My Blogs Evolution – 2006-2024

If you’ve been around lately, you might notice a fresh look on my blog. After nearly two decades of pouring words onto these digital pages, it was time for a makeover. The last time I wrote about the changes was way back in 2009, yet that didn’t say much!

This time I am saying a lot more about it.

As I combed through the archives, I found I have written nearly two thousand articles, yet many had outdated content, busted links, and, let’s be honest, a few cringe-worthy posts. I started at the beginning and hit the delete button on hundreds of them! It was a bit of a trip down memory lane, revisiting my early days as a blogger and tracing the evolution of my career. Here’s the lowdown:

How I’ve Evolved

Looking back, the initial posts weren’t all bad. It took about two and a half years to find my groove, a journey many bloggers can relate to. While I always leaned into practical and human-centered marketing, the quality of my writing took a noticeable upswing after those early years. After all, my blog was a canvas for my thoughts, memories, life lessons, and whatever else piqued my interest.

The biggest shift? I used to pen some wild stuff, but I’ve dialed it back. Maybe it’s the global audience, prompting me to aim for thoughtfulness and relationship-focused content. There’s still humor, but it’s toned down and more in tune with the times.

Engagement Shift

Engagement in the form of comments has slowed down a bit lately, but I still receive plenty of likes, which is encouraging. WordPress remains my platform of choice because it’s incredibly versatile, ensuring a seamless experience across all devices, including mobile phones and tablets.

While I’m always open to meaningful discussions and interactions, I do steer clear of spammy or irrelevant comments. Quality engagement is what makes this blogging journey worthwhile, and I appreciate genuine contributions from readers who share similar interests or perspectives.

The Good Old Days of Rapid Growth

Surprisingly, some of my posts gained traction within three months back in the day. It’s tougher now; the online space is more cutthroat. Yet, I love writing, relish researching my facts, and frankly, seeing my thoughts out in the world gives me a buzz. Whether anyone’s reading or not, it’s a bit like effervescent therapy for my soul.

The Big Decision

My blog’s audience grew steadily over the years, and there’s been a recent resurgence since I resumed writing in 2023. I took a gamble early on, writing for readers rather than just clicks. Risky, as it involved baring a lot about myself, but the payoff in connecting with readers has made it worthwhile.

Affiliate Advertising Simplified

Trying out Amazon affiliate ads on my blog seemed like a good idea at first. After all, who wouldn’t want to earn a bit extra for their online efforts? However, I soon ran into an issue with their policy of deleting accounts that don’t generate sales within three months. It felt like a harsh penalty for something that’s often beyond one’s control, so I decided to remove all Amazon ads from my site. Now, I exclusively promote my own merchandise from Redbubble. It’s a more straightforward approach that aligns better with my goals.

In a Nutshell

Blogging has become a passion of mine, not just for the occasional revenue stream but mainly because it’s a platform where I can unleash my thoughts and ideas, my life learning and worldly experiences, my skills and abilities, plus have a chat with myself.

While some readers have drifted away over time, I appreciate those who still engage and share their thoughts. Your continued support means a lot to me.

I look forward to continuing to share ideas, stories, and merchandise creations with you as the blog evolves in five years when I am 60yo!!