[Team – 30DBC]

[Danielle Baker]

My first week has been amazing! The couple of days took a lot of time for me to do the assignments but I can already see improvement in navigating WordPress.

I have had some visits on my blog already without really advertising it. I am so thankful for the members of this group who comment on my blog with words of encouragement. You help me a lot with my confidence!

Now that I feel more at ease with the tasks, I can take a bit more time to focus on structuring my posts the way I really want them.

[Monica]

How awesome is it that you got to week 2? Thank you for keeping up with your work and interacting with our community, it is so good to have you here.

The first few days always take longer as you are getting into the work flow, but I’m glad it is becoming easier. The hardest part is to start and you took that step already!

Such a beautiful community that we are creating around here, encouraging each other. Really makes me hopeful in times like these.

Good luck for the rest of the challenge Danielle! You are doing great!

[Lisa Lysen]

I’ve found this an amazing week, too! I’m thrilled that I finally decided to jump in and try this 30-Day Challenge. It’s so much more than I was expecting.

I think what gives me the biggest feeling of accomplishment is actually seeing my blog set up. I’m learning so much from reading everyone else’s posts and taking a look at other websites, too. Every time I look at someone’s, I see changes I want to make to mine and that’s exciting!

Uploading pictures is becoming a bit of an obsession. I’m having lots of fun with that part!

Looking forward to what’s ahead!

[Monica]

We are so happy to have you here Lisa!

Please remember to do this kind of evaluation to your blog every week. How can I improve my blog this week? What insights did I get from visiting blogs with the same niche? And keep on developing your work, you are doing an awesome job!

Keep coming back to the forums and showing us your progress 🙂

[Kaitlin Morrow]

I am happy with my progress this week. I am however knowingly a little behind in my course days. But that is due to things I realize I will have to change to make better progress in the future. Other than that, I am very pleased with what I have learned about myself and further learned about my niche. I am also happy with the content of my first three posts, but I am ready to start doing more with my posts as far as adding imagery, links, and more to my posts.

[Monica]

Dear Kaitlin,

As I previously said to Danielle, the first days are the hardest. The setup takes a while, but as soon as you start your journey, it just keeps developing and flourishing! And we are here to help you along 🙂

The eco-friendly niche is so relevant and important these days and I’m so inspired to see you investing your time in educating an online community on what they can do better for our planet.

You are doing a great job, keep on sharing it with us!

[Trina Low]

I am enjoying this course, it is very helpful. I am a little behind also, a day or two break for the weekend would have been nice. I enjoy looking at everyone’s work! A lot of progress is being made.

[Monica]

One of the best things of doing the course with us is having this community as a bonus. I honestly think is so important to have constant feedback from people who are learning, just like we are.

You are doing an awesome job with your healing journey and I can’t wait to where it goes 🙂

[Erika Ganaway]

I think that I am coming alone good. I try and learn something new everyday and put work into what i come with to write about. I am having difficulties because I have had some people say they can’t comment and they get an error. I can’t seem to figure it out. Is there someone that can help me with that error?

[Monica]

Hi Erika. Great job at keeping consistent and developing your project 🙂

There is a forum for technical issues, just access the Groups page and you can find it there 🙂

[Yoshitaka Koishikawa]

I really enjoyed the first week which allowed me to know so much important knowledge like advance google search which I wouldn’t find otherwise!

I was able to set up some posts consistently and a few people joined my email list! Yay!

My niche has become clearer as I started writing more as well which is a win in my book.

I hope to learn more about expanding my blog whether that’s better writing, content, engagement, marketing and more.

[Monica]

You blog is awesome Yoshi! I’m happy you are learning and developing your skills because your content really deserves to be shared with the world. Well done and see you next week 🙂

[Jessica Mason]

I feel so happy and accomplished that I actually took this plunge I have an average view on my content and I already have an email subscriber!!! That’s awesome I also created a Facebook page and an Instagram page to help create flow into my webpage and it brought me a ton of traffic I hope this trend continues!!!

[Monica]

Well done Jessica! We are so happy for you, your project seems to be doing great. You are taking all the rights steps to succeed. Can’t wait to see what comes next 🙂

[Scott.charleboix]

Hi Jessica I don’t much about Instagram. I know that it’s free but how do I use that program to help traffic to the blog or Pinterest?

[Hiba Dhib]

I really enjoyed this first week. I am very weak in writing so it has been hard for me but I made 3 posts! it’s a very good start. and to see my blog make me feel accomplished. I cant wait for week 2 thank you!!!

[Monica]

Such great work Hiba! Writing is something you will develop overtime. At this point just be patient with yourself, you have accomplished so much already! Good luck 🙂

[Hiba Dhib]

And also having fun with creating my own pictures ;p!

[Arianna Christians]

This week has been a roller coaster! Some days I’ll be on a creative role and want to do the next 5 days and other days I won’t do it at all. I’ll get a roll soon. I made an instagram and pinterest and have a good starting number of followers on those platforms! Exciting!

[Monica]

Well done Arianna! Remember that inspiration won’t be there everyday, we actually are discussing this in our weekly Ted Talk discussion 🙂 Inspiration can be away from our minds, at times, but it is really important for you to keep consistent. You are building a structure for your future self 🙂 it is so worth it to make the effort to keep coming back. You will see your approach to so many other things in your life will change, just because of your consistency 🙂 We are here to help you always!

[Karen Scofield]

This first week has been so inspiring.

I am excited for this journey and all of the useful information and experience I am gathering along the way. Learning how to structure a blog post was really helpful. This is also a great outlet for me to open up, connect, and share and I am happy about that.

