Blogging,  Musings

1 Year a Blogger!

February 5, 2020 /

(+ My First Giveaway....)

Whew! Can you believe I have actually been blogging a WHOLE year?

It seems like it was only yesterday that I was on my private Instagram account documenting my travels and lifestyle, and my friends were encouraging me to start a blog. I had always been their go to for everything travel, fashion, where to eat, what to do in London etc so it made sense that I was giving them advice on these things but to total strangers? I was very sceptical. I was not sure what I was going to show and the first thing I did was to make my twitter account public. I think I had fewer than 300 followers at the time and I was not sure how much access I wanted to open myself up to but I can tell you that it has been a fantastic one year for LifewithBugo.

Related Post

In true fashion of peak and pit; and in Keeping up with the Kardashians, I will summarise my highs and not so highs of blogging, one year after.

Peak

  1. Finding out that THREE of my blog posts made it to google’s front page. It is more exciting because I really had no idea what SEO or all those blogger google terms were. I just wondered why I was getting traffic from those posts. The 3 posts are: Romantic Things to do in Cappadocia which sits at no 1 when you search google, The best Sunset Points in Cappadocia which sits at no 7 on Google’s 1st page and my post about New York Café in Budapest which sits on the second page when you google it. To have 3 of my posts published on google in my 1st year of blogging is actually mind blowing!
  2. Being featured on a few brands’ Instagram pages. Champneys used my pictures for their January sale on instagram and twitter which was really cool, BlackTravelFeed  was actually the first big community account to repost my picture when I had just over 500 followers which I thought was very lovely of them and will forever be grateful to them because they helped widen my reach as a new a blogger. Perfete was another account that opened me up to the US market when they reposted my Cappadocia picture and again, my Ascot picture.
  3. The community. It is nice to feel like you belong to a community and for me; it is the female blogging world especially for black female bloggers. It is safe to say that the travel and lifestyle blogging world is arguably saturated. Every day, a new blogger springs up but this community has a way of making you feel welcome and at home which I find quite incredible and thankful for.
  4. The feedback I receive from my blog posts is really amazing. I randomly get tagged on twitter by people I don’t know who are casually discussing the blog (I’m talking full blown convos) and it makes me so happy that people actually read and enjoy my blog. I’ve even had a few people (4 in total) walk up to me on the streets or underground as they recognise me from my blog. These are not even my friends or family, just people who found the blog and enjoy it. THANKFUL.
  5. This blog is helping me heal. You would have read my 2019 in review post where I go into detail about my loss. I remember saying on twitter that when I started the blog in February 2019, I did not know I would need it as much as I do now. It has literally picked me up, given me a space to share my thoughts and given me purpose outside grief. I think, I write!
  6. All the fanciness in one place. I actually have a space I own where I can update all the lush things I enjoy. I know people love reading it but I might be my own biggest fan. I often just relax and have a read of older posts, love that my blog is my one stop shop for everything. Love it so much!
  7. The opportunities! As a blogger who writes about some level of luxury, I have had some little opportunities that I have enjoyed. From getting better seats at restaurants because I am blogging about the space to getting free hotel and airline upgrades once they hear I have a blog or getting invites to private sales, parties or openings, it’s been really lovely. I will admit that I have not taken full advantage of most of these opportunities because of my 9-5 but I’m glad I am even considered and hopefully, in the next year, I will find a better work around!

Pit

  1. The juggle between real life and blog life. Sigh! this one is a beast! I have a 9-5 (mostly 9-7 lol) so having to write blog post, add the right amount of pictures, edit, send newsletters and post weekly is actually not easy. Once I get home from work, blogging takes up a good part of my evening depending on what plans I have with Mr E. I easily work way past midnight on some evenings. Crazy, I know!
  2. The negative Nancys especially more established bloggers who feel the newer bloggers are coming to “steal their space” Biko, what space is this that belongs to you that we are stealing? I actually unfollowed a blogger on instagram after I saw a comment he made about this. Which is a shame really because he seemed lovely but protecting my space is more important to me than making online friends.
  3. The Instagram game. Someone say with me, ALGORITHM! Ugh I don’t understand the whole algorithm game because everyday there is something new to avoid or to inculcate. I expanded more on this point in my previous blog post and I still don’t know if I care that much about algorithm tbh but I know it is there so yea, that’s it!

