Blogiversary – Milestones
If you missed yesterdays post, I am celebrating my 3rd Blogiversary! Today I’m sharing a few milestones for year 3 as it was a big one for me in a few areas.
Upgraded Blog Design
I started blogging on a whim and while the cartoon queen was perfect when I started out, I had grown tired of her over time. Changing up the look of the blog to be cleaner and more visually appealing was my number one goal. Here were the steps I took before taking the plunge!
- Identifying a tag line! The Queen in Between has been near and dear to me but I needed something a little beefier to give a heads up to what this blog is all about. After playing with words for a few months, I finally settled on Designing a Blessed Life With Style as the winner. I say don’t rush this as you want it to be short and sweet but still be meaningful.
- Developing a new header. Like I said, the cartoon queen was dying a slow death and I knew she had to go! I worked with Karli (September Farm) from Karli Bell Branding and she put together my new header complete with the tagline.
- Deciding to continue with blogger or migrate to WordPress was the biggie. Ultimately the blog designer I worked with when I first began blogging convinced me WP was the best choice. Thanks to her cyber Monday sale last November I jumped in head first. I took my time and really thought about what I loved and didn’t love by looking over other blog designs I was drawn to. It took me until February to finalize the theme and provide her all my thoughts. Do you know how many fonts there really are out there? Becca handled all the new design, the migration and was there to support me as I transitioned.
I won’t get into the pros/cons of WP and will save my thoughts for a future post possibly but I will say, if you are not the creative type, working with a designer is so incredibly helpful. I know what I like when I see it but often struggle with pulling ideas out of my head and making them a reality. With just a few questions both Karli and Becca nailed my design! The investment was worth it to me and the time it saved was huge.
Attended a Blogger Conference
Attending a conference was a huge goal for me in year 3 and I am so happy to say I made it happen! This will definitely be something I hope to do at least once a year moving forward but hoping next time I have some buddies. You can see the highlights and what I gained by reading my 5 Takeaways from the Thrive Conference.
Upped my Photo Game
In case you do not know, I take almost all my photos myself using a tripod and a remote. Occasionally I bribe a family member to help me out but typically I need so many shots at so many angles just to figure things out and I just feel more comfortable wasting my own time. That being said, this year I really tried to move away from the standard brick wall shoot pictures in some alternate locations. Dragging out a tripod in a public place can feel a little uncomfortable and slightly narcissistic but if my goal was to improve quality I had to take a few risks right?
I also hired a photographer for one photo shoot around my blog anniversary last year and I really think I will do this again this fall. It is not super expensive and having a creative eye take a few pictures I can use to change head shots will give a more professional feel. I’ve also been able to use my pictures across all platforms to give some consistency.
Developed a Media Kit
If you have been blogging for any amount of time you have been asked to collaborate. Believe me, before I began my blogging journey I thought it was all fun and games but truthfully if you are serious about blogging to not only share your journey but also to monetize at some level, it is a second job. While monetizing is not my number one goal here, I do want to be thoughtful about the brands I work with and definitely do not see value in spending my time offering a review for free. By creating a media kit (Karli actually developed mine) I am now able to respond politely to requests to collaborate with a simple copy of my media kit which contains my rates.
Reaching out to brands and businesses on your own can also be time consuming and a little intimidating but I did finally decide to reach out recently. I figured it never hurts to ask right? Having a media kit available to send with a brief email helped me feel more professional when inquiring.
My collaboration with Minted was probably my favorite over the past year! I worked with Minted to add some art to our bathroom and collaborated to create our annual Christmas card and overall both were a very positive experience.
Shop one of my favorite looks!
As a thank you to all you sweet readers, I’m giving away one of my favorite new products from Rodan + Fields! Register below for your shot to hydrate your skin. Winner will be announced next week!
I’m sharing a few pieces I’d add to a summer look to begin the transition to fall on The Blended Blog today! Share your look and hop on over to check it out.
The links in this post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link(s) and purchase an item (at no additional cost to you), I may earn a small commission. Thank you for helping to support The Queen in Between blog
You have done so well with your blog! Congratulations.
