Today is my 10 Year Blogiversary!
Over the past ten years there have been intermittent reports that blogging is dead. I’m not sure where those rumors come from, but in my experience blogging is anything but dead.
September 28 is the anniversary of the date I started blogging. That was in 2004 and I built my first blog in about an hour or so on TypePad (now defunct). This blog was set up in 2011. And there have been quite a few others that have come and gone depending on the purpose and project. Today, my focus is here and on The Future of Ink, co-founded with Ellen Britt.
While platforms have evolved, tools have come and gone, design has become more sophisticated, security precautions are a must, and blogs have become more visually appealing, one thing hasn’t changed…
…the blog publishers that are enjoying longevity are consistent and constantly churning out great content that engages, educates, and entertains their audience.
I started using the Internet as a marketing tool in 1996. I started my first blog in 2004. There wasn’t much social media – Facebook didn’t open up to the general public until 2006 and LinkedIn had just launched in May 2003 – so the ease of setting up a website (blog) without a web guy started breaking down barriers. Small and solo businesses could easily publish content that would help them get found by their target audience in search results.
The playing field was beginning to level.
Recently I asked the folks in my social networks and on my email list to fill out a short survey about how long they’ve known me and where they follow me. The results were enlightening.
50% of respondents have known me “forever” while 23% have known me for at least a couple of years.
Of those who responded, 73% have known me for a couple of years or longer. In the remarks, many said “since your Blog Squad days” which were from 2004-2008.
Then I wanted to know we were connected online:
62% of respondents connect with me or know me via my blog.
If you’re one of those who has been following me and my blogs “forever”, give me a shoutout in the comments so I can say “hi”!
This isn’t a scientific survey and in this question, people could select all sites that apply. Still, interesting to note is that more people connect with me through my blog than on any social network. My business would not be where it is today if I had not started a blog. Blogging isn’t dead!
Blogs come and go. Blogs evolve and change to serve different purposes. In the end though, as I have said for 10 years, your blogsite needs to be the centerpiece of your online presence. Nurture it, serve your audience and your business will grow.
Now, as I did last year, I want to celebrate you and your blog! A couple years back I hosted Brag About Your Blog Day on my Facebook page. Today, it’s back! You can share on Facebook or
Post the name and URL of your blog in the comments below.
NOTE: you must include http:// before the URL so the link is clickable.
Then Share with your friends so they can get some blog luv too!
Blog on!
P.S. have questions about how to improve your blog? Click here to get your burning questions answered.
First of all, congos. My first glance on this term ‘Blogiversary’ gave me a feeling that you are giving away your long cherished blog. 🙂
Well, you are definitely a motivation for starters like me. You kind of display that valuable side of patience and perseverance. The pie chart work done by you on the survey thing is beautiful which itself depicts about your popularity.
Wishing you more miles, years to go Dear Denise.
Congrats to you, Denise!
I’ve been blogging since April 2011 at http://LouiseM.com . Over 300 posts published! Wow.
I originally set up a really basic Web 1.0 site about 20 years ago. Double wow!
So glad we crossed paths a few years ago. Love what you do and share!
Thank you, Louise. You’re blog is awesome and I love all the design tips you publish. Blog on!
Hey Denise, big time congrats on 10 years of blogging, it’s no mean feat to do it for that long, I doff my cap. I’ve been blogging for different reasons for a few years – old t-shirt company, restaurants, phone companies and other random jobs – but have only been doing it for myself to support my business for about a year and a half.. And, since I’ve been doing it for myself I’ve known about you hehe 🙂 All the best for the next 10! Rob
Thanks for stopping by, Robert. Interesting to think about how blogging might evolve in the next 10 years!
Happy “blogiversary”! 🙂 10 years in this business is really a long time, I’m glad you are still here!
Thank you! It feels like like forever!
Wow Denise! I’ve only been following your feed for the past couple of years. I’ve been in the internet marketing scene for over 6 years now and I’ve only recently started (officially) a service company and a blog (http://www.leapfroggr.com/blog)
I’m still working and sorting through my schedule, trying to balance client/personal project work + blogging/writing. You are definitely an inspiration.
Keep it up! Next time, I’ll be able to say “seems like forever” 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Dennis, and congrats on starting your blog. Time management is important, especially scheduling time for blogging. When you keep in mind that your blog is your foundation and homebase, it makes sense to start there with your content then move out to the social networks. Blog on!