The other day, I was looking through my notes and saw a list of blog changes I wrote over and over on different pages at different points this year.
I wouldn’t exactly say that I had a defined set of blog goals for 2015 but I had a picture of some things I wanted to do with my blog and some changes I wanted to make so I thought to revisit them and see how I did this year and ways I’ll like to improve next year.
I already shared my year in review, so let’s just say I’m doing the same thing but for my blog.
I really really wanted to change my blog design this year to a more responsive and mobile optimized one. Actually, I’ve been wanting to change it since 2013 but somehow it hasn’t happened yet.
I had someone offer to help me when I mentioned it on twitter and its already in the works so I’m hoping that comes through soon.
I defined my aesthetic a bit more this year and also tried to incorporate a bit of graphic design to my posts but I hope to improve on my graphics, general aesthetics and blog photography next year.
I moved from majorly outfit posts and blogged more lifestyle posts but I tried to maintain a healthy balance between it all.
I also blogged more about blogging, its something I have an idea about and I decided to at least share my expertise for people who might need help.
I didn’t get to do the video I had planned and I really pray I find someone to help me with it next year.
I featured some guest bloggers and introduced some new categories this year – Lagos Living, Reader Spotlight, Weekend Bits, Candid Talk and Celebrating Creativity.
I definitely love the direction my content took this year and I hope you guys did too?
I’ll try to work on better content, fresh segments and more guest posts as I truly enjoyed having people over.
Which of the categories did you enjoy the most or would like to see more next year?
I had quite a number of features on various blogs/sites which I’m really thankful for but one thing I actually wanted to do this year was get featured on some big sites either by writing for them, they featuring me or just doing a sort of creative collaboration that will get featured there. I eventually got featured on Bella Naija, TheStyleHQ (this one came as an awesome surprise!) and Stylevitae (even though I got featured as a model)
I added an ‘in the press page‘ and you can view them over there, although its incomplete as I can’t really remember some places I’ve been featured so if you know, please help me!
On the collaboration end, I set out to collaborate with other bloggers this year but I ended up collaborating with just Akin here and also did a video with Deola of omogemura here.
I hope to do more collaborations next year though and this time around I’m aiming higher! So I’m looking to get featured on international sites.
I was hoping to triple last year’s views but I’m not quite there yet. I’m not sure if you guys stopped reading my posts or … Lol
Towards the end of this year, I tried to focus less on my pageviews (mostly because focusing on numbers was causing me heart break. Lool) and more on creating good content and reader engagement. I’m going to try doing that next year too.
I got a mailchimp account and started to grow my mail list. I have over a hundred and fifty subscribers, thank you all so much for the love! ( You can join the party here). Even though my mailchimp was giving me troubles which I still haven’t figured out how to fix till now, I decided not to let that slow me down and I started sending out post updates manually. Not the best but at least I’m getting work done, hopefully I fix it next year or find a way around my mailing list problems.
My Instagram grew a LOT this year! I was shocked myself ( You can find me @cassiedaves), I didn’t promote my facebook page nearly enough (please like my page here) or use my pinterest as I set out to. I’ll try to utilize my Pinterest more this year.
I learnt quite a number of things on branding and presenting my blog as a brand (which it infact is).
I wrote a blog manifesto, put together a media kit/Rates sheet and treated my blog with more professionalism.
I worked with more brands also and you can view that here.
I definitely need to work on replying emails faster next year though
So that’s it! My 2015 blog recap and some more improvements/changes for 2016
I didn't set goals for my blog this year, but already doing that for next year. Your blog has been an inspiration to me. One of your post that really helped me was the one about staying true to yourself. Helped me when I began to loose focus.
Still setting my goals and trying to stay true to myself. Cheers to 2015!!
Theblackwriter.com
Well Done Cassie, you did really good this year especially on Instagram. I love how consistent you were with your posts once you were done with exams. I Loved the variety too. Bigger and Better things in 2016 by God's grace.
http://www.Tukesquest.com
You have done an awesome job with the blog and everything, I can wait to see the things you have planned for 2016.its true Focusing on Blog stats can give one heartbreak and heart attack. Lol!
http://www.tonyeigbani.com
Hmm. I've just look at my 2015 Blog Goals Post here, and I'm not sure if I did as well as I wanted to. I mean I had the numbers, but I still feel like there's something missing from my blog.
