What They Forgot to Tell You About Blogging… Part 1

Dec 202011
 

Blogging Tips
So You Thought Successful Blogging Was Just About Writing Good Posts… ? Wrong!

There is so much information online today about blogging. I don’t know if you’ve noticed yet, but a lot of the information doesn’t really help you. There’s some really good stuff, but there’s also some that just doesn’t seem to matter.

Unfortunately, when you’re new to blogging, it’s not always that easy to separate the information that’s misleading or leaves holes from the information that you should be paying close attention to.

So let me share with you some points about how to make a blog successful that you may not be aware of yet.

1.  A successful blogging business doesn’t happen overnight

When you find a blogger that is extremely successful, you must know that it came with a lot of hard work. Whether they did it themselves, or outsourced almost everything, a lot of work still had to go into their blog before they saw real success.

It takes time to develop your brand and your online voice. And don’t feel bad if you start blogging and realize you need to chunk it and start another one that takes a different direction. It’s not uncommon. Learn from whatever didn’t go right the first go round and implement it with your new blog.

In reality, successful blogging isn’t that difficult as long as you understand and implement these principles.

1.  Pick a good niche that people are interested in reading about
2.  Figure out how to continue giving them the information they want
3.  Make sure you’re interacting with your online community
4.  Learn and implement SEO and link-building

Conquer these blogging necessities and you’ll do well.

Just like building any business, there comes a point where momentum sets in. That doesn’t happen overnight either, but once it happens, there’s no looking back. As you’re working on your blog, think of the ongoing benefits that will happen over time. Don’t go into it looking for an overnight sensation.

How Does Blogging Really Make You Money?

It surprises most new bloggers to understand that you use your blog as a platform. That platform then directs your readers to other places where your money is actually made. It’s the products, services, affiliate items, courses, trainings, etc. that makes the money happen. Your blog is the hub, or the source that helps you create your brand that will lead your visitors to your offers. Once you understand this, you know one of the most important facts about blogging. Build your blog right, and you’ll have an opportunity jam packed with income producing potential.

 This is part 1 of the topic on things you need to know before you start to blog. Be sure to read Part 2 for the conclusion!

Click Here for Part 2 of Things You Probably Don’t Know About Blogging

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Attraction Marketing for Bloggers – Part 2

Dec 122011
 

attraction marketing for bloggers
So how can attraction marketing for bloggers really affect the way you do business online?

In Attraction Marketing for Bloggers Part 1, we’ve already seen how social media has influenced how we do business using the internet. In this section, I’m going to continue with some of the best tips I’ve come across when it comes to including attraction marketing with your regular blogging.

Part 2 Tips of Attraction Marketing for Bloggers

1.  Make an announcement to your readers about a new product you’re offering.

Using attraction marketing websites to announce a new product can be extremely effective. Remember in Attraction Marketing for Bloggers Part 1, we talked about the “sneak preview” and the fact that your readers are already familiar with you. If you keep them informed about new things coming up, they’ll spread the word through their interaction on your blog or online community. It’s almost as if your readers are helping you market your new product.

2. Have a place for your readers to offer suggestions and be open to feedback.

Many bloggers are afraid to let their readers chime in. Here’s the deal; If you want to incorporate attraction marketing for bloggers, you should strive to become an expert in the field that you’re blogging about. One way of becoming an expert is having your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in your niche. Being willing to hear what your readers have to say… good or bad, and knowing what they actually want, is a good way to make sure your head isn’t stuck in the sand. If you block your readers from commenting on your blog, how will you ever know what they think? All of your readers will have their own point of view, and you want to put yourself in their shoes so you can get a better understanding of how valuable (or not so much) you are to them.