Also excited to go on this journey with all of you and familiarize with your blogs as you progress.

[Monica]

I’m so happy to read this, Karen! What a great week you had 🙂 Can’t wait to see your progress in the others!

[Callen Williams]

It’s been a very slow start for me, but I doing it.

I’m falling behind on getting my challenges done on time but I am still getting them done. Having a little bit of trouble figuring this all out. I haven’t advertised my blog at all. Please feel free to drop by and take a look and tell me what you think.

-Callen.

[Monica]

Hi Callen! We all have different paces and just because you aren’t doing the challenge at the same pace as the others, doesn’t mean you are behind. We all have lives outside of our computers and we all know how it can get in the way of our projects.

The challenge is always here for you to come back and progress when you have the time 🙂 Keep on sharing your blog with us every time you post and don’t be afraid to also share it on social media! If you are intimidated by the thought of sharing it with your friends and family, share it on blogging groups, niche groups or in any other ways you think might work. You just need to put in that extra effort and you will see how much it will pay off 🙂

[Cheryl Millington]

I’m am slowly getting there. I have a lot to learn and I lot to do, but I’m excited to see what the next 3 weeks will bring.

[Monica]

Well done Cheryl! That is the spirit, you will learn so much in the next few weeks 🙂 If you have any questions or doubts, you know you can always come to our community and we will help you 🙂

[Shelly Stone]

The greatest surprise of this first week has not been how much I’ve learned about blogging; it has been how much I’ve learned from the other bloggers in this program. The information has been fascinating. I’m greatly enjoying the privilege of read your amazing stories. Thank you for inspiring me.

I’ve been happy with my progress this week. The first time I opened my very first webpage, I almost cried with joy. I’ve been able to muddle my way through most of my own technical problems, which has made me very proud of myself. There may be hope for me as a technical person after all!

In week 2 I plan to dive deeper into the bells and whistles of WordPress. I want to see how many features I can learn to use. I’m looking forward to what’s coming next!

[Dana Trummel]

All in all I am pleased with our week. One of my biggest accomplishments is this group discussion. It is one of my weakness. Publishing my website was another. Knowing that it is ok for me to have something to say to the world and being ok with the fact that not everyone is going to care about what I have to say. I know there are alot of people out there who do have the same thoughts and ideas as I do, and a lot of people who are looking for ideas that I might already know the answer to.

I hope to get more comfortable with my website and can make it more eye appealing. I am my own worst enemy when it comes to letting my perfection go.

I am looking forward to the upcoming weekly challenge.

PS.- Does anyone else dream about this at night? (lol)

[Monica]

Hi Dana! I’m so happy to see your progress. As I told you before, things seem so much more overwhelming before we get to them. Every week will become easier 🙂

[Nohea March]

I am definitely behind. But trying to catch up. I am enjoying the break down of things. So thank you for that. You guys do a great job of keeping it short and to the point. For this busy mama of 4 boys, I really do appreciate it.

I am working on giving myself grace, but also holding myself responsible to not let myself fall so far behind. This week I am hoping to catch up so that I can move along smoothly next week.

[Monica]

It is normal to be behind, especially in a weird time like this! But try your best to keep up and it will be so worth it 🙂

[Kiara Smith]

My first week started off strong, but I did not stay on track like I would have liked to due to getting caught up with other daily life tasks. I am proud of our new website, I am feeling more confident with WordPress, and I am enjoying reading others blogs and building a sense of community. My goals for the next week are to be more focused by creating a time block to work on our blog, research more resources for our blog, and continue motivating and supporting others in this community!

[Monica]

Well done Kiara! Even if you are a little behind, you have been doing an amazing job. Time blocking is really effective for a lot of people so I’m sure it will give you the time to work fully on the blog. Keep up the good work 🙂

[Kim Whiteford]

So far my first week has been interesting, frustrating, challenging, exciting and I’m still here. I think my first two posts were interesting and light, enough to peak the interest of people.

I will become more specific in my target audience once I get a better hold on what I’m doing.

I am looking for this to be a source of income for me down the road.

[Monica]

You are doing awesome, Kim! Your posts were definitely catchy and interesting. Keepbeing consistent and showing up and the rest will flow naturally 🙂

[Kavitha Paranjothi]

Yay one week down ! This was a good week, I was hard pressed for time , fell few days behind but am catching up ! I actually wrote my first blog post and 2 people commented on it in this group ,ty.

I learnt to lay aside all the what ifs and just go for it , being brave is not the absence of fear but doing it afraid anyway ! It work in progress .

I find this group very helpful , just need little more feedback.

As I was choosing the topics to write about I struggled with presenting info in a lay persons language vs a medical professional lingo , but I managed .

Next week I plan to end the blog with open ended question , to see what topics interests people in the area of pelvic health .Its area of medicine that most people do not know exists ,it one of those things that until you have that specific problem you do not know there is a solution , will see.

I will have to be regular , with doing my assessments and not let them plie up , read other peoples blog and comment .

[Monica]

Great progress this week, Kavitha! Well done. I can’t even imagine how hard it must be to translate medical terms into a language that everyone can understand but you make it look really easy! I understood all of your posts and thought they were super helpful.

I think you should wait a little bit more until you finish the posts with questions since it will be more rewarding once you have a larger community. Also, as it is such a specific niche, not a lot of people may know what it entails. For example, I had no idea pelvic therapy treated urinary incontinence. Try and deliver more organic content and issues that a lot of people suffer from so we have an idea what kind of work you cover. Thank you for your work, it has been so interesting to watch 🙂

[Krista Anderson]

Wow! I can’t believe I have a blog. This has been a really interesting process. I haven’t written much in my life so this process of “just doing it” has been liberating! Just write and it will improve, I’m sure. I struggled a little bit in posting….spent a lot of time looking for a draft post and then trying to figure out how to get it where I wanted it….all part of the learning curve. but I love feeling my brain absorb all the new information.

