Is Your Blog Stuck In 1st Gear?
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Especially if we’re talking blogging, as it’s way easier today than it was 10 years ago to update a website, or move things around, and find an audience.
If you find things are not moving fast enough, you kinda have to ask yourself some questions. The first one would be “why?”. Yeah I know, hard to answer, since you’re so focused and “into it”. You just can’t see why it’s plateauing.
But, if you have a clear idea of what your goals are, chances are it’ll be easier to find answers to your questions.
The Blogging Goals
Aaron from Today Is That Day wrote a post about 2 months ago asking his readers about their goals, it was titled 10,000 fists to freedom (I love that title). So I thought about my blogging goals, and to be honest, I’m not there yet (and it’s a 90 days challenge, so I have 30 days left), but at least I know what my goals are, which is already pretty good.
(*note to self: Jon, guess you have to finish that Conversational Blogging ebook soon. Just a friendly reminder from your right brain.)
Find Out What’s Wrong
What can you do today to make your blog better? I’m thinking of a new blog design, because I’m starting to feel that the one that’s up right now is not doing what it’s supposed to (not all of it).
I also wanna have 750 rss subscribers by the beginning of September, it’s been sitting at 300-330 for a couple of weeks now. So obviously it’s not working out. I have to do something about this.
Now Take A Step Back
Now you know what your goals are, and what needs improvement. Don’t change anything just yet. Wait! Take a step back, think about it for a couple of days, ask some friends, do some testing, gather some data.
Then, yeah… 2nd gear! :)
Your Turn To Talk
So, have you reached your blogging goals? What are they? What did you do (or didn’t do) to make your blog better? I’d like to hear (read) what you have to say. We all have different goals and our “own ways” of doing things, but still are you doing everything you can?
“no matter what it takes!”
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45 Responses to “Is Your Blog Stuck In 1st Gear?”
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Hey Jon,
I was getting stuck in the “grind”. Trying to stick to my 5 posts a week was too much on top of my other commitments. And my writing started to suffer.
That’s why I’ve started posting every 2 or 3 days and have been focusing everything on writing and learning even more about writing.
My only goal right now is to write stuff worth reading … interesting, informing, entertaining.
I like what I’m writing again. And that’s a good sign.
And for the record I like your theme. It’s clean, readable. Maybe some sort of tagline or introduction in the header to tell new visitors what you’re all about (like the sticky note, but bolder).
Shane, I too like what you write buddy! ;)
I like my theme, but I got bored of it quick, so I’m working on a new one now hehe, I think what I’ll do is “write when the inspiration strikes” and write more “on topic”, you know when you’re so “into it” you kinda focus so much you lose the ability to see that big picture. I think I’ll have to read ssome of my older posts again hehe
I always think there is something wrong with my page but I do not take it to the extent that I ’suck’
it just helps me more think of what else can be done, why is Jon getting more traffic than me, what is he doing that I am not - template, color, design, ads, content, etc I tend to try to imitate a blog or atleast find out some of its strategies
some blogs became successful trying to imitate blogs and learn its techniques - I get good enough traffic but traffic is always better
Hi Ian, yep I think we all do this to some extent, and it’s a great way to learn, studying others, how they do things, what works for them, trial and errors.
“fake it till you make it” ;)
I have met some of my goals.
I have written between 50 and 60 pillar articles.
I am very pleased with the sort of keywords people are using on search engines that have Hamelife appear on the first page. It might be the long tail, but it is gratifying. In fact, if I utilised this feature a bit more, wrote more posts containing the popular keywords I would probably garner more hits.
My writing feels like it has improved.
I have developed a theme that I feel like I will stick with - a couple of colour changes, an image switch, and a background if I want, and the site would look remarkably different.
My one regret is that I can’t seem to increase readership. I think I might need to interact a bit more - that might do it. I have also separated the content so that I just stick to the one subject at Hamelife, and confine all my blogging interests to my new site Clean Cut Blog, and that might also help. Someone suggested compiling pillar articles into an e-book, and that is something I will think more about.
So, there is much to be pleased about, and one or two things to work on…
Hey Rory, I like your positivity, it’s refreshing! It’s true, I’m also really pleased with some of my goals and achievements :)
I’ve also met some of my goals, although I know for a fact I can do more.
I think it was a good move to launch Clean Cut Blog, so now you have both blogs and they are more like “laser focused”
Hey Jon - very good read!
Personally, I’m meeting a lot of my goals, but not at the speed I would like to. I guess in a way, that’s how it works when you learn as you go….at least for me.
I’ve never really set goals such as “aquiring a certain number of subscribers”, but maybe I should.
Anthony, I don’t know what your goals are exactly, but I guess you met many of them, as you’ve released so many awesome wordpress themes in such a short period of time. Great achievement!
