31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge- Analyze a top blog in your niche

I am a bit behind on my 31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge, however I cannot pass up Task 4 in this wonderful blog challenge as this challenge is to Analyze a top blog in your niche. As stated from Darren Rowse (the creator of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog challenge) –

The purpose of this task is not to promote yourself on the blog – but rather to spend time watching, listening and observing how the blog operates with the goal of letting what you learn help shape your own blogging strategy.

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This task came extremely easy to me as I knew exactly what blog I wanted to talk about. Augie and Ti’s blog From The Treat Jar was the very first blog I started reading back in 2007, and this was the very first blog that got me excited about blogging.

So here we go-

Identify a successful blog in your niche

Augie and Ti- From The Treat Jar

Take 15 minutes to do some analysis of the blog in some of the following areas

Content:

What topics are they covering?

Augie and Ti are always sharing their fun adventures; weather they are play dates they have been to, contest they have entered in, silly stories about being boys, product reviews, items from their Double Dog Bakery, videos…

What topics are they ignoring?

I have never come across any subject being of a forceful nature or anything political on their blog. This blog is all about laughs and cute dog behavior really.

What voice/style do they post in?

All stories are told by Augie and Ti- which are always cute and humorous.

How often are they posting?

Most times about once a week

Reader Engagement:

What topics generate most conversation?

Topics that generate more than average amount of conversation involve some sort of prize or contest.

What styles of posts seem to connect with reader’s best?

Any (all) post that has Augie and Ti being silly or goofy in their sweet Golden manner always connect with the readers.

What questions are readers asking in comments?

“Why are you boys so cute”, or “How did your mom get you to do that”, or “Do you really enjoy the blow dryer that much?”

What complaints do you see readers making in comments?

Non what so ever!

What tools/mediums is the site using (eg: are they using Twitter, forums etc)

Youtube, Facebook, Amazon/Kindle

Design:

What first impression does their design give?

The first impression I had when visiting this blog for the first time over four years ago was that it was ruled by two adorable Golden Retrievers who were absolutely adored by their family. I immediately showed the blog off to various family members and friends.

What have they done well?

What have they done poorly? I really don’t think they have done anything poorly. In fact I often look to their blog for inspiration. I think that Augie and Ti have some of the best videos on YouTube; the editing is perfect and the music choices are always great, and I always find it fascinating on how well trained these two dogs are.

 

 

What Options do they give readers to subscribe?

Augie and Ti uses Webs.com which allows you to subscribe through their website. They also have a popular Facebook page.

Augie and Ti- I hope you don’t mind that I am using you boys as an example, but you are my Holy Grail as far as dog blog’s go. Yes I am sure that sounds corny! Thank you for allowing me to analyze and learn from you as I have found that it has been a great way to help me shape and form my own blogging style while still trying to be somewhat unique in this huge dog blogging world.

Tags Augie and Ti, Dog Blog,
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A gift from augie & Ti

Oh boy, look who got gifts from Augie and Ti!  As you can see, Luna is still unsure and skittish when it comes to boxes.

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Penny however could care less.  “You snooze you loose”.

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Luna: Hmm, there seems to be another stuffy in this box.

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Luna: This one is my favorite!  It’s weird, orange and fuzzy, just like me!!

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Thank you boys, our girls love your kindness and thoughtfulness!!

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Tags Augie and Ti, Dog Blogging With Luna,
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At Home

I can’t tell you enough how good it feels to be ‘home’ again.  Having the opportunity to live on the East Coast for a few years was a great experience, but home is where the heart is, and that happens to be in the beautiful state of Washington.  Our cross-country trip was absolutely amazing, with plenty of chances to experience new things along with visiting family all over the country.

Here are our first pictures of us on our lawn.

Upon our arrival in Washington, Luna received a welcome home present from Augie and Ti – a lucky Green Irish Bear, and a Pink Platypus named Patricia.  Luna actually received the smaller crinkle/squeak version of the Platypus (Patty) from Nana Vicki in Tucson. One dog can never have too many ‘babies’ and Augie and Ti sure made Luna’s day.  Thanks boys, she LOVES them!

Luna with Green Bear and Patricia the Platypus

I don’t quite know how to describe the current state of our new home;  boxes upon boxes of stuff congest our walking space, and finding daily necessities like undergarments and toothpaste has been a comical experience.  Downsizing from an 1800 square foot, three bedroom home to an 850 square foot apartment has proven to be quite challenging, but both D and I are determined to make it work.  So far, we have made great progress, and are more ‘moved-in’ after six days than we were after six months in Virginia. It will take us some time to get fully settled in and de-cluttered, but unlike most humans (me), Luna has adapted to her ‘cozy’ surroundings with ease… she finds a way to relax regardless of the chaos.

Relaxing in an empty corner

Making the most of an empty ottoman

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