[Monica]

Believe it because it’s real, Krista! And you are doing such a great job. As a musician you must have a lot of discipline and I’m sure it is something that is helping you a lot during this challenge. Just keep creating 🙂

[AMANDA ZOYA]

So far, so good. Trudging along.Thankful for all the help.

Monica, I have two challenges I need help with.

1. How do I edit the title block? Is it editable? I have tried in vain to change the font of my title and make it bold but not able.

2. In my blog posts, I have aligned some photos to the right so that the text wraps around the images. They appear so on the word press back end but when I publish the post, all the photos go above the text instead of to the right with the text wrapping on the left.

[Monica]

Hi Amanda 🙂 I would love to help you but I’m not the best at WordPress configurations 😀 You probably have to change the settings of your theme in the customization panel. If it doesn’t change, try the Technical Help group and our team will be quick to help you out 🙂

[Moeryae Smith]

Hi friends – I’m having some difficulty with getting started.

Every time I press the “continue” button for Day 2 (I know, I’m behind), it sends me right back to Day 1’s video and nothing else!

Am I missing something? I’ve tried emailing for help and also not gotten anything.

Let me know if you have any ideas! Thank you!

[Monica]

Hi Moeryae 🙂 Our team will be quick to help you, just post this on the Technical Help group 🙂

[Emalie Shearer]

The first week had it’s ups and downs. I found a lot of stress in areas and lot of ease in others. I am starting to get more and more confident as the days go on!

My blogging goals are sending encouragement and motivation for people to be their best selves possible

My blog niche is health and fitness

As an accountability partner, I will be supportive, read your blogs, give constructive criticism.

[Monica]

Well done Emalie! You seem to have very clear goals, work towards them. Find an accountability partner in our Accountability Partner discussion 🙂

[Shaan Sarkar]

TODAY IS DIFFERENT (self-improving)

My fourth post ^ will explain about how I feel my blog is and has a tiny surprise, thank you

[Julie Christiansen]

Well, I started this course five days late because of some technical difficulties but I’ll be caught up by Sunday. This has been amazing. I tried blogs twice before and only opened them to me until I knew what I was doing. Now I am getting some ideas for one of them as well. I am also proud of myself for taking part in courses on internet. I was too intimidated before but now this is my third one and I am starting a fourth on publishing children’s books in two weeks. Now I am really investing in my future. I have learned so much in the last couple of months my head is bursting. And I ask myself why I didn’t do this sooner?

I hope to get my blog cleaned up next week in terms of pages and pictures. I am not sure which pictures I am allowed to use. I put some in now just to practice, but they have to come out again.

[Monica]

Hi Julie! Wow, you seem to be having such productive times lately. Well done at learning something new and putting yourself out there 🙂 I haven’t had the opportunity to take a look at your posts because of the links but I will check them out today 🙂

[Moeryae Smith]

My first blogging week was creative and hard and fun all at the same time. Every day was different. I was happy to finally even publish it, but I am a little behind as in I need to write the 3rd post. I also want to start fixing the actual photos and design, but since this isn’t directly walking me through it, it’s more difficult.

I personally haven’t advertised mine, and don’t plan to to the general public until it’s pretty much ready (especially design-wise).

BUT, I will show you all, because I have been writing. 🙂 moeryae.com

Reminders to all, that even doing this challenge is good, we are learning something. Good for everyone!

[Monica]

Hi Moeryae! How exciting! You seem to be doing great progress, I know how overwhelming it can be in the beginning. You will master it for sure 🙂

[Gary Stevens]

My progress is highly subjective at this point. I have to keep reminding my self that it takes time to bake a cake. Productiveness, when it comes to blogging, is measurable. One can actually see progress.

For now, progress is measured in the content that I can eke out of what time I have to spare. Soon, I hope to see growth in terms of statistical data showing the multitudes pouring over my words and wanting more.

It short, this week has been one beautiful day in the blogging neighborhood after another. It seems like time well invested. I hope others taking this challenge also feel the same.

[Monica]

This is great progress, Gary! It seems like a lot of work in the beginning, but as time goes by and your blog grows, you start to have some automated processes and templates and you can invest time in other areas of your blog like marketing or design. Keep up the good work 🙂

[Isabelle Colantonio]

Hi,

This first week was amazingly great! I enjoyed the videos and instructions, and it helped me a lot (simply daring to post or launch my blog instead of waiting for it to be perfectly perfect…)

I’m happy I was able to create some content, find pictures (I’m struggling with taking great pics of my work), implement link buttons to my Facebook and Instagram pages.

I’m a little behind the schedule, but I’m hoping to catch it up soon. I’m struggling with emails (Using Mailchimp) and I’m not entirly satisfied with the theme of the blog, but I’m confident that I will learn more in the next coming days/weeks.

Thanks for the classes and challenges, they are really great.

[Monica]

This is amazing progress, Isabelle! Well done 🙂 Keep up the good work.

[Jessica Croft]

I have written six blog posts, completed my About page, and set up an email opt-in. I signed up for a year with Constant Contact to start growing an email list. I have taken several free courses and webinars along with this challenge. I’m also working on setting up my social media accounts to be consistent with my blog in name, appearance, picture, descriptions, etc. I have some more behind the scenes things to do with setup on WordPress, but my big goal is to launch my site live within the next two weeks. Progress feels good!

