Leith Dress/Blondo Boots Photo Katie Donnelly
It is crazy to think that the blog is three years old this week. I started the blog because I was homesick for Paris with not much of a plan or direction. I had NO idea what I was doing and I still feel like I have so much to learn. While the original concept was to share how I bring Paris into my everyday life back in Chicago, it has turned into a blog about Paris.
I keep a running list of ideas in a notebook and on my phone of different ideas to write about for the blog. I would LOVE to know what you want to see in this next year. After all, this blog is for you.
Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Paris
Where to Eat and Drink in Paris
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers
Budget Friendly Hotels in Paris
25 French Brands You Can Find in the US
My Favorite Walking Shoes for Paris
My first year blogging starting in July, I had 48,000 page views for the year. Now, I average around 60,000 per month. The growth has been slow and steady over the years and I hope it continues this way. I am learning as I go, and I am always looking for ways to improve and grow this space. I really enjoy hearing from readers how I helped plan their trip or how my suggestions for hotels or where to eat made a difference in their trip to Paris.
The biggest highlight:
I have been so lucky to have readers become great friends over this last year. We have had some fun adventures and I can’t wait to see what this next year brings.
My Struggle:
Over the last few months, I have found myself struggle with how much I share about my personal life. The question is where do you put up the boundaries as far as privacy. It may be easier to move the needle being more and more open with my life, but I have become more protective. I know a lot of bloggers share their personal lives and are extremely open which can help to be more relatable with their audience. . After all, Brené Brown encourages us all to be vulnerable, right?
There is really no right or wrong answer. We all have the right to choose what we share. Right now, I am choosing to filter my personal life. This may hurt my readership and growth, but it is a risk I am willing to take. I know in my end of year survey, a lot of people asked for me to share more personal posts. I would love to know what you want to want to read about my life. I am happy to share blog/photography/ business tips in future posts.