Well hello to you, my reader chums! I'm shocked that I've been typing away at this blog for 12 years; that's my biggest commitment. My blog is the greatest gift my younger self ever gave me, and I'll always be thankful to 16-year-old me for signing up to Blogger and creating Della Loves Nutella.

When I was that young, I never knew what this blog would become. All I knew at 16 was I wanted to be a writer, and blogging was a popular thing to do, so I created mine. And, 12 years later, I'm still typing my thoughts away on my internet space, with more knowledge and life experience than at the beginning.

Stopping this blog was never an option, as I've loved it for so long. This blog has been the heart of my marketing career, helping me create blog posts, learn about SEO, develop skills around influencer marketing and social media, and build an online profile for myself. Granted, over the last few years, I've stepped away from that profile; this blog is now a space where I continue what I set out to do: share my personal experiences, advice and tips to hopefully help others.

Why do I still blog?

I debate this a lot because my audience is different from what it used to be; blogging has lost its popularity, and long-form content has certainly altered since AI came into play, but it's not stopped me.

I never set out to build a massive audience or become what we now call a 'content creator'. I blogged because I love to do it. I love to write and share my thoughts, experiences and words. It's a blessing and a privilege to me that I'm able to do that and have people who still read those words to this day.

I blog because I love to learn, develop my skills, and share advice and help for others, whether they're reading my more personal posts or interested in a travel guide I've shared. I blog because researching, writing, and editing are my favourite things to do; they bring me joy every day.

I'm lucky enough that as a freelance writer, I do write for a living; I work on people's websites, blogs and social media platforms, sharing gorgeous words and captivating stories with their audience. Without this blog, I wouldn't even have realised that's what I wanted to do or know that type of job existed. I always wanted to be a book writer, but didn't know content writing was a thing at 16. I thought you had to be a journalist and write about the news. Blogging has opened my world for the last 12 years, and it keeps on giving.

I've been lucky to receive PR mail and collaborate with other bloggers. I've been blessed to attend certain blogging events, meet like-minded people, and share my honest thoughts.

Reflecting in April every year is a gift. I've read many blogs over the years, and only a few people started their blogs at the same time as mine.

Thank you to anyone over the years who has read my blog, shared a nice comment or connected with me; it truly means the world. My teenage self would never have imagined the kindness I've received online and how blogging brought opportunities in my adult life.

Here's to the next 12 years and many more of Della Loves Nutella!

I hope you enjoyed this post. How long have you been reading my blog for?

Thank you for reading <3