[Monica]

You are doing such great progress, Jessica! I’m really inspired 🙂 Well done!

[Helen Fahler]

I am starting today trying to convince myself that I can keep going. I have had a lot of trouble with Word Press, and I keep wondering if it is because I am on a Mac? I am also trying too hard to make it LOOK good. As a graphic designer, I want more control on the look – and the templates have not given me that. I did pay for a license for a look, then still couldn’t control as much as I wanted. I decided I need to get over that, and focus on the content. I will keep going as I have learned a lot this week – and since I have invested the time and money – why give up now?

[Monica]

Hi Helen! I totally understand your issues with the design of the blog. We do focus on that a little bit later on the challenge so at first just try and kick off your posts and everything else will flow 🙂

[Binky Theodore]

I am so excited about everything that happened this week with my blog! I wrote a self-published book 5 years ago. I sold about 500 copies, but really had no idea how to market it. It was mostly my family, friends and church community that read it and gave me such positive feedback. I have since dabbled with writing maybe a dozen blogs on a free blog site, but again, my circle of influence is quite small. I received very positive feedback for my writings, but they just didn’t go far. Now confronted with COVID-19 shutdowns, I am forced to consider other possible sources of income. I’ve been wanting to write professionally for a long time. This is the time to start!

Finding the 30DBC was nothing but sheer grace. I jumped in and haven’t looked back! I so appreciate the step-by-step instructions, from Day 0-Day 7, and I can easily see my progress! I’m also loving the video pep talks each day and seeing that other people are in the same position I’m in on the discussions pages.

I am still working, although from home, and I have an 11-year-old forced to do school by Zoom. My husband has had bad vertigo all this week and I’ve felt overwhelmed to take care of all my responsibilities plus write blogs plus learn how to structure and publish them, plus keep up on all the “challenges” and homework each day. I fell behind one day, but now I think I’m finally caught up (if there is such a thing). Overall, I am really excited to keep moving forward!

[Monica]

I’m so happy you are taking this challenging time to finally tackle something you always wanted to do! Writing is the highlight of blogging but, as you could see this week, it is a very small part of the whole process of setting up the site, designing it, creating marketing strategies and everything else that comes with it. You are doing a great job, even with all that is happening in your home, which I can only imagine how time consuming and hard it all must be. Our little community is here for you Binky! Keep sharing, you are doing great 🙂

[Kyle Pong]

This week might have had a few extra (read 4-5) days in it for me, but I’m working on getting back on track so that I’m working on my blog daily. I’ve written three blogs so far and while they’ve mostly covered baking, I’m hoping to focus on some other things this upcoming week.

I’m working on staying on track this week and really putting in the effort to make this a daily experience for me. I am hoping that this will lead to me being able to start another blog too that I’ve been rolling around in the back of my head.

I also appreciate reading and getting inspiration from others in the blogging world! Thanks!! 🙂

[Monica]

That is awesome, Kyle! We all have different paces and different lives at home so I’m glad you are doing the challenge in your own pace 🙂

[Stephanie Wilding]

<h3>1. What did I do well this week?</h3>

Because I have been gardening for so long I have found that I have a great content library of photos featuring different varieties of growing methods and seeds/plants. I also like how my blog is coming along appearance-wise.

<h3>2. What did I struggle with this week?</h3>

I’m struggling with staying on track. Sometimes, because I run my own business, short notice client work comes up and it disrupts my scheduling and time-blocking. Other times, when I set the time and adhere to it, I struggle to complete a post within the 1-hour time slot and my posts can drag on through several time blockings.

<h3>3. What do I want to do differently next week?</h3>

Focus on streamlined, quick read formatted blog posts that I can complete quickly within time-block. I also need to balance the posts between gardening and food recipes – so far I have only posted about gardening.

[Monica]

This is such an insightful view of your progress, Stephanie! You are doing a great job 🙂

[Cathryn Unverricht]

1. My first week was a success (except it took 2 weeks to complete the first week!!). I was able to sign up and get my blog set up, write a few blog posts, and come up with some ideas for future posts. Once I had the topic and some research the writing was easy.

2. Unfortunately I am behind on my blog challenge. I procrastinated writing my blog on overcoming procrastination…. (still trying to master it!) Found it exhausting to have to write three blog posts back to back, I would prefer to have some time to work on them so I can do some research and take some breaks. Ideally I want to be publishing one to two posts per week.

3. I want to continue to come up with topics and research, try to work on them every day even if that is not the daily challenge so I will have some ready if needed and can be continually posting a couple a week.

[Julie Mayfield]

Yes! I found a theme that works on comp and phone, I mostly followed the steps and got a boot load done. It was hard to do 3 back to back blogs, housework suffered. On the other hand, pair the prescribed steps with new time blocking goals, and I’m finding ways to make it mostly work. I’m not tech savvy so just getting all these accounts, including social media, running is huge for me.

The time constraints can be a little stressful, but the commitment of the program, especially having some skin in the game via fees, motivates me to git’r done.

Congrats to you all! There is so much relevant info and incredible creativity flying out of here in our blog posts. All the while, the world struggles to find stability. I think we’ve made lemonade out of the lemons, folks!

[Rachel Snead]

My first week has been alright. I am having trouble figuring out how to have the perfect blog that will be successful. I have done so much research on things you have to do for a successful blog and it overwhelms me. I am just taking it day by day and learn what I can about the market and use my knowledge of natural beauty to the best of my ability. Thank you for all the support and expertise!

