101 blog posts!
As my blog reaches the grand number of 100, I wanted to look back over my most viewed blog posts.
Although the honor of post 100 went to my lovely Fiance and his 40th Birthday. This post is a little belated.
It feels like a really big deal to reach 100 posts. My blog started as a way to record family life. It fast became my safe place. A place where I could talk about what life was throwing at us with the loss of my Mum.
The first time I opened up about that was in this post about her cancer and I am still overwhelmed by the response and number of views.
From there my love of writing combined with the positive feedback, my little blog has become my favourite place.
Blog planning
When I sat down to work on my new blog planner, I started by looking back at 2019 and my most viewed posts.
What worked, what didn’t work so well and where I should focus moving forward.
It became quite clear from the numbers that my niche was grief. These posts far exceeded the stats on any other post.
But in reality though I can’t continue to write about grief and that alone. It is not good for my own mental health. This doesn’t mean I will ever step away from it, It just means I will find another sub niche that will work for me.
Most viewed posts of 2019
1. How to survive Mothers day
This post was the first published on my new site following the move from Blogger. The reason for its success could be that it was picked up by a hugely popular page about grief on Facebook.
Whatever the reason, It’s success showed I had written something of value to others.
2. How to survive and support in the 5 stages of grief
This post still get views via Pinterest even 9 months later so it has obviously been popular.
3. A year ago today: The day time stopped
This was a post that needed to be written, it was almost therapeutic. Again a really honest account which seemed to resonate with people.
4. What I have learnt through grief
A personal look at the lesson I’ve learnt while grieving. I know there are so many more lesson and these vary so much for each person. But this post must have reached out to my readers.
5. After life: A Netflix review
This post’s popularity rose thanks to a little re-tweet from the man, Ricky Gervais himself! Definitely a blogging highlight for me.
6. Please Revoke my membership
A look at a really shitty club that no one wants to join. This continues to drive traffic to my blog.
7. A Birthday letter to my Mum
Finding a suitable way to mark Mum’s first birthday was hard. When I have shared so much about her, a blog post felt only right.
8. 24 Easy elf on the shelf ideas
I love the elf, so much so that we have 6 of them! It seems that you are all fans too.
9. 10 things to know about Hospice care
I write to raise awareness, so this post was written in the hope that I could dispel some misconceptions around Hospices. People continue to read and I hope the message continues to spread.
10. Journal prompts for the list lovers
It would seem that you all love list’s as much as I do! My journal prompts have proved popular but the list one really seemed to inspire.
What lies ahead for Our favourite jar?
As I have said, I can’t keep talking about grief. That doesn’t mean I won’t cover it at all because it is part of me. And of course my Mum is still a huge part of my life and I love writing about her.
I want to write about what I enjoy, about family life and our adventures, take it back to where it started for my blog.
Now I own my very own piece of the world wide web, I am looking forward to working back through my posts. Building in SEO to some of those scarily bad early posts and increasing my DA.
Maybe even gain some brand relationships, who know’s it is an exciting time though!
What works?
The monthly journal prompts will stay, I enjoy putting them together and having a daily focus for my own journal.
I have not yet decided if my monthly round up will continue either. Although it is always fun to put together and look back, I am not sure how much value it brings to my blog.
What I’d like to focus on more is topical posts. I have really enjoyed writing about subjects that are in the news, trending on twitter or the talk in the office. When I’ve written posts like this before, I’ve always doubt myself. I wonder if I am being too controversial or if I am just missing the point but they’ve always proved popular.
Maybe I’ll start a wedding series as well, I am no expert but I am learning and I would love to share that journey with you, especially anyone also wedding planning.
Thank you!
And I guess that’s enough for one year! I can’t wait to see what 2020 holds for Our Favourite Jar and for all those that have supported my blog. Without you my most viewed blog posts of 2019 would not have seen the light of day!
The one thing that has kept me going this year and not made me throw in the towel is you guys. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
What were your most popular posts this year? Feel free to drop your top one in the comments section and I will head over and check it out.
