Photo Credit: JERROD BEARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY
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“A Byers Guide” is officially one year old, and I’ve been blogging for a total of 2 years! First of all, I want to say thank you so much to everyone who reads my blog and supports me. It means the world that you would take time out of your busy day to stop by my little corner of the internet and see what I have to say. I truly would not be here today without the support. I cannot believe it’s been two years since I launched my blog, originally under the name “Life of a Med School Wife”. I also cannot believe it’s officially a year since I relaunched/rebranded my blog to “A Byers Guide”. Starting a blog is something I wanted to do for years, but I was too scared for a long time. I had looked up to bloggers like Emily Gemma from The Sweetest Thing, Katey McFarlan from Chronicles of Frivolity, Brighton Keller from Brighton The Day, and Caitlin Covington from Southern Pearls and Curls. During an extremely hard time of my husband Jake’s medical school program, I decided I desperately needed a hobby of my own. After experimenting with posting my outfits of the day on Instagram, a blog became a obvious solution, which quickly developed into a passion. Sometimes it feels like it’s been forever since I started because blogging has become such a deeply ingrained part of my life. You can read more about my story of how/why I started a blog and the story behind my blog name here.
As I reflect on two years of blogging (2018 reflection post here), I realized my approach to blogging has very much changed over time. At first I was very nervous to announce my blog and didn’t share many personal things. I was scared of what people might think of my blog and of me, but that has changed. I have become more independent and confident after starting a blog as well. It has been a wonderful way for me to chronicle my outfits, travels, and the ups and downs in life. I have shared some of the biggest moments over the last two years, like Jake matching into residency and us moving from Oklahoma City to Birmingham, and I cannot wait to share more.
What I’ve learned After Blogging For 2 Years:
- Collaboration Over Competition: One of my favorite things about blogging is the connections I have made with other bloggers as well as readers. This is what keeps me motivated to continue and be accountable. The blogging community is largely supportive, so I am thankful for the friendships I’ve made.
- Be True To Yourself and Be Transparent: I have learned this past year that it’s important to be true to yourself. I have learned to be more transparent and have found it very freeing when I am. Also, while my blog was originally intended to be only fashion, sometimes I am inspired by other things. I am learning to share more of my inspirations and favorite things instead of just fashion. I cannot wait to bring more lifestyle content this year.
- Be Present/Take A Break When Needed: To be honest, this post should have gone live last week. My blogging anniversary is January 13th, but I wasn’t feeling motivated and didn’t want to force it. I have learned that it’s important to be flexible with blogging. I instead shared other content I had ready instead of forcing it. It’s also important to remember where you started because it makes big blogging accomplishments so much sweeter. Being on your phone and laptop all of the time can get old, so I am learning to put my phone away more often when I have rare moments spent with family and Jake. You may notice I am not posting on Instagram as much and this is why. I am really focusing on being present with my loved ones even if I have to sacrifice my engagement on Instagram.
- Quality Over Quantity: Originally when I started blogging, I was doing 3 posts a week. It’s important to know when you need to take a step back. Doing 3 posts a week was way too much for me and I eventually hit a point where I determined I needed to cut back.
- Plan Ahead/Keep an Inspiration Book: I am still not great at this, but I have learned organization is everything. I keep a book of topics that I would like to write about and try try to map out a content calendar a month at a time. It doesn’t always go exactly as planned, but it helps keep me on track.
My most popular posts this year:
Thank you again for your love and support. Every view, comment, message and likes mean so much to me. What would you like to see on “A Byers Guide” this year? 
Congratulations Courtney! Cannot believe it’s been two years. You do an amazing job and I love coming here to read your thoughts and follow along with your life. Keep up the great work!
Katherine | http://www.oneswainkycouple.com
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Awww thank you so much! I love One Swainky Couple!! Yours is coming in February, isn’t it? You’re so sweet. I’m always great for y’alls support.
Wooohooo! CONGRATS, girl!!!
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Thanks so much for always being supportive Kaitlin. I’m so glad we connected on here
Love this post! I completely agree with everything you learned. My two year of “official” blogging is coming up in spring, time has flown!
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Thank you so much, Amanda! I am so glad you agree. I cannot believe it’s been 2 years for us. How exciting.
Thanks for sharing your tips Courtney! Happy blogging anniversary!
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Thank you so much for reading & your kind words, Monika. <3
Congratulations on your blog anniversary. The coat looks so pretty on you gorgeous x
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Thank you so much. 🙂 You are so sweet.
Congrats!! I agree with all of this!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
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Aw thanks girl! It’s gone by so quickly.
Congratulations, Courtney! You have accomplished so much in 2 years. Wow! Way to go! I’ve loved following your journey and getting to know you through your posts. I can’t wait to see what 2019 holds for you. (Also, love your tip on being present more…that I personally am trying to work on too.)
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Thank you so much for your kind words and for your support, Lindsey! I am so glad we connected. 🙂 It is hard to be more present sometimes, but worth it 🙂
Hi Courtney, I want to say congratulations on 2 years blogging!! I was not with you right from the start but close. It has been a pleasure following your adventures in the time from Oklahoma City to Birmingham and the travels in between. You definitely are very confident in posting on your blog. It is great seeing the fashion posts , I love them, but seeing your favorite things and life posts are also so nice. A break is great to take, being with loved ones is important too. Three posts a week is too much pressure on you Courtney! A planning book is a great idea ! Maybe I can learn from you. Your dress with the leopard print coat is gorgeous !! Happy Anniversary, hugs, Terri xo.
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Hey Terri! Aw thank you so much for your support and always being so kind. I appreciate that you’ve followed me from almost the start. 🙂 I am glad you enjoy seeing the personal post too. Yes, the planning book has been a great help. I try my best to plan out my content or I get stressed. Xoxo
It has been fun supporting you Courtney! Take care, Terri xo. I
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Thank you so much, Terri!