It’s Agent Athletica’s blogiversary-birthday thing!
One year ago today, I registered this domain and started down my blogging journey. Since its inception, AA has been visited over 1 million times by over 150,000 users around the world. I’ve posted over 900 times and read over 3,000 of your comments. I’m not going to sit here and try to sell you some “secret to success” to growing a blog*, but here are 7 things I’ve learned and observed that have helped me along the way.
*Here’s the “secret”: create content some group of people cares about, then figure out how to find the people who care about it. Boom, done.
1. Keep your eyes on your own game.
This has been one of the most important for me, especially when I was starting out. People have written a million times about the comparison pitfall, and it’s still true. While there are valid lessons to be learned from others’ successes and failures, keeping too close an eye on what others are doing is a quick way to self-sabotage your creativity and replace it with worry-filled copycatting. As someone who is prone to anxious thought patterns, it was important for me to learn very early on to avoid things that would trigger worrying that I wasn’t doing a good enough job. Swim in your own lane and focus on doing your own thing. By focusing on what’s happening in your own space, you’re better positioned to be more authentic to who you are and to better serve your audience.
2. It’s ok to not be perfect.
Yeah I know: “gee thanks Captain Obvious.” But really, it’s ok to mess up from time to time. Yes, there are times when I’ve been a few hours late posting about upload or something. Instead of letting myself drown in a downward spiral of omg I am the worst and my site will NEVER BE SUCCESSFUL, I have had to learn to accept the occasional “tardiness”, error, or omission. Life happens, and I am not always a perfect encyclopedia of information. Even this past week, my plans interfered with my usual posting schedule and I started to get a little tense about it. I had to consciously remind myself to cool my jets. You all are still here! The world did not spin off its axis! I have slowly gotten better at accepting this and not letting posting here completely dictate my life and my emotions. Consistency and usefulness over the long run do far more for your reputation and trustworthiness than the occasional blunder.
3. Content creation is only a part of the puzzle: loving more about blogging will take you far.
Some of the most rewarding parts of blogging for me has been everything but creating content. Don’t get me wrong, I also like to write posts, but some of my longest and most satisfying blogging blitzes have been spent doing other things. I love to read about things like design, branding, and blogging strategy. I love to brainstorm ways to improve and grow this site. A big downfall for many blogs is that they don’t put enough effort into things besides content creation, so even if they have great content, people don’t read it or don’t take it seriously enough because some other aspect isn’t quite up to par. Bloggers who have created some of the most successful blogs out there have to wear many hats and be knowledgable about much more than putting interesting images and words in a post. If you can embrace this as a blogger, you will not only be more likely to succeed, but you’ll be happier doing it.
4. Figure out what works for YOU, even if it goes against conventional wisdom.
There is no shortage of blogging advice on the internet, and I’ve read quite a bit of it myself. That said, since this blog is pretty esoteric in both structure and content, a lot of advice I’ve encountered just didn’t do me a bit of good. While there are definitely a lot of smart people with a lot of smart things to say, it’s important to weight that advice against the context of your own uniqueness. All blogs aren’t created equal, so there’s never going to be such a thing as one-size-fits-all advice. Don’t be afraid to throw out advice that just isn’t a good fit for what you’re doing.
5. Experiment like your life depends on it, because it kinda does.
On that note, there is tremendous value in ongoing and ruthless experimentation. This is one of my favorites parts of blogging. It’s important to take stock of what you’re doing, look for ways it could be improved, and be willing to pivot and be flexible when the need arises. Lulu problems, which started out under the rather opaque series name “Gif Sunday”, was the result of one of those experiments (well, two experiments, if you count the name change), and has ended up being a very popular part of the blog. Of course, for every lulu problem, there’s been an experiment that’s been scrapped and you’ve probably never heard about it. :) Although obviously dramatic changes to a site every other week is not going to make people want to stick around, being content with the status quo and being unwilling to adapt and evolve will surely stunt growth.
6. People don’t care about you. …Except for when they do.
Another piece of extremely common (albeit rather blunt) blogging advice: no one actually cares about you. As someone who reads blogs in addition to writing one, I have to agree. No one wants to read a blog full of navel-gazing, except maybe your mom. That said, most people don’t really get to the second part: there are times when people actually do want to hear about you. The key is that people only tend to listen to your stories and experiences once you’ve made yourself valuable to them. Help someone first. Prove you’re worth paying attention to. Then you can talk about yourself, and people might be interested to hear about it, especially if you can spin it into something helpful for others instead of simply aimlessly rambling about something you did.
