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Have You Come A Long Way, Blogger?

https://www.donnamerrilltribe.comIn my last post, I celebrated my 200th blog post.  I had listed bloggers that I’ve known for a long time.  It made me think of how far so many of us have come with our blogs and online businesses.  So I’ll ask you this: have you come a long way, blogger?

Then I received an email from Mary Stephenson telling me that she was writing her last post and shutting down her blogsite.  Mary is a good conscientious blogger because when someone shuts down their blog, it creates “404 errors” from their comment links.  While reading comments to her final article, I found out that Sue Neil also was leaving the blogging world, on to new endeavors.  These are two great women who I wish all the best to.

So I started reminiscing about when I first came into the blogging world.  

Things were so different.

Changes rapidly occurred during the past few years.  I’ve seen bloggers start businesses and put their energies into them and develop online incomes for their efforts.  Some bloggers I’ve known from way back developed into great affiliate marketers.  Some have taken their writing skills and started selling books on Amazon.  Others, like me, have created their own digital products that were sort of an outgrowth of their blogging.

The blogging world is growing fast.  As new people come on board in leaps and bounds, I see their enthusiasm and hopefulness to start somewhere to create a business for themselves.  When I looked back at my first blog post, it was quite funny to me.  I was doing some affiliate marketing in those days.  Thank goodness I learned the 80/20 rule of pouring out good content most of the time, while selling or promoting only 20 percent of the time.  I see bloggers all the time who just don’t understand that concept.

Over time, I added an opt-in offer to start creating my email list.  Some of you may have seen my opt-in “lead magnet” video series about overcoming procrastination.  It wasn’t the greatest video quality in the world, for sure, but it still brought many followers onto my list.  I just didn’t know how to market back then, though.  Shoot… I could have made a few bucks from that little video series lol.   But it did become a very popular lead magnet offer.

I spent the next 2 years taking marketing courses, joining marketing groups, and then got really serious.

I built a team of pros to assist in the development and marketing of my product.  Phew…it takes time, devotion and willingness to learn.  But I’m really proud of the outcome because it is helping many new and seasoned bloggers really learn the right way to do this business.  You might want to check it out here.

I speak for myself when I look back 4 years and say “You’ve come a long way, baby!”   And it’s been fun seeing so many other bloggers develop their brands and their businesses, as an outgrowth of their blogging.  To each of them, I say: “You’ve come a long way, blogger”.

 

Have You Come A Long Way, Blogger?

I think it’s good to look back once in a while to see just how far you’ve come since you first started blogging.  Sometimes it’s great to go down memory lane and look at your fellow bloggers, too, and acknowledge their success.

The women I mentioned above, may have left blogging, but that’s because they found another direction to follow.  I know they learned a lot from the blogging process that will help them move forward as they follow their new paths.  I’m sure that blogging has helped them to carve out their new beginnings.

When we start to blog, we come out of our box and leap into a world as unknown newbies.  We do the best we can, and we forge ahead with patience and persistence.

We learn so many things every day just from visiting other blogs and interacting on social media sites.

We start growing in different directions.  What we think may be our niche at first can morph into something else, and that’s OK… We are following our passions and constantly sharing with others.

Most of us have used our blogs as a home base from which to enter the world of marketing.  No matter where you are at this point… newbie or seasoned blogger, there is always growth ahead.  You will come a long way, blogger!

So my friends, don’t give up.  We change as we grow.  Sometimes our endeavors in blogging take us offline, too, and that’s great.  I know many who have done offline work for other businesses by setting up blogs or social pages for them.  Others have used their blogs to build their own business or attract others to their business opportunity.  Blogging was the key focal point for all of these people.  Maybe they blogged a little more or a little less, but their “home base” was always their blog.

Now, these are my observations that have been taking me down memory lane since my last post.

My question to you is how far have YOU come since your first blog post? Have you “Come A Long Way, Blogger?” Did you come into blogging with a good mentor or not?  Have you changed or maintained your niche?  Have you been involved in any form of online marketing?   Have you learned to fully leverage social media?  I would really like to know..

Blessings,

-Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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55 Responses to Have You Come A Long Way, Blogger?

