Blogger Confessions

My first confession is that even though I don't' answer questionnaires I secretly think they are really fun. I recently read Blogger Confessions from Robyn and Jenny and knew I wanted to join in. I also thought it would be a good way to reintroduce myself a bit since I have some new readers around here. Hi, new readers!

1. When did you first start blogging and why?

I first created this blog as a way to document my year traveling abroad in South Korea. Sadly, teaching 8-9 hours a day wore me out and I didn't blog as much as I hope to while I was abroad. 

2. Have you had any past online presence?
Other than Facebook & Pinterest - nope.

3. When did you become serious about your blog? 

I became serious about my blog this past spring. I knew I wanted to grow my blog and I e-mailed two friends in Korea who had successful blogs. They pointed me in the right direction and gave me a lot of helpful insight.  

I think I successfully became serious about my blog when I started researching ways to grow your blog, ways to write and present better posts, blog design, etc. I found this post especially helpful with blog growth. A blog makeover by Amanda over at The Suitcase Designs helped my blog a lot too. 

4. What was your first blog post?

First blog post was Korea Part 1. Does anyone else look at a first blog post and just cringe? I won't fix it to 'blog perfection' because I think it's good to see how far I have come with my blog. I also laugh at that blog post because my initial expectations and thoughts towards Korea changed so much throughout the year. Not in a bad way but just different then when I first landed. 

5. What have been your biggest challenges blogging?

I'd say initially my biggest challenge was just learning blog land. I mean, if you start a job, you have training. If you start school you usually have orientation. When you start a blog it's just you and yourself diving head first figuring it all out. You have writing posts, editing, SEO, pictures, social networking, etc. It's a lot to learn at first and takes some time. 

Another challenge was 'finding my voice'. I don't know who invented that in blog land or if I even completely agree with it. Why can't people have 10 voices? Meaning, why can't they have a vast array of topics they write about? I will say, that my favorite all time posts to put together have been the missionary profiles. I love sharing about missions and what God is doing. 

After that I think my biggest challenge was being too focused on numbers. I mean seriously, why do we bloggers count our numbers a lot? A turning point for me was after a few e-mails exchanged with Katie where she mentioned to focus on community rather than numbers. That was a light switch moment for me and made all the difference. Do I watch my numbers? Yes. However, I consistently ask myself if I am building community? Relationships are more important than numbers. 

6. What is the most rewarding thing about blogging?

New blog friends! I never thought I'd make new friends from blogging. However, living in a small town this past year and being away from my closer friends, my blog friends have been a huge blessing. I've been able to exchange e-mails about: marriage, running, prayer requests, funny stories and much more. I'm pretty certain that some of my blog friends I'll meet up with in the near future. I already met up with Amanda and I'm blessed to have a new friend as well as someone to talk everything blog with. 

I've also been blessed to read so many posts that have helped me in my walk with Christ. It's encouraging to know that other women out there are striving to honor Christ and spread the gospel through their blogs. 

7. What is the most discouraging thing about blogging?

I'm going to sound so contradictory after I just wrote number 5 out but I don't understand how I can pour time and effort into my blog sometimes and see minimal growth and then a new blogger pops up and BAM 500+ followers. Seriously, please tell me your secret? 

8. What is your blogger dirty secret?

I guess my little secret is that I'm not as organized as I'd like to be. I also don't understand SEO or Googlel Analytics. Add Google+ to that list too....

9. What is your current goal as a blogger? 

I have a few...

-continue to connect with other bloggers 

-be encouraging through my blog

-be more creative with sponsorships. I have a couple of things in mind so we will see where it goes. 

10. Have you learned to become passionate about anything through blogging that caught you by surprise?

I think maybe photography (I think a lot of bloggers can say that). I wanted to get a DSLR while I lived in Korea but didn't do so until this past summer. 

What about you - what do you most love about blogging and why did you start? Also, if you are a pro at organization and SEO please enlighten me.