5 questions about your blog!

Hi guys,Let's share our blogging experiences with each other! So, here are 5 questions to break the ice:1) How long have you been blogging?2) What made you start your blog?3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the post4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic?5) What is your top tip for effective blogging?Cheers!http://bachkins.blogspot.com

Been a blogger since 2006 Started it as a visual food diary with a place to record my recipes with my photos of the recipesI haven't promoted it much so it's only been this year people started to post comments and I was invited to join tasty query so I did to see what response was out there. Ideally I would love others to leave comments if they make one of my recipes. They are my original creations but I do get inspiration from other sources and make my own version within the drs guidelines that I can have.

1) How long have you been blogging? since 20062) What made you start your blog? just wanted to be part of the blogging world3) What is your most popular post? NotQuiteJuneCleaver's Got the Scoop!4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic? I suppose my last one. Farm Fresh From Vermont! 5) What is your top tip for effective blogging? I think many things work together - blog often. Answer comments. Read and comment on other's blogs. Know your audience. Basically give people a reason to come back again and again.

About 2 weeks ago, I celebrated 1 yr of blogging.I started my blog on a whim. I had given it just a little thought when I mentioned to my husband that I thought I'd start a blog, the next thing I know he's come up with a name, purchased it as my domain name and I had a blog.My most popular post, by far, is Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Bacon...http://otasteandseeblog.com/parmesan-crusted-chicken-with-bacon/I really thought my Homemade Tortilla Chips would be popular...but alas, not so much

Couldn't get all of question # 4 and 5 to show....http://otasteandseeblog.com/texas-trivia-and-homemade-tortilla-chips/...thought this would be popular. Best blogging advice....Be patient and don't get discouraged.

1) How long have you been blogging?2) What made you start your blog?3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the post4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic?5) What is your top tip for effective blogging?I started blogging 2 years ago.I started the blog to pay homage to an Aunt that was a personal chef.My most popular post, unfortunately not original, is No Bake Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars.Not sure what I expected would be a popular post.My tip for blogging would be, be true to yourself, give credit when due and enjoy it!http://hippyinthekitchen.blogspot.com

This is awesome! Thanks so much for starting this Q&A!! I started my blog: butter, basil, and breadcrumbs almost a year ago. I have been wanting to write a cookbook for a few years now... And had been bombarding my friends on Facebook with photos of my creations. I knew that this would be a slow process, and to begin building my audience, I started my blog. What surprised me was the overwhelming welcome and support that I would receive, and the wonderful friendships I have found in the blogging community! My most popular post recently, was my Icebox Cake Makeover. http://butterbasilandbreadcrumbs.com/2014/08/08/icebox-cake-makeover/The post that I thought would be more popular than it was, was my orange sherbet. The only tip that I can share, is to get out there and network. Social media is a great way to network... And there are so many blog parties out there... They're a great way to gain exposure, and get to know so many bloggers! ❤️

My blog will be one year old this August 29,2014. I started it because I was bored and alone. I feel like I needed to get a hobby: ) My most popular post is The High Protein Ground Turkey Meatball link : http://www.theskinnypot.com/high-protein-meatballs-ground-turkey-meatballs/Although I eat and love all the post that I post in the blog, but I have been making The Buffalo Chicken WIngs and the Honeyed Chicken Wings over and over again. It is my on the go recipe when I am crunch of time yet wanting to entertain my family. These recipes are easy and fast to make and very delicious. I wish people could have tried it. http://www.theskinnypot.com/easy-chicken-recipes/http://www.theskinnypot.com/3-ingredient-buffalo-chicken-wings/Although I am not very good at this, RELAX, LEARN AND DON'T COMPARE. It will make blogging fun.

