Blog Snapshot At 4 Months
Feb
After receiving several requests from readers, I have decided to publish a post detailing the progress I have made thus far with my blog. My hope is that it will benefit you in some way.
To be honest, I am overwhelmed with the enormous amount of work that goes into trying to build a successful blog and am looking to you all for support and guidance.
The purpose of this post is two-fold:
- To share the strategies I have used to grow this blog over the last several months.
- To gather feedback on how I can improve this blog
The Starting Point
I published my first post on October 11, 2010 and as of today, this blog has now been live for a little more than 4 months. In that time frame I have experienced some highs and lows and have come to understand that blogging is indeed a HUGE roller coaster.
Although most experts tell us not to rely on analytics too heavily, I am a numbers guy and I just can’t help myself. I find myself checking my stats first thing each morning eagerly anticipating positive numbers.
The biggest problem I face with all the stats is that I really have no benchmark and therefore have no idea if I’m doing well or doing shitty. I’ve had a number of folks comment on the relatively fast growth of my blog, but I find myself comparing myself to the likes of Pat Flynn, Glen Allsopp, and Mars Dorian and end up disappointed. Probably not the best idea…
My Biggest Concerns
There a few statistics that I deem to be more important than others. Whether they are in fact more important is totally subjective. These are the things I try to make a concentrated effort on as often as I can.
- Comments. I love comments! I feel like it validates what I’m doing here and when they drop off, my enthusiasm drops off right along with them. My post about my love for comments will give you more insights into my feelings about them.
- Daily Visitors. Although this number doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, I follow it religiously. I need to know who visited, from where they came, and how long they stayed. I just need to figure out how to make it better now.
- Twitter Followers. When I first signed up for Twitter, I really made a big push to gather followers. I thought the more that I had, the more influence I would have. Not the case at all. I have come to realize that it’s all about interacting with a select group of people who actually care about what you are saying. As of right now I have 926 total followers. What does this mean? Nothing really because I only interact with about a dozen of them.
The Stats
Here are some of the statistics from my blog. Again, it’s not that I am trying to show off, but rather think this may be helpful for those just starting out and also helpful for me because I get to hear what you have to say about it.
Total Traffic Since October 11, 2010
Top Traffic Sources
Complete Statistics: 10/11/2010 to 2/22/2011
- Total Visitors: 9,598
- Absolute Unique Visitors: 6,496
- Page Views: 23,434
- Average Page Views: 2.44
- Average Time on Site: 3:58
- Bounce Rate: 52.50%
- New Visits: 67.27%
- Twitter Followers: 926
- RSS Subscribers: 226 (started 12/23/2010)
- Total Posts: 58
- Total Comments: 624
- Income Produced: $0
- Wives Pissed Off At Me: 1
- Overall Stress Level On a Scale To 10: 9.7
A Few Interesting Things About My Blog
Over the last 4 months, I have had a few interesting things happen that I would like to share.
- Originally, I used the BusyBee theme from WooThemes. After a month or so, I received a Twitter message from Nick at SiteSketch101.com in which he told me that my theme was overused and under amazing. Yea, that prompted me to search for a new one.
- More than 40% of all the organic traffic I received comes from Life Sucks related searches.
- I have received Google traffic from 693 keywords, of which about 10 I was actually trying to rank for.
Some of the more interesting keywords I have received traffic from:
- Life sucks when you’re fat
- How to become a miserable person (huh?)
- How to get un-miserable
- Quotes about how the human race sucks (where are they going to go?)
- Security jobs 19 dollars bullshit (I was actually trying to rank for this one…)
- What happens when you grind with a short person (this is hilarious)
What’s Been Working
I have to say that the best thing I have done to grow this blog is guest post. It’s been a great way to leverage much larger audiences. By far, my posts on Dumb Little Man have brought in the most traffic.
I have also really focused on building relationships with Twitter, although I will admit I have not spent nearly as much time doing it as I would like. It has brought in significant amounts of traffic,but more importantly, I have connected with some great people. After all, blogging is all about people!!