Top 5 Most Popular Blog Posts

These are the blog posts that have had the most number of views according to my Google Analytics Dashboard.

My top 5 Favourite Blog Posts

These are my own personal favourite five in the last one year!

What I will improve on

  1. Promoting my blog posts. I do have great content, if I do say so myself. So I need to get a more indepth understanding of SEO. One mind tells me not to bother since I had those 3 posts on google pages without understanding anything about SEO, another mind tells me to learn SEO anyway.
  2. I joined Pinterest when I started this blog but I never used it. Finally logged back into pinterest over the Christmas break and even purchased a Pinterest course to learn more about using it to drive traffic but I still haven’t used it tbh. Hopefully, this year is the time this happens and my content can reach a wider audience.
  3. Grow my blog community. I would like to think that if Instagram, twitter, pinterest and facebook did not exist to share my posts, I’d still have my community. So this is where I ask you to please subscribe to the blog!
  4. A monthly newsletter – I realise that sending out a newsletter with every single post could be a lot if you write blog posts quite often. Would I want to receive an email twice a week or 1 at the end of the month with a summary of all the posts? I think I prefer the monthly newsletter or maybe biweekly? I’ll try it out and we’ll see what works better. As always, your opinion would be much appreciated!

On today’s count, I have over 25k views with over 10k users. I think this is impressive for my first year and I’m trying not to set targets going into my 2nd year (but we all know I tend to set targets in my head haha!!) The day my blog starts feeling like a chore is the day I stop blogging; hopefully this never happens as I’m enjoying this community. Also, from my 2019 in review post, you know that our lives changed last year and we have a few more responsibilities.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

what you are all really here for right? haha

As a thank you and just because, I will be giving away 3 items from one of my favourite luxury houses of all time – Louis Vuitton. I wanted my giveaway to reflect everything I really love from travel to classics to a bit of luxury.

Louis Vuitton passport cover in Taiga Leather for travel lovers and those who want to be inspired to travel as well.

Louis Vuitton card holder in Damier Ebene for your oyster or bank cards.

Louis Vuitton monogram confidential bandeau which is multi-functional as a bag twirly, head band, tie, pocket square and a loose scarf around the neck.

To be eligible to win any of the items, I kindly request that you:

  1. MUST be subscribed to the blog and MUST be following me on instagram.
  2. MUST be UK resident or Have a UK address I can post gift to.

GOODLUCK!

I will randomly select 3 winners in the next few weeks and contact them.

THANK YOU so much for all the love, shares, retweets, comments, messages and criticisms.

Beaucoup de bisous, ‘Bugo x

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73 Comments

  • Noelle

    November 25, 2020 at 08:13

    Love this! It’s almost year 2 already but still, YEA! Your posts always give a warm feeling and I love that. Wishing you the very best and will surely stay updated.

  • Adejoke Otulana

    February 15, 2020 at 17:21

    Congratulations on your year anniversary. I have blog envy right now as what I have seen here looks so good. Keep up the good work of inspiring us with beautiful blog entries and travt. I am here to experience both with you xx

    • Bugo

      February 27, 2020 at 10:46

      Thank you SO much Adejoke! Really thankful for the community I am building.
      Apologies I’m only just seeing and responding to your lovely comment x

  • kerry

    February 11, 2020 at 15:21

    Hi Bugo, I popped over to wish you a happy blog birthday! I loved reading this post. You and I are similar in that I absolutely love blogging. It has been the thing that kept me sane the last few years! I also work in a day job, and the struggle is real! I do not promote etc things enough either. But, we enjoy it! That in itself is THE biggest success right?? I look forward to following along with you this year xx