“learn as you go” - yep, I know what you mean, I learn so much everyday, that sometimes it makes me (re) think too much hehe
Jonathan,
You know that I’m a big fan of yours and I have no doubt that your efforts will get you to your goals, even if not right on schedule. You are dedicated and motivated, and I firmly believe that those 2 things outweigh everything else in the long run.
As far as RSS subscribers, I had hit a plateau there as well, and cranking up to the full-size orange RSS button that you now see above the fold on my site netted me more than 100 new subscribers in the past 2 weeks, so that might be something to think about.
I’ve got something else that might help you out, as well, but I’ll email you offline about it.
Hi Aaron, thanx so much for the encouraging words, really appreciate that! :)
Regarding RSS, I liked that note/post-it thing, but now I have a feeling it makes all the more important stuff at the top of my sidebar be lower on the page. I’ll definitely come up with something :)
I’ve been asking myself this question lately. I don’t write as much as some (maybe two - three times a week) so that could be improved, but other than that I’ve been trying to brainstorm and make the site better. I feel my design is solid and inviting (I get the most compliments on my design). My writing needs to get better and I know this, but it’s coming. I’ve just never been a writer and as with anything new, it takes time.
I’m not one to quit easily, so I’m all for the challenge. We’ll have to see what happens I guess. If you have any ideas for my blog I’d love to hear them…
Hi Deron, I really do like your design, it’s clean, and professional. (and your logo is perfect)
Just a thing I noticed, on your about page your sidebar has a different “layout”.
I’m not one to quit easily either. :)
does it matter what kindof a theme your blog is? like do some blogs categories make a lot more than others?
Hi sMarTwIthMymUnnY, honeslty I’m not sure, I think the theme is really a personal choice, some themes will fit better for business blogs and others more for parenting blogs, it’s personal taste I think :)
My blog used to get loads of comments around 10 per post - and now I get hardly any :(
Ross, have you tried to stop and think, try to find out what changed? Why the number of comments is lower now that it was before?
Creating specific goals is a must. I kind of lost interest in blogging near the end of my second year at school, but once summer began I got back into it. Every since, I’ve been participating in more communities leaving comments and posting on forums. My blog traffic increased, but now I’m stuck at only around 40-50 unique visitors a day.
It’s also hard for me to gain subscribers. This is a hard life! :D
-Gregg
Hey Gregg, hehe it’s not easy, but it’s definitely fun and rewarding, as we learn so much with each small improvements :)
I treat blogging like any other major endeavor in life–setting both long- and short-term goals. When I set a long-term goal, I want it to be something that I know will challenge me in every way..but that I know is achievable because others have succeeded in the past. For me right now, it’s creating an internet-based business that generates enough revenue within one year to replace my current full-time job. It’s easy to break that down into short-term goals to make sure things are staying on track. And if they’re not…it’s time to do exactly what you’re talking about. Review the results and the key factors that have contributed, make appropriate adjustments, and then full-steam ahead!
Hey Zen! Awesome goal! Best way (for me) is to break things down in manageable pieces, know exactly what the goal is, and go backwards from there.
I’m in the “make appropriate adjustements” phase right now. So will make sure I can go full-steam after :)
Goals, now that is a idea. Actually I am due to revisit my goals, since Q3 for the year just began.
I believe it is good to aim high for your goals. As an old sales manager once said,” Aim for Eagle bag a pheasant, but never eat crow” . He might have gotten that from Clement Stone.
Hey Adam, great quote, the higher your aim, the better the chances you’ll reach some goals, and it keep motivation high too :)
Jon,
Yeah, my about page right now is unfinished. Maybe you can give me your thoughts on this, but the “about” page is different because I was planning on listing my skills (already there) and below that listed current projects, rather than having the “recent articles,” “categories,” etc… Do you think this would be wise, or should I keep it consistent?
Deron, your about page is perfect! Maybe one thing I would add is a picture of you, makes it a little more personal, even if it’s not right in the sidebar, on the about page is cool, not necessary though (I personally like to “see” who’s behind the blogs I read) ;)
Hi Jon
I have a fairly new blog - I would love any feedback you have on it. And thanks for some really great ideas for improving my blog. I have only read 3 of your posts so far, but already have some specific things to implement. Thanks, TRCoach
Hi Tom! Well you blog definitely has a clear purpose, and the posts are on topic, so as far as content goes it’s all good. Regarding the design, maybe making all the social networking badges and widgets a little more “subtle” would be good, but apart from that it looks good! :)
E-mail me if you wanna chat, maybe I can try giving you some more tips
hi Jon,
I totally agree with your point of view. They are all very useful for me. And I have the same problem like Tom, and need some great ideas for promoting my site. Please help!
