End of the year is usually the time for recaps and I want to do one as well 
2011. was a very nice year for me, I developed this blog to the point where I never thought it would be, I got many new clients and expanded my services, connected with some amazing people, improved my business and feel energized to do even more in 2012.
But all this would not be possible without learning from those who know more and expanding my toolbox with new resources, as well as growing my knowledge.
So in this post, you will get all my secret tools on a silver platter, so you can use the same ones next year and grow without anything stopping you.
People I’ve learned from
I have learned so much in 2011. that I can not even begin to use all that in next several years. I read a lot of blogs but I have to stress out a few bloggers that really stood out for me in 2011.
Lisa Irby and especially her Youtube videos for all the down to Earth, actionable and researched advice she has been giving. From making your blog look awesome with Thesis theme to making money with Google Adsense, she got you covered.
Dahlia Valentine for being my friend and mentor, pushing me forward and changing my mindset. She helped me do some big things in 2011. and opened my mind for some even bigger in 2012.
Kristi Hines for all the analytics and list posts she wrote, that I applied as soon as I would read them. Not only have I learned from her but she motivated me to always go one step further. Her advice made my blog grow faster.
Kimberly Castleberry for all the WordPress and Facebook security tips and help that saved me multiple times! If I ever had a question about a plugin I was thinking of trying out, she was my go-to-gal.
Steve Scott for actionable and tested tutorials about affiliate marketing that helped me get rid of some time wasters. Reading his blog often made me more productive… I had to be to keep up.
Ameena Falchetto for making me feel great about myself and my work and changing some of my practices. I feel (and hope) some great things are coming for two of us together.
4 special mentions for people who I love to read but may not comment on their blogs as much. There is one simple reason for that. Their posts are jaw-dropping, and one thing that hardly ever happens to me, does in their case – I am left speechless! Thanks to Gini Dietrich, Danny Brown, Marcus Sheridan and John Falchetto.
Kiesha Easley for believing in me and making me a part of the team, I still think that is a dream! I also love reading her writing because she is the most creative blogger I know.
Hesham Zebida for publishing my Traffic generation winning post on his blog. It definitely changed the course of my blogging in 2011. Not only that, but he has given me some nice opportunities and was there for me every time I needed him.
Top friends and supporters
I have to say that there are people who are amazing bloggers and have been better friends to me than I have to them. They come to my blog regularly, read it and comment on it and make me feel great. I haven’t returned the favor enough mostly for the lack of time but that is still no excuse.
So I want to tell them that I do know they are always around and that I do appreciate everything they do for me. There are many more people I am thankful to, but these three guys have been spending time with me through the whole 2011. And this is my tiny way of saying thank you!
Online business tools you must have in 2012.
Here are some tools that made my life easier and that I really think you should have in your arsenal this coming year. All links are going to my reviews of the products, not affiliate landing pages.
Site Build It! because it taught me everything I know and made it possible for me to work from home. I believe it is the best available tool for building a successful business out there and I will never stop using it!
Bufferapp because it let’s you easily spread your tweets and now Facebook posts.
HootSuite because I believe that, at the moment, it is the easiest, most reliable and best Twitter management tool.
Aweber because no matter what your blogging or business goal is and what are you writing about, having a list of people that trust you enough to give you their email address is the best way to connect with them. Don’t go for the free tools, they are not all that amazing as you would think. I have tried Mailchimp and it can not compare to Aweber.
Clicky because you can track the visitors and their behavior on your blog in real time and it can save you and your conversions. Clicky is easier to use than Google Analytics so it is perfect for those that don’t want to get deep into analysis of their traffic. It is also free for one site.
Books I read over and over again
There are several books I think may change the speed in which you develop your online business and I would recommend to check them out if you haven’t already (links are going to my reviews of the books):
- Creating e-books for impulse buyers is my favorite book in 2011.
- WordPress Starters guide is not only for beginners!
- Blog Post Promotion book is a must have for all bloggers, no matter the niche.