[Monica]

Your first mistake it trying to make your blog perfect from the very beginning. We often feel like things need to be perfect from the start but the truth is, your blog is a space that will develop in the long run! It wouldn’t be so interesting if you got it right at the first try. Try not to overwhelm yourself and keep on doing what you can, you are doing a great job 🙂

[Bonnie Taylor Wachowicz]

First week complete! I’m happy with my progress. The blog is set up and I have three posts and About page published. I have kept up with the lessons, worked on the blog tasks every morning, learned a LOT about WordPress, and I think I am a lot closer to fully defining my goals and purpose of the blog. I’m very happy I joined the 30 Day Blog Challenge because there’s no way I would have done all of this in a week on my own!

Still have not set up my Contact page, because I want to use a form instead of publishing my email address. Have not figured out how to do this and not sure where to find the answer. I posted in the WordPress forum but don’t see an answer yet.

Working on finding an Accountability Partner. I know having a partner will make a huge difference, as I have been part of masterminds in the past.

I have struggled with the content on the blog. I am showing a lot of vulnerability in what I post, and that is intentional – but it’s also new for me and definitely scary to put myself out there. It feels more authentic than anything I have done before so I believe I am on the right track.

I have struggled with technology. A win: posted on the forum and got the help I needed in several areas. Not a win yet: email stuff. Will chase down those answers eventually. My email service provider had an issue, so I had no email for about 24 hours – wasted a lot of time because of that but it is fixed now (I hope). I thought my Bluehost package included one email address, but I don’t know how to set it up or access it – now I’m not sure if it is even included. I want to use a domain email but don’t want to have the extra cost until the blog can cover the cost.

Also struggle with the forums here. It seems like I have to join, and then rejoin forums even after I have posted in them and subscribed to them. It’s not a big deal, but slows me down a bit.

I have work to do on the appearance of my blog. It’s not very appealing yet.

[Monica]

Well done, Bonnie! One week down, three to go 🙂 There are plugins on WordPress specifically for forms! Why don’t you take a look into it?

[Bonnie Taylor Wachowicz]

Thanks, Monica. I thought there must be something that would let me do that. I’ll check it out.

[Nancy Burnett]

This has been an interesting week. I am currently behind attempting to catch up due to some tech errors early on. It taught me that just because you have a few days that may not be calendar perfect keep going. The Best Is Yet to Come. Overall I am staying pretty consistent to my schedule and there are alot of resources available that I did not account for in my block hours so I will rearrange just a bit to have time for all the resources.

[Casey Williams]

Hi! Our first week has been great! My sister and I are doing our blog together and we both feel that the challenge has helped hold us accountable for creating posts and devoting more time to our blog. We are looking forward to this week. We are starting to feel more comfortable navigating WordPress too.

[Monica]

I’m so happy this challenge is helping you and your sister achieve your goals, Casey! Determination is all it takes, really 🙂 You are both doing a great job!

[Lydia Brinkmann]

I guess my biggest success this week is how much I have learned! One of my goals is gaining digital skills so I feel that is being accomplished. I’m starting to understand words like widgets. 🙂

[Monica]

Well done, Lydia! We are so proud of your progress, you are doing a great job 🙂

[Deborah Ramsey Proctor]

I got off to a bumpy start, but I feel like I am finally finding my grove. Finding photos for my post have been a bit time consuming. I want to blog so that I have more freedom and hopefully earn an income. My Blog is a lifestyle blog that will cover self-discovery, health and reliance. My adult son will be my accountability partner as he is also blogging and looking to get into pod cast productions.

[Monica]

I totally understand you, Deborah! Honestly, a lot of people think of blogging as writing your thoughts or sharing skills but it is so much more than that! When you come across all of the things you have to tackle in order to have your blog, it can be really intimidating. Take a step at a time and be patient with yourself. We are here to help you 🙂

[Melissa.dunnington]

Well, the first week was somewhat of a challenge. I had some issues with people trying to view my posts but I think I have that all worked out now. I also was having some problems with pages and menus but I think I’m starting to figure that out too. I have twitter and Instagram connected now which is so cool. I also created a survey through constant contact and have that in the sidebar of my blog.

I’m really enjoying the course so far, and learning more than I thought I ever could, thanks to the 30 day blog challenge.

[Monica]

Your blog looks awesome and your niche is so interesting, Melissa! I’m really excited about it. You should be proud of your progress 🙂

[Dani Laurin]

Hey everyone!

Progress so far is going okay. I got busy with my twins first birthdays and got a bit behind. Now playing a bit of catchup but hey thats life. Enjoying the creative outlet

[Monica]

Happy birthday to your twins, Dani! You are doing great and your blog is so cool. Can’t wait to read more 🙂

[Heather.locke]

My blogging has been great. I am so excited to be on this journey. I have a few blogs already posted and 3 on deck to be posted (just waiting on my internet to get better so I am able to upload my pictures (one downfall when your on vacation and internet is sub-par). I am anxiously awaiting to hit a point of a full blast on y blog so I can start to earn income and am working on email templates to go out as people sign up. I feel really great opening up and sharing my experiences.

[Monica]

This is awesome, Heather! I’m so happy you are already making such progress in a week! Can’t wait to see where your blog goes!

[Kate.elliott]

hello!

Week 1 has been pretty good. I am a few days behind as I got side-tracked trying to get the page up and running properly, I didnt realise there was the wordpress for beginners course seperate haha. Some of the layout on the videos are different to how it looks for me though which can be confusing at times. However I am amazed at how much content is on this! it has been great reading other blogs and hearing how other people are going.

