Like most people, I get all buzzy with excitement at the start of a new year thinking about goals and plans. It’s always such a great chance to reflect on what’s going well, where I want to improve and how I can think outside the box to stay inspired and motivated to do this work I love so much.
I’ve been thinking a lot about where I want my business to go this year and how I want to scale and evolve so I thought I would share my thoughts here in the spirit of transparency (and to hold myself accountable of course).
My Most Important Priority
If you didn’t already know, I have baby #2 coming very soon so a lot of this month will be spent getting last minute things in order, resting, and making days with my 2-year old special and fun. I know adjusting to life with two kids won’t be easy and I really want to give myself grace through this challenging and short season. Most of all I want to actually help myself to enjoy it.
The first time around I felt out of control and unsure of how to change that. This time I want to do a better job of setting myself up for success, asking for support when it makes sense and pivoting when things aren’t going as planned. I think it will be easier to do now that I’ve been through it once before. Tell me this will be easier?!
To the other mamas out there, I’ll happily accept good vibes in the comments.
Blog Recipes, Writing & More
In January I plan to publish 2-3 new dinner recipes that I’ve been brainstorming, and I would love to stick to this schedule for the foreseeable future. Having just wrapped a project with Pinterest that involved short-form video, I haven’t been writing blog posts and using my camera for the last few months and I miss it!
I’m planning to post more weekday-friendly dinner recipes in general in 2023. I know this is a huge need for most people (including me) and while this type of recipe takes longer to test and photograph, I know it’s also the most helpful so stay tuned for that.
In 2022 I got really zoned in on writing recipes for Google and other search engines. For those of you who aren’t in the food blogger “bubble” this means targeting specific key words that people are already searching as a way to increase page views.
For example roasted potatoes and broccoli is something people often type into Google; rainbow quinoa salad jars with peanut miso dressing is not (but damn that recipe is good, and you should definitely make it ASAP).
I know it’s a smart business move to do keyword research, but it also means less interesting content in my opinion and personally leaves me feeling a bit uninspired at times. I want to get back to posting food I can’t wait to share with the world so moving forward I’ll be mixing in a little bit of both.
On a similar note, I want to start injecting some more of my personality into my writing again because it really helps me connect with you, which is why I started this whole thing in the first place. Yes I’ll still try to include information that’s as helpful as possible. But personally, my favorite blogs are the ones where I actually get a sense of who the author is.
This might mean more personal anecdotes in my recipe posts, or the occasional non-recipe post too. What that will look like, I’m not totally sure. Maybe it will be a monthly “meals I’m eating right now” style roundup, a travel food recap (I used to love doing these) or a kitchen tool review. I’m open to feedback on what you want to see!
My #1 Frenemy: Social Media
And hello, I can’t not talk about this one. I just wrapped up another social media hiatus to close out the year and had the same conclusion as always: I need to find a way to be more intentional with how and why I use it. Every time I “leave” and come back, I’m so optimistic that I’ll be more strategic and effective moving forward. A month later my old habits come back and I’m watching a hundred stories from a fashion influencer doing a try-on wondering, where did that half hour go?
I’m someone who finds creating content to be so fun and creative. Like I really love it. I like chatting with friends and readers in my DMs and I do find it inspiring to see what others are doing (and the music! ah!). But having such a limited amount of time for work always leaves me feeling like this is just not a good use of it. I think it would help if I came up with a more structured posting schedule and planned ahead a little bit better so that’s my goal for now. I also want to get back to sharing more of what I’m making/eating in stories because I always get so much interest when I do. What else do you love to see on social?
To wrap up, clearly I still have some planning to do.
But I know that businesses evolve and I’m no exception to that. This blog is such a reflection me and hopefully you can relate to some of my challenges. I so appreciate you being here to read what I write, recreate my recipes in your kitchens and leave me feedback on my work. All the best to you and your family in this new year! 🎉
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Michelle says
I always look forward to seeing what new recipes are coming out of your kitchen! I love going to your website to get recipe ideas….I know they will always be yummy! Look forward to seeing what 2023 brings. So excited for baby #2 and watching the two kiddos growing up together – so much joy and happiness. Love ya!
Leanne says
Thank you so much Michelle! I appreciate your kindness and support.
Gail says
First of all congratulations on baby #2! Anyway, I enjoy everything you post! I’m excited to see what you have in store for us. You are one of the most intentional people I know. You rock!!!
Leanne says
Thanks Gail! I always appreciate your comments and support. Happy New Year to you!
Stefanie says
Um, making this rainbow quinoa salad asap for sure. What a great grab-on-the-go lunch. You’re a great mom and you will love watching how much your TWO kids adore each other! Just focus on that 🙂
Love your blog and I’m so enjoying these updates!
Leanne says
Thank you so much for your constant encouragement. I so appreciate it! And you gotta make that salad 😜
Sue says
I get the whole social media frenemy thing, that’s for sure! I am trying to figure that out as well. Being intentional is a perfect first step.
In addition to great recipes, I enjoy fun additions like kitchen hacks, product discoveries/favorites, and directions on how to do things that seem hard but aren’t (like deseeding a pom). Here’s to 2023! 🎉
Leanne says
Great feedback! These are always fun things to write about so hopefully I can squeeze them in some more. Thank you!
Julie says
I follow a just a few food bloggers weekly, and by far my favorite posts are the ones that offer insight to what they are actually eating (extra points if they share how they are feeding it to their kids…either deconstructing it, or elimiating a spicy part etc….my least favorite thing is cooking for me, and then a separate item for kids)
I also always love reading Jessica from How Sweet Eats when she writes about what she is watching/reading/loving.
I’m excited for you to welcome Baby #2. Your intentional attitude will be your saving grace. Every morning, is a new start…especially with a newborn.
Leanne says
AGREE. And thank you so much for the wise words and encouragement surrounding mom stuff always! You are the best.
Elizabeth says
You’ll be encouraged to hear that I felt going from 0 to one baby was infinitely more challenging than going from 1 to 2. Your attitude of being intentional this time around is exactly what will make it better! Plus, you’re a pro at this point so it’s not like every single thing is new. You’ve got this. And congrats!
Leanne says
This is what I love to hear! haha Thank you so much for being such a light Elizabeth!
Janet Hellman says
This is an interesting and good read. Looking forward to 2023 with you.
Leanne says
Love you!