The Big 1000

WOW...

I seriously can't believe I hit 1000 followers this week! Since I failed to take a picture at exactly the 1000 point, this is as close as I got: 

haha, close enough right?

I really am so thankful for all of my followers. I have read a lot of posts about how it's not about the numbers and while I think on a certain level that is true, you should be blogging because you enjoy it, I also think it's entirely about the numbers. I have a passion for blogging and recently letting people know whats on my heart about being a wife and dealing with infertility and just some personally issues that I think other women really connect too. But if I didn't have the followers then how would I be able to get the word out? Maybe there is someone out there who needs to hear that she is not alone in her battle with infertility and if she misses out on hearing that because I didn't get the word out... That would be a HUGE bummer on my part.

I blog on the world wide web not JUST for myself... If I wanted that, I would have made my blog private. But because I chose to make it public means I want the followers, I want the READERS, the commenters, the friends, the community that comes with blogging. I WANT THAT on my blog! And if that means I "promote" my blog a little more than some people like... then uh... sorry? haha. 

A lot of you know that when I first started blogging back in 2011, I didn't tell anyone until February 2012. Not even my family, I had zero followers for a year. When I finally decided to tell everyone I started really promoting my blog and getting involved in the blogging community and I absolutely fell in LOVE with it!! Lately I have gotten a TON of emails on how I grew my blog so fast and so I felt like maybe I should write a few tips on the promoting side of how to grow your blog. 

Tips on Promoting Your Blog:

1. Create a budget and start purchasing ads on other blogs. I know a lot of people are nervous about doing this, but it truly does pay off in the end. Once you make it past a certain amount of followers, other bloggers will start advertising on your blog and you can rotate the money meaning less out of your pocket. Make sure to stay on budget, because it can get out of hand fast. There are so many amazing blogs out there sometimes its hard to choose and we want to advertise on all of them. Look for big ads that have features and giveaways included in the price. If you can't afford a big ad, not a problem, buy a smaller one but make sure it at least has an optional feature and/or giveaway with it! You will get more bang for your buck!
2. Group Giveaways are an amazing way to get people over to your blog so if anyone is ever asking for volunteers to participate and its in your budget jump on the chance!
3. Link ups are a HUGE part of the blogging world and they are EVERYWHERE. It's a great way to meet new people and gain some new followers. I suggest to just go around and link up wherever you can. Also ask to cohost, cohosting is a great way to get new followers.
4. Twitter. Bloggers are insane tweeters, haha. Seriously, I never used twitter until I started blogging. It is a great way to communicate with other bloggers and make some new friends!

Blogging takes a LOT of time, energy and even some money, but thats only if you want to grow your followers. If you are ok where you're at then more power to ya! We all blog differently, there is no right or wrong way, that's whats so great about blogging, we can all just be ourselves!! I am tired of all the negative "constructive criticism" out there, let's all stay positive and understand that we are all different, thats what makes it fun, don't ya think?

One last announcement: I would like to introduce you all to my new assistant Kendall from Songsbirds and Buttons. You might get an email or two from her because she will be helping me with sponsors, organization, giveaways, and so much more. This will give me more time to work on my posts and more time to really connect with all of you! Go stop by her blog and say hi, don't forget to let her know I sent you ;)

PS- If you leave a comment on this blog post with your blog URL, I will follow you! Make sure to put ONE way you would like me to follow- via GFC, Bloglovin, HelloCotton, etc.

I appreciate you ALL! Thanks for celebrating 1000 with me!

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