[Monica]

I’m so glad you are taking advantage of all of the things our platform has to offer, Kate! Your blog is amazing and you are creating so much awareness, you are doing a great job 🙂

[Maureen.petersen]

Week 1 victory: I am a blogger! Who would have thought? I am prioritizing time to my blog and am seeing the progress. I have been able to set up social media accounts and continue to take steps towards something I am proud of. I look forward to continued guidance on baby steps towards my goal.

[Monica]

Yeeey Maureen! You are doing such a great job, you should be really proud of your progress so far! There are still 3 weeks to go and it only gets better!

[Anonymous]

The first week has been challenging for me. I am learning a lot each day, but my blog posts tend to hold me back. I do not consider myself a writer, and it is hard getting over the mindset that it need to be perfect. However, over the course of the week, it has gotten easier and easier. I am becoming more and more confident each day.

[Monica]

Hi Ashley! I’m actually so glad this week was challenging for you, it definitely isn’t easy and I think it makes everything so much worth it. I understand how hard it can be to find the inspiration to write so much respect to your for trying your best. 🙂

[Elizabeth.rodriguez]

Week 1.- overall less time on the internet but if I do its because I am working and learning. I’ve learned how to use tailwind, pinterest, got a premium theme for my blog, made my social media for my blog and have active 40 followers on my facebook page! I can’t wait to grow some more. I even upgraded to a paid subscription on constant contact and they designed me a email template based on my blog theme. I can’t wait to get more ahead on this. I do feel that I cant keep up with writing post at the same rate as this course goes though.

[Monica]

Wow, Elizabeth! So much progress and hard work, I’m so proud 🙂 Consistency is key in the blogging journey, I’m so happy you are so motivated to keep on coming back and progressing more and more. Well done 🙂

[Kristi.dusenbery]

Taking the leap? Check! I’m having so much fun with the blog design and publishing posts, and I have over 200 likes already. I’m a bit disappointed in how few people actually sign up for the email list, but I’m going to just keep plugging away and working with constant contact. Fingers crossed!

[Monica]

Hi Kristi! Wow, 200 likes? That’s amazing. I’m so inspired by your growth. I know it can seem disappointing but at least someone is signing up! Email lists are the most difficult to grow so don’t worry about it and make sure you keep those who signed in happy 🙂

[Kristi.dusenbery]

Thank you for the encouragement, Monica! Patience isn’t my strong suit – so this will be an exercise in personal growth! lol

[Cassandra.carpenter]

My first week has taught me so much. I am able to navigate through word press in much less time than I did in the first couple of days. I was even amazed at the number of visits to my first couple of recipes, and I didn’t even really post them anywhere yet. I am looking forward to adding more and more content, just to see what sparks people’s interests.

I have been struggling with what to put on my blog. I see that a lot of people are writing articles about things that interest them. This is not really the type of blog I am aiming for but I am following along and just putting my spin on things. I also am struggling with putting pictures into my blog. I can manage to get one in per blog but the quality changes drastically from when I place it and when it shows on the site. If anyone has any pointers, I would be thankful.

[Monica]

Hi Cassandra! So inspiring to see such great progress in your first week. I understand it can be overwhelming to set you blog’s niche and decide what to write about but you don’t have to! Don’t pressure yourself to do so, at least for now, just write whatever you feel like writing. 🙂

[Rebecca.obinque]

My first week has been fun and a great learning experience! I love being able to create my website to what I want it to be.

I’m struggling a little with the auto emailing part and my website isn’t nearly as close to being what I want it to look like. I know it’s only week one but I really want to start customizing my blog’s look so it doesn’t look like the standard theme.

I’m learning to be patient, and to celebrate the little things I’ve been able to create.

[Monica]

Hey Rebecca 🙂 I’m so happy you are having fun! It’s what this is all about 😀 We tend to want to start everything perfectly but that is the best part of the process, developing and evolving into something better 🙂 Trust the process and yourself 🙂

[Scott.charleboix]

Standard theme: In the last week I’ve still been using the 30 Day Blog Challenge Theme and haven’t deviated from it, because I wanted to get a sense how everything was related. I’ve learned the fundamental difference between a post and a page (back in the day when I was designing Websites with FrontPage and Dreamweaver I don’t remember seeing post). I digressed there a little bit. I’m going to start experimenting by previewing some of the other themes until that one theme is the one that screams at me, That’s me and I’ll know it. I’m reminded of that song from the movie, The Greatest Showman – “This is me” or something like that.

[Scott.charleboix]

I haven’t put together the progress report yet. But I have a pretty good shell for putting it together. I’m waiting to hear from my accountability partner but I don’t think there’s going to be a problem with what’s been put together so far. Here’s the proposed draft. And I’m going to publish a weekly post on this.

Reflect on this week’s progress template

The following 3 questions will help you reflect on your weekly progress:

1.What did I do well this week?

a. Reflect on what went will in your blogging this week.

b. What new things did you learn and take action on? What came easily to you?

2.What did I struggle with this week?

a. Reflect on what didn’t go so well in your blogging this week.

b. What lessons or actions did you struggle with? What was difficult for you?

Note: Knowing where you struggle is also important because it shows you where you need to put in extra effort or get outside help.

3.What do I want to do differently next week?

a. Reflect on how you’d like to approach your blogging differently next week.

b. What changes in your routine, lifestyle or attitude do you need to make to achieve your blogging goals next week?

Note: Reviewing your progress regularly and making changes where needed will help set you up for blogging success. (with the logo below centered of course)

Designed by 30 Day Blog Challenge Team.
For more details visit https://30dayblogchallenge.com/

[Monica]

Wow, this is the first time someone tries out a different format for the progress tracking, Scott! Love it. Can’t wait to read your post.

