2017 Pet Blogger Challenge

I’ve been a little out of the blogging loop lately and was unaware of the GoPetFriendly.com’s 2017 Blogger Challenge. On Friday I read Melissa’s post on Mocha’s Mysteries and Meows which inspired me to participate and share my answers with you. My goal for 2017 is to challenge myself as a writer and a blogger and move out of my comfort zone.  I've never participated in a challenge before, but here goes! 

1.  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?

I started my blog around May of 2014. I was very new to all of this, and was on a platform that I didn’t understand, so I didn’t do much with it. In December of 2014 I decided to move over to Blogger and that's when I started blogging. 

I originally started my blog as the official website for my book but as time went on it began to take on a life of its own. Lola The Rescued Cat is a humorous blog written (mostly) from the perspective of my cats, Lola and Lexy. I am passionate about rescue and animal welfare and like to promote this as well as responsible pet ownership. I do this by sharing information on health, safety, and animal welfare. I want cats to be able to live happy and healthy lives with their owners and stay out of the shelters and off the streets. My blog focuses both on sharing stories and providing resources. I’m planning on sharing more stories about the day to day antics of Lola and Lexy in the coming year. 

2. What was your proudest blogging moment of 2016?

Being accepted for my first paid blogger’s campaign was definitely a proud moment.  For me that meant that my blog was getting attention, and also that my writing was improving and was on a level that made brands want to work with me.  

3.  Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why? (Please include a link.)
Choosing one is hard, but one that is on the favorite list is one I wrote about Tabby’s Place for Blog the Change for Animals. Tabby’s Place is one of my favorite rescues and I always enjoy writing about them to bring attention to what they do. 

Another favorite is a Wordless Wednesday post because I adore this photo of Lexy! 

4. 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?

I started participating in blog boosts in the BlogPaws Boost and News Group, and another blogging group. Not only did this bring me more traffic, but I was able to form relationships with bloggers I hadn’t known before. I also started scheduling social shares more frequently which helped as well. For the first time I used an editorial calendar which proved to be helpful. 

5. 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?

My most popular post was my Addiction Pet Food Review and Giveaway.

Three of my top five posts were giveaways. 

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

I can’t possibly choose one blog. I’m inspired by all blogs I read, and I admire the creativity and amount of effort bloggers put into their work. I’m always learning and getting new ideas from others. The pet blogosphere is pretty pawesome. 

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

When I adopted Lexy I never took her out of her cage at the adoption event. I never picked her up or held her. I didn’t need to… it was love at first sight and I knew we were meant to be together. 

Lola is my shadow. She is always near me, usually sitting on me and relentlessly trying to lick my face. She follows me around the house, meowing, until I finally pick her up.  When I put her down she resumes meowing until I pick her up another time. She also sleeps on top of me. 

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

Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t let others' accomplishments make you feel inadequate. It’s very easy to do, and can lead you to quickly get discouraged and cut down on your blogging. Just stay true to yourself and your own vision, and write from the heart. 

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

Of course, we all want “the numbers". I’d like to increase my traffic and broaden my audience; I’d like to think of a second book to write; I want to be more consistent in posting; and I would like to gain the confidence to try freelance writing. I also want to get “back to basics” and share more every day stories about Lola and Lexy, since the original premise for my blog was to be Lola’s diary. 

10.  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?

I’d like to know what makes you come back on a regular basis to read my blog. Is there anything you’d like to see more of? 

I also want to thank everyone who visits for your support and your friendship. When I wrote my first post I had no idea Lola The Rescued Cat would grow to where it is now, and that I would meet so many amazing people I’m glad to call my friends. 
Dawn