Saturday, January 9, 2016

Pet Blogger Challenge 2016 & Reader Survey

I'm Taking the Pet Blogger Challenge

Welcome to 2016!

Just like last year, I am doing the Pet Blogging Challenge hosted by www.gopetfriendlyblog.com!

It is really cool to see how much I have progressed through this last year and hear back from your guys!




1. How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone who is visiting for the first time, please give a quick description of the subject of your blog.


The Chesnut Mutts Dog Product Reviews and More
Our first logo

I have been blogging since November of 2014. The purpose of The Chesnut Mutts (besides making you smile and laugh) is to inform pet parents of high-quality brands and products.

2. What is the one thing that you accomplished during 2015, either on your blog or because of it, that made you most proud?


VitaBone, The Chesnut Mutts, and Steve Dale
Me, Everett, Vita Bone, Delmar, and Steve Dale at BlogPaws 2015

Well, I have upgraded my site tremendously! Including an awesome banner made by my 16-year-old sister, Lily, and I have bought my own domain. I know I have listed off more than one accomplishment, but I am also so happy I went to BlogPaws because it really got my foot in the door.

3. Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why? (Please include a link.)

Bailey and Jada at PetSmart checking out Royal Canin

Oh man, there really are so many! My Royal Canin post was my first BlogPaws Influencer opportunity and Meaty Mugs was fun because we were the first review done for the brand :)

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?


my phone showing thechesnutmutts.com

Promoting my posts in blogger boost facebook groups has helped, and for my social media pages I interact more with other people and I have seen a major increase in Instagram followers.

5. Which of your blog posts got the most traffic this year? Why do you think it was so popular? (Please include a link.)

ImmuneIQ allergy test

My all time most popular is ImmuneIQ because it is a new product for pet allergy testing and even I was skeptical at first, so I figure people want to learn more. My most popular post that was written this year was Meaty Mugs possibly because we were the first to write about them and we had a great giveaway :).

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.)


Zen Dog Class with Michelle Huntting

I don't really read any blog religiously, but I do frequent Michelle Huntting's blog often. We are besties and have helped each other out :)

7. What resources do you rely on to enhance your technical, writing, photography, social media, or other skills that improve your blog?


Jada with my Nikon D3300

Well I just upgraded my camera to a Nikon D3300 and I have seen more engagements just because of that! For Instagram I use the app Trackgram to see who recently followed and liked so I can repay the favor or whatnot. Still looking for ways to improve my writing, but Grammarly is quite helpful.

8. What is the best piece of advice you can offer other bloggers?


Jada with Dr. Buzby and her crew at Barkworld
Jada with Dr. Buzby and her crew at Barkworld

Get out there and be social! You never know what kind of people you will meet that will help you out or vice versa. Conferences, Follow Fridays, Twitter Parties, do it!

9. What is your vision for your blog in 2016? Do you have specific goals?


Jada with sunglasses and champagne

I would like to reach more people and figure out a better way to convey my message in a timely manner. My biggest issue this year was my scheduling. I have chronic migraines and can go weeks where I can't do any blogging because I have to use a big chunk of my brain for it, so my posts that I had scheduled to work on got pushed back at least 2 months! Right now I am scheduled until May, but have fewer posts so I can catch up. I have been debating on if I should keep the blog reviews going or just do photos with a snippet of a review. Writing is not my strong point if you can't tell, but photography is! So hopefully I will figure that out by next year.

Edit: I am also working on my review rates..it is difficult to know how much to charge sometimes!


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?


Jada smiling at the camera

What I wrote for number 9 would be nice. It takes a couple of days for me to get a decent review written, but I think the general public would like that compared to just a photo and a paragraph. Are my reviews good enough to continue? Or should I change my course of action? Thanks y'all!


Also, if you could..please fill out this survey for us!

Create your own user feedback survey

21 comments:

  1. Congrats on all that you have accomplished! We think your blog is great, and yes you should continue with your reviews...and...include writing in them (not just photos and "snippets"), we see nothing wrong with your writing at all! Happy Holidays!
    DakotasDen

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  2. How do you get companies to choose you as a Blogpaws influencer? Are you emailing companies? Are they approaching you? I'm just wondering how to expand our product reviews.

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    1. And which Facebook groups are you a member ?

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    2. For BlogPaws influencer campaigns I just enter my stats and say a bit about what I have done so far that the company might be interested in. I do email companies- especially if I met them at an event! I am in the BlogPaws Influencer Pet Blogger Boost Group and Pet Blogger Support Group. I don't do too many boosting things lately though.

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  3. I agree with Caren, your writing is just fine and I would definitely continue to do full post reviews on the blog with shorter reviews on Instagram or Facebook maybe.

    By the way, I really enjoy all your Instagram images. I haven't been as good with keeping up on Periscope, but that's a lot of fun too.

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    1. Thank you so much! I do small reviews on social media and those have been successful, fun, and easy.

      Instagram is my main focus so I am glad you enjoy them :). I haven't been on Periscope lately, but I still have it downloaded and tune in every once in a while.

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  4. Congratulations on buying your domain and the updated banner! Your sister is very talented. This is my first time to your site (thanks PBC), but when I like more in depth product reviews. I filled out the survey. All the best to you in 2016!

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    1. Thank you! Hope you stick around and join the fun! :)

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  5. Your banner illustration is AMAZING! I love reading these and wish I had participated this year.

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    1. Thank you so much! My 15 year old sister is so talented. Hoping to get her some more work to help her with the art career :)

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  6. I'm working on engaging more with other blogs this year - glad it has worked for you! I really like your photography. The banner looks great!

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    1. Thank you, Lindsay! I have trouble with that as well. I try to at least be supportive through social media. I will tell my sister you like it :)

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  7. Maybe you could start doing video reviews? Writing takes a huge chunk of my brain power too so I know what you mean. Video is still growing as a popular and, although good video also takes brain energy, it's in a different way. Good luck in 2016!

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    1. I've thought about it, but would rather have photography as my main focus!

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  8. Great post! You're the second blogger from this challenge who has recommended the Nikon D3300. I'm definitely going to look into that, as I'm hoping to upgrade this year. I'm so sorry to hear about your migraines...that's terrible. I really enjoy your reviews, so I say keep it up if health allows!

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    1. Thanks Kristen!

      Yeah I was recommended it from some other bloggers and took the plunge. Definitely worth it!

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    2. Thanks Kristen!

      Yeah I was recommended it from some other bloggers and took the plunge. Definitely worth it!

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  9. I might to be able to just like concerning this and also I am aware We have outlined away from multiple success, yet I will be furthermore thus content My partner and i went along to Blog Paws as it actually received my own ft . inside the front door.

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