To be, or not to be, that is the question …
Initially, my instinct was “to be” …
… and then I read this interpretation of Hamlet’s soliloquy on e-notes …
“ …you’ll notice that (Hamlet’s) notions of “being” and “not being” are rather complex. He doesn’t simply ask whether life or death is preferable. To be, in Hamlet’s eyes, is a passive state, to “suffer” outrageous fortune’s blows, while not being is the action of opposing those blows. Living is, in effect, a kind of slow death, a submission to fortune’s power. On the other hand, death is initiated by a life of action, rushing armed against a sea of troubles …”
… and now I’m reconsidering. Should I choose “not to be” because that means I’m taking action? And that the simple “to be” is a passive stance?
… but then again, who really wants to rush armed against a sea of troubles …
… and now my head is spinning. I never could understand Shakespeare. It was Cliff’s Notes all the way.
So I’ll take a stand and choose “to be” …
… and no, silly. Not “to be” an awesome monogrammed drop cloth pillow (if I do say so myself).
No. I choose “to be” a blog with staying power.
A blog that’s not just a blob taking up space on the Internet. But a blog with goals. Real, true – and measurable – goals …
… and with that said, I’ve spelled out those goals …
… and am sharing them now with you all …
Here are the five things I want my blog “to be” in 2012 …
1. To Be Social
As in making better use of Social Media. I’ve been lax on this front. Forgetful even. Moving forward I don’t want to just start tweeting and FB’ing and Pinning like a crazy woman … but instead have a real purpose for how, when, and why I use those mediums.
2. To Be Sponsored
This is pretty self explanatory. And I’m not talking about those silly Google and Ligit and Rivit ads on the sidebar there … I think I may be up to a combined $20 by now … but real sponsors. Etsy shop sponsors. Sponsors that make sense here. And I need a pro-active plan as to how I will make that happen …
3. To Be Well Read
I want to be more than just a pretty face. Don’t get me wrong. I love a pretty picture. And while we aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, let’s face it … we do. But the important part comes after you bring that book home. And open up those pages. Now is the true test … will you read that prettily covered book to the end?
I want people who come here to read to the end. And I will measure this by looking at my Google Analytics. Over the past month, the average time spent by visitors on the site is 2:37 and the average pages per visit is 2. So I hope to see upward movement of those numbers in this … the first year of my blog.
4. To Be A Destination
Now, admittedly, I’m actually taking steps on this front … and will be announcing some exciting news next week. And while I always love new visitors … the more the merrier, I say … I want those new visitors to come back. Again. And again. So that I’m a frequent read. And then a daily read …
And I’ll use my RSS feed stats and Google Analytics to measure this goal. Over the past month, I’ve had 31.49% return visits and 68.51% new. I’d like to shoot for a 50/50 mix by year’s end … I think … ?
5. To Be Purposeful
This wraps it all up. I need a plan. A purposeful plan. An actionable plan for how my blog purposefully moves forward in 2012 and beyond …
And now I want to hear what your top 5 blog goals are in 2012 …
… so write up a post and link up here on Friday, March 2 (starting at 6 AM CST) for our
“What Do You Want Your Blog to Be When It Grows Up”
multi-blog link party …
“What Do You Want Your Blog to Be When It Grows Up”
multi-blog link party …
… we’ll keep the party open until 11 PM CST on Thursday, March 8 …
… and if you link here, you will automatically be linked up on these fabulous blogs too…
… so “be” sure to stop by their blogs and see what they hope to grow up to be in 2012 …
P.S.
This awesome monogrammed drop cloth pillow is my “to be” goal #6.
Happy to hear your goals…sounds like it will be a fun year, can’t wait to see all the goodies in your etsy shop, that pillow is awesome!
Karah
I enjoyed your last party so much– I am in! It is a smart idea to set up some goals, sometimes I think that I just wander aimlessly on my blog, posting links to Dancing Carlton and pictures of my basset hound. Once again, your blog party will give me that much-needed kick in the pants to get things done. 😀 Thanks, Linda!
Love it! I’m in. I was using google ads until they decided my hit counts went from nothing to lots once I started marketing my blog better. Google decided I was must be faking my hit counts. nice huh? And I had a lot more than $20! pffft all gone. Anyway, I already did one of my goals this year 😀
Mine is not nearly this ambitious! But then again, I don’t have the same plan! 🙂
My first goal is short term (by Friday no less!!) to organize my goals!
~Bliss~
$20 – that’s 100% more than I’ve earned! Think of it as the blogging school of hard knocks – and you’re getting straight a’s so far! The sponsors will come if you stay true to #5 goal.
I forgot I also want to do an Etsy shop – yippie – need to add that 5th goal right now!
Kelly
This is great. These parties always challenge me in a fwd direction (which is exactly what I need in this area!) I know what you mean about blog add payout. I keep joking that I blog and make 10 cents an hour. (which is honestly about where it is right now) lol.
Happy Monday,
–Katie
Oh Linda,
1. I love that you started me off with a taste of the Bard on a Monday morning. Nice.
2. I have been having these same types of thoughts: what is the purpose/goal of my blog.
3. Now that you’ve assigned homework (as any good quoter of Shakespeare should) I actually have to think about #2.
4. I am in the middle of writing up my first Etsy listing. (I’ll be selling vintage items, not handmade. Those I’ll be buying 😉 I’ll let you know how it goes.
