I was doing! Now, I have a better idea of what I want things to look like! Now, I just need to make the time to make the changes!
Wrap Up
I have to admit, even though the blog is not 100% where I wish it were, I am still absolutely proud of myself for just jumping in and trying it! There are things I would love to change/add/do to improve it. For example, I would love to have professional photos taken of my home for my home page. I would love to be able to write more and more posts for you all. I would love to have a web designer help me make things more user friendly on mobil devices. I would love to have a virtual assistant to help me make pin-able graphics for my blog. (Shoot, I would love to be able to understand Pinterest so that I could drive more traffic to the blog!) I would love to add a few shopping pages to the blog. The list does go on and on. There are so many things that I wish I could improve, but I do love my little piece of the “world wide web” – even in its imperfect state! I am just here, trying to show up each week and trying to make this a place that will bring you all some joy and inspiration. With that, I want to thank each and every one of you for being here and for following along.
In an effort to show my appreciation, I want to send one of you a little gift card for being here with me here at My Weathered Home. I will be choosing one of you at random for a $25.00 VISA gift card. My hope is that you spend it on something for your very own home! I want you to pick out anything that you think may make your home more cozy – old or new! All you have to do to enter is comment below and if you have an Instagram handle, please include that in the comment as well. It is that easy! I will choose a winner at random and announce it midweek on my Instagram stories. I will also email the winner too.
Thanks so so much for all of the support and for being here with me on the blog! I am so grateful for each and every one of you.
7 Lessons I Learned To Grow My Brand
Is Blogging Still Worth it: My Six Month Check-In
Victorian Home Tour: Fridays At 5:00
The Story Of My Weathered Home … And Why I AM Changing My IG Handle
I’m so glad Missy shared your kitchen reno video on her Instagram which prompted me to follow you! It’s been a joy. Congratulations on one year of your blog! IG: @msamynick
I have enjoyed watching you shop, especially with your dad. It’s fun to see your treasures and watch your excitement. Thank you.
@mrkevinsowa
You are a constant inspiration or me and my moms shop! We love junk and it’s a huge bond builder in our relationship. Thank you for always teaching us history, tips for good finds and fun ways to display! ❤️ @paintedpoppydesgins
Love you, Emily!
janjrogers
I love ur blog and Hager learned so much! I appreciate all you out into your blog!!
I’m a new follower, I think I found you through Amy and your Haven trip. I look forward to your thrifting stories and decorating ideas!!
Congrats on your milestone! I learn from you and enjoy your sweet spirit. All the best. @clsdaustin
Happy blog anniversary! I’ve loved reading each and every one of your posts over the past year, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! @thisgorgeslife
I just recently started following you a few months now I guess, but I enjoy all your ideas and love watching you go junkin…wish you must success 🧡🍁🍂🧡🍁🍂Your such a sweet person🧡I’m new to Instagram so I’m learning 😊
Emily, your blog is one that I turn to for inspiration, as well as education about vintage favorites. I always look forward to your Friday’s at Five posts because they are so random, but always relevant. Here’s wishing you many more years of successful blogging and realizing the dreams you have for your blog. @hilda2me
Love following along! My daughter and I are big fans of vintage and anything retro. Love coming along on your ventures and finds over on Instagram. ♥️
@reynahomestead
Love you Emily ! You are one of the very first person that I followed on Instagram . Even though I we’ve never ment I person I feel like we are friends ❤️ .. .congratulations on your I year blog anniversary !!! Even tho
Congratulations on your 1 year Anniversary of your blog ! Love you , Emily ❤️
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! I recently found your page and I’m living it!!
Love love love following you on Instagram! You have given me so much inspiration and appreciate your smiling face every day.Thank you.
Congratulations on your blogoversary! You are such an inspiration to me and my vintage journey!
Such nicely styled photos. Just subscribed to your blog & look forward to your content.
Yaya! Congratulations! I’m relatively new around hear but you’ve been a go-to for me ever since! Love following along with you. I’ve just sort of started out in the business side of the antique world, started a booth a couple months ago, and you are such an inspiration! @millhouseandmain
Yaya! Congratulations! I’m relatively new around here but you’ve been a go-to for me ever since! Love following along with you. I’ve just sort of started out in the business side of the antique world, started a booth a couple months ago, and you are such an inspiration! @millhouseandmain
I love following you on IG! You have given me helpful tips on creating vignettes. I love hearing about your family, also.
I love your posts and stories and your finds! Congrats on your one year blogiversary! 👏🏻🙌🏻 @kimberjoy01
I always enjoy your content!
@alevans85
Love all your tips on styling.
Congratulations, Emily! One year and many more to go! Keep pressing on toward those goals! Can’t wait to see and celebrate all the amazing things you accomplish!
Love,
Leslie
@atticpatina
I love your page and your Blog. You are doing a great job. I, also, miss your Picking with Pops.
Thanks so much. Yes, I still go out. Pops and I had a whole day together maybe three weeks ago! It is my favorite. Stay tuned for more adventures with him for sure.
The vignettes you create are amazing. I’m setting up my Vintage Rental Studio and incorporating some of your ideas. Thank for all you do and share with us.
Congratulations on the one year anniversary. Love following you and Instagram and your blog. Miss Picking with Pops.
I just found you on Instagram a few months ago… and I’ve enjoyed your stories & posts… I usually save yours for last because of the ‘Save the best for last’ quote.
Hi Emily,
I enjoy your stories, post and blog. Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary.
Cindy
@loulousvintiques
Congratulations! I always enjoy reading your blog and Facebook posts. I love your vintage style and finds. Your booth at Kelly and Company antiques is one of my favorites!