I also think that my willingness to be completely open and honest about my daily struggles has helped my connect with a number of people. I have to say that I am not a fan of bloggers who offer a one sentence bio about themselves. Show some personality, dammit! Who are you?
Another thing that I have found to be very useful is asking others for their input. There are soooo many people out there that know way more than I do about this stuff, so why not ask them for their advice and opinions. I have received some great feedback and also some harsh criticism. Both are welcome and I have learned a lot from them.
What Has Not Been Working
The biggest hurdle I face each day is time management. My to-do list has 22 things on it right now and most of them will take a decent amount of time to complete. The problem is I have no time and therefore nothing gets checked off the list.
When I do manage to accomplish a task, I end up adding 2 more to the list. It never ends. Is this normal? How am I ever supposed to catch up? If you have the answer, email me pronto!
There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to write, market, network, guest post, read, comment, interact, talk on Skype, educate myself, build relationships, create products, and write some more.
Even if I didn’t have 2 jobs and 2 kids, I still don’t think I could do it all effectively….
I have also learned the importance of choosing the right blogs to guest post on. For example, I wrote a post for Mario at HowToMakeMyBlog.com, which receives 25,000 or more monthly visitors. My post was about finding keywords using the Google Keyword Tool. Sounds good right?
Guess how many visitors I received from this post?
- 11
- 65
- 219
If you guessed 11, you would be correct. Needless to say, I was a bit shocked by the lack of action I received. There are a few reasons that could have caused this:
- My post sucked and nobody wanted to see anymore of my writing
- My author bio did not resonate with his readers resulting in very few clicks
- The post was so insanely awesome that it was taken down by Mario, copied, and then locked away in a vault for safe keeping where it will eventually be sold at auction. Yea, that’s it…
My takeaway was that you need to find the right audience for your post. Even if your niche is about making money online and you submit to a make money online blog, you still need to read their blog first to see what their readers are used to.
Another thing that I need to get better at is commenting. When someone takes the time to write a valuable comment, it means something to me. Thus far, I have not been very good at returning the favor. I think it has hurt the number of comments I have been receiving lately.
Now, if you don’t care about how many comment you get, then fine, but for those of us who do, it makes sense to spend time on their blogs, read them, and leave thoughtful comments. I will do more of this starting today.
One important thing that happened last month was a discussion that took place in my comment section. I had received a constructively harsh email from someone explaining how my negative attitude was a huge turn off for him and was probably turning off many others as well.
I took his advice to heart and made a choice to focus on the positive for a change. It’s my goal to help people and just pissing negativity didn’t seem like the answer. My post, The Theory of Positivity, details my ideas.
My Concerns
A few things are of particular concern to me right now.
- My comments. They fluctuate so much, I’m not sure what to think. Often it seems like my regular readers/commenters have all but disappeared. Is this normal? Why is this? Is my content getting worse?
- My RSS subscribers. First off, I realize that the topic of my free eBook does not necessarily match the subject of my blog. This could be one reason that my subscribers growth has stagnated. Other than that, I’m not sure why people are not subscribing.
- Monetizing. My goal is to replace my day job income with the online business that stems from this blog. However, I have yet to figure out exactly what that will be. I have considered a number of different methods, but am undecided on the path I will take. It’s actually quite frustrating not having a income strategy….
If you’re still reading this, I appreciate it!
Please let me know if this is helpful at all. If not, I’m sure I can think of much better uses for 1600 words.
I am very interested in hearing from you and would love to hear your thoughts. What do you think I should be concerned about? What can I do better?
Ashley
I started up my blog approximately 1 month after you did and have had many of the same struggles.
Comments are by far the biggest thing that has helped, as well as hurt, me. Commenting on other blogs is a must, but can get incredibly overwhelming. It’s a huge task to take on, but so worth it. I have gained plenty of new readers by taking the plunge and leaving a comment on their site or returning one after they left one of mine. It’s been crucial to my success.
