What a year it has been folks! Last year I shared my top 10 blog posts for 2019 and today I want to bring you the 10 most popular blog posts for 2020.
2020 for Our Favourite Jar
I had so many plans for my blog this year, it felt like an exciting time. I’d made the move to self hosted and I was ready to hit the ground running. I had a head full of ideas and good intentions. To be fair, it started fairly well…
Then Covid hit, with it came the news that schools were closing and we’d all be working from home for the foreseeable. It’s laughable now, but I honestly thought we’d be closed for 2 weeks on the run up to Easter. Never for one minute did I think it would go on for so long and that working at home would be the new normal.
I thought being home would give me all this extra time for my blog. But in reality I was working longer days than I would in the office. This meant that the last thing I wanted to do was spend more time in front of my computer.
It also didn’t feel like there was anything I could blog about. The world had stopped. No one was doing anything, going anywhere. What could I add of any value?
Blogging in 2020
There was a noticeable lull in the blogging community. I am not sure if people felt the same as I did. Pure radio silence at times.
I certainly needed this time to process what was happening. Perhaps we all did. It didn’t take long though for us to all find our feet again. Although I felt like a new blogger. So unsure of myself and full of worry about what I could post and if it was even worth it. I’d come so far and was so ready to take my blog to the next level. But I was close to giving up if I am honest.
But as I adjusted to this ‘new normal’ I felt I had one more fight in me. Dramatic huh!? With all the negativity I was feeling put to one side, I was ready.
Now 9 months later, I am sitting back and reflecting on the best year my blog has had so far. I have created content that I love. Content that has been more popular than I could have hoped for and I have earnt enough to cover all blog related costs.
I have invested in my blog this year and I finally freed myself of the self imposed ‘new blogger’ title. A title that in my own head indicated that I was an outsider, not good enough. Still too much to learn and no talent to back it up. I realised this year that it was that in itself that was holding me back.
So let’s delve in to the 2020 archives and see what did well this year!
The 10 most popular blog posts for 2020
1.The journey of Grief journal Prompts
This was originally posted in 2019. It did OK but this year thanks to one, not very good pin, it brings daily traffic.
Honestly, all the time I have invested in making good pins and this dodgy old one just keeps bringing people to my blog. In terms of numbers, it has out performed the other posts 3 times over!
2. 40 reasons why I love you
Rob is super pleased that this is number 2. This post was written for him to celebrate his 40th birthday in January. Thanks to ranking well on google, this drives daily traffic to my blog. Plus it was one of my most favourite to write.
Although I suspect he will be expecting something this year! Can I just rehash this one and add an extra reason in??
3. 40 Quotes you must read to understand grief better
Well this post is just a month old and is still flying! I had always heard good things about quote posts but this took me by surprise.
Let’s see if I can get it take off on Pinterest, maybe it’ll still be hovering in the top 10 next year!
4. How to survive Mother’s day
This post was also from last year but updated and reposted this year. It seems that writing about loss is the way forward for my blog. But as I said last year, it isn’t always good for my own mental health.
That said, I will always post what I think will help others. This one seems to have helped people and it’s why this blog really started.
5. The difficult conversations to have with loved ones
This was a tough write. One that remained in my draft posts for a really long time. Writing this actually helped me accept that I had done right by Mum at the end. It showed me the value of these conversations.
I just hope it has prompted others to have these conversations, because honestly it does make a very difficult time much easier from a logistical ascpect.
6. 40 self Isolation journal prompts
Self Isolation, 2 words that we rarely used together until March. Now it is part of our day to day vocabulary. You know I love putting together journal prompts, so it’s no surprise that I saw this an opportunity to share more.
Let’s hope I don’t have to create some new ones!
7. A journey from Cancer to saying goodbye
This is the first post I wrote about Mum. It debuted on my first blog on Blogger and was largely read by family.
This year I decided to give it a WordPress overhaul make it a bit more SEO friendly. This is still the most raw and honest post I’ve written. Since updating it though, I can’t bring myself to read it. You guys though were amazingly supportive and I really appreciate it.
