Okay, where do I even begin this morning?
You guys have absolutely shocked me with your responses to the Reader Survey that I put out on Tuesday. I was expecting mayyyybe a hundred responses (since I know they aren’t really everyone’s favorite thing), but I really had no idea. Last I checked, there were over 1,100. I am mind blown.
I will tell you that I have spent the last couple of days going through and reading every single survey. I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous when I first sat down to read them because I had no idea what I was in for. But, I asked for your opinions, whether they’re good or bad, because I want and appreciate any and all constructive feedback from you guys.
So really, I must have some of the. best. readers. out there. Not even kidding. Every single survey response and comment I’ve received from you guys has been amazing. And by amazing, I don’t mean that they’re all glowing reviews or that you all love everything that goes on around here (which is okay, and I wouldn’t want that). But any criticism that I did receive was constructive, which I can completely appreciate.
I certainly don’t expect to be able to please everyone, and when someone like me blogs about all of the various topics that I do (umm, yeah, there’s a bunch) they’re not all going to hit home for everyone.
I thought you guys might be interested on where your results fall with others, so I figured I’d touch on a few of the survey questions/results. (I took these screenshots early on Wednesday, so some things have changed, but the overall results have remained consistent). Let’s take a look!
You don’t know how much it means to have so many of you reading for so long. This was probably one of my favorite pieces of info I got!
I asked this question because I’ve been debating on whether or not I want to change the appearance/readability of my site on a mobile device to be more user-friendly. These results have me a bit on the fence, but if you are a mobile device reader and have any extra feedback about that, feel free to leave it below!
Most of you are kiddo free! Enjoy that freedom, my friends.
As for your favorite types of posts…
And posts you’d like to see more of…
And your thoughts on product giveaways…
As for the optional comments, I had close to 300 of you take the time to leave me extra feedback, which was awesome. Some were positive, some were negative, but all of them were constructive which I can 100% appreciate. Overall, here are some of the most resounding results that I’ve gathered after my initial review…
- Some of you don’t love sponsored posts, and some of you have stopped reading or cut back on checking in as often because of them. Some of you don’t mind them, and some don’t really enjoy them but understand why I do them. I touched on this briefly before, and I know that sponsored posts aren’t for everyone, which is totally fine. I get it! While I do still intend to do some down the road, I will stand by my claim that I will continue to only partner with brands/products/etc. that I know, love, are extremely interested to try out, or think that you guys would love. I turn opportunities down every single week that aren’t a fit, and will continue to do so.
- Most of you like the “day in the life” posts, and just regular story telling posts. These are probably some of my favorite ones to do, too! But sometimes it gets tough when I’m sitting in an office cube most days a week (which is why it’s always easier for me to blog like that after the weekend)…I’m going to work on this, though!
- Surprisingly, quite a few of you want me to incorporate more fashion, beauty, hair, and makeup posts. I had no idea! This is something I’d love to bring back (umm, my fashion page hasn’t been touched in over two years…) so it’s got the wheels spinning.
I get it…you guys just want to see me make a goofball of myself.
- Many of you miss all of the recipe posts that I used to do. Sigh…so do I. Although I have been working on bringing some back lately, they’re definitely some of my more time consuming posts. In the meantime, I’d love to hear what kind of recipes you’re looking for…Cookies? Quick dinners? Crockpot?
- A bunch of you are not diggin’ my WIAW posts. Hey, guess what? Me either. So that’s a done deal. My meals are usually so similar from week to week that it’s about time that I put WIAW to an end. At least for now. Whenever I do have some fun or different meals to share, I certainly will.
- A good amount of you are kiddo free, so you don’t always love the kid-focused posts. This is something I totally get and appreciate, which is why I try to publish most of my totally kid-centered posts to the Baby Tooth page (although if you’re reading via a blog reader, then you’ll see them all published anyways). I’ve never wanted this blog to become too “mommy focused,” but since being a mom is a huge part of my life right now, it’s something that I can’t really avoid (nor would I want to all together).
- Quite a few of you are interested in some more updates on my HA diagnosis and/or more of my thoughts about body image post-baby. I have quite a few posts that I’m sure I could put together on these topics, and I’ve been thinking about them quite a bit recently so I’m hoping to get those up soon.
- A bunch of you are also interested in hearing more about how I maintain a fitness routine/work out, and try to stay healthy while working full time and, well, still juggling everything else. I like this one! I’ll have to see what I can do here. Maybe a series of some sort? A weekly check-in? Hmmm…
I could go on and on about every other little bit of info you guys gave me, but I’ll try to just stick with the main ones up above there. This was exactly what I needed to get the “blog brain” working again! Now…to find the time to do it.
So again, I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time to participate in the Reader Survey. I’ll be emailing the winner of the $75 Amazon Gift Card directly, and if I could email each of you separately to thank you, too, I would. You guys are the best.