The new book you must grab fast
“Engagement from scratch” is a new book by Danny Inny and although I have a long list of products and books I am supposed to read, I had to go through this one first. I could not put it down. It is amazing and it may change your direction in 2012. if you apply all the great tips. You can download the free digital copy here.
Top 5 traffic sources for this blog
- Google – I know SEO is important so I apply it here (but not too much). The lesson about SEO from 2011. is that you definitely want to be one of the first ones to write about the new, up and coming thing, what ever it is.
- Direct traffic – I always do stuff that I hope will keep people coming back. Since it is so high in my traffic sources, I guess I am doing something right.
- StumbleUpon – Brings floods of traffic I didn’t really work or aim for. The traffic doesn’t stick much and messes up your overall Google Analytics numbers but even the little percentage of people who do stick around is better than nothing.
- Feedburner – apparently those who subscribe to my RSS are following my updates regularly, which I really appreciate.
- Twitter – I am very active there, have great conversations with people on Twitter, connect with amazing bloggers on Twitter and had a few posts shared like crazy there. It is still my favorite social network for many reasons. Lesson learned – be as helpful and useful to others as you can, it pays off. Stay tuned for the new Twitter book I am preparing.
Top 3 money makers
I am including my top 3 money makers for all my online business ventures, not just this blog.
- My services
- Affiliate marketing
- Google Adsense
As far as this blog goes, the best selling products are Thesis theme for WordPress and WP Subscribers plugin.
My top gadget for 2012.
Top 3 gadgets I use are Kindle, iPhone and iPad and I must say, if you want to invest in one great thing to use in 2012, be able to carry it around but still do a lot of work, I would go for the iPad! It is the best thing after sliced bread (and lap tops).
Get that 2012. party started
Here is a quick video for the end, to help you reach your blogging and e-biz goals.
Conclusion
The tip of the year that I used throughout 2011. and moved forward every day. the one you should embrace in 2012:
Don’t just read about it, don’t just plan to do something,
don’t just dream about something – DO IT!
Your turn Who/what did you like in 2011?
Nice wrap up post. I really like how you formatted it and what/who you chose to include. I’m excited to dig into some of the resources that you found the most helpful.
I’d also have to chalk up your new logo (though not so new now) up as another success too.
Here’s to an even better 2012 Brankica, you’ve already set the stage for it!
Thanks so much
I gotta be honest about the logo – I want a new one but I don’t know what I want. Lol. It may take me the whole 2012. to figure it out so until then the girl stays
I hope you have an awesome 2012.
Haha that didn’t take long on the logo. But truth be told I always feel that way with logos. I just always think there is something better.
And my 2012 will be amazing ; )
Hey there Bran,
Sounds like it’s been an awesome year for you – and thoroughly well-deserved too! I got into Clicky because of your post, and looking at AWeber too, based on your love for it (I may have to pick your brains on it!).
Here’s to an even more amazing year ahead for you, and nothing but growth and success.
Cheers, miss!
PS: Dietrich? Seriously?
If you do go with Aweber, count on me to help with anything you need. I love it a lot
They have all the cool stats too!
Thank you so much for the great wishes and thank you for all the support and the stuff I learned from you in 2011. and here is to an even better 2012. for all of us…
Hehe, funnily enough I set up a trial account last night after commenting here. Loving the step-by-step to get started – will definitely holler if/when I have some questions.
Way to go Brankica. You have done well and its great to see all the persistent work, encouragement of others, mentoring and coaching is paying off.
Looking forward to what I will be learning from you in 2012. You are appreciated friend and I continue to learn heaps from you.
Patricia Perth Australia
Oh I have some strange feeling that 2012. is gonna be yours
Hey Brankica,
Really inspiring post, thanks for the mention, I really appreciated it, it means a lot!
Same to you! I would love to take this chance to thank you for the great support you gave to me!
For your post in the contest, I simply can say it’s one of the most visited posts on FamousBloggers.net, I remember when I first saw that post when it was still pending, I said WOW! and I knew it will change the way you think of blogging, I just knew it
All the best in 2012
Oh that means the world to me. Do you know how many times I thought of submitting another post for review and I am too scared, lol. I wanna live up to that one so I will have to work hard on it
Hey Pit,
Loving your 2011 recap post, I was getting worried you wouldn’t write one!
