2018 Pet Blogger Challenge

It's that time of year again!  The Annual Pet Blogger Challenge is here - I hope you enjoy reading about our blog! 

Hurry up!  Da Momma is blogging!

 For those who may be visiting your blog for the first time, how long have you been blogging and what is your main topic?
We've been blogging for close to ten years! We've tried to keep the blog humorous and fun and focus on the stories of our three pups.

What was your proudest blogging moment of 2017?
I'll admit, we didn't do much blogging in 2017.  We had a grand total of 18 posts!  New duties at work kept me busy - and after spending all day on the computer, I wasn't motivated to come home and spend more time.  Things are quieting down and I'm ready to get back into it!    ...and I'm going to have to talk to our graphics department about a new banner....

Dis sounds serious.

Additionally, I have found Facebook an amazing venue for quick posts and short stories.  Make sure to follow the links on the right and like Princess Harlow Speaks page.

In terms of your blog, how do you measure success?
I love the feedback from our fans.  If I get comments where folks tell us how happy our posts make them or how they laughed reading our stories, I consider that a success.

Happy readers make da Harlow happy!

 What was the biggest blogging challenge you overcame in 2017, and what did you learn that could help other bloggers?
Taking breaks is okay.  I have found our fans are still there, waiting to read our stories.  Sometimes you have to focus on life first and the blog second, and that is totally okay.

Resting....  beep....

 When things get hard, what keeps you blogging?
I'll admit, I've got a bit of an overactive imagination.  The blog is a venue to tell some of the stories that are constantly swirling around my head - especially in regards to the trio of pups that share our home.

Looking forward to 2018, what are you hoping to accomplish on your blog this year?
I want to post more, but I have decided to not try to stick to a schedule this year and just post as the stories come to me.

In addition to what you’d like to accomplish, is here one specific skill you’d like to improve or master this year?
Over the years I have been encouraged by our readers to write stories (books) regarding our pups, using photos and doodles I do through out the year.  This year I'd like to explore that option and see where it takes us.  Reader feedback is going to be so important to us this year!

What would our readers like to see?
Any suggestions on what you would like to see on our blog?  Let us know and we will try to include it in the blog!

More Harlow, right?

 Thank you all for sticking with us through the years!  We love our readers and the comments you make!  We hope everyone has a wonderful 2018.

...from the good folks at How Sam Sees It - Monty, Harlow, Ramble, Aaron and Christine

The 7th Annual Pet Blogger Challenge

It's that time of year again to participate in the Pet Blogger Challenge!  I'll admit, 2016 was not a stellar year for us - lots of changes and the loss of my Mom - I almost didn't want to join this year.  ...but, I'm hoping to find some good in 2016 and am definitely looking forward to 2017!

When did you start your blog and, for anyone who is just seeing it for first time, please provide a description of your site. Would you say your blog focuses more on sharing stories with your readers, or providing a resource for your audience?

We started How Sam Sees It in July of 2008.  It's hard to believe we are fast approaching our 9th Anniversary!  Our main goal was to entertain folks with silly photos and stories about our beloved pups, and I feel we have stayed true to that.  We've showcased a few products, but the main theme of our blog is the story. 

What was your proudest blogging moment of 2016?

I've always liked a good detective novel, and this years Furry Friday Mysteries was exciting for me!  It picked up a story line we started back when Sam was still with us, and tied it in to include both Harlow and Ramble.  We look forward to bringing it back in 2017!

Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why? (Please include a link.)

I'd have to say, by far, my favorite blog post this year (....and I don't have many to chose from!) was our introduction for Ramble.  Bringing the Nekkid Dog into the household presented challenges, and for the blog, introducing him and capturing the character of each pup was huge!   http://howsamseesit.blogspot.com/2016/06/have-you-met-new-guy.html


Year after year, one goal that we all seem to share is that we want to reach more people. What one tool did you use or action did you take this year that had the most impact on increasing traffic to your blog?

Unfortunately, 2016 wasn't our year to increase traffic to the blog, or keep up on any of the 2016 goals.  Forward to 2017!

Which of your blog posts got the most traffic this year? (Please include a link.) Have you noticed any themes across your most popular posts?

