#GIFTED I guess before I start, I’d better say… Happy New Year! I really enjoyed those 7 weeks of 2018 and truly cannot believe that we’re here, once more, saying hello to a brand new year. It’s funny, you’d think nobody understood how time worked with how shocked and appalled we all are at how quickly 2018 went. But alas, time stops for no man and with a new year, comes new goals and a new chance to achieve our dreams. That definitely sounded less corny in my head but you get the sentiment.
2018 was thankfully a really good year for me and was the year I saw my blog grow and grow more than I ever anticipated or expected (despite putting a bloody lot of hard work in but self doubt YO). I released my eBook, bagged myself my biggest blogging opportunity yet, worked with a number of amazing brands, turned my blog into a business and saw my income increase from extra pocket money to something a bit more substantial.
Last year gave me even more of a drive to give this blogging thang a really bloody good go. It’s going in the right direction, as in I’m not facing the wrong way on the M25 and I’m as motivated as ever and seriously looking forward to the year ahead and what’s in store. I love a bit of manifestation me but I also know how important it is to go out and grab opportunities by the metaphorical balls and work hard to make shit happen.
So, with that being said, here are my blogging (and business) goals for 2019!
Release at least one more blogger resource
In October last year I released my Beginners Guide to Blogging eBook, which I absolutely loved creating and I’ve been over the moon with the positive response from that. I’ve always known that I love helping people – especially bloggers – and since creating that, I’ve realised that offering more of my knowledge might be the way forward. I have something in the pipeline (God I hate it when people say that) which I’m very excited about so hopefully I can cross this goal off my list soon!
Refine my nichés
Towards the tail end of last year when I was thinking about where I wanted to go with my blog and how I wanted to move forward with it, the main thing I realised was that I felt that I personally juggled too many nichés and it was starting to look messy. I love a niché-less blog and I still will be for the most part but I as I said above, I love helping people, so this year I really want to refine my topics and focus more of blog-help related posts and have those make up a bigger chunk of my content. Although I’m always going to chat about Disney, share my favourite books or discuss mental health when I want to!
Be more topical and relevant
Similarly to above, as well as refining my nichés I also want to put more of an emphasis on being more topical and relevant. I only really started to do gift guides last year, which I really enjoyed and obviously gift guides get a lot of traction, interaction and attention from brands. I’ve tended to just ignore the time of the year we’re in throughout my blogging career so far but I’d like to change that next year and actually keep up with the rest of the world!
Increase my income
I know money is a sticky subject, especially in the blogging world and even in 2019, some people seem to think bloggers and creatives aren’t worthy of being paid but I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve been able to achieve with my blog and the increase I’ve seen, especially during the latter half of last year. If I want to keep going and make a sustainable career of this, I’d love to increase my income to a steady and consistent number each and every month. Whether that’s through brand collaborations, my own resources or both.
Improve my photography
Keeping this one short and sweet but I really want to improve my photography this year; flat lays, product photos, landscapes – you name it! At the end of last year, I invested in a brand new camera (which wasn’t bloody cheap!) so I’m really hoping that, along with some practice and patience will allow me to see results for this one!
Before I shoot, I just want to say a big thank you to Yankee Candle for sending me these two gorgeous candles from their new ‘Elevation Collection*‘. There’s 16 scents to choose from, starting at £8.99. Whisk yourself away to far off shores with Costal Cyprus or Shore Breeze or if freshly washed sheets are more your thing, light Sheer Linen for a stunning clean, spring-like scent. They also have 4 warming Christmas scents, if you’re still not over the festivities just yet!
I chose Shore Breeze and Sheer Linen because I just adore fresh, clean scents when it comes to candles. One of my favourite smells in the entire world is during Spring and Summer, when you put your bedding back on your bed after hanging it outside to dry all day. I received their large 2-wick candles and I know I’m going to get hours and hours of burning time out of these. I’m going to save them until after Christmas and start the new year, with a brand new scent.
What are your blogging goals for 2019? Any exciting plans? I’d love to hear them!
