Posting Everyday: Can it really increase your traffic?

I recently wrapped up my self imposed month of blogging. I decided to take on this feat as an experiment to see what it could do for the traffic to my blog. I am always reading articles online about how to increase traffic to my site and the idea of posting regularly, everyday is possible, is a concept that keeps coming up over and over again.

Blogging everyday is a daunting task, especially when you are caring for a toddler, working part-time and trying to start your own business. At first, I was worried about not having anything to write about for 28 days straight. That didn't turn out to be a problem. Apparently, I have tons to say (my husband could have told me that!). The problem that I did come across but never considered was how time consuming it was. Finding time in my hectic day to sit down and actually compose a well thought out article proved to be quite a challenge. I respect my readers and the last thing I wanted to do was post something for the sake of posting.

You can also imagine that finding time to actually read other blogs also proved to be a challenge. I tried to keep up with the many incredible blogs that I follow on a regular basis but in the end, I fail to do that. I had to chose between good content or keeping up with my blogger friends.

And what about my traffic? Yes, I have to say that my traffic did increase. Not only that, I found some new followers and renewed my connection with some of my older followers. Compared to the previous month, the cold hard facts are:
- 587 more visits
- 1322 increase in pageviews
- Bounce rate decrease by almost 3% (the lower the better)

Over all, I think that the best thing to do is to find a balance. While I don't think that posting EVERY DAY is not something that I can handle, I think that writing 3 to 4 times a week can prove to be just as fruitful and I won't have to neglect my other responsibilities, as well as getting a little more shut eye at night!

Thank you to all of you that came along on my journey!

Winners and Bummas Giveaway

Our Boogie Wipes and Uprinting giveaways came to an end last week.
Thank you to all of you that entered! Unfortunately, there can only be one winner...

And the winners are:

Boogie Wipes Giveaway Winner

Uprinting 18x24 Poster Print

Congratulations!!!

I am also giving away a pack of Bummas at Chic & Cheap Nursery! Click Bummas Giveaway to enter.

Giving To Those In Need

* Today is day #28 of my 28 days of blogging.

2010 has gotten off to a rocky start.
First the earthquake in Haiti, taking 100,000s of lives in a matter of seconds.
And this past Saturday, Chile. Not only were they hit by a record breaking earthquake but they were also devastated by a tsunami shortly after.

It is important for us to appreciate how lucky we are. everyday!
And it is also important for us to give back. In any way we can.
You can donate food, time and/or prayer!

[photosource: www.entretenimientovisual.com]

And please remember to vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs (you can vote every 24 hours). Just click Top Mommy Blogs or the button on the right sidebar.

Young House Love: My Newest Obsession

* Today is day #27 of my 28 days of blogging.

Young House Love is a blog about two "youngsters" falling in love with their old house.

This couples purchased a 53 year-old home and they have been renovating it room by room all by themselves. They have an incredible sense of style and have been featured all over the place, from HGTV to The Nest. The youngsters share their design problems, dish out advice and share DIY projects on their blog. You HAVE to check it out!

Here is a little teaser...

This is their den.

And this is their sunroom.

Makes me wish I had a house of my own! Do you just love it?

And please remember to vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs (you can vote every 24 hours). Just click Top Mommy Blogs or the button on the right sidebar.

How to Create a Blog Signature

* Today is day # 26 of my 28 days of blogging.

You've seen those cute signatures on several blogs and you wonder, "how can I get one"?

Here you go!

First, you need to create the signature image.

You can create your signature image with any software such as Paint or Photoshop. You can also create your signature online using an Online Signature Maker.

Once you have your signature image, you need to upload it to a host site. I use photobucket.com because it's free and easy but you can use any site you want (tinypic.com is another option).

Grab the HTML code of your uploaded image.

Next, go to your Blogger account and click on Settings. Then, click on the Formatting tab. 

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and paste your image HTML code in the box labeled Post Template.

Before you save, you need to edit your HTML code from this:

<a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.tinypic.com/bg8kt2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

to this:

<img src="http://i28.tinypic.com/bg8kt2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">  

 * This is just a sample code, remember you are editing your image HTML code.

Now you are ready to click on Save Settings.

And you're done!

When you go to create a new post, your signature will automatically upload.

Want to try it? Go on, you know you want to... Click on the Posting tab and see for yourself!

* Is there a border around your signature? Want to get rid of it? It's easy.
Go to the Layout tab, and click on Fonts and Colors. Select Border Color and set it to the color of your background.

And please remember to vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs (you can vote every 24 hours). Just click Top Mommy Blogs or the button on the right sidebar.