Reader Survey Feedback

Wow! You guys!  I just have to say a big, HUGE thank you!

I really wasn’t sure anyone would fill  in our reader survey and you did!  Wow! Wow! Wow!

You guys really make this blog and inspire me to tackle new project and things I’ve never done before.  I found your feedback so interesting.  So I wanted to share a little bit of what you want, your opinions and what you can expect of the blog.

First let’s start with the positives and what you’ll be seeing more of.  You all said you LOVE: painted furniture, room makeovers, smaller crafts, room tours and seasonal decorating.  Yay!  I love them too.  You can be sure in the year ahead that there will be a few room makeovers, a big yard projects and lots of affordable tips and tricks (both big and small) as like you we’re on a budget too.

I was surprised that only 16% of blog readers are bloggers themselves. I don’t know why I thought more of you blogged too.  The majority of you also follow via email.  How can I make the emails better for you? Would you be interested in a once or twice monthly newsletter of maybe things that aren’t in the blog: a small craft, an item I found and love and some just life tidbits?  If you guys like that idea just leave a comment and email and tell me you do. I also don’t want to fill your in boxes up!

I’m really bowled over by your kind words.  I thought I would share just a few that really touched my heart and made me smile. When asked what do you like about the blog:

“You keep it real and down to earth. I love blogs but I like it best when I follow one that can help me set realistic and attainable goals for my DIY home. You make me feel like I can someday have a home as inviting and put together as yours!”

“Apart from the interesting articles, YOU! You seem such a lovely person and this comes across in your posts. Thank you! :)”

“It is uplifting and positive in nature. The creativity is within reach and not intimidating. I love the simplicity put forth although I know there is much planning. I love Danielle’s manner. it comes across in the written word. i love her family spirit. She is sweet and approachable. There isn’t anything I don’t like about it. Cheers!”

Really there were so many kind comments, I wish I could share them all.  I wasn’t expecting anything like that just ways that I could make the blog better.

I’m glad you like ME.  Ha! Ha! I am really just like you. Trying to juggle the kids, the dog, the dinners, the mess and also carve out time that makes me happy. Blogging and creating make me happy. Through this blog I found my creativity. It was lost until I started writing. So I know you all have this creativity in you too and through posts and Creativity Over Coffee I’m trying to share how you can maybe tap into it.

Okay, let’s talk about what we can work on.  Here’s some comments:

“Nada”

“I like it how it is”

Okay, there were a lot like that, here are some others:

“I know that you make money from ads but there are too many.”

“Sometimes I do feel that you write a post just to post something and not that you have anything significant to share or say.”

“not only yours but all blogs seem sometimes to repeat things when I’m ready for something new from you and the others. I am not a blogger, so I don’t know what you have to go through and you may not have time, but just saying.”

First I’d like to talk about ads and advertising and sponsored posts.  The blog is my creative outlet but it is also a job, it is a way that I can make money but still stay home with my kids.  Sometimes I receive products that I love and can review them for you and tell you my honest opinion. For example, the outdoor umbrella and rug in our deck refresh click here or the paint I used in our sunroom click here.  I also work closely with Royal Design Studio, Fusion Mineral Paint, Blue Apron, The Home Depot and right now I’m working with Smith & Noble.  Working with brands for my home has allowed me to decorate in a style I was dreaming of but also do it perhaps quicker than if I hadn’t partnered with a brand.  I will always disclose up front if a post has been sponsored or if I have partnered with a brand so you know. Now, let’s talk about ads.  I really wish I could have a site with no ads.  I really do.  BUT this money helps me not only with the expenses of running blog (web hosting, equipment, subscriptions for the blog etc, photography and supplies). I am working with my ad network to decrease the amount of ads.  As soon as I had this feedback I asked them to take out as many ads as possible. Please let me know if you think there are too many as I’d like my blog to be the best it can be.

I will try to bring as much fresh and new content and ideas as I can. Before Christmas I was really feeling burnt out but now I feel like I have all this creative energy and renewed eye on what I’d like to change and make better in our home and on the blog.

I will also try to be more mindful about always sharing something significant.  But I also feel like this is an online journal of my home, my life and creative journey. So sometimes progress is slow and I know sometimes it is nice to see the in betweens too.  Unfortunately in real life makeovers and DIYs take longer than 24 hours. Finding Silver Pennies will have some just because posts and will also continue to have Creativity over Coffee and Link Parties.  I love sharing my creative friends and also love to have space where readers can share their own projects.

Many of you have said you want more videos, possible web design and an ebook on painted furniture. Yesterday, I shared a video with you, click here if you missed it (I don’t think the email went out yesterday morning for some reason). I’ll try and do more videos.  I just really don’t like my voice.  Ha! Ha!

Please let me know if you guys are interested in some EDesign and I can try and come up with that.  I’m currently making progress on the EBook and hope to have it finished by the spring!

Finally, many of you have said you’re short on time and money.  I’m going to try and come up with a few series and posts that can address this.  Upcycling, shopping your home and frugal tips.

Happy Friday, Everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me make this blog the best it can be.