I’ve also found that when I write from the heart, that’s when I get the most comments. A true gritty real post. Not every post is deep and thought-provoking. I like to have the quick posts in there, too. But it’s hard not to want to comment when someone’s being open and honest, just like this post here.
Overall, I loved the post. It’s nice to see how others feel when they’re close to the same phase as I am.
Steve
Hey Ashley,
Although all the experts tell us that commenting is a poor way to get traffic, I think the key is leaving quality comments that actually show that you read the post. It’s not going to drive huge amounts of traffic, but you may just gain a loyal reader and hopefully a friend.
I’ll take 10 good relationships over 500 new visitors any day.
Writing from the heart is such a great way for people to get to know you and (hopefully) like you. Too many blogs are focused on just offering information and there is no real person behind it all.
I’m glad to see you enjoyed my post, I wasn’t sure it would go over well. 🙂
Jackie Lee
I think the “experts” say that it’s not a sustainable/long term best bet for a traffic strategy. However, I truly believe blog commenting is one of the VERY best ways to get started. You get to meet new people, form new relationships, and you’ll get traffic as well.
Also… your ebook opt in is for your “email list” right? That is totally separate from your RSS subscription. Personally I don’t pay much attention to the RSS subscriber number… your email opt in number will be a much more important metric than your RSS subscribers.
Steve
Hi Jackie,
I am starting to really understand the power behind commenting. Patricia from Lavender Uses is a great example. She has dedicated much of her time to leaving insightful comments for others and is reaping the benefits. Her posts get tons of comments and I know she has many a number of friends.
To get my free eBook, you need to opt-in for my newsletter by providing your email address. It’s separate from the RSS, which allows people to read my posts in their reader. I also have the email update option, where people will receive my posts in their inbox. I was confused about it for weeks after it was setup for me.
Everyone says that the money is in the list although I have not tried to market to them. I think the RSS subscriber count is for social proof really. They will not make a blogger any money, but for some reason, people (including me) like to display the count. I just like to see the numbers go up (when they are, in fact, going up)….
David
I also started my blog a month after yours! But I didn’t really beging to put serious time and effort into it until January of 2011.
I’ve been struggling with my blog. Things that have given me positive results are Guest Posting and writing authentic content. When I started the blog I had zero authentic content. I was a little scared to be authentic in my writing. I’m starting to get over that and I have found that being authentic allows me to be more creative which leads to better posts that resonate with people.
As far as monetizing your blog goes, the only thing I can recommend is an affiliate program. Get to know your readers and find high quality products that you could recommend. With your current traffic numbers, this is probably the only way you can make money (google ads or private ads won’t make much). Leverage your newsletter list to promote your blog and affiliate products as well.
Steve
David,
In my opinion, being real and authentic is the best way to build relationships with your readers. They end up caring about you. I had a reader email me a while ago saying that he thought my posts were too negative and depressing but he was going to keep coming back to read because he wanted to follow me! He had found a number of similarities between us and he felt a connection. That’s what it’s all about for me.
I’m glad to see you are thinking the same thing. I hope it works well for you.
I’ve thought about using affiliates and I may implement that at some point, but I just don’t feel the time is right. I’ve actually been pretty slow with the newsletters I am sending out and have not had a good response to my questions in them. I need to get better at that…much better.
Adriennemay
I just wrote about OUR BIG HAIRY Goals on my blog… so I can understand your post. I think that if you set some more concrete goals you might feel better, like you are making progress at x rate and etc!
Steve
Adrienne,
Good point. I have not set any concrete goals. Probably would make sense to do that, huh?? 🙂
Steven
Steve, very interesting post and as a few of the commenters have stated, I am right there with you. Having the time to do it all is a killer, especially when you are also trying to learn how to do it all as well.
My only advice would be on the final point you made on monetizing your site. Why don’t you take it to your readers? I learned this from a few successful bloggers and it seems to work for them. In other words, create a post on what your ideas are and ask the readers what they would be interested in (I guess this would only really work if you are thinking of creating a product). Good luck.
By the way. I am one of the 926 followers on Twitter, why haven’t you followed back? What’s up with that?