  1. Kyle Nelson
    Twitter:
    June 16, 2014 at 11:28 am #

    Donna – loved reading this post and encouraged me to look back at my blogging experience. I started in 2009 and have met some amazing people along the way. I began blogging because of Network Marketing but since then it has changed many times and sculpted into different reasons. One of the biggest things that I have noticed is the vast amount of people that have come and gone throughout the years. I ave made amazing relationships and lost many just because of the reason of them stopping in type of online blogging. Although i have learned a lot i have so much more to learn as times change and trends differ!
    Kyle Nelson recently posted..What Separates Great Leaders From Good LeadersMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 16, 2014 at 2:52 pm #

      Hi Kyle,

      I know what you mean…I too have seen many fall off the planet with their blogs. It is pretty much a usual thing. We do have to keep in mind that only three percent will hang in there.

      As trends have changed so much since 2009, it is so important that we do keep up with all the changes. Its a never ending learning process. Once we are passionate about our business, we will be passionate about that learning curve.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Essential Steps Of Affiliate BloggingMy Profile

  2. Ravi Chahar
    Twitter:
    May 22, 2014 at 10:08 am #

    Hi Donna,

    An informative post indeed.
    It’s really great to think about our past when we started blogging? I always wonder what would I do if I wouldn’t start blogging? A striking thought comes into my mind about blogging. I have noticed many bloggers, specially beginners who always ask questions only about making money. I mean it money the only thing?

    I totally agree with you that blogosphere os changing day by day. Blogging strategies are transforming into a new shape. But if we are ready to do hard work then no one stop us bring a new revolution with our blog.

    Thanks for making me feel like something good enough. 🙂
    Have a great day.

    ~Ravi
    Ravi Chahar recently posted..Add Disqus To Your Website In Just Two MinutesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 16, 2014 at 2:53 pm #

      Hi Ravi,

      How did I miss you here? Sorry about that.

      Thanks so much for your great comment. Yes, the blogosphere is changing by the day. We do have to keep up with the latest trends and changes.

      It is a constant learning process. But…it is our business so we do have to be as passionate about learning as we are about putting out content.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..4 Essential Steps Of Affiliate BloggingMy Profile

  3. Holly
    Twitter:
    May 11, 2014 at 9:29 pm #

    I have come a long way, baby!! oops blogger!! However i’ve got many things to learn. I’ve come and gone over the years and haven’t really dedicated myself to my online business… i’ve kept going back to my offline business… I’m still learning and growing from it, so I’m excited to keep on blogging!
    Holly recently posted..You Don’t Have To Be Perfect!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      June 2, 2014 at 2:16 pm #

      Hi Holly,

      Sorry for the late response…just noticed it here.

      You do have a lot going on with your off line and on line business. But I think that with your off line business, you can share so much of it on line with your blog.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Entrepreneurs Have Holidays TooMy Profile

  4. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    May 11, 2014 at 9:16 pm #

    Hi Leslie,

    I remember when I first met you and you were writing about music. Look how far you have come!

    I cannot wait to see what’s up your sleeve in the next 90 days! We are always evolving and being a Boomer helps!

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Building Character For Online SuccessMy Profile

  5. Leslie Denning
    Twitter:
    May 11, 2014 at 11:59 am #

    Hi Donna. I think that blogging is kind of like being a parent. You learn along the way, look to others for advice, and finally find your own style. I started blogging about young children and music and then moved to business tips and am getting ready to evolve into information and affiliate marketing. I’m happy to have a creative outlet for my writing, and it’s still a work in progress.

    Like you, I finally had to get a team together to help me with design, SEO, and the like. Over the next 90 days, new things will be rolling out. Isn’t it fun! And I always enjoy visiting your blog. We Boomers have such an opportunity to share our wisdom and experience.

    All the best,
    Leslie
    Leslie Denning recently posted..Add Images to Your Posts from These 5 Free SitesMy Profile

  6. Donna Merrill
    Twitter:
    May 9, 2014 at 4:02 pm #

    Hi Atish,

    I miss Sue too, but I know through her journey she had learned so much and now will apply her skills to new journey.

    I love your blog techtrisworld Atish! You are always pumping out such great content. I do see you as one of the 3% of bloggers that do make it to the top!

    -Donna
    Donna Merrill recently posted..Building Character For Online SuccessMy Profile

  7. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    May 7, 2014 at 11:55 am #

    Sue is my friend and when she left blogging I was so sad but its alright. Best of luck for her next endeavors.

    your progress is commendable Donna. Loved to read about your journey. Currently I am working on a lot of blogs but the main is techtricksworld.com where I am consistent.

