Happy New Year to all my wonderful readers!! It feels like only yesterday since I was writing my Happy New Year post for 2016 and it is 2017 already! Where has the time gone?
And wow, what a year it has been. Whilst I’ve only been blogging for 19 months or so, and still a fairly new blogger by most people’s standards, I feel so much more established than this time last year and I have learnt so much over the course of the last year. My blog has grown and developed at an incredible rate and I have achieved all sorts of milestones I certainly didn’t expect to reach in 2016!!
And I reckon 2017 looks set to be even more exciting 🙂
In my New Year’s Day post last year I set myself some blogging goals and I thought it would be fun to review them in this year’s post, before setting some new goals for 2017!!!
Easy Peasy Foodie 2016 Review
So first up, here’s how I did against the goals I set myself this time last year…
Get into the Foodies Top 500
The Foodies100 chart is like Top of the Pops for bloggers. The lovely team at Foodies100 rank all the food blogs in the UK based on metrics such as monthly page views, social media activity and Google ranking. Back in January 2016, you found me a little sad that I had just narrowly missed out on getting into the Top 500 (out of 5000 or so bloggers in the UK!!) and my goal for 2016 was to get into the Top 500 (and secretly I was hoping for the Top 250). Well, I well and truly smashed that – I am currently ranked number 140 and my highest score, which was last month, was 125!!
Buy a new camera / Get better at photography
Well, I can definitely put a great big tick by this one!! In the early part of 2016 I bought my lovely Canon DSLR camera and 50mm lens, plus several photography books (including Food Photography by Nicole S. Young and Plate to Pixel by Helene Dijardin) and got practising. Then later in the year I went on a food photography course hosted by the lovely Emily Quinton of Makelight Studios. Whilst I am by no means a professional photographer, I feel like I have made an enormous improvement over the last few months. If you want to compare, check out my Sweet Potato Chilli, taken in January 2016 versus my Turkey and Sweet Potato Tacos, taken in December 2016. These two posts show just how far I’ve come over the last year.
Get accepted onto Foodgawker
Another tick! Foodgawker is a photosharing website and the editors are quite fussy about what they will accept, so getting accepted onto Foodgawker is a real achievement. This one took me until May, but I had a proper little dance round the kitchen when I realised I had made it. My first acceptance onto Foodgawker was this delicious slow cooked beef chilli. And now I’ve got to the point where most of my submissions get accepted onto Foodgawker and Tastespotting, which is a real milestone. And entirely linked to the hard work I have put into my photography this year, I’m sure.
Start doing reviews
In 2015 all my posts were recipe posts and in 2016 I wanted to branch out a bit and do some reviews. Partly to make Easy Peasy Foodie more interesting and partly to rank better on search engines, but also because I wanted to showcase what I could do in the hope of attracting some brands to work with…more about that later. Well, I achieved this one too. I have done quite a few reviews in 2016 ranging from cookbooks to recipe boxes. Particular highlights included my review of The Sirtfood Diet and my review of The Spicery Recipe Kits. Not only did I throw in some review posts but I also did some roundup posts and blogging tips posts too.
Start my own linky
OK, this one I did not do, but for a very good reason. I was considering launching my own linky in September, but just as I was starting to think of it, I was contacted by the lovely Kirsty of Hijacked by Twins, who asked if I’d like to help host the Cook Blog Share linky alongside herself and Mandy from Sneaky Veg. I positively jumped at the chance! And haven’t regretted it for a second. I have so enjoyed hosting #CookBlogShare, which is easily my favourite linky. (Yeah, OK, I am a bit biased). The thing I love most about it is the sense of community and camaraderie we have. If you are a blogger and would like to join in with #CookBlogShare, come on over and check out the current linky, or check out The CookBlogShare Facebook Page.
Redesign my blog and create a newsletter
Well, I did half of this one. I spent the first few weeks of 2016 completely overhauling my blog – improving my About Me page, creating a Work With Me page and generally tidying things up and making my site look more professional. I also made it possible to subscribe to my blog and get sent my posts via email automatically. (What do you mean you haven’t subscribed? Do it now!! Check out the subscribe button in the sidebar on the right 🙂 ) But I didn’t ever get around to creating a proper newsletter – definitely something to work on in 2017.
Meet some other bloggers
Well, this one nearly didn’t happen. I had had half a thought of going to a few blogging conferences in 2016, but somehow that didn’t quite happen. But then I got the opportunity to meet a whole bunch of lovely bloggers at the River Cottage. And a bunch of friendlier people I have never met. Definitely hoping to meet some more lovely bloggers in 2017 🙂
Get more followers on social media
Well this one’s a yes and a no. I did get more followers on social media, but not as many as I was hoping for. I did spend some time working on my social media profiles and dramatically improved the look of them, as well as rewriting my profiles (Do go and take a look, I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google + and Pinterest, and do please feel free to follow me if you don’t already!!), but this is definitely another one I need to work on for 2017.