My heart started pumping really fast when I saw my name along some big names on your update in Google Plus.
I’m pretty sure all those people might be wondering who the heck ‘Sergio Felix’ is haha
Anyway, I think that this year was a huge bend on your progress’ curve and it has been very rewarding to see you go from an amazing blogger to a totally AWESOME webpreneur in such a short amount of time.
I can only wonder what the heck are you going to bring to the table once the 2012 ends (let’s just hope the world doesn’t ends before that like the Mayans said lol)
Take care and stay AWESOME Pit, really wish you nothing but the best for 2012!
Sergio
PS. Danny says you got him on Clicky. Well, you got me on Clicky AND Thesis! LOL (really grateful for it though)
Haha, it feels good that people are liking my recommendations, like Danny and you. I learned from Lisa that I should always recommend only stuff I truly believe in and it is obviously working.
I started the year as someone who was all into niche sites and nothing like what I am ending the year. In 2012. I do plan to build a niche site again, lol. Not the small ones people think of when you say “niche” more like a bigger one like the pet site I have.
And I hope to keep this blog going and helping people as much as I can. I love the experience I got from this blog as far as connecting with you all goes. It has been a great journey and I hope to continue it with everyone
Hey, thanks for the mention! Holllllllaaa!! lol
I’m very glad we became friends, and not only because I learn so much from you, but because you are definitely a very cool person.
I like hanging around here and I can’t wait to see what you bring for 2012, I’m sure it will be off the chain. Happy New Year!
Oh you never know with me, lol, I always think of some crazy ideas
And I plan to have fun with you this coming year too, I love your friendship and art!
Brankica,
Thanks for sharing all this great information on how you became so successful!
I am going to comment on that video. I love it. I love that fact that you conveyed the point quickly without rambling on like a lot of people do! Yes, I have used a similar method in the past but will def use in in 2012. Outsourcing is a great idea that most people don’t think of. For my Social Media I will be doing Facebook, YouTube and learning more about LinkedIn and Twitter and how to maximize those venues.
You mention guest blogging. Question: when you guest blog then you cannot use the same post in your own blog because of duplicate content. Is that correct?
And yes, Kimberly and Hesham are def knowledgeable, friendly, helpful people!
Keep up the great posts!
Take Care,
Jupiter Jim
Thanks for given this nice info which will help to all bloggers in 2012 to take their blogs on huge heights.
You are welcome
Hey Brankica!!!
Love this post (Not just because you gave an awesome mention
)
Here is to a HUGE 2012 for both of us! Thank you for all your support and inspiration … you rock!
And yes, to Aweber & Clicky … gonna check out Buffer!
Rock on my Social Media Sharp Shooter!
Hey I can’t wait to brag about our “collaboration”, lol. Everyone is gonna love it and as you said, here is to a huge 2012!!!
You will loooove Buffer, it is so cool when you get into a reading frenzy or something.
Hi Brankica
That is some great people you have included and I am happy to say that I know almost all of them (I must have been paying attention in the Blog Like a Star Classroom). Of cause Sergio and John are the big stars in this post, but I guess that if the other no-name Bloggers keep on reading your posts and follow your advice they can also be successful. I see some great potential in them 
Great recap post you have made for us and you even put my name in it
I am very happy that I got to know you in 2011 Pit and I can’t wait to see you push away Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga away from the YouTube world domination with your upcoming videos in 2012
Happy New Year Pit.
Haha, you just keep picking on me like that and you will get an un-honorable mention in my first video, lol.