7. Haters gonna hate.
I don’t know if things are similarly intense in the blogging universe at large, but at least in the realm of lulu/fitness wear, holy crap, people can be kind of insane. I’ve been insulted, undermined, and sent literal hate mail. This kind of negativity has been disappointing to experience. You don’t have to have it all figured out to provide something of value to people (see #2), and there’s enough room in the great big internet world for everyone to be knowledgable and successful in our own individual pursuits. There’s no benefit to tearing others down when everyone brings something different and worthwhile to the table that different people will appreciate for different reasons. And anyway, for every less-than-gracious person, there are dozens of supportive and positive readers for whom I am so grateful.
But wait, there’s more!
As part of reaching my 1-year blogiversary, I’m working on some exciting changes and additions to the blog. I’m finishing up a fresh new site design that will make navigating current and archived content easier, not to mention provide a clean and beautiful appearance. I’m also working on new and innovative strategies to bring you more helpful, streamlined, and relevant content that I hope you’ll love. Part of this will be content on the blog itself, but on top of that, I’m working on an Agent Athletica YouTube channel that will be an especially helpful resource for product reviews and information, since pictures aren’t always the most effective way of conveying information. (And on that note, do feel free to note any feedback you might have as you start seeing new and different things around here.)
Stay tuned! I can’t wait to show you what all this looks like over the next few weeks!
Again, many thanks to all you wonderful readers for helping make this blog into what it is!!
Thank you for all of the hard work you put into blogging. Even though I’ve grown away from Lululemon I find myself checking your blog often because you keep it fresh and versatile, from workouts to different clothing lines to what motivates you. Sometimes I am so unmotivated and tired and I see you’ve hit a PR or set a new goal and it refreshes me. So thank you for your perspectives on clothing fit and staying fit. ;)
Thanks, that’s really encouraging to hear! Fresh and versatile is definitely what I go for, so I’m glad I can accomplish that for you. :) Thanks for reading!
Suzanne, I can’t believe it’s been a year! So proud of you! Happy Blogiversary!!! Keep up the amazing work :) You’re the only one I check on a regular basis :)
I can’t believe it either! Thanks for reading, Cynthia. :)
Screw the haters. Your blog has become my favorite out of all the Lulu blogs. Happy 1 year anniversary! :)
Thank you! Screw the haters indeed! :)
Wow! Congratulations! I didn’t realize it’s only been a year! I think I’ve been reading your blog since you started. I don’t remember how I found it, I think Google? But I almost immediately stopped reading the other lulu blogs when I found yours. Yours is so much more put together, professional, and the quality of your posts is awesome. Oh and you’re a nice person, and not a mean girl… unlike others. :)
I also much less frequently visit other lulu blogs after finding yours. It looks clean, loads quickly, and I love that you include various other athletic wear brands. I also like your fit reviews and crossfit updates!
Thanks! I definitely put a lot of effort into the site’s function, not just what I post. I think my site should be even faster after I activate some updates…mwahaha. :) Thanks for reading!
Thanks ladyfriend! I’m pretty sure you’re right that you’ve been around since pretty much the beginning. I always enjoy your witty (and often snarky) comments. :) Glad to have you around.
Congrats on hitting a year! While I read other lulu blogs, I must say that I enjoy your posts the most.There is a charm and wit in your posts that I appreciate, and keeps me coming back. Keep up the good work, you have me, and it sounds like many others, in your corner.
Thanks Samantha! I’m definitely glad to have your support. :)
Congrats on 1 year!
I don’t even bother checking the “other two” lulu blogs anymore. Your blog and the conversation/ comment section are far more enjoyable.
Thanks, I’m glad to hear you enjoy the happenings over here. :)
AA Thank you for all the effort and time you put in to bring us all the latest Lulu news – along with humor, product comparison and your honest opinion. I find your posts thoughtful, informative, interesting and entertaining. Lulu problems? As always you nail it! Love the fact that you “test drive” athletic wear at Cross Fit or out hiking in beautiful AZ. And I also appreciate the posts about other brands. Keep it coming!