    Simply I love blogging and I can say that I am not gonna leave it ever.
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..Why Do Newbie Bloggers Give up Blogging Soon?My Profile

  8. Nanda Rahmanius
    Twitter:
    May 7, 2014 at 6:10 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I like your closing words “don’t give up. We change as we grow”
    Well, I’m still struggling with the online world and have not thought to stop yet. Since I’m still curious about what I would see when I become a great blogger and influential, at least in my own country 🙂

    Until now, I have not seen anything yet. So, I did not stop until reaching that goal. I’ll do my best!
    That’s what I think 🙂

    Thanks for sharing with us, Donna.
    Nice share!

    Nanda
    Nanda Rahmanius recently posted..5 Online Marketing Strategies For Small Business SuccessMy Profile

  9. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    May 7, 2014 at 12:57 am #

    My first blog grew out of a long-distance friendship with my best friend, Cheryl, who lived 500 miles away. She told me I shouldn’t hide my light under a bushel, but should share my daily life online. It took me a while to get over my shyness and do it, but I finally started a personal blog for family and friends, in December 2003. My first blog post was very short.

    Nearly six years later, my entire blog disappeared into cyberspace when I clicked the wrong button, and I was never able to get it back. “Rambling Rose” was gone forever. Thankfully, I have all of the posts on my hard drive, so ALL is not lost.

    I started my current blog not long after that — not as a personal blog, but as a business blog. For the first while, all I could think of to post were Max Steingart quotes, with maybe a little commentary of my own.

    My blog is nowhere near what I want it to be, but it’s a long way from what it was when I started. I have learned so much from blogging friends like you!
    Willena Flewelling recently posted..Duplication in MLM – David Haines Tells You HowMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 9, 2014 at 3:38 pm #

      Hi Willena,

      Thank goodness that you still have all of your stuff on your hard drive! But it seems like a blessing that you pushed that wrong button. Now, instead of writing a personal journal, you are sharing great content with the world.

      Having a business blog is sure better than a journal of sorts. But I’ve seen you come a long way.

      It is interesting and I just love to visit you. Keep it up and of course keep your eye on the ball of marketing!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Building Character For Online SuccessMy Profile

  10. Rachel Lavern
    Twitter:
    May 4, 2014 at 9:18 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    It is great that you took time to reflect back on your blogging progress and the teachable moments that came along with it. We have a tendency to minimize our accomplishments. It is so easy to get caught up in what is yet to be accomplished that we forget to stop and look back on what we have done and the lessons learned along the way.

    I, too, have come a long way and it was not all the right way. But I thank God that we can always make mid-course corrections 🙂
    Rachel Lavern recently posted..No Muss No Fuss MarketingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 4, 2014 at 10:29 pm #

      Hi Rachel,

      It is great to reflect back. We see our ups and downs and notice how we overcame many obstacles.

      All those lessons we went though lead to our accomplishments today. I know you have come a long way Rachel….I remember when!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  11. Sarupa Shah
    Twitter:
    May 4, 2014 at 7:29 am #

    I originally came into blogging with a fabulous mentor way back – when typepad blogs were still popular but I opted for a freebie lbogspot blog – I blogged almost religiously and was so excited about the fact that I was on the big world wide web, and accessing all the millions, billions and maybe even trillions of people…of course not much happened other than my writing muscle got a great workout which was a good thing 🙂
    Sarupa Shah recently posted..How to get to your next financial level! [infographic]My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 4, 2014 at 10:27 pm #

      Wow Sarupa,

      You were one of the firsts! Good thing you came into blogging with a good mentor. So many, even now are coming in with either no mentor, or some that lead the into the wrong direction.

      I’m glad you are still blogging because I enjoy your blog all the time.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  12. LeslieZ
    Twitter:
    May 3, 2014 at 6:45 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    I a little green at blogging to do any reminiscing as of yet. I’ve recently started my online blogging journey, although I’ve been online for a number of years. I’m in the internet marketing niche.

    I’m using my blog as personal branding and a foundation for my online business. I am currently working with a coach, Marc Milburn. I’ve had other coaches but struggled to connect with them. Marc feels strongly about building a blog as the center of your business.

    And I have to say, I have not only learned a lot from creating my own blog, but I have learned a lot from others, like yourself, and reading their blogs. I still have struggles that early bloggers will encounter, but am ready and willing to forge ahead.

    Your blog is a wealth of knowledge and interesting as well. You make blogging look easy and I hope sometime in the future that I will provide the value you do with the welcoming style that is apparent in your blog.

    LeslieZ
    LeslieZ recently posted..Challenge Ending…Bigger Challenge BeginningMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 4, 2014 at 10:33 pm #

      Hi Leslie,

      Your mentor is correct. No matter how much we are marketing, our blog is our “home.” It is a place where we share good content, start engaging with others and learn learn learn!

