Home » Blog » Blogging » Pet Bloggers Journey 2022

Pet Bloggers Journey 2022

This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Pet Bloggers Journey 2022 - Black Lab puppy sitting in the grass

Here we are again. The start of a new year!

Time for us to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future.

Take a look at last years Pet Bloggers Journey 2021

Would you be interested in attending an in-person Pet Blogging Retreat? That’s exactly what we did a few years back. Check out our Pet Blogger Retreat blog post for more information.

We’d love to hear about your goals for the coming year. Do the following on your blog:

  1. Copy the questions below to a blog post and answer each question.
  2. Leave a message in the comment section with a link to your Pet Bloggers Journey blog post.
  3. I’ll add your link to the main content of the blog post which will get you some extra exposure and a valuable backlink to help increase your search traffic. I’ll add new links to this blog post through January 14th, 2022.
  4. Visit your fellow pet blogger’s PBJ post and read, comment, encourage your fellow participants.

PBJ 2022 Questions

  1. When did you begin your blog and what do you currently write about on your blog?
  2. Name one thing about your blog, or one blogging goal that you accomplished during 2021, that made you most proud.
  3. What was the biggest blogging challenge you faced in 2021? How did you tackle it?
  4. Tell us one thing you learned in 2021 that can help us all become better bloggers.
  5. What are your top three blogging goals for 2022?
  6. In the perfect world, where do you see yourself and your blog one year from now?
  7. If you had a $1,000 to spend on your blog how would you spend it?
  8. What is one skill you’d like to learn or improve in 2022?
  9. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

Enough talk. Let’s get this party started!

Pet Bloggers Journey 2022

For those of you who participated in last year’s Pet Blogging Journey make sure you read through last year’s post before answering this year’s questions.

1. When did you begin your blog and what do you currently write about on your blog?

I launched my blog on August 1st, 2007. I write about my experiences raising and training service dog puppies.

2. Name one thing about your blog, or one blogging goal that you accomplished during 2021, that made you most proud.

Take a look at my 3 goals from my 2021 Pet Bloggers Journey post and my thoughts on how I did:

#1. Diversify my traffic sources by mastering my email list

I took some giant leaps forward with my email list. I set up a forever email series. I tested different forms, buttons, lead boxes using Convertkit and Leadpages. I created new lead magnets. In the end, I added over 10,000 new subscribers in 2021.

OUTCOME: Did I master my email list? Not quite but I’ll give myself a thumbs up.

#2. Complete all 15 challenges in Income Schools Ultimate Content Warrior Challenge

I was excited to compete in the Ultimate Content Warrior Challenge last year. However, I was discouraged when I got bounced from the challenge after round 4 in large part due to a low score on the first challenge: formulating a really good blog post.

I wrote an article specifically for the UCW Challenge, yet it flopped according to my score from the Income School guys.

“Why do we fall, sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.” – Alfred, Batman

How is that article performing nearly 1 year later? For the past 6 months that single article is averaging over 6,000 pageviews a month!

Moral of the story: Trust yourself. Even the experts might be wrong.

OUTCOME: I’ll give myself a thumbs up even though I didn’t complete the 15 challenges 🙂

#3. Diversify my monetization channels by releasing a product

I have a hard date to sell my first information product by January 7th, 2022. I have to hustle this week to make that dream a reality.

OUTCOME: To be determined

3. What was the biggest blogging challenge you faced in 2021?

  • Lack Of Focus
  • Shiny Object Syndrome
  • Squirrel
  • Falling Down A Rabbit Hole

…yep, I looked up and started listening to White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane while writing this…

How did you tackle it?

One thing that helps me is getting out of the house and sitting down at a coffee shop or bookstore to work. It removes the distractions around the house.

…Wow, White Rabbit is a short song. It already ended…

See what I mean? Easily distracted.

4. Tell us one thing you learned in 2021 that can help us all become better bloggers.

Don’t let Imposter Syndrome paralyze you. I know, I know, it’s easier said than done.

As I mentioned earlier I was very discouraged when I received low scores for the UCW challenge: Formulate a really good blog post.

This made me think and rethink: was the way I formulate a blog post correct or was I doing something wrong. I thought on this for several weeks and it really slowed my start to 2021.

In the end, I should have trusted my process and taken the Income School guy’s scores and critiques with a grain of salt. As I mentioned, the post in question now receives over 6K page views a month.

5. What are your top three blogging goals for 2022?

Big things are afoot to start the year. I mentioned this on our Facebook page, we are getting a new guide/service dog puppy on January 7th, 2022.

Goal #2 is specific to the new puppy. Here are all 3 goals:

#1. Diversify my monetization channels by releasing a product – I’m cheating a little bit as this was my goal from 2021 but my completion date is in 2022.

Sell first product by January 7th, 2022.

My Reward: If I sell my first product by January 7th, 2022 then I will celebrate by taking the girls to their favorite restaurant: Chuck E Cheese! Seeing the girls smile makes me happy.