As always it’s a pleasure to read your blog.
~Elena
What beautiful thoughts (and backed up with numbers!).
Fun idea for a party! I keep waffling between whether or not I want to put the effort in to market my blog and make it a business or if I’m happy doing what I’m doing and just being surprised when I make some money. I tried GoogleAds, but they kicked me out of the program for unspecified reasons. I was closing in on the $100 threshold. Whatever. I’ve made about $50 from my Amazon search box, and they direct deposit into my account, so it’s always a nice surprise to see the little jump up.
It’s always good to set goals.
I’ve been thinking about what I want my blog to be, too.
Your blog has come a long way, in a short time. You must already be doing something right.
Keep it up.
well it sounds like you have it together my friend — wishing you the best through it all!!!! : )
Okay–mine’s up! I’ll link on Friday. I’ll also try to figure out how to list the tribe!
and I am glad to be seated at the lunchtable as your blog grows up.
🙂 mine is still totally in fifth grade.
Good question! And….I have no idea. I’ve been thinking about this lately so I appreciate your comments. Just found your blog and so happy I did. I look forward to your Etsy shop opening ~ love the pillow you designed and made!
Pat
Love it. I’ll be there….oh and I’ve buttoned up 🙂
Ok, that sounded strange…just mean that I have your button up on my blog.
Awkward…
I just read Karianne @ Thistlewood Farms’ post on this today too and you girls have me super inspired to actually do things on purpose with my blog! Can’t wait to watch you achieve all these goals. (Linky following you!) 🙂
Love this idea! Goal #1, make it to Friday!
New Follower!
~Jen @ frazzled five
I love what you’re saying, I too have very similar goals just learning the process and enjoying the process otherwise why bother right? Thanks, new follower here. Now to know what goals to list.. a lot to learn here.
Carri
http://www.simplydonewright.blogspot.com
I will definitely be contributing to this link party. I love the idea and I am going to take the weekend to really think about the direction of my blog. I love your blog and you just got a new follower. 😉
Have a wonderful weekend!
Kristin
theocdlifestyle.blogspot.com
Well said Linda!! Tweeted this one out 🙂
Thanks for the party! I was commenting to someone earlier that this whole day is going to be me thinking “oh – I should have said that” and “oh – I want that, TOO!” Best wishes to you.
Love your goals..open an etsy shop. It can be time consuming, but so rewarding~
Bristol
I love numbers. Crunching numbers to reach a goal. Measuring so things are purposeful. Even an etsy shop needs the same things to be successful. Good job!
I read the post to the end, spent more than 2:37 doing so, and I will be back!
Can’t wait to see your action plan for those well developed metric specific goals {I have a past life in performance management}. I too am a frugal (I’ll say it) home decorator so I’m very interested in your ideas. I’m your newest follower and also a poster in this “when the blog grows up” hop.
Robin
happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com
Hey Gal, don’t knock that 20 bucks that’s more than i’ve made! LOL! Great goals, i do believe you are on your way,i enjoy your blog and i think you have a good “product”!! I am certianly relieved that you explained that Hamlet thing to me, i was afraid you were going to go waaay over MY head there for a minute!! Don’t let the stats make you crazy, stats for blogger, stats for Etsy, now that i have my house on the market, i’m a little upset that realtor.com doesn’t have any stats, but that’s probably a good thing! SHEESH!
So very well said! Very forward driven goals. You Go Girl! I’m always impressed with your content and look forward to seeing you “take off”! Would love to hear how you set about that sponsorship goal…it happens to be something I’m rolling around in my head also. I’m already a follower but I’ll just go click FB & Pinterest cuz I’m not sure I have already. 🙂
your newest blog hop fan lovely blog I look forward to reading your posts
Having a plan is the most important part, I think. It doesn’t matter what your specific goals are – as long as you have a plan to keep yourself on track and accountable you’ll be OK.
I’m way impressed. Sounds like you have given this a good deal of thought. I’m not good with the social media. I’ll tell you though…when I put below post buttons for my FB and Pinterest pages the visits went through the roof. NO ONE ever visited me on Pinterest. Ever. Now I have all sorts of wonderful people pinning away. It’s just a thought. One last thing. I’d love to sponsor your blog when you’re ready. I have an Etsy shop. You could stop by and see if I’m a good fit for your blog? Thanks for hosting!
these are great goals- i love the last one- purposeful! and i think you are well on your way, friend!
and oh social media- i wish i was better at that!
Wonderful goals, Linda ~ so intentional and you even have plans to achieve them!! I’m impressed!! I’ll love watching you meet each and every one. 🙂
Blessings,
Heidi
I love your goals and that pillow….well, I want one! or 3! I thinks i’d be jumping around at $20!! I think I’ve made $2 LOL! Your doing great!
Jill
While I applaud your desire to improve your blog and to have a plan, I think it might be better just to try to make the best blog you can. If you build it they will come. I have never been able to tailor a product to please “the public” but I find that if I make something I love, there are others out there who love it too. Just make a blog that you would love to read.
Great to see you’ve got some SERIOUS goals! Good luck on your Etsy shop – it really is the most stress-free way to sell handmade items. You make beautiful things – I’m sure you will do well!