I’ve been nominated for a few blogging awards in the past. Each time, I always felt very encouraged. The award nominations were also terrific ways to recognize other bloggers. When I paid each nomination forward, it gave my nominees a boost as well. However, I never learned the results of being nominated. Who actually won the award? I never found out. Recently, I decided to create my own blogging award. I’d like to recognize other bloggers who have encouraged me. I’d like those bloggers to nominate those who have encouraged them. Hmmm…with all of this encouragement going around, what should I name the award? I know! How about…the Encouraging Blogger Award 2020?
Announcing The First Ever Encouraging Blogger Award
How is this award different? First, there is a prize. Second, there is going to be a winner. Everyone who completes the process will be featured in a round up post when the winner is announced. That will include a backlink.
Sharing a Bit of Background
Usually, in posts such as this, the writer is asked to answer some questions. I wanted to keep this award simple, so I limited the questions. For this initial launch, I decided to answer them. I wouldn’t want to ask something of the nominees which I hadn’t already asked of myself.
When and why did you start blogging?
I began blogging shortly after my husband and I became empty-nesters. It was something to occupy my time, and I’d wanted to try it for a couple of years. I’ve been blogging now for about a year and a half, and I’m enjoying it immensely!
What is your blog about?
I would like to encourage others by sharing easy recipes, DIY projects, fun travel adventures, simple gardening ideas, and lists of favorite books. I also write about technology tips for teachers and bloggers. I’m not very artistic, so if I share a project or craft idea, it’s not going to be complicated!
What advice you would give to encourage new bloggers?
Your blog doesn’t have to be perfect before you launch it. There will always be improvements to make. At first, all of the tasks might seem overwhelming, but complete them at a pace that is right for you. The blogging community is very supportive, so try to find a group to connect with. Facebook groups are a great place to start.
Which is your favorite time-saving blogging tip or scheduling tool?
If I have to choose a favorite, I would have to go with Tailwind, the pin schedule tool for Pinterest. My work schedule prevents me from pinning to Pinterest throughout the day. Tailwind really helps keep my pins posting on a regular basis.
What are your future goals for your blog?
I’d like to gain more visitors. I’m kind of on a long-term plan, and hope to grow things gradually. I love my full-time job as a school librarian. When I retire in seven years, Lord willing, I’d still like to be blogging.
The First Ten Nominees
The idea behind the Encouraging Blogger Award is to promote the encouraging efforts of others. I’d like to devote the bulk of this post to shining a spotlight on the nominees. It is my pleasure to recognize and thank the following bloggers for their encouragement of others.
Ana of Goatdog Simple
Ana and her family live a simple life of financial independence, and encourage others to aim for financial independence as well. On her engaging blog, Ana shares lessons she has learned about money. Topics such as credit cards, budgeting and saving, as well as investing are covered in a fun, entertaining way. I hope you’ll invest some time and click on over to Ana’s financially inspiring posts!
Betty of All Round Jesus
Betty blogs about faith and encouragement in the midst of challenges. She writes about topics such as overcoming self-doubt, believing in yourself, prayer and victorious living. Betty is a wife, mom and minister who seeks to bring hope to others by sharing God’s love in her posts. If you need some encouragement for your day, check out Betty’s website!
Brittany of Ordinarily Extraordinary Mom
Brittany is an outgoing person who writes about motherhood, faith, minimalism and other uplifting topics. She encourages her readers to accept themselves for who they are. Brittany offers affirmation to busy people, especially moms. I love the way her personality shines through in the photographs she shares. Need to see something to make you smile today? Give Brittany’s website a visit!
Cindy of Cindy Goes Beyond and Journey with Healthy Me
Incredibly, Cindy has two blogs. Her first one, Cindy Goes Beyond, encourages others to look for adventures and opportunities in life. Each year has a theme, and this year the theme is Curiosity. It will be interesting to see where Cindy goes with this. Her second blog, Journey with Healthy Me, chronicles her healthy lifestyle. She advocates healthy living at any age, and encourages her readers to be mindful of what they put into their bodies. Both of her websites are treasure troves of positive, actionable ideas.
Hadassah of On the Way Blog
Hadassah writes encouraging posts about moving forward in faith. She seeks to minster to those who might be struggling with depression or discouragement. Many of her excellent posts focus on topics like overcoming anxiety, spiritual renewal, and nurturing one’s soul. Along with consistently posting inspiring thoughts, Hadassah offers free resources, such as downloadable devotionals and greeting cards. Stop by Hadassah’s website for insightful wisdom and faith-focused content.
Jenn of The Old Summers Home
Jenn specializes in home decor projects and easy recipes. She offers DIY tutorials and mom-related content as well. Her website includes links to her family’s contracting business as well as her clothing boutique. Jenn is always ready to give an encouraging word to anyone who asks her for advice. She recently began a new venture, the Facebook group Living a Boss Life Tribe for goal-setting support and encouragement. Check out her lovely website for some decorating and cooking inspiration!
Jessie of JessieSynan.com
Jessie’s focus is on helping churches, Christian ministries and Christian bloggers expand their social media presence. She offers services and resources for all of the major social media platforms. If you are hoping to grow your social media and need some encouragement, Jessie also offers a Facebook group called Social Media for Christian Ministries. Jessie is very down-to-earth and enthusiastic. Her engaging personality shines through in her online interactions. For expert social media tips, give Jessie’s website a visit!
Molly of Beyond Lashley Lane
Molly writes about life from a Christian perspective. Her lovely writing style, combined with her wit, equal entertaining reading. Not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, Molly provides fresh encouragement for her readers each week. Once you get a taste of her blogging style, you’ll be hooked. Click on over to the website to see what it’s all about!
Sandra of Sandra’s Ark
Sandra’s blog subtitle is “Where Encouragement Matters” and she has certainly been an encouragement to me. Always ready with a kind word or supportive comment, Sandra’s posts are tremendously uplifting. She blogs about many topics, including parenting, travel, books and holidays. Sandra offers devotional posts as well, along with many free printables. I smile whenever I read Sandra’s writing. Her gentle humor gives me a lift. I hope you’ll take the time to check out her excellent website!
Wendy of One Exceptional Life
Wendy is a talented writer who shares something positive each week. She was recently selected as one of the top 50 positive blogs for 2020 by Feedspot, and I’m thrilled for her! Wendy’s topics include living with intention, overcoming challenges and trusting God. I often forget she is a quadruple amputee. Wendy’s kind words and encouragement mean a lot to me. In addition to her blog, Wendy also provides inspiration through her Facebook group, Overcoming Challenges Through Inspiration. Stop by her website for a huge dose of positive thinking!
Update: 2023
All of these amazing nominees were worthy of the award. When I migrated the content to this new site, Book and Tech Tips, I wanted to make sure that the backlinks would remain. So, to all of you bloggers out there, keep up the great work!
Do You Have Any Favorite Encouraging Bloggers?
I hope you have gotten some good ideas about blogs to visit from the Encouraging Blogger Award 2020 list of nominees. Do you have some favorite encouraging blogs you would like to share? I’m always looking for blog recommendations to add to my reading list.
Get Your Blog Noticed
Standing out from the crowd is tough, especially when it comes to blogging. Need to add some unique, memorable features? If you are a fan of tech tools, you might like my eBook containing information about some excellent free tools for adding interest to a blog, web page, or social media account.
Have a wonderful week, and may the bloggers I’ve nominated encourage you as well!
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Lisa Mitchell is a school librarian who likes to use her job as an excuse to stay up far too late reading books and noodling around with tech tools.
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