Month 1 - Report Card

This is more a point in time for me to look back at, rather than anything else. So feel free to bail now.

When I started out with this blog, I said I would continue to review whether 'it's working for me' or not. I'm not actually sure what my yardsticks are to measure whether it is working for me or not - I'll need some time to develop those over time. But suffice to say - I am enjoying it as a learning experience for now anyway.

TL;DR

I started this blog on 16th July. Since then I've learnt a lot, and also come to appreciate that there is a shed load of stuff that I just don't know, and behaviour that I don't understand.

My Self Assessed Report - Can Do Better

That's the overall assessment that I'm giving myself for the first month - It's pretty much what I got at school most years - so at least it's consistent.

The first month has been filled with activity. From setting up the website, using new software, to publishing the first posts, each step has been an education. I'm starting to find my feet and develop more of a strategic direction. A good firm footing 'to do better' from.

What Went Well

Content Creation

It's surprising to me what people are interested in, and that finding your audience is difficult. Some posts that I thought would be an interesting read haven't attracted any readers, and vice versa. I've had a few that have hit the spot - I've enjoyed writing and I've had a lot of interaction on them. Thus the deep dive into all things Havila.

I've since broadened the subject matter to other places and experiences that I know well - notably the quirkiness of Iceland and Svalbard.

Engagement Stats

With the grades that I've awarded myself.

Facebook - B

The facebook tools that I've now got tell me loads of stuff. I need to tune in more to what they actually mean - but currently I'm tracking two numbers;

Views (number of times your content was played or displayed) - 111,981

Engagement (number of reactions, comments, shares and clicks) - 9,411

My best post so far was surprisingly a write up of Scrabo Tower.

Much of the content and interaction is buried in specific interest groups

Instagram - C

Lots to learn - A good post is difficult and takes a younger eye. I'm being trained.

Website - C

Post views 5,842

Youtube - F

Fail - haven't spent much time here

I haven't actually a clue whether these results are good or bad, but they are trending in the right direction on a daily basis.

I found this graphic, sessions by location, to be a cool insight to who is reading;

SEO Optimisation

Still don't really understand SEO strategies, but traffic from search engines is increasing - so again trending in the right direction. More work needed here.

Challenges Faced

Time Management

Getting up to speed has been a steep learning curve, together with creating enough content has taken more time than I had imagined - though I feel I'm starting to find my pace

Technical Issues

The moment I overcome technical difficulties/learnings - I'm straight into the next one. At least I'm retaining the knowledge - so they aren't repeat issues - I hate those.

Lessons Learned

Importance of Planning

If I knew where I wanted to take this - it would be a little easier. I tend to go down a few rabbit holes. I thought my cycling adventures would be an interesting read. Perhaps I haven't found those people yet.

Understanding the Audience

Engaging people on facebook is particularly difficult - but when you do - they are a loyal lot. When you miss or mess up - there are some less than positive comments. I've surprised myself by how I don't take it personally.

I'm told flexibility and writing for your audience is key. I'm not sure of my goals yet - so need to figure this one out.

Goals For Month 2

• Maintain a manageable pace

• Drive up views and engagement - in the absence of other useful metrics

• Identify the metrics that matter to me

• Identify the purpose of the blog, set a goal and develop a measurable strategy.

• Overall report "Definite signs of improvement" (stole that from one of my school reports)

  
  

That's all for now.

Happy travels!