Pet Blogger Challenge

Today’s post is different than what I would normally write about here on That Mutt. It’s about blogging.

I am participating in the Pet Blogger Challenge hosted by Go Pet Friendly. This is a way for us pet bloggers to connect, help each other out and support one another.

I’ve been blogging on That Mutt since 2008, and I am participating in this challenge/”blog hop” because I hope I can offer advice to newer blogs.

If you have a blog and have any questions, leave them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer.

I also recommend you check out some of the other bloggers participating in this challenge. Their links should all appear at the end of this post. This is a “blog hop.”

Pet Blogger Challenge 2018 – Ten Questions

1. For those who may be visiting your blog for the first time, how long have you been blogging and what is your main topic?

I started That Mutt in early 2008. My topics have always focused on dog training and dog behavior.

I also write about exercising dogs, nutrition/raw dog food and dog products.

2. What was your proudest blogging moment of 2017?

My proudest moment was probably around late January when I saw that my Patreon page was getting some traction.

Patreon is a platform that allows a creator’s audience to support them monthly for amounts like $1/mo, $5/mo, etc., in exchange for various “rewards.”

I’ve enjoyed having a closer relationship with my biggest “fans.” Patreon is a work in progress for me, but I’m trying to offer new perks to my community there.

3. Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why?

My favorite blog post was Dog training advice I’m glad I ignored. It’s about training my weimaraner puppy Remy and how he challenges me!

I always try to be open to all types of dog training ideas. We all raise dogs in different ways and through this post I was trying to say that you have to train the dog in front of you in the best way you know how.

Don’t listen to what anyone else tells you, including me.

4. In terms of your blog, how do you measure success?

I care very much about numbers: pageviews, email subscribers, income.

But true success for me is knowing I’m a great writer and dog trainer and being recognized for that. I want to make sure I’m making a difference for people and dogs through my writing.

5. In what ways has your blog changed during 2017?

I brought on two writers. They each contribute about two articles a month, and I’ve really enjoyed working with them! Thank you Julia and Barbara!

I like that we’re able to publish more frequent blog posts through multiple writers.

Also, at the end of 2017 I switched my ad management from Google Adsense to Mediavine. I can’t recommend this enough! Thank you to Colby from the blog Puppy In Training for this advice.

6. What was the biggest blogging challenge you overcame in 2017, and what did you learn that could help other bloggers?

Nothing stands out as a greatest challenge. Thankfully I didn’t face any major technical issues!

An ongoing challenge for me is prioritizing writing vs. getting stuck in the endless cycle of checking email, posting on social, obsessing over numbers, etc.

I try to write early in the day and focus on “busywork” or other people’s “problems” later. It’s an ongoing challenge.

7. When things get hard, what keeps you blogging?

I tend to get overwhelmed and stressed easily. About once a month, I make sure to list out everything that’s weighing on me blogging-wise and then I prioritize what’s really important.

For me, it usually means focusing on great content and producing a high-quality newsletter. The smaller “projects” can usually wait.

Setting clear goals is important for me and sticking to a strict morning routine. I like to write/focus early in the morning.

8. In 2018, what are you hoping to accomplish on your blog?

Good, quality content is my main goal.

I know I’m a good writer, but I also know the majority of my blog posts are not my best work.

In 2018 I would like to publish more articles that I’m truly proud to share. That means I need to prioritize my projects much better. I need to say no more often, minimize distractions, spend less time on social media, etc.

9. Is there a specific skill you’d like to improve or master this year?

Videos. I have a YouTube account and have posted some videos, but I don’t have any video-editing skills and don’t know where to start.

Could someone recommend a good, simple video-editing program? I have a PC.

10. Is there a question you’d like answered? We’ll answer you in the comments!

Whether you are a reader or a blogger or a new visitor, I would like some constructive criticism of That Mutt:

1. What is something you would change about That Mutt? Or something you don’t like?

2. What’s something you admire about That Mutt?

3. If you’re brand new here, what are your first impressions, good or bad?

Thank you!

And like I said, if you have any blogging questions, leave them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer. And check out the other blogs in the links below.

-Lindsay