On June 10, 2014-- my 30th birthday-- I launched a little eBook called Building a Framework.
the original Building a Framework cover from 2014
I had started blogging a year and a half before that, and Framework was my attempt to create the resource I wished I had when I started. I wanted to walk people through the process of getting started and growing their blogs so that they could experience the same fun hobby-that-was-kind-of-starting-to-turn-into-a-business that I had experienced.
I wanted as many people to be able to access Framework as possible (and I was kind of nervous that people would hate it), so we launched the eBook with a "pay what you want" pricing model. We gave a "suggested" price of $24, but people could pay as little as $1 if they wanted and still get their hands on the book.
Even with our unconventional pricing strategy, I wasn't sure if we'd actually make any sales of the eBook. I mean, who was I to write a book about blogging?! I hadn't even been blogging all that long myself!
But as soon as we opened the virtual doors, sales started rolling in. I had an alert set on my phone that would go off every time we made a sale, and it felt like my phone was buzzing and lighting up almost nonstop that day. It was one of the most fun birthdays I can remember!
Here we are, nearly 5 years and two editions of Framework later, and it is now a full fledged course that has helped more than 11,000 people start and grow their blogs.
Grateful
To say I am completely humbled is an understatement. For that many people to trust me to help them along with their hopes and dreams and opportunities that blogging brings has been the greatest gift.
I have loved getting to be the biggest cheerleader for each and every one of our students as they've shared their success stories and trudged through the difficult trenches of getting started.
I've loved problem solving with people as they've tried to figure out how to make this thing "go" and celebrating with them when they've made their first few cents or gotten their first email subscriber.
It has truly been an honor to be a part of all of that.
A Decision to Make
This March, the current version of Building a Framework will be two years old, and so we had a decision to make.
With as quickly as blogging and online business changes, we didn't feel comfortable leaving Framework out there any longer than two years without an update.
But as our blog and business has also grown and changed over the years, we've found ourselves more and more pressed for time and having to make tough decisions about how we'd spend the time we have available.
We are an intentionally [very] small business. While some bloggers and online business owners dream of growing a team and having tons of employees and contractors to help them carry out the various aspects of their business (and that is amazing!), that has never really been the dream for us.
We like that our team is just Donnie (my husband), Brittany (my sister), and I because it allows us to be nimble, change things quickly if we need to, and pursue the projects and interests that are both intriguing to us and (we hope!) helpful for others.
So after a lot of thought, prayer, and weighing our options, we have decided to close the doors to Building a Framework at the end of February 2019.
It feels kind of dramatic to say it that way-- it's just a course, after all. But Donnie and I have put so much of our hearts and time and brains and sweat and tears into Framework over the years that in a way it has kind of felt like our 3rd baby! ?
(For those who are currently Framework students or decide to purchase Framework before the end of February, you will still have access to the current version of the course and our Facebook group will still remain open and active for some time. We want to make sure we keep our commitment to those who have invested in Framework to help start their blogs!)
As sad as I am to see it go, I am also excited for the time and mental space that will be freed up for us to be able to tackle new, fun challenges.
Looking Ahead
Donnie has started his ClarityList email newsletter as a way for us to be able to continue to help bloggers and online business owners by sharing articles that have helped us learn and grow-- that's the best way to keep up with what's going on with us business-wise, if you're interested in that.
We are super excited about our new Browser to Buyer course for bloggers and online business owners who want to grow their sites with marketing automation. (It contains some of the most helpful strategies that we have used to grow our own business!)
We have gotten lots of positive feedback about the Browser to Buyer workshop, so we know it has been really helpful to others as well, which is always the goal anytime we create a resource! It is currently for sale, and we plan to occasionally offer it "live" again too.
And since we will no longer be offering Framework, we want to be sure to create more detailed free resources that will be helpful for bloggers as well. (We are working on plans for this as I speak...er, type... and are super excited about what is to come!) As we learn new things, we're always willing to share if we think it will be helpful for others!
We also plan to delve into resources that others have created about blogging and online business and share our thoughts on those. Another reason we were able to be "at peace" with retiring Building a Framework was that when we created Framework, there weren't many comprehensive resources out there that walked people through the steps of starting a successful blog, and now there are TONS of them.
