It’s been seven years since I hit the publish button on my first blog post after losing my cat Dusty to cancer. Now in 2023, I can say this blogging journey has been surreal. Some highs and lows and everything in between. And in this post, I’ll share my blogging confessions and the four lessons I’ve learned in my blogging journey.
Blogging Confessions – Lessons Learned
1) Having a solid “why” has stood the test of time.
When I started blogging and doing my research about a niche to look into, I kept hearing the same thing over and over.
“Know your why!”
“Understand why you are getting into blogging. If it’s for the money, you’ll never last.”
I found this to be true. My passion for pets and helping others from my painful experience is something I knew people could relate to year after year.
My content is similar to the funeral home business. No one likes to talk about it, but one day everyone is going to need this service one way or another. Whether it’s for yourself or a friend, everyone knows someone who has lost a beloved pet and needs some comfort.
That was always my number one goal with this blog, and seven years later, I’m still here.
2) Growing with the times is a sign of evolution and change
Another big aspect of blogging this long is understanding society changes.
I feel like after years of blogging, interest in video content continues to rise. Many people have shortened attention spans or just limited on time in their daily life and choose to consume content in a different manner.
As a blogger and creative person, this has taught me to learn to adapt and change with the times. Along the way, I’ve had to teach myself new skills like creating video content, basic video editing, and creating thumbnails on YouTube so it all resonates with pet parents.
If you haven’t checked out my YouTube channel, you can view a few of my videos below.
3) Blogging forced me to explore multiple income streams.
Friends, I have another blogging confession.
I don’t make much money from my blog like some other bloggers do. Due to my blogging niche, I consider myself very fortunate that during the first years of blogging, the small income I did make could pay for my maintenance and hosting expenses, so nothing was lost.
Then the pandemic happened and oh my goodness! Everyone’s life changed forever. We all had to learn a new way of life and think outside the box for alternate ways to make income.
I’ve learned over the past three years to diversify my income streams and think outside the box. Outside of freelancing writing, using my artistic side to create a Redbubble shop and Etsy shop has helped me realize I have talents beyond writing that can be profitable. And I’m still learning more every day.
In retrospect, it’s truly amazing, I’ve been able to make ANY income with a blog that focuses mostly on the death of pets as it’s not a popular or profitable trending subject but one that’s needed to heal the hearts of pet parents.
4) Artificial Intelligence is here – Everything has a reason and a season.
As I’ve learned these main lessons over the course of the past seven years, I’ve come to realize everything has a reason and a season. With the trending talk of Chat GPT and impending artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, I wonder if people will still yearn to read blog content.
Hence, this is part of the reason why I have tried to focus on video content in the last several months. The declining views on this blog and increased views on my video content let me know interest in my written blog content may be a season that’s coming to an end.
And that’s a new reality I’m ready to embrace…I think.
Final thoughts – Is this the end?
Creating and maintaining a blog for the past seven years has been quite the journey. Knowing my thoughts, feelings, and content helped to inspire and comfort the lives of other pet parents, brings me joy, and is one of my greatest accomplishments. Bringing comfort and healing to people in pain with my written word makes me proud and a legacy I’m happy to leave behind.
Finally, I want to say a big “Thank you” to all who have followed me on this journey thus far. I appreciate your support throughout this chapter of my life and look forward to the next chapter to come.
With that said, be sure to subscribe and follow my video content for free on the Impurrfectlife YouTube channel.
Are you a blogger too? Did any of these lessons resonate with you? Share your thoughts!
Remember to please share and pin this post!
Until next time, Ciao!
12 Comments
Cat and Dog Chat With Caren
Before Cody and Dakota passed in 2020 I had hit the 11 year mark on blogging and was EXTREMELY burned out. I blogged a minimum of 3 days a week in those days (often times much more). Then I took a lot of time off when the boys passed and started up again. I still blog sporadically which works for me. I was lucky for a number of years to make decent money with a brand ambassadorship, those are fairly nonexistent now because the pet companies mostly moved AWAY from blogs. Now I simply blog just when the mood hits and I am happier for it!
