It has been quite a year at Call Me PMc. It’s been a very memorable one. If you’re new to my blog I want to do a quick review of the past year with my Top Blog Posts for 2013 and Year in Review.
Stats
StatsI started the year with the following stats for my social media accounts.
Facebook 504
Twitter 597
Pinterest 682
Google Plus 898
Currently, my social media stats are (as of 12-23-13)
Facebook 6,911
Twitter 2,489
Pinterest 8,761
Google Plus 35,285
In December 2012, I was invited to join a G+ Food Blogger Community. This had the biggest impact on my growth. I learned a tremendous amount about Google plus and blogging in general from this group. I learned more about SEO and photography that had a big impact on Call Me PMc. Even though I joined in 2012, I saw growth in 2013 as I learned and implemented what I had learned from this group.
In January, I was making $15 for sponsored posts. The most I made for a sponsored post by the end of 2013 was $2,000 for a two post contract! I can deal with that every month! Although that’s was more than most product reviews, I typically don’t do one for less than $75 now and most are in the $100 to $250 range.
In March, I accomplished something outside blogging that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I ran a Half Marathon. It was SO. MUCH. FUN!!! I finished in a time faster than I estimated. You can read all about it: I did it! My First Half Marathon!
In April, I moved from the Blogger platform to WordPress. Blogger is free and great for beginners (to see if you’ll stick with it). However, I wanted more control over my content and went with a paying platform. I researched it long and hard and decided this was best for me. My numbers dropped initially, but began rising in June and have steadily grown every month.
In June, I registered for Online BlogCon. This is a blogging conference done strictly online. The best part is the facebook support group! Everyone is so helpful and willing to share information. It has helped me grow. It will be offered again in 2014 and I highly recommend registering!
In July, I purchased a Canon Rebel T3 camera. I basically spent almost everything I had made up to that point of the year on the Blogger-to-Wordpress move and this camera. You’ve heard the phrase, “You’ve got to spend money to make money”, right? Both moves were well worth it in order to take Call Me PMc to the next level. My photography improved immensely as evidenced below. I know, don’t even…
The picture on the left was, literally, made weeks into blogging. My photography and styling improved before I got the Canon T3. The new camera and a better lens just helped to give me professional quality photos. Since purchasing the Canon, traffic to my blog has increased. People love pretty photos! Look at sites like Pinterest and Instagram, it’s all visual! Better and higher paying sponsorship opportunities started coming my way. I also started to get accepted to the ‘gawker’ sites and have numerous photos on them now. I still get excited every single time my photos are accepted!
In August, I shared this recipe and image. It is actually the first photograph I had accepted to the ‘gawker’ type sites. It also became very popular on Pinterest. I experienced a spike in my page views when it went viral on Pinterest and they have pretty much stayed up and grown even more since August.
The Fall happened and it was all about Pumpkin!
November was my biggest month to date on Call Me PMc. A couple larger sites shared a couple of my posts and traffic soared. Currently, I’ve had over 1 million views on Call Me PMc!
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- Candied Sweet Potatoes
I hope through hard work, I’ll grow Call Me PMc just as much in 2014! It’s been a long road and many hours, but I do enjoy blogging. I started out not knowing anything about blogging. I’ve read a ton, listened to advice from big bloggers and learned through trial and error. When I started this journey I just wanted to share my recipes and crafts with others. It has become my passion.
Top Posts on Call Me PMc for 2013
- 500+ Adventures of Elf on the Shelf
- Martha Washington Candy
- 25 Thirty Minute Week Night Meals
- Amaretto Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
- 36 Tailgating Brunch Recipes
- Outrageous Red Velvet Brownies
- Thanksgiving Dishes
- Skinny Peaches & Cream Greek Yogurt Cheesecake
- 32 Awesome Tailgating Dip Recipes
- 80 Awesome Tailgating Dessert Recipes
My Top Five Favorites:
- Three Ingredient Cookie Butter Truffles
- Outrageous Red Velvet Brownies
- Smart Kitchen Tips
- Kentucky Hot Brown Mac & Cheese
- Decadent Crawfish Mac & Cheese
Top information that I use daily!
I found myself using these links daily therefore, I created a Resource page for them.
Best of 2013.
Check out some more of my favorite blogs year-end reviews!! Please leave your “Best of” links below!
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Lauren Mintzer says
Paula,
Congrats on your year! You are such an inspiration! I love your blog and photos. I am just starting out in the blogging world.
Paula says
It’s fun and quiet obsessive! Hope you enjoy it, off to visit your blog now!
SusieQTpies says
Congrats on your successful year! It has been great watching you! Drats I missed the link up! lol I’m off to click on some of these. They look great. Susie
Paula says
Thank you, Susie! It’s be a lot of work. But, it is fun.
Joanna Sormunen says
Congratulations!
This is so inspiring and YUMMY! Hope your blog continues to improve it’s revenue through 2014, it sure deserves it!
Paula says
Thanks so much!
Diane Roark says
Paula,
Congratulations on such a great year! I know it is a lot of work but it looks like it paid off this year. I would love to learn more about Google+. Could you tell me the best way? Would it be possible to share your Food Blogger Community?