3. If you want to seriously use attraction marketing for bloggers, you can’t be afraid of the video camera.

Did you know that video is 800% more effective that print advertising? Thanks to YouTube, marketing with video is very easy. Simply record your message through YouTube channel and put a link to your blog in the description. Don’t think you have to be a pro that making videos… especially if you’re using YouTube. You don’t have to spend a lot of money and you don’t have to use million-dollar video equipment. Pick up an inexpensive camera and get started! Using video is one of the best ways for your readers to connect with you. They can hear your voice and see your expressions. This always gives your blog visitors the feeling that they’re getting to know you better.

4. Create an article that and pose options that your readers can vote on.

People love to let their voice be heard. Let’s say you’re looking for a good name for one of your new products, or you need to create a new logo for your blog. Bloggers who use attraction marketing will share their ideas with their readers and give them an opportunity to vote on their favorite. We’re right back at that “ask them” point. Let your readers vote for the one they like best and you’ll usually end up with the best solution.

5. Photos, photos, photos!!

Do yo know that there are billions of photos hosted on Facebook? There’s a reason… people love looking at pictures! Whatever platform you choose to allow your readers to interact, be sure that you’ve given them the capability of adding their own photos. You definitely want to add your own pictures, but keep in mind… people love looking at pictures of themselves along with the things and people they love.

If you haven’t yet incorporated attraction marketing for bloggers into your online efforts, you’re missing out on one of the biggest marketing opportunities that exists. Take the time to understand it, use it, and monitor it so you’re well aware of what’s going on in your internet world.

Click the link to read Part 1 of Attraction Marketing for Bloggers

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Attraction Marketing for Bloggers – Part 1

Dec 122011
 

Attraction Marketing for Bloggers
Attracting people to your business through social media is all the rage, but what about attraction marketing for bloggers?

If you’ve been blogging for a while, you already understand that your blog will often be read by repeat visitors… people who already know what type of content you’re capable of providing. When you want to sale a product or provide a service using your blog as a marketing platform, it’s a lot easier when you’re marketing to people who are already familiar with you.

When you think about attraction marketing for bloggers, you know that you have a “hub” where your readers can actually interact and engage with you, without you having to spend much (if any) money. Other than your time… consider this free marketing.

So how can you take attraction marketing for bloggers to a level that will take the income potential of your blog to a whole new level?

Here are some pointers…

1.  For true attraction marketing for bloggers, be sure to engage in live interaction with your readers.

Your readers will appreciate the opportunity to have a ‘real time’ experience on your blog. This gives them the feeling that they’re able to have access to you whether you’re the one actually doing the interacting or not. This is a good place to either outsource or hire an inside employee to communicate with your clients. Online chats and sites like Twitter or great for this.

2. A perfect Option for those who want to use attraction marketing for bloggers; Offer a promotion.

Promotions can be either long term or short term.

For a short term promotion, you can offer a special price on a product that lasts for one or two days. By the way… if your business is offline, this is a great way to get more people coming through the door on a slow day.

For long term promotions, you could offer coupons, free information in the form of a report or e-book, a newsletter or a free “how to” tutorial on how to use or do something that pertains to your niche or business.

3. Offer something for free that your readers can benefit from to get an idea of what you can provide.

Attraction marketing for bloggers often comes into play when it’s time to introduce a new product to your readers. Depending on what the product is… let the first 200 customers try it at a deep discount. This will create buzz and get you some good testimonials (if it’s good). Put these testimonials where your readers can see what others have to say about your new product. Again, if it’s good, this is sure to get your more sales in the future.

4.  Offer a Sneak Preview to your readers who also interact on your blog.

Offering a ‘sneak peak’ is a great way to use attraction marketing for bloggers. It’s another great way to start a “buzz” about your new offer. Tell them what your product is and when it will be available for purchase, then give them a sneak peak to get the anticipation flowing. This will keep your readers returning to your blog so they can stay up to date on when the product will actually be available.