And a few extra milestones I wasn’t expecting…
Massively improving my page views
I didn’t really set myself a goal for page views last year and I am not sure why, (I’m usually quite a goal oriented person – can you tell???), but I have been delighted by the month on month growth my blog has shown this year. When I started 2016 I was getting around 1,500 page views per month and I’m currently running at around 15,000!! That’s ten times what I was getting this time last year!! So, just let’s say I get the same increase, that would be 150,000 page views per month by the end of this year. I’ve no idea whether that’s achievable but I intend on giving it a good go!!
Working with brands
One of the most exciting things about this year has been starting to work with brands. I have worked with some brilliant brands this year: Mr Kipling, Flora, British Turkey, Grana Padano & Prosciutto di San Daniele, the River Cottage and the Tasty Easy Lamb Campaign to name but a few. I’m really hoping to do lots more of this in 2017. In fact I already have something very exciting lined up….more about that very soon!!
Getting paid!
OK this is a big highlight for me personally. It’s great to have lots of little successes and a growing blog, but a girl’s gotta eat, right? And I know it probably shouldn’t be, but this has been a hugely important milestone for me. Because now when someone asks me what I do for a living, I don’t have to stare at my feet and mumble something about starting a blog, I can hold my head up high and say I am a Food Blogger (capital F, capital B) and when they ask the inevitable follow up question: “Really? Do you get paid for that?”, I can reply with an emphatic “YES”!! 😉
Hosting Competitions
Along with collaborating with brands on reviews and recipes, I have also started hosting competitions this year, which I have really enjoyed. The first one was back in April with Mr Kipling, and more recently I have hosted a lovely competition to win a hamper of Grana Padano cheese and Prosciutto di San Daniele ham. I’m hoping to do lots more of these in 2017!!
Meeting one of my foodie heroes
Back in October I got the chance to do a food writing course and meet one of my foodie heroes Karen Barnes, the Editor of ‘delicious.’ magazine. I’ve been regularly getting ‘delicious.’ magazine since about 2010 and so it was such a treat for me to meet Karen – though slightly scary having to read out my writing to her! The whole weekend was huge highlight of the year for me. Amazing food and accommodation, courtesy of the lovely Lisa Osman and All Hallows Farmhouse and amazing teaching from Karen. Plus wonderful company. I rather wish there was a part 2!
My blogiversary series
One of the goals for 2017 that I didn’t write down, but fully intended on doing, was to start writing some food blogging tips. I did a whole bunch of these to celerate my Blogiversary on topics such as How to start a food blog and 10 top tips for wannabe food bloggers. I had fully intended on making that a more regular feature but singularly failed, so I will be redoubling my efforts in 2017!
Getting my first award
I couldn’t finish this section without mentioning my award! Yes 2016 was the year I won my first blogging award. I received this for my Turkey Tikka Masala Meatballs recipe, which won the Best Blogger Recipe category at the British Turkey Awards. I got to go down to a fabulously glitzy awards ceremony in London and was given my award by Hugh Dennis. It was all rather surreal, but totally wonderful.
My goals for Easy Peasy Foodie in 2017
Well I’d better set myself some goals for 2017 then hadn’t I? So, here goes…
Get into the Foodies Top 100
This is a huge goal for me and it doesn’t feel too far off, now. But obviously, the further up the chart you climb, the harder it becomes to climb any higher. I’m not resting on my laurels and will continue to work hard in the hope of getting there soon. Being in the Top 100 is particularly exciting as you are listed on the Foodies 100 site, so I have all my fingers and toes crossed for that one!
Get better at photography
No need to get a better camera this year, but I certainly want to continue to improve in this area. As my photography improves, so does my eye for a good photograph and I can see there is still plenty of room for improvement!! Whilst I don’t need a better camera, my Canon 1200D is definitely good enough for the moment, I do have my eye on some extra kit. I’d like a tripod and some new backgrounds for starters. I also plan to reread my photography books and maybe do another photography course. I quite fancy the Makelight Food Photography Level 2 Course, or the All Hallows Food Photography Course. One thing I do find very exciting is seeing my progress over the last year and realising just how good my photos could be if I make the same level of progress this year. Not sure if that is possible, but I am definitely going to try!!
Get better at social media
Well, I had this goal last year and I plan to work even harder at it this year. I would like to see real improvement in this area. I plan to read more about it, maybe do a couple of courses too. Do let me know if there are any books, blog posts or courses that you’d recommend.
