About once a year I like to ask the readers what they’d like to see from Being Frugal.net. Recently I’ve had an influx of readers who found me via the Associated Press and Redbook, so I know I have a lot of new readers, as well as many readers who have become familiar to me over the last couple of years.
In ways I feel like I haven’t quite gotten my blogging groove back since I moved in September. That’s about the time I joined Walmart’s ElevenMoms, and my blog really took off. Since then I’ve been about one step behind. Not that I’m complaining! Being busy is a good problem to have as a blogger.
But it’s time to analyze what I’m doing and set some new goals. Goals are a good thing, not only for finances, but also for blogging. I have a general idea of what I’d like to do, but I love reader input too.
Some of my goals are basic. I need to get into a routine, so I can get the Deals & Freebies part of the site going again. It was the first thing to stop when I got busy, and it will be the first thing I work on once I’m caught up.
I need to evaluate what I’m doing with the Reviews part of my site, too. I get contacted by a lot of PR people, and I don’t mind doing reviews and giveaways, but I feel like that section of my blog has become one big ad, and I’m not thrilled with it. On the other hand, I love giving away stuff to readers. What do you think? Suggestions are welcome!
As far as the Being Frugal.net main blog, I’d like to start writing more in-depth articles. And I could probably stand to keep you all updated on my life more than I have been, too.
I think most of these problems could be solved by creating a work schedule, which is what I’m setting out to do next week. I think I need to accept the fact that I can’t treat my blog as a hobby anymore. It’s a real job. And a good job that I enjoy tremendously! I just need to stop blogging “when I have the time,” and make a schedule, so I’m guaranteed the time!
That said, while I’m being all introspective and setting some goals, I’d love to hear any thoughts you all have. I can’t guarantee that I’ll do everything suggested, but I will take every opinion into consideration. What subjects would you like to see more of? Less of? Anything else you’d like to suggest? My ears are open!
And while I’m asking for suggestions, I’d also like to say thanks. I know I haven’t been responding to comments lately, and I’m slow on returning emails, but I do still read each and every comment and every email. A blog isn’t successful without it’s readers, and I appreciate every one of you! From your great ideas to your spirited conversations on some of my more controversial posts….writing wouldn’t be fun without the input I get from all of you! So thank you!
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Choose reviews that you really think will benefit you and your readers and adheres to your general theme for this blog. A purse giveaway probably isn’t going to help anyone learn how to get out of debt for example.
i love your site! it’s safely in my sidebar!
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I greatly enjoy and benefit from your Tightwad Tuesdays. I would love to hear more about what does (and does not) work for you and your family with regard to frugality. I learn as much, if not more, from your “failures” as from your successes. How about more on beginning frugality and how to save money when there does not seem to be any to save?
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I agree with you, we’ve all been so busy, it’s hard to keep up. Like you said, focus more again on writing the in-depth articles of the frugal lifestyle, and products and resources that support that. I enjoy the spotlight on other blogs, too…discovery is fun.
Sometimes I like to hear from guests, but I mostly want to hear from you, Lynnae. That’s what draws me to the site and your articles… Hearing actually how you make it work, saving money, while raising your family and living out your faith.
I think the reviews are a great service to us – especially when we get your honest opinion about a product. Tell us what is great about it, but also tell us any downsides, etc. To me, that does not make it one big advert.
I’ve enjoyed all your videos, and I would like to see those keep coming. I definitely agree that you need to keep us updated on your life and write some more in-depth type articles. I think you should focus on those and maybe just get rid of the deals/freebies section. There are a ton of blogs that focus just on those. Maybe you can do a partnership instead of trying to do the work that someone else is already doing.
I read your blog because I like hearing your unique perspective on your situation. Keep up the good work!
I love your stories and Tightward Tuesday. You are very motivational to me.
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Perhaps it is time to get someone to help you. If you don’t like doing the reviews but your readers find it valuable, perhaps there is someone who would take that part of the site over for you or share the load in some way.
Keep it all coming :)
Focus on you – your personality sells it – and the in-depth frugal ideas. People need to see the human side of it – how you
can do it and if you can, then maybe they can.
Get yourself on a schedule – now – before the kids are out
of school – cuz then it’s going to get hectic again. Treat the
time slot as a job and don’t let anything except an emergency keep
you from writing at that time.
While I enjoy putting my hat in the ring for a freebie, and have enjoyed
the one I won for the grandkids, I can do without it if necessary. Most of what they are having you review is stuff that frugal people probably won’t buy anyway, or don’t need to buy. While I have enjoyed your reviews, they have in no way convinced me to buy any of them – actually quite the opposite – just firmed up my resolve NOT to buy them. But the giveaway contests are fun.
And they probably bring some readers in – so only you can know if they are worth your time and effort or not. What is the goal you are trying to reach with the contests? And are they helping you to reach that goal?
I like the roundups if you have time for them. The links to other blogs on being frugal have been good sidetrips, and I enjoy them. I think it takes someone who is confident in their own blog to link to other blogs – One blog cannot cover all the topics needed by a reader, and by giving us the links, you enable us to pick and chose those we need to help us, and to ignore those that aren’t on our subject. Please keep the roundups :)
Guest posts are great – as long as they are only once a week or so. We tune in to read about you :) Keep up the good work!
I agree with all that Marci voiced already. Plus Tightwad Tuesday is my favorite day. LOVE your videos. Love hearing about your life, your home, your children. The personal touch of Lynnae is what keep me coming back, not giveaways or guest posts. OMG, did that make me sound like a stalker??! LOL Keep up the good work – you’re my favorite blogger and such an inspiration to me.
Wow, girl! Redbook and AP?! How exciting. I’m so happy for you & how much this has grown. How’s the clutter? ;)
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