Sadly for us, the post with the most traffic was my tribute to my mother, who passed away after a lifetime of struggling with medical conditions.  If you wish to read it, here is the link:  http://howsamseesit.blogspot.com/2016_08_01_archive.html


What blog do you find most inspirational and how has it influenced your blog? (Please include a link.)

Haha - this has got to be the most difficult question of them all!!  I've had the honor of reading and being friends with some of the best bloggers out there - I think it would be impossible to list everyone who has had some influence on my blog.  ...but thank you all! 


What is one thing your readers don’t know about you or your pets that would surprise them?

Hmmmm....  I'm pretty open about the ups and downs of owning our silly pups.  I suppose it could be that Harlow can be shy around strange men, Ramble is still not perfect on potty training, and Monty has a huuuuuge fear of firecrackers.  Our pups aren't perfect, but we don't expect them to be - it wouldn't be any fun if they were!

What is something you’ve learned this year that could help other bloggers?

I've struggled with answering this one - can I have a pass?  In all honesty, the blog slipped down the list of importance this year.  We had a major life change, a major death...  Probably the only thing I've learned is that it is okay to take a break.  Life comes first.

What would you like to accomplish on your blog in 2017?

Definitely want to post more!  ...and post more stories!  I miss being able to be a little bit silly and creative at the same time!

Now it’s your turn! You have the attention of the pet blogging community – is there a question you’d like answered, or an aspect of your blog that you’d like input on?

What would folks like to see from our blog?  More reviews?  More stories?  More photos?  


Thank you all so much for reading and sticking with us over the years!  We love every comment we receive!

5th Annual Pet Blogger Challenge

We decided to participate again in this years Pet Blogger Challenge.  We participated last year and had a lot of fun answering the questions and reading what other folks had to say.  If you would like to join in, click here!  Are you ready? 

Iz waiting, Momma!

1. How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone stopping by for the first time, please give us a quick description of what your blog is about. 

I have been blogging since July 2008, although at the time we had no idea what direction this blog would take.  It kind of fizzled out.  We consider our official start date to be April 2009.  We knew we wanted the blog to be about our dogs, but didn't quite have the format down.  We love to put up quirky stories, Photoshops, photos and posts that hopefully make folks smile.

2. Tell us one thing that you accomplished on your blog during 2014 that made you proud.

I've always been hit and miss with blog posts.  My goal was to beat my highest year for posts which was 2010 with 126 posts.  We managed to squeak post that number in 2014 with 130.  My goal this year is to pass that number.  

3. What lessons have you learned this year – from other blogs, or through your own experience – that could help us all with our own blogs?

My answer is actually the same as last years - the dog blogging community is wonderful.  They have shown that to me time and time again.  Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help or questions.  Technical support, dog questions, and a great support team when life gets a little rough - they are there.

4. What have you found to be the most successful way to bring traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?

I love visiting other blogs and reading what folks have to say.  I've had a jump in readers in the last month and I think that is mainly because I've expanded my list of blogs I visit.  Being friendly really helps.  I also share my posts on Facebook and get a few folks that wouldn't normally read blogs visiting that way.

5. What was your most popular blog post this year? Did it surprise you that it was your most popular?  

That's a tough one!  Reviewing my posts from last year I can see several that came out in top.  Harlow's broken toe had a lot of comments, as well as Sugar coming to Phoenix.  We also get a lot of comments on our humorous posts, such as Garth Riley's Dog in the Box contest and our new year's post from last year. 

6. What was your favorite blog post to write this year?  

Another tough question!  My favorite posts are when I get to tell stories through a series of photos.  I have the most fun putting these together.  Our most recent was where Harlow decided to take up hiking, or when our Halloween decorations caused some concern.

7. Has your policy on product reviews and/or giveaways changed this year?

I don't mind doing a limited amount of reviews.  Typically I have one review a month right now from chewy.com.  I'm not sure I want to change that amount, as I've noticed reviews get the least amount of traffic/readers.  This year I want to change my format of the reviews to see if I can put that "quirky" spin on them that I love to do.

8. What’s your best piece of advice for other bloggers?

Just have fun.  I love to do this because I have fun putting the pictures together and love the feedback I get from folks who read our blog. 