[Scott.charleboix]

Here’s the link to my this week’s progress. I really hope that a few of my fellow 30 Day Blog Challengers will come to my blog so that I start getting a few users and I’m hoping that you’ll leave a comment on my post. I’ll gladly copy and paste your comment into the discussion board so others can see your comment.

https://pinterestartwork.com/reflection-on-weeks-progress-6-29-7-5-20/

[Monica]

Such a great post, Scott! So thorough and perfectly explained. I was taking a look at your blog and it looks great 🙂

[Scott.charleboix]

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention in the prior post and on the week’s reflection that I did comment on that I’ve changed my theme. What I failed to mention is that if anyone has looked at it prior I’d like to know what you think of the new format compared to the old (if you’ve had a chance to preview it).

[Lisa.kinoti]

HI everyone,

I must be honest about my progress so far. I am really enjoying the course and growing into being a confident blogger. I am finding however that my consistency needs to improve. I must confess that I have not been writing everyday. I am way behind on the course. Some days I am working and I do not even get on here. I have the zeal to work on this, but I really need to be better at blocking time. So far I am only writing on my days off, which is two days a week, but if am too tired, I do not focus and find that I procrastinate. It is good that I am sharing this as awareness is curative, and having you all as my accountability partners is helping me to see where I need more work. I am enjoying the journey so far though, and I am very happy with the articles I have written. I am also happy to see in my analytics that I have actually had visitors to my site. The key is to keep going.I won’t give up. 🙂

Lisa.

[Monica]

Hi Lisa! I really appreciate your honesty 🙂 It really is a challenge and it can be hard, especially for people who have work and kids and so many other things to do. You are trying your best so keep on doing it! Don’t overwork yourself and rest if you have to. We all have different paces. You are doing an awesome job neverthless.

[Jeshin.chun]

Hey girl! I am in the same boat as you and glad to hear I am not the only one so far behind! Keep on going with this 🙂

[Bryanna.forest]

I am really happy with my progress as far as sticking to this challenge! I am a day behind but that’s not bad – especially for me! I am really glad my anxiety has not taken over! I need to work on having a more structured post especially when I am talking about something kind of “out there.” I have also been neglecting my job a bit in order to think about and work on my blog. Ideally I could just stop doing the job I don’t like but alas… .So next week I need to have more defined blocks of time to work on my blog.

[Monica]

Hi Bryanna! Well done for trying and doing your absolute best, your progress doesn’t go unnoticed for sure! Great job and keep up 🙂

[Mackenzie.frey]

Hi everyone! I have had a really great first week. Completed all of the advice and course challenges. Having a platform to speak with fellow bloggers is great. I am very excited for this journey and am looking forward to having a blog after years of wanting to do it! I hope each and every one of you has found success within this first week, and you are proud of your accomplishments!!

[Monica]

That is awesome Mackenzie! Well done, you are doing a great job 🙂

[Dana.burrows]

I have learned quite a bit this week and look forward to learning more. I have a hard time navigating the tech aspect of the blog, I’m not finding it user friendly or for beginners. I wonder if its because I’m using an iPad or if its just a difficult program? Cannot add my logo, haven’t been able to remove my address from my page, can’t seem to customize at all. I’m sure it’ll work itself through but i find that aspect takes away too much writing time and i do find that really frustrating.

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[Monica]

Hi Dana! WordPress is definitely harder to use on a tablet but it is overwhelming and a bit complex at first. I’m so happy you are trying your best and I promise it gets easier 🙂

[Magda.abarca]

This week I dedicated more time to my blog and re-wrote postings overall I thought it was a successful week. I also add pictures to my blog that are not just decoration. I learned how to add links (that work) on my post. Lastly, I learned to ask for help when I was stuck. Congrats in completing your first week everyone. Can’t wait to see what we will learn next.

[Monica]

Great job Magda! Keep on being consistent and investing your time, it is definitely the best investment you can make 🙂

[Andrew Lassman]

Overall I am doing ok. Sometimes it is hard to write with all my other obligations. I would also like to add pictures and other interesting bits.

[Monica]

Hi Andrew! I totally understand that life happens and you must have so many things to do. Keep your own pace and do whatever you can 🙂

[Saebyl.mcdoulett]

I’m loving the structure presented here. It has also pushed me to publish more posts in quicker succession. My original plan was one post per week. But due to this challenge, we’ve already done 3 posts in a week. Not a bad thing. It made me realize I was capable of putting that much effort into it in addition to my day job.

I’m currently working on making my about page more robust and a new “Let’s do Business Together!” page.

And, I’ve finally set up a decent constant contact email list (9 people! Woohoo!) with user forms and landing sites. Super fun! I’m having a great time!

[Monica]

I’m so glad you are making so much progress, Saebyl! We often create ideas and limits for ourselves but I’m happy you are flowing into it and doing it as you feel like it. 🙂

[Anonymous]

Week 1 has been great, and has really helped my confidence. I’ve even been able to share my content with some close friends, family, and colleagues who have always been straight shooters with me – so I’m looking forward to continuing on his journey!

Thank you so much for everything so far!

[Monica]

That is so awesome Jason! Well done 🙂 3 more weeks and you won’t recognize yourself 🙂

[Jeshin.chun]

I am behind on the challenge but still doing what I can to keep going and keep posting. I am proud of the 3 posts I have published thus far and excited to keep building on the content. I love how this program is structured. Super easy to follow! This small daily task is giving me a renewed sense of purpose already!

