2021 began on a positive note for blogging. My friend Cindy Ann D’Silva of Blogaberry devised a month-long blogging challenge, which I happily signed on to co-host. In this challenge, the participants wrote and linked 4 posts in the month of January, one a week, to the main challenge page. They read, commented and shared the posts of other participants, while receiving meaningful engagement on their posts from each participant in return. Apart from timely uploading and engaging, we were particular about not enforcing strict rules of minimum Domain Authority rankings or adhering to restrictive themes or prompts. We were also keen to include guest posts, sponsored posts and material written for other blog hops, writer community activities or challenges. Our agenda is simple:
To encourage the growth of bloggers through the enforcement of regular writing schedules and good quality engagement on their posts.
The efforts of each participant that followed the rules, were rewarded with a certificate of participation. Two winners were picked as ‘Best Writers Throughout the Challenge’ – 1st and 2nd prize. One winner was picked for ‘Best Engagement Throughout the Challenge’. These super winners were awarded prizes worth INR 1200 (or equivalent), INR 1000 (or equivalent) and INR 800 (or equivalent) respectively. Apart from the winners, we also announced the Top 5 Writers and Best Comments.
Having concluded the first month with over 30 participants that stayed with us till the end, we can safely say the Blogaberry Dazzle January Challenge was a stupendous success. Here are a few testimonials from participants:
Ruchita Mathur: With this blog challenge, I grew as a blogger. As I read others’ posts, I tried to write better and got inspired by what was given in the posts. I would encourage others to join this too.
Abha Mondal: Amazing blog challenge and I have enjoyed a lot. All set for February Challenge!
Dr. Surbhi Prapanna: It is really great for bloggers who want to create a discipline in their writing and reading things that will ultimately improve their blog stats and increase their confidence.
Alpana Bapat: In any blog hop, one thing that matters a lot to me, is how well-organised the hop is and how responsive the hosts are. And I found both these points in this hop. Overall, it was a great experience. I have registered for the February one as well!
Monidipa Dutta: It was an amazing experience… Got to read so many lovely bloggers. I loved how much the hosts were involved in this competition, they were always there to help.
Ritu Bindra: One of the best blog hops I have participated in, so well-managed and one that lets me stick to my niche.
Prerna Wahi: The experience of this blog hop has been fantastic. Very well executed and I got to read some amazing posts across various genres 😁
Shail Thosani: I loved being part of the January challenge. Now waiting for February to begin!
If the easy rules, undoubted benefits and fabulous testimonials, haven’t convinced you to join us in February as yet, perhaps these two new announcements will:
- The Blogaberry Dazzle February Challenge is open to Youtubers as well! The same rules will apply. Four vlogs/videos created in February, posted to the linky once a week, with the mandatory line added in the description box, linking back to hosts and sponsors.
- We will be accepting guest posts throughout the month-long challenge. You may write and publish on any week of your choice, or 2-3 weeks as opposed to all 4 weeks. The only difference is that guest posts will not receive the certificates of participation awarded to everyone that successfully completes the challenge, and they won’t be eligible for the challenge prizes.
In case you’re wondering about the advantages of a guest post – they expose your work to new readers, allow you to get good engagement on your posts, and give you the flexibility of publishing just 1 or 2 posts as per your capacity.
The other change being introduced in February is in the prizes that will be awarded at the end of the challenge. On successful completion of 4 weeks, every participant will receive a certificate. In addition, the following categories of winners will be announced:
Best Writers:
1st Prize: Worth INR 1500 (or equivalent)
2nd Prize: Worth INR 1000 (or equivalent)
3rd Prize: Worth INR 800 (or equivalent)
Best Engagement:
1st Prize: Worth INR 500 (or equivalent)
2nd Prize: Worth INR 400 (or equivalent)
3rd Prize: Worth INR 300 (or equivalent)
In case you’re wondering on what basis the awards are picked, here is the breakdown for selection:
For Best Writers, all posts are adjudged on the basis of four categories each:
Choice of topic (whether timely/relevant or interesting)
Presentation
Grammar and Writing Skills
Unique Voice
Once we have collated our points on the basis of these categories, we add the votes shared by participants for best post. The final tally for the one who wrote the best or made the best content is therefore an amalgamation of the hosts’ and participants’ choices.
For Best Engagement, participants share their favourite comments from each week, making it entirely a reader’s choice award 🙂
After this extensive explanation, I hope I’ve convinced you to take part in the Blogaberry Dazzle February Challenge, whether as a regular participant or simply through guest posts! If you’re joining us in this journey of mutual support and overall growth of your blog, just sign up here. If you’re joining only for guest posting, please specify that in the additional comments:
https://forms.gle/sE2EH7TvTDexxyEm9
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This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and me, and SPONSORED BY Bugshield Clothing – Enjoy Outdoors More!
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*This is not a sponsored post.
**Copyright in pictures and content belongs to nooranandchawla.com and cannot be republished or repurposed without express permission of the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.