#2. Revive the YouTube Channel with a series of videos about our new puppy in training. – I need to start planning this immediately, like as soon as I finish writing this blog post!

Complete the first video by January 14th, 2022.

My Reward: If I complete the first video by Jan. 14th I will take the girls to the movies. Did I mention I like making my girls happy?

#3. Start running Facebook Ads to generate new leads, customers, and sales.

Run first FB Ad Campaign by January 31st, 2022

My Reward: If I run my first Facebook Ad by January 31st, 2022 then I will treat my lovely wife to Omakase Sushi. Did I mention I like making my girl happy 🙂

6. In the perfect world, where do you see yourself and your blog one year from now?

On January 1st, 2023 I hope to look back at the past 12 months and see…that I created several new products that my readers LOVE because they solve the problems they encounter on a daily basis.

7. If you had a $1,000 to spend on your blog how would you spend it?

Since one of my goals is to master Facebook Ads I would spend my $1,000 on a Facebook Ad campaign

8. What is one skill you’d like to learn or improve in 2022?

I said it once and I’ll say it again. I’m going to do my darndest to master Facebook Ads to grow my audience.

By the way, I also plan on looking at Google Ads and Pinterest Ads at some point in time this year.

9. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

Elon Musk will pay 11 billion in taxes this year.

I’m not at that level…yet but I have been making a full-time income with my blog for a few years now and Uncle Sam takes a pretty big bite out of those profits.

My question is what do you do to minimize your taxes?

I’d love to hear your tax-saving tips!


That’s a wrap!

A look into the past and the future of the Puppy In Training blog.

It’s your turn now. Here’s your mission if you choose to accept it:

  1. Copy the above questions and answer them on your blog.
  2. Add a comment on this post with a link to your Pet Bloggers Journey post.
  3. I will add a link to your blog in the table below. I’ll add new links though January 14th 2022.
  4. Visit and support your fellow pet bloggers by clicking, reading, following and commenting on their Pet Bloggers Journey blog posts.

Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.

Have a great, safe, and healthy new year!

I’ll see you all in 2022!

Pet Bloggers Journey Participants

1. Puppy In Training2. Boogie The Pug
3. Fidose of Reality4. Happy Oodles
5. This Puppy Travels6. Pet Faves
7. That Mutt8. Daily Dog Food Recipes
9. Maggie Loves Orbit10. I Love My Chi
11. Paw Print Pet Blog12. Wag A Bond

Top Picks For Our Puppies

  1. BEST DOG CHEW
    We Like: Beef Collagen Sticks - All of our pups love to bite, nip, and chew. We love using Collagen Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors.
  2. BEST PUPPY TOY
    We Like: Calmeroos Puppy Toy w/ Heartbeat and Heat Packs - Perfect for new puppies. Helps ease anxiety in their new home.
  3. BEST DOG TREATS
    We Like: Crazy Dog Train-Me Treats - We use these as our high-value treats for our guide dog puppies.
  4. BEST FRESH DOG FOOD
    We Like: The Farmer's Dog - A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh dog food and she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer's Dog.

Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.

Similar Posts

22 Comments

  1. Hi Siddhika, you’re a bit late but I included you on the list 🙂

    I haven’t started an ad campaign with Facebook yet so I don’t have any great tips for you. Maybe I’ll have something for you next year.

    Have a great 2022!

  2. Hi Colby, loved reading about your journey. 10000 subscribers is HUGE! 2 thumbs up and a Hi-five! Last year, I was struggling with Shiny Object syndrome big time! There was a time when I focused on growing my Youtube channel, Instagram account, FB account and Blog all at the same time… trying to implement new and latest strategies. Thankfully I was able to slow down before it consumed me! I hope it’s not too late for me to submit my link to the Pet Bloggers Journey 2022 – https://wagabonding.com/pet-bloggers-journey-2022/
    I have a question for you – You mentioned you would spend 1000$ on FB campaigns and here I was under the impression that FB is saturating as a platform. Could you share a few tips (that worked for you) on driving traffic from Facebook?

  3. Thanks for participating! My record-keeping is not the greatest. Keeping track of all the little expenses probably add up to a big dollar amount. I need to get on top of that. Thanks for the tip. Happy 2022!

  4. Ahhh, you made it easily. 🙂 Thanks for joining us again!

    Good point on getting an accountant that understands online business. I really need to find someone for better guidance.

    I do know most of the tips you mentioned but am I implementing them? Nope. I’m not the most organized person.

    Thanks for the tax advice. I hope you have a great 2022!

  5. SIgh, just got in by the skin of my teeth!

    Here’s my blog post: https://ilovemychi.com/pet-bloggers-journey-2022/

    I like how you have rewards for your accomplished goals. That’s a great idea!

    I have an accountant that does my taxes and my best advice is to find one that understands online businesses. The first one I had just didn’t “get it”. The one I have now has saved me a lot of money. At your first meeting, ask him about what you can claim throughout the year and take notes.