      Yes, learning from others whilst blogging is a great gift. It is a constant learning curve and I love it!

      I’m sure you will do well branding yourself on your blog.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  13. Angela McCall
    Twitter:
    May 2, 2014 at 6:25 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Pardon me if I ask, what is a seasoned blogger? I’ve heard this term so many times and I’m not sure I know what this really means.

    As far as blogging is concerned, I know that this is not the easiest way to make money. In fact, there is NO easy money. It takes a lot of hard work. Consistently. Dedication. And having knowledge in your niche is not bad to have. Sometimes I feel like quitting but I just cannot quit right now.

    But as an entrepreneur, our goal shouldn’t be just blogging only but to make money (passive money). Besides the passive income, the offline income isn’t bad either. Like they say – do not put your eggs in one basket.

    As a blogger, I haven’t been blogging my business online for very long time. In fact, I have a loooooong way to go. Writing my diary online doesn’t count since that one was only my personal thingy to connect with friends online. You can say it was the “trial and error” and trying something innovative that nobody have ever done before. I’m glad I did what I did or else, I wouldn’t get so far on blogging my business. Like my sister who doesn’t like the change of technology, I could be just like her saying, “Um, this is too scary. Interview on Skype? No…no…no…” But thank God I did what I did and took the leap of faith on that journey of writing my diary online.

    Angela
    Angela McCall recently posted..Video Blogging Challenge 8 | Light Orbs and the SupernaturalMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 4, 2014 at 10:16 pm #

      Hi Angela,

      A seasoned blogger is a person that has been blogging a long time, has a good following and is usually marketing something.

      I am so glad you took the video challenge! That will certainly boost your blog. Google loves it when we put a video in our blog. And girl…you are like a pro already!

      Everything new is scary. But we just have to step out of our box, like you did with the videos.

      Wishing you all the best,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  14. Sue Bride
    Twitter:
    May 1, 2014 at 6:04 am #

    I took my own trip down memory lane this week after reading a post by Adrienne on broken links in comments. I was horrified at the amount I found – over 2000. I am still only part way to fixing them but it reminded me of people who I got close to in my first years of blogging who gave up and closed their blogs. Some I still keep in touch with via email but many are gone not to be found.

    The good aspect was I rediscovered some people who are still blogging and have made contact with them again. (I had a period of nearly 2 years when I hardly blogged at all and lost touch).

    I thought I had started my blog in 2008 but discovered it was January 2006.

    For many years my blog was a hobby and a way of recording what I learned. I entered into online marketing 3 years ago and am only just starting using my main blog for the purpose. After trying various MLM and affiliate programs and learning a lot in the process I am ready to concentrate on promoting my own services.
    Sue Bride recently posted..Those Were The Days And Broken LinksMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 1, 2014 at 3:55 pm #

      Hi Sue,

      Yes, I have done the same thing when reading Adrienne’s blog post. I spent the entire weekend cleaning it up. I know what you mean by seeing bloggers from years ago that have moved on, causing those broken links.

      Funny, I started the same way as you did, with MLM companies and affiliate marketing. Yes, I learned so much from the process also, but like you, I too am concentrating using my blog for promoting my own product and services.

      Looks like we both came a long way!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  15. Carolyn Nicander Mohr
    Twitter:
    April 30, 2014 at 10:10 pm #

    HI Donna, Congratulations on coming such a long way on your blogging journey! When we consider those who are no longer in the blogosphere, we begin to appreciate a bit more those who are still with us. I still dearly miss quite a few bloggers whose paths have taken them away from blogging.

    I am still passionate about blogging and my goal, to help others discover and learn about tech to help them in their daily lives, still holds true. I never get tired of hearing how an article I wrote really helped someone. That gives me incredible satisfaction.

    My blogging journey has been a bumpy one, with successes and setbacks. But my ultimate measure of success is whether what I write helps someone. I still feel as if I’m helping people so I will continue on my blogging journey!
    Carolyn Nicander Mohr recently posted..RIteTag – A Handy Tool to Make the Most of Your Tweets!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 1, 2014 at 1:39 pm #

      Hi Carolyn,

      You sure are a help to me! I like to follow your blog because of the way you explain those tech issues in a user friendly way. When it comes to tech, I struggle with it. However, your blog has helped me through the years.

      I so agree with you that the best part of it is helping others. There is nothing better than someone telling you that you have helped them.

      My blogging journey has also been a bumpy one. Success, setbacks…I think it happens to all of us.