Thanks so much Amanda! It has definitely been a fun 3 years.
I had no idea you took most of your pictures yourself! You do a great job! My goal is to go to a blog conference soon!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Yes mam! Now that I gave away my secret you will start to notice!! 🙂 I would love to have a meet up one day at a conference with all you ladies.
I need to get on that tripod train, my husband takes my pics and I am always in a hurry. I really need to get a blog design too but this all seems so overwhelming, there is just so much I don’t know! You have had a very successful 3 years Shelly and I am so happy for you – love your blog and you too!
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann I am still learning new things all the time! I knew there was no way I would be able to figure all the techy stuff out on my own and did not want to risk the frustration of screwing it all up! I have had much more flexibility with the WP design and I love the analytics too. Thanks so much for being such a sweet supporter!
You’re doing an amazing job on your blog! I’m really thinking about switching to WordPress. The look is so different and more professional looking.
Thanks so much Stacey! I’m not a techy so switching myself I knew was out of the question but I’m so glad my designer talked me into it!
Happy anniversary! I love your blog. I have been doing my blog about the same amount of time and am still learning every day! I have always taken my own pictures and I use Squarespace as my CMS. Peace!
Cheryl
http://www.northwestmountainliving.com
So much to learn still right? I feel like it’s endless. I really do want the space to be welcoming so I feel it’s worth it to spend a little effort on my space.
Of course I love the pink!
Laura….I found this top online the other day at Macy’s in LEOPARD!! You need it!
You have had a huge year friend. Congratulations.
Thanks Momma! And thank you for always being so supportive and stopping by when I know you are super duper busy!
I am dying to make the change to WP but need to have someone do it for me and well, James isn’t really on board with the cost just yet. But I agree that WP allows you be much more in control of the look, feel and overall “I own this” feel of your domain.
I saved and saved my scrappy little earnings forever so I could justify spending some money on the blog. I figured it’s just like any other business and the first few years I should be rolling anything I make over to make this space better. Maybe by the time I retire it will be a huge hit! haha I do love the features and analytics of WP so much better than blogger but you can get a really great design these days and still stick with blogger.
I think I’ve been reading your blog at least for 2 years – one of the highlights of my day. Keep up the good work! I love your fashion posts:)
Thanks so much Kathy for following along!
YIPPEE!!!! Happy Happy THREE YEARS!!! I’m am so happy I found you on this blog journey and we’ve become buddies.❤️ The group of friends I’ve gained through blogging are such a HUGE blessing. This is now one of my favorite posts you’ve done. I’m feel like I’m right where you were at the beginning of year 3. It’s time to freshen up and I’m trying to get my ducks in a row. I love hearing about your work with the designers (something I want to do SOON) and your photo methods (something I’m trying to improve) I want to do a conference too and just need to remember to keep looking for one. It would be great if our little group (or what I consider our little group😉) could all go to one together. The whole WP thing is something I’ve been toying with myself. Blogging does seem to start as a hobby, but can quickly make the move to a job. That’s what has happened to me (and I’m happy about it) People not in the “blogging world” have no clue though and it’s so hard to help them understand. Okay, enough rambling by me. CONGRATULATIONS girlie!!!!🎉
It would be super fun to have our group all together! We should meet up in Nashville…..just sayin! Thanks so much for always stopping by and being so supportive Lisa. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you for sure!
Best idea EVER…you know you wouldn’t have to twist my arm!😉
Happy Blogaversary! I love these pictures!
Thanks so much Amy! It was a fun little shoot with my hubby.
Love this post, Shelly! So cool to read all the ways you have changed the blog over the past three years Switching to WordPress was one of the best decisions I ever made for my blog. You look so pretty in this pink and white look! Dying over those booties…
Happy Blogiversary!
Thank you Jennie! So glad we have had the chance to get to know each other over the years. These booties I’m positive will be worn out this year…I’m just dying to wear them all the time and trying to hold back until “fall”.
Congrats on 3 years!!
Thanks Catherine! Super excited to see you stopped by momma!
I’ve toyed with hiring a photographer to do some pics for me…love seeing all the things you’ve done over the years.