Steve Young
The Leadership Dr
Steve
Hi Steven,
You nailed it. Time is my enemy and it sounds like you’re struggling with it as well. I just can’t figure out how people get so much done, especially when they have full-time jobs.
You idea about asking my readers what they would be interested in possibly buying makes perfect sense. I have been hesitant for fear that it would piss people off. I don’t want to be cast as just another blogger trying to make a buck and at the same time, I NEED to make money if I am ever going to quit my job.
At some point, very soon, I will make a decision on how to generate income.
Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.
My bad on the no follow-I will take care of it pronto 🙂
Kim
Steve, I read the whole thing! You are funny, which makes reading your posts enjoyable. I started my blog in December and I have to say that your blog’s stats are kicking my blogs ass. So, you should be proud and keep your head up. You are doing good work and have a good following. Four months if nothing! If you were starting a bricks and mortar business would you expect to be shopping for your first yacht in four months? Nope.
I also wanted to say thanks again for mentioning my blog in your previous post. I’ve received some good traffic and since I’m a numbers person too I’ve been thrilled.
Wives pissed off at you- 1. Haha. Hilarious!
Steve
Hi Kim,
Thanks for the compliment 🙂 Like I mentioned in th epost, I really have no frame of reference for my blog stats, but I do know that I have been busting my ass since October. I only hope that the growth continues.
My ultimate goal is to overtake Mashable, Tech Crunch, and ProBlogger. I’m sooo close now.
I really enjoy your blog, so it’s my pleasure to mention you! Glad you saw a rise in traffic..
Yea, my wife didn’t care for my “Show Me The Money Post” and looking back at it, I can see why. Bad idea. Rule #1-don’t piss off the wife!!
Patrick
Hey Steve,
As someone in the process of setting up a blog (i’m writing post ideas in longhand on the train into work), what I like about your blog is your personal style and easily identifiable subject matter. As you have a clearly stated goal, I’m really rooting for you to achieve the time and freedom you desire by ending the grind. It’s refreshing to see some self reflection on the internet that doesn’t descend into self pity.
Keep up the good work, you’ve achieved a lot in your first four months, you can achieve even more in the next four!
P
Steve
Hey Patrick,
Glad to see you are getting ready to start your blog. What will it be about?
My goal has always to be as open as I can ( if I am any more open, my wife just might kill me:) and I think it helps people identify with me and my story.
I’m not a huge fan of mystery bloggers. I like to know the person behind the content.
I definitely appreciate your support, I need all I can get! I have a long way to go before I can quit my job so I plan to keep going all out until I get there.
Caleb Wojcik
Hey Steve,
I would say you are doing great so far. I know it is hard to determine a plan for income as I am two months in and struggle with the same thing. For now I am just trying to grow my community, brand and image and putting monetization on the back burner until I know exactly what I have with my website.
I also check my stats way too much. I try to do it for a reason though and limit my time looking at them to about a minute each day. Its more important for me at this point to be creating content and connecting with like minded people.
Keep it up!
Steve
Caleb,
I think what you are doing makes the most sense. Forget about money for a while and focus on building something special. Creating a thriving community with your blog is awesome and I wish you luck. I am also trying to do that, but as you know, it’s not easy.
Stats are fun, but don’t mean a whole lot at this point for us. It’s cool to see the spikes in traffic and do offer some motivation when things are going well. Like you said, I think trying to connect with like minded people is THE best thing to early on.
Keshav
Thanks Steve for the stats and insight. Your growth rate has been awesome.
There are two main reasons I love your blog.
1. Your writing is honest. Its not easy to find a voice like yours. This post is a great example.
2. I love your blog’s theme. Reading content is a pleasant experience.
Oh and I also love the images you put up. Maybe you should write a post about finding great pics for a blog post.
Steve
Hey Keshav,
I’ve been pretty happy with the growth so far, I just need to figure out how to make it continue!
I prefer blogs that are open with their readers. I think more and more bloggers are discovering that it works better when their readers get to know them.