      It is so good to know that you will be continuing on your blogging journey!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  16. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    April 30, 2014 at 3:19 pm #

    You really caught my eye with your comment about your friends closing down their blogs. I launched a new blog in March (OMG has it really only been a month and a half?!) but my former blog will remain operational until later this summer. There are over 400 articles on that site and while I’ve archived them, I still have to deal with the 404 issue when the site shuts down. i just came across an article with a ‘fix’ for that the other day but haven’t had a chance to really dig into it yet but I’m hoping it’s going to be a workable solution.

    To your question – I started blogging about personal growth so i never changed niches, but over time I kept drilling down to become more targeted which is the primary reason for the new site. Now i focus on resilience and building inner strength and my goal is to become the ‘go to’ author / trainer for that topic.
    Marquita Herald recently posted..How Committed Are You to Your Priorities?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      May 1, 2014 at 1:35 pm #

      Hi Marty,

      I remember your change in your blog and it’s been only a month and a half? I love the new look of it. Closing down the other one will be a huge task with those 404 errors! I’ve just spent my last weekend working on those…what a job!

      I always enjoyed your blog because your niche is interesting to me. Your changes are absolutely brilliant! That’s the thing I love about blogging as we morph into a more refined targeted niche.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  17. Corina Ramos
    Twitter:
    April 30, 2014 at 1:51 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Love the new look girl! You are definitely working it! That’s so awesome and motivating!

    For sure I’ve come a long way but at the same time I’m holding myself back but I’m working on building my self confidence so that I can venture into the unknown. 😉

    I’ve got ideas stirring up inside me but I think I need to grow before I can go there. The battle is, a part of me feels ready but then that little voice tells me I’m not. Am I weird?

    I for one want to congratulate you on your successes! You’re quite a role model for us women entrepreneurs!

    Hope you’re having a great week!
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Operation Herb Garden: It’s On Now With Gro-ables By Miracle-GroMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 30, 2014 at 3:41 pm #

      Hi Corina,

      Girl, you gotta get in touch with me! You are great and have so many ideas. I can understand your inner conflict. Been there and done that too.

      No, you are not weird, you just need to build up some self confidence. Think of this: What would be the worst thing that could happen? You are not going to die…so go for it!!!!

      Even one plan..step out of your box and just do it. It’s like jumping into a cold pool. You can ease into it taking all your time…or just jump on in.

      If you need to talk….FB Message me.

      ((Hugs))

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  18. Gladys
    Twitter:
    April 30, 2014 at 1:50 pm #

    Hello Ms. Donna
    Great post.
    Congratulations on your journey so far!
    You really have come a long way.
    Gladys recently posted..Are You Busy or Are You ProductiveMy Profile

  19. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    April 29, 2014 at 9:27 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Yes I’ve come a long way baby and still feel like I have a long way to go. You’re right…so many people come and so many people go. I know I’ve considered over and over if I should continue or not, however, the answer has always been yes so far, even when I’ve been at my lowest.

    I think blogging does give us a direction to go though. Even those ladies who are shutting down their blog, have found their ‘place’ and the direction they wanted to go in and that’s what’s important. I wish these ladies luck in their future endeavors and pray all of us find what we’re looking for.

    You have also helped us stay on path. :0
    God Bless,
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..Four Things You Always Need To Check On Your WordPress BlogMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 30, 2014 at 1:27 pm #

      Hi Barbara,

      Oh yes, I know those times when you were “down” and how we got together on Hangouts to give you support.

      That’s what I love about our fellow bloggers. We are there for one another and that keeps me going too.

      We have those times where what we think is our direction comes to a brick wall. But we also have the knowledge to pick ourselves up and continue.

      As for our dear friends that have left, I just feel like the blogging world taught them their true direction and they will be successful in their new endeavors.

      I am so glad we have met and can support one another.. May God bless you too Barbara!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  20. William Butler
    Twitter:
    April 29, 2014 at 6:25 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    When I look back on what I’ve accomplished, I’ve gone from knowing nothing at all about blogging, and at the behest of my good friend Kumar, I have made steady progress and continue to learn. I appreciate the blogging community, because there’s nothing I like better than learning about others – what’s important to them – and from others; getting a fresh perspective.

    Congratulations on your progress! I know you’ve worked hard with Dave to get where you are… so take a breather, give yourself a pat on the back. You have come a long way. Only you can decide where that will lead you. Wherever that is, I wish you great success with all your endeavors.

    Kind Regards! Have a great week!
    Bill
    William Butler recently posted..Near Death Experience: You Might Be Having One Right NowMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 30, 2014 at 1:23 pm #

      Thanks so much Bill.

