Today marks the end of the July 2014 Ultimate Blog Challenge. It could mark the end of the Ultimate Blog Challenge forever, unless someone took up the opportunity to run the challenge. I wish I was in a position to be able to do it myself, but I’m not.
Since it’s the end, I want to use this post to share some of the things I’ve learned, gained and found during the 31 days. I know it doesn’t quite fit in with the blog, but it could help you if you’re looking into outsourcing your content. There are elements that everyone can benefit from.
So, without any further delay here are some of the things I learned.
It’s Not All About the Comments
Many people—and I did it in the past—used this as just a way to get more comments on a blog. They would post in the comment chain and take the two comments from there that that’s it. I did that a year ago, and I really regret it now.
The Ultimate Blog Challenge is all about building connections and networking. The challenge has helped me connect to a few bloggers this time and I hope to continue those connections even after the challenge has finished.
Planning Ahead Is a Necessity
When you’re writing a post every day of the week, planning ahead is a necessity. There are a few things that you can do for this:
- Plan your post titles
- Plan your scheduling times
- Plan the fuller points for your titles
Planning like this means that you can get straight into writing. You could even write ahead of time, so you just have to post on the day. This is great if you’re spending some time away from the computer like I did this month.
Don’t Panic If You Can’t Do It
The Ultimate Blog Challenge is difficult. There will be days that you struggle to write and days where you just can’t muster the energy to post. Technical glitches happen and family emergencies need to be taken care of.
Don’t panic if you can’t complete the challenge. Remember it’s not supposed to be easy (it wouldn’t be a challenge otherwise). Be proud that you got as far as you did, and use it as a guide for the next time. Just because there may not be an official Ultimate Blog Challenge again doesn’t mean that you can’t push yourself to do it.
Even though the Ultimate Blog Challenge may come to an end, I may do it again unofficially. August will be out for me completely as I’m away for almost two weeks, but September or October are certainly possible. Every time I do it, I learn something new and gain something from it. This time has been no different and the time afterwards will likely be the same.
Did you take part in the Ultimate Blog Challenge? Why not share some of the things you learned?
Hi! I participated in the Ultimate Blog Challenge for the first time and I am glad that I could complete it. And yes I agree with what you said about building connections. I did connect with a lot of bloggers from different countries and from different walks of life.
Congratulations on completing it, Reema. I’m really glad to hear that you connected with other bloggers. It’s a great part of UBC.
I think posting every day is actually too much, your readers switch off. You’ve probably noticed I’ve been posting in the comment tread, a few extra clicks, some meaningless comments “nice post” and “lovely pictures” will just be deleted. But one or two will be interested and stop to explore more, as I have with yours. Well done!
You’re right for a blog like this. I did the post a day mainly to build the amount of content on it because it is a new blog. But I prefer posting weekly. However, there are some blogs that benefit from daily posts. Some people I’ve noticed comment on the daily news and that needs a daily post. People visiting those blogs will be used to that too. Thanks for stopping by and exploring more. I hope the blog has helped.
I’ve been doing this all year and I’m not going to stop, regardless of if anyone starts it up again. Keep going (as long as you have something to say).
That’s great! Congratulations on doing so well. I will be slowing down and going back to my weekly schedule. That’s better for me. Maybe I’ll do a twice-weekly schedule. I’ll see how it goes based on factors in the future.
Yes, I agree!
I try to comment on 6+ posts as I love connecting with people on UBC!
🙂