I nearly quit blogging last year.
The average blog has a lifespan of two or three years and I thought it might be time to retire In Search of a Life Less Ordinary.
Because the blogosphere can be a lonely place. You never can tell if what you're doing truly works. Feedback is rare and the reaction to your work doesn't always makes sense. A post can bomb one week but a similar one will excel not long after.
And it's a hefty commitment. Keeping that well of inspiration full, drafting, writing, editing, tweaking the site, updating the content. We do it because we love it but it can often feel like a solitary place.
During those moments of solitude is when the doubt creeps in. Am I a good enough writer? Should I have quit the corporate job for this?
Does anybody even care?
Emerging Butterfly by Shutterstock
A voyage into the unknown
I'll probably never know the answers to those questions. All I can do is keep writing, keep sharing and keep doing what I do.
For what started out as a journey from one location to another, from London to Sydney, has become a journey of another sort. A journey in life - in location and lifestyle, health and fitness, travel and expat life.
Writing the blog has also been something of a life-changer.
Putting my deepest thoughts out into the unknown has a scary thing but I don't regret a thing. I rediscovered my passion for the written word and purpose in life - to write, create and share with the hope of inspiring others to strive for more.
But, after nearly four years, it's time for a change. ISOALLO is in search of a makeover.
How you can help
I haven't updated the site in a few years and, to be honest, it needs a damn good clean-up.
Before I go ahead and revamp the site, I'd love to pick your brains about what works best on the site and the kinds of things I could do to make it better.
I've got a few questions for you because this blog is as much about you as it is me. You tune in every week, you read my words and you comment and share. Therefore, you can, and should, play a part in determining its future direction by responding to any or all of the questions below.
The posts
What do you like about the blog and what do you want to see more of? Do you prefer the travel posts or the ones about life here in Sydney?
Are you looking to be inspired and wanting to learn more about how to live a different kind of life? Or are you mainly interested in following what I get up to? Am I sharing too little or too much about my own journey? Would you like to hear more from others in similar situations? Please let me know.
The look and feel
The logo is in need of an update and the structure of the site will change. So are there changes you'd particularly like to see?
What are the topics that matter most to you? Is expat life your thing? Or are you more of a wanderlust traveller?
Are you interested in learning more about the ways to lead a healthier, more active life? Or is your preference for all-things work-oriented i.e. less traditional ways of working and a better work-life balance? I'd love to hear your views.
The format
How do you feel about the current style of content i.e. mainly posts on the site and a mix of images and links on Facebook? Would you be interested in an eBook or two? Some freebies to take away when you sign up? Even a members-only area to the site where you could receive unique articles and updates?
Is there anything else that you wish you could see? Videos of my lifestyle? A podcast or two? How about more brand partnerships and campaigns relevant to the site? Your feedback is invaluable so please share with me.
But, wait, there's more
I also need some expert help and advice.
In Search of a Life Less Ordinary needs a new home on Wordpress and this is where my technical know-how falls behind. A new template, new logo and a bit of a tasty redesign.
I'm searching for a skilled website designer who knows this site, who gets me and my message, who can see where the blog is going, who could support the site for the long-term, and who have ideas for how any of this might look.
If you're great at what you do and have a treasure chest of ideas, please get in touch, let's talk some more and hopefully work together to give ISOALLO the blog makeover it needs and deserves.
Okay, over to you. What feedback can you give me?!
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