We are making an exception to our Monday-Friday posts by sharing a special post today. We wanted to participate in the 2016 Pet Bloggers Challenge. Bloggers are given questions about their blogging experiences over the last year.
Here we go!
Answer: I have been Barking from the Bayou for two years. It features BFTB NETWoof News each Monday where my dogs report the latest dog news, sports, and the weather forecast. The rest of the week includes product reviews, helpful dog tips, and opinions. My goal is for all of my readers to leave a bit happier than when they arrived.
2. What is the one thing that you accomplished during 2015, either on your blog or because of it, that made you most proud?
Answer: One of my proudest moments was when a quote from my book series appeared in Modern Dog magazine. My blog has been well-received and my traffic continues to grow. I was an Ambassador for the 2015 BlogPaws™ conference which was a huge honor and a lot of fun! I’m proud that I am an Ambassador for Dr. Harvey’s.
3. Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why? (Please include a link.)
Answer: My favorite post in 2016 was, “Does Your Dog Think That You Stink?” It was to mark the one-year anniversary of when I stopped smoking after more than 40 years! It highlights the dangers of second-hand smoke to our pets.
4. A common theme from last year’s challenge was that many of us wanted to increase the size of our audiences. Whether or not we intend to monetize our blogs, it seems we’d all like to reach more people. It feels good to know that we’re connecting with others, sharing a laugh or supporting a cause, and it’s motivating to see those numbers grow! What is one thing you’ve done in the past year that has brought more traffic to your blog?
Answer: I finally joined Facebook. I have also been utilizing LinkedIn, but Twitter has long been my favorite social media outlet.
5. Which of your blog posts got the most traffic this year? Why do you think it was so popular? (Please include a link.)
Answer: Thanks to my groomer and a strong push from my BlogPaws friends, the post with the highest views was, “Feeling Fabulous with PetSmart Grooming.” The second most popular was, “Finding a Great Veterinarian is an AAHA Moment.” I believe this one gained so much popularity because people are searching for the best care they can receive for their pets.
6. What is one blog that you read religiously – other than your own – and what makes you such a devoted reader? (Please include a link.)
Answer: This is a difficult question because there are several blogs that I read every day. Those include My GBGV Life (I love the dogs, humor, and photography) Love is Being Owned by a Husky (Always a fun read) SandSpring Chesapeakes (Very informative and great dogs) Sugar the Golden Retriever (I love Sugar’s great recipes) SlimDoggy (Food and Fitness) There are so many more that I never miss, but these are the first four that I read each morning.
7. What resources do you rely on to enhance your technical, writing, photography, social media, or other skills that improve your blog?
Answer: I have learned an incredible amount by belonging to the BlogPaws Community. The knowledge and brand exposure gained at the BlogPaws conference is invaluable. I am also a huge fan of YouTube videos for any and all “How-To” questions.
8. What is the best piece of advice you can offer other bloggers?
Answer: Write about what you are passionate about and always be honest with your readers. People read blogs to learn or be entertained. I will not read posts where bloggers are constantly complaining or focusing on the negative aspects of life.
9. What is your vision for your blog in 2016? Do you have specific goals?
Answer: I have decided to only post Mondays thru Fridays for the foreseeable future. I am writing my third book and have set myself a time frame to finish. I have a few other goals specifically for the blog but they are not ready to share with everyone…yet!
10. You have the attention of the pet blogging community – is there one blogging challenge you’d like help with or one aspect of your blog that you’d like input on?
Answer: The biggest problem that I have on my page is with the Twitter share button. It used to work fine but for reasons that are beyond me, it now puts my name at the beginning of tweets. This causes Twitter to refuse to share. If ANYONE can tell me how to remedy this, you will become my new hero!
Join me as I take the 2016 Pet Blogger Challenge. @GoPetFriendly #petbloggerchallenge https://t.co/tbGdKNTxmj *Special Sunday blog post!
— M. K.Clinton (@mk_clinton) January 10, 2016
I am participating in The 2016 Pet Bloggers challenged hosted by
I love this! Hope you're having a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteWe love your blog and we love you guys! You have done an amazing job since we first met you you have grown so much! We wish Mom could quit her "job" thing and have more time for the blog, but it isn't possible right now. Can't wait to see what changes you have in store for 2016.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post too! And I bet Easy sometimes thinks that we stink... although this "stench" was eggs-pensive, just saying LOL.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your responses to all the questions! Love your blog!!!
ReplyDeletewe enjoyed reading about your goals for the future - hope they all work out for you
ReplyDeleteWishing you lucky with your goals and your next book!
ReplyDeleteAwe what a great post, I loved reading it and LOVED that you included little ole me in your top 4 blogs to read! Thank you! So exciting you are writing your third book good luck and have fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! We loved learning more about you and your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for you that you're working on that third book! I need to get reading Showstoppers so I'll be ready for the third one when it comes out! I think you have a great plan for working on both your blog and the book. You actually inspired me to get on more of a regular schedule of blogging, though I still plan to stay flexible. Doing that has actually got me working ahead of schedule sometimes instead of always last minute!
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
We enjoyed reading your answers. Congrats on all your blog success thus far...and continued success for 2016!
ReplyDeleteWE look forward to MONDAY MORNINGS... when the NEWS worth KNOWING Arrives at our house... We kick back with a nice fresh water... and Pawhaps a Snack... and Savor EVERY WORD... The Writing Staff is OUTSTANDING you know... SOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooo very much Pawfessional... JUST SAYIN... LOVE MONDAY in Blogville!!
ReplyDeleteYes, we like the news too. It is so much better than the news on TV and you don't talk about Donald Trump. Good luck with the book!
ReplyDeleteKeep Calm & Bark On!
Murphy & Stanley
I love coming here every day and reading your blog and am so happy I found you!! There are so many things I need to focus more on to grow but right now it is really fun to write about Miss Cocoa and meet new friends. This year I am going to do more social media stuff and look at some blogging opportunities.
ReplyDeleteQuite amazing achievements you had in 2015. And a new book in the works! Exciting! ~RascalandRocco
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and really enjoyed reading your answers to the questions! Can't wait for your new book!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your quote appearing in Modern Dog Magazine! That's very cool. Good luck writing your third book this year. Unfortunately, I'm not too sure what's causing your twitter button issues. All the best to you in 2016!
ReplyDeleteYou are having a fabulous year! I've enjoyed your posts and the upbeat energy I find when I come here!Congrats on your quote. I'm glad that I got to meet you at BlogPaws and I hope we'll have more time to chat this year!
ReplyDeletePros like you continue to inspire me and hopefully next year, I'll have the technical where-with-all (not to mention courage) to participate myself. Big time congrats on quitting to smoke! Way to go. That's quite an outstanding feat. Continued success. ღ
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your challenge post! It's great getting a peek into your blogging thoughts (- : I am SUPER excited that you've started your third Returns book, I can't wait to read it! I loved the first two books and I look forward to the next one! I'm so mad at myself for missing this challenge, I didn't make note of the timeframe, Grrr!
ReplyDeleteLove & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Congratulations on your accomplishments for 2015 and wishing you all that and a bag of chips in 2016. I can't help you with the Twitter issue. I hope someone can. Peace
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the mention!!!! We love your blog, and wouldn't miss a post for the world!
ReplyDeleteLately on ADDTHIS (share tools you use) there have been numerous updates happening... I am almost wondering if you should take out any codes you are using for the shares or follow buttons from addthis, and then re-do the whole thing. There are changes that may fix the problem when you install the new codes on your blog.
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!