Thanks.
Jackie.
Hi Jackie, thanx a lot. Drop me an e-mail if you want, maybe I can help a little. Honestly I’m not too familiar with blogspot, but I can still try to give some ideas :)
I’m starting to meet some of my goals, but I still have a ways to go. The biggest drawback that I’ve got is finding enough time in the day to get everything accomplished that I’d like to.
I’ve got a plan though and I’m just going to stick to it and keep pushing forward.
Hey Clarke, having a plan is a great idea, so you can keep track of your progresses. Time is something I do have to manage better, seems there is always a million things to do ;)
I have no idea why they stopped - I still do my longer posts with the same good topics but they don’t attract as much attention. I don’t understand it - however people still visit my blog in the same number.
Ross, well you still get the traffic and you got some comments too, so it’s good :)
Maybe asking more questions and find ways to get your readers involved. Some blogs have thousands of rss subscribers and barely get any comments, while others have a truck load of comments but under 100 rss subscribers, it’s all in the writing I guess (or the niche, maybe)
Ambitious of you to set numbers for RSS subscribers. I think one of the best ways to actually reach that goal, is by setting the goal in the first place. Very valid point. To my surprise i have like 7 subscribers to my Groovy Veg blog, and that is so cool, also it is motivating in the sense of “success breeds success” kind of thing. I can (or should) now set a goal to up that number to 10, then 15, 20, etc.
I want to try and treat my blog as a business (like a service business) and focus on accomplishing the essentials which in blogging are content, design, promo, sharing, and serving ones readership. But also (as in any business) one has to measure progress and this IMHO is best done by setting goals and working towards them. That makes the blogging fun, result oriented, and hopefully profitable as well.
For this week, i”m going to set the goal of upping my RSS feed base from 7 to 10. I will do this by personal contact such as email as Darren over at Problogger suggested a few days ago, we try. Wish me luck, Jon.
Looking forward to your next post.
Missy.
Hey Missy! :)
Good luck, I love your positive attitude! By the way, one of those subscribers is me! :)
Try aiming for 20-30 instead of 10 (as feedburner stats are not alway “that” accurate), so from 7 to 10 subscribers will not make a big difference, try 30. And if you reach 20 by the end of the week, it’s still excellent!!
This is my first visit to your blog. This post is interesting. Why comments here are too lengthy? Any special reasons?
Hi AruntheACE, thanx for stopping by. Honestly I’m not sure, but I love long replies. Maybe it’s because my blog is very “conversational”, and I encourage discussions and comments :)
Right now, I am stuck trying to find to to finish my redesign, waiting for a PR update, and trying to figure out how to get more than one google search a day.
Hi HR, I’m waiting for the PR update too hehe :) (some PR prediction tools said I’d get a PR5, we’ll see, I wouldn’t mind at all)
Getting more Google traffic? humm, yep this is something I sould definitely add to my to-do list
[…] Is Your Blog Stuck In 1st Gear? - Jon gives some tips on how to progress your blog to the next stage. […]
Actually I have reached my first blogging goal.(lots of other goals that are not met yet though….)
I kept the goal very simple and easy to do. Launch the blog and get it indexed (lol… easy one right?).
Next goal is to keep the rate of at least one post per day.
Besides that I’m launching a similar blog in English (first one was my native language Danish). Hopefully I’ll be able to keep a posting rate of one per day there also.
Our blog was definitely stuck in first gear so we did quite a few different things just recently to get it going. First we moved from Blogspot to Wordpress which is a major improvement. We also changed the focus of our website completely - it was previously just random chatter but now we are focusing on working from home since it is what we know about. We also completely revamped the template. Will be interesting to see if it will make a difference although I can already see a change in the audience and an increase in traffic.
Thanks for the pep talk. I was starting to get burned out and am now fired up again to start working on it. Great article.
Sometime rare my blog stuck in first gear
The goals for my blog all revolve around (1) Traffic Numbers (2) Income Numbers (3) Search engine rankings for specific terms I’m trying to rank for. I broke up my goals into short, medium, and long.
My blog has been online only on 1st November 2007. It is nice to have goals, because you can achieve goals only if you make them first.
I am still learning. And trying to learn fast. PHP is way too interesting, almost magical. I’ve started to like it. Blogging also saves a lot of time, coz the CMS really helps in creating auto-links to other posts.
My Goals would be
1) Don’t be Lazy
2) Create content everyday
3) Promote the Blog to get PR
4) Monetize it using Payperpost or something similar
5) Celebrate after 90 days
What do you think? I’ll succeed if Google likes my blog, err.. i mean, if visitors like my blog… :-)