I’ve Been Blogging All Wrong!
As I got up this morning and realized how long it’s been since I posted anything on my blogs, I realized that I really don’t like blogging. In fact, in some ways I absolutely hate it. So I’m started asking myself if blogging is really doing anything for my business, if there’s better activities I can employ, and if I should continue blogging.
I’ve spent the better part of the last week analyzing my business.
I’ve delved deeply into my stats, tracked where the revenue is coming from, and analyzed my websites and traffic. Here’s what I actually came up with. Read more
10 Blog Traffic Tips
In every bloggers life comes a special day - the day they first launch a new blog. Now unless you went out and purchased someone else’s blog chances are your blog launched with only one very loyal reader - you. Maybe a few days later you received a few hits when you told your sister, father, girlfriend and best friend about your new blog but that’s about as far you went when it comes to finding readers.
Here are the top 10 techniques new bloggers can use to find readers. These are tips specifically for new bloggers, those people who have next-to-no audience at the moment and want to get the ball rolling.
It helps if you work on this list from top to bottom as each technique builds on the previous step to help you create momentum. Eventually once you establish enough momentum you gain what is called “traction”, which is a large enough audience base (about 500 readers a day is good) that you no longer have to work too hard on finding new readers. Instead your current loyal readers do the work for you through word of mouth.
October Issue of Answers eMagazine
This is just a quick note to let you know that the October Edition of Answers eMagazine is finished and available. Current subscribers will be sent the download information via email or you can download it directly from the subscribers’ area.
In this month’s issue the Cover Story is about landing pages, what they are, how to use targeted landing pages, and how to write really great landing pages. I’m also running a Special Feature about putting website counters on websites… should you have a counter on your homepage?
In addition, we’ll talk about the difference between reporting and being an expert on your blog, continue our series on tips to increase your conversion rates, and discuss why you should be gearing up for the holidays now.
All in all, it’s a pretty full issue, so I hope you’ll take the time to subscribe to receive your copy now at:
http://imarketingwatch.com/answers/
Our New Look…
Ch…ch…ch…changes! As you have probably noticed, iMarketingWatch.com has a completely new look!
Although several people warned me not to change our look and feel when the blog is soooo new, I just had to do it. I never liked the stuffy corporate/business feel of the old layout… it just wasn’t me.
I wanted something that more accurately captured my personality, showed a little energy, and looked sharp at the same time. Hopefully I’ve managed to accomplish all of that!
Advice I Received…
It really surprised me the other day when I received several comments on Twitter that blog skins and themes really don’t matter. Here’s one comment:
“I spend a lot of time on themes, yet I’m not sure it always matters. Content first baby!”
Although I agree that content is definitely first in a blog, I still think the overall look and feel is important too. In my experience on other blogs and websites, the look and feel of the website contributes significantly to the ROI and conversion rate. In addition, it helps to brand you in your niche, gives your website a distinct personality, and encourages repeat visitors… and who doesn’t want that.
Believe it or not, I had someone else on Twitter suggest that I should just find a blog I liked and copy it!
Obviously, I didn’t follow that one… this blog is completely custom.
More Planned For The Future…
I’ve got lots of plans for the future of this blog… but I’m trying to take it one step at a time, think before I leap into new things here, and take my time to develop it. I’d really like to make this much more of a visitor driven blog. In other words, I’d like to add features you want, add content you’re looking for, and provide the information you really want.
So let me know what you think about the changes I’ve made so far and feel free to tell me what you’d like to see in the future.
I look forward to hearing from you!
A Twitter Newbie Diving In
After all the buzz about how great Twitter is and how some people *get it* and others don’t… I just had to know what there is to *get.*
So this Twitter newbie went on over to Twitter.com and opened an account. I even went so far as to customize my page so it looks nice.
But so far I’m one of those people who just don’t get it… But I have to admit that it’s a little addicting. Read more
Answers In July
The July Issue of Answers eMagazine is finally out and available for your enjoyment (at least I hope you enjoy it!)
In this month’s issue we’ll discuss link trading and find out if it’s worth spending your time on, talk about a killer way to increase your article revenue, and point out some ways that you can actually market your business while helping your child’s school at the same time.
In addition, I also recently joined Dan Lok’s Insiders Club, so there’s a full review of that little gem as well. You can get your copy of this months issue anytime at:
http://www.imarketingwatch.com/answers/july2008.pdf
On a personal note…
The last couple of weeks have been a little rough, but thanks to your many well-wishes and a little help from above I’m well on my way to a full recovery. Thanks for your concern!
Answers eMagazine - June Edition Now Available!
I’ve been hard at work all weekend, but I finally have the June Edition of Answers eMagazine ready for you to take a look at!
This month we’re taking a look at:
- How to make your blog more profitable
- Finishing up the list building series
- Talking about great places to advertise
- Exploring how you can get testimonials for your new product… even if it’s in a brand new niche!
How to Get More RSS Subscribers… And How to Lose Them
EVERYONE could use more RSS subscribers to their blog. As you know, RSS subscribers are the lifeblood of any successful blog… without them, your blog is doomed to blogging obscurity. With lots of subscribers, however, you can bask in all your blogging glory and reap the benefits of a highly successful blog.
So HOW do you get more RSS subscribers?
Before you can figure out how to get more subscribers to your blog, you have to understand why people actually go to the trouble of subscribing to your feed. Here’s why people subscribe… are you ready?
Why Social Bookmarking May Be Important To Your Business
I had a long discussion with a fellow online business owner yesterday about social bookmarking… and they just didn’t get it. They didn’t understand the impact that social bookmarking could have on their business and their traffic, especially in some of the smaller niches. Then in dawned on me that a lot of online businesses might be missing the boat on this one, so I found a video that explains it all in simple English.
What’s With Dan Kennedy’s Blog?
Okay, I hate to criticize a marketing guru like Dan Kennedy… after all, he is touted as being THE MAN by tons of marketing types who really know their business… but what’s with his blog? Read more
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