Setting Yearly Blog and Branding Goals

As I get more serious with blogging I've come to the realization that I also need to be more serious about how I create and publish content. Content that is focused is what draws in readers, keeps readers coming back, and makes them want to share with others. With this in mind, I determined three areas that I want to focus on in 2016.

Related read: How I Plan My Blog And Social Content

I chose these three areas because they didn't quite happen in 2015, but that's probably because I didn't have any real focus or goals other than publishing posts. To help me achieve the goals I've determined a few action items for each of them.

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1. Create and maintain a consistent look and feel for my content

Finish the blog rebrand by end of Q1 2016

One thing I wish I had done when I first started my blog was to really think through the strategy and branding. Because I didn't think through my blog strategy or branding I ended up with an inconsistent look and feel. Also, the focus of my blog was too narrow, relaxed hair, so I ended up with a few non-hair posts that to me stuck out like a sore thumb.

I'm now in the process of overhauling the blog by changing the blog name, and revising graphics, colors and fonts. I've also created a post signature that I've been adding to all past and new posts and will be creating a logo. I am working to have the rebrand complete and fully implemented by end of Q1.

Related read: How To Customize Your Blog For Cheap

Keep my content focused on my key topics

In thinking through the blog rebrand, I've also been thinking through the types of topics I want to cover and have determined three areas: hair (healthy and relaxed), beauty, and life. All of which are broad, so I'm working through what the 3 to 4 subtopics will be for each area. I'm working to have that completed by the end of Q1 as well.

2. Publish content on a consistent basis

Post on the blog at least once a week

In 2015 I had created a posting schedule of twice a week - once during the weekend and once mid-week. That lasted about two minutes and for the rest of the year I ended up posting content whenever I got around to creating and completing it.

In 2016 I want to be more consistent about posting as that is a good way to grow and sustain a following. So my goal is to publish one new post a week on Saturday.

Upload a new video at least once a month

Shooting and editing videos take a bit of time and due to my schedule, I do the shooting and editing all on the weekend. So I feel that once a month is a good cadence to start with - a new video will go live on the last Sunday of the month.

3. Promote my content more

Participate more on social media

I've found this to be a great way to promote content and drive traffic, so I want to make sure I'm fully utilizing all my social platforms.

Related read: The Truth About Driving Blog Traffic

Find other areas for content promotion

I'll do this, by reading and seeing what other bloggers are doing. Some ways I promoted my content in 2015 were through blog linkups and StumbleUpon. Both brought several new readers and followers to my blog.

What goals have you set for your blog?