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The end of 2021 is fast approaching! Have you met or surpassed your annual objectives? Did you even set any intentions for yourself? It’s not too late you know! Here are a few suggestions for end of year goals – blogger edition. Plus how to achieve them!

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Setting a challenge or goal doesn’t only need to begin at the start of the year. Resolutions can be put in place any time – and achieved! As a blogger and content creator, there is so much that I want to do, but I know there is no way to get it all done right away. Making a plan to update, detail, or expand upon a select few aspects of one’s massive blogging career can be beneficial for a long period.

But first, be realistic about what you can accomplish in a short duration. Don’t set yourself up for failure at the onset because you’re doomed at the get go. Make a commitment to maybe two or three goals that are sensible and may make the biggest impact in the long term. Here are a few suggestions.

Expand Your Knowledge

Creating content for a blog and the corresponding social posts takes a lot of personal education. There is so much important know-how required, but also so much knowledge yet to be learned. The art of blogging is constantly evolving and social platforms are continually adjusting their algorithms. So, as online creatives, our expertise has to invariable grow as well. Here are a few ways to improve and educate yourself!

• Search Pinterest for “learn how to blog”. Although most of these skills you may already know, a quick refresher never hurts. As for those skills you haven’t touched on – make a point of studying up on a few new subjects.
• Take a (or a few) blogging course. Simply browsing Instagram or Twitter can put you in touch with some pretty knowledgeable bloggers who offer courses based on their expertise. Keep in mind that you may need to pay for these courses, but I’ve heard many are worth the cost!
• Chat with some fellow bloggers. You never know if you don’t ask and there is absolutely no shame in asking! Set up a zoom chat with some like-minded content creators and knock around a few ideas, ask what apps they use, and what strategies they swear by. Sharing is caring!

Market Yourself

A hobby (or full time job) such as content creation is not for the faint of heart! You really do have to put yourself out there if you want to be a success. Writing and publishing blog posts may be done behind the scenes, but promoting said posts really must be done where everyone can see and be seen!

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Readers and subscribers not only want to be entertained and educated by your content. They also want the face and personality of the creative who influences their attention and interest. That means sharing photos, videos, and advertising your hard work on social platforms. Try these tips!

• Share a photo on your blog’s home page. It doesn’t need to be professional or too extravagant! A simple photo goes a long way toward building trust and showing that you’re a real person.
• Get on social media. Posting, sharing, participating, and advertising yourself and your brand on social media platforms is uber important in building rapport, relationships, and community. Join a couple or sign up for them all! Just make sure to add links to your website.
• Introduce yourself! First off, write a simple “About Me” page on your blog site to acquaint your loyal readers with who it is that works tirelessly putting out the content they know and love. No need to tell your life story! Just a few points of relatable interest and back story on how and why you started your blog.

Fine Tune Your Brand

When first starting out with blogging, we often don’t have all our ducks in a row! To say the process is overwhelming is a vast understatement! Creatives often just start and then figure out all the fine-tuned details later. But taking the time to really hone in on your message and direction is important for longevity and success.

Posting content without any real purpose is meaningless, stressful, and counterproductive! But analyzing your “what” and “why” will help to shed light the “how” and the creative process will become more simplified. Here are a few ways to help define your brand.

• Examine your content in order to determine your niche. Browse through your social feeds and published blog posts to see what it is you are writing and sharing about the most. This may help to ascertain exactly what you’re most passionate about!
• Write (and maybe share) your goal for your creative content. Why are you writing? What are you sharing? Who are you trying to reach? How are you getting your topic out there? Knowing your what and why is crucial to creative relevance.
• Clarify your site categories. When a reader visits your site they should be able to establish what they can read about by your top menu – which should clearly list your subject matter. Make is effortless for subscribers to navigate your site, which will cause them to stay longer and visit more often!
• Clean house. Does your site need a refresh? Are your pages and socials consistently identifiable? Are there any posts that need to be updated?

Share the Love

Creatives really are part of a large community – and communities often support one another. Mind you, some high profile and experienced bloggers and content creators likely won’t give a newbie the time of day. But some accomplished creatives share their wealth of knowledge willingly and enjoy sharing their expertise.

Established creatives know and understand the struggle to make a name for themselves because they’ve been on the same journey themselves. Bloggers support each other! Creatives share one anothers work and provide friendly feedback and appreciation. Here are a few ways to share some love for our fellow creatives.

• Join a Facebook group. There are many Facebook groups out there – all geared to specific niches or markets. Share your post, comment on others, and make some friends.
• Twitter RT threads or Pinned for Pinned. Twitter is one of the most accepting and friendly social platforms for bloggers! You can often find tweets for blog sharing, commenting, retweeting, and follows-for-follows.
• Link fellow bloggers posts, downloads, or shops on your own site and socials. Giving a little plug in support of a fellow creative’s new ebook or milestone post is a great way to share some love and encouragement. They’ll likely return the favour down the road.

What are your end of year goals?

Whether you’re an established creative or you’re just starting out – setting some goals for yourself and your brand will help to set yourself up success and also help to maintain said success. But, remember not to inundate yourself with too much all at once! Tackle one goal at a time and finish it before moving on to the next.

Cheers and best wishes.