*****
As for today, I’ve got some good stuff on the agenda. I already started the day out with a great T25 workout, later this morning is breakfast club at work, and I made some of theeeeese…
Then after work, I’ve got a girls’ night out and hibachi dinner on the agenda. Woot!
Annie says
Nooooo I love WIAW. *sad face*
Carrie says
How proud of yourself you must be! Congrats on writing a stellar blog and keeping your readers wanting more! Xo
Courtney says
Thanks so much, Carrie :)
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I would like more beauty, hair and make up posts too! I did not think of adding that to my survey, but that would be great. I do like your WIAW posts, but it is always good to mix things up from time to time. No rules! You can bring them back at times. Thank you for sharing the results and have a great day!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
What great insight you got from readers. And that is an amazing amount of responses. I pretty much agree with all the comments and would love to see more day in the life posts, as well as some insight into your beauty routine too. Thanks for reaching out to get feedback from your community — that’s pretty cool. And have an awesome day!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
I actually posted a survey last week, too, and got incredible feedback. I loved seeing what others what. My results were a bit similar to yours too! Many like to see the day in the life posts. It was my most requested item.
Courtney says
It’s so interesting, right? Definitely an informative tool!
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says
As an STSL reader from the beginning, I loved taking the survey and then seeing the results was a lot of fun! It’s been so much fun to follow your life through so many changes (oh hi, Lucas!) and meet you and become real life friends w/you in the process. You know I’m a STSL reader fo’ life! :)
Courtney says
You are the sweetest…thanks so much, friend! Love and miss you, xoxoxo ;)
Libby says
Thanks for sharing the results, and kudos on a great blog, all around! Also, just wanted to share that as a mobile reader on the iPhone, I have no problems reading it in it’s current format. The text comes through nicely from your site unlike some sites where it’s small and you have to zoom. So it seems to be pretty user friendly to us already. :)
Courtney says
Thanks for the feedback, girl! ;)
Alaina says
Yes, I’d love to hear how you have dealt with a previous HA history now that you are post-baby. I’m in the same boat! Also, I love all your recipes, but also being a FT new Mom, crockpots are amazing – especially for fall! I’d love to see some of those recipes!
cait @pieceofcait says
LOVE STSL, i remember when i first started reading.. before being a blogger, i always loved your cupcakes and fun sweets, since i love sweets too! :)
Bonnie says
See, this is why I love to read your blog. Unlike so many other bloggers, you actually do care about your readers and putting out good content and you’re able to receive constructive criticism and appreciate it without getting defensive. That is such a great quality! :-)
Courtney says
Thanks, Bonnie! :)
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
I fall into the “over 2 years” reader category. Honestly, as long as you keep being true to you, I will continue to read no matter what the post is!
Courtney says
You’re so awesome, thank you so much for reading Stacie!!
Christina says
As a new mom, I absolutely love kiddo type posts, and just appreciate seeing how another working mom manages it all…so please keep Lucas as part of this blog! He’s adorable! And I would also love to see more beauty/fashion type posts from you!
Courtney says
Thanks so much, Christina! :)
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Sounds like you just need to keep up the good work! :)
I’ve been considering throwing in the towel on WIAW as well. I’m just so lame sometimes. haha
Courtney says
Hahaha, I hear you!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
It was fun to read the feedback you received! I’ve been reading for about a year now and yours has always been one of my favorites! I would definitely be interested in some body image after baby posts, especially since I’ll be in that boat VERY soon.
Britt@MyOwnBalance says
It’s so interesting to see what other people think! Some of my responses were consistent with other readers and some weren’t. I don’t think you do an overwhelming amount of sponsored posts so I don’t really think it is something you have to necessarily worry about!
Christina says
I read your blog off Bloglovin usually using my PC but if I am out and about or out of town, I use the app on my phone. I am not sure that I like the format of ones that are switched to a mobile version, because it seems edit it in a way that I always end up having to use the “see original post”.
Hope that helps in your decision! Either way wouldn’t deter me from reading your blog :)
Courtney says
Definitely helps, thank you!!
Alex @ Get Big, Go To Work says
I have been a reader of your blog for over a year now. I have enjoyed watching your blog grow and change with the birth of Lucas. I really enjoy your day in the life posts, but understand why you may not write them as often. I sit at a desk for much of the day too. It’s hard to have a lot to report when that is the case. I would love to see posts on how you do balance it all and what your body-image is like post-baby. Thanks!
Courtney says
Thanks so much for the feedback and for reading along, Alex!
Carrie (This Fit Chick) says
I’m so glad you did the survey! You should be so proud that readers have been reading for over 2 years!!