5. Run a poll on your blog.

When you want to know what your readers want, run a poll and get their opinion. Running a poll and using attraction marketing for bloggers let’s you know exactly what your readers are thinking, how they’re feeling, and what your next move should be. After all, this is why you’re in business… to provide a service to a group of people who need what you have to offer. What better way to hit the nail on the head than asking them…

6. Create a Discussion Board.

Engaging in chats among your peers is something that’s here to stay. Attraction marketing for bloggers through discussion boards is the perfect platform for this. Being able to follow the conversations of those who participate on your discussion board is one of the best ways to get a peak inside what your readers need from you. Check their discussions closely. You’ll find out all you need to know just by simply watching and listening.

7. Have a “Super Special Offer” for those who interact or participate in a certain way.

For those readers who visit your blog regularly, or comment the most, offer them something that will make them feel that interaction on your blog is definitely something they’ll want to continue doing.

Social media and social networking is here to stay. Attraction marketing for bloggers has become one of the main modes of marketing, so don’t let it slip through your fingers.

Read Attraction Marketing for Bloggers – Part 2 Here.

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Don’t Ignore Your All-Important Blog Sidebar!

Oct 082011
 

Blog Sidebar
When it come’s to your blog sidebar, there are certain elements that you shouldn’t ignore.

So what’s the real purpose for having a blog sidebar? You can use them for many different things. Some sidebar elements are for fun, some are for looks, and some are for taking care of business. However it goes, there are certain elements that you don’t want to leave off of your blog sidebar.

These elements will do more than keep your readers on your site a little longer, but often they will keep your readers coming back to visit often.

Here are some of the most important blog sidebar widgets that can make a major difference in whether your blog is successful or not.

1. An Option to Subscribe

If your blog has really good content, your readers will want to keep coming back to read more of your posts. So, make it easy for them. Put an RSS feed subscribe button somewhere in your blog sidebar. You want your blog to be part of the RSS readers of your readers. Some bloggers also offer the email option. This allows your blog readers to receive your new blog posts directly to their email inbox. In case you haven’t seen an email subscribe button, it looks something like this.

Subscribe By Email

2. Include a Category List

A category list makes it very easy for your readers to search the topics that you’re writing about. When they can glance at your blog sidebar and find their topic of interest, that makes it convenient and will often get them checking out some of your other topics as well… blog topics that they might possibly not have even been looking for. Just be sure to check the appropriate category after each blog post that you write. Don’t over-do it though… assigning more than 2 (3 at most) categories to one blog post can diminish the usefulness of your category element.

3. Add a Most Popular Posts Widget

I like this widget because it allows your readers to quickly see the posts that have had the most traffic. Usually when a post gets a lot of traffic, it’s pretty relevant information that most of your readers would be interested in. Having a most popular posts widget in your blog sidebar will keep your readers from having to dig through your site to find your best articles.  Sometimes readers will visit a blog and will go straight to the popular content rather reading your latest posts.

5. A Search Box

This element is pretty self-explanatory. The search box works much like the search boxes for any search engine. When you add a search box to your blog sidebar, it’s easier for your readers to find your blog posts based on your chosen keywords or phrases. 

6. Social Media Icons

Social media has become an internet marketing monster for making new connections with people… especially your readers. Social media icons allow you to link your social media sites directly to your blog. Your readers can click on the icon right from your blog sidebar and be taken directly to the social media site that coincides with the icon. There are many blog sidebar widgets that make it easy for you to add as many of your social media sites as you like and even a Facebook “like” box to grow your fan base.

7. Include a Call-to-Action

Now that you’ve got people visiting your blog, what do you want them to do? If your blog is designed for business purposes, this is especially important. How will your readers know what you have to offer that can help them? You should use many ways to instruct your readers on steps they can take to get more information from you. In almost every blog that you visit, you’ll find and opt-in box in the side bar. Try using links in your blog posts that will direct your readers to a lead capture or sales page, as well. You can also post ads to your blog sidebar in varying sizes that will lead your readers to your sales pages, or leave information at the end of your blog posts that will direct them elsewhere. Whatever you do, don’t leave out this all-important element of placing call-to-actions on your blog.

