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Pet Blogger Challenge | Checking Under a Blog’s Skirts and Smiling

January 10, 2013

Keep the Tail Wagging

Pet Blogger Challenge | Checking Under a Blogs Skirts and Smiling PBC pet blogger challenge featured keep the tail wagging
While catching up with my blogging job, I came across a post about an annual Pet Blogger Challenge, hosted by Go Pet Friendly.  I love challenges and I love opportunities to talk about my blog even more.  Narcissistic?  Of course not – hee hee.  As part of the challenge, I was given a list of questions to answer, which I’ll do below.  And to add even more fun, I’ll share a little more “dirt” about me, The Fur Mom.

Pet Blogger Challenge | Checking Under a Blogs Skirts and Smiling Self Portrait Updated 110112 500x333 pet blogger challenge featured keep the tail wagging

When did you begin your blog?

Turns out that I launched it on Christmas Eve, 2011 – I thought it was January 1, 2012.  I thin that was the plan, but I bet I just jumped the gun when I get everything set up with my host, theme, and the rest.  Plus what else is there to do on Christmas Eve besides blog?

What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

I wanted to share what it’s like to raise littermate puppies, create a space where dog lovers could learn about dog care without seeing images of abused animals, and I wanted to build a business through my blog with Life’s Abundance.

Mostly I wanted a venue to to blab about my dogs, because my coworkers were getting sick of my daily camera phone pictures and funny stories.  I’m THAT person.  I show strangers pictures of our dogs.  It’s nuts, but I love it.

Is your current purpose the same?

Nope, not at all.  But that’s not a surprise.  I’ve always wanted a dog blog and I really had no idea where my blog would take me so I tried to stay open to where my blogging would take me.

If not, what’s different?

Instead of focusing on littermate puppies, I started writing about dog care (health, nutrition, training, behavior, and safety) for all dogs.  And I resigned from my representative position with Life’s Abundance. 

Now, I just want to have fun with my blog.  I want it to be a full time business.  I want to speak at blogging conferences.  And I want to meet Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah.  I want to move my families to a home on 100+ acres.  And I want to adopt a senior dog and a deaf dog.  Too much?  You haven’t heard about my financial goals yet – LOL.

If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?

I think I’ve done a bang up job.  A year later and I’m having a blast with my site and I have endless inspiration (3 dogs) for articles.  

The bonus about blogging is that I’ve been introduced to so many amazing people and I’ve learned so much.  Today, I communicate with my dogs; I can’t read their minds, but I know their facial expressions, barks, and body language.

How often do you post?

I post 5 days a week, more if  something cool comes up (The Pet Blogger Challenge).  

My blog is scheduled out by 30-45 days  and I’m happy to announce that I’m accepting regular monthly bloggers (dog parents of course).  Currently, Joan (a dog trainer) and I’ll be introducing Amanda (mom to two Mastiffs) soon.

Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?

I do blog on a schedule; this works for me – I’m pretty OCD about being organized. 

Monday – Anything Goes

Tuesday – Dog Training

Wednesday – Health & Wellness

Thursday – Anything Goes

Friday – Nutrition & Dog Food Recipes

If you publish on a schedule, why? How strict are you about your publishing deadlines? What do you do for inspiration when it feels like you’ve covered every topic?

The reason I have “days of the week” for publishing is to stay organized and I think it’s cool to give readers something to expect.   If you’re looking for dog food recipes, tune in on Fridays!  

Having this structure allows me to have more fun being creative.  Crazy, right?  But it works!

I never run out of inspiration.  Every day is filled with great ideas!  What helps me is having my calender scheduled out so far in advance, because then I don’t have to deal with the stress of coming up with a topic for tomorrow.

How much time do you spend writing your blog per week? How much time visiting other blogs? Share your tips for staying on top of it all.

WRITING: I write every day; whenever an idea hits, I write a title and save a draft in WordPress.  Then I do the research and call for sources (HARO).  I probably publish at least 3 articles a week.

BLOG READING: I read at least 5 blogs a day.  I follow loads and found that this schedule allows me to keep on top of everything.

