Pet Blogger Challenge 2017
Pet Blogger Challenge 2017
My how time flies, this will be my 6th year participating in The Pet Blogger Challenge. That’s just crazy to think I’ve been blogging that long. I had to go back and read my first pet blogger challenge post, interesting how things change.
Anyway, on to the questions for this year.
When did you start your blog and, for anyone who is just seeing it for first time, please provide a description of your site. Would you say your blog focuses more on sharing stories with your readers, or providing a resource for your audience?
I started the blog on January 22nd, 2011 as Roxy the Traveling Dog. It’s always been about sharing stories, but I have certainly shared some important stuff along the way too. The blog has evolved into a travel, photography, fun stuff, dog, art kind of a place now. Wow, maybe I need to pick a niche. Lol.
What was your proudest blogging moment of 2017?
It’s an accumulation of moments really. I have written a lot of passionate, story filled posts on the wild horses. That combined with the photos I took has really brought the wild horses into peoples lives. I have had several people tell me that they learned so much, and became very invested in the lives of the horses. Some people have even told me they didn’t really like horses, until I brought them into their world. For me, the more people who are aware of the wild horses, and the uncertain future they have, the better.
Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why?
This year I did something I’ve never done before, and that was a series of posts for a whole week. My Wild Horse Week didn’t get the traffic I had hoped, but it was a labor of love just the same. The first post that week, Wild Horse Week-Friends and Family bands, was all about the strong family bonds the horses have. Of course, photos of cute little foals are always a winner.
Year after year, one goal that we all seem to share is that we want to reach more people. What one tool did you use or action did you take this year that had the most impact on increasing traffic to your blog?
We all have a love hate relationship with facebook, but it’s still a big referrer to my blog. So, I spend time there posting photos and links to new blog posts. Lately I have been focusing on Instagram, and have actually had people click to the blog from there.
Which of your blog posts got the most traffic this year?
By far the most popular post this year is my Healthy InstantPot Dog Food recipe. People are certainly interested in making their own dog food, and the InstantPot has made it easier for a lot of us.
What blog do you find most inspirational and how has it influenced your blog?
This is a hard one. There are so many blogs I love, and I draw inspiration from all of them at different times. My goal this past year has been to improve as a photographer, to learn as much as my little brain can hold. My friend Mike Jackson, who lives in Jackson Hole, writes a blog with beautiful photography, and tips and tricks for Photoshop. I learn from him every summer when we take photos together, but I also learn a lot from his blog throughout the year. The Best of the Tetons, is a great place to find inspiration, and great photos of a place I love.
What is one thing your readers don’t know about you or your pets that would surprise them?
Hmmmm, I think you guys probably know all there is to know.
What is something you’ve learned this year that could help other bloggers?
To chill. When I started the blog I was so focused on numbers, posting on a schedule, doing everything “they” tell you to do. I have certainly become more laid back over the years, in my life and my blogging. Now, if I have something to say, I will write a blog post. If not…meh. It’s not a big deal, the world won’t cave in. I do enjoy sharing photos and stories, I enjoy it a lot actually. But I can’t force it, it has to be real, and it has to be worth sharing.
What would you like to accomplish on your blog in 2017?
To continue to bring fun, and beautiful photography to my followers. To share our life, adventures, and the fun the 4 of us have together. Also, I’ve always wanted the blog to be a springboard for the art that Al creates, and now the art I create too. So if I accomplish all these things, I’ll be thrilled.
Now it’s your turn! You have the attention of the pet blogging community – is there a question you’d like answered, or an aspect of your blog that you’d like input on?
I just want to know people like it here. Is there anything that needs changing, would you like to see more, or less of anything in particular?
Ok guys, your turn. Click the badge below to join The Pet Blogger Challenge hosted by Go Pet Friendly.
Good morning, Mary and Roxy! Oh, and say hello to Torrey too!
This January marks 9 (or is it ten?) years since I first pushed that “publish” button. Much has changed, especially me. But one thing stays constant, and that is that we must express ourselves. Developing our tools of communication whether it’s writing or photography or both has been an exciting adventure, and learning at least ONE NEW THING every day has been the biggest eye-opening lesson for me, all thanks to blogging. It’s been YOU all, whose paths I have crossed who have taught me how invigorating it is to chase one’s passions.
My favorite of your series is the horse series. Your intimate captures of their gentle, powerful and structured communities brings joy to my heart. Keep going Mary, you inspire!
It is true how much we all learn from each other. And it’s so fun to meet new people along the way.
We have learned to chill too. While we do post M-F, we don’t stress over what to post as something always seems to pop up. Your photography has grown so much, it has been really fun to follow and the horses are magnificent! Thanks for posting this as we didn’t see this and had forgotten about the challenge. Now we can join in…something to post always pops up!