Blog more about blogging
I have learnt so much this year from other bloggers and, as much as anything, I really want to give something back. I absolutely loved doing my blogiversary series back in May and I really want to do more posts like that. I have learnt loads in these last 19 months or so and I really want to share with other bloggers what I have learnt. I have tons of ideas buzzing round my head, but if there is anything you’d like me to share, please do let me know in the comments below.
More roundups
I’ve done a few of these in 2016 (e.g. 5 Quick, Easy and Healthy Summer Salads) but I’d really like to do more in 2017. I have so far concentrated on sharing my own recipes, but I’d also like to do a few where I share other bloggers recipes too and share the love a bit 🙂
Redesign my blog
I was so delighted with my beautifully redesigned site back in Jan/Feb last year, but already it’s not quite looking how I want it to. My plan is to give it another makeover in the early part of 2017 so watch this space! I am planning to take the plunge and get a premium theme for Easy Peasy Foodie this time. A premium theme (which is like the design template) should make my website look a whole lot more professional and make it better to access on mobile phones and tablets too.
Get my logo redesigned
Along with getting refreshing my website design, I also want to get my logo redesigned. The logo you see above, I designed myself over a year ago and, though it’s not awful, it doesn’t look as professional as I want it to, so I am going to see about getting a professional designer on the case. Do let me know if you know anyone who is good (and not to expensive!).
Create a newsletter
This was in my plans last year, but rather fell off the do list. My first priority is to make it easier for my readers to subscribe to my posts. (If you don’t subscribe already just type your e-mail address into the Subscribe section on the right) I’d like to create more places to subscribe – at the moment it’s just on the right. And a landing page so I can link directly to a place to subscribe, rather than just telling people to go and look for it somewhere on the right hand side (actually it’s down below if you are on a mobile or tablet). But I also want to start sending out a regular monthly newsletter, letting my subscribers know what I’ve been up to, highlighting any older posts which might be relevant and maybe even including special subscriber only benefits – e.g. exclusive subscriber competitions.
Collaborate more with brands
I’ve done some amazing collaborations in 2016, but I’d really like to do lots more in 2017! So if you are a brand or a PR and would like to collaborate with me in 2017 do pop over to my Work with Me page to find out more, or drop me a line if you want to be sent my media pack.
Phew I think I’ve got my work cut out in 2017, don’t you? But one thing I’ve learnt from 2016 is, I might have to work hard, but I will have so much fun on the way and it will be so worth it come the end of the year when I reflect back!
Finally, I just want to sign off by saying a great big thank you to all of you fabulous people – I couldn’t have achieved so much without your support. You really are wonderful. Thank you so much for all your kind comments, retweets, shares, likes and especially the lovely photos you have sent me when you make my recipes – this in particular makes me SO HAPPY!!
I do love hearing from you, always, so do please drop me a line if you make one of my recipes, have a question or an idea, or just want to say hi. Contact me either by leaving a comment on the appropriate blog post or via Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Hope your 2017 is full wonderfulness!!
Eb x
FREE 4 Week Easy Dinners Meal Plan
Have you got your hands on a copy of my meal plan yet? If not CLICK HERE to download a copy of my FREE 4 Week Easy Dinners Meal Plan today!
Don’t want to miss a thing?
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Or why not subscribe to my blog and get delicious, stress free recipes straight to your inbox every week?
Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and subsequently go on to make a purchase, I may get a small commission – thank you in advance! For more information about affliliate links, pleasure read my Disclosure Page.