I love your blog, you write about such important topics, in such a touching way. This post is great, it helped me get a little understanding about what others are interested in too.
Thank you so much. It’s comments like this that keep me writing 💕
You have a great writing style. Something most everyone can relate to. Beautiful post!
Thank you so much Jody x
What a great look back on an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations on your success as a blogger!! I will totally be checking out the posts you highlighted here.
Thank you so much x x
I’m relatively new to your blog but I really enjoy it. You do write so well about grief and however painful that is for you to do, will ultimately help you in the long term grieving process. As well as helping others too xx
Thank you Joanna, that’s all I can hope for x
Ah, Claire, this is lovely. I only found your blog relatively recently but I love the way you write – huge congrats on reaching 100+ posts, that’s such a milestone, you should feel super proud. And while your niche might be grief (about which you write very movingly), I do think you’re right to branch out and write on other topics too. Looking forward to seeing where 2020 takes you and your blog! xx
Thank you so much Lisa for all your support and kind words x x
Congratulations on 100 posts, that is a wonderful accomplishment!!
https://www.makelifemarvelous.com/
Thank you Ashley x x
I admire you for writing such heartfelt and real posts. There are so many bland and meaningless things online anymore. I bet your post about surviving mother’s day really meant a lot to anyone that relates to it. Keep writing posts with meaning, the world needs it!
Annie, thank you so so much. They are always tough to write but to know they help really does make it worth while x x
Great selection and by the way those are really helpful posts.
Thank you so much Divine x
It sounds like the blogging journey so far has been so positive for you, and I’m really glad that it’s helped you to process your grief. I can’t wait to see where the next 100 posts take you and how you will develop from here.
Keep it up superstar! 🙂
Thank you so much Philippa, your kind words mean so much to me x x
I like all of these posts and congratulations on 100! I’ll definitely be checking out the post of grieving as I lost my dad almost 2 years ago and I still can’t think about it.
I am so sorry for your loss, I hope they help x x
Very informative post, It oays to follow top bloggers steps. Thanks for sharing ❤
Thank you so much x x
Congrats on reaching a huge milestone!! It’s wonderful that you are raising awareness to very important topics to be discussed.
Thank you so much, It helps to know I might be helping others x x
These blog posts sound extremely interesting and helpful! I’ll definitely be going over to your blog and be reading these now 🙂
Thank you Sophie x x
I love summary posts! You’d be surprised how easy it is to miss a post so it’s also a great reminder to old readers and nice introduction to new readers. I wrote mine too https://ionimage.nl/top-10-posts-of-2019/ Here’s to a great blogging year 2020!
Thank you! Me too. I will be sure to check yours out too x x x
Congratulations on writing 100 posts! That’s wonderful your blog has become a safe place for you.
Yes I agree with you that you shouldn’t stop writing about grief because the posts are emotional but helpful.
It’ll be interesting to see what direction you take your blog in this year & I think a wedding series would be great!
Thank you Karalee, I had better get blog planning x x
Congratulations on writing 100 blogs. What a great milestone! I also want to move towards owning my very own bit of the world wide web and building some love towards those early posts.
Here’s to your next 100 posts!
I’d highly recommend Lyrical host if you want to go self hosted. They basically just migrated EVERYTHING over for me. Very stress free x x And thank you x x
I’m gonna check out number 2. I might need it someday. My best post is productivebay.com/4-effective-ways-to-know-yourself-better-for-self-improvement/
I shall be sure to check this post out x x Thank you x x
I have really enjoyed reading your posts on grief as it’s not something I’ve experienced so intensely before. Thanks for sharing so honestly.
Thank you Talya, It is always difficult but to know it helps others makes it a little easier x
I think it’s really good that some of your grief posts have obviously really helped so many other people, despite how sad you were 🙁 lots of ideas though for this 2020!
Thank you Sarah, It does help knowing that it is helping other people x
This is a great way to look back and see what has worked best on the blog in terms of reader numbers. I think this is something I should do esp as I have so many sub niches on my blog! Lol.
