Day 4: Analyze a Top Blog in Your Niche

Here’s today’s task that I’m working on:
Key Concepts for Today: Studying successful blogs in your niche will show you what's working well for them as well as topics they might be ignoring which you could satisfy.  Look closer and see how they implement advertisements or promotions and what their readers are asking about.  It's important to note you don't want to copy another blogger.  Be unique, but allow them to inspire you!
Alrighty then. If my blog could speak, it’d tell you it wanted to be just like The Pioneer Woman. I know, everyone is just rolling their eyes because who doesn’t want to have a site like Ree’s?
True, my site isn’t anywhere near what hers is, a rain drop compared to her ocean, but she had to start somewhere, didn’t she? She didn’t start her blog with 10 gazillion readers (or maybe she did).
Here’s what I love about her site.
Photography: That woman has fantastic photos. And many of these photos are captioned with some amusing comment! I mean, Ree knows how to capture the moment with pictures and words! She also has awesome photography assignments. The one she has right now is themed: Water I appreciate that she teaches us what she’s learning as a photographer.
Family: She digs her family. If there were ever a woman in love with her husband and not afraid to let the world know it, it’s Ree Drummond! I mean, she thinks her husband is hot and doesn’t mind pointing it out whenever she has the chance. I became hooked on her site from her story of how she met and married The Marlboro Man. She loves her kids and enjoys bragging about them. They always look perfect in her photos, even with mussed up hair or candid moments. Oh, and we can’t forget Charlie. he has some of the greatest photos and stories!
Food: Ok, so this is NOT my thing. Well, food is, just not talking about recipes and making up new ones. I love to cook and bake ‘n all, but my kids don’t appreciate it or me so I figure, what’s the point. Someday I’ll find someone who loves to try new recipes just like me! Ree however has her own cookbook out and toured this past year. I was so bummed to have missed her visit to the Mall of America.
Homeschooling and Ranching are two things I know nothing about. One I never did: homeschooling, but thought about it. One I haven’t done: Ranching, and still dream of it!
So, like they said in the Key Concept for today, I don’t want to copy her blog. I mean, there’s no way I could anyhow. Our lives are completely different, but I can absolutely learn from her, with stars in my eyes.

1. She’s funny, and in a really down to earth, I’m from the cities but live in the country kind of way.
2. The layout is awesome. She changes her header to reflect the seasons or holiday. Her sidebars are informative but not overwhelming visually. Oh my! I just read she’ll be changing her look (#7) and if we don’t like change we may hate it. No, I don’t do change well at all!!!
3. She shares so much about her life…daily, and everyone wants to keep reading. I heard they’re making a movie of her/her site! I mean, that’s amazing!
4. Monetizing: well, she is part of a Macys ad so I’d say that’s pretty darn good. She doesn’t really have advertising though. I mean, she has a few scattered here and there, but not a crazy amount.
5. Promotions: Ok, Ree has some amazing promotions: cameras, kitchen gadgets, etc. She doesn’t give away a stick of gum or an egg of silly putty. She has some insane giveaways that make me stand in awe. She is going through her closet and giving away her clothing. One top had 3881 comments for people trying to win it! For real, has she cast a spell on the blogosphere or what?
6. Suffice it to say, Ree’s, The Pioneer Woman is well rounded and an all around amazing site! Woven by Words wants to be just like it when it grows up one day!

Let me apologize for not having any photos. The Pioneer Woman doesn’t have a button or photos to share in my post so I’m photoless. Head over to Ree’s site and you will find a plethora of photos!