Thanks Lynn! I will definitely keep it coming. :)
Love your blog! You give the best critiques of new stuff.
Thanks Mindy. :) Glad to have you around!
Happy anniversary! I appreciate how you weave your honest opinions and great sense of humor into your posts in a very authentic and unique way. I really value your opinions and love the variety of content you post – from lulu problems to what you wore and beyond – it’s all blog gold. Thank you for creating a warm and inviting little community here, including taking the time to comment on your readers’ comments. I can’t say enough great things about this blog. Looking forward to seeing the new features you have in store! Keep up the great work, AA!
Wow, thanks so much! I agree, I think there’s a nice little community of positive and insightful readers. Thanks for being part of that. :)
Agree 100% with the other comments – Suzanne, you rock. Like others, I have somewhat grown away from Lulu as a brand (in the same way I have grown away from other, less “value added” Lulu blogs), but your honesty, wit and creativity keep me coming back here. You have created a wonderful little community that is a positive force and that makes me smile – and who can argue with that?! Haters gonna hate – let them. Take pride in your authenticity and in your loyal, often amused, and always entertained, followers :) Happy bloggobirthday! Xo
Awww shucks. :) That means a lot to me and I’m so glad to have you around!!
Congratulations on your 1-year anniversary! I love reading this blog and check it frequently. It’s obvious you are very committed to the evolution of your blog, and your site is really professional. Above all you have a sense of balance, intelligence, and wit that really comes through in your writing.Thank you and keep it up!
Sometimes I’m not sure if my writing style is really coming through, so it’s great to hear that you can pick up on some character. :) Thank you so much for the kind words and for reading!
Great blog! I come here for the Lulu, but I’m glad that you mix it up with other things too :)
Thank you! I’m glad you find the posts useful. :)
I, like many others, can’t believe it’s only been a year – feel like I’ve been reading your blog forever! I love your thoughtful, intelligent posts, and I especially love that you comment on apparel photos you posts – I’m not that interested in 48 store pictures of the latest Speed Shorts without any commentary. Like others, my apparel budget is largely directed away from Lulu these days, but I count on your blog to not only steer me toward the Lulu I do still want, but to introduce me to other great workout brands. It’s obvious you put a ton of effort into this blog, and it’s much appreciated.
Thanks very much! I feel like I’ve been writing it forever, haha. I definitely do try to be choosy with the store photos I post, since the 37th pic of the hot to street pants doesn’t really seem useful to me. I’m glad you’ve been able to get something out of this space. :)
happy blog birthday AA!!
those are some great stats, but i’m not really surprised! your blog is just a joy to visit. your presentation is very clean and tidy, always follows the same crisp format/font/colours/etc. and the content is very interesting. you have this way of being funny that i really connect to. plus i feel you are smart! who uses ”et al” and all those french expressions in a blog? i love it!
the only thing i would change would be your size or mine so that i could benefit more from your fit reviews ;)
can’t wait to see the blog changes and additions! keep up the good work :)
Hehe, thanks, I’d like to think I’m reasonably intelligent…lol. I come from a scientific background, and there are certain words/expressions like “et al” that are too useful to *not* use in regular conversation, lol. I’m so glad you can relate to the way I write, it’s really nice to hear that a little bit of character comes through the screen. :)
A pretty fruitful year, I’ll say :D Bring out the CHAMPAGNE!
Can’t wait to see how this blog would evolve over the next year. I read your blog almost every other day, and I love how you don’t love everything LLM, and there’s space in your heart for other worthy stuff (like S59 :D). Here’s wishing you many more years of happy blogging and tons of fun along the way.
Haha, I went and had a chicken sandwich and donuts…my version of champagne, lol. ;) Thanks for being here and all your contributions and insights in the comments. :)
I’m not super obsessed with all things lulu, so it’s funny that I should find myself here so often. You have a way of really connecting with your audience that makes it very fun to read, and it’s so much more than just another lulu blog. I love that you really take your time with things and add thoughtful commentary instead of simply trying to throw new pics up before anyone else. I also appreciate your fit reviews since, although at 5’10” I’m a giant compared to you, our build is not completely dissimilar. And while our athletic pursuits are very different (I run marathons + ultras) I definitely enjoy reading about your PRs, goals, and improvement, too. Congrats on a great year and thank you so much! We really appreciate you and all of your hard work. (PS- I’d love to someday see a post with your collection of speeds.)