Congrats! You did it! Really really love your stories everyday. Like I told you before, always my first and fave. Love seeing you pick with Pops! You’re so lucky in that respect! Keep going! Have fun! gjeannesun
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary.. I love following along.. so fun to see you and your dad out and about.. love all the tips too..
@Monicak
Emily congratulations on your blog anniversary. I really enjoy your blog and all of your inspiration on Instagram. One of my favorite things was watching you go picking with your dad, such wonderful memories your making💕
Thank you for this article! I am getting ready to start a blog and found your words so encouraging! I am so glad I discovered your account! Best wishes in your second year of blogging! Can’t wait to see it grow! Kellie @thetealbutterfly
Happy Blogiversary Emily! It’s been 1 yr that @averyjayesvammy (me) has been an engaged follower of yours, too! Love going along on your treasure hunts as you find all the pickers paradise spots, especially those Picking w/Pops trips! You have quite an eye & seeing all your treasured finds, the cleanup process & tips, and mostly seeing your creativity come alive in your home. Vintage & well worn beauty on display, gives so many sweet feels of home. Cheers to you & this fun & exciting journey!
Congrats on your Bloggiversary! I always appreciate your insight and thoughts ❤️ @lifeonthenorthernplains
Congrats on your first anniversary. I found your Instagram few months ago, I enjoy your posts, photos and blog. Great job on it.
Congratulations. I really like your photos. I love vintage, as well, and you give some great ideas.
I just love everything you do! Thank you for sharing all of your amazing knowledge💕
Congratulations on your blog! I think I found you through Amy’s Instagram. I enjoyed your shopping trip in Newnan (my mother-in-law lives there). So happy I found your account!
Happy Blogiversary My Friend!! I am so happy for you and enjoy your blog so much. You have been my go to for creative inspiration for a long time. We just speak the same vintage language. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your creativity, and for just being you! Maybe we will see each other soon at The Big Peach.☺️♥️
@thebighouse1915capronfarms
Emily, your blog is one of my very favorites and when I see your instagram posts and stories, I look at those right away. I really enjoy your days when you pick with your dad!
diane_temple_seidl
I can’t believe it’s been a year. Your blog makes for a great read and is full of useful information. I’m hooked. @carolbisson
Emily, Congratulations on a year in the blogging world! I absolutely love your “realness” and of course, your style! Best, Margaret @simplemanfarm
Hi Emily. I look forward to your Instagram posts everyday! It’s something I do on my lunch hour. I drool over your treasures you have found. I lot makes me want to grab my sandwich and go thrifting during lunch! 😁. You blog is so well written and informative. All the lovely photos are the cherry on top. Well done Miss Emily. Well done!! Tell Pops I said hi.
Congratulations on your 1 yr Anniversary!!! Have so enjoyed following you on IG and always look forward to your posts!!! Love that you are so down-to-earth and share your home and heart with all of us!!!
Happy blog anniversary my friend. Job well done . Thanks for sharing your special finds,your beautiful home and lovely family. Your Friend,Rayleen
Hi Emily, I have followed you from the beginning, I know how nervous, anxious,and excited you were I’m so happy for your accomplishments, you have a wonderful family, and a supportive hubby I know all this wouldn’t be possible without them,but I must say one of my favorites are when you go picking with your pops,brings back so many memories with my dad just wanted to say congratulations, and inviting us into your life everyday
Honestly you wouldn’t know it’s your first year! You, like your goodies you find, are seasoned to perfection! Congratulations!
Happy 1 year!! So excited to hear that you just jumped in and went for it! I am thinking of starting one myself, hoping to connect with some more Canadians up here in this vintage world – thanks for being a constant source of positivity and inspiration – keep up the good work, my friend!
Amanda
@forestknollsvintage
Emily –
I can’t believe it’s been a whole year. I remember when you were sharing that you had something big coming up and I just knew it had you be a blog.
You are always so fun in stories and I just was hoping that you would give those stories a permanent home on a blog.
It was so fun to finally meet you at HAVEN. I’ve been blogging for a long time but didn’t really take it seriously until about a year ago. I am having all the same struggles as you and trying to fix all the mistakes I made before KariAnne and HAVEN. LOL
Your blog is beautiful and your writing is amazing!
Congrats on 1 year!
@livinglargeinasmallhouse
Happy blogaversery!! So glad I found you! I love following along on your hunts.
I can’t believe it’s been a year already!!! I love following you on Instagram. @Houndsfieldacres
I am absolutely a huge fan, Emily! There’s nothing like finding a beautiful blog that pictures exactly what I’d like my little house to be. Your photography and your story are so captivating and are motivating me to make some changes that my heart longs for.
I lean toward minimalist these days, but I still love a ‘collected’ home.
Yours is my favorite ‘home’ blog. I’m so grateful to have found you!
Bless you!
Congrats on your 1st anniversary Emily. I just love anything old & vintage. I especially look forward to your adventures with Pops !!
Emily, Thank you so much for this post. I’ve been on the fence for a bit trying to decide whether to start one of my own. Being able to watch your journey has started to make this more of a reality for me. I truly appreciate your honesty and constant transparency. Thanks for what you do! IG: @a.rustic.clutter
Helloooo all the way from the UK! Love your posts, stories & blog. Lots of inspiration and relatable life stories. Thank you for all you share @racheltaskerdesign
Love seeing all your wonderful items. I hate that you won’t be having the Gypsy sale in Moreland to go to this year, but will see you in March hopefully. Babsandty1869 is my Insta