These are just a few most common uses for your blog sidebar. If you have some favorites, be sure to comment and share them with us.

For more information on working with your blog sidebar or great tips like these, be sure to subscribe to my RSS feed.

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How to Find Time to Blog With No Pressure…

Oct 062011
 

Blog With No Pressure
How to find time to blog is the question on the lips of most new bloggers.

Trying to find time to keep your blog alive is like trying to swim in the deepest part of the Pacific ocean. The problem is not that you don’t have water to swim in. The problem is there’s so much water, you could drown in the process!

The internet, working online, blogging, internet marketing… it’s all just like that Pacific ocean.

Trying to find time to blog can be a little overwhelming at times… especially for those who are still holding down a full-time job when they’re starting to blog.

If you want to be a good blogger, you’ll want to research, read, visit other blogs, and spend time finding good quality content for your readers. But, one thing you must be careful of is spending so much time ‘surfing’ that you don’t get any actual writing done.

I came to a point where I felt that I wasn’t being productive at all. So, I decided to take a couple of days just to get my ‘head’ in the right place. I knew I needed to find a way to find time to do what I needed to do on my blog.

Here are some things that helped me increase my productivity and find the time I needed to feel that I was being as efficient with my blog as possible.

1. Check Email Once a day.

This… from a person who gets hundreds of email messages every single day. I could literally spend my entire day just going through email. Some I toss, some I read, and some I respond to. All the same, it was taking just too much of my time. So I started saving it for the last hour of the day. Yes, on occasion I missed out on something that I wished I’d seen earlier. That’s when I started to separate my messages to go to different email groups. If I didn’t get around to reading the mail from the group of ‘lesser importance’ … oh well… there’s always tomorrow.

2. Create a “To-Do” List Every Night for the Next Day

This is probably one of those obvious, ‘duh’ topics, but you’d be surprised at how many people still don’t use a to-do list. That was once me. I finally figured out that I needed to have a clear focus for what I had to accomplish for my blog each day. It might be writing a new post, driving traffic, sending a message through my auto-responder… whatever it was, I needed to know. I use to just sit at the computer, turn it on, and whatever came to my mind at the time, I’d just do it. Believe me, this was not a good way (at least not for me) to go about my work day. I got less accomplished in more hours when I didn’t have a written plan of action for the day.

3. Make Your Blog Your Priority.

This one should almost go without saying, but as I reflect back on many conversations I have with my coaching students, I find it necessary. There are so, so many things we can do on the internet. Face-booking, Tweeting, checking out new sites, new systems, new e-books… I could go on. You will never run out of new (and exciting) things to explore online. But the secret is… (well its not a secret, really…) keep your eye on the prize. The prize will come from YOUR blog… so make your blog your priority. Don’t get caught up in all of the noise on the internet and ultimately neglect what you need to do for your own blog.

I read a blog post recently that mapped out a way to use your blogging time wisely. Some of it I liked, and some I didn’t, but it inspired me to come up with my own plan of action. Keep in mind… I’m a full-time blogger. If you’re not full-time, your schedule may have to be completely different from mine… Use this as a springboard or use the ideas to come up with a plan that perfectly fits your life.

In a nutshell… here’s the plan I adopted for how to spend my time to git’r done (without pressure) ;-)

1. Spend 50% of your time writing content for your blog (this includes podcasts, videos… all content)
2. Spend 20% of your time driving traffic to your blog (backlinks, article marketing, video directories, social media, etc.)
3. Spend 15% of your time commenting on other relative blogs, responding to comments on your blog, and networking with others in your niche
4. Spend 5% of your time improving your blog’s design and attractiveness
5. Spend 5% of your time reading other relevant blogs for inspiration
6. Spend 5% of your time checking your stats for successful keywords and sites linking to you

Not that you need to copy this system to the tee… but if you’re not sure how to find time to work on your blog while doing everything else you need to do, this seems to be a good place to start!