8. How much can change in a decade
If only I had known what 2020 had in store for us when I wrote this. Honestly the huge changes in 10 years are nothing in comparison to the change in this year!
That said, this is still one of my favourite post I have ever written.
9. My Most viewed blog posts of 2019
Well look at that! I wonder if this years will be as popular. It is such a great way to record your successes. But also what doesn’t work.
Believe me when I say some posts this year have flopped! BIG TIME! But I am in a place where that’s OK.. A little!
10. Talking to Children about the death of a loved one
Another tough one to write but again, One that appeared helpful to others. I will continue to write about death and loss as long as it helps others.
I sometimes wish I’d had somewhere to read posts like this while Mum was ill. I know if I’d have looked, I’d of found them. But at the time you don’t think. Hindsight and all that.
Blogging in 2021
So aside from the obvious, this year for my blog has been really quite special. But what’s next?
I am going to continue to focus on writing about the things I love. I’ll continue to invest in my blog, learning all I can and who knows, this time next year I could be in a very different position.
There are a few goals for the year ahead, which I will put out to the universe right now.
- I will double my monthly views
- My social media will continue to grow
- I will write what I believe in
- I’ll push myself out of my comfort zone
- I will make Pinterest work for me
Here’s to the best 2021, one where we are grateful for all we have. One where we pull together and carry on with that sense of community that kept us going last time! We’ve got this!
What was your most popular post of 2020? Leave a link in the comments below, I’d love to have a read.
My most popular post of 2020 was one I wrote on the 30th anniversary of starting work in the business I still work in. I shared my thoughts on how much office life has changed, and my advice for people starting my career. It was the first post I shared on LinkedIn and it inspired a series of career and work related posts. Here’s a link.
https://boomerecocrusader.com/30-years-in-the-group-retirement-business/
P.S. I love your blog. You definitely belong here. 💖
Thank you so much Michelle. I will check this one out x x
This is such a lovely reflective post and you’ve creating some great, achievable goals for 2021 too. I think a lot of the blog posts that made your most popular list was because you discussed subjects that aren’t often spoken about. You opened up a door to say its ok to feel a certain way and that you should talk about your experiences. Your posts are always written so honestly and beautifully, I always look forward to new posts arriving in my feed. Wishing you a happy new year.
Thank you so so much Kelly. It means so much when people I follow and enjoy their content feel the same about mine. Here’s to a great 2021 for us both x
It’s so lovely to look back and see which blogs did well! Good luck with all your 2021 blogging goals xx
Thank you so much Della x x
I have been looking over my blog and old posts from last year, especially at the start before we knew any of this was going to happen. Lets hope we all have a better 2021
I really hope so Samantha, it has been a tough one all round x x
I’m seriously chuckling at this… I too thought I would have so much more time, but found myself working until 2am at the earliest most days. Lockdown no 1 was manic, everything else on top of that was too. There really are no words! I’m loving your 2021 goals, especially pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, definitely something on my list too! Sim x
It is laughable isn’t it Sim. And here we are back at it again!! Good luck and lets hope there is no 2am working for either of us this time around x x
I am definitely going to have to check and see what post was most popular in 2021! It is always interesting to see what posts are popular on someones blog.
It has really shaped my content for this year already. I have a clear direction that I want to go in now thanks to seeing this x
Love this idea! Some really great posts in here too. My most popular blog post last year was my ‘What I’ve learnt in 2 years of blogging’ post – it’s still a favourite of mine!
https://echoesofem.wordpress.com/2020/01/31/lessons-about-blogging/
Thank you for sharing, I will pop over and check it out x x
I really need to work on my pins again. I have one post that will do really well over the long term on saving money and I’ve just made a pin for it so fingers crossed.