It really is fun to have your very own photo shoot with a professional who has an eye for getting things right and making you look your very best. I always wanted to be a model when I was growing up but I couldn’t starve myself enough lol.
Great post Shelly. Very thoughtful. Happy Anniversary on 3 years of blogging! It is alot of time and energy, but it sounds like you have it managed well. Love the tagline and look- I need to think of one as well. Love the bright pink outfit you are wearing, great color. I have changed the look of my blog several times over the years and like a clean look myself.
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Every once in awhile we just need a change right? Thanks for always being so supportive Jess!
Congrats! I love everything about the redesign. It was a hard decision for me to move to WP but I’m glad I did! And how long have I been following along? Around 2.5 years???
Change is always hard isn’t it Tif? I’ve just been so much happier with so many features and feel I’m getting much better analytics now.
Been enjoying your blog for a lil while now! Always impressed that you have the full time job out of the house, full time job of being a mom and a blog to top it off! Congrats on your blogiversary!
I’m so glad you have enjoyed it Mireille! I feel fairly lucky because my kids and my husband have loved my blog almost as much as I do and have supported this hobby once they really realized how near and dear it was to me (and my sanity). Have a super week!
Congratulations on three years, that is a lot of work and I always enjoy reading your blog! Have gotten recipes and many fashion ideas over the last couple of years I have followed you! Keep up the great work and here’s to many more years 🙂
This makes me so happy Coreline! Thanks so much for sharing. I so appreciate you following along.
Congrats on 3 years! I LOVE the new look of your blog and this is something that I have on my to-do list as well.
Thank you Mary! I really have felt the new look just fits me so much better. It is worth the splurge to clean things up a bit.
You are getting so serious and I love it! I have thought about moving to WP, but I’m TERRIFIED. If I ever do decide to I might have to pick your brain!
My family would totally laugh if they heard you say I was getting serious. I think I’m serious but they keep me sooooo grounded. My conversion was very seamless but like I said….I left it to an expert. 🙂 So many features I’ve loved.
Congrats on 3 years!
Thanks so much Ellie!
Congratulations on 3 years! I think I’ve been probably following you about 1.5 years?
Thanks Andrea! I would have to say I think that would be about right if we found each other about the same time frame.
Congratulations! I have been following you for the past 2 years. Love your sense of humor and how you keep it real.
Thank you so much Cindi! So happy to have you following along.
Yay you! I love your blog but that comes as NO surprise. I think I have been following you since the beginning…..or shortly thereafter? And I am so thrilled we actually got to meet up this past March when my daughter and I did our Texas road trip! Now I want you and Holly to come visit me so can Riley please get to AAA Fresno Grizzlies already??
I’m telling you mam….if he makes it to Fresno I will be on a plane! Thanks so much for being such a kind supporter.
Happy 3rd Blogiversary!
I’ve been a reader for over a year now, I think. Cheers to the next 3 years…
Thank you Kim! And thank you for commenting! I know everyone can’t always comment on every blog and connect but I’m so happy to know you have been stopping by!
Two years give or take 🙂 love your blog
So glad to hear it Cynthia!
Love your blog. So happy to have been along for most of your journey! Congrats on year three.
Thank you Fonda!
Awww, you so cute. Now I know who I am going to use if/when I make the blogger to wordpress jump. For now I’m all comfy cozy where I am. Would love a post on pro/cons. I can’t wait to see what year there has in store for you!
Well one thing for sure…an in real life meet up with some of my favorites!! Eek…cannot wait.
Yes! Beach Vacay 2018?!?
Happy blogversary! I love visiting your blog and can’t wait to see what the next year has in store!
Jill
Doused in Pink
Thank you Jill! Glad we have been able to share some fashion online!
Congratulations on 3 years! That’s awesome!!
Thanks so much April!
Oh my goodness, congrats, Shelly! This is so awesome and I love the pictures above! SO cute! I have been following for about 1.5 years and look forward to many, many more! xo
So glad to hear it Starla! Thank you so much!
This is my first visit, great site congratulations.
Welcome Annamarie! Thanks for stopping by.