      I think we all come into the blogging world sort of blind. We do need others for support and direction.

      When it comes to Kumar, I’m grateful to him every day. He handles everything for my blog and if there is one silly question he is always there to answer me.

      David and I enjoy our work in progress…because it is always a work in progress isn’t it? We just love waking up in the morning and brainstorming together.

      And yes, we do take our breaks! I find the more I have done, the more I can live the life I love. Just taking a walk on the beach when we want, spending a day in the garden, those little things we both love and enjoy. Can’t forget our time with our dogs…that makes us so happy.

      I’m grateful all day long!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  21. Glenn Shepherd
    Twitter:
    April 29, 2014 at 2:58 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Thanks for sharing this. I think that it’s certainly important to periodically take time to reflect on how much we’ve progressed and what we’ve achieved. Funnily enough, I was actually thinking about this very subject earlier today.

    Although I’m not yet at a point where I can be self-sufficient, I’ve made huge progress, going from someone who’d had no success online to actually making money, building a mailing list, getting regular visitors to my blog and building priceless contacts, both with successful Marketers and also with others who are progressing as I am.

    I definitely attribute my progress to having a good coach/mentor. Although I don’t believe it’s essential, it’s something that I HIGHLY recommend. It’s made all the difference to my efforts and I’ve learned so much from him. Plus, having that support and backing is invaluable.

    »Glenn«
    Glenn Shepherd recently posted..One Magic Number to Increase ProductivityMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 30, 2014 at 1:19 pm #

      Hi Glenn,

      I agree with you there…I can attribute my success to the coaches in the past. I’m pretty picky about that and went with those who fit my needs. I am grateful to them.

      It is so difficult when doing things on your own without a coach or mentor giving you a timeline to accomplish a task. One can quickly get lost out there!

      Support and backing is invaluable indeed!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  22. Shalu Sharma
    Twitter:
    April 29, 2014 at 5:24 am #

    You seem to have come a long way certainly. Your list must have gone bigger with the free offer, I have yet to do that. Its definitely been a long way for me too. Sometimes you feel that its the end of the road and there is no where to go.
    Shalu Sharma recently posted..What happens when 20 Indians are asked to kiss on camera?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 29, 2014 at 7:29 pm #

      Hi Shalu,

      Yes, the best way to build your list is to have an opt in for a newsletter that you write to people or a free offer. It can be a free short ebook or anything else you can teach people that has value.

      You will be surprised how effective it is. People will start opting in and you will email them to start more engagement on that end.

      Yes I do know the feeling that sometimes we feel like we are at the end of the road. It happens to all of us. But we still have to press on!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  23. Monika Sharma
    Twitter:
    April 29, 2014 at 2:47 am #

    Hi Donna,
    You always share about Blogging, But you share 100% true about Blogging ! I love the ways where you share & teach us many great things & points about Blogging. You have such a great mind ! Hey Donna, I just came to know about my Blogging performance. My Blogging performance isn’t good as you have done it.

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 29, 2014 at 7:26 pm #

      Hi Monika

      I’ve noticed that on your blog Monika, it is not so user-friendly. I don’t know what kind of blog it is, but it doesn’t look like a WordPress one to me. Also, when I go there I can’t find many posts. Maybe if you write a blog post once a week, it can be growing?

      Only constructive criticism from me to help out. How are you doing also on Social Media sites? The more you share there, the better and people will start to get to know, like and trust you.

      Don’t get me wrong, I’m only sharing what I and many other bloggers do to help.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  24. Sherman Smith April 29, 2014 at 12:42 am #

    Hey Donna,

    I’ve been the the tsunami, tornados, earthquakes and God knows what else as a blogger! As you probably already know, I started out with a network marketing blog about 4 years ago, and then last year I focused on more affiliate marketing and got out of the network marketing niche.

    But i tell you it is quite a journey and I actually look forward what is to come. Although I feel that it’s a long journey, but it’s been interesting and fun getting to know other bloggers. Especially if they went through the same struggles that I have.

    It’s also sad to see some good bloggers go. I guess you can say that this was a stepping storm for them to get closer to what they really want to do. But hey, I definitely wish them the best on their future endeavors!

    Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a great week ahead!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 29, 2014 at 1:17 pm #

      Hi Sherman,

      Yes, you have been through so much! I kind of went through the same struggles too. It was only last year when I realized my true path.

      Now, with my own product, its a whole new world.