SOCIAL NETWORKING: Social networking is done first thing in the morning everyday and then off and on during the day as time allows.  Thank heavens for my smart phone.

How do you measure the success of a post and of your blog in general (comments, shares, traffic)?

I measure the success of a post based on the discussions it inspires.  When I hit a nerve (in a good way) with people and they share, it just inspires me to work harder.  Gosh, it’s such a high.

My favorite post of 2012

My favorite post (so far) of 2013 – a guest contribution

Do you look strictly at the numbers, or do you have a way of assessing the quality of those interactions?

I pay attention to my numbers to keep my PR page updated and it lets me know which posts are attracting clicks.  I check my numbers regularly, but once a month I look for pages getting a lot of clicks and I beef up the monetization of those pages, because this bad boy needs to start paying the bills!

If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one issue you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

Finding quality guest bloggers.  I turn down so many people who want to write for my site, because they, to be frank, they suck at blogging (they’re too dry).  And many people find it difficult to commit to submitting a guest article once a month, which I can understand.  I’m sort of a nut (I’m a featured writer for Girl Power Hour and TV Goodness).

I’m excited that I’ve connected with a few people who are interested connecting with bloggers and I hope that by 2014, I’ll have a group of dog parents who write for Keep the Tail Wagging monthly about various topics (small dogs, older dogs, specific breeds, etc).  

I think partnering with other bloggers will help make my site more well rounded, because multiple voices and stories will benefit my followers.

What goals do you have for your blog in 2013?

I want to…

  • triple my traffic, 
  • start earning enough revenue to match 1/2 my monthly net pay,
  • build stronger relationships with pet brands (big and small),
  • interact more with my followers, because they are a BLAST
  • build readership for my Blogging in My Pajamas newsletter and write ebooks sharing blogging and social media tips.  UPDATE: You can purchase my first ebook on Amazon.com Today!
 Pet Blogger Challenge | Checking Under a Blogs Skirts and Smiling kgphoto Standing Out in a Popular Niche v2 384x500 pet blogger challenge featured keep the tail wagging
If you participated in the Pet Blogger Challenge, please share the link in the comments below, because I’d love to check out your answers.  If you have a blogging question for me, share those too!
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60 Responses to “Pet Blogger Challenge | Checking Under a Blog’s Skirts and Smiling”

  1. Peggy Frezon Says:
    January 10, 2013 at 8:59 am

    I love your goals. Triple your traffic? Awesome! It’s great to be bold and I have no doubt you’ll succeed. I also love your energy and enthusiasm. I’m going to stop by and visit even more often.
    Peggy Frezon recently published..Pet Blogger Challenge – Paws to ReflectMy Profile (dofollow)
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  2. lauren Says:
    January 10, 2013 at 10:29 am

    Wow! So your blog really has changed a ton in the last year. Do you have a regular, full-time, day job? How the heck do you keep up with that schedule? I’m in need of a nap just thinking about it. :-)
    lauren recently published..The Dogs (and People) of BlogvilleMy Profile (dofollow)
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    • Kimberly Says:
      January 10, 2013 at 12:50 pm

      LOL, Lauren
      Yep, I’m taking a break at work right now to reply to comments. LOL. I just love it so much that it’s all fun. I do fall behind, mostly on blog commenting, but I catch up again on the weekends. The hardest part is when our commuter train is down (like it has been for a few weeks) and I can’t work on the ride to and from work. That slows me down, but not much. I’m nuts!!!!
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  3. Debbie Says:
    January 10, 2013 at 10:46 am

    So glad I’m getting to know you better, here. You are an inspiration and sounds like your sense of organization is one of the keys to your success. May your success continue! I admire your energy, too.
    Cheers!
    Debbie
    Debbie recently published..ADVENTURES IN DOGSITTING – CHAPTER FOURMy Profile (dofollow)
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  4. Jen Says:
    January 10, 2013 at 2:03 pm

    Fantastic progress over the year (and a Christmas Eve launch! hard core)! I hear you about blogging instead of talking someone’s ear off. Are you a “creepy dog stalker” as well? I find myself wanting to photograph random dogs I see all too often. I’m that girl :) I’m not sure if I’m a weirdo in that regard, or part of a subculture of dognerds.
    Jen recently published..DOGthusiast blog: GoPetFriendly.com Third Annual Pet Blogger ChallengeMy Profile (dofollow)
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  5. Colby Says:
    January 10, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    I don’t know how you get it all done. I’m guessing it has to do with your organization skills something I’m hoping to improve upon in 2013.

