Revitalized Version
Hey friend, can I take you on a trip down memory lane?
You see, 2019 was pretty awesome because I got to experience the cool side of being a Nigerian Travel Blogger. Asides the many colorful blog posts, I quadrupled readership on the blog (definitely not a one-man effort) but on my socials – Twitter and IG, maybe not so much.
Also, I explored breathtaking destinations that left me in awe.
The vibrant cultures, captivating landscapes, and delicious local cuisines I encountered on my journeys enriched my experiences and further fueled my passion for travelling. It was truly a remarkable year that allowed me to connect with fellow travel enthusiasts and share the beauty of Nigeria with a wider audience.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of talented individuals at the Nigeria Travel Week, who inspired me with their unique perspectives and creative approaches.
The atmosphere was buzzing with energy as like-minded individuals gathered to share ideas, collaborate, and celebrate the beauty of art.
It was a truly enriching experience, filled with memorable encounters and thought-provoking conversations that left a lasting impact on my journey as a creative individual.
Here goes the rest of the gist…
#1. COLLABORATIONS
Usually the treasure trove of content creation, 2019 tweaked my “blogger friends” to a whole new level.
Kicking the year off with collaborative blogposts about Favour’s Lagos experience and her visit to Oniru Beach, Robinson’s visit to Tarkwa Bay and many other danfo woes, I quickly switched things up by interviewing travel bloggers – Rochelle Knight from Adventures from Elle, Amarachi Ekekwe from Travel with a Pen, ‘Lola Daniyan from Unravelling Nigeria and there’s more.
If you’d like to grow, I advise you find someone in your niche to work with. It’s pretty simple. In my case, I sent DMs on Instagram, not everyone replied but a handful did anyways.
You should also try emails or wherever their social media presence can be felt. Connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion and goals can greatly enhance your growth journey.
By collaborating and cooperating with others in your industry, you can tap into new opportunities and broaden your reach.
Whether it’s through direct messages on social media platforms like Instagram, reaching out via email, or connecting through other channels where their online presence can be felt, the key is to proactively seek meaningful connections with potential partners.
Be patient and consistent, as not everyone will respond, but even a few positive responses can lead to valuable and rewarding collaborations. Keep striving and exploring various avenues to expand your network and propel your growth.
#2. CONSISTENCY
In previous years before 2019, I struggled with keeping to my blogging calendar and after a dry spell in June of 2019 I guess I overcame.
To accomplish this, I had to undergo a transformative journey that involved not only enhancing my passion for writing, but also approaching my countless drafts with a newfound sense of seriousness and dedication.
Through this process, I learned to redefine my identity and explore innovative ways to express myself, allowing my creative energy to flourish and my skills to reach new heights.
As I delved deeper into my literary endeavors, I discovered hidden depths within my own abilities, enabling me to transcend previous limitations and embrace the boundless potential that writing holds.
Thus, with each passing day, I continue to expand my horizons, pushing the boundaries of my craft and unveiling the untapped reservoir of creativity within me.
Furthermore, I attempted a chunk of opinion-based articles like this one – Five Reasons Why I Absolutely Love The MUSON Centre.
Lastly, I re-blogged other content and experimented with posting on different days of the week. Mondays, Saturdays and even Sundays without any necessary restrictions on when the bulk of my readers were online.
#3. CREATIVITY
Starting out, my articles in 2019 were more like what you’d find in the newspaper but for blogging and web friendly purposes, I had to refrain from having long block of texts, dull images and crappy headlines.
Do check out my first and second write-up about Lagos BRTs, you may be surprised.
From time to time, I continued to slot comedic elements into my blogposts.
Acknowledging that this helped, I went on to learn tools like Canva, Filmora and GoPro Quik. The latter is really good for one-minute promotional videos while the former for catchy blog banners.
See a demonstration of Quik’s capabilities below:
Follow me on Instagram, please.
#4. ART GALLERY MUSINGS
I knew I had a flare for art right from my uni days but, this compounded in 2019, the year I visited more than seven art galleries and cultural hubs. Interestingly, I conquered two of Mama Nike’s four Art Galleries dotted around the home country, Nigeria.
As I explored the Susanne Wenger’s House, Omidiran Art Gallery, Genesis Art Gallery and uncovered grass roots like El Carvar, it fueled my quest for artistic expressions and deepened my fascination and love for art and cultural heritage.
#5. GROWING UP: CHILLING WITH THE BIG BOYS
Does the Nigeria Travel Week Roundtable ring any bells?
In November of 2019, I rubbed minds with many prominent figures in the travel niche. Haha! I can remember Funmi Oyatogun from the Roundtable, she asked me about charging ports and I literally googled her to be sure she was “The Funmi.” We then talked a little and took selfies. She was super nice.
Again, I attended two other events about telecommunications and childhood education in Osogbo where I picked up a thing or two.
Simply put, the combination of these events gave me certain privileges with industrial juggernauts who were either ready to answer my questions or exchange contact details.
And towards the end of the year, 2019, I specifically packaged the knowledge gained from my genius buddies, I elevated the content of my Podcast and YouTube Channel to new heights.
The ERICOTRIPS PODCAST now offers a wider range of insightful discussions, captivating interviews, and thought-provoking conversations.
Likewise, on my YouTube Channel, I have incorporated innovative editing techniques, artificial intelligence, visually stunning graphics, links, and engaging storytelling to deliver an even more immersive experience for my viewers.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from The ERICOTRIPS PODCAST and my YouTube Channel. And, thank you for your continued support!
Who knows what I’ll do next?
THE SUM UP
In the book, 25 ways to win with people (Thomas Nelson, 2005) John Maxwell goes on to say, “the stories we tell are the best ones we’ve lived. We care about them, we know the material, and we know how they affected us.”
I could go on and on about how 2019 made the ericotrips brand better, but this wouldn’t be complete without expressing my profound gratitude to everyone that stuck with me.
Your support is invaluable, and I am truly grateful. I can’t do this without you. Together, we have achieved so much, and I am excited to see what the future holds for us.
Thank you for being by my side through thick and thin. Your dedication and belief in me has fueled my drive to push boundaries, explore new horizons, and make the ericotrips brand the best it can be. With your continued support, I am confident that we will achieve even greater heights in the years to come.
Here’s to a Warm and Welcoming Future: Embracing the Wonderful Decades that Lie Ahead!
ERICOTRIPS 
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