Today’s Lesson
If you read Darren Rowse’s blog at Problogger, he released a video, and answered the question, “How long did it take you to get 1000 visitors a day to your blog?”
His answer was, “approximately one year”.
Now, I’m assuming, he means a steady flow of 1000 visitors a day…not spikey traffic.
One method Darren used to gain readership, was to anticipate what readers might be searching for in the near future.
If you are new to blogging, it can be mighty disheartening to post on a regular schedule, and not get very many visitors.
If you are in your first month or two of blogging, you may ask yourself, “Can I sustain this posting schedule for the next 10-11 months?” And beyond?
Just thinking of the determination and dedication it takes to maintain a rigorous blogging schedule, is a feat in itself.
If you started a blog in hopes of making money with it, you will need a constant flow of tens of thousands of visitors, in order to make a decent income. That kind of traffic, does not happen overnight.
The key to gaining readership, is achieved by providing your readers with constant, quality content, and lots of patience.
If you’re like me, you blog because you love to blog. It’s your passion.
The numbers (whether readers or dollars), are secondary.
Today’s Assignment
Do you think you can sustain a blog, even though your readership may remain low?
Do you try and anticipate what your readers may be searching for in the near future?
Do you blog about topics that are on the “cutting edge”? If so, can you maintain that pace?
Do you write posts that will remain timeless?
Do you think you will be blogging a year from now?
Barbara,
I must also add that quality is a big element of the visitors. And I must say your recent comment on my blog is an excellent example of this.
You came up with an idea I hadn’t thought of. Nor had a guy who specialises in marketing foreign property.
Not only has this enhanced the quality of the article, you have also inspired me to take your idea further, and write a follow-up article.
I do agree that the thought of coming up with material for up to a year before you see the rewards of high visitor numbers is daunting.
But if you are as lucky as I have been to have some really great regular visitors who add an awful lot to the content, then the job becomes not only easier, but far more enjoyable!
So much so that it doesn’t feel in any way like a chore.
So I think a focus on quality will also help to ultimately deliver quantity.
Hi Ian,
Isn’t it amazing how quality always wins? So often we hear, “it’s quality, not quantity”, but often that is forgotten.
With blogging, one great post every week, could easily create a more successful blog, than posting three or more times a day (which I read John Chow does/did).
For a wanna be blogger who thinks they must follow in the footsteps of the well known bloggers in order to succeed, they may be discouraged and not start a blog, when in fact, if they know less great articles can do as much (or more), they may be inspired to share their knowledge.
If individuals are willing share, and let others tap into their knowledge base, the internet could become a greater source for cyberspace mentors.
By creating quality posts, you can also breed quality comments, which in turn, creates a quality blog.
BTW: I’ll be watching your blog to see your follow-up article.
Thanks Barbara. I think it is wise to observe what the successful do and repeat it.
Equally though, it shouldn;t discourage you from trying new things. The successful were the ones who tried a new method for the first time that everyone else now takes for granted.
The article may take a little time as I’m waiting for information back to complete it!