Thanks for starting this fun forum!1) How long have you been blogging?Since Jan 7, 20092) What made you start your blog?I was reading Julie and Julia and thought to myself "I should record my food journey"http://foodiejourney.blogspot.com/2009/01/moment-i-decided-to-record-my-food.html3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the postGluvine (and that is so strange to me)http://foodiejourney.blogspot.com/2010/02/gluhwein-aka-gluhwein-gluvine-or-hot.html4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic?I was surprised that my Pan Pizza didn't get more traffic - everyone I make it for says it's better than X (fill in the blank) - I've heard several names. Then when I went to get the link for this post I realized I didn't have it in my recipe list - how funny. Thanks for asking because now it's fixed!http://foodiejourney.blogspot.com/2014/04/pan-pizza-restaurant-style-made-at-home.html5) What is your top tip for effective blogging? I'm not sure how "effective" I really am at blogging. However, I have seen many people stop blogging. Blogs that I follow just stop and never start back up. I think we can put too much pressure on ourselves "to do more." After all there are thousands and thousands of food blogs "how can I compete." I've stopped for a while (months) when life/work gets busy. But when things slow down I start again.Michele http://foodiejourney.blogspot.com

1) How long have you been blogging? Since 20102) What made you start your blog? Love of food and inspiration from other food blogs3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the post - In terms of view count , the dhokla recipe has done pretty well - http://bakerscanvas.blogspot.com/2011/08/dhokla-gujrati-dish.html4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic? I thought my most recent recipe "Chocolate mug cake" would do good.5) What is your top tip for effective blogging? Beautiful pictures attract people. Also recipes that are different from mainstream recipes are more read and enjoyed.

1) How long have you been blogging?I've been blogging since God was a boy ... or it seems that way. LOL In truth, with this blog, Jenny Eatwell's Rhubarb & Ginger, it's been since August 2006, so eight long years! 😀2) What made you start your blog?I had a seizure .. or stroke .. call it what you like. I called it "Claude", for lack of something else to call it. 😀 I was left with speech and memory difficulties and writing was my therapy and a way of regaining the vocabulary that was in my head, but not on my tongue.3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the postThe most popular post is "Spiced Rhubarb Foolish", which has received 117,908 page views to date! Mind you, it was utterly delicious: http://jennyeatwellsrhubarbginger.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/spiced-rhubarb-foolish.html4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic?Do you know, I haven't a clue? I have around 400+ recipes, all tried, tested and approved, on Rhubarb & Ginger now. I don't look for them to be successful, I just post them up in the hope that someone might find some inspiration for their own dinner!5) What is your top tip for effective blogging?"Talk" to your readers. Include them, just as if you were swapping stories across the garden fence. Being warm and friendly is way more comfortable to be around!

1) How long have you been blogging? January 1st 2014 marked the beginning of our journey into chili mayhem. 2) What made you start your blog? I wanted to give fledgling abnormal psychologists a case study in deliberately poor decision making. 3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the post For those who wantonly indulge a morbid curiosity.http://chili365.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/liebster-award-post/ 4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic?Can you keep a secret? People (generally) fear Panko.http://chili365.wordpress.com/2014/07/24/panko-fish-tacos-chili-style/ 5) What is your top tip for effective blogging? Every day, I make chili and write about the experience. So far, that's 228 consecutive days. Persistent, I am, but a savvy blogger I am not. Thank you for inviting me to this thread. Have a terrific day.

Keep the responses coming you guys, I am having so much fun going through all of your popular and "should have been popular" posts!Danita - Congratulations on your blog anniversary 😀 I can see why your Parmesan crusted chicken and bacon is a popular post; I almost look a bite out of my monitor. Your photos are gorgeous. And I will surely be trying your tortilla chips and salsa recipe. I miss that sorely here in NZ.Prudy - You're welcome, I just wanted to get a conversation going so we could all learn off of each other 😀 Your blog is beautiful. The ice box cake looks absolutely decadent! Please, could you share some of your photography tips? Food photography is notoriously difficult (at least for me!)Bach Ghttp://bachkins.blogspot.com