I do think it’s important to write what you believe in as its so much more authentic then
I think it makes a huge difference. I’ve read some posts which I feel passionately about the subject but they come across so badly when people don’t have their full heart in x
Love these posts! I used to do them but I don’t anymore but I always like reading them from other people 🙂 Pretty sure I’ve read ALL these posts from you this year. I’m so proud of how far you’re blog has come. I hope 2021 brings you everything and moreeee! xxx
Thank you so much lovely. You really don’t know how much that means to me x x
One of my most popular posts from 2020 is an old recipe post from quite a few years ago. 2020 was a strange year and that covers blogging as well x
It really was and 2021 seems to be following suit. Let’s hope for some normality soon x x
I’m not at all surprised your loss and grief posts have done and continue to do so well, Claire, you are a brilliant writer. Like you, I want to try and crack Pinterest in 2021, I know it works well for others and I want some of that too! x
Thank you so much Lisa. That really means a lot. Here’s the the year of Pinterest! See you over there x x
I love this idea of looking back on the most popular posts, it does give you an idea of what people have been enjoying and maybe share more of that.
It has really given me a focus for the year ahead x x
You’ve written some amazing blog posts in 2020 Claire and I can’t wait to read your content this year! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you so much Lucy, that means a lot. I think the same of you x x
Ooh I’ve seen a lot of posts like this and I love it! Thank you for sharing these posts, I’m going to check them all out (if I haven’t already!) x
Thank you Eleanor, it’s great to look back x x
You have such an awesome blog, will be reading all the posts you featured here!
Wishing you a great year after the last just gone, and an even better 2021 (for your blog).
🙂 x
Thank you so much x x
You’ve just prompted me to look at my most popular posts from last year, and none of them are actually from 2020. Hooray for evergreen content (though it did make me think whether all that effort that went in to writing new posts last year was worth it…)
Hahaha yes I feel like that generally to be honest x x
It always surprises me when i look at my most popular posts and have to admit that I have been so quiet on the blog this year I am wondering what they are going to be
It is certainly interesting to look back over x x
I love this reflection on the year and congratulations on your top 10 blog posts. I love the 40 self-isolation journal prompts. I lost it when the first lockdown hit and completely neglected blogging. It was such a waste – I’m determined that won’t happen this time!
Thank you so much. I can already feel me slipping now we are in this Lockdown again. It is so hard when you’re working and home schooling x x
Some fantastic blog posts in that list! What a crazy year it’s been, great to see you’ve kept at it with the blogging!
It really has been an odd year, It’s great to see how the blog world has survived so well x x
You’ve got some amazing posts that have been your top posts this year, the personal ones are always popular as lots of people can relate to them. Pinterest is brilliant for posts if you can get it out there
It’s amazing how something so old will suddenly take off. Having had a better look recently, there is about 5 pins for the same post that are continually performing well. Wish I could replicate for them all!
I really loved reading your reflection of 2020. I was able to concentrate on my blog content more with having lots of time on my hands, so my blog really flourished in 2020. You’ve set yourself acheivable goals for 2021, I hope you suceed!
Thank you so much x
I think we all expected it to pass in a few weeks but regrettably not 🙂
Yes I really thought it would be old news by now x
I absolutely love seeing peoples blog posts that do the best it is so interesting!! Thanks for sharing.
Amber | The Unpredicted Page
Thank you Amber, It really helps me decide what to focus on for the next year x
Well done on all you have achieved in a difficult year. I think it is always good to go back and review your most popular posts. My blogging definitely went by the wayside, job and homeschooling had to come first in 2020. But I am hoping to move forward with it into 2021. Wishing you all the best
Thank you, and to you. I am already feeling my blogging slipping away between homeschooling and working. I really need to make the most of the weekends right now x x
Thanks for sharing your popular posts last year and your goals for this year 🙂
It’s really interesting to hear what other’s most popular posts are. I can agree, I’ve read a lot of your posts over and over again. They’re so helpful and honest.
Em | http://www.loveemblog.com x
I agree there was a lull in the blogging community & I wasn’t sure if I should be blogging or not. I’m glad to hear you’ve had the best year with your blog.
It was interesting to see which of your posts were the most popular & I hope you can achieve your goals for 2021!
A lovely selection of your posts. I liked the 40 reasons why I love you post it is so sweet. Thank you for sharing.