I pray God will continue to bless you and your terrific blog!
Diane Roark
http://www.recipesforourdailybread.com
Paula says
Thank you, Diane! I have logged A LOT of hours blogging, but I do really enjoy it.
I’m planning to do a G+ posts (or series) soon. I will msg the moderator of the group and give him your name, it’s a closed group and he’ll have to send you an invitation.
Hope you have many blessing in 2014!
Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says
Love to see your successes Paula!! And that cheesecake looks delish 🙂
Paula says
Thanks so much Steph!
Lisa@ Cooking with Curls says
Wow, I hope I can catch up at some point Paula! One Million Views, that is awesome. 🙂 It is a lot of fun watching friends learn, grow, and achieve their goals. Good luck in 2014!!
Paula says
Thanks so much, Lisa! You’ll get there, I am about 6 months older than you in bloggy years. Hope you have a blessed 2014 as well!
Raquel @ Organized Island says
Congrats on your successes Paula! Wow – you are a perfect example of the power of G+. I started to get involved in 2013, but I think I need to do more. I also got a Canon Rebel, but I LOVE that you got 2K for the sponsored posts! Happy New Year!
Paula says
I was pinching myself, couldn’t believe it was even offered to me! Then of course I was terribly nervous about writing it! I do enjoy G+, it seems more friendly, but there are more people without blogs on facebook so I still try to stay active there too.
Kate says
Congrats on all of your amazing accomplishments in 2013!!!
Paula says
Thank you, Kate. It’s really been tons of work, but I really do enjoy blogging. I need to set some 2014 goals.
Joan - My Cookie Clinic says
Paula, Congrats on a great year and thanks for sharing your journey. My blog turns one this month and reading this post gives me encouragement. Wishing you continued success in 2014. Thanks again for your support and friendship,.
Paula says
Thank you so much, Joan. It’s been a lot of work, but I do truly enjoy blogging. Happy anniversary to you! Do you feel like a year has flown by? So happy to have ‘met’ you online, have a wonderful 2014!
Shareba from In Search Of Yummy-ness says
Congrats on a wonderful year!
Paula says
Thank you so much! Here’s to a awesome 2014!
Kelly says
What an incredible year Paula! I’m so glad I found your site this year too and have really enjoyed following along so far 🙂 So many great recipes and here’s to many more 🙂 Happy New Year and wishing you and your family a wonderful 2014!
Paula says
Likewise, Kelly! You have a wonderful blog. I know you spend a lot of time on it. Best of luck with everything in 2014!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Wow, Paula! So many wonderful accomplishments in 2013! Can’t wait to see what you come up with in 2014. Happy New Year!
Paula says
It’s been a long road, but I truly love blogging. Thanks for linking up!
Tenns @ New Mama Diaries says
Paula, its so great hat you’ve had such wonderful success with your blog this past year! Here’s to wishing you more success in 2014! Your photos are great! I recently got a Canon DSLR for Christmas from my husband, to help step up my photo game on my blog and video making.
Paula says
The camera really has made a big difference in the shares from others that I get, then that brings more traffic. Good luck with yours!
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground says
WOW! What a year, Paula! I’ve loved watching your photography evolution throughout the year … Yes, I don’t comment much, but I’m reading!! 🙂 Wishing you a year of fabulous growth and adventures in 2014, too!
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground
Paula says
Tracey, I’m the same way, I love to see what everyone’s doing I just don’t comment always. Thanks so much, I look back at my old photos and posts and cringe, but I guess everyone starts somewhere! I hope you linked your post if you did a year roundup. Best wishes for the new year!!
Layla @ Brunch Time Baker says
You did a great job with the stats! Love your recipes! Have a Happy New Year!
Paula says
Thanks Layla! You know how much time blogging takes, whew makes me tired looking back!
Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says
Great post Paula and I’m glad to have gotten to know you better this year! Your hard work has really paid off – my best to you in 2014! Thanks for the link-up!
Paula says
Deb, can’t wait to read your post, thanks for linking! I’m so happy our paths crossed in the crazy blogging world! Have a wonderful 2014!
Cindy Eikenberg says
Paula, congratulations on such an amazing year and I enjoyed sharing every single part of it along with you! So many great recipes from you and lots of fun! Wishing you and your family a happy and wonderful 2014!
Paula says
Thank you so much, Cindy. I felt the same way looking at your post, so happy I’ve met you through this journey! Have a wonderful, safe year!
Lisa @ Je suis alimentageuse says
Wow what a great year for you Paula!! 1 million views! That’s awesome =) I’m just under 550k, and I hope next year I’ll step up my game to hit 1 million like you =) Your G+ growth is really impressive too, i think I’ll make that a goal for myself next year haha. Gotta step up my G+ game.
Happy New Year and best of luck to you and your blog! <3
Paula says
Well, Call Me PMc is almost 2 years old, I didn’t grow much until 2013 though. I did make one good decision that first year and I got on G+, I think it’s helped a lot. Thank you for linking, can’t wait to read your post!