Thanks! :) It’s interesting to hear how many people in the comments are kind of falling off the bandwagon and yet are still here. Not necessarily what I’d expect to hear! I’m glad I can provide a little entertainment for you on multiple fronts. I’d definitely like to do something with my speeds collection, but I suppose I’m waiting til I feel like my collection is (at least temporarily) complete… Maybe soon??
Congrats to you! I have enjoyed your blog since I first stumbled across it. Like others have said- there is certainly no shortage of Lulu blogs out there- however, yours is not like the rest and is my favorite by far! I’m hoping for your continued success with AA and any future endeavors. Thanks for being awesome and putting up with random negativity to bring us this blog.
Thanks, that’s great to hear! :) I’m glad you’ve been enjoying it.
Your blog is the best LL blog out there, and I love the other brands and workout stuff you post as well. Thanks for everything :)
You’re most welcome! Thanks for sticking around. :)
Been an avid follower since you started. I’m a Lulu fan but I always look forward to your reviews of up and coming brands! Can’t wait for those You Tube Videos!
Thanks Gwen! Part of why I wrote that I would be doing videos is to get my butt in gear and stop putting it off, so hopefully you’ll see them soon. ;)
Happy blogversary, AA! I’ll try not to get all sentimental on ya, but you’ve got a way about you that really draws us in and keeps us coming back. You’re THE go-to guru for all things athletic wear, a huge fitness inspiration, and overall a kickass human being. Congrats on your success thus far, and cheers to the awesome years to come :)
PS I’m really looking forward to your YouTube channel! You go, girl.
Thanks Emily, those are such kind and encouraging things to say! I hope I can continue to live up. :)
Happy Blogversary gurl!!! I have been a fan since day 1!! like others have said you just have a very unique and authentic voice, plus you are funny as hell, an excellent writer and provide so much great info! while i’ve been so underwhelmed by lulu this year, i still visit your blog just b/c i enjoy it so much!! your tips are amazing and so true – esp #7, but when some in the blogging world get cray cray i guess it means you must be doing a LOT right! since you came on the scene you have def influenced others (bloggers) to up their game, it was so obvious!! congrats to you – an inspiration to be sure!!
Thanks so much, Michelle! I think you’re right about the haters. :)
Congrats!!!!!
Thanks Carrie!!
Aww, your blog is only 2 days younger than my baby! I have been hooked for about 5 months now, and I credit you with my intro to Alala, which is now my brand of choice. Congrats on your blogiversary and all the work you do to bring us great content. How many hours a week do you spend on your blog out of curiosity? Keep up the fantastic work!!:)
Hehe. :) Thanks! I don’t track my time and I switch between tasks a lot, but I definitely spend no less than 20 hours a week here. It’s probably closer to 40 most weeks, especially since most of my weekends are spent here, in addition to several hours per weekday. It’s a pretty big timesuck! I’m working on being more efficient…
Thanks for everything that you do! Like you and many of your readers, I have fallen off the lulu bandwagon with the exception of a few items (high times pants and wild tank).
Alala is now one of my favorite brands, and if you haven’t tried, I would suggest TEEKI leggings – they are made from recylcled plastic and are made in LA! They are great for outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing and they are dog-hair resistant!!! They are by far the most comfortable legging I have worn and I highly recommend them!
Congrats on your bloggiversy!
Thank you!!! I’m glad to help introduce you to Alala. :) I’ve been meaning to try Teeki. I don’t wear a lot of printed pants and I’ve been a little scared of their rather strict return policy. But since they’re stocked at some other good sites now, I might need to give them a whirl, especially if I find a particularly compelling print. :)
Happy blogiversary to one of my favorite bloggers! AA is not just a great lulu/fitness blog, it’s a damn good blog in general. You can tell you put a lot of thought and effort into it, and all of us readers appreciate it! Here’s to many more years to come! Oh, and the haters…I do think it’s unique to activewear/fashion blogs since I’ve seen hateful comments on all those types of blogs. I read tons of running blogs, and in 1 year I’ve only seen a single negative comment, and it was someone not liking someone’s choices in a playlist, ha!
Thanks Jenn! That means a lot coming from you. :)
Thank you! I love my Day Designer, too, it’s my first “fancy planner’, lol. :)