Sometimes I blog from bed. Sometimes I blog from the back deck. Sometimes I blog from the other side of the world, or from a beach... or even an airport.
On Thursday, August 26, 2004 I wrote my very first blog post - ever.
It was around 10am when I hit the publish button that morning, and I had absolutely no idea what to expect next. Or that I would end up taking it so seriously. Or that I would still be blogging eight full years later... without ever running out of things to say. LOL.
So here we are. 😀 Celebrating 8 years together! Some of you have known me even longer, as I've been working from home and online for more than 15 years now. Some of you have just recently met me or come across this blog - Welcome! - but you have access to the depth of archives just the same. Literally, thousands of posts & tutorials.
On March 11th in 2006, I switched from Blogger to WordPress. That was one of the best moves I've ever made, for all the reasons listed in the post at that link.
Time Flies When You're... Blogging.
Blogging completely changed my online business. As did the popularity of social media. There have been many pros and cons to both over the last several years, but all said and done they have increased my reach online dramatically and have been more positive than negative. WAY more positive.
The negative being that I have a much more public profile online now than I ever did before - and it's definitely more time consuming than quietly sitting somewhere on my laptop creating and updating my niche affiliate sites.
How in the world eight years have gone by, I have no clue. 😯 LOL. My two children are turning 16 and 21 soon, and I feel like I'm in a whole new phase of life: A successful, professional blogger with (practically) grown children.
How did that happen?! I simply woke up every day, threw my hair up, loved my children and blogged. And here we are.
So what's next? Hmm. I suppose I'll just continue blogging...
I know, I know! "Will she EVER shut up?!" 😀
My kids probably ask the same thing. Heh.
What Will I Blog About Next?
Your input is incredibly valuable to me. I would love to hear what YOU would love to hear! What topics would you like to see me cover? Do you have questions about online business or internet marketing that you would like addressed?
What types of posts are your favorite: site reviews, tutorials, checklists, product recommendations? Leave a comment below and let me know...
8 Posts To Help You Build & Improve Your Own Blog:
How to Start a WordPress Blog (Step-by-Step Checklist)
Fast Content Ideas for Easy Blogging
The Blogger’s Guide to Online Marketing
Do You Ignore Email Marketing for Your Blog?
31 Days to Build A Better Blog Highly Recommended!
Creating a successful blog, or an online business of any kind for that matter, comes down to consistently working toward your goal every single day.
Even if you are currently working at a job and have very little time to devote, it's the consistency that matters more than the amount of time you invest. When you're working with time constraints, you have to make sure every task you do counts.
Don't just read, study and learn. Make it a point to implement - immediately. The key is in taking action, and consistently doing one priority task after another. Even if you only do one of those tasks a day, over time you will eventually find yourself much further ahead than the majority... who simply sit around and think about doing it.
If I can help you reach your goals, don't hesitate to ask.
Head over to the ClickNewz Forum and start a thread. Whether you want to brainstorm, get feedback, or need resources & technical help - tap in!
I check in pretty much daily, and you'll find an awesome community there with a variety of experience and business models to brainstorm with...
*cheers*
p.s. Want to help me celebrate? Let's spread the word! Share this post with your friends, or choose one of your favorite posts from the links above, and spread a little social media love. 😉 A like, +1, tweet or share would just absolutely make my day!
About Lynn Terry
Happy 8 years! I started my first blog in 2004 when I was pregnant with my 1st baby. I didn't really have a "public" blog until 2009 though.
I am a new reader and love all of your posts 🙂
Amazing that it's been that long. But even more amazing is that we have known each other for so long. You have given so much of your time and expertise, I know many are so appreciative of that. Here's to another wildly successful 8 years.
WOW! Time does fly: I've known you for longer than the 8 years, and I learned so much from you! I wish you many more successful blogging years 🙂
I do have a question I'd love to see you cover: what advice would you give those us us who don't have the gift of writing? I came to the conclusion that no matter how hard I try, I'll never be a blogger. So, now I want to re-focus and work on my niche sites without blogging. Create a blueprint for each site, outsource the content, and build traffic without blogging. THAT is what I'd like to see you cover: ways to drive traffic to a site for non-bloggers.