I really appreciate that you are sticking around with me and I am still waiting for you to maybe say “Hey Pit, maybe I should guest post on your blog or something…”
Hey Pit, I would love to write I guest post for your blog, but then I would have to come up with something really great for your mighty blog. Maybe it will happen in 2012
Such an inspiring post Bran and congrats for all you have achieved. I think that despite all the support you got from those wonderful people (which is trully a belssing), the thing is, they can just do so much… What you said at the last part, is extremely important and one that I am convinced is what separates succesful people from the rest… “Don’t just read about it, don’t just plan to do something, don’t just dream about something – DO IT!” I never cease to repeat this over and over… Once again, congrats and here’s to a wonderful, better and successful 2012, for you, your family and your online ventures
Francisco, thank you so much. You are one of the people that I learn from a lot and that gets me to sign up for some cool stuff all the time, lol. I know 2012. will be cool for all of us and I would love to work together towards bigger goals
hey Bran – nice of you to give props where deserved. Congratulations on a wonderful, successful 2011 and all the continuing best in 2012. no doubts you will surpass your achievements in 2011
Hey Sunil, thank you so much. I think if I get in 2012. where you are now, I will be a happy player
Brankica,
I found your blog a while ago and read it here and there. Not often. But in the last month I wait for posts from you. I don’t know why the sudden change in me. I don’t believe it is you or you content that has changed. I guess i finally realized a good thing right in front of me. Glad I kept you on my radar.
I am a slow learner and 2011 was a struggle for me. I plan to change that in 2012. And you bet I will be here often.
I love this post!! Simple yet so informative.
Cheers to 2012!
~Allie
Hey Allie,
I have to say that I love your blog and some others that I just seem to not have time to visit as much as I would want to and when I do, I read the post and not leave a comment. So that is one of the things I would love to change. I think I just always have too much on my plate but I have started to learn the power of saying NO, lol, so I may finally organize myself better.
I am glad you like to come here and that happens to me sometimes as well, where I will read a blog a bit and then realize that I just have to read everything they post. You gave me a push with that comment, cause now I am always going be on the edge if what I am posting is good enough to keep people.
Since you said 2011. was a struggle, if it is something you think I can help with, if it has something to do with your online ventures, please feel free to email me, I would love to help if I can
Have an amazing 2012. and let’s concur it together !!!
Do you use both the Kindle and the iPad? And have you figured out how I can travel just with my iPad yet? Still can’t create content on the darn thing.
I have to say, being mentioned in the same breath as Danny, John, and Marcus makes my day. And I’m only comfortable saying that because I’m in a good mood and on vacation this week. Next week, though? I’ll never admit it made my day!
Happy New Year, my friend!
Bah humbug!!
Bah humbug yourself.
I use Kindle just for reading now. When I go back home, the flight is like 10 hrs and the whole travel is more than 15 so I may use Kindle just as a reading device, cause iPad won’t hold that long and I am never sure if I will have time to recharge it.
I still haven’t figured out about posting to your blog. I do use some apps to write my content, but I sync them to Dropbox and finish them on my laptop to publish.
I would think someone figured out this thing by now, but I don’t even think there is a perfect app for it yet. Wish I knew how to make apps, this one would make millions
PS I think you are done, you can’t hide the happiness about being mentioned in the same breath with the guys, Danny has already seen it…
Oh, have you tried doing it directly on the blog from browser, instead of an app.
Yeah – I’ve tried it both ways. It’s doable, but takes about twice as long and nearly impossible to include a photo. So I still travel with my laptop and the iPad. Some day they’ll figure it out.
I was wondering what you were talking about for a minute…
OMG you two
Hi Pitt,
Congrats on a very successful year!
I remember early this year when I was still taking baby steps in the ins and outs of the online world: every blog I went to, there you were leaving some awesome comments and one day, I decided to check you out. Back then you had a blog design with lots of white and red color theme. I remember it because it created a good first impression on me. One of your first posts I read was how to add an extra tab on the FB fan page (static FBML). That was exactly what I was trying to do on my food recipes fan page back then and it was so easy to follow that I had it set up in minutes. That tab is still in use till today
Since then you got me hooked on your posts.
I’ve watched you grow as a blogger while making critical decisions that facilitated that growth and you are doing a damn good job of it.
Keep it up girl, I wish you a more successful 2012
Awwww, I love red color, I just toned it down a bit cause seems not everyone likes it (weirdos) hahaha
I believe 2011. was great for you too, I have seen some amazing things happen, especially the new site you made, which is great. Thank you so much for all the great words, you know I love you!
