I feel like I’m at a bit of a crossroads, and I’m asking myself questions that I don’t have answers for. So, I’m writing a blog post, because that’s what I do when I’m confused and when things start keeping me awake at night.
My year with my wonderful blog sponsors has come to an end, and I’m wondering about the future of my website. I hear so many conflicting things;
- That your website is your home. Social media channels can go tomorrow, but the website will always be there (as long as I keep paying the bills to keep it).
- My content is diluting other similar content about Sligo and beyond. I’ve heard this quite a bit over the last year.
So, here I am, again. Do I actually need a website? Do I just stick with the socials? Especially now that I’ve figured out how to monetise my Facebook page – it only took me about five years! And I’ve earned 8 cents for my video of the otter which got 8,000 views! Whoop!
I’ve also noticed that other people who do similar content to me (but without a website) are keeping a lot more opportunities. Mind you, I think that’s an age thing. I am the invisible woman.
Another thing is that although the views from the blog posts are huge, there’s very little feedback from them. That’s both from people who use the blogs as suggestions of things to do, and businesses who I’ve mentioned. It’s not always the case, some people are very supportive, but on the whole, it’s few and far between.
For example, the latest post about Dog Friendly Cafes in Sligo. I tagged all the businesses, two of them shared the post, none of them said anything. It takes a while to compile these posts, and I did it to be helpful. I do know people are busy though.
There’s also the people who think that I work for Sligo Tourism. I don’t, and I never have.
I don’t want to ask for sponsorship this year. To be honest, I feel like I’m begging, and I feel like businesses have enough to be paying out for, without another bill.
I spent a few hours yesterday deleting content, so that I can downgrade my blog plan, but I ended up breaking the thing! I’m not at all techy. I think I managed to recover it, but I’ll leave it alone for now.
I have a couple of months to think about where the blog goes from here, and I have a couple of charity things coming up that I want to promote on the website. So, at least I have a bit of breathing space, but I know that just typing this will help clear my head a bit, and maybe give me a bit of clarity.
Thanks for reading. Don’t feel that you have to reply, and a special thanks to those who have supported me along the way. You know who you are.
…only you can/will find the answer
yes
It would be real shame if the website were to go but I undersand it’s a lot of work . It never occurs to me to leave a comment on a blog, it’s just a different medium I suppose. Does the website have a mailing list? With substanck you get an email when there’s new content and people are more inclined to leave comments ( I think) Thanks for all the work you put into everything,
Thank you. I was on substack, but it’s not for me.
As a long time blogger and blog reader, I do prefer to read content on websites – I often miss posts on Facebook, whereas your blog posts are all there on my reader
Thanks Candi
Though I’m not a very regular reader, I enjoy your posts, admire your brave spirit and your photos are simply fabulous! Like others, I prefer the website over FBook (an age thing?) but can appreciate the effort and money involved in maintaining it.
Best wishes, whatever you decide!
Mary L.
Thanks so much Mary. Luckily The Glasshouse is sponsoring the blog, so, it will be saved for another year.