I’m sure whatever you choose to do you will be successful! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog but one key thing to remember…….”never say never!”
Admin
Caren, xoxo
I love your point of view and feedback. Much appreciated. Yes, never say never is good advice! We’ll see…Thanks for your support all these years!
Terri
Oh my! You hit some very valid points I think I’ve been overlooking. I probably do need to consider video and youtube as folks are going more in that direction. I haven’t ventured into Chatgpt yet simply because it seems like cheating. I think if you use it for inspiration, it could be useful. You’ve definitely given me a lot to think about. I’ll be pondering this for days. I really appreciate your insights. Thanks, Kamira!
Admin
Terri,
You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed this post and it gave you some things to think about! And yes, things are definitely changing.
Marjorie Dawson
Video has been a growing trend for at least the past couple of years and it is worth considering by any of us in the bogging ‘trade’. I love making videos but in the photography line there are so many loud voices I will have to find my niche.
your blog is a loving touchstne fr anyone grieving for a pet and you must have been an immense help to so many. Thank you.
Admin
Marjorie,
Thank you for your kind words. And yes! Video continues to grow and shows no sign of slowing down.
Cathy Armato
Wow, this is a surprise and really profound. I’ll be sorry not to see new content on your blog going forward, but you’ve created a wonderful source of comfort and information for people that will definitely stand the test of time. I’m glad you’ll still be focusing on YouTube, I have seen the enormous growth there too, and I look forward to “seeing” you there! I’ve said this many times but I’ll say it again – you write beautifully and from the heart, and friend you are an Amazing artist!! Your artistry is such a natural born talent!
Admin
Cathy,
Thank you so much friend! I appreciate you and your feedback so much. I’ll be seeing you in YouTube land! xoxo
Ruth Epstein
Greta post and eye opener as I have been questioning myself lately and trying to find answers thanks so much for helping me look at things in a new way
Admin
Thank you!
Dorothy "FiveSibesMom"
Wow! Stepping away from blogging is indeed a big step, as is moving on to other means of getting your content out. I had thought that after I lost the last of my FiveSibes, that I, too, would move on from blogging. As a career photojournalist, I did blogging because I simply wanted to share stories and photos and videos of my five Siberian Huskies… to share their joy with other dog-loving folks. I surprised myself in that I have kept it going, along with the companion Facebook page. It’s amazing to me that there is still interest. I have over the years included not just stories about them, but have shared info on the breed, Canine Epilepsy (which one of mine had), and news and reviews of many things canine-related. At first, I was just blogging once a week for our #FlashbackFridays where I share a pic of my beloved Huskies once a week. That helped me heal from grief and still honor them…and then I started writing here and there on the blog again, and that’s where I’m happy. Writing when I have something to share with others. I have done a few videos (with them), but to be honest, I am not comfortable behind a camera! Now if they were still here, maybe! I love that you expanded into video! It’s sad to think that people are getting away from reading, but they are. We have to capture their attention with in a mere few seconds, or they won’t read on. And the thought that AI may one day take over …leaving us to question what or who we are truly viewing…leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But that, too, is coming. Which brings me to your videos – at least we see a human and can learn things “faster.” Kamira, I so admire your taking the leap! I wish you all the very best…and I already follow your channel and will continue to share your wonderful content!
Admin
Dorothy,
Thanks so much for your kind words, insightful feedback and personal testimony! You made so many great points, especially about sharing your journey for the joy of sharing and educating plus the realities of the pros/cons of moving toward a world where AI will be a bigger part of our lives. I appreciate you and thanks again! I’ll be seeing you in YouTube land. And also know what you mean about being camera shy. I like to mix things up so the video content will be a mix of me in front and behind the scenes. 🙂 Thanks for your support always!