Shobelyn - The buffalo wings recipe does indeed look so good! I will surely give it a try and let you know when I do 😀Michele - I can tell the pan pizza is fantastic just by looking at the ingredients! And I am glad this question helped you fix the link on your recipe list. It's funny eh, the smallest things can affect traffic to a post? You are so right about not putting pressure on ourselves.Tooba - Love your page and your dhokla recipe 😀 Jenny - Your words are gold. Your soul shows through in your blog. You are right, blog for the right reasons and talk to your guests and make them part of the conversation.Chili365 - OMG! I have bookmarked your page, I love chili so much. And it is winter here in the southern hemisphere, perfect weather for some chili!Cheers for your responses. You are all amazing. Each one of you 😀 Bach Ghttp://bachkins.blogspot.com

I have been blogging till dec4,2012.I love food and wish to try new recipes,so I started a food blog to share my thoughts and recipes.My popular post is "kollu thokku",my grandma's recipe.http://cookingclub17.blogspot.in/2014/05/kollu-thokku.htmlMost of my posts gets more views but hard to get comments.I think we have work more and more on our posts it will not be over by just posting them.We have to promote them on social medias and importantly must have good friendship with fellow bloggers.I find its a tough job.......http://cookingclub17.blogspot.in/

1) How long have you been blogging? About 11 months2) What made you start your blog? Started doing lots of baking and wanted an outlet to show what I was making.3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the post Probably my most recent post Pear and Ginger Upside Down Cake4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic? Matcha and Vanilla Pannacotta5) What is your top tip for effective blogging? Be patient, interact with and learn from other blogs

1. How long have you been blogging?I have been blogging since 2008.2. What made you start your blog? My blogging was started as a tribute to my Mother-in-Law and mother, also as something of a legacy for my two daughters.3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the post Milkmaid eggless cakehttp://madscientistskitchen.blogspot.in/2011/05/milkmaid-egg-less-cake-alias-thumbs-up.html4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic? Maledi http://madscientistskitchen.blogspot.in/2011/08/maledi-chapatti-ladoo.html5) What is your top tip for effective blogging?Hard work.

Thanks for starting this forum so we can learn some about each other: 1) How long have you been blogging? My Blogiversary was Aug. 8th... 4 years for me now and counting.2) What made you start your blog? We went vegan, all in --- and I wanted to share what I was currently eating.3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the post-- I thiink this one had the most hits: http://gloskitchen.blogspot.com/2014/06/mongolian-bbq-seitan.html4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic? Buffalo Chicken Soup: http://gloskitchen.blogspot.com/2013/02/buffalo-chicken-soup.html5) What is your top tip for effective blogging? I don't think I have a top tip - I do this for fun and that's about it. I wish I was all popular and made money, and had tons of comments, but I dont' -- and that's okay!

Lakshmi - You are right; networking is an important aspect of being a blogger, or any profession for that matter. It can certainly be daunting but it is also an opportunity to meet like-minded people, to learn off of each other and to forge meaningful relationships.Gloria - Congratulations on your 4th blog anniversary! That is quite an achievement!

yerotsluap - Really cool creations!Archana - What a beautiful thought, to leave a legacy for your children 😀

Bach G wrote (17 August 2014 00:55)Keep the responses coming you guys, I am having so much fun going through all of your popular and "should have been popular" posts!Danita - Congratulations on your blog anniversary 😀 I can see why your Parmesan crusted chicken and bacon is a popular post; I almost look a bite out of my monitor. Your photos are gorgeous. And I will surely be trying your tortilla chips and salsa recipe. I miss that sorely here in NZ.Prudy - You're welcome, I just wanted to get a conversation going so we could all learn off of each other 😀 Your blog is beautiful. The ice box cake looks absolutely decadent! Please, could you share some of your photography tips? Food photography is notoriously difficult (at least for me!)Bach Ghttp://bachkins.blogspot.comHaha! I have to chuckle at your request to give photography tips!! I struggle with my photography...it's funny, because when I started this blog, I knew that I'd have to take photos, but didn't realize that the photos were that important!! I've been learning as I go, and just mentioned to my husband the other day that I'd like to retake this past year's photos and resubmit them! I am not a photographer at all...but have learned over the last few months that natural lighting is a must. Try to take your photos as close to natural lighting as possible. I usually set everything up outside and do it all out there.... during the winter months, I'm not sure what I'm going to do! I will usually set my props up while the food is cooking...and then I'll take a few "dummy" photos to see if I'm going to like the way that it looks or not. If not, then I still have plenty of time while the food is still cooking to play with the props and get them to look exactly the way I want them. The props are easy... I have a picnic table in my back yard and a wicker table. I'll use them often. I also have some vinyl backdrops that look like weathered wood that I purchased from Etsy that I use!