* Items featured with a (*) were sent to me in exchange for a feature in this post. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
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[…] posts from the previous year have started to dwindle out, they’re back with gusto! One of my blogging goals for this year was to be more topical and relevant. Last year was the first in 6 years of blogging that I’d […]
You’ve set some really good and achievable goals for this year, I’m sure you’ll smash them x
Thank you x
Happy New Year <3
Thank you 😌
I hope you can achieve your goals for 2019! I haven’t thought about any goals for my blog, but I should think of some so I have a plan for this year 😊
Thank you 😌
This is a really inspiring post! I saw quite a lot of growth last year (in my own small way!) and so I would love to carry that on and push myself a little more with the blog this year to see where it takes me. I’m also really hoping to improve my photography – skills are somewhat non-existent right now. Great post – and good luck with it all!
Thank you! You too 😌
Happy New Year, Jenny! I just want to say you are an inspiration to so many of us. Kudos on the ebook and to reaching your financial goals through blogging. Looking forward to your next blogging resource.
I think being consistent with my blog will be my priority. I do struggle with that. And hopeful the goodness through being consistent will flow.
Love!
Aditi
http://www.aditispen.com
Your blog is absolutely amazing and you’ve done so well with it, I’m looking forward to all the amazing things you do with your blog for 2019! I love your blog help posts, they’re always so well explained and go into great detail which I really appreciate! Good luck with all of your goals ❤️
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
Thank you so much! 😌
Amazing goals! I love your blogging related posts- they’re some of the very first ones I read when it came to blogging and helped me to start my own blog, so thank you! I look forward to reading your future posts 😊 And Yankee candles are to die for, Coastal Cyprus and Shore Breeze would be my first choice for scents no question xx
Awh I’m so glad to hear that! So pleased you found them helpful xxx
I also have plans to grow my blog as it is on initial stages. Best of luck for you👍👍
Good luck 🙂
You’ve detailed some really great goals for 2019 and I wish you all the best in achieving them.
I’m sure you’ll do brilliant.
http://littlemissmelanie.com
Thank you 😌
I love your blog tip posts and your book. I can’t wait for more of those type of posts. I want to work on my photography skills as well, I love taking photos but I never seem to be able to get my blog photos right.
Lovely candles, I love yankee candles, they always smell so amazing.
I love your goals and I’m really hoping that you reach them and so much more. I would love to raise my DA for my blog in 2019 and hopefully start to get some collaborations going as well. I am obsessed with Yankee and shocked I haven’t already seen these because they look incredible!
abigailtalksabout.com
Best of luck with your goals! You could definitely land some collaborations – your blog is fab!
I haven’t really had to time to sit down and consider my blogging goals for this year – I guess, first big mistake. I think you’ve done a great job in 2018, and as blogging goes I look up to your drive and determination, so I am sure you’re going to have a great 2019 as well 🙂
Not a mistake at all! Sometimes it’s good to just see where things take you 😌
I already love your photographs so I’m excited to see how your photography skills develop further!! I got an expensive camera recently and it can take lovely photos in auto mode but I really want to learn all the settings and make it a proper hobby at some point. I don’t use it nearly as much as I should but maybe I can change that this year. It was great to read about your successes from 2018, all the best to you for the coming year x
I’m exactly the same! I only use auto mode right now because I have no idea what I’m doing haha!
Yesss Jenny, I just know you’re going to completely smash it this year. You’ve done so well with your blog and I am certain 2019 is going to be even better for you. I’m looking forward to seeing your new resource, I’m sure it’ll be just as handy as the ebook (thank you for the sneaky link too!). I also already see a difference from your new camera – your photos were always great but those candle shots are just so crisp!
Beth x
I know right! The quality difference… I’m still not over it! It’s amazing to look at a photo and not groan at how blurry it is 😂 And thank you!
Great goals! I am just sitting down to hammer mine out this weekend. I know that I want to put together some form of resource this year, although I’m wavering on what exactly… I have a few ideas and really need to pick one and focus on it!
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca
Oooh how exciting, good luck!
Firstly I just want to say Happy New Years! You accomplished so much in 2018 and I wish you luck in reaching all your goals in 2019 too. I love the look of the Yankee Candles too and need to check them out, for my new years goals it’s to attempt to be more consistent blogging wise as I stopped last year.
Thank you 😌 And best of luck!
Wow sounds like you had a great 2018 and well done on everything you achieved. Wishing you the best 2019!
Holly x
http://www.ldnmuse.com
Thank you 😌
You are always such a blogging inspiration to me Jenny! You have achieved so much already and I am sure 2019 will be another awesome year for you. Also, wow girl, your photography is gorgeous, looking forward to see more of your photos this year! All the best with your goals, hope you have a wonderful year and achieve everything you want to! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thanks so much Bexa 😌💛
Loved reading about your goals – hope you achieve them all! Also – how amazing is the new Elevation collection? I’m obsessed with Sheer Linen but I think Harvest Walk is my favourite!