Thanks 🙂
Congratulations on 8 years Lynn! I have been blogging for 5 years, but it's really cheating to say that since that include MANY different blogs that I started and stopped during that time! Sticking at something for that long is a real achievement in itself!
It would be interesting to see how much your blogging has influenced so many other bloggers - and what successes trace back to that first blog post!
Way to go Lynn! I'm on 7 1/2 years, but I'm thinking you've had way more overall success online than I'll ever get within 50% of. I've enjoyed reading and I will continue to enjoy reading and hoping I learn more lessons.
@Ruth ain't that the truth.
Lynn, I'm so glad you started blogging. You'll probably never know all the people you've reached and I'm just excited to be one of the many. Cheers on making it 8 years and here's looking forward to twice that many and more.
Congrats, Lynn. 8 years of blogging is no small feat, you're a blogging warrior. Here here.
p.s. Can't wait for what's next, thanks for all you do.
Cheers!
8 years is a long, long time! Congrats for being able to stick with blogging for that long. I don't know how you do it!
Hey Sweets! I said it on facebook but had to say it here too!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Congratulations Lynn! Still within my first full year of blogging I can only imagine the kind of leverage you build in a site from 8 full years! There must be thousands of posts on your site...good question to cover, how much content you need to build good authority online? It would be great to hear more success stories from people who have followed your system and created a great business, they are always inspiring. More about ways to leverage the competition, still unsure of exactly what that means and how to do it.
I can only agree with what you say about consistency. That's one thing I've done for almost a year and my site is profitable, whereas before making any money online was still just a pipedream. Thanks for all your help and the help of your great community.
I hope you continue to enjoy more great years of blogging 🙂
Hey Lynn,
Congrats! That really went by fast, scary fast!
But I think the real success is sticking with it, staying motivated and focused. I know you've said that a bunch of times, but I think that's the real message for anyone just starting out.
Liz
Congrats Lynn. I'm so happy I found your blog! You are definitely the real deal.
You are an inspiration. Keep up the great work!
Congrats, Lynn!
You've been a tremendous help to me the past months and you deserve any piece of success you've created for yourself!
Personally, I most enjoy success stories - like interviewing people who "made" it and have the one or other tip to share. This is what I read for my enjoyment.
I also love to listen to your brainstorming sessions - wether life or the replay - because they are incredible motivating to me. They already helped me to stand long hours in the car LOL
The other thing I like are case studies - what works, what doesn't, what went wrong? Or why is this or that working?
Hope that helps, do never shut up, please 😉
This i my first visit to your blog Lynn.Congratulations for 8 years of blogging,i have been blogging since a year only. 🙂
It is really wonderful to know that you have being blogging from so long and still you have the same love and passion towards the field. I have recently started with my own blogging site and frankly you are the first person who has said that they are not bored of blogging even after doing it for such a long time. After reading your blog I am motivated to keep writing many more articles.
Congratulations on your achievement. It is really a pleasure to read about your achievement. I have being blogging only for the past few years. Sometimes I really feel that I cant go on. I feel drained and cannot think of any new topic to write about. I wanted to ask did that ever happen to you. Did you suffer with writers blog and if you did, what did you do to come out of it.
I have been in the blogging world for so years and still going strong. Hope one day I will also achieve what you have achieved now. I wish you would help the newbies to understand about the cutthroat competition in the business. It is not simple as it was before. There is too much competition and they have to understand that passion and dedication is required to keep on going even when nothing else is working.
Congratulation for completing 8 years in the blogging world. You know I have just started blogging and I am already feeling the heat. I cant even imagine how much you would have struggled and had to go through to reach where you are. But I am really happy for your achievement hope you keep writing such wonderful blogs for many more years to come.