We want to look into some of the alternative options and be able to recommend the quality courses and trainings that we think will be helpful to people.
Thank you!
So that's my little "state of the business" update for now. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous-- change is always a little scary!
But our hope is that this change will be for the ultimate good for both us and for our readers, and Donnie and I are both super excited and optimistic for what is to come in the future!
Thank you so much for supporting Building a Framework and supporting us over the past several years! It really means more than you could ever know. We are so grateful and promise to strive to be as helpful as we can to our readers going into the future!
So exciting! yay!!! i was afraid you'd say you weren't gonna blog anymore lol! i'm relieved. i can't wait to see how amazing your posts are with even more energy in them!
Haha! I will still be here... no worries! 🙂 Hope you're having a great week, Ellen!
~Abby =)
Best to you and Donny as you take this big step into YOUR future. Thank you for all you’ve done and do to support others in creating their own futures.
Aw, thank you so much, Sharon! <3
~Abby =)
As a follower of your for years and a Framework user, I am so excited for you. I love your conviction to keep your business small and sharing that with us. I know what ever you do next will be amazing and as soon as I'm ready I will definitely have to check out Browser to Buyer. I pray that God continues to bless you, your family, and your business.
You are TOO sweet! Thank you so much, Ayanna! <3
~Abby =)
I'm so sad to see Building a Framework go. While I agree there are a lot of resources out there for blogging now, I think yours was one of the best! I appreciate how strait forward and detailed it is. However, I completely understand your decision and I'm looking forward to your next big thing! Thank you for working hard to help others and sharing your knowledge.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Laura! <3
~Abby =)
I'm sad about this too. The way you wrote the book was like you were right there talking to me. Your personality really showed in it and it was an enjoyable read.
I have heard great reviews from some of my blogging friends about Browser to Buyer.
Aw, I love to hear that, Jenny! I'm so glad it was helpful for you. Thanks so much! <3
~Abby =)
Wow!! Big deal!!! Sounds like you have some great things in the works which is so exciting. Building a Framework was the course that helped me get started. I'm so thankful you took the time and energy to keep it going for as long as you did!!
I'm so glad it was helpful for you, Renee! Love to hear that! <3
~Abby =)
I was just thinking of signing up because of Snazzy Little Things' endorsement. How long will you be servicing the course after the end of the month? In other words-am I too late??
Hi, Shannon! We have no plans of taking down the course for people who have already purchased (or will purchase it before March 1), so the content will be there in its current state for a while yet. The Facebook group will also continue on for some time. We won't be making new updates to the course or accepting new students after the end of the month, though. I hope that helps clarify!
~Abby =)
Wow, a huge decision... But it sounds like the right one for you ? I only just discovered you Framework course in early January & I'm sooo thankful that I did! Yours is definitely the most comprehensive course that I can afford at this time & it's helped me get my blog up & running so quickly. Thank you for sharing all your experience & knowledge in a way & at a price that the Average-Joe could access. ? And the FB group is one of the most helpful I've ever been involved in! I look forward to seeing what the future brings, for both of us ?
Thanks so much for your sweet words, Gemma! I'm so glad Framework was helpful for you.. we love to hear that! Hope you're having a great week! <3
~Abby =)
HI Abby
I too was going to purchase your program before the end of the month! I was also going to take advantage of the 3 payment plans of $33.00 x three. I have a friend that will be joining me. Will you still offer that till end of month please?
Thanks
Janella
Hi, Janella! Yes, you can use the 3 month plan until the end of the month. Thanks!
~Abby =)
Abby,
Ah, Change is hard, isn't it? I've loved the Framework, but it's all good. You and Donnie obviously have to do what's best for your family and business, as the Lord leads you. I'm just a little guy out here cheering you on and being blessed by what you do, and want to say Thank you! Keep up the good work (authentically, just like you've always done)?.
Blessings to you and your family! ❤️
You are TOO sweet! Thank you so much for your note of encouragement, Wendy! WE truly appreciate it. Have a wonderful week! <3
~Abby =)