9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2015?  Well, as mentioned above, I want to get a little better with consistently getting posts up.  Last year it was a minimum of two posts per week, this year I'd like to try for three.  I also want to make sure I'm not just posting for the sake of posting, so that is challenging me to take a look at the content of my posts. 

10. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

Wow - that's a good question.  Right now I'm not experiencing any challenges that I need any help on, but I know if I do, I've got a great support group to ask for help!

Dis isn't what it looks like...

4th Annual Pet Blogger Challenge...

...but our first year participating!  

Click here for PBC site!

 Let me see if I can do the questions justice...

1. How long have you been blogging? Please tell us why you started blogging, and, for anyone stopping by for the first time, give us a quick description of what your blog is about.

We have two starts for the blog.  It originally started July 2008 but we didn't quite have a handle on what we wanted the blog to be.  Our official start day is April 2009.  Our blog was devoted to our beloved Sam and his adventures.  It started as a bit of fun, but I'd say it has progressed well into a passion.  We have two wonderful rescued goldens - Monty and Harlow.  This past year we lost Sam, but are continuing the blog in his name.  After all, this blog wouldn't be possible if it hadn't been for "How Sam Sees It".

2. Name one thing about your blog, or one blogging goal that you accomplished during 2013, that made you most proud.

We had a couple of goals planned, but Sam's illness and passing changed a lot of that.  I've made those same resolutions this year and am making every effort to keep them.  Please see Question 12 for our 2014 goals.

3. When you look at the post you wrote for last year’s Pet Blogger Challenge, or just think back over the past year, what about blogging has changed the most for you?

I think we've stayed true to our original idea.  We wanted the blog to be lighthearted and fun.  We've helped our favorite rescue, AZGRC, with our blog too, something I'm extremely proud of.

4. What lessons have you learned this year – from other blogs, or through your own experience – that could help us all with our own sites?

The dog blogging community is wonderful.  Don't be afraid to ask for help - either with your blog or with a dog question.  We have all been there.

 

5. What have you found to be the best ways to bring more traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?

Visiting other blogs and introducing yourself is a great way to bring in more readers.  Facebook has also helped the blog grow.  I've made business cards to hand out to potential readers.  I've found that some folks will laugh when you mention you have a dog blog, but a lot of folks will stop by.

 

6. How much time to do you spend publicizing your blog, and do you think you should spend more or less in the coming year?

I don't think I've ever thought about how I advertise the blog.  I share each post on Facebook, but currently I don't do anything else.  

 

7. How do you gauge whether or not what you’re writing is appealing to your audience?

I love to hear that reading a post made someone laugh.  Since that is the goal of the blog, I consider that 100% success!  :)  Here and there I'll talk to someone who remembers a particular post.  I love that our posts are memorable.  I also love when folks share on Facebook.

 

8. When you’re visiting other blogs, what inspires you to comment on a post rather than just reading and moving on? 

I can usually find something to comment on, although a few times I will admit I just didn't know what to say.  Sometimes posts will trigger memories - either helpful advice or a similar situation from my own pups.   I tend to write longer comments when that happens.

9. Do you do product reviews and/or giveaways?

       We had just started to do product reviews when Sam got ill.  It was too much for me to handle so I declined several offers.    Just recently we were contacted to do another review and I accepted.  I never wanted the blog to be commercial, so I will only accept reviews if I feel I can do a review with the same lightheartedness our blog is known for.

10. When writer’s block strikes and you’re feeling dog-tired, how do you recharge?

Spending time with the pups is very important for me.  I feel happiest and most content when I'm with them.

11. Have you ever taken a break from your blog? How did that go?

We've never taken a scheduled break, although there have been short periods of time where we had nothing to post.  Summers in Arizona are very hot and you can only do so many posts of the dogs lounging on the couch. 

 

12. What goals do you have for your blog in 2014?

I have several goals.  One is to guarantee 2 posts per week - a Wordless Wednesday and a weekend post of some kind.  I'd like to do a few more product reviews.   I've been toying with the idea of having a booth at this years Holiday Pet Festival - kind of a meet and greet for our princess.  I really want to work towards that. I also had a few ideas for some fun blog posts - I won't tell what they are but this is the year I want to put them together.  All I will say is that one of them is so epic it will actually have credits...