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.

Around the Web | Personal

Confession: I have been fighting the term "computer nerd" since the 7th grade. Back then, I was the first of my friends with an email address, an online diary, and an AOL screen name. I know... my friends didn't know what to do with me. I was a well-socialized (ahem, that's debatable I guess) pre-teen at the time, and when my friends found out I was spending my evenings plugging in AOL Keywords and reviewing the results, I think they were a little concerned about my future.

Well, well, well... looks who's the computer nerd now? Hah. Everyone. :)

I love it! I love catching up with old friends on Facebook and reading blogs of new friends! I love that we have the world at our fingertips with our ipads and smart phones. Friends moving away? No worries! No longer do I think  "I don't know when I will see you again!" I love this thing we are all addicted to... the internet. That said, I am excited to share with you all that in recent weeks I have expanded my website wings. Right, I know, I needed more on my plate!

In addition to this blog, you can now find me on other blogs on the web:

Beginning in October, I started writing a monthly column titled Point of View over on the Hill City Bride blog. The goal of the column is to share with future brides how they can make the most of their wedding day photography. You can check out my debut article here and my latest one here.

As of November 1st, I am the official "Director of Social Media" over on The Creative Mama website. I was really excited to be invited to join the the team at TCM. They are a fabulous group of women and I am honored to be associated with them!

I hope you will go check out both of those sites. They are awesome resources for both brides and creatives, alike. Again, I am proud to be a part of what they are both doing in the online community!