Revisiting Blogging Goals for 2015

We are already halfway through the year and I can hardly believe it. This year has been quite fast and it seems like only yesterday when I was shopping in Selfridges Christmas/Boxing Day Sales. I think it has been a good year and I thought I would revisit some of the blogging goals I set at the beginning of the year. I am quite pleased that I have been inching closer to achieving some of these blogging goals. I also look forward to doing better at the end of the year. You can read my Blogging Goals for 2015 post over here. Right, let’s see what progress I have made so far..

1. Get more involved in social media: I think I have made some progress although it's not as much as I would like. I remember back in 2014 when I promoted my blog posts only once a day but now I do it like three times a day (I should do it more often though). I have seen a sustained improvement to my reader engagement and I have met so many lovely people along the way. I have also participated in a few blogger chats especially the #fblchat which is always so interesting and I learn new tips every week I join. Even if I miss it, I just go through the hashtag and see what was discussed. For the remaining half of the year, I think it would be nice to get more engagement from my Twitter followers which means I need to tweet more (not just my blog posts). I have also been using Instagram more often and I try to keep my photos in a particular style so everything looks pretty and nice when you check out my feed. If you are not following me on Instagram, here is a shameless plug in to follow me @Fashstyleliv . I don’t post a lot of personal stuff on Instagram because I have it dedicated mainly to my blog.

2. Engage with fellow bloggers: I am really pleased with the progress I have made so far. In 2014, I think the only engagement with other bloggers was only through replying comments they leave on my blog. Now, I tweet them directly and I even send direct messages to some of them. I think the blogging community is such a lovely one and I have enjoyed being a member. I find that through the Twitter chats, I have met new bloggers who are amazing. I would never have found them any other way. That’s the beauty of blogging and social media!. For the rest of the year, I hope to engage even better and perhaps, I should meet up with some bloggers. The only blogger whom I have met is my bae TiloLovesVanilla when she came to London. That was last year but I hope I catch up with her soon. I love her so much!!

3. Comment on more blogs: I won’t say I am where I want to be when it comes to commenting on their blogs but I have made very good progress. I used to feel so lazy to comment because I read many blogs on my phone via the Bloglovin app. However, I decided to read these blogs (still through bloglovin) on my PC and it gives me a chance to comment. Of course, I have many blogs bookmarked on my computer so I just pop in to see what’s new and comment. I find that commenting on other people’s blogs helps you engage better with them especially when you get a reply. I need to improve more but I am pleased I have made an effort. For the rest of the year, I am hoping to dedicate 30 minutes or so to comment on my favourite blogs especially after I have read it on my phone.

4. Accept more opportunities to network: This was one area that was a challenge for me in 2014.  Last year, I got a few networking opportunities to attend blogger events with some brands but I could not make them due to work commitments. However, this year, I have made an effort to plan things better so I could attend a few.  So far,  I have attended four events including the Rakuten Symposium London (& Lunch with Molton Brown), The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Event, British Association of Dermatologists Road Show with La Roche Posay and most recently the most amazing breakfast with La Roche Posay in Ham Yard Hotel. It is always so lovely to meet representatives of brands that you love and  also meeting other bloggers you enjoy reading their blogs. I always feel happy meeting like minded people who don’t mind chatting non-stop about beauty or the blogging world.





I have also been lucky to work with several brands and receive some products to try out  including Skinny Tan, Nanshy Makeup Brushes, Tru Print Cards, La Roche Posay,  The Body Shop, Molton Brown, W7 Cosmetics, Bagsy Beauty, Balance Me, Vichy, Roger and Gallet, Lanolips, Wow Hair Products, Morgan Taylor, etc.  I am sure every blogger will agree with me that it is lovely that brands you already love appreciate your blog that they decide to send you products to try out. I don’t think it is all about getting free products; it just makes me feel happy to know that readers, bloggers and brands love my blog.. I feel very lucky every time I get to try a product and I never take it for granted or feel like I am entitled to it because I am not. I have some exciting news which I would be sharing soon on here, so stay tuned.

5. Improve my Photography Skills: This is an ongoing process and Photography is my ultimate love. I can take photos all day if I could because I enjoy it so much. I would like to think I have improved my photography skills in the past six months and I am working hard to make further improvements. I am so pleased that we are now back to having really bright days so there is no challenge in getting nice photos. To get a great photo, all you need is good lighting and a passion. I have tried several backgrounds and styles for my blog photos and I love the process behind getting nice shots. I am still making more improvements and I hope it shows. I still have more photography posts coming up so stay tuned for that. I know I promised to start a series but a few things got in the way. However, it won't be long before you see some posts. 

Overall Thoughts

I don’t think I have done too badly when it comes to sticking to my blogging goals although I know there is room for improvement. I am definitely not resting on my oars and I intend to put in more effort for the rest of the year. That’s it folks!  Have you stuck to your blogging goals for 2015? Do you have any new goals for the last half of 2015? Let me know in the comment box below...xx