As I watch some bloggers grow by leaps and bounds, I also see some whither and die. Fortunately, I will never give up blogging since I enjoy it - it gives me an opportunity to spread my ideas to people beyond my tiny Vermont town. However, so far, they haven’t being spreading very far. I haven’t been accepted into any blog networks and my linking is dismally low. Most of this is my fault, due to my horrible marketing abilities and small amount of time. So, in the next couple of months I am going to be working to improve my readership. To accomplish this, I have a few tools:
- Blog Redesign - I am working on a new design that will hopefully highlight content much better and drive up readership. Part of this, is developing a brand for myself.
- Improving content quality and frequency - I don’t post enough and my entries could definitely be better. This is where you come in. What would you like to see more of? How often should I write? What topics do you like? Is my writing style clear and engaging?
- Publicity - This is where I really need your help. If you have a blog, feel free to link to me. In return, I would be more than glad to return the favor. I also hope to comment more on other blogs so that I will be getting my name out more.
If all goes well, by May 31, I will have a readership of over 100 people. Additionally, Ads should be able to cover hosting fees. Visually, that looks like this:
With your help, I believe this can happen. Once I have a larger leadership, I will be able to justify spending the time writing quality posts rather than working on other subjects. Speak up! What do you want?
Ouch. I think one of the most depressing things is when I call for my readers to help me, and I get no response. Sigh.
Anyway, I’m not a regular reader, so I can’t really say what I like or dislike, but the best bit of advice I can give is to write about what makes you passionate. No matter what the subject, if you write about something you feel strongly about, your writings will be more interesting, more imbued with emotion, and therefore more enjoyable.
One other thing, too: don’t ever throw in the towel because you don’t feel like people are listening. Of all the people subscribed to my feed, only about 5% regularly participate in discussions. Sometimes it’s depressing, but then I remember that I blog first for myself and second for my readers. If you’re happy writing, then keep on going. Don’t worry about what people think or don’t think.
Thanks for the comment, Erin!
Yes, I would like to get some more discussion going on around here. However, I realize that readers need to feel I am giving them quality enough writing that it is worth a response. I do try to respond to each and every comment (and visit their site).
The majority of the time, I write for myself since it gives me a creative outlet. If other people benefit from my writing, that is fabulous too! That’s why I like to write about education since I have a strong interest (being confined to the system).
Hey,
I love what you’e doing!
Don’t ever change and best of luck.
Raymon W.
Thanks Raymon,
I’m really glad that you enjoy the work I am doing. Hopefully, the new design will make your experience even better. If you have a blog yourself, I would certainly love to read it.
I hope you continue to be reader, and even better, participate in the discussion. I love to hear from my readers!
Interesting Post.
I’d never heard that before.
Barney