This has got to be one of the best summary posts I’ve read (and I’m not just saying that because you mentioned me. lol) Brankica, watching you grow over the past couple of years has been super fun. You may not realize this, but YOU are teaching us things too. You are one of the best examples of using social media effectively today. You have the balance just right and it’s paying off for you big time. I wish you so much success in 2012 and going forward.
Headed to get that book on e-books!
Lisa, you really need to stop that, you know every time you say something nice to me I have a small heart attack. And one day you are going to kill me
But really I feel awesome getting all those great compliments from you cause you know you are always my number 1 person who I look up to!
PS Let me know what you think about the ebook on ebooks, I am so in love with that one!
Congrats on all your successes and you note some great people who I also follow and tools I also use, minus that I still use Mailchimp instead of Aweber, but am aware of the affiliate marketing stance. If I actually intended to try and make money from my mailing list, I would use Aweber instead of Mailchimp, but I just use it for newsletters for the most part.
I was curious in your MailChimp vs Aweber post if your mention of a newsletter including 5 sponsors in every update was mine? I include a sidebar with sponsors in every newsletter, so just curious if I was used as the baseline for that reference?
Nope, wasn’t yours
If it was I would mail you and tell you first! I am still not really trying to make money from the list itself but I just want to have a peace of mind in case I do recommend something I believe in and put an affiliate link in the email. Oh, and my favorite thing is tracking how different forms convert here, that is a lot of fun for me 
Yeah, my primary benefit from MailChimp is the social media distribution of the list and the fact that each mailing has it’s own web page and a user who is directed can join the list right from there. I gain more subscribers for my mailing list by distributing it on Social Media than through my own blog. I don’t know if Aweber has same feature, but I haven’t run across other bloggers/affiliate marketers social media messages which have lead me to see anything similar yet.
Yup, it actually does (not 100% if it is exactly the same) but you can subscribe to the RSS of the newsletter even. Here is my last newsletter for example http://goo.gl/JnGyU (snoop around, you will like how they have the homepage for the newsletter, the newsletter itself and even the RSS)
I like the RSS history and structure of it, but for some reason I can’t see where a reader can enter email and sign up to the newsletter from the archive URL you sent me? Am I missing it?
Hey Brancika, what a nice post! I think it’s wonderful you shared the friends you have in your back pocket! I do know some of them, but not all. I look forward to meeting them soon. That’s one thing I love about this industry… that is, that we only have a few degrees of separation and the people involved always seem to cheer us on.
I have seen a tremendous growth take place in you too. Not that I know you well, but I always enjoy your posts every time I visit you. You always provide great content and to fluff.
I wish you the BEST 2012. I think it will be my year to break out of this balloon and make things happen. sometimes, we just have to get our feet wet!
BTW… Dahlia is one of my all time sweethearts. I can understand how she would have had a huge impact on your mindset at times when you may have needed a little boost!
best regards
Jayne
PS: Sorry i reversed the K & C in your name.
!! I always catch myself doing this… except this time. My apologies.
It is OK about the name, happens all the time
You know, Dahlia is a genius, really, and you obviously know what I am talking about. I mean she digs the best out of me all the time.
You are also right about our online friends, there were days when I felt really down and chatting with some of you on Twitter would bring me back, lol.
I wish you all the best in 2012. and you know you can count on me if you need some help or some brainstorming “Dahlia way”
Bran, other than saying ‘thank you’ for the so very kind mention here, I just think you’re awesome, a ‘doer’, and you’ve got a really freaking bright future ahead of you.
I also hope that you might find a way to get out to an event this year like a blog world or something, because I know me and many other peeps would love to meet the gal with the guns, short hair, and big dog.
You rock,
Marcus
You know Marcus, I would love that too, so I will look into some of those events. I will have to go for something closer and shorter cause Roma won’t appreciate me leaving her but that is definitely something I want to do cause I wanna meet some of you in person
Hi Brankica,
I am very glad to have met you this year and look forward to continuing to get to know you better.
Same here, Jack, I hope to catch you in one of the hangout again soon, it was such a party that time
Hi Brankica!