You've done well though and I'd like to see the new design 🙂
Berry Dakara 2015 Blog Goals
You've done really well this year, Cassie. I can defs see the improvements in your aesthetics and I have learnt from you as well. More things to come in 2016 xx
You did amazing!! Loved the weekend bits and Lagos living part, tips for me for next year uno.. lol
Well done! Let me go and check how I did on mine.
Toyinwithfashion.com
Baby girl, you don't even need to stress so much seeing as you moved.
I love how you took that major decision to move your blog and start afresh – takes a lot of guts you know? Great job!
Thanks for letting me know your favorite segments – I didn't think people enjoyed the weekend bits that much
Hey Cassie! You did great this year, you really inspired me. I loved how you found the balance between outfit and lifestyle posts. Great work! Bigger and better 2016!
bloomingbase.wordpress.com
Aww forreal? Thank you!!!!!
Amen and for you too! <3
Meanwhile, I just checked your blog and I don't quite understand the navigation or is it still "coming soon'?
Love the header illustration though
It's relatively new (about 2 weeks old) but I have a couple of posts. I'll have to work on easing the navigation, thanks for at least checking it out. Thank you, I designed it myself 😊
I didnt set goals for my blog but I must say im pretty happy with how my blog has grown. Im still restless when it comes to my design n all and i hope to find a layout i really like by next year. Guess ull read all bout it when i put up my own post. Good job with ur instagram page. Love it..
You definitely did a good job Grace, especially with reader engagement – I noticed that and I wish you a more successful blogging year in 2016.
I admire your dedication to your blog this year. Loved the variety in your posts as well. Congrats on all your success. I have definitely learnt a thing or two from your blogging journey. Keep up the awesome work Cassie.
Princess Audu
Thank you Sarah! You've said this before so I know you mean it and I appreciate it a lot.
You did good this year Cassie! Loved the lagos living and reader's spotlight segment…
Looking forward to 2016 🙂
Well, guess who will be keeping those segments? 😀 Thank you Frances!
Well done love,although I follow you on Instagram,I just realized now that you have a massive following,wow just wow and well done.Next year has bigger stuff for you. Hey about the Mailchimp issue I would love to help you resolve it. Send me the details.
Personally hosting an E-course and getting partnership with an International publishing firm was the greatest achievement for me,though I didn't set out blog goals initially at the beginning of the year.Bad mistake sha.Let me run off before I write an epistle.
I love how you were more down to earth with your posts and everything this year.
Your dedication after school was just amazing.
You need to share some instagram sharing Tips with me though. ;;)
Keep up the good work
congratulations Cassie I'm so excited for you on how you got to somewhere with your goals and I know 2016 would be bigger and better. I'm also glad I got to meet you before they year ran out now I can cross that off my own list 😊
Hi cassie…am a lover of your fashion blog…pls i need to talk to you.Kindly drop your email address.
Well done babe. I'm trying to have as much energy towards my blog. Hopefully that changes in 2016.
http://www.demuredenike.com
Wow, so much to learn from here. Thanks for sharing dear.
shanyitots.blogspot.com.ng
Great work! Took some tips i could use and yh chexk out Ekpo.com.ng cheers
Hey Cassie, You did an amazing job with your blog this year and next year will be bigger and better for you. I learnt a lot from this post I'm definitely going to try out on my blog.
myfashionmusings.com
Reading this anyone can tell how dedicated you are as a fashion blogger and hopefully you reach all your goals you set out. Wish you nothing but the best. Btw way first time commenting. God bless.
Reading this anyone can tell how dedicated you are as a fashion blogger and hopefully you reach all your goals you set out. Wish you nothing but the best. Btw way first time commenting. God bless.
I didn't set goals in 2015 and I'm sure that was the problem. Your numbers were giving you heartbreak? Mine broke my heart then shattered the little pieces to powder. No exaggeration! I have seen some growth and that has been motivating. You inspire me Cassie.
And what happened with your IG page?! I was in shock! One second you had 10k. Next thing, I blinked and it was 14k! I took your advice with my IG and I have seen improvement, thanks.
Oh, and I still haven't done the matching thing o. Thanks for the advice though.
Off to set more specific blog goals for MLB this year. Love & Light!
Mira La Belle blog