I know I can hardly believe it either. Part of me feels like I just sat down to start writing about my experiences, my hopes and my unsolicited advice. Another, bigger part of me can’t believe that I’ve only been doing this for half a year. Taking up blogging felt so natural and right. It’s pulled me out of my self-indulgent, unguided reverie and forced my to do things like “set goals for myself” and “plan ahead.” I’ve learned a lot in the past 6 months about blogging and, as clichéd as it sounds, about myself.
Twenty-Something Travel hasn’t done so badly for itself in the past 6 months. From starting at zero, this little website now has:
- Over 100 posts
- 1000+ followers on Twitter
- Over 150 RSS subscribers
- 115 Facebook fans and counting
I say this not to boast but because I am genuinely in awe that people are so interested in what I have to say. Most rewarding of all has been the countless number of cool people I’ve met while working on this project. Some of them I’ve been lucky enough to meet in person, others I hope to meet soon. If you are reading this than I mean you. Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to read my words, thank you to those who comment and share your thoughts, thank you all for your support.
Of course there is still much to be done! I’ve said it before, but I think 2010 is going to be a really exciting and pivotal year for both the blog and I. Here’s what is on the agenda:
- More Focus- I work really hard on this blog already. Anyone who knows me in real life will tell you that. Still, in 2010, especially the first half, I want to focus even harder on building this blog; attracting new traffic, and continuing to bring you great content
- Monetization- I’ve been doing all of this for free because I love it, but the time has come to start selling out. Over the next few months you will notice some ads beginning to appear on the site. I don’t want them to be intrusive or offensive, but I would like to start seeing a return on all that I’ve invested in this project.
- The Big Trip- Most exciting of all is that 2010 is the year I will begin my RTW trip! This means more posts about my progress as we lead up to my September departure and then many more exciting on the road posts. I suspect this may change the dynamic of the blog somewhat, but I’m still working out the logistics.
Creative Commons License photo credit: Markus Rödder
I really love doing this and I hope other people find the experiences I’ve poured onto the page helpful in inspiring and organizing their own travels. That is the main focus of this blog and I hope to continue with that. If you have suggestions, compliments or complaints, I’m always available at Steph@Twenty-SomethingTravel.com.
I thought I’d end this post with a list of some of MY favorite posts from the past 6 months. If you missed them the first time around please have a look:
- It’s All a Crapshoot Really- These personal posts are always the hardest to write but tend to do really well. So here are my insecurities served up on a plate!
- I Still Love London- Because I do! And always will.
- How NOT to Decide How You Want to Travel, Or Why I’ve Never Been to Paris-This one was a bit contentious but I stick with my opinion (by the way Paris is not on my RTW itinerary, so this should hold true for a couple more years at least.).
- Twitaoke (or, When Travel Geeks Collide)- A trip and event that would never have come about if it weren’t for this blog. Here’s to more of this in 2010.
- Go Now: Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Travel- This is one of the first articles I wrote and probably the most popular thing on the blog. Every time I repost it on Twitter it seems to go viral. It definitely seems to strike a nerve with people and as it’s essentially the thesis for this blog it makes me think I’m on the ri
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Congrats, Steph! I personally can’t believe your blog has only been around 6 months. You’ve done a great job with it. Why wouldn’t people be interested in what you have to say? You write well, and you’re a thinker. I cannot wait to see what happens on your RTW trip. It will be exciting to live it vicariously through you!
Gray´s last blog ..San Juan, Here I Come!
Thanks Gray! I am excited to see how the next year pans out for the blog- and me!
Wow only 6 months? I’m brand new to this whole blogging thing too, and just launched my site earlier this month. I’m excited to hear your plans unfold for your RTW trip….if you’re headed to SE Asia, India, or Africa, I’ve got plenty of advice to share! Congrats again.
I’m definitely headed towards SE Asia so I may shoot you an email!
The fact that you’ve lasted 6 months and it ‘feels right’ means that it is right. The Internet is littered with blogs that were started with lots of enthusiasm, only to be abandoned because the owner didn’t have real passion for the subject material.
Congratulations on your first 6 months and best for the coming year!
brian´s last blog ..An Alternative to One Way Flights – Repositioning Cruises
Thanks Brian! A lot of days just hanging in there feels like an achievement.
That’s awesome – congrats! I always thought your site had been around for a while because it’s so professional. Keep up the good work!
