5 reasons why you should survey your blog readers

So you can feel good about yourself! I kid. :)

But seriously - I just finished reading through your responses to my survey for oh... about... the 10th time. The next time I hit a writer's block I'm just going to reopen the results and read through them again.

Thank you so much!

I really had no idea that you guys were so interested in my personal life! I honestly thought those posts bored you. Goodness - was I wrong!

So I am working on gathering my thoughts and making a plan. I will be bringing in more posts about my personal experiences with products (of course it'll be the things I love: cameras, baby stuff, and other products that enhance my life), a lot more Crossfit chatter, tips and tricks for the beginner  photographer, more pictures, and personal updates. And of course I'll still have all the normal stuff I blog about.

In short: I'll be making this blog more of a home. And I'm feeling... a bit nervous... a little scared... a lot excited. You have to take risks to make big things happen! Right?

Speaking of risks. That's exactly what posting the survey was for me: a risk. A big part of me was really afraid that NO ONE would respond. I am so glad I got over my fear and posted the survey anyway. It was hands down the best thing I have done for this blog so far. A lot will come from our combined efforts!

Here is why I will do it again:

5 reasons why you should survey your blog readers

1. Surveys connect the blogger and his or her readers. Sometimes I feel like I'm talking into the air here. And I think sometimes you guys don't know that I really want to be talking to YOU. Creating the survey and relying on you to fill it out completely removed the invisible wall between us. I needed you. And you stepped up. And it was incredible to hear from you guys!
2. Surveys help you tailor your blog content to what your readers want to read. This helps encourage readers to come back, which is always what you want.
3. Surveys help you gain a better understanding about your readers: Who they are, why they read your blog, and what they want/need.
4. Surveys help your readers feel valued. As much as this blog is about me, it is really because of you that I feel accountable to post. And I am so grateful because I have a wonderful record of some of the best things that have happened in my life right here.
5. Surveys help give your readers ownership if your site. Your opinions and wants/needs are what drives my blog. As much as I am writing to document my family and our life, I am also very much writing for YOU. And surveys help get that point across.