Wishing you all the best for 2020 and the new directions you may go in…
Helen
Thank you so much Helen. I kind of write what I feel at the time but I am beginning to see the importance of a niche x
What a lovely way to look back over 2019 – you have covered so many important topics, which I’m sure will have helped many 🙂
Thank you, I hope it has helped people as well as myself x
Thanks for this article Claire. I am a new blogger too. It’ll be a year in April for me. I like the idea of reflecting back on your best article-what resonated with people and what didn’t. It can also be a form of self-reflection. I really like how you took what has carried you through this year, but yet want to branch out in other spaces too. Looking forward to your new adventures to in 2020!
Thanks,
Donna
Thank you Donna, I think it really gave me a way to focus for 2020 x
There are some amazing articles hence the traffic. I like the Letter to your mum and also please revoke my membership x
Thank you Melanie. I really appreciate that x x
Congrats on reaching your 100! I think that 100th post was perfect. It was such a lovely read and I’m sure it meant lots to him. Good luck moving forward. x
Thank you Natalie x
What an amazing collection of posts – I have to admit I’ve not thought of spending some time checking out what my most viewed posts are – I totally need to do that!
You should, it has really helped me to focus x
What a lovely post, I have never looked back and seen which have been my most popular posts before, but think I may do this
You should, it has helped me a lot x
What an interesting list. It shows how much people connect with you that so many of your top 10 posts are personal ones 😉
Thank you Jon.It has certainly made me realise where I need to focus now x
Congratulations on that amazing milestone. Really interesting to see your most viewed posts, what a lot of help you’re giving to people.
Thank you Nichola x x
100 blog posts is quite an amazing accomplishment! The fact that you’re researching the successes and not so successful ones (we all have them!) is indicative of your desire to provide even better content.
Thank you Brianne, its so important to know what works for your readers and what is worth skipping x
It is a great achievement to reach 100 posts. Clearly your posts are helping people and you do have a really personal way of writing. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much Sabina, that means a lot x x
Congratulations on your 100+ milestone. That’s a huge achievement and I hope you keep writing and your blog continues to grow.
Thank you so much Kim, I can’t wait to see where it takes me x x
Congrats on reaching 100 posts! It’s so cool that you got a tweet from Ricky Gervais himself of the review of After Life. That was a brilliant series and I am looking forward to the second season.
Thank you! It was a highlight for sure! I can’t wait for the next one either x
You are a very talented writer so no matter the topic – I know it will be great. Looking forward to reading your blog in 2020.
Thank you so much Marta. That really means the world to me x
I can’t tell you how helpful this was to someone who just put out blog #10. I look forward to being where you are now!
Thank you Chris, i look forward to reading your posts and seeing your hundredth post x
I love the idea of finding and publishing your top viewed posts! Well done!
Thank you, it has certainly helped me to find a focus moving forward x
Congrats on the posts! I really need to look back at my most popular.
Congratulations on reaching such a milestone! Whilst I think it is great to see that you are branching out, your posts about grief are incredibly well written and a testament to you. I haven’t written about grief much on my blog but the couple of posts I have talked about it have always been some of my more popular posts. I think it is perhaps because it is a topic people can relate to as everyone has lost someone xxxx
Thank you so much Rebecca for your kind words. It is a difficult topic but I just hope that I can help others x
I loved this post, it was so nice to read a variety of things you have written this last year.
Thank you so much Ashley x
Claire,
You are honestly one of the most real bloggers I read these days, please keep being you. I wish people didn’t have to know/write grief, but I do love your writing. My most popular post from 2019 is Disability Representation And Why I Bought A Barbie In My 30s: https://ginlemonade.com/2019/08/26/disability-representation-and-why-i-bought-a-barbie-in-my-30s/ and I thank you for the opportunity to share it here.
Lorna x
Thank you Lorna, so much. Your kindness means so much x
I loved this post! Every time I see it in a toy shop I think of you x
Wow that’s amazing that Ricky Gervais retweeted you, major blogging moment. With the grief ones etc if anything you write can help others then that’s a major achievement x
It was most definitely a blogging highlight. Thank you x
I see some of the posts I enjoyed also made the cut, continue sharing your heartfelt posts
Thank you so much Anosa 💕
The blog posts sound really interesting. Off to read them.
Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy x
I love this so much! I wrote a lot about grief and losing my grandma last year. So I understand how predominant it becomes. Your blog is so interesting. Congrats on your 100th post.
Thank you so much. I am so sorry for your loss x
To be honest all your posts are amazing
And that is such a great list
Keep on going i’m sure this year you’ll have even greater posts
Thank you so much, that’s so kind of you x
It’s always interesting to see what posts were read most by others – I remember reading some of these but not all of them. You have a great writing style.
Thank you so Jenni, that’s very kind of you x
O wow, a retweet from Jervais! Nice one :), congrats on the 100 posts
It was most definitely a blogging highlight x
I must apologise, I am very new to your blog. But I have bookmarked some of these posts so I can go through and read them – you have some interesting topics! It also looks like you had a very busy 2019! 🙂
Thank you so much. It was a very busy year but it’s lovely to look back on x
Grief etc can be so difficult to handle and let alone write about, so to tackle these were great but brave, congratulations on doing over 100 and it sounds like you are very proud of many of your posts.
Thank you so much Liam. It’s very hard but if I can help others it makes the difficulty worth it x
Mine were a really eclectic list this year. Looks like your blog has been a source of comfort and inspiration to many this year
Thank you Kara, I do hope so x
Congrats on publishing 100 posts! Its always interesting to see which of your posts have been the most popular. I’ll have a look through these and read the ones I haven’t read yet 🙂
Thank you so much Nicola x
Congrats to you on your 100 blog posts done for 2019, you have shared some amazing posts and some difficult ones such as surviving and supporting grief which I know has helped so many out there.
Thank you so much, that means a lot x
I always find it really interesting to see which of my posts people have enjoyed the most.
Thank you Laura x
What a great selection of posts I can totally see why these would be in your top, they are so beautifully written! I can’t wait to hear all about your family adventures in 2020!
Thank you so much Jess x x
I find these posts so interesting, it’s always good to look back which posts resonated there most with your audience!
Thank you, it really does help you to focus your writing x
I’ve read a few of these, but I’m going to go and check them out! I love how you’ve done a round up post for your most viewed post. It’s such a lovely idea!
Thank you! It is really helpful to know what works and what doesn’t x
Well done on reaching 100 posts it looks like you’ve got some inspiring and very helpful content. I am off to read more. x
Thank you Emma, i really appreciate that x x
I love these posts. I like doing this myself and I’m always surprised by the results. It’s hardly surprising that your most viewed posts are about grief. You have such a way of talking about it. And if that doesn’t support what I said about taking it further – perhaps an eBook – then I dunno what does! I’ve loved so many of your posts from the last year – can’t wait to see what this year has in store for you! xxx
Thank you as always Jenny. I have been giving the book idea a lot of thought recently. I am sadly struggling with time so much at the moment though, Maybe after the wedding or when the house renovations are done and I get my life back x
You have some great post ideas here so no wonder they are popular! A lot of the time my mind goes blank when it comes to thinking of posts that will do well like these have.
I have so many ideas but sadly lack time to make them anything more than that at times x
This was really interesting to read! I love the range of posts, there is really something for everyone. Thank you for sharing your suggestions too, great post!
Thank you so much x x
It’s a varied selection of posts that have done well. Love the easy elf on the shelf ideas I bet that was viewed loads over Christmas.
We are just coming up on the first anniversary of my father in law passing, and we are all feeling it. So when I go over your posts, I so get why those were the posts people most connected with. It’s so important and so helpful to read how other people deal with these emotions and experiences and you write it so beautifully. Saying that I am however really looking forward to reading where this new(ish) road leads you.
Great post! I’m always intrigued as to what posts are popular on other blogs!
Sophie x
Thank you Sophie, I love reading these posts from other bloggers too x
I really love reading these round up posts and seeing which posts have been the most popular.