My 6 Year Blogiversary Thoughts and Giveaway

This month marks my 6th year as a blogger.

Six years!

That seems like an eternity in blogging yet it still feels fresh and fun and I continue to learn each and every day. (I still have SO much to learn!)

I know blogging means something different to everyone. Each person has their own reasons for getting into the world of blogging - and for sticking with it.

For me, it's pretty simple. Blogging lets me share whatever might be on my mind or going on in my life at the moment. I can talk, vent, laugh, cry, or ask for feedback on a variety of topics. Maybe I'm having a parenting issue with my teens or want to get your opinion on what color to paint my living room. Maybe I want to show you some cool new product I found or dish about the latest chick flick I saw or some great book that I read.

While I'm doing all this talking and sharing, I'm getting the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of people that I might not otherwise have had the chance to "meet" - that's a pretty cool thing!

When it comes to blogging, I have pretty much always just winged it. I'm not a technical person, at all, so that aspect of blogging has always been a challenge. I don't plan elaborate calendars, set big goals, or schedule my posts weeks in advance. That's okay. I don't have huge followings or make a lot of money from my blog. That's okay, too. I just write what's in my head or my heart, sharing some cool sponsored posts along the way, and hope that I can make some real connections with my readers.

As far as the future of my blog, here are a few things I'm thinking about...

1) Making the switch to Wordpress - Everybody that's anybody says you have to be self-hosted on Wordpress, that Blogger blogs just don't cut it ( but I love my easy, comfy space on Blogger). I really want to make this move, but it scares me to pieces to even think about. I am pretty clueless when it comes to the technical part of blogging so I'm sure this would be a difficult change. When I hear the words "plugins" and "domains" it freaks me out!  If I did make the change, I would need a very patient helper to take care of it for me, holding my hand through the entire process. But, as I look at using my blog as more of a way to earn money, I know it is something I will do eventually.

2) Should I change my blog name? - Alas 3 Lads, was something I came up with that represented my kids (I have one girl - a Lass - and 3 boys - 3 Lads). It seemed clever at the time, but sometimes it feels clunky when I say it. People don't immediately understand it. I sometimes wish I could come up with something else that flows a little better. But, the process of re-branding seems very daunting and I just don't know.

3) Attending a Blog Conference - This is something that is high on my bucket list. I've met some really great people through my blog. It would be nice to get to meet in real life. And, I'm sure I would learn a ton. But, I'm pretty shy and a little co-dependent. I would have to work up some big-time bravery to take off and go to a blog conference on my own. I need a blogging buddy to adopt me and mentor me through my first time;)

4) My stats - This is another area where I feel really challenged. I just do not fully understand how to use and interpret Google Analytics. I really need to look around for a tutorial or something to help me utilize this in a better way.

If you're still reading, thanks for sticking around. I would love to hear any words of wisdom you have when it comes to the things I mentioned above. Also, if you are a regular reader of my blog, I want to say THANK YOU. I really do appreciate each and every single visit and comment.

BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

And, now as a small token of celebration and thanks, I have a $25 VISA Gift Card for giveaway. 

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older. Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below. a Rafflecopter giveaway







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