Adam´s last blog ..Wombat Wednesday: Not Australia
Thanks! the Thrilling Theme takes a lot of the credit I think.
Super huge congrats Steph! I second Adam on his comment, you have done a great job jumping into the community and it feels like your blog is much more mature
Shannon OD´s last blog ..A Little Challenge…What Do You Love in New York City?
Here to another great 6 months and beyond. I only recently found your blog, but I have to say I really enjoy following it. I hope your upcoming trip is amazing. I read your “It’s All a Crapshoot Really” post and you couln’t have hit home any closer to myself. I am 33 and wondered where my 20′s went with little to show. Now I am trying to make the most of my 30′s in a way that is pleasing to me. I worried too long about how to fit into everyone elses plan and I was miserable. Now I am thousands of miles from home where I never thought I would be, but I am loving life.
Eric´s last blog ..Korean Basketball Game
Thanks Eric! I’m glad you are finding your way.
Part of every success is learning and evolving. The very fact that you have made it this far proves your capacity so succeed. Go for it!.
Congrats! You’ve taken to the whole blog/social media thing like a fly to butter (is that how the saying goes?)
Dave´s last blog ..Coming February 1: Travel Blog Success
Well… I DO like butter…
Awesome! Congratulations! I’ve been here almost from the beginning, and it has been great to see you evolve and enjoy yourself so much in your writing. I’m looking forward to seeing in which direction you’ll take the blog next!
aelle´s last blog ..Traveling profesionals: bloggers that inspire me
Start selling out! =)
Happy 6 months!
Andrew´s last blog ..Sunday Travel Shot: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Steph! Happy Six Month!!! You were one of the first blogs I read and have been such a source of inspiration, comraderie and support. Thank you for having the drive to turn out valuable and informative content, and thank you for giving so generously to the travel community. You rock!! Look forward to seeing you before I head out and for our paths to cross during our trips (if I can keep the $$ flowing).
DTravelsRound´s last blog ..A BRIEF intermission: I quit
Awesome achievement! Congrats, it will be interesting to see how you do when you start your RTW trip
AdventureRob´s last blog ..Mid-Week Photo Essay: Adelaide Zoo Part 2
Dang, can I be your protégé? 6 Months and almost 7000 views per month, I’m excited if I can break 50 in a day. Although I only really started in Dec I’m not gathering similar following. I think I should explore more of your earlier posts to see if I can find some tips. Congrats though, makes me wonder how far you will be in 6 more months?
Cornelius Aesop´s last blog ..How to Write an About Me section – and Why Your Current One Sucks
Maybe I’ll have to write a post about what I’ve been doing, but it’s honestly just persistence and consistency. and maybe some luck?
Steph, you rock! Woot! You’ve only been around for six months and you’ve accomplished this much…?! Awesome.
Candice´s last blog ..History vs Progress
Congrats Steph! When I first started following your blog, looking at its popularity, you must have been writing for years! This is amazing for 6 months!
You’ve gotta share tips with fellow travel-bloggers!
Abhi´s last blog ..Second solo trip : Ahoy?
Thanks! The secret is I HAVE been writing for years. Just not in so public a format!
Congrats! Keep ‘em coming, I always enjoy your stuff.
i don’t even remember where i found your blog (through twitter somehow, i think) and because of you, i have found soo many other travel blogs written by people my age! unfortunatly, i just returned from 2 years of working and travelling overseas, so i am back in the states for a while but reading what everyone has to say always makes me happy.
can’t wait to read more!
thanks Rebecca! Reading what you have to say makes ME happy!
Congrats Stephanie!!!!! Wahoooo! So exciting.
Nancy´s last blog ..8 Random Things to Know about Visiting Buenos Aires
I’m new to your blog, but congrats on 6 months of blogging! I hope the next six go just as well.
Please receive a late but honest Congratulation! And many wishes of many months and years ob interesting blogiing!
Thank you to everyone! I definitely appreciate all the support and kind words!
Congratulations, Stephanie! It’s exciting to see your hard work pay off. That’s fantastic how much your traffic has grown….I wish I was able to devote as much time and love to my blog as you do. It has been exciting to watch your blog grow, and I am looking forward to keeping up with your RTW trip!!
Emily @ Maiden Voyage´s last blog ..Win a 2-Week Gap Adventures Trip to Costa Rica
way to go steph. great travel blog you got here and interesting posts. having a travel blog isn’t really that easy to do as some people might think.
estan´s last blog ..Are you based outside of the Philippines?