    • Bugo

      February 13, 2020 at 10:33

      Thank you Kerry!
      We need to learn to promote more this year haha; I’m learning so much about sustainability and now, animal protection from your blog so thank you as well for your incredible contributions to the blogging community x

  • Dee

    February 8, 2020 at 21:07

    Congratulation on one year! The joy you exude even from the smallest things, and your love for love and determination to live it to the fullest is contagious and we keep coming back for it. You’ve had an amazing one year, and I love that you’re enjoying it and I hope that it continues to be an outlet that you enjoy as much or even more than we enjoy on the receiving end. Some of the lessons you learned in year 1 I didn’t learn till year 3, so you’re ahead of the game (or maybe I was just slowww). C’mon year 2! Congrats!

    • Bugo

      February 13, 2020 at 10:38

      whoop whoop! thank you so much Dee!!
      I know what you mean; sometimes it takes a while to know the ins and outs but I think all the mistakes we make along the way help us to be better as we grow; so all wins! LMAO and no, you were not slow! There are more bloggers now, who are willing to show newer bloggers the ropes unlike before. I think things are more in the open now so it is easier and quicker to spot your mistake; thanks all the master classes popping up here and there.

      PS – you already know, i love your blog! x

  • Jane

    February 8, 2020 at 05:35

    Congratulations Bugo, the love bug and SM Senior Correspondent of the Royal Family 😄 Keep winning!

  • Jibby West

    February 7, 2020 at 02:58

    Congratulations 🥳🎉🎊 1 year of being consistent is not easy but here you are!! It’s not been easy but you still came through. I love your travel diaries and can’t wait to go to Cappadocia because of you!!!!

    • Bugo

      February 7, 2020 at 14:48

      It really isn’t easy to stay consistent, I did not realise this until I got into blogging haha!
      Thank you so much and I hope you love Cappadocia as much as I did x

  • Mielle

    February 6, 2020 at 00:10

    One year already!!! Congratulations sis! This is my most visited blog this past year. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s a beautiful blog and you are a beautiful soul. May you continue to find joy in your blog and may this new year be even bigger for you!! Love you!!

    • Tifebollz

      February 6, 2020 at 07:47

      Congratulations Bugo on a fantastic year of beautiful and wholesome blogging. It’s always so refreshing to read,we get a glimpse of your heart and all it’s fanciness. Here’s to year 2 🥂

        • Tolani

          February 6, 2020 at 19:32

          Yay!! Well done. You’ve put so much work on the blog! I followed her from Instagram, your blog is sooooo authentic and relatable. Love it! Happy anniversary

  • Frida

    February 5, 2020 at 18:24

    Congratulations Bugo! I absolutely love reading your blog cause you’re so warm & your happy-go-lucky, positive personality shines all the way through. I always feel as if I’m reading a post written by someone I know personally. Your posts are a breath of fresh air & I enjoy them immensely. While I’m an avid traveler, your posts have inspired me to consider places that I wouldn’t otherwise have thought of, so , thank you. May your blogging career grow from strength to strength and don’t pay any mind to those who feel you’re taking their space. In the words of Zozibini Tunzi (Miss South Africa AND Miss Universe 2019), “…Nothing is as important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself.” Keep those posts coming!

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 19:28

      oh gosh thank you Frida! LOVE your comment and yesssss to quoting Ms Tunzi! I definitely live by those words. It is saturated? that’s ok, I will find my own tribe in that saturated world. Bless you and I’m grateful you’re in my community x

      • Frida

        February 7, 2020 at 07:44

        You’re very welcome. BTW- I subscribed a few days ago and I’m still waiting for the confirmation email. Is there anything you can check from your side?