1) How long have you been blogging? 5 years. I think. 😀 2) What made you start your blog? Wanting to share what we're doing on the farm with those who just eat and don't understand what we do. Evolved to where the farm blog continues but enough interest in just food that doing food issues, recipes, etc was split to another blog a few years ago. 3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the post. Home page is most popular. 😀 http://slowmoneyfood.wordpress.com/2011/02/21/deboning-chicken-leg-quarters/ has gotten quite a few reads as has one on is What is PSE and Do I Want It in My Pork? http://slowmoneyfood.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/what-is-pse-do-i-want-it-in-my-pork/ 4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic?I did an 8 week challenge that I thought would be a lot more popular. Each week was another way to explore food, from eating local (and what that means) to organic to conventional food on a budget. It's still up, and much is still true. 5) What is your top tip for effective blogging? Be consistent. Be personal. Be passionate. Think visual!

Haha! I have to chuckle at your request to give photography tips!! I struggle with my photography...it's funny, because when I started this blog, I knew that I'd have to take photos, but didn't realize that the photos were that important!! I've been learning as I go, and just mentioned to my husband the other day that I'd like to retake this past year's photos and resubmit them! I am not a photographer at all...but have learned over the last few months that natural lighting is a must. Try to take your photos as close to natural lighting as possible. I usually set everything up outside and do it all out there.... during the winter months, I'm not sure what I'm going to do! I will usually set my props up while the food is cooking...and then I'll take a few "dummy" photos to see if I'm going to like the way that it looks or not. If not, then I still have plenty of time while the food is still cooking to play with the props and get them to look exactly the way I want them. The props are easy... I have a picnic table in my back yard and a wicker table. I'll use them often. I also have some vinyl backdrops that look like weathered wood that I purchased from Etsy that I use!It is winter for me now in NZ and I really struggle with the lighting. By the time I get back from work it is completely dark. Maybe I need to check into making a white box. I use a canon eos with Tamron 28 - 75 f/2.8. What do you use?

Jan wrote (18 August 2014 18:29)1) How long have you been blogging? 5 years. I think. 😀 2) What made you start your blog? Wanting to share what we're doing on the farm with those who just eat and don't understand what we do. Evolved to where the farm blog continues but enough interest in just food that doing food issues, recipes, etc was split to another blog a few years ago. 3) What is your most popular post? Share a link to the post. Home page is most popular. 😀 http://slowmoneyfood.wordpress.com/2011/02/21/deboning-chicken-leg-quarters/ has gotten quite a few reads as has one on is What is PSE and Do I Want It in My Pork? http://slowmoneyfood.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/what-is-pse-do-i-want-it-in-my-pork/ 4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic?I did an 8 week challenge that I thought would be a lot more popular. Each week was another way to explore food, from eating local (and what that means) to organic to conventional food on a budget. It's still up, and much is still true. 5) What is your top tip for effective blogging? Be consistent. Be personal. Be passionate. Think visual! I am going to have to spend some more time on your site, Jan! It is so information packed and your passion shows through.

1) How long have you been blogging? I started my first blog four years ago when I moved to Japan. I got back to the US last summer and I started my second blog shortly after that. 2) What made you start your blog? Originally, it was to help stay connected to family and friends while living abroad. I also wanted to get better at writing and also develop my photography skills. 3) What is your most popular post? On my current blog, this is the most popular post: http://tezukuriliving.com/cosplay-kitchen-souffle-girl/4) What did *think* would be your most popular post but hardly gets any traffic? Hmm...I'm not on this one. I have been so busy with finishing a year of Americorps and then moving, so I have been neglecting my poor blog lately. :(5) What is your top tip for effective blogging? Be regular about posting!