I cannot believe this year is almost over. If you're like me, you're busy setting goals and resolutions for 2019. But don't forget about your blog! Maybe you'd like to grow your traffic, monetize it, and maybe even spend less time blogging and more time with loved ones. I know that sometimes I have a hard time balancing it all, so hopefully this post will help with that.

This year I'm writing out goals. I know it can be hard with so much going on to focus on what you need to do for your blog. So, I'm hoping this will help.

Planner // Candle // Gold Glass Jar // Laptop Cover // Instax Camera // Pineapple // Desk

Every year I like to pick a word to help me focus on my goals and realize what's important. This year's word is very different from last year‘s:

RELAX

Now that it's my last year in Germany, I'm trying to balance running my blog, business, travel, family, friends, and life. I feel like I'm stretched SO thin. And the thing is, I love working. I seriously do. As Michael would say, I'd do it more if I had more time. But I also need to experience life. So I'm choosing to relinquish some control and get back to well, life. So I'm going to relax and let go a little and be okay with not doing everything.

Before we get started on how you can have an epic blog in 2017, I want you to write out your goals. What do you want your life to look like? And your blog too? Scribble them down on paper. But put it somewhere you can see. For me, I write mine down in my planner. This will help you meet those goals. Because you deserve it.

Here's how to have an epic blog in 2017

Traffic

We all want more traffic. When we have more views it means more people care about what we write, we get more followers, we have more interest, and we find out what works. It also means we can sell more stuff, if you're interested in that. But how do you grow your traffic?

First things first, you need to understand it- where is it coming from? What posts are popular? How long are people staying on your site? Or are they just bouncing off (aka a bounce rate is if they just stop and go because your blog didn't give 'em what they needed)? The BEST way to find all this out is Google Analytics. I've got a full tutorial for you right here.

Basically, using this tool will MASSIVELY help you figure out what's working on your blog.

Here's how to drive traffic to your blog right NOW.

Streamline

Streamlining can mean a lot of different things, but in terms of blogging, I mean automating your process. Creating tasks that make your life easier will help you in the long run.

For example, I use Hootsuite to schedule all of my tweets for my blog posts. It can take some time understanding the program or getting used to it, but in the end, I actually save time by using a scheduler. I break down how to schedule blog posts like a boss. But, there are many different tasks you can schedule or automate that will help you build and grow your blog. Such as:

Creating a newsletter or email list

Learn the best time to post on social media and then schedule it

Switch blogging platforms to make designing it MUCH easier (hint: WordPress)

Make sure your site is mobile friendly

Download some plugins and tools to make your blogging tasks a breeze

Look through my resource collection with TONS of free resources to help you reach your goals.

Posting

If you take away anything from this post, REMEMBER that quality over quantity when it comes to posting. I used to realistically think that in order to be a successful blogger I needed to post every day. The thing is, I love blogging. I wish I could blog every day. But I do not have the time every day to write brilliant posts. So now, I've scaled back. And honestly my blog is better because of it.

[bctt tweet=”You can do anything, but not everything. So to have a kick ass blog in 2019 give yourself realistic goals.” username=”heleneinbetween”]

I actually have more page views and a heck of a lot more followers because I'm posting less. But I am posting quality. Here's how to write great blog posts.

Although writing, editing, and publishing is a large chunk of blogging, we all know it doesn't stop there. In order to gain traffic, more viewers, and followers, we need to need to do a few things. First, make sure your posts are SUPER stupid easy to share. That's one of the best ways to get more eyes on your site. I highly recommend the SumoMe plugin (as I discuss here) and I recommend focusing on a few social media channels. I personally think Instagram is best for bloggers, so I spend most of my time on that channel. Here are my 8 top tips for growing your social media.

And you don't need to just focus on traditional social media. Check out other platforms to grow your traffic, like StumbleUpon or even Google Plus.

Invest in yourself

I have said this 1,000 times on this blog and I will say it a million more. I didn't even know that I could blog full time, until I invested in myself. Here are some of the things I spent money on for my blog (I will write more on this for 2016!). Not only did spending money help me save time and help me learn, it truly helped me to see my worth. Oh, and I made back every cent I spent and then some.

Here are my tips for “investing” in yourself or your blog. Write down some things you're currently frustrated with. Get some free information first and see how that will help you.

Review

Review what worked and what didn't. See what tasks you hate doing or ones that you love. Find out what works for your blog and capitalize on that. You might like to read: 8 of the Best Things I did This Year to Grow my Blog and Business.

Speaking of reviewing…

On January 3rd I'm hosting a fun link up to recap your year! This can be a specific post or just a general recap post. I intend to recap my favorite posts, trips, life events, and just happenings in 2018. I'd love it if you'd join. Mark your calendar to join in on the fun on January 3rd for the link up. I'll post the link up on my blog at 7am central time!