      It is sad to see some bloggers go, but usually it is on a high road. I do get sad when they just give it all up.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  25. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    April 28, 2014 at 10:01 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    What a lovely post! I liked the fact that it took us all down memory lane, even if it was for a little while 🙂

    Yes, it was surely sad to see Sue and Mary leave, but I feel they have moved to the next level and are doing what they want to do, where their heart lies, and that’s something very nice and few are able to really achieve that satisfaction. After all, at the end of the day it all comes down to doing what makes us happy and brings us peace, isn’t it? My prayers and good wishes are always with them, and I know that even though they’ve closed their blogs, we are all still good friends and keep catching up on the social networks.

    Ah…speaking of my blogging journey…as you already know I never came into the blogosphere thinking I’d become a professional blogger! For that matter, being a writer, I was clueless about blogging and how things work. Nor did I have any mentor – just no one to guide me from the right to wrong. So, every little thing I’ve learnt has been on my own through hit and trial and I am glad and happy for that achievement of making it on my own. With time of course, once I learnt about probloggers and started visiting their sites and learning from them, the blog only got better.

    Yes, I’ve learnt a great deal and incorporated that on my blog over time and that’s resulted in increased in traffic and comments. The social media circle, friends made online, relationships built, have all increased, and of course my writing has only got better. When I see my initial posts and the ones now, there is such a huge difference. I guess we are more focused and know what and how to write and optimize our articles, both for the people and search engines, something that we didn’t earlier.

    I also changed my themes from the free blogger platform I started my blogs from to the WordPress one, and then again from Genesis to my present one, and there might be further change. Any change for the better is something we should go ahead with, and never fear trying new things as that’s how we grow, isn’t it?

    Then from this year I wanted to give back to the blogoshpere and my way of thanking it for giving me so much so I started the SYPS series which is a free platform for people to come and share their problems with Aha!NOW and it’s community and get solutions too. Besides, I started off with interviews and infograpghic posts, and the latest interview was a podcast by Yaro, so I loved transcribing it, something new that I’d never done earlier.

    I guess there has ONLY been progress as far as I can remember and it’s a learning experience still, which I am loving. 🙂

    Thanks for sharing this with us and taking us down memory lane. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..The Aha!NOW Chat With Yaro Starak [Interview]My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 29, 2014 at 11:12 am #

      Hi Harleena,

      Thank you for sharing your journey. You are such a successful blogger! I love coming to AHA Now and reading your posts and interviews. (I’m half way through Yaro’s interview ….it’s a long one but worth the read!)

      I like what you started – the SYPS series! That sure is one great place to be sharing and caring.

      To me, you are a great writer my friend. Your information is clear and concise. I love reading the interviews also that you do. Such a great learning curve for me always.

      I’m sure glad you switched to WordPress! And yes…we always have to acknowledge that there will always be changes ahead of us. I like to go with the flow, even though in the internet world it goes so much faster. It is sort of a self challenge and I like that. Keeps me young lol.

      On the social media platform, you are always there sharing and caring for people. That’s why I so admire you.

      It is quite fun going down memory lane to measure how far we have come.

      Thank you and have a great week…I’ll be seeing you on your blog.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  26. Susan Cooper
    Twitter:
    April 28, 2014 at 8:39 pm #

    I came from not knowing what a blog was to now being totally engaged. Sadly, I have watched a number of my blogging relationships go away because it was much more then they had bargained for. One of my blogger friends announced their leaving just yesterday, as a matter of fact. I am just now starting to see the fruits of my past labors, so it would be very foolish for me to pull up stakes because it’s starting to get a bit hard. I do hope to be here as long as God is willing and “the creek don’t rise”. That said I so understand your journey and your reminiscing. I’ve been doing a bit of that myself these days. 🙂
    Susan Cooper recently posted..MacRostie Chardonnay 2011: WineMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 29, 2014 at 11:03 am #

      Hi Susan,

      I’ve seen you come a long way baby! You are so engaged with your blog and social media and still growing in leaps and bounds!

      It is sad to see our friends leave, but blogging does take work, stamina and persistence. I tell my clients all the time that there is “no free lunch” meaning that they need to put time into their blogs and/or marketing efforts.

      I’ve seen even part time bloggers come a long way. I believe it is all a matter of time management and passion.

      Some people come in with the wrong impression that things will happen very quickly. They are told that by others. But we know the truth…just like any business, things do take time.