Oooh that sounds like a gorgeous scent! Might have to invest in that one 😌
Good luck lovely! I really hope that you’ll be able to achieve all of your goals! x
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Thanks so much!
Awesome goals! Thanks for sharing! 💜
https://jendbibliophile.wordpress.com
Thank you 😌
That Yankee Candle range sounds gorgeous! Good luck with your goals x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
They really are, would definitely recommend!
Congratulations! You achieved so much in 2018 and deserve so much more! I look forward to seeing your content after you refine your niches. I really struggled choosing blog goals for this year and I don’t know why 🙈 x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Sometimes it’s good to just see where the wind takes you 😌
I really enjoyed reading your goals for 2019 babe, I love Yankee Candles! 🌸💜
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
Thank you 😌 They’re brilliant aren’t they x
Good luck with all your goals! Although I’ve no doubt you will smash them.
Thank you 😌
You’ve just reminded me that I still need to pick up your blogging ebook! Hope you have a wonderful 2019 Jenny x
Melanie || http://www.melaniewithanie.com
Awh thank you! 😌 You too!
Great post Jenny & good goals for the new year. I’m hoping to be more consistent with my blog this year 😊
Thank you 😌 Consistently can definitely help a lot of things!
Your photography is amazing! Our goal for the year is to open up a plastic free / zero waste online store selling locally made products (scary but relishing the challenge)!
Thanks so much 😌 that sounds amazing! Best of luck with it!
GIRL WHAT?! Your photography is already amazing! I applaud you for always aiming to get better at what you do though. I enjoyed reading your goals for the year. Reading other people’s goals helps inspire me and keeps me motivated. Especially seeing how successful you have been with your blog! Can’t wait to read more of your blog advice/tips posts! Happy New Year!
Awh thank you so much! 🙊 I have plenty of blogging advice style posts coming up!
You’re already off to a great start with your photography! 🙂
Thanks so much 😌
Wow those new Yankee candles look fab! And great goals for the year 😊
They’re so lovely. Thank you 😌
Lovely to see other bloggers doing so well. I’m at the beginning of my journey focussing more on streamlining myblog! Congratulations!
How exciting! Hope it’s a good one 😌
Best of luck with your 2019 goals. I am always inspired by your professional attitude towards blogging. I would love to include more picture book reviews, work with non-bookish brands and the big goal is self-host and redesign. (Same as last year – I’m so nervous about that leap!) I also want to change my email address, which sounds like a tiny thing but *all* the contacts.
Have a great year in blogging and other things. 🙂
Oh gosh the thought of changing an email address makes me break out in a sweat 😂 Good luck with that one! And that you for your lovely comment 😌
I was wondering how you get items sent to you from these companies. How do you go about contacting them? I have no idea where to begin and admire your hard work 🙂
sereneluna.wordpress.com
I either apply for things I see on Twitter / Facebook groups, am contacted directly or pitch to a brand! 😌
Thanks for your advice! I always wondered how bloggers go about doing this and it’s really nice to hear from you! That sounds awesome – I’m happy that it’s been working well for you. 🙂
Sounds like you had an amazing 2018 and these goals are great! I can’t wait to watch you grow every further this year!
Happy new year Jenny 🙂
Thank you 😌 You too!
what a great idea to post your blogging goals to help keep you accountable! my goal for this year is to be more true to myself. im a dietitian so for awhile there i was just focusing on keeping my platforms “professional” and just about food and health/nutrition advice. but that was no fun so i’m hoping to just loosen up a bit and have more fun with it.
Sounds great! You should totally include other elements you enjoy into your blog 😌
Good luck with your goals lovely I’m sure you’ll do amazing! I definitely think bloggers should be paid if they do a good job, why shouldn’t they? The lot off Geordie Shore and things like that get thousands just to post a photo holding a product and we do a much better job of reviews etc usually! I also love the look of those Yankee candles, would adore to work with them you’re so lucky!
Jess // foundationsandfairytales.wordpress.com
xx
Oh my god I know! It’s ridiculous 🤦♀️ I’d definitely recommend their new range!
You have some great goals there and I can’t wait to see what your next blogging resource is. I love your ebook and it’s been really helpful!
