On November 2, 2020, I was filled with excitement as I moved my computer mouse to make my blog go from “Private” to “Public.” I was so excited to see how many people would drop by my little corner of the Internet to look at the creations and read the thoughts of this imaginative, artistic, introverted, and relatively unknown black woman. Fast forward, 365 days later, I’ve made so much progress, yet I still have so much further to go. I am super excited to share with you my blogging tips, lessons I’ve learned, and reflections from my first year as a full-time craft and DIY blogger.
My Most Recent YouTube Video
The Purpose of DeAnn Creates
I started this blog to share all of the creative ideas that were floating around in my head. I love creating beautiful things, moments, and celebrations. If you are reading this article, then I am sure that we have that in common. My brain is always moving to try to come up with something more creative than my last project. DeAnn Creates is a space for all creative people regardless of race or gender. Also, as a black woman, I love to help shine a spotlight on other women, black people, and people of color in creative and entrepreneurial spaces.
Accomplishments From the Past Year
- From November 2, 2020- to November 1, 2021, I had over 2,800 viewers check out my website. That’s a decent start, but it’s going to get even better by the next blogiversary.
- I have written over 25 posts. Next year, I am going to try to double that.
- I have over 1100 monthly viewers, which is a decent start.
- My most popular post (“How To Turn Your Procreate Drawings into Cricut SVG Files“) was written just a few months ago, and it already has 650 views.
Advice and Blogging Tips for New Bloggers
Learn and understand SEO.
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. To fully understand SEO, you should do a lot of research and immerse yourself in it. This is probably the most important blogging tip of all. SEO is so important to building a website that gets a lot of views. It is a waste of time to write articles no one cares about or Google searching. Currently, I am trying to find a balance between SEO-friendly articles and passion projects. I have to do things that I am excited about sometimes so I don’t l lose my motivation.
Let Pinterest be your blog’s best friend.
Pinterest is an excellent resource for bloggers. Until you can build up your Domain Authority on Google, Pinterest is a fantastic way to get a lot of eyes on your site quickly. One thing I am working to improve on is taking better pictures and making professional pins. I think I’ve done a great job so far, but there’s always room for improvement. So follow me on Pinterest and let me know what you think!
Surround yourself with people who believe in you and will uplift you.
This is probably the MOST IMPORTANT piece of advice. Starting a blog was entirely out of my comfort zone and probably one of the most significant risks I have taken in a while. But, I am so lucky to have a supportive husband who never flinched when I told him what my plans were. Instead, he believes in me, which keeps me going even when I am tired because I have to win for myself, him, and my son. Also, shout out to my mom, who is sure to be one of the first people to watch every one of my YouTube videos.
Some were confused about my life changes, but if it’s one thing this pandemic has taught me is that life is short. So if there is something else you want to do, plan, build your savings, and take the leap because life goes by so quickly. Other people’s unhappiness with my decisions is not my concern. I am enjoying where I am in my life and what I’m doing, and I feel like I am on the verge of something amazing!
Don’t share all of your business with people that have negative energy.
This is related to my last piece of advice. Doing something outside of the norm of a traditional 9-5 is already scary enough. Don’t give people a chance to put their negative energy on you. You don’t need any doubt in your head while you are making a huge transition.
Plan out your content.
If you are on several different platforms like I am, planning ahead is key. Schedule things to go up on your platforms in advance so that you can stay ahead. This is an area I could use improvement in myself. I am the kind of person that is heavily driven by inspiration so if you are like that, try working twice as hard when you are inspired so that when you aren’t feeling it, your productivity doesn’t suffer.
Don’t procrastinate.
I have everything written down in my bullet journal. If I know I have a post or video coming up, I try to work on it early so I don’t feel stressed trying to meet deadlines.
Take lots of pictures.
If you are out and you see a photographic moment that fits the aesthetic of your blog, take a picture of it even if you don’t need it right away. Eventually, something will come up where you can use it, and you will already have the photo you need without using stock photos. I am working on following this advice as we speak.
Plans for the Future
What are my plans for the future? More content! I plan to create more great content for people to read and to be more consistent with writing and publishing posts.
I would love to build up my Mailing List. On that note, if you haven’t subscribed, please do so you never miss another post from me.
I stated earlier in this post that I have reached 1100 monthly views. My goal for next year is to hit 10K views. I would love to achieve and surpass that goal.
Also, I want to build up my other social media platforms, Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube. I just signed up for an Instagram account last week, so it’s not much over there yet. (Don’t judge me! LOL) My plan is to build that up as well.
Don't Be a Stranger...
This past year has been crazy, but I definitely would retake this leap if I had to. I have learned so much, and I feel free. I was happy at my previous job, but there is unexplainable weightlessness in working for yourself. YOU are very much appreciated for being a part of this journey with me. I hope my blogging tips, lessons, and reflections help you in whatever endeavors you pursue.
Feel free to keep perusing my site. There are so many great crafts and posts that you will enjoy!
Thanks so much for hanging out with me, and keep coming back because…
You never know what I'll be creating building planning writing imagining DIY'ing crafting painting next!
Congrats on your 1st year! Love this post. Good tips for bloggers working in the craft/creative space.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the support!