  • Abby

    February 5, 2020 at 18:23

    Congratulations on one year of blogging!! And your posts making it to top search in Google is awesome sauce! Well done!
    I love your blog and the content, like KacheeTee said it’s such a warm space you have and of course thanks for sharing the Europe series on IG.
    Like I mentioned on IG I’m doing 4 out of the 11 (hopefully I get my visa lol) and I can’t wait to go to Bruges especially and try out Cafe des Artes and Jacquelin’s Tea room!
    To many more years!
    Cheers!

  • Abiola Adeyinka

    February 5, 2020 at 14:27

    Congratulations on your 1yr blog anniversary. I enjoy reading your blog , my favourite post is the Cappadocia one, followed by the royal ascot post.
    I love your fashion and style. So yes; pls sprinkle some fashion posts in 2020. You already influenced some of my shopping during this past zara sale ;).
    More love, travel and fun for you in 2020.

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 16:30

      Hey Abiola! Thank you SO much. I’m definitely working out a way to sprinkle some fashion into my posts without it driving how I shop or dress. I don’t know if that makes sense lol. Thank you so much for your lovely message, I really appreciate it.
      Everybody loves the Ascot and Cappadocia posts haha; hopefully, I can bring you more lushness this year 🙂 x

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 16:32

      yay Char! thank you so much for reading as usual and for leaving a comment. I’m glad to have you as well and I enjoy reading your blog posts – I love your style of writing! Yasss to 100k views, don’t know where they will come from but YASSSSSSSSSS! haha x

  • Alice Okundaye

    February 5, 2020 at 13:06

    Congrats on your anniversary Bugi❤️, fantastic content, as someone that gave up on blogging I have to applaud the strength to keep going especially in today’s world of algorithm and as a full time worker myself.

    Thank you for the fab posts, lush lifestyle inspiration and most importantly loveeeeeee

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 16:34

      ayyyye my baby girl, it has been a madness but we always move haha! You had a blog? I didn’t even know that. Hopefully I can keep pushing because I actually enjoy it. Thank you for your lovely comment and all your support, I appreciate it x

  • Tari

    February 5, 2020 at 12:45

    Major congrats on your first year blogiversary. I’m so glad I found your blog.
    There’s such wholesome content and so much effort is put into creating this space that you’ve so graciously shared with us.
    Here’s to raising the bar even more and accomplishing even bigger and better things in year 2.

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 16:35

      Thank you Tari! I’m really glad you found me.
      Cheers to hitting milestones on your blog as well and I hope all your blog dreams come true x

  • Thatcorporatechic

    February 5, 2020 at 12:02

    Yay!! Congratulations Bugo.
    Congratulations on your first year of blogging.
    I love your page and love that you celebrate the little things of life.
    Here’s to more success and beautiful moments.xx

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 16:36

      my boo! Thank you for everything.
      your support is IMMENSE and I’m glad I have you constantly cheering me in my corner.

      thankful for you x

  • Nneka Obi

    February 5, 2020 at 11:45

    Wow, 1 year!? Happy one year blog anniversary!! Congratulations, we can really tell you have worked hard and I (and many others) love the content on your blog! So thank you! These pictures are amazing! Which camera are you using? I would love some fashion tips in the future on the blog too. xx

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 12:01

      Thank you so much my gorgeous girl!!
      I use my iphone 11 (not the pro – 3 camera one, just the regular iphone 11) – it is sooooo good for pictures! I had an iphone 8 prior and tbh, it was good but the picture quality with this 11 is fantastic. I was contemplating buying a proper blogger camera but my phone seems to be doing the heavy lifting quite well so for now, I’m good 🙂

      LOL fashion tips are longgggg sis! I stay close to classics all the time and quality over quantity so I tend to invest in more quality pieces. With shoes + bags, I will most likely always buy from french design houses just because I’m a fan of their quality and clean lines. Maybe I will add some fashion posts at some point but for now, you guys should manage travel and lifestyle hahahahahaa x