It’s been such a pleasure working with you – you truly are a rockstar and go out of your way to help and encourage others. You are a tremendous help and I’m so glad that despite how busy you are – you still chose to be a part of the WBB team.
I’m sure 2012 will bring even greater success to you!
Thanks Keisha!!! I think my main thing in 2012. should be to learn how to organize my time better and be more productive
Congratulations on your success, Brankica! It is richly deserved, not only for how hard you have worked, but how much you have shared with others.
Best wishes for even more success in 2012!
Thank you so much, Carolyn. I hope to do even better and here is to us rocking the 2012
Thanks for sharing this information – very good stuff! It’s nice to know what works for others and what things to try for the future. I agree with the buffer app – LOVE IT! And some others you shared I have not yet tried but will be trying.
Thank you, Lisa. I hope you will find them as useful as I have
Brankica,
This is my first visit to your site but you’re on my Google Reader now. This is an excellent resource and we follow a lot of the same people.
I want to wish all the best in 2012 and I’ll be back for more.
Thanks,
Ryan H.
Hey Ryan, welcome to my blog and so glad to hear that I am in your Reader now
I wish you all the best in 2012. too and hope to see you here often!
What an awesome post! I’m glad you found my analytics posts helpful – I should have more coming in 2012! Hope you have a very happy & successful New Year!
Oh I am looking forward to stalking you even more in 2012
Happy New Year and I hope you get all your wishes to come true!
Danny Brown in his last post said that your blog was worth reading; and it’s a sound advice. I have just had a quick look at it and it’s great, full of good info and written in a great way. What else, you’ve another reader. Glad to meet you.
Thanks a bunch, glad you liked Danny’s recommendation.
Oh wow, just came across your blog, Best post Brankica. I can see a lot of effort and time went into this post, it’s also very useful.
Thank you. I will definitely be back to see more posts. Keep it up. Hope you had a great festive season. Happy new year. Rochelle.
Hey Rochelle, thanks so much and I hope to see you back
Hi Brankica,
Wow! What an amazing year you had. Congratulations on your blogging success in 2011!
Here’s to an even more amazing and successful year ahead for you
Mavis
Thanks Mavis, and I wish you the same
Hey Brankica…Thanks for the mention! Glad to have helped out in 2011. You’ve actually done the same for me…I’ve been learning a lot from your blog in the last few months. Anyway; here’s to your continued success in 2012!
Thanks, Steve, that is really encouraging to hear, I hope we both do even better in 2012
Inspiring post BRANKICA! Thanks for the suggestions and especially for the book ENGAGEMENT FROM SCRATCH………..Thanks again…….
Let me know what you think about the book, I thought it was amazing
Congratulations for all of your success Brankica in 2011 and here’s to exponentially greater success this year for us all!
Thank you so graciously for the resources you supplied in this post…now I have a lot of reading to do
~Kesha
Thanks so much Kesha and I hope your year is going to be amazing too. We deserve it
Hey Brankica!
This was a great wrap-up. I totally agree with your end statement. Don’t just talk about it–do it! That’s really what I’m trying to focus on for the new year. I’ve written down all of my goals. Then I’ve broken them down into smaller bits so that I do a little toward those goals each week. If I stick to it I know I’m making progress!
I also wanted to thank you for all of the great content you provided in 2011. I may not comment often but I always stop by to see what great info you’re providing next. I’ve really learned a lot from you and look forward to what you have in store for 2012:)
That is a great way to achieve the goals and makes you feel better cause you get to check off some things more often
So glad I could help in 2011. and I hope to be even more helpful in 2012. Hope you have an amazing year and thanks for sticking by 
Hi Brankica,
I really really enjoyed your post and the tips you provide. I am a new blogger and I discovered your Adrienne’s list of blogs.
I think I am going to stick with your blog because you give a great and valuable information. I am glad to find your blog.
Thank you for sharing.
It’s real nice to see someone humble enough to thank those that helped their success. Hesham is someone I also know well and he really is a nice guy – and yeah seems to never sleep with the speed he answers questions.
2012 is the year I take my blog serious, so be seeing you at the top soon!