      That’s why I just had to develop that product of mine Susan! I was dealing with clients one by one and that’s one of the things that prompted me to do it. Blogging is not a quick and easy thing to do, nor is it a get rich quick campaign as we well know.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  27. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    April 28, 2014 at 7:04 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    It’s always sad to see good bloggers and writers such Mary Stephenson and Sue Neal to leave the blogging world, but I certainly can understand and respect their situation in life which made them take such decision.

    I can tell for myself, a blog does takes a lot of time and dedication and it’s work to keep them going. I hope I’ll be able to keep mine up as long as possible, because in my case, indeed, I did come a long way as far as bloging. When I started blogging, I had no clue about much anything, but I’ve learned a great deal by reading and investigating other bloggers who knew more than I did.

    For the moment, I love blogging, and I have to say that I’m kind of emotionally attached to my blog. I’m always excited to share what I know and what I’m learning with others, so as long as I have that, I’ll be here!

    Great post my friend 🙂
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Copy Writing Vs. Content Marketing – What’s The Difference?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 28, 2014 at 10:46 pm #

      Hi Sylviane,

      I know we will miss Mary and Sue leaving the blogging world, but I too respect their situation and I’m sue we will be seeing them around social media. They are great business women.

      I don’t know how you do it Sylviane keeping up with 3 different blogs. All of which I am a dedicated reader. I have learned from each one.

      To me that is the beauty of blogging. It is a never ending learning process. We each learn from each other.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  28. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    April 28, 2014 at 6:50 pm #

    Oh wow Donna, have I ever come a long way baby!

    You know my story of course but I started off doing affiliate marketing too when I created my blog. I did that for about a year and a half before I got a clue how blogging is suppose to be. Okay, it can be anyway you want it really because it was working for me back then with the purpose I had created it for but I wanted more. I wanted to learn how to grow a business instead of just promote products. We all know that we’ll always be chasing the next best greatest product to promote and I was really getting tired of that.

    I was using it to brand me but as I continued and met more people and learned more about it I wanted to be about more then just knowing how to do affiliate marketing. There are so many people who were a lot better then me.

    I love where I am now although I am so darn behind on getting my product out. That’s okay, things apparently happen for a reason and I think that I’m still headed in the right direction and things will work out the way they’re suppose to. I love helping people learn about blogging, getting traffic to their blogs and building those relationships because we both know that’s where it’s at girl.

    I’m so honored to have met you along this journey Donna and am now able to call you a good friend. We’ve come a long way baby! 😉

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..DoFollow or NoFollow: Heated DebateMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 28, 2014 at 10:31 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      We are kind of similar of how we started blogging. I too, got tired of selling someone else’s product. I traveled the same road and enjoyed blogging and meeting people, then helping them.

      There is always someone “better” than us, but I think you are great! Don’t worry about being behind on your product. Remember when I was doing mine? I started, then decided to move in the middle of everything. That set me back, but not for long.

      I just can’t wait until your product is rolled out! Then the marketing starts…lol

      I too am honored to have met you and became a friend!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

  29. Kumar Gauraw
    Twitter:
    April 28, 2014 at 5:44 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    What an adventurous journey! Thanks for sharing about yours!

    Well, I have not changed my niche since I started blogging although I did get a bit more focused on WordPress as I gained more momentum with time.

    I came online for personal branding. I am still all about Personal Branding because I believe that all things being equal, people do business with and refer business to those they know, like and trust. And that means, having a decent personal brand identity is a must and that was my goal then and it remains my driving force today.

    Along the way, as I started to face hosting challenges and I was able to solve mine, I decided that I needed to help those who were struggling just like me but not able to roll up their sleeves and solve it for themselves. So, I did venture into Mamanged WordPress hosting service and of course now I have the privilege to serve you as well.

    But yes, my blog has evolved. My quality of writing has improved and it continues to get better. My traffic keeps increasing. So, a lot of good things are happening today that were a dream back then.

    You really jogged my memory with this post 🙂 Thank you!

    Regards,
    Kumar
    Kumar Gauraw recently posted..My Experiments With Evernote And How You Can Use It TooMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      April 28, 2014 at 10:21 pm #

      Hi Kumar,

      Glad I jogged your memory! It is so important to look back and measure how far you have come sometimes. We get so involved in what we are doing and evolve with that growth that sometimes, we forget the beginning.

      I love your blog and of course, your hosting company. That’s the point….you have created a wonderful service for people. You seen a problem in hosting, and solved it. I thank God you did!

      You never let us down when we contact you with a glitch or a question. I highly recommend your service to everyone I know because it is the best I know.

      Kind of fun to look back and measure your accomplishments!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..My 200th Blog Post CelebrationMy Profile

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