    I’d offer to guest blog, but now I’m kind of scared because I’m pretty sure I have a dry writing style. Maybe if I can piece together an interesting blog post I’ll submit one to your site.

    By the way, I like the idea of moving the family to 100+ acre home and adopt a senior dog and deaf dog. One of my goals is just to move to a home with a backyard :)

    Best of luck with your goals in 2013!
    Colby recently published..Pet Blogger Challenge IIIMy Profile (dofollow)
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  6. dawn Says:
    January 10, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    Kimberly, You’ve done so much with your blog over the past year, you’re an inspiration! Now I just need to get organized and find out what kind of coffee you drink so I can get busy meeting my blog goals.
    dawn recently published..Pet Pop Quiz Answer #1My Profile (dofollow)
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    • Kimberly Says:
      January 11, 2013 at 7:35 am

      I just started drinking coffee recently; Mocha with extra chocolate. But mostly this is just me. You don’t want to see me on caffeine – it’s a fright, but I get a lot done!!!

      Thanks for the compliment!
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  7. Kim Clune Says:
    January 10, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Damn, girl! You are on FIRE! I’m feeling excited just reading your excitement. I think my own fuel ran out over a year ago … so you’ve just ignited THIN AIR. Quick. Call NASA!

    Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished, and it’s a lot. Your blog is beautiful, your writing style is energetic and hilarious and you’re so very smart about how to market yourself. The way you’ve blossomed is a work of fine art. I can’t wait to see which constellation you swing from next because you are on your way to heights that even Oprah can’t touch. You’ll be hosting her here next year. Mark my words.

    Best to you and your blog in 2013!
    Kim Clune recently published..The Doggone Dirt on Pet BloggingMy Profile (dofollow)
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    • Kimberly Says:
      January 11, 2013 at 7:37 am

      Yayyyyyy, Kim

      Thank you so much. I’m grinning ear to ear as my fingers are flying across the keyboard. I just love it soooo much. It’s crazy. Every day our dogs give me something to laugh about or rant about on my blog. And I’m convinced that the entire world is fascinated. Next, a reality TV show staring a crazy Fur Mom, her three dogs, and exasperated boyfriend. LOL
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  8. Christie Says:
    January 10, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    I think you’ve accomplished a lot just in the last year! Certainly a lot more than I have. You’re doing awesome, Kimberly. Keep it up!

    Christie from lifewithbeagle.com
    Christie recently published..The Pet Bloggers Challenge: My answers!My Profile (dofollow)
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  9. Ann Paws Says:
    January 10, 2013 at 9:07 pm

    I have a similar blogging schedule to you. A day for Cats, Dogs, and Exotics and some other things I do, but also there are days that allow for more freedom. Thanks for sharing!
    Ann Paws recently published..Show Dog Toys from Kidz Entertainment Inc.My Profile (dofollow)

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    • Kimberly Says:
      January 11, 2013 at 7:37 am

      So very cool, Ann

      Love that I’m not the only one with a schedule. Makes it so much easier for me to write and stay on track!!!

      Kimberly
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  10. Jana Rade Says:
    January 11, 2013 at 12:13 am

    You’re rocking it.
    Jana Rade recently published..Third Annual Pet Blogger Challenge: Steady On CourseMy Profile (dofollow)
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  11. Maggie Says:
    January 11, 2013 at 2:47 am

    Hi Kimberly,
    The best thing I like about you and your blog is your enthusiasm and spirit! You see it in your blog, you see it in the forums when you post really excellent questions, you’re massively helpful to the pet community as a whole. I also marvel how you do it all…have you cloned yourself into multiple Kimberly’s? or have you succeeded in teaching your dogs to blog!
    Keep up the fantastic work! Love watching you keeping that tail wagging!
    Maggie recently published..Maggie’s Travel Journal…83 days to go!My Profile (dofollow)

