Last month I celebrated the Platinumline’s second birthday. As many blogs fail in the first six months I am quietly pleased to still be blogging. I think it is time to reflect on what I have learnt and try to set out some goals for the future.

When I retired I wanted to find ways to “finance the fun” and still keep my mind active. I tried several ways to make money. 

I  quickly decided mystery shopping was my favourite and I even enjoyed writing the often lengthy reports that the companies require. My jobs included visiting National trust properties and I thought it was a shame that my hard work would be hidden for ever. So I decided to start a blog.

I knew very little about blogging and although I knew people made money from blogs I doubted that I would be one of them. To be honest I was more interested in making cyber friends and finding more about third age living in other parts of the world.

Blogging from baby to toddler

I have always enjoyed writing but  blogging introduced me to a whole new world. I quickly found most blogging guides were aimed at youngsters who are already familiar with Facebook and Instagram. Luckily I discovered a couple of Facebook groups for blogging grandmothers who were happily to help me. I have concentrated on SEO and D.A. rather than social media and I think it is beginning to pay off. Now most people find my blog through search engines.

Most bloggers struggle with the question whether to try to make money from blogging or to keep it as a hobby. My own feeling is that I would at least like to cover costs and I  now do this. I accept links that are relevant to my blog and also sponsored posts.

Latest news

I have been invited to beta test a referral scheme for Getyourguide an affiliate network for travel bloggers.  Get  your guide referral program for travel writers and bloggers link . (I will get a small commission if you sign up and make any sales.).

I have also become an affiliate for Legoland Windsor holidays . My grandson who loves Lego will be celebrating his fifth birthday there in September and has promised to take some photos for me.

It has been very difficult for bloggers to cope with the Covid 19 pandemic and I joined this post showing how other bloggers are navigating the pandemic.

After months at home we have been able to book a holiday. We will be staying in a cottage near the small village of Sheepwash in Devon and I look forward to sharing some photos.