Matt Trostle
Hey Steve,
I feel your pain bro! I think your doing pretty damn outstanding for 4 months work.
A lot of people outsource certain things on places like Guru.com and Elance.com (of 4 HourWW fame), that’s why they get so much done. Probably don’t need to do that yet, just keep cranking out the posts.
An idea for monetization; there are all kinds of ebooks, blogging programs, and other affiliate programs on your niche. Write “review” posts about the ones you are learning from, like case-study type posts, and link to their affiliate program. Honest reviews, even if not 100% positive, have great conversion rates.
Steve
Matt,
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
I have read quite a bit about outsourcing, but am definitely ready to go that route yet. I’ve thought about affiliate products and will start setting that up at some point, but am more interested in doing something unique. Setting up affiliate links are fine, but it’s boring. Of course, if I am ever going to make any money, I have to keep all my options open.
Glenda
Hello Steve!
I came here through your Dumb Little Man guest post.
Like many others, I am looking to start my own blog, but I will actually be plugging my services on it. I’m a translator and interpreter, and, having run my own business, I think I’d make a kick-ass personal/virtual assistant.
Having said that, I don’t really know what to focus on when writing my blog. I’m thinking I could certainly talk about languages, and my adventures as an interpreter (I got some funny stories) and a translator (kinda boring and technical). Thing is, though, I don’t want to just attract linguaphiles… So I thought I might blog about some other interests of mine.
However, I am one of those people with a myriad interests, many of which not pertinent at all the business/language.
I’m just tossing it out there: what do you think? Focused, or loose?
Also, how about STARTING? What do you think? Is it okay to start and then narrow focus? Or should I wait? Should I have some blog posts ready for days with writer’s block?
As I said, just tossing it all out there. It seems like you have some good insights, despite being a “beginner.” And, being a “beginner,” you might actually have time to send me some answers! 🙂
I’m bookmarking your blog, and I hope to be “seeing” more of you!
Steve
Glenda,
Glad you found me! Starting a blog can be overwhelming, especially if you are analyzing it like you are.
I can totally relate to your questions and would happy to help you any way I can.
I’ve got some ideas for you and I will shoot you an email tomorrow.
Thanks for the comment!!
James M
If it makes you feel any better, I compared my traffic from Oct 11-Feb 22 to yours and you are easily double the number of visitors, triple the page views. I went into it not too seriously, and my writing does not fit any niches, so I know my numbers are going to be weaker than mosts. I think you’re doing a terrific job with all your posts here.
I put up a guest post on a fairly popular blog, as well. It’s accounted for 10% of that blog’s pageviews so far. The number that have clicked over to me? 6. I think a part of the problem was it was only my first guest post there. I have another scheduled at the beginning of April, so I’m hoping for some improvement (at least 10 click-thrus!).
As for the number of comments dropping, I’ve had this problem as well. I think a big part of it is that I haven’t been commenting nearly as aggressively as I did in the past. If I’m not doing it, why should they? It may also be because they aren’t receiving any traffic from my site, or there are bigger fish out there that do more for them. It’s changing slowly, but I’m like you, I would rather develop some sound relationships with other bloggers/readers than worry about the numbers game.
You have great stuff here. Keep it up!
Steve
James,
I appreciate the compliment!
Are you saying that you only received 6 visitors from a high traffic site? Was the post relevant to your blog topic(s)?
When I guest post on Dumb Little Man, I usually see between 100-250 new visitors for the first day or 2. I also have had guest posts that have only driven a handful of visitors despite the fact that the blog has 100k+ visitors per month. You need to find a site to post on that will have a high click through rate.
I don’t think that the fact that you are not commenting is affecting your comments. How do your readers know how oftern you comment? They don’t. If people are truly interested in what you have to say, it won’t matter how many comments you leave. It definitely doesn’t hurt though to leave comments on your readers blogs!
Keep in mind that blogging is a roller coaster. Your numbers will go up and down, so try not to get too caught up in them. I struggle with this all the time and it’s so frustrating, but you will drive yourself crazy. Focus on quality content and building relationships and comments will come…