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Please Don’t Fall For the Get Rich Auto-Pilot Money Scams

Oct 032011
 

Get Rich Quick
Get Rich in 30 Minutes by Pushing a Button… NOT!

I wish I had a nickel for every email that I get from yet another online marketer who promises that I can take just five minutes out of my day, push a button, sit back and do nothing else, and get rich! Please, please stop it!

Come on people… When are we going to realize that if that’s all it took to get rich, we wouldn’t be in a crashing economy right now? Or let me say it this way. If there is a program that let’s you get rich for doing nothing but taking 15 minutes a day to push a button, it’s the best kept secret in the world!

Even the Guru’s who’ve learned how to use the internet to get rich and make millions every year, continue to re-invent their systems, develop new products, and more. So even though they have a lot more free time, they still take the time to do what’s necessary to keep the cash coming in. They just didn’t get rich by pushing a button for just five minutes a day, and then go out to sip wine coolers by the beach every two hours!

I hope this post doesn’t come off as though I’m a ranting maniac. I’m just tired of all of the get rich hype and lies that makes the reality of what I do and others like me, cheapen the trade that we’ve spent hours and hours to learn how to do correctly.

Here’s a question that pops up all of the time…

How do I get rich quick?

First of all, please understand this. There is no such animal as “get-rich-quick” unless you’ve inherited millions from a rich uncle, won the lotto, or done something that you can’t tell your mom about. :-)

Here’s a rule of thumb and it seems to work in every area of life…

It it sounds too good to be true, it usually is… so don’t spend your money!

If you want to use the internet to get rich, you can actually do it, but you do have to work. You just need to learn what to do and how to do it right.

This blog, as you may or may not know… is mostly for newcomers. My hope is that as you’re reading this, you’ll come to realize that as you keep surfing the net, you will continue to come across programs, even scams, that appear like they’re exactly what you’ve been looking for. Some of them will promise that you can start today and create instant wealth over night or get rich hardly doing anything at all.

My hope is that you won’t get sucked into buying get rich products that make promises that are impossible or downright lies!

Please understand that I’m not here to kill your dreams. You must have a dream and a determination to make anything work… and certainly to get rich. I’m here to snap you into reality, save you money, and your precious time.

See, most of us who are successful online have been in your shoes. I certainly have, and it’s why I’m so passionate about this subject.

You can easily end up purchasing a new product every week, thinking that this one will finally give me all the ‘secrets’ of how to get rich from home… only to find out that you still don’t have the information you need. Then the process repeats itself next week and you end up in this never-ending cycle that will eventually drain you dry… mentally, emotionally, and financially.

So… now I’m done ranting (I apologize, but my email in-box just got me a little rattled today)…

Here’s the bottom line. If you’ve somehow allowed yourself to fall into this trap, please do yourself a favor and take the time to do your due diligence before spending another penny on a ‘how to get rich’ program.

Just remember this. You will not find anything out there that will allow you to get rich overnight while you do nothing but push a button. If you want real success online, you must become a student of the industry. The Social Networking academy is a great place to start!

Learn how to use the tools that are available from reliable sources. These sources may not necessarily be from another guru… but normal, regular people who’ve found a way to make this internet thing work. I’m referring to people with the average amount of skills, knowledge, and money. 

Why do I recommend this? Because when you find ‘real’ people who are making ‘real’ money online, then you know you can do it to because you’re starting from a similar place. Once you’ve found that, simply duplicate what they’ve done and watch a real business start to blossom… then eventually, learning how to get rich will be well within your grasp.

Find someone who didn’t start with thousands of dollars to dump into advertising. Figure out how they were able to be successful doing normal things in the way that most people can. Work hard and put in the effort. Then, and only then will you truly find the reality to using the internet to follow your own dream and begin developing a successful online business that can actually help you to get rich the real way.

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