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 11:56

      hey IJ!! thank you lovely!
      haha you people don’t want me to rest abi? LOL
      I most likely will; we’ll see what spring looks like and we’ll decide but I’m definitely leaning towards going again this year x

  • Rumz

    February 5, 2020 at 10:43

    1 year already! How? Congratulations and Happy 1 Year Anniversary ❤ Keep up the good work and more success to you xoxo. Valentine is this month ooo….Repost on your story what to do on Valentines day on Instagram 😉

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 11:49

      haha Rumz please go to the blog home page, “What to do for Valentine’s day” is the top post 🙂
      but yeaaaaaaaaaaaa it’s 1 year already, can you imagine?! Thank you so much my pretty x

  • Kachi

    February 5, 2020 at 09:47

    So lush!!!! Thank you for taking the leap to start the blog and sharing all your fanciness with us. Your posts are so insightful and warm!
    Here’s to an even better year! xx

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 10:25

      KacheeTeeeee! my babe! You have really become my sounding board for all things blog haha
      Thank you baby girl for everything!

      Yay to insightful and warm posts forever! x

  • Dooshima Dapo-Oyewole

    February 5, 2020 at 09:29

    Congratulations Bugo on your first year of blogging!! Honestly this is a feel good space…for premium content…you put in a lot of effort and I’m glad for all your wins this year! My there favorite posts have been Ascot of course because your joy was transferable off the screen and when I compared HRM Lizzie to Bon Jovi you royally were not having that 🤣🤣🤣..NewYork because GG&SATC fan…and your staycation to Devon…it just made me feel like you can enjoy life on any budget and anywhere…anyway this is becoming a post on its own…. really proud of you.. especially after your loss you pushed on when it couldn’t have been easy..for giving us quality and a happy place we say Merci ♥️🎉🤸🤸#LWB@1

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 10:32

      hahaahaha looooook! you are the only one who maybe appreciates my Ascot diary as much as I did LMAO so I will always 100% rate you for that! I think I have to go this year so I can see her sweet little face again! Yasss to GG and SATC; it is so funny how I still get a few views here and there from that post; which tells me that there are people like us who live for such things! ah Devon is so lit! So i’m doing some UK travels soon – 1 in the next 2 weeks and another over Easter so I think you’ll love the forthcoming posts 🙂

      So grateful for your very kind words and I don’t mind the “post” at all, so detailed, I appreciate the time you have taken to write every single word. Thank you so much for sticking with me x

  • Onyeka A

    February 5, 2020 at 09:26

    WOW!! One whole YEAR already!!! You know when I see your feed on insta, I always say Bugo should totally be a blogger and you next thing you did it!! So proud of how far you have come. I like how you always put your best foot. Rooting for you as always!!xxx

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 10:24

      oh yes!! you were one of those who won’t let me breathe LMAO!
      Thank you for the push tbh, I’m happy I finally took the leap and started the blog. Now, we are here 🙂

      Thank YOU so much for all your comments as well, I love how friends like you are invested in my blog, it is so refreshing. Kisses to your babies x

      • Noelle

        November 25, 2020 at 08:11

        Love this! It’s almost year 2 already but still, YEA! Your posts always give a warm feeling and I love that. Wishing you the very best and will surely stay updated.

  • Bukola

    February 5, 2020 at 09:10

    Congratulations!!!

    And Thank you for all the great content you put out.

    You are greatly appreciated.

    XOXO

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 10:21

      ayyyeeeeee I’m just glad that people read it tbh.
      I was so sure it would just be me, Mr E and my best friends reading haha so I’m really happy with the reach.

      Thank you for being a part of my community x

  • Morenike

    February 5, 2020 at 09:10

    Congratulations on your one year anniversary Bugo! Time does fly, I remember when you started this blog. Congratulations and enjoy your wins, you deserve it 🥳

    • Bugo

      February 5, 2020 at 10:05

      aww thank you so much Morenike!!
      It’s been an amazing year and I’m so thankful for my community 🙂 x