Courtney says
I definitely feel extremely lucky :)
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine.com says
I’ve been a long time reader of your blog and have loved all of your posts! I loved your honesty with the HA diagnosis, because that was the first time I realized that I had HA as well and was able to head to the doctor to figure things out. Love your day in the life posts! And I used to LOVE all of your cupcake recipes and posts :)
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Clearly, your readers love you! I’m kiddo-free, but I love the Lucas-focused posts. So I’m glad you’re going to keep those around!
Nicole says
More Cody!! :D
I’m not a Mom, but I do enjoy the Lucas posts. He’s a major part of your life, so I enjoy reading about it.
Marielle says
I must have skipped your blog that day and missed the reader survey. :( That’s so neat that you did that! I’ve been reading yours for almost 2 years and I started my own blog after enjoying yours so much! And omg those cinnamon rolls just made my mouth water!!! YUM
Angela @ HonestlyAngela says
You are seriously making me crave cream cheese frosting! I need to get baking ASAP. Glad you will still be sharing some mommy posts!
Heather says
I would love more recipes that relate to quick, healthy meals! I LOVE your recipes for Skinny Alfredo – I use it often. While my survey fell in the no kiddo category, for now :), I do greatly enjoy the updates about your son and how you still manage to cook healthy meals and fit in work outs. I’ve been a reader for over 2 years and your truly an inspiration for women who work full time and want it all – job, kids and good health/fitness for the whole family!
Courtney says
Thanks so much for the feedback, Heather. It really means so much!
ellie | fit for the soul says
I am really excited to see the changes in Sweet Life! I always love reading your thoughts as I feel like I’m flowing along with them, but change is always good. So bring it on, Courtney ;)
Kelly @ Femme Fitale says
Yes, you have amazing readers, but you’ve created a space that is ever so deserving of them!!! Constructive criticism is the best kind, especially because you know those who took the time to give you their feedback genuinely care and feel invested in you and your blog! You’re one of the very first HLBs I started reading back in the day and were one of the main influences in me beginning my own :) You should be so proud!!!
Courtney says
Thank you so much, Kim! It was definitely a heart-warming experience to see all of the feedback!
Andrea @ pencils and pancakes says
I didn’t participate in the survey Coutrney but to be honest, your blog is my favorite lifestyle blog on my reader. I’m not just saying that….I’ve thought about why I like it so much and I think it’s because you’re so real and relatable. You don’t come off as fake….or trying to copy another’s style, or needing attention in anyway. I also like the day in the life posts.
Courtney says
That is so sweet of you, Andrea. Thank you so, so much :)
Traci says
I’ve loved reading your blog over the past few years and seeing it evolve! It’s interesting to see what everyone thinks. I personally like WIAW because it gives me meal ideas, but I think you could accomplish something similar by putting together a meal plan type post every once in a blue moon (for weeks you have one, of course!). For the mobile-friendly question: I would encourage you to check (if you can) on Google Analytics or a similar site as well and see if the percentage of readers on mobile is similar or higher to the survey results, since this is probably just a small chunk of your readership even still :) My personal thought is that it is becoming vital to be mobile-friendly because it’s such a big part of day-to-day life. I personally usually read on desktop while I’m at work, but I read on my phone probably just as much at home or on my lunch break and need to zoom in and scroll around. So I think mobile friendly would be great if it’s in the cards for you!
Courtney says
Thanks so much for the feedback, Traci. I really appreciate it!!
Noelle says
I also love your WIAW. I LOVE seeing what you eat. Always looks good and healthy (mostly) and gives me ideas! Please still show even if just a little!
Courtney says
Aww, thanks for the feedback, Noelle! I’m sure I’ll still incorporate them somehow every now and then! :)
Bri says
I’m with Noelle, above–I like seeing WIAW! And, OMG…those breakfast club cinnamon rolls look INSANELY yummy. Can I come to work with you please? ;-)
Courtney says
Hahaha, sure! ;)
Jenn@Mark My Miles! says
I love reading your day in the life posts. As a new momma (my son is a month older than yours) and working full time as well, I love seeing other mommas doing the same and trying to stay sane!
Courtney says
Thanks so much, Jenn!
Michelle Carter says
Your blog really does look interesting. Looks like you got one more follower.
Shelly says
Your WIAW posts are some of my favorites! Mainly because we share a coffee addiction and I can totally relate :) I also love seeing all of your healthified baking like banana bread which you snack on at work.
I read all of your posts on my Iphone and they are absolutely fine. Mobile formats seem to cut out all of the features of a blog (banner, archives etc) that I enjoy viewing and I find myself often switching to desktop view on my Iphone anyway.
Not a big fan of sponsored posts, but if they are included it’s best of bloggers can be real about some of the cons of the product they tried. Generally I don’t read parenting posts, but I can see how Moms might enjoy them.
Hope this helps!
Courtney says
Thanks Shelly, that’s all great feedback! I really appreciate it.
Linda @ the Fitty says
I am a first time reader and I also love personal posts, fitness struggles and motivational posts. :) Hope to keep reading!