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Are you thinking about starting or ramping up your sewing blog? There are some things I’m doing to grow mine, and a strategy to it.
And a lot has changed since I first started in the blogosphere, especially with the rise of AI. I’ve had to test what works, and learn what doesn’t work either.
So I’m sharing what I do, in case you’re looking for ideas to get more traffic.
1. Keep Posting Consistently
This is something I need to work on, as I get into a rhythm and then life happens. Then I stop posting for a while.
Then I pick up again. I noticed that whenever I increase my posting frequency, I get more search traffic from Google.
When I post at least 2 times a week, I see the influx of traffic. However, remember I have another blog.
Plus, it takes time to write these posts, as I’m writing them myself. I’m also editing them and taking my own pictures.
So, I plan to be consistent, but not burn myself out. Posting one well-written post a week might be all I can handle at times.
I’m tech-savvy, but working on the backend of my website was totally new to me. It literally took several months to figure out WordPress!
And I’m still learning, and I run into hiccups. So I need to allot time for that.
Plus, I’ve noticed that updating posts with new information and pictures does make a difference too. So that’s a big focus of mine too!
2. Show Up on Social Media
Speaking about showing up, I decided I’d post on social media. I’m not a big fan of it, by the way.
Actually, I don’t even like all the noise on some platforms. Hanging out on Pinterest and Sewciable is more of my thing.
But I’ve been taking time to experiment with alternatives. And I know there are audiences to reach everywhere, but I can’t be everywhere all the time.
So I might as well use the ones I enjoy and can keep up with.
But when I post on social media, I see spurts of traffic. It comes as a spike to my blog all of a sudden.
So, posting on Instagram and TikTok might work if you have nice visuals. And you need time for all of this.
I figure if I post more consistently, more people will see me. But I won’t prioritize this over blogging.
By the way, I get fewer views today than I was posting on Instagram a couple years ago. That might be due to all the AI stuff flooding the platforms and algorithm changes.
And with all the DIY blogs using AI and stock photos, at least showing up on social media can show more proof that I’m a real person doing the thing!
3. Use Google Console and Google Analytics
Someone recently told me that blogging was dead—that people don’t read anymore. He said to make videos, because that’s where it’s at.
Well, I’d argue that there are people out there reading blogs. And Google Analytics tells me so.
I also use Google Console to determine which posts are getting hits and impressions. If I can figure out what’s bringing in traffic, I’ll know which kind of posts to write.
Now, I’m not getting millions of views yet, but I can track progress over time. I can also see if my posts are indexed on Google.
You don’t want to spend all that time creating content to find out it’s not being shown.
So use Google Analytics to view your traffic and sources. Check if posts are indexed and which queries are bringing them to your website with Google Console.
4. Hone in and Practice My Writing
Let’s piggyback on the whole video-making thing. As I mentioned, I prefer writing and taking pictures to tell my story.
I worked in broadcast journalism and know how tedious editing video can be. I’ve done it many times, and maybe that’s why I enjoyed the production part better.
I thrived at script-writing and making storyboards. Being on camera was fun too, and I think I’m okay at it.
Some people prefer viewing videos over reading, just like I prefer written works as my medium. And I respect that.
But what brings me joy is writing and taking pictures. I’m a visual person too, and they just add that other layer of detail.
I’m not saying I’d never make videos, but my time is limited. So I’m going to do what I like to do the most, and that’s writing.
And with that, practice, practice, practice. My goal is to write at least 1,000 words a day!
5. Focus on Progress Over Perfection
I once worked with someone who told me she had to constantly tell herself, “progress over perfection.”
Oh I can hear those words ringing in my head right now. And it’s something I need to embrace.
I’ve been a perfectionist since I was a child. I see this in my sewing too.
If it’s off a 1/32 of an inch, fix it. What if someone notices?
And I’m naturally this way with blogging too. I’ll edit a post to death.
The fact is, I’m probably the one noticing my mistakes or so-called imperfections the most. We’re our own harshest critics.
So, I’m going to be better at doing a couple of rounds of editing and posting. Otherwise I’m really hindering my progress.
We all make mistakes, right? To err is human!
6. Enjoy the Long Road Ahead
Having a blog is a long-term project. If you give up too early, you probably won’t see results.
I will admit that it has quite stressful. My blog is a business, and sometimes it doesn’t go as planned.
I treat it like a business, and I can be quite rigid. Many nights I’ve stayed up working long hours on my blog and on sewing projects.
I just want to get things done. But I have to remind myself it’s not going to happen overnight.
I want to enjoy the process of sewing and blogging together. They both take time, are hard work, and can lead to opportunities.
But enjoying this long road keeps me motivated. I’m excited to work on my blog as I’m not expecting sudden viral jolts of traffic, but more steady trickles.
7. Celebrate the Small Wins
Okay now, my blog got monetized within 16 months. While that’s not the main reason I started it, every little bit helps.
I don’t have major traffic, but I got in a premium ad network. It’s still in the early phases, but it’s so encouraging.
This is a step in the right direction and lets me know something is working. It’s a small but powerful win for me.
So, I’ll keep celebrating all of these little moments along the way.
More visitors to my blog? A more efficient workflow? Learning more ways to shoot better photos?
Those are all things to be happy and thankful about!
It’s been a long journey, but I have a longer one ahead. Most of all, I’m looking forward to building a wonderful community!
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