Charlotte Oates says
Congratulations on such a successful year Eb, it’s lovely to see all your hard work paying off, I have no idea how you get through as much as you do. I’m sure you’ll be in the foodies100 before you know it xx
Eb Gargano says
Aw, thanks Charlotte 🙂 It’s one thing I really love about blogging is hard work really pays off…though I do find it frustrating that there is NEVER ENOUGH TIME to do all the things I want. I’m horribly impatient and want everything done now. I have to keep reminding myself to do one thing at a time and not try and do everything all at once!! Fingers crossed for Foodies 100!! And thanks for all your support and kind comments this year 🙂 Hope your 2017 is fabulous!! Eb x
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain says
Wow Eb, you’ve really achieved a huge amount this past year – and there’s no wonder with all of the hard work you put in, it’s clearly paying off 🙂 I’m still in awe of how much you managed to crow-bar in in December alone! Here’s to 2017, and earning your rightful spot in foodies 100 very soon 🙂
Angela x
Eb Gargano says
I know!! I was quite surprised myself when I came to write it all down. I guess a year is actually quite a long time…I feel I have come a very long way in the last 12 months. It’s one thing I love about blogging, that sense that you are always improving and developing (though I never much like the accompanying sense that you are never quite done!!) I am not entirely sure how I managed my December marathon…but it has taught me there are actually extra hours in the day if I choose to use them (well sort of!) I definitely became more efficient in December, though there were things I rather skimped on. I am looking forward to going back to a slightly less manic pace of life in January and having more time for the things I’ve neglected a bit. Or at least that’s the theory!! It’s been lovely getting to know you better this year albeit in a rather virtual fashion!! I hope your 2017 is wonderful!! Eb x
Corina says
Happy New Year Eb! You’ve done fantastically well in the last year and I’m also sure you’ll very soon be in the Foodies 100! In fact, I’ll be very surprised if you’re not. Good luck with all your goals and plans for this year x
Eb Gargano says
Aw, thanks Corina. As I have just said to Angela, I am amazed how far I’ve come…but also super excited for how much I can hopefully achieve over the next 12 months. I have a few things in the pipeline that mean 2017 is shaping up to be quite an exciting year already…but, yes, all fingers and toes crossed for getting into the Foodies 100. That would be a big milestone for me!! Hope your 2017 is full of exciting things too and thanks for all your kind comments and support this year 🙂 Eb x
Mandy says
Well done Eb – what amazing achievements you’ve made in the last year! I’ve just added a few things to my 2017 list after reading this! Oh and I’m so glad you joined us on CookBlogShare – maybe we should add meeting in real life to our lists for this year? x
Eb Gargano says
Aw, thanks Mandy – pleased to have helped you write your 2017 list 🙂 And yes – we should definitely add meet each other in real life to our lists!! Eb x
Kate - gluten free alchemist says
Wow! You’ve achieved so much this year Eb. I am sure you will continue to do fantastically well. You have a lovely blog with some delicious recipes. Very talented lady you are!!!
Happy New Year and all the best for a happy and successful 2017 xx
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Kate 🙂 I know, I was pretty staggered when I took stock the other day. It all feels so gradual when you are plodding through the year, but looking back over a whole years’ worth of work is quite eye opening. I do love it though – the constant progression and improvement. I just love seeing things evolve and develop…and go in directions I certainly didn’t expect! It’s a rollercoaster at times, but definitely a fun one!! It’s been lovely getting to know you better this year and I hope your 2017 is happy and successful too 🙂 Eb x
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins says
Wow you have had an amazing year you have been super busy. I could do with setting some goals, I just sort of drift through the year. Here is to a great 2017 xx
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Kirsty, I have rather haven’t I? I kind of feel like I could do with a bit of a rest now!! But we both know that’s not going to happen any time soon!! I love setting goals – it’s partly the way my mind works and partly a habit I got into when I used to work in the wine business – especially when I worked at Waitrose – everything was very goal oriented there (as you would expect from a major retailer) – but I really loved it, I’m a bit of a closet stats geek!! I don’t get to hung up on them, though. I think it’s healthy to set some kind of direction for where to go next, but I also like to keep things a bit flexible so I can take up new opportunities when they present themselves. Wishing you a great 2017 too!! Eb x
Jacqueline Meldrum says
You’ve had a great year and I’ve really appreciated seeing your recipes in Meat Free Mondays so often. Your photography is always beautiful and a pleasure to feature.
Happy New Year and I hope in 2017 you exceed your goals and have a happy healthy year.
Jac
x
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Jac 🙂 It’s been a pleasure to take part in Meat Free Mondays and I intend to continue to do so in 2017!! Thank you for all the times you have featured me in your roundups 🙂 I hope 2017 is a fabulous one for you too!! Eb x
Chonnie Johnston says
Congratulations! What an amazing year 2016 was for you and can I say I think your food photography is lovely, my personal fav is the chocolate tart ( I can almost taste it from here …). Your 2016 goals feel very similar to my 2017 goals. I have been blogging for just under a year now and I love the baking and blogging part of it but my food photography is really letting me down. I was given a lighting/ mini studio set up for Christmas and I am hoping to buy a camera soon – currently doing everything on my phone!! Then hopefully I may get accepted Foodgawker etc. Lovely, encouraging post to read on a Friday morning, really inspiring. Well done xx
Eb Gargano says
Thanks for your lovely comment Chonnie 🙂 And thanks especially for your lovely words about my photography. I still feel it is very much a work in progress (and probably always will!) but I am delighted with how much I have improved this year. The camera really makes a big difference – I really recommend a DSLR – Canon and Nikon do entry level ones (which is all I have) which are not too expensive but make a dramatic difference to the quality of your photography. Eb x