Here is how the Q1 went for my 2010 blogging goals:
1) Google traffic: 2,000 visits per day
I’m hovering around 300 per day. I also haven’t taken much action on this front. This is a priority for the rest of the year.
2) 10,000 Facebook fans
Under my previous rate of growth, I was expected to hit 4,000 fans at the end of the year. I will now probably do that by the end of may. The growth has increased, but I still have a long ways to go. Thankfully, I also have 9 months left to do it. I think, but cannot prove, that the new Facebook changes will help in this goal. I could see myself between 7,000-9,000 at the end of the year.
3) 12,000 RSS/Email subscribers
Making progress but still a long way to go.
4) PR6
Done.
5) Have my photos published in at least 2 major media outlets
Half done. I have a bi-weekly photo essay for the WashingtonTimes.com. I am working on some others and I think this is very doable.
6) Monetize my site and reach a break even point
I’ve taken some big steps in this direction and I think it is very achievable considering my current traffic.
7) 250,000 visits per month
Done. I should do around 320,000 visits in April. I just have to keep it up. Jan 1 to March 31 had 702,000 visits, almost averaging 250,000 per month. 400,000 in a month is not out of the question by year’s end (but it is also not guaranteed either)
8) 1 long form, featured article every 2 weeks
I have yet to do this.
The things I need the biggest work on are conversion. I am weak in this area right now. If I can just increase my conversion rate a bit more, I should be able to meet my RSS and Facebook goals. I also plan on launching a forum on my site in the next month which should increase traffic.