I’m glad I reminded you, and yes, being more chill is way more fun.
I wouldn’t change a thing. I always enjoy your take on life around you and how you share it. Thanks for the link to Mike Jackson.
Awwwwww, thanks. Yes, check out Mikes blog, always beautiful.
Love that last pic of Roxy and the one of Torrey!! I enjoy all the aspects of your blog, I love not knowing what to expect next while knowing you’ll take me somewhere I’ve never been before. I wouldn’t change anything. Also, I so appreciate that your blog is really about your photography and discoveries rather than being loaded down with promotionals for freebie items received. I’ve stopped following a lot of blogs that have turned into marketing resources when they used to be about their pets, their lives, etc. I don’t mind the occasional promo post, but I get turned off when there are more promos than “real” posts. Your blog is one that I consider “pure” – and purely enjoyable! I’m so surprised that your horse week had less traffic, it was fabulous and one of my favorites. Keep on keeping on!! ;)
Thanks so much! I like to keep it real, and I totally agree on the excessive commercial stuff. I stopped following some blogs too, and I was falling into that trap I had to stop and regroup. And I will for sure, Keep on Keeping on!
I’ll have to go back and look at the horse series! I grew up visiting the wild horses on Cumberland Island and have always loved seeing wild horses. Your advice is fantastic–that’s sort of always been my approach and sometimes I see everyone else not chilling and feel like I’m doing something wrong, so it’s great to hear someone else say that’s ok.
I hope you liked the wild horse series, it was a fun project. And yes, everyone needs to just chill I think. Makes for happier people.
Thanks so much for participating in the Challenge again this year, Mary – it’s crazy how the time has flown by! You should be very proud of your wild horse series. You’re changing the way people see them, making people aware of the issues, and hopefully building support for these beautiful animals in a precarious position. You’re making people care … and that’s HUGE! I love that you’ve grown into a more “chill” blogger. Posting for yourself, when you have something you want to share, is the goal we should all be working toward. Here’s to a fantastic 2017!
I love what you had to say about your favorite post being a labor of love, despite it not getting as much traffic as you hoped. I think those types of posts are what keeps us motivated.
I can’t think of one thing I would change about your blog. Your images and stories are amazing and it gives those of us that wish we could travel and explore your area of the country a beautiful escape…and motivation to travel more, lol.
Also, I so excited about checking out your Instant Pot recipe! I just got one for Christmas and have only made hard boiled eggs so far. Have a fantastic 2017!
I think you have to look at your blog as a labor of love, mostly anyway. I have to like what I’m doing or it’s not worth it. And how fun to get an InstantPot. I do like mine. Veggies cooked in it are out of this world. And cake, and cheesecake, and ribs, and lots of stuff.
Niches can be nice for traffic, I suppose, but I love the variety on your blog. I never know if I’ll see beautiful nature, your adorable dogs, some of your and Al’s artwork…or learn something important like the plight of those wild horses.
I do echo what Taryn and Jodi said…I would love some photography tips too.
And thanks for reminding me about the Instant Pot! I had ordered one after your post but I never got it and then forgot about ordering another one.
Thanks so much, that is a fun way to look at the blog. It’s all a surprise for the readers. I like that! And I am going to be throwing some photo tips out there. I’ve actually thought about it before, but pushed it to the back of my mind.
I agree with you so much – blog because you love it, and not to reach big traffic numbers or whatever.
I love your photography more than you can imagine. I’d love if you shared how you created a few of your images (e.g., I am always wondering what lens you use for wildlife) and what you did in photoshop to enhance an image.
I also love reading about your dogs. :)
Thanks so much. Your photography is so beautiful, but it’s always fun to learn from other photographers. You may know a simple trick I would like, and vice versa. I’m going to be putting more photo tips out there, seems like people are interested in that.
I love the advice to “chill.” That’s something I still have to remind myself about but not as often today. I got a pressure cooker for Christmas and have been having a BLAST making food for the dogs. They still eat mostly raw, but a warm meal is always welcome.
It’s amazing that home cooking is getting so much traffic for you. YAAYYYYYY
I just went back there and had a look at your Wild Horse series… WOW! Amazing! I hope I have the opportunity to photograph them myself some day. I’ve always been pretty chill about posting on my blog. My blog, my rules!
Happy 2017. :)
Thanks. the wild horses are amazing to photograph and hang out with. And yes, my blog, my rules.
First of all, I love your blog just the way it is! I don’t always have time to leave a comment – and sometimes it takes me a week or more to read all the posts I want to – but yours is one of my favorites.
I didn’t have the time and/or energy to write my own challenge post this year – hope Amy will forgive me – but I’ve enjoyed reading everyone else’s posts.
Awwww, thanks for that. And I’m sure Amy will forgive and look forward to next year.
I love all of your photos but especially the ones including any type of animal!