    You probably know all this but also, keep a file where you can easily get to it in your desk, to throw all the receipts that are related to your business. You can sort them out monthly if you want or just wait til tax time if you need to. And keep a file in your email too for digital receipts. Keep everything that can possibly be related to your business. You can always ask your accountant about it at tax time if you aren’t sure if you can claim it.

  6. Thanks for writing a post for both of your blogs. I’m always interested to see what’s going on with you and the dogs.

  7. Thanks Hannah! Yes, I updated the theme around the end of last summer.

    I didn’t join Income School, I only participated in the Ultimate Warrior Challenge. I’m sure there’s lots of great information in their community but right now I think it would just be another rabbit hole for me to go down. 🙂

    All the best to you in 2022!

  8. Yes, I think getting out of California is the answer. Unfortunately, it’s not an option with both mine and Ali’s family here. I have been looking for another accountant to help me save some money on taxes. And finally, yes I plan on going from a sole proprietor to an LLC this year. We must share the same brain. Thanks for the tips. It reassures me that I’m on the right track.

  9. First of all. Your new puppy is the CUTEST. I’m looking forward to those stories. I always love to hear your goals because you have such a business mindset. Learning Facebook Ads is a great goal. I am sure you will be able to do that in no time.

    I also LOVE the new look on your website. Was that completed last year?

    Also are you part of Income School again this year? I took the course 2 years ago but the whole 2 last years was a derailment and I just renewed my community membership.

    I’m really liking the new classes they have in there this year.

    Anyway thank you again for putting this together.

    Here’s one of my blogs for this year’s entry: https://dailydogfoodrecipes.com/pet-bloggers-journey/

    Here’s to a great 2022

  10. Congrats on growing your email list and publishing some new articles that are generating a lot of pageviews!

    Here is my post for the blog hop: https://www.thatmutt.com/pet-blogging-in-2022/

    Gosh, I wish I could give advice for taxes. Get out of California? Haha. But, perhaps finding the right accountant will help you. I know you said you have one but maybe there’s a better option. I was doing mine myself until about 3 years ago so handing that off was a relief. I have an LLC set up and That Mutt is under that LLC with our other small marketing/content business. So that helps to combine the deductions for everything.

  11. Hi Dawn! Happy New Year! I’m glad you’re joining us again. Yep, the UCW Challenge was a lot of work for those who made it to the end. Unfortunately, I did not win the vat of curry sauce (I think that was the joke prize). I’m going to hop on over to your post. Have a great year!

  12. Good for you for attempting the Ultimate Content Warrior Challenge. It seemed to be pretty intense. Glad your post is doing good! I think it just shows that just because someone has a recipe that works for them, doesn’t mean that’s the only way to make it!

    Thanks for hosting the Pet Blogger Journey! I published my post tonight- https://petfaves.com/pet-blogger-journey-2022

  13. Hi Joanne! Congratulations on starting your blog! I’m glad you found and participated in the Pet Bloggers Journey. I’m going to hop on over and read your post. All the best to you in 2022!

  14. Hi Bonnie! Thank you for participating in the Pet Bloggers Journey! I love reading other bloggers’ yearly posts as well. I hope you have a great 2022!

  15. Hi Colby,

    Thank you for hosting the Pet Blogger Journey this year. I really appreciate that you take the time to share your knowledge and help others. Plus I love reading about everyone journeys.

    Here is my link for this years journey https://happyoodles.com/2022/01/pet-blogger-journey-2022/

    As far as your tax question, I don’t make enough yet for it to affect my taxes. Maybe next year.

    Thanks
    Bonnie
    Happyoodles.com

  16. Such a great challenge! Here’s my post: https://www.pawprintpetblog.com/2022/01/06/pet-bloggers-journey-2022/

    As for the tax thing – I’ve been self employed and working from home for a long time now, and the biggest way I minimize my tax bill is to claim all the things! Anything you spend money on throughout the year that is related to your work. Save those receipts, even little expenses can add up and help a bit come tax time. Depending on your situation, if you have a home office you use for work you can sometimes even claim that space too.

    Thanks so much for hosting the challenge. It was a lot of fun. Looking forward to reading everyone’s’ responses.

  17. Hi Carol! Thanks for participating in the Pet Bloggers Journey again this year! I need to be better about saving receipts related to my business. I pay taxes quarterly as well but I use the same accountant that has done my income taxes for years. I think it’s time to invest in someone who can give me more guidance. Thanks for the tips. Happy new year to you as well!

  18. Thanks for this pet blogging journey again and also for being a great person overall. You share your knowledge and it’s a pleasure to watch you grow and shine. I participated at this link, so you can add me: https://fidoseofreality.com/pet-blogger-journey-2022/

    Also, for the taxes question. I have my accountant do all that. He told me to save anything that is related to my business from pet magazine subscriptions to online fees, etc. And he is able to use those as best he can come tax time. I pay taxes quarterly.

    Happy new year and congrats on all your successes!

  19. Thanks, Candy! And thank you for participating again this year. Hopefully, we have a more normal 2022.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.