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  12. Sue at Talking Dogs Says:
    January 11, 2013 at 3:18 am

    I’m simply amazed at all you’ve accomplished in so short a time! Go, Kimberly!
    Sue at Talking Dogs recently published..Love is irresistible and so is puppy RosieMy Profile (dofollow)
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  13. Vicki Cook Says:
    January 11, 2013 at 9:29 am

    Wow Kimberly – so much energy and drive! I take one of those clones please! ;-)
    Vicki Cook recently published..Several Brands of Chicken Jerky Treats Voluntarily RecalledMy Profile (dofollow)
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  14. Coralee Says:
    January 11, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    I love your enthusiasm and organization and aspirations… and all your great ideas!
    Best wishes meeting your goals in 2013!

    Reply

  15. Kathy Says:
    January 12, 2013 at 4:09 am

    You are my “blogging hero” for the next 8 days. Where on your blog do I pin your medal?
    Kathy recently published..Managed Care For Elder DogsMy Profile (dofollow)
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  16. Tegan Says:
    January 13, 2013 at 1:38 am

    Hi there! I’ve never been here before, and it’s nice to meet you. Your blog has a lovely design and I enjoyed looking at the posts that you linked from this year. All the best for your ambitious 2013 goals. :)
    Tegan recently published..DO SOMETHING! Make a submission!My Profile (dofollow)
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  17. Jackie Bouchard Says:
    January 13, 2013 at 9:02 pm

    Belatedly trying to catch up on some of the PBC posts. That’s a lotta great goals! All the best with them. Hopefully ’13 will be a lucky year for you and the blog.
    Jackie Bouchard recently published..Pet-Blogger-Challenge Virgin No MoreMy Profile (dofollow)
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  18. 2 brown dawgs Says:
    January 14, 2013 at 4:54 am

    I am impressed that you schedule your posts so far in advance. My posts are based on what we did that day or that week. I could never schedule so far ahead, but boy it would make things easier…lol. Good luck in reaching your 2013 goals. They sound like good ones!
    2 brown dawgs recently published..Monday Mischief–Keyhole BlindMy Profile (dofollow)

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  19. Amy Says:
    January 14, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    Welcome to the Pet Blogger Challenge – I’m glad you joined us! I love how ambitious you are with your goals. I’m sure with your dedication you’ll have a great 2013. Finding quality guest bloggers is a big challenge and I’ve been inundated with freelance writers who are just looking to post articles that they’re getting paid to write for free on my blog. Watch out for them – once you give something away for free, that’s all anyone wants and it will make it harder for you to make your financial goals. I treat any posts linking to businesses a sponsored post and I expect to be paid for publishing them. Good luck in the new year – I’ve subscribed to your feed and I’m looking forward to following along.
    Amy recently published..Friday Photo Challenge – Now Your Pet Can Be The Star!My Profile (dofollow)

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    • Kimberly Says:
      January 14, 2013 at 1:43 pm

      Thank you so much, Amy!
      That’s such fantastic advice and something I changed recently due to the amount of terrible contributions I was receiving. I created a page where I layout my prices and it’s been wonderful watching the emails decrease as I point people to that page.

      I’m going to tweek it a little today to clarify what I see as a sponsored posts. Thanks for helping me narrow that down in your comment and thanks for following!

      Kimberly
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  20. The Preventive Vet Says:
    January 14, 2013 at 4:30 pm

    This is great – I love the goals you’ve set for yourself. Very specific and, no doubt (judging by your “go get ‘em” outlook), very achievable! Well done to you for pursuing this thing which you seem to be a natural at. Best of luck, I look forward to seeing more.

    Have a wonderful evening,
    Jason
    The Preventive Vet recently published..Third Annual Pet Blogger ChallengeMy Profile (dofollow)
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    • Kimberly Says:
      January 14, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      Thanks, Jason

      I could have sworn that I commented on your challenge – I was very impressed with your goals and you’ve inspired me to consider an ebook beyond what I’ve done already.

