My journey as a blogger started as somebody who just wanted to share her thoughts. I loved writing in my personal diaries about my daily thoughts and happenings. When I started my journey as a blogger, I had no idea of SEO, blogger reach, Alexa, Moz rank or even social media promotions.
In last 1 year nine months, since the time I started my own blog, it was all trial and error. I learnt a lot along the way by just trying out different things and some things worked some didn’t. But I just loved experimenting and trying out different things.
As I always mention, one thing which helped me throughout was support of other bloggers. And the one common link which connected us all was Blogchatter community which helped me learn a lot about blogging.
I participated in many campaigns with them and one of the most exciting campaigns was last year’s #AtoZchallenge. I had no idea what it was until I came to know about it last year from friends and blogchatter. Writing a post every day except Sundays sounded little farfetched.
26 posts in a month, really? Exactly this was my reaction. But I am glad and proud of myself that I not only took this challenge but also finished it successfully. It was a completely different experience and the best part is that this challenge made me an author too. I chose ‘parenting’ as the theme for #AtoZchallenge last year as it is what represents my blog.
My last years Ebook cover
Here you can see all my posts from last year.
I am still confused about my theme this year and have not started writing a single post but this was an experience which I don’t want to miss. Was it worth it? Yes. Would I do it again? You bet! It is actually like a marathon where you meet other bloggers along the way who cheer you throughout. I know it’s easier said than done but in the end, it’s all worth it.
This year also I have high hopes and aspirations not only for this challenge but for myself too. I hope I will be able to not only do it but ace it happily. What are you thinking? Have you signed up yet?
Here are some tips for first timers from my experience-
- Select a theme as its always easier if you have a theme planned.
- Plan beforehand to avoid any last time rush.
- Keep some posts ready at least before the challenge starts.
- Visit, read and comment on other blogs.
- Most of all, enjoy the experience.
Do it soon to experience the biggest challenge of the blogging world. See you soon! Here’s hoping you will join me soon. Chao!
Read my reflections on last years challenge here.
March 4, 2018 at 1:35 am
Yay ..m excited too once again deepa
March 4, 2018 at 9:16 am
That’s great, Deepa! I too am participating in the Challenge. I haven’t done such a post on my blog, yet. Will do it next week.
Wish you the very best for A to Z!
March 4, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Fell in love with the last and the most important tip…enjoy the experience! Joy is always found along and not only at the end.
All the best Deepa. Wish to see another book from you soon!!
March 4, 2018 at 5:27 pm
This post resonates with me so much. The AtoZChallenge was a revelation fo rme too. I learned most of what I know abotu blogging while doing the challenge. Befor eit was just write what it’s on my mind. But the challenge taught me to look for a topic, research it, write a post that people actually wanted to read. And above all it taught me about community, the awesome blogging community. Because blogging isn’t just writing, but it’s readinga, commenting, connecting too.
Let’s do this once more!!!!!
March 4, 2018 at 9:25 pm
Glad this post resonated with you. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
March 5, 2018 at 2:07 am
Awesome can’t wait to write alongside and when I need some motivation I know who to call. all the best Deepa 🙂
March 5, 2018 at 11:18 am
Hey Shweta! Anytime! Good to see you back in action. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
March 7, 2018 at 9:32 am
I am nervously excited deepa, for #AtoZ challenge, it would be my first participation and I also need to do lots of pre-planning for the same. you had given some great tips and surely it will help a lot to newbies. thanks!