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Hello 2018! Nawdeeya Travels Goals and Year One Review • Nadia Nelson

2017 ended with a bang! And by bang, I mean me being sick at home with that nasty flu virus. Yuck! As a result of being sick well into 2018, I decided to take a nice two week break where I have done absolutely nothing. No blogging or focusing on my travel company. Now is the time to back to business, back to hustling.

September marked a full year that Nawdeeya Travels has been trumping along. I’ll be honest – this has been the most rewarding, stressful, happy, discouraging, joyful, and unique experience. From starting out with no clue, to still after a year having an idea (well…somewhat!), I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Before stepping into this, I had no intention of using this blog for anything else besides an online journal of my travel adventures. Just for family and friends. Not really caring about who looks at it.

On the Vegas Strip

I will say that I didn’t go into this blind. I did some research and came across numerous warnings from well established bloggers – the message was clear… it was not going to be easy. It was going to take time, consistency, and resources. Practice and dedication was going have to be something of the norm. A lot of trial and error. Dont worry, this is not another “how to start a blog” post.

I’ll be honest, it took me an entire year to decide the angle I wanted this blog to take. My website changed so many times, aimed to serve many different purposes. I am certain that it may change again. It can only get better from here. Now that, that is out of the way… here are my 2018 goals.

At El Morro Fort in San Juan

Travel More

2017 was to be my best year yet. Hitting the ground running with awesome destinations and trips to showcase. Slowly working to toward my ultimate goal of stepping foot on every continent. But life stepped in the way and had other plans. 2018 will be different… I think! In the words of my cousin, “just go!” Just do it. Book that trip without thinking. Everything else will fall into place. From day trips and weekend explorations to extended stays and international visits. I will start this journey to see and explore the beauty of this world. Some of my 2018 trips include Trinidad & Tobago, Napa Valley, and a host of US states. I am hoping to add more throughout the year.

Develop an active email list

One of the main tips bloggers discuss is the need to develop a working subscriber list. Creating awesome content that on its own drives people to your blog. So that they decide to keep up with your thoughts, experiences, and adventures. My goal in 2018 is to increase my subscriber list organically by 30%. I have been fortunate to gain a small following by joining like minded bloggers in active Facebook groups. Advertising has weighing heavily on my mind lately. To help me increase my email list, I am going to invest in some Facebook and Instagram promotion.

Master SEO

SEO, SEO, SEO! Another topic bloggers discuss is the importance of blog rankings and increasing traffic. Establishing the correct keywords and creating easily digestible content. I am so thankful for plugins. I am currently using Yoast’s free SEO plugin. So far I am finding this plugin very useful and easy to use. Not only does it provide tips on establishing successful SEO rankings, it provides guides and examples. I recommend the Yoast SEO plugin for any blogger just beginning. I definitely need to improve on my understanding and selection of SEO keywords.

Increase social media presence and following

They say social media is the gateway to sharing and growing your blog following. I am currently using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest. I do not know about you but it has been a struggle keeping up with all five with no set plan. After a bit of reading, I am determined that I would focus on two – fully developing both. Facebook and Instagram have been my main focus in 2017. My goal is to develop steady content to increase my following with a healthy dash of advertising.

2018 Facebook Goal – 500 likes (29% of goal)

2018 Instagram Goal – 1000 followers (32% of goal)

It is always a good practice to establish attainable goals in all you do. Gives you something to strive towards. My blog has come a long way this past year. 2018 will bring great things.

What are your goals to achieve in 2018? Let me know in the comments.

Author

Hi, I’m Nadia. Full-time foodie. Part-time traveler. Book worm. Life lover. Quote hoarder. Compliance diva. Photographer. Travel consultant.

11 Comments

  1. This is a great set of goals.
    My blogging goals are to grow my organic social media following, and to gain a regular income this year.

  2. How fun to travel to so many wonderful places! I have little ones right now, so just leaving the house is exhausting at times. My goals are very similar to yours, work on my blogs, IG and FB. I don’t even know what to do on twitter! I’m sure you will reach all your goals.

  3. You are so ambitious and inspiring! Well done on your first year running your own company, that is an amazing achievement. I didn’t set many real goals for my blog but I think I need to rethink that and really strive harder. Your determination is contagious! I will check out Yoast for sure 🙂

  4. This sounds like a solid plan! I want to travel more this year too…but it probably won’t happen with a toddler and one on the way! Maybe next year LOL. At least I’m sure I’ll go a few places that aren’t too far away. Sadly I’m going to miss out on going to South Africa with my MIL to visit my husband’s family! I would love to grow my blog following too! We got this girl!

  5. Elizabeth O Reply

    So sorry to hear you were sick, I hope you are feeling much better now. Your 2018 goals sound great, I am sure you will smash them and achieve everything you want 🙂

  6. Shubhada Bhide Reply

    Hi Nawdeeya, it seems that you really had an amazing trip that has been the most rewarding, stressful, discouraging, and unique experience for you!! and I am glad about that. Wishing you the best of luck in achieving all your goals this 2018, especially in your blogging industry.

  7. Congratulations on such a great year for you and your blog! I wish you to accomplish all the goals you set !!

  8. Ryan Escat Reply

    I’m really glad that you’re having fun! I love your all photos and your goals for this year!

  9. Agnes Vazhure Reply

    You made awesome goals. I wish that you achieve all your goals this 2018 especially on your blog. Good luck girl!! You can do it.

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