      Thank you for stopping by!
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  21. Jen Says:
    January 14, 2013 at 9:08 pm

    So glad to see you here on the PBC!

    I am so motivated by your ambitions with your blog and I think I’ve already told you what a fantastic job I think you are doing. Keep up that ambition because it’s keeping me motivated too:)

    Best of luck this year!
    Jen recently published..Monday Mischief. Leroy And The Puppy.My Profile (dofollow)

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  22. Sam Says:
    January 15, 2013 at 12:49 am

    Great to read how and why your blog was started

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  23. Kolchak, Felix & Jodi Says:
    January 15, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    30- 45 DAYS?! Holy woof! I bow to you, the blogging master! I really like how strategic you treat your blog and I feel like I have a lot to learn from you. I’d be very surprised if you didn’t achieve your goals – sounds like you have the drive and the know-how.
    Kolchak, Felix & Jodi recently published..Tasty Tuesday: Shepherd’s Pie Pupcake Dog Treat RecipeMy Profile (dofollow)
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    • Kimberly Says:
      January 15, 2013 at 8:08 pm

      Thanks so much. I really love blogging. I’ve always loved writing and blogging meshes my personality with a topic I’m passionate about. I was too chicken to go for a journalism degree, so I journaled for years until I discovered blogging and then I never looked back.

      Thanks for your kind words. I hope others feel the same, because I submitted a proposal to speak at BlogPaws – wish me luck!!!!!

      Have a fantastic 2013!!!
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  24. Jo Singer Says:
    January 17, 2013 at 6:17 am

    I am crossing my paws that I can get to Blog Paws 2013. The 2012 conference was so fantastic! I met some of the most amazing people and got SO many ideas to help improve my work, and how to mesh SEO with quality writing- and exciting topics! In fact, I glowed for weeks following the conference!

    I think that bloggers who are passionate about pets contribute tremendously to folks who share their hearts and homes with furry, finned and beaked critters. Working together we can truly make a huge difference for the lives of dogs and cats and horses- along with other companion animals.

    Your blog is outstanding- and one that I truly enjoy visiting… it is inviting, interesting and thought provoking! While I mainly blog about cats and horses, I love dogs and am aching to learn more about them. Thanks for being here.

    Reply

    • Kimberly Says:
      January 17, 2013 at 6:56 am

      Thanks, Jo

      I hope to be at BlogPaws 2013 as a speaker! I submitted my proposal and I should hear if it’s been accepted in February. It would be so amazing to be there as a speaker. I want to meet more pet bloggers face to face! I love learning more – I have a list of books that are my favorite on my For Bloggers page and I’m currently reading one that I discovered last week that I need to add (can’t remember the name at the moment). So much great information out there.

      ~ Kim
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  25. Guadalupe G. Prince Says:
    January 19, 2013 at 1:34 am

    My cat suffered third degree burns left on a heat pad at a top veterinary hospital after an operation. No apology, no compensation and a two grand bill. It’s shocking what happened to this little dog. You trust these people to do their job and look after your loved pets and you feel you have let your pet down. My cat needed 8 months of painful treatment. I still feel sick when I think of what they did to him. So sorry you lost your little dog, I know something of what you are going through.
    Guadalupe G. Prince recently published..No last blog posts to return.My Profile (dofollow)

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  26. LifeInTheDogLane Says:
    April 19, 2013 at 1:57 pm

    I love your honesty with this! Particularly the parts about inspiration, scheduling, and monetization. We’re still new to this dog blogging scene, but it’s been the one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and the one thing I never get tired of doing or thinking about (or talking about)…it’s becoming a problem, especially that last part ;) Good thing I’m married to a crazy dog man. “Having this structure allows me to have more fun being creative. Crazy, right? But it works!” I love this! Structuring and scheduling is something I’m still working on – balancing all the balls of drafting, posting, sharing, reading, commenting, and staying caught up on Twitter etc. is a delicate act. But this is awesome, thanks for the inspiration :)
    LifeInTheDogLane recently published..Who Was Your Superhero This Week?My Profile (dofollow)
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