[Monica]

Hi Jeshin! Just because you have a different pace, doesn’t mean you are “behind”. I’m so glad you already wrote 3 posts and been working on your blog at your own rhythm. Keep up the good work 🙂

[Cheryl.quigley]

I am struggling a bit, have gotten a couple of days behind but hope to catch up this weekend. Life has been intruding on my time recently. I am working on making a list of topics I want to post about. That seems to be my biggest struggle. Once I start writing it comes fairly easily. I seem to have missed how to personalize my blog page theme. I have noticed several other have already done this. Did I miss this or do they just know more about what they are doing?

[Monica]

Hi Cheryl! I’m glad you keep sharing with us, even if you are struggling. So many of us struggled in the beginning as well, it is completely normal, especially if you never had a blog before. As for the personalisation of your blog, a lot of people explore for themselves. Still, if you struggle with it, we have another course called WordPress for Beginners which I’m sure will help 🙂

[Luis.ramos]

This week has been good by using the knowledge imparted in this challenge as well as others’ blog posts which I have read. I am so happy to finally write something without the constraints of the APA Format which I do hate to my guts.

I just want to get out of the habit of the technical writing style in case I have to hop on any Freelance opportunities.

Thanks for your comments as well,

Luis

[Monica]

Hi Luis! I totally understand, all my essays in uni had to be in the APA format which I also hated. Glad you can write whatever you want in no format 🙂 I’m glad you are enjoying the challenge 🙂

[Luis.ramos]

I think I am struggling with the several tasks to do such preparing the emails on constant contact, setting up the blog page and post regularly here.

Can somebody take a look at my blog and evaluate its functionality because every time I look it looks perfect so I need another set of eyes to consider this.

http://www.TodoSobreDislexia.com

[Monica]

Your blog looks great Luis! The sticky menu works really well and everything is super clean and minimal. The image on the header is colourful and works perfectly there.

[Praharsha.ravindranatha menon]

This course has been so helpful! I am glad with the progress I made so far but I seem to be struggling with setting up the sign up form and emails on constant contact. I also have to make the social media links on constant contact. Hopefully it gets done soon without much hassle.

But thanks again!

[Monica]

Hi Praharsha! Thank you for the feedback, I’m so glad you find it helpful 🙂 I know Constant Contact can be a bit intimidating at first but keep trying, I promise it gets easier 🙂

[Stephanie.ao]

I think like some here I’m struggling to keep up the pace with the daily reminders. Either some days I’ll write a blog post that’s too long and spend too much time on it. Also life and other commitments getting in the way but I always make sure to check up on the challenge each day. I had trouble with setting up google analytics in the very beginning but not too much of a worry.

Here’s a link to a post if you’re curious to know what I blog about.

https://trainwithsteph-pt.com/how-to-completely-change-your-mindset/

Thanks!

[Monica]

Hi Stephanie! I totally understand that it can be very overwhelming to have so much to do out of nowhere. Blogging really is a lot of work and the starting process is even worse as you have to set up everything. Just know you are doing a great job, your content is very inspiring and moving and if you ever struggle to keep up with the pace, do it at your own pace. Adapt the challenge to your needs 🙂 The team is always here to help you, don’t hesitate on messaging me 🙂

[Jennifer.hopkins]

My first week has been interesting. I have so many things going on in my head, it is sometimes difficult for me to stay focused and on topic. I have so many ideas, I have to figure out how to present them in the blog.

I have to be better at setting up my time more efficiently.

Good luck to all!

[Monica]

Hi Jennifer! First weeks are always harder than the other ones so I understand that you can be a little confused at the moment. I know a lot of doubt hits us at this part of the process. Is my content the one I should be sharing? Is my niche right for me? That is all part of the journey. If you got it all in the first week, how easy would it be? If your blog is your passion project, I’m sure you’ll find your way. Just give it some time 🙂

[Stephanie]

My first week has been like drinking from a fire hose, lots of new information, but my page is progressing from all I’m learning. I’m struggling with keeping up in a constructive manner with my ideas, but will plan to start keeping a notebook readily available.

[Monica]

Hi Stephanie! Well, that’s a great analogy for the first week here in the challenge 😀 good news is, that overwhelming feeling goes away the more you progress. You’ve done a great job this week 🙂

[Katrina]

I am a little behind on my courses, but that is because I had to wait for a replacement piece for my computer because my child broke my computer during this challenge. lol But I am getting things back up and running and am really enjoying this process so far! This is an amazing journey for me.

[Monica]

Hi Katrina! It is totally fine if you’re behind, life gets in the way so don’t worry about it! You will always have time to finish the challenge 🙂

[Daysi]

My first week was good but I feel a little lost, however, I know that learning has happened lol

Most challenging is the different in websites, I’m not sure if I missed a step where the top bar of my site should look different. I look forward to continuing and seeing where this takes me.

[Monica]

Hi Daysi! Congrats on completing your first week! I know i can be a little intimidating and intense in the beginning but every week it gets easier 🙂

[Chris]

Hi all. My first week has been quite challenging. A mixture of successes and defeats. Sound familiar? I’m having real difficulty navigating WordPress and in making good changes to my site. I’ve checked out the WP Support website and have obtained some help, but am still struggling with a lot. Just trying to learn more and get better every day.

[Monica]

Hi Chris! If WordPress is something you are really struggling with, we have a course just focused in WordPress for beginners. I totally understand how confusing it can be in the beginning but it gets easier every week 🙂

[Vijaya]

I was very skeptical before enrolling in this course. My self confidence was very low. Mainly due to my lack of knowledge about modern technology and was not sure whether I will be able to steal 1 or 2 hrs from my schedule. This seven days, even though I completed in two weeks, gave me a lot of self confidence and I am really proud of me that I can penned my thoughts. I am hoping to progress steadily in this path.

Best wishes to all my friends.