"Niche"-a-Whaa?

Day 3 & 4 of #31DBBB Challenge

Day 3 of my blog challenge through SITS was to expand how I market my blog posts. Since I mainly use Facebook and Twitter, I gave Technorati, Stumble Upon and Digg a try. I swam in the FAIL pond for a while; I just couldn't figure them out. Then, I happened to see a chat on the SITS community on Blog Frog discussing a site called Kirsty. Bingo! I linked my last post very easily and took a dip in the YAY pond. Whew! Challenge 3 complete.

Day 4 was asking us to study a blog in our "niche". Overwhelm much? Yeah, that task is like saying "go into a candy store and pick out something sweet." Honestly, I have no clue what "niche" I fit into. Sports? Mommy Blog? Humor? Parenting? All of them? So, I visited a few blogging friends that have been kind enough to leave a comment. All I can say is WOW. So many good sites out there-and I only scratched the surface! What I learned from this task is that I am still such a newbie in the techie world and I  think I need to do some upgrades to my blog. Maybe tabs at the top to organize different posts, create a Facebook fan page (gulp!), create a disclosure statement and a marketing plan. If I want some things off my Blog Bucket List, then I think these should be on my radar.

So what sites did I check out? Here are two that stand out:

Making it Work Mom : A mom like me.

Soldierette : One cool chick.

Heather, from Making it Work Mom actually emailed me (she got a head start on task 5!) and asked if I would link a post for her. When I opened that email, I thought 'why didn't I think of that?!' I read her post and fell in love with her writing style and was quick to become a follower. We seem to have a lot in common; we are both working moms outside the home, have a hectic family life and seem to have the same "battles" with our teenage daughters! I would say that the only thing we may not have in common (yet) is the love of a hockey rink. I spend 3 days a week, 7 months out of the year in a hockey rink for speedskating and she is on the cusp of being a "Hockey Mom".  She will learn to love them too. I am so glad that Heather contacted me. Come to find out, she is now following my blog too! Thanks Heather!

Day 5 is today and we are to "email a blog reader." This will be fun! Are you a reader? Do you follow my blog? If yes, welcome and thanks!! If no, why not? What are you waiting for?! Join in on the fun!

Off to emails!

My Blog Bucket List

Day 2 of the SITS, ProBlogger & Blog Frog '31 Days to Build a Better Blog' Challenge:

Today's task: "Write a list post."

Write a list?  I have a confession to make:

My name is Kelly, and I am a LIST-aholic.

If I can find a piece of paper, envelope, napkin, heck anything to write on, and can make columns of things to check or cross off, I am on it! Wish lists, chore list, grocery list, Christmas list. I even make a list of what I am going to pack in a suitcase so I can check it off as it goes in my bag. To write this post, I made a LIST!

As I began writing, I realized that the one list that I have not created (yet) is a 'Bucket List'. Can you believe it? I can't. I mulled that over and thought how can I tie that into this task. The reason this is created is so that you can make a list of all the things you want to do, see or experience before you 'kick the bucket'.

I am not wishing the demise of my blog, quite the opposite; but why not make a Blog Bucket List? Using the same principle, create a list of goals that I would like to accomplish with my blog. Start out with a few and as with any list, I can add or change as things are crossed off.

Here goes:

1. Grow Readership & Followers- My goal is to have 500 followers. I don't know why I picked this number, but it seems like a good one. To have my blog grow in this way, well, would be great.

2. Increase Comments: Have folks get to know eachother on my blog by sharing discussions.

3. Find a Sponsor/Advertiser

4. Get Paid to Write- Working off number 3...

**Dreaming Lottery Dreams Here**

5. Travel because of my blog- To cover sporting events? How cool would that be to write about the Tour de France (even one stage) IN France? Specialized, Trek, Cannondale, Nike, are you listening?

I'm sure if I sat here long enough, I could think of more, but this is a good start.

What would be on your Blog Bucket List?

Let me know!

Going UP!

I have signed up with hundreds of other bloggers to take part in the 31-Day ProBlogger and The Secret is in the Sauce Build a Better Blog Challenge. 31 daily tasks to complete. Today is Day 1.

I am always up for a challenge...but this one is really making my head hurt! I even poured myself a glass of wine and it is STILL sitting next to me...not even touched.

My assignment for today? Write an "Elevator Pitch". I thought it would be easy to do, but guess what?

It is not.

It doesn't help that I am totally distracted watching the Tour de France...Andy Schleck just popped his chain and Alberto Contodor just attacked. I already know the outcome of today's stage, but to watch it unfold on the road, well, is just...just not right. Karma can really suck AC, so watch out. AS is now marking you. He likes the color yellow and he wants it back.

One thing I did learn while preparing my pitch...I am more than "just a mom blog", I am a mom blog that showcases the love of sports and how to balance the active family life with every day life.

Hmmm, I think I may be on to something here....