Frustrated, Yet Excited. Most Of All, Determined

After over a year of not working on my site (I know, I know) I'm finally back... BUT. I've run into some issues that are the most frustrating for me because I really don't know anything about it.

Frustration #1: Autoresponder For Subscribers

Ummmm... Are there any that don't cost a ridiculous amount of money per month when you have zero subscribers?

Everyone seems to say "Start growing your list early" but HOW? Where? WHEN?

I've installed multiple plugins (and deleted them just as quick) looking for something that offers an autoresponder or AT LEAST the ability to customize subscription forms.

Ugh... Looking for something that isn't only for mailchimp, aweber, constant contact, etc.

Frustration #2: Pop-Ups Are Hard To Find As Well

I hate exit intent pop-ups as well as pop-ups in general. Once again, most marketers seem to say to use them and that they work the best but I personally find them so annoying and the last thing I want is to give my site visitors the same annoyance I've been given from other sites.

I have a form to subscribe in my sidebar, but who really clicks on that?

I know I probably shouldn't be focusing so much on designing my website and that i should just slap things together to make the site complete, but this is REALLY bugging me.

Frustration #3: Apparently I Broke My Site

I think I've been fiddling with my site so much that I broke it. i can no longer view it (I'm working from a Mac) because there are, "too many redirects".

It's Gonna Be Okay

I knew I would be back, I've kept my site this long and after rebranding (and somehow managing to keep the few bits of traffic I have been getting in my absense) I guess all of these issues have really come out of left field. I'm usually very patient, but because I'm an essential worker and because of the pandemic, I'm trying to be as productive with what little time I have to myself and I feel as though I'm spinning my wheels.

Things will be okay because I'm not giving up. I've been dreaming of working from home since I was 14 (I'm 31 now... soon to be 32).

I'll be damned if a few "minor" issues are gonna stop me now.

I'm really grateful for the WA family I have here, because no matter how long I'm gone, you welcome me with open arms and offer so much support.

It's True... It's Not All Lemonade

Sometimes you'll have to crash into a giant technological wall, but at the end of it all, we all know it's worth it and that's why, despite everything we've all been through, we're still here, together.

Things get hard and confusing because there will eventually be a time when we all encounter things we don't know, but it's SOOOOO much better when you have open arms to fall into (the super helpful WA community and tech support, which is on a whole 'nother level of insanely awesome).

Now That I'm Breathing...

I'm going to get back to work for myself and see how far I can get tonight before having to go back to work for my employer tomorrow *sigh*.