My blogging goals include a revamp & continuing to develop in terms of content, followers and collaborations.
Louise
http://www.sociableeventsaberdeen.com
Awh I’m so glad to hear that! 😌 A revamp sounds exciting!
An awesome post Jenny and I can’t wait to see what you come out with in the new year. It’s always nice to set yourself some goals to work towards as it makes sure you’re always moving forward. I hope you achieve all of this and I am excited about what the year will bring the blogging community! My blogging goal is to interact more with other bloggers and also to be more true to myself topic wise on my blog and write about what I love.
Alex xx
http://allthingsalexx.wordpress.com
Thank you 😌 That’s a great goal to have!
I haven’t made any plans but want to improve on my pics xx
Good luck with it!
All sounds like such exciting stuff!! I’ll be honest, blogging didn’t really factor into my new years resolutions since I’ve had a bit of time off and haven’t been making it a priority. However, thinking about it, I just want to get involved again, and maybe write some more political posts.
Megan|https://pixieskiesblog.wordpress.com
Sounds good! You gotta do what you love and are passionate about 😌
I think your photography is already gorgeous but i cant to see what you do with it!
Awh thank you so much!
These are great goals. My goals are to publish two children’s and one adult novel this year.
That’s quite some goals! Good luck!
I really want to be more organised and plan posts ahead of time, rather than last minute and to set a schedule of 2-3 posts each week. I also want to get back to my love of skincare which I feel I’ve been neglectful in 2018. 🙂
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip
I’d always recommend planning ahead! Hope you can manage it this year 😌
You did so much last year, it’s like you’re wonder woman!
I definitely need to work on my blog/instagram photography, but I think my first port of call should be buying a new phone so I have a working camera haha.
Good luck with your 2019 goals 🙂
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk
Haha awh thank you! Last year was pretty hectic! x
I’m desperate to try some of the candles from the new elevation range! I keep spotting them online and they’re so beautiful! I love the look of the scents you chose. Gorgeous photos too xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
They’re so gorgeous! Beautiful jars too 😌
I desperately need to find ways in which I can make my photos in my blog posts better but I find it so difficult!
Rebecca Elaine x
Same! Even with a brilliant camera, I just don’t have a natural eye for photography. I definitely relate!
Good luck. I’m just a reader, but have goals to read more, and read every day. Also do the £2 in a jar everytime I read a book so I’m doing that again.
That’s a fab idea!
Such a great post! I have set myself goals to learn more about web design because that stuff is all still a blur to me and I have no idea how to set up the different pages etc, but I definitely want to learn and to grow my audience/followers as well 😊 x
Sounds good! It’s pretty easy if you’re on WordPress, I’d be happy to give you a hand but if you’re not then I’m pretty useless haha 😂 Best of luck with them!
Thank you! I am on WordPress haha 😂 I was reading about it yesterday haha
I should set blogging goals, but as it’s my hip replacement in 1 weeks time, most of my focus will be on rehabilitation and learning to walk unaided. I will blog the journey though x
You could still have small goals you can work on whilst you recover. 😌 Best of luck with your hip replacement!
So true, will try and do that x
I really want to increase my income for 2019, I hope that I can do it!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Best of luck! 😘
You are so much more structured than my effort. I love how you are mapping it out. I think my three goals so far are to improve the photographic content (relying on a very old mobile phone camera), look to add more video and link it with an a Instagram account.
Sounds good! Best of luck with them all 😌
I always love the Yankee candle clean laundry smells too, I find the cake ones a bit synthetic! Good luck with your goals, I haven’t actually set any goals for 2019, I just want to increase viewership I guess, your blog is a total inspiration to me!
Same! Fresh scents are my absolutely favourite – they remind me of Spring (and my holiday to Wales for some reason?) No goals is cool too, it’s nice to just see where things take you sometimes 😌 Best of luck and thank you!
I just put up a post myself about 2019 goals and blogwise I just categorised it as increase my following but in that I really want to improve photography and content. I love your blog so I can’t wait to see what direction your posts head in going into this new year, good luck with the photography goal too. New cameras appear to be the best investment with growing through photos so I’m sure your investment will definitely pay off. Happy new year!
beesytimes.co.uk
I really hope it does because it wasn’t a cheap investment haha! I’m